Burlesque

Pic source: click here.

I watched this movie this afternoon with my little sister (and I think I'm going to watch it again tomorrow with my friends) and today is actually the opening day for Indonesia. I thought the seats in Blitzmegaplex were going to be filled, but the cinema was in fact, almost empty. Too bad, because IT. WAS. AWESOME.

I just love musicals. This is what this movie is all about. Music and dancing. And I loooveeee Christina Aguilera's voice - I'm actually a fan. She's so petite (she's my height!! *beams*) and yet she has such a big voice. Her acting is also delightful.

This movie also introduces Cher to me. Being born in the 1990s, I don't know much about Cher. She's absolutely famous for the generation before me, I think. Don't get me wrong - I do know about Cher and I do hear that she's a diva. I just never bothered to look up her song and listen to it. And now I have heard her singing. And I'm in love.

Before I start gushing out more compliments (and opinions, of course), here are some info. Taken from imdb, as usual:

Director: Steve Antin

Writer: Steve Antin

Genre: Drama | Musical | Romance

Casts: Cher (Tess), Christina Aguilera (Ali), Kristen Bell (Nikki), Cam Gigandet (Jack), Eric Dane (Marcus), Peter Gallagher (Vince), Stanley Tucci (Sean), and others. Click here for the complete set of casts.

Summary:

The Burlesque Lounge has its best days behind it. Tess, a retired dancer and owner of the venue, struggles to keep the aging theater alive, facing all kinds of financial and artistic challenges. With the Lounge's troupe members becoming increasingly distracted by personal problems and a threat coming from a wealthy businessman's quest to buy the spot from Tess, the good fortune seems to have abandoned the club altogether. Meanwhile, the life of Ali, a small-town girl from Iowa, is about to change dramatically. Hired by Tess as a waitress at the Lounge, Ali escapes a hollow past and quickly falls in love with the art of burlesque. Backed by newfound friends amongst the theater's crew, she manages to fulfill her dreams of being on stage herself. Things take a dramatic turn though when Ali's big voice makes her become the main attraction of the revue. (from imdb)

It takes a LEGEND... to make a STAR.

Jack (Cam Gigandet). Pic source: click here.

I honestly think this movie totally lacks in the plot department. However, whatever it lacks, it makes up by delivering awesome choreography and phenomenal song performances.

Why you should watch this movie:

The MUSICALS. This is one and the only reason I watch Burlesque. I don't expect the singers to act awesomely but if they do it's a bonus. Don't judge this movie based on the plot or the acting either because the main attraction, once again, is the musicals. The song 'You Haven't Seen The Last of Me', performed by Cher, won Best Original Song in the Golden Globe Award a few days ago. The song 'Bound To You', sung by Christina was also nominated for the same category.

Why this movie might not be suitable for you:

If you don't like 119 minutes of musical awesomeness. Period.

To my surprise, even though the title is Burlesque, and the dance routines totally suggest sexual content, there was no excessive kissing scenes nor sex scene in the movie. It's been a while since a movie is like that. OR the Indonesia's censor department got rid of them, I don't know. Lol.

Anyway, I rate this movie 7.5 out of 10. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this and I couldn't take my eyes off the screen (I hate the fact that I had to go to the restroom in the middle of the movie so I missed like, 5 minutes of the movie). 

Toodle-o,

Maria

Faster

Faster movie poster. Pic source: click here.

Aurel and I, plus a couple of friends watched this movie this afternoon. We had to choose between another movie and this. Our reason of choosing this movie was Dwayne Johnson and the cool movie poster. Shallow, right? But that's why the producers create cool movie posters and hire well-known actors.

So anyway, the movie turns out quite nicely. One thing for sure, it's unpredictable. Another notable thing is it starts a bit slow at the beginning but the pace goes up right around the middle.

Oh and, lack of actual names.

Some info, as usual.

Director: George Tillman Jr.

Writers: Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton

Genre: Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller

Casts: Dwayne Johnson (Driver), Billy Bob Thornton (Cop), Oliver Jackson-Cohen (Killer), Maggie Grace (Lily), and others. Click here to see the complete set of casts.

Summary:

An ex-con sets out to avenge his brother's death after they were double-crossed during a heist years ago. During his campaign, however, he's tracked by a veteran cop and an egocentric hit man.

Slow justice is no justice.

Lily and Killer. Pic source: click here.

I've got to say the main characters are quite interesting here. Killer is a neurotic, Cop uses drugs, and Driver is as focused as a laser beam. (Honestly the only 'beautiful' person here from a girl's perspective is perhaps Killer.)

The storyline is basically very straight to the point, but still the end is pretty unpredictable. There are also a couple of dizzying scenes where the cameraman moves so much I simply had to turn away to avoid a headache. And as far as I counted (not sure of the accuracy, though), there are three bathroom scenes. What's up with bathrooms?

Reasons you should watch this movie:

1. If you're a fan of car-chase scenes, this movie is just one step behind Fast and Furious. Don't forget that it also delivers full on action and actually some stories to tell!

2. That unpredictable ending? It's so rare to see a movie that can still throw you back.

3. Nicely done depth of characters. Really love the fact that Killer is British. For being the only good-looking (my taste anyway) guy in the movie, he really is enough. I also like that Driver is not a one-dimensional character; he has motive, history, and character growth throughout the movie. 

4. Great music! The sound effects are simply amazing.

5. The moral dilemma you'll have!

Reasons you should not watch this movie:

1. The pace sometimes gets too slow. For a fast-paced movie fan like me this is annoying, but everything else makes up for it.

2. This is not a movie for people with weak stomachs. Some scenes are just downright gory.

All in all I rate this movie 7 out of 10. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie.

Toodle-o,

Maria

As usual, all info was taken from imdb.

Toy Story 3

Pic source: click here.

Toy Story 3 is by far the most hilarious animation movie I have ever watched. I laughed like crazy throughout the film. I've also watched this about three or five times now. I know, crazy right? Anyway, here's some info as usual.

Director: Lee Unkrich

Writers: John Lasseter (story), Andrew Stanton (story), Lee Unkrich (story), and Michael Arndt (screenplay)

Genre: Animation | Adventure | Comedy | Family | Fantasy

Casts (voice): Tom Hanks (Woody), Woody Allen (Buzz Lightyear), Joan Cusack (Jessie), and others. For the full credits on casts, click here.

Summary:

Woody, Buzz and the whole gang are back. As their owner Andy prepares to depart for college, his loyal toys find themselves in daycare where untamed tots with their sticky little fingers do not play nice. So, it's all for one and one for all as they join Barbie's counterpart Ken, a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants and a pink, strawberry-scented teddy bear called Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear to plan their great escape. (From imdb)

You'd also want to check out the goofs and trivia. They're awesome! :D As always, watch out for spoilers if you haven't watched the movie yet. 

Ooh! A logical explanation for one of the goofs:

The laptop in Andy's room was open when he came in because Hamm and Rex was looking for how much they were worth on e-bay, and they didn't have the time to close it! (I figured this out the third time I watched the movie, lol.)

The great escape.

Reasons to love this movie:

1. Absolutely inspiring family story. There are tons of things you can learn from this movie.

2. A balance of everything. Adventure, comedy, togetherness... you will get sucked into this movie until the very end, and you may not want to get out. :)

3. Amazing plot. The plot can sometimes be unpredictable. It also tells a bunch of stories without anything being nonsense. Every part of the story is important to uncover the plot, and every part is a beauty and excitement.

Reasons to not like this movie:

None. For me. 

All in all, I think this movie deserves 10 out of 10 stars. This is actually the first time I've given a perfect score review for a movie and I don't think I'll regret this. A definite must watch - even though you're an adult or a grandpa, this movie will touch you.

Toy Story 3 is also one of the sequels that actually works. It's rare and ought to be appreciated.

Video trailer:

Toodle-o,

Maria

The Tourist

We apologize for the long absence in blogging. This is due to the business of college life. Please understand. :)

Adi and I watched The Tourist today at Gandaria City. The cinema there, XXI, costs only IDR 25,000 to enter on weekends, while The Premiere charges IDR 50,000 per seat. Which was insanely cheap. Adi also lost the ticket minutes before the movie start, but thanks to a mishap earlier, the woman behind the counter remembered us and we didn't have to buy another ticket. The security officer was also very friendly. I can't help but comment on the cinema itself, because it's almost as important as the movie. So Gandaria City Mall XXI? A great choice.

Picture source: click here.

On to the movie. As usual, some details:

Director: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck

Writer(s): Florian Henckel von Donnersmarc (screenplay), Christopher McQuarrie (screenplay), Julian Fellowes(screenplay), and Jérôme Salle (motion picture "Anthony Zimmer").

Genre: Action | Drama | Thriller

Casts: Johnny Depp (Frank Tupelo), Angelina Jolie (Elise Clifton-Ward), and others. Click here to see the complete casts.

Summary:

Elise (Angelina Jolie) sits next to an American tourist, Frank (Johnny Depp), on a train going to Venice. She has chosen him as a decoy, making believe that he is her lover who is wanted for police. Not only will they need to evade the police, but also the mobster whose money her lover stole. (From imdb)

The perfect trip. 

The perfect trap.

Reasons to love this movie:

1. The settings are in Paris and Venice. Two of the most beautiful cities in the world, in my opinion.

2. Angelina Jolie is a delight on screen. Her make up and clothing are just divine. The clothes she wears in the movie are so elegant and charming I simply have to include it here.

Reasons to not-like this movie:

1. Action? Meh. Thriller? Double meh. Drama? Err. The movie is too light. Nothing is over the top or exceeding expectation. Frank (Johnny Depp) throws out several dry jokes and there are several cute coincidences and the laughs ended.

2. Simple plot. Too simple, actually. Quite a twist at the end, but nevertheless, still predictable.

3. Too little conversations. I hate when the movie revolves around conversations, but too little conversations can also be annoying.

4. Angelina Jolie. This is my personal opinion but I never like any movie Angelina Jolie stars in. 

All in all, in my humble opinion this movie deserves 4 out of 10 stars. It only provides eye candy and nothing else. Don't get me wrong, I quite enjoy this movie, but I don't think I'll watch it again.

Video trailer:

Toodle-o,

Maria

Info: all from imdb.

STREET DANCE 3D (2010)

I have to admit this mix of the somewhat raw energy of streetdance and the controlled grace of ballet is enjoyable. So is this new three dimensional format any good for this genre? There are a few moments and scenes here specifically crafted with 3D in mind, such as the tossing of items toward the screen, from hats to a busy food fight in a school canteen. There's also some jarringly added bullet-time choreography during one of the street dance battles in a club, but the real treat here is for that depth of field when we sit around and admire the precision-timed and energetic dance choreography from procedural balletic moves to raw, improvisational street dancing. But this film does go the distance to explain and show the basics 101 of street dance, since it has characters from different camps put together to try and influence one another, and from their initial adversity come craft something unique from its diversity.

TWO WORLDS. ONE DREAM.

Director : Max Giwa and Dania Pasquini
Writer : Jane English (Writer)
Release Date : 19 May 2010 (France)
Genre : Drama | Dance
Cast :

Nichola Burley

...

Carly

George Sampson

...

Eddie

Tameka Empson	...	Sharonda
Sianad Gregory	...	Chloe
Ukweli Roach	...	Jay
Diversity	...	Dance Crew
Sacha Chang	...	Aimee
Flawless	...	Dance Crew

Plot: In order to win the Street Dance Championships, a dance crew is forced to work with ballet dancers from the Royal Dance School in exchange for rehearsal space.

Moving, enjoyable and satisfying film that challenges more traditional concepts of dance
From a storytelling point of view I went to see Street Dance curious as to what kind of narrative could possibly be made out of such an unlikely premise - ie the combining of two such dissimilar dance styles as street dance and ballet. The story that emerges here (out of the protagonists initial reluctance to co-operate with each other) I found to be original, had plenty of interesting dialogue and built up to a very satisfying and exhilarating finish. Several of the film's characters are portrayed in sufficient depth that I could feel significant empathy for them and their aspirations. The numerous conflicts, which arise at intervals right up to the film's closing minutes, (together with the manner of their resolution) kept my interest at a high level. All the actors and actresses give believable performances for their respective roles. It was also good to see a number of faces I hadn't seen before. The cinematography I thought was excellent. I also noticed effective use being made of quite shallow depth of field - in which the subject is in sharp focus while nearer or more distant objects weren't. Finally I think this film has some of the most natural (and therefore most satisfying) 3D effect I have seen - which is apparent as much in the ordinary interior and exterior scenes as in dancing parts. All in all I think this is a very enjoyable film that might very well give you a whole new perspective on what the basic concept of dance ought to be.

TRAILER


DANCE CREW









NOTE: Click on the picture for further information about the dance crew. ^^

Soundtrack Listing

1. Tinie Tempah - Pass Out
2. N-Dubz feat. Bodyrox - We Dance On
3. Lightbulb Thieves - Work It Out
4. Ironik - Tiny Dancer (Hold Me Closer)
5. N-Dubz - Strong Again
6. Pixie Lott - Live for the Moment
7. Aggro Santos feat. Kimberly Wyatt - Candy
8. Cheryl Cole - Fight for This Love (Crazy Cousinz Remix)
9. Lethal Bizzle - Going Out Tonight
10. Sugababes - Get Sexy
11. LP & JC - The Humblest Start
12. Wiley - Cash In My Pocket
13. Madcon - Beggin'
14. LP & JC feat. Skibadee, Mc Det, Chrome & Blemish - Club Battle
15. Fatboy Slim - Champion Sound
16. Vega4 - Life Is Beautiful
17. McLean - Broken
18. Swiss feat. Music Kidz - One In a Million

-auReL-

THE EXPENDABLES (2010)

The expectation for this film is obviously very high with one of the best action hero line ups (if not the best) in cinematic history. I can honestly say that I was not disappointed. This was a high octane, unbelievably explosive, funny, blood thirsty, proper action movie! This film would not have been out of place in the 80s, but manages to fit into the market of today's cinematic action experience. It is easily much more graphic and gory than most modern day action films, but this adds to the film and creates a degree of realism. Let's face it; if you go around killing people it isn't going to be pretty! This film did what it needed to do, it wasn't afraid to contain blood, guts and violence for the sake of an age restriction but also wasn't overly ridiculous.

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON

Director : Sylvester Stallone
Writers : Dave Callaham (Screenplay and Story) and Sylvester Stallone (Screenplay)

Release Date : 13 August 2010 (Indonesia)

Genre : Action | Adventure | Thriller
Cast :

	Sylvester Stallone	...	Barney Ross
	Jason Statham	...	Lee Christmas
	Jet Li	...	Ying Yang

	Dolph Lundgren	...	Gunner Jensen
	Eric Roberts	...	James Munroe
	Randy Couture	...	Toll Road
	Steve Austin	...	Paine

	Arnold Schwarzenegger	...	Trench
	Bruce Willis	...	Mr. Church

Plot : Barney Ross leads the "Expendables", a band of highly skilled mercenaries including knife enthusiast Lee Christmas, martial arts expert Yin Yang, heavy weapons specialist Hale Caesar, demolitionist Toll Road and loose-cannon sniper Gunner Jensen. When the group is commissioned by the mysterious Mr. Church to assassinate the merciless dictator of a small South American island, Barney and Lee head to the remote locale to scout out their opposition. Once there, they meet with local rebel Sandra and discover the true nature of the conflict engulfing the city. When they escape the island and Sandra stays behind, Ross must choose to either walk away and save his own life - or attempt a suicidal rescue mission that might just save his soul.

HEROES TODAY. LEGEND FOREVER

What I think about this movie :
1. The plot is not that original, but it doesn't need to be, nor was it expected to be. The cast, goes without saying, was fantastic. What could have been a disaster of conflicting egos ended up being a believable team of mercenaries where banter is rife and keeping each other alive is their number one priority. Stallone can give himself a big pat on the back for getting so many iconic actors onto the screen together and actually making it work. Though the much hyped cameo of two particular people was short lived, it was hilarious and I think a great moment in cinema.

2. This was a great film that keeps you glued to your seat, constantly makes you gasp and laugh out loud and leaves you pumping with adrenaline. It was ridiculous and wonderful all at the same time, with more bullets and bombs than Rambo and more fighting than Rocky. This is a must see film for any movie buff or action hero wannabe. It is certainly not for the faint hearted, or for kids, but for any true action movie lover this is the ultimate manly film.
3. The only negative: Some of the blood and explosions looked digital. Wish it could have been just a bit more authentic. Sometimes, there was a tad too many closeups during the fight scenes. With so many people fighting at the same time, sometimes I couldn't tell who was punching who. It didn't happen very often, but how cool would it be just for one moment to see three simultaneous fights from a super wide master shot?

TRAILER

We are the shadow, the smoke in your eyes, the ghosts that hide in the night.

Track listing

All songs written and composed by Brian Tyler.

The Expendables: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
No.	Title	Length
1.	"The Expendables"	3:22
2.	"Aerial"	2:58
3.	"Ravens And Skulls"	4:49
4.	"Lee And Lacy"	2:15
5.	"Massive"	3:24
6.	"The Gulf Of Aden"	6:56
7.	"Lifeline"	4:29
8.	"Confession"	2:56
9.	"Royal Rumble"	3:41
10.	"Scanning The Enemy"	3:47
11.	"The Contact"	1:31
12.	"Surveillance"	3:27
13.	"Warriors"	3:49
14.	"Trinity"	4:19
15.	"Waterboard"	3:01
16.	"Losing His Mind"	2:37
17.	"Take Your Money"	2:41
18.	"Giant With A Shotgun"	3:57
19.	"Time To Leave"	1:55
20.	"Mayhem And Finale"	5:47

-auReL-

AVATAR : THE LAST AIRBENDER (2010)

After waiting extremely eagerly for this movie, I sat in the theater and was extremely eager for it to END. Ear-oh? Oong? Soak-ah?! Could they have butchered the names anymore than they did? Worse, the entire movie felt like a string of clips put together for an hour and a half and not like a movie at all. All the major parts of the Book of Water were skimmed over, while things like the freeing of the earth nation village (while important) were given screen time that could have been given to major events like the southern air temple. I was really disapointed after watched this movie.

FOUR NATIONS, ONE DESTINY

Director : M. Night Shyamalan
Writers : M. Night Shyamalan
Release Date : 4 August 2010 (Indonesia)
Genre : Action | Adventure | Family | Fantasy
Cast :

	Noah Ringer	...	Aang
	Dev Patel	...	Prince Zuko
	Nicola Peltz	...	Katara
	Jackson Rathbone	...	Sokka
	Shaun Toub	...	Uncle Iroh
	Aasif Mandvi	...	Commander Zhao
	Cliff Curtis	...	Fire Lord Ozai
	Seychelle Gabriel	...	Princess Yue

Plot :

Air, Water, Earth, Fire. Four nations tied by destiny when the Fire Nation launches a brutal war against the others. A century has passed with no hope in sight to change the path of this destruction. Caught between combat and courage, Aang (Noah Ringer) discovers he is the lone Avatar with the power to manipulate all four elements. Aang teams with Katara (Nicola Peltz), a Waterbender, and her brother, Sokka (Jackson Rathbone), to restore balance to their war-torn world. Based on the hugely successful Nickelodeon animated TV series, the live-action feature film “The Last Airbender” is the opening chapter in Aang’s struggle to survive.

He will need you... and we all need him.

What I think about this movie :

1. The actors were dismal, with the exception of Dev Patel as Zuko and to a lesser extent Shaun Toub as Iroh, who wasn't an accurate portrayal of Iroh visually but at least captured the character's wisdom much better than many of the other actors on board for the movie. He however failed to provide many of the aspects of Iroh that made him endearing in the series.
2. The music was great. The special effects looked amazing, I don't care what anyone says. The fighting was cool. The sets were adequately spectacular. I will give that the northern water kingdom was gorgeous, but that's about all I have to say kindly about this movie.
3. If you love Avatar: The Last Airbender as the series, I recommend giving this movie a miss. It's heartbreaking how they butchered something that had such fantastic and barely needing change source material.

Trailer :


enjoy ^^

-auReL-