Titanic

This time we tried something different. Rather than writing what we think, we interviewed a few people sot find out what they think about the movie, 'Titanic'.

Rate: 7.5/10

Avaja (the team)

Castle in the Sky (1986)

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Produced and released by Studio Ghibli, this smash hit was only known to anime fanatics when released. Until a decade later, only when Disney realised the potential of the Japanese film did it produced an English dubbed version in the United States. The film is setback to the early 20th century where varies group of men and woman are attempting to find a rumoured floating city flourishing with riches, robots and ancient advance technology. Sheeta the only remaining heir to Laputa becomes friends with Paza, an ordinary farm boy – sets out on an adventure. From battling on airships and invading army bases to gazing in awe of the beauty of ancient floating structures, Sheeta and Paza form unexpected allies and fight for what they believe is right.

Although it is an animation, Hayao Miyazaki’s extravagant graphical design is simply stunning. The way he portrays the floating castle accompanied with the musical symphony brings a sense of tranquillity and harmony to viewers. The storyline is exciting and fast paced with many twists and unexpected turn of events. The only deficiencies of the film are the lack of character depth but being created all the way back in the 1980s it is just a small flaw compared to all the good points of this movie. This film is suitable for all ages and I would especially recommend it to all families as it is considered one of the best early animated films of all time.

Rate: 8.3/10

Jacky

The Concubine (2012)

Cast: Jo Yeo-jeong, Kim Dong-wook, Kim Min-joon

Director: Kim Dae-seung

Set during the Joseon Dynasty, this film illustrates the control for power between two Royal families employing political activities as the forefront after the death of the emperor. Kim Dong-wook replaces his brother as the next Emperor. Sworn to find the truth behind the death of his brother, he gradually loses his sense of judgement in spite of his obsession with the empress. The protagonist (Jo Yeo-jeong) plays as the devastated empress whom is forced into using her body as a weapon despite her deepest wills. Ironically, the justified and resolute empress perceives the new emperor as the antagonist but in actuality the emperor’s greedy and immoral mother is the individual pulling the strings.

Along with depicting the theme of betrayal, revenge and obsession clearly, Kim Dae-seung portrays the characters with utmost brilliance – not taking anything from the actors and actresses. The scene between the emperor and his mum in the Queen’s quarters displayed the sheer power the mother has over her son due to political ties in the senate, majorly contributing to the outcome on the ending of the film.

Although “The Concubine” comprises of many subplots, it offers substance and ample entertainment to mature audiences. The manner and build-up of the characters is simply so amazing – that during the film there is a real sense of emotional attachment to them, especially the emperor. Described as an “intense, multi-textured journey that is certainly worth the effort", with "psychological depths that demand multiple viewings,” by the Korean Times, this film brings no disappointment and lives up to its hype.

Rate: 7.5/10

Jacky

Rush Hour 3 (2007)

                               

Sequels often aren't able to live up to the expectations that are placed on it by the film loving population, however this particular film doesn't disappoint. Expectations were great, especially upon Chris Tucker (playing James Carter) who became the highest paid actor in Hollywood at the time of filming.

Rush Hour is an action packed comedy which follows Hong Kong's Inspector Lee (played by Jackie Chan) as he attempts to infiltrate the triad headed by Kenji (played by Hiroyuki Sanada) , whom which he grew up with in an orphanage. Once again, Lee's partner James Carter is not shy to flaunt his flamboyant personality throughout the movie, which often gets the dynamic duo into sticky situations.

Their antics are great for those that enjoy slapstick and also appeals as an action movie with the inclusion of Jackie Chan in the cast. Although the plot is somewhat unrealistic, this film was not created for the purpose of being a sophisticated plot, but rather as 90 minutes of jam-packed entertainment. If you have not seen this film yet, it is a must (obviously after watching the other 2 films) as you will be treated to comedy in the form of both slapstick and more sophisticated one-liners whilst Jackie Chan busts some sweet moves.

Rate: 8/10

Vivian

Moneyball

Baseball, along with gridiron, represents the quintessential national sports of America. Millions of dollars are spent on the sport annually, often with thousands attending a single game. Brad Pitt plays Billy Beane, a failed baseball player who was drafted in the first round who traded in his career as a player to become a scout and eventually the 44-year old general manager of the Oakland Athletics (commonly referred to as the A's). The A's are an underfunded team that deal with the dilemma of constantly having their best players 'poached' by teams with deeper pockets and consequently struggle to compete. Whilst attempting to rebuild his team he meets the timid 24 year old Peter Brand (played by Jonah Hill), an economist from Yale. Peter Brand alludes to Billy that baseball is not a sport of hoarding stars, but rather the performance of a team. The aim of baseball is essentially to get as many runs as possible without getting the three outs required for the opposition to complete an innings. In order to do this, the batters are required to 'get on base'. A plethora of other statistics come into play and shows the useful applications of mathematics in everyday life, including the sports that we love.

What makes Moneyball more intriguing is that it is based on true events and confirms that expected values (averages) hold in the long run (for those that are interested in Statistics). Not only does this film appeal to thinkers, but also the general population as baseball is an American pastime. This movie is a personal favourite as Billy Beane's journey also explores various moral issues.

Rate: 7.8/10

Vivian

Lan Kwai Fong (2011)

Cast: Jason Chan, Shiga, Chen Zhiming, Wang Zongyao, He Peiyu, Chen Jing
Director: Wilson Chin

Where shall I start? Well for starters… don’t watch the entire 90 minutes of this dismal and empty film just to perceive the nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong- Hong Kong. If Wilson Chin’s “Lan Kwai Fong” truly intended to demonstrate clubbing in Hong Kong, the first three minutes of the film pretty much sums it up – tourists, string of one night stands, gays, lesbians, cheating, drunkards, fighting, regret, ITS ALL THERE! After this short interval the directors has definitely overhyped the late night partying lifestyle in Hong Kong, often criticised as being lacklustre and posh.

“It definitely wasn't exactly what I had envisioned. This place has turned into an American attraction with overpriced drinks.”

“A short stretch of pubs and clubs that is over-rated and brimmed with throngs of tourists taking photos. Don't understand the hype about this place”

In this first instalment of Lan Kwai Fong, the focus is on Chen, starring as Steven; a wine salesman during the day and the typical playboy during the night. In the film Steven and his bunch of lavish friends’ (Sean and Jacky) encounters a rollercoaster of emotions and events ranging from one night stands to true love, hitting on anything in a pair of heels. Meanwhile, flight attendant Jennifer and playgirl Cat (Shiga Lin and Dada Chan) are newbies to clubbing and are quickly intertwined with the fate of Steven, who likewise spends their nights drinking themselves unconscious. The chemistry between the guys and the girls rapidly turns into something deeper as they seem to have a tracker attached on each other, meeting at the same club every week… and even years.

Ultimately like every other ending of a “fairy tale”, the heroines and heroes pit of in either love or despair. The poor acting in the film is often overlooked by the appearances of the actresses, showing their bareback and cleavages captivating the male audience. This brings up the point that the actors/actresses were probably appointed since they are already familiarised with exposing their skin in the Asian Entertainment Industry. However one thing positive about this film is the music! The high beat music really matches the experience of any club. Hear for yourself!

I’ll recommend this to teenagers who have a heap of spare time on their hands and those who enjoy looking at hot Hong Kong ladies.

Rate: 7.7/10

Jacky

Batman -- The Dark Knight Rises

Finally, this is the last movie of the sequel – The Dark Knight Rises

In this finale for the Batman series, Batman is challenged by Bane. This is the first time Batman had somebody overpowered him physically. Since, Bane was once a student of Ra’s al Ghul, they fought in the same way. Bane is constantly inhaling a substance that boosts his physique in terms of ferociousness, speed, power etc. Different from Joker, Bane tries to put the fight in a form that it is the Batman versus the whole Gotham City. Bane achieved this by freeing the criminals from the prison who were kept behind bars under the Dent Act. Bane revealed to the whole world that the Dent Act was a lie, and subsequently demolished what Dent stood for including his legacy and his beliefs. Meanwhile, there is also the catwoman who is a highly skilled thief who is trying to start a new life with her sister once she has stolen enough money. Luckily, Batman is not alone; a new officer – Blake is there to help. Together, Gordon, Blake and Batman work to save Gotham City in one last fight.

This sequel is really an appropriate ending for the Batman series. Christopher Nolan has placed these 3 movies in the perfect order. Audience start by seeing how Bruce struggles with his own belief and finally, how he was finally confronted with someone who is stronger than him.

Rank: 9/10

Andrew  

Batman -- The Dark Knight

Here comes my second movie – The Dark Knight

In this movie, Batman is confronted by the Joker – a master of crime. The Joker believes that the only rule in the world is no rules and therefore, he wants to unmask the Batman. On the other side, Harvey Dent the new District Attorney is being hailed as the white knight of Gotham. For years, Harvey spent his life putting criminals behind bars. However, the Joker doesn’t just “joke around”; he successfully killed Rachel who is Bruce’s intimate and the girlfriend of Harvey. This struck Harvey in the face and turned Harvey into a devil that trusts luck only which he thinks is unbiased at all. This is a psychological battle between Batman and the Joker to see who reaches his limit first and who can succeed in defending in what he believes.

This is what I consider the best of the 3 movies. The Joker is portrayed not a human but as a devil to begin with. He morally challenges the ethics, the laws almost everything that we established. Just as the Joker says “madness is just like gravity, all you have to do is just a little push”. I especially love the part when Joker says that he has an ace in the hall – while I was thinking of some terrible events, I never thought he was referring to Harvey. On the whole, this is a great movie by Christopher Nolan.

Rank: 9.5/10

Andrew  

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is based on a young adult novel by American writer Suzanne Collins. The story is set in the future in totalitarian nation of Panem is divided between 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. All the young participants are forced to eliminate other competitors while competing in the life threatening situation in which everyone fights to survive. When Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male partner Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives.

The highlight of the film is the survival game played in the closely monitored and manipulated area. More importantly, the film was presented how it was written. Although the story is not a perfect plot for a movie, the main characters perform well with excellent visual effect and well directed. Nevertheless, the plot development is slow with some of the developing scenes are slow in build-up and without much excitement before the climax. Finally, the film lack in characters’ connection and the theme of the film is uncertain.

Rate: 7/10

Anson

The Vow

'The Vow' was about an unexpected event between an engaged couple, Leo and Paige. Paige lost her all memories with Leo. She does not understand why she left law school, broke her engagement with her previous fiancé, Jeremy, and why she had not been in touch with her family and friends. Her parents insisted her to go back to their home, but Leo found a voice message of her very happy and romantic. Paige decided to go back with Leo, hoping it will help her regain her lost memory. When her parents invited Leo and her to a dinner, Leo did not fit in with her family and friends. However, he persisted in his attempts to help her regain her memory, but Paige was more driven to learning why she left law school and broke her engagement to Jeremy. The relationship was further strained when Paige's dad trie to persuade Leo to divorce his daughter, and by Leo punching Jeremy for talking about chances to bed his wife. Paige rejoined law school and Leo signed divorce papers. She realized why she had made those decision before she had amnesia, when meets an old friend. Paige, while in class, started sketching, so she continued her interest in art. She also turned Jeremy down. The movie ends with an open-ending where Paige met Leo again.

The movie was touching, because even though Paige never regained her memories, she still found her way back to Leo. The movie was about self realisation, and exploring things you really want to do. It expresses a lot about finding the self you want to belong to. This is an ideal movie for couples, as it sends an important message that love is about treasuring and supporting each other. The chick-flick fans may also add this movie into their collection. Personally, the movie was alright, it was not exciting that's why it was not fantastic.

Rate: 6.8/10

Aubrey

Batman -- Batman Begins

So, my first blog will be on the first movie of the Batman series – Batman Begins.

Batman Begins starts the story by mentioning how Bruce has lost hope for Gotham. He was lost and therefore he went to a prison to learn the dark side of human. Ra’s al Ghul, a man with a vision that Gotham is beyond saving, sent Ducard to help Bruce out on one condition – destroy Gotham. Bruce disagreed with him and demolished the temple, killing Ra’s al Ghul in the meantime and leaving Ducard in coma at a small village.  Bruce went back to Gotham and poses himself as a playboy but deep under the mask, he is a vigilante fighter who tries to save Gotham. With the help of Commissioner Gordon, Batman tried to instil fear in the minds of the criminal until he met a long friend – Ducard. In a final fight, Batman saved Gotham by using a vaporizer and with the help of Gordon.

Just as a review said, Christopher Nolan return the soul to a soulless movie. He gave the movie meaning, rather than mere good versus bad fighting. The psychological pathway of Batman, the struggle he had from distinguishing between justice and revenge, the responsibility he bore on his shoulder…… all these are pictured very closely and precisely in the movie.

Rank: 8.5/10

Andrew

Life of Pi

'Life of Pi' was about a journey of a teenage boy and tiger surviving in a boat. Pi lived an affluent life, until his father sold the zoo and this family had to leave to Canada. They also brought their animal on the ship they board. He was always curious and is always fascinated about things around him. He was also curious about the idea of God. He believed in three religions in order to understand God. Unfortunately, the ship faced a shipwreck, but Pi survived due to his curiousity of the storm that caused shipwreck. Four animals joined him on the life boat. Due to animals' instinct to live, the carnivour animals killed the herbivour animals. Only the tiger survived. Pi along with the tiger were living on the boat. Pi found his purpose to live because he wanted to support the tiger's life. He trained the tiger, so that it obediently listens to his instructions. Although there were emergency food on the boat, he lost all of them due to another storm he faced. Soon, the boat was brought to the Mexican coast. The tiger left him on the shore. Pi was very depressed due to the loss of this companion and the loss of this family. He was brought to the hopsital, and was interviewed by Japanese of why the Japanese ship sunk. He told them honestly what happened, but they found that it was too ridiculous for them to write in the papers. Hence, he made up a more 'believable' story.

I think that it was a very good movie. I watched it 3D, and it was truly amazing in 3D. It is the best 3D film I've ever watched since Avatar. Themes that was explored in movie are friendship, exploration, and God. It incorporates many comedic scenes. It was very enjoyable, especially due to the suspense of what is going to next during their journey. This movie is suitable for everyone of all ages, and people who have different preference in genres. This movie is truly spectacular movie.

Rate: 9.5/10

Aubrey

Skyfall

Skyfall is the 23rd James Bond film that is produced by Eon Productions, it stars Daniel Craig as James Bond whom investigates after the attack on MI6 and is arguable one of the best Bond films as it brings the cinematic legend back to its roots. The film takes a step away from the high-tech gadgets and eye candy that the recent past Bond films have been delivering and focuses more upon providing an origin story to the true Bond lovers. The new found depth in Skyfall does not however delve into the political and social realm, but rather it explores the patriotic role that surround the world of terrorism. 



The film starts off fast paced, reminiscent of former James Bond movies in a fast car chase followed up by the intense chase and shooting of Bond himself, all accompanied by the classic Bond theme. The cinematography of the film starts of brilliantly, delivering what both film lovers and Bond fans crave for, the adrenaline and excitement of Bond fighting in high risk situations in such ease and composure. However the sudden change of pace after the fall of Bond really sets the tone and mood for the rest of the film. After the investigations by Bond, he finds himself hunting down Silva whose lethal and hidden motives threaten the existence of MI6 and Bond’s life. The complex cat and mouse chase ends up bringing Bond to his roots in Scotland in the Bond family’s estate called ‘Skyfall’, where they set a trap and kill Silva.



The film is enjoyable and exciting to watch, however film lovers whom expect the Casino Royale style of Bond films will be disappointed. Nevertheless the impeccable performance of Daniel Craig and the excellent cinematography and directing by Sam Mendes forms one of the best Bond films that is adorable by critics and fans around the world.

Rate: 8.8/10

Vivian

Ice Age 4: Continental Drift

It is the fourth instalment of the Ice Age series, produced by Blue Sky Studios and distributed by 20th Century Fox. It is the first sequel in the series not directed by Carlos Saldanha and the second Ice Age that utilises Digital 3D.  The story beings when Scrat accidentally provokes a continental cataclysm with a storm. Manny is separated from Ellie and Peaches on an iceberg with Diego, Sid and Granny but he promises that he will find a way to return home. While crossing the ocean, they are captured by the cruel pirate Captain Gutt and his crew. However they escape and Manny plots a plan to steal Captain Gutt's ship and return to his homeland in a dangerous voyage through the sea. But the cruel pirates seek revenge against Manny and his family and friends. 

As a fan of the Ice Age series, Ice Age 4: Continental Drift lacks any of the substance or joy from the first three films. In my opinion, the movie was too short to represent its desired plot. Yet another unfortunate aspect is the voice acting. The cast seem to lack any noticeable energy to keep the film going. However, Ice Age 4 is another wonderful adventure of Manny, Diego and Sid and their family and friends. I love this ice age series that support the funny plots in positive values such as love, family, friendship and loyalty that seem to be forgotten in the present days of worldwide intolerance, selfishness and corruption.

Rate: 6.5/10

Anson 

Spider-Man 3

Spider-Man 3 is an American superhero film based on the fictional Marvel Comics character Spider-Man. This film was set months after the events of Spiderman 2, Peter Parker has become a cultural phenomenon as Spider-Man, while Mary Jane Watson continues her Broadway career. More challenges arise for Spider-Man. Peter's old friend Harry Obsourne has set out for revenge against Peter, taking up the mantle of his late father's persona as The New Goblin, and Peter must also capture Uncle Ben's real killer, Flint Marko, who has been transformed into his toughest foe yet, the Sandman.

The best things about Marvel comics, is their ability to blend action, comedy, romance and drama into one beautifully enjoyable piece of artwork. However, the problem with the film is that there is simply too much going on and very few of the characters get the proper amount of time to develop. Additionally, Spiderman 3 destroyed any character building made by the previous two and results in a serious lack of cohesion to the other two films. Nevertheless, despite the lack of character building, I think Spiderman 3 is the best out of the three Spiderman film series. The setting in New York City is excellent. The many characters had a real reason for their actions that made sense, the acting was great, some dialogue was very close to the comic's  and it had great action scenes with romance and touching moments. Furthermore, the atmosphere building was supported with outstanding use of computer special effects. Overall, the movie is entertaining.

Rate: 9/10

Anson

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

'The Hobbit' was based on J.R.R Tolkien's novel. The movie was about Bilbo Baggins' journey with the thirteen dwarves. The dwarves were on a journey to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its vast treasure from the dragon, Smaug. Smaug destroyed their land and took over the castle at Lonely Mountain. During invasion of Smaug, the elves did not help the dwarves, hence the King of dwarves, Thorin, detest the elves and refuses to get help from them. Regardless, Gandalf plot the dwarves to met the elves, and get help from them. Despite Thorin's reluctance, the elves helped them whenever help was needed. The movie introduces Gollum, who had the magic ring. Gollum loses it, and Bilbo found and kept it. Thorough the movie, Bilbo's ability was always doubted by Thorin. They went through a lot of obstruction by giants and goblins. However, their misunderstanding was resolved.

The movie was very enjoyable. It was very adventurous and was filled will several comedic scenes. It expresses a few themes such a importance of trust, and companionship. Fights between the dwarves and the goblins were very exciting and humorous. Personally, really recommend this movie to people who loves adventurous movies. The only downside is that the movie will be continued in 2013 and 2014.

Rate: 8.5/10

- Aubrey, on behalf of the team.

3, 2, 1... Review!

DO you want to know what a particular movie is about?

Our job is to post reviews about movies we have watched recently, whether is it an old movie or the most recent movies. And, if there's a movie YOU want to watch leave a comment in the chat box and the left, and we will write a review on that movie for you. 

Just an introduction to our team. We are a group consisting of two females and three males: Vivian, Aubrey, Anson, Jacky and Andrew. We are university students, and are wishing to excel in this project. Although each of us may have different preferences, we will do our best to provide a good overview of the movie for you.

We will be updating this blog very often, so please stay tuned! :)

- Aubrey, on behalf of the team.