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.

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-

INCEPTION (2010)

At first I wasn't interested at all to watch this movie. Because one, I've never seen its trailer; and two, some of Leonardo DiCaprio's movies are a bit too heavy (at least that's what I think).

I was wrong. It's not too heavy or complicated; it's challenging. Which is good.

Info!

Director: Christopher Nolan

Writer: Christopher Nolan

Genre: Drama | Mystery | Sci-fi | Thriller

Casts: Leonardo DiCaprio (Dominic "Dom" Cobb), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Arthur), Ellen Page (Ariadne), Tom Hardy (Eames), Ken Watanabe (Saito), Dileep Rao (Yusuf), Cillian Murphy (Robert Fischer, Jr.), Tom Berenger (Browning), Marion Cotillard (Mal), Pete Postlethwaite (Maurice Fischer), and others. Click here for complete list of the casts.

Summary:

Dom Cobb is a skilled thief, the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state, when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb's rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible-inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse: their task is not to steal an idea but to plant one. If they succeed, it could be the perfect crime. But no amount of careful planning or expertise can prepare the team for the dangerous enemy that seems to predict their every move. An enemy that only Cobb could have seen coming. Written by Warner Bros. Pictures

Your mind is the scene of the crime.

A couple minutes before I wrote this review, I did my research on the Internet. I basically visited two sites I trust the most when it comes about movie: imdb.com and wikipedia. In which I found out: one, Christopher Nolan was the director and writer, two, Hans Zimmer composed the score. (And the actor who played as handsome Arthur is Joseph Gordon-Levitt... lol.)

These are important because Christopher Nolan was the one who directed Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. I didn't watch those two films but I figure he must be great at his job because those two films are very popular. About Hans Zimmer, well... he helped with Pirates at the Caribbean score, along with Despicable Me.

Things I love about this movie:

1. This movie makes you think. It moves at super-fast pace where you have to concentrate to understand it. The problem it delivers is also an intriguing one, something that will keep you wondering until after you finish watching it.

2. The idea is quite original. Christopher Nolan is the one who came up with the idea of "exploring the idea of people sharing a dream space — entering a dream space and sharing a dream. That gives you the ability to access somebody’s unconscious mind. What would that be used and abused for?" (quoted from Wikipedia). Apparently, Nolan has had this idea since he was 16.

3. Great casts. Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe, etc... all familiar names (or at least faces). If you remember, Ellen Page is the one who played as the girl who can walk through walls in X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) and she also plays in Whip It! (2009). Leonardo DiCaprio is of course best known as Jack in Titanic, while he also plays in The Aviator (2004), Catch Me If You Can (2002), Shutter Island (2010), etc. Ken Watanabe plays as the Chairman in Memoirs of a Geisha (2005). Plus, Dileep Rao also plays in James Cameron's Avatar (2009) as Dr. Max Patel. You can't go wrong with casts like that! They deliver the characters wonderfully.

What I don't really like:

1. Many people say that you don't really feel the time when you watch this movie. I mean, it runs at 148 minutes, but people say that they didn't feel the 148 minutes while watching this movie. (And by people I saw reviews from the Internet, mostly from imdb). It doesn't work for me... I mean I like the idea of the movie and it's not boring, but I did keep one eye on my watch - up until the 3/4 of the movie.

2. Unestablished ending. Some people might find wondering about what actually happened "tasteful", but I don't. I'm okay with sad endings, but unestablished one? Blegh.

For me, this movie is 7 out of 10 stars. One warning though: I don't think this movie is for everyone.

Trailer:

Toodle-o,

Maria

ECLIPSE (2010)

I watched this movie with my brother and cousins. To tell you the truth, I really had no attention AT ALL to watch this movie. I've watched the two previous movies (Twilight and New Moon) and I always out of the cinema feeling regret. Its true that I dont like the movie, but it doesn't mean I hate the cast. I love SOME of them, like Kellan Lutz who played as Emmett and Ashley Green who played as Alice. They're really easy-going and fun to be watched. Oh, not forget to mention all the sexy and well-build body owner, Cam Gigandet (James, Twilight) and Taylor Lautner who played as Jacob Black and became the main cast of New Moon and Eclipse.

I also love Cameron Bright (Alec the Voltury Clan) and also the new comer, Xavier Samuel (Riley, the newborn).

OK. Enough with the crazy bubbling. I just LOVE the cast. The best thing in this movie is all the handsome guys! BUT, in my opinion, the main cast, Robert Pattinson who played as Edward Cullen, doesn't suit at all with my imagination. That is what make me regret most.

It all begins ... With a choice

Director : David Slade
Writers : Melissa Rosenberg (Screenplay) and Stephenie Meyer (novel)

Release date : 30 June 2010 (Indonesia)
Genre : Drama | Fantasy | Romance

Cast :

Kristen Stewart	...	Bella Swan
Robert Pattinson	...	Edward Cullen
Taylor Lautner	...	Jacob Black
Bryce Dallas Howard	...	Victoria

	Jackson Rathbone	...	Jasper Whitlock
	Ashley Greene	...	Alice Cullen

	Peter Facinelli	...	Dr. Carlisle Cullen
	Elizabeth Reaser	...	Esme Cullen
	Kellan Lutz	...	Emmett Cullen
	Nikki Reed	...	Rosalie Hale

	Xavier Samuel	...	Riley
	Kiowa Gordon	...	Embry Call
	Tyson Houseman	...	Quil Ateara
	Bronson Pelletier	...	Jared
	Alex Meraz	...	Paul
	Julia Jones	...	Leah Clearwater
	Tinsel Korey	...	Emily

	Daniel Cudmore	...	Felix
	Dakota Fanning	...	Jane
	Cameron Bright	...	Alec

Plot : Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger as Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob -- knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella is confronted with the most important decision of her life. Written by Summit Entertainment

Things I hate in this movie :
1. Full of RIDICULOUS kissing scene. The fans and NO-fans are already know that Edward and Bella is a couple. And they're really full of love, blaa blaa blaa. But do you think that it has to be shown by kissing all the time when they met?! It so disturbing and annoying.
2. I found that this movie used too many words (and dialogue from the novel) to describe what's going on instead of showing (acting) us. And It made all the chemistry gone and also made the movie is a plain awful and boring! (no offense. This is just my opinion)
3. It's a good thing that David Slade has crafted a beautifully shot movie with some excellent action pieces. Sadly, even with a whole army of vampires and werewolves fighting in the final, this small increase in action doesn't take away from the fact that the film drags in more than one place with blocks of dialogue that feel as if they're going to last a lifetime. It's unfortunate as the action pieces look excellent and the CGI, especially in the werewolves has improved leaps and bounds between New Moon and Eclipse.

Not that I hate it ALL. but most of them. I can't enjoy it as much as the novel. And I already know that it's really impossible to put all of the details from the novel to a two-hours movie. And I won't say much about it. You may as well just enjoy "the view" of the handsome guys! ^^

The trailer of the movie :


enjoy ^^

-auReL-

Karate Kid (2010)

JACKIE CHAN. This single name is the important thing why I want to watch this movie. Everytime I watched his movies, I always going out smiling. Regret?? Never. I watched this movie with my fam. At XII Kelapa Gading. My mom is a fan of Jackie Chan. Since I was in elementry school, we've never missed his movies! So I end up as his fan too.

Director : Harald Zwart

Writers : Christopher Murphey (screenplay) and Robert Mark Kamen (story)
Release Date : 10 June 2010 (Indonesia)
Genre : Action | Drama | Family | Sport

Cast :

	Jaden Smith	...	Dre Parker
	Jackie Chan	...	Mr. Han
	Taraji P. Henson	...	Sherry Parker
	Wenwen Han	...	Meiying
	Rongguang Yu	...	Master Li
	Zhenwei Wang	...	Cheng

Plot : 12-year-old Dre Parker could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying - and the feeling is mutual - but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. In the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate, and Cheng puts "the karate kid" on the floor with ease. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han, who is secretly a master of kung fu. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life.

You hit him, don't let him hit you

The best and very memorable scene in this movie is when Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) told Dre (Jaden Smith) to "hang it up, take it down, drop it on the floor, and pick it up". Don't you think it was a little bit ridiculous? Kung-fu teacher just ask you to do "simple" thing which we do all the time in our life. But, after we watched this movie, we are all know that "the simple thing" which we do is have its meaning.

What the funny thing when I watched this movie :
1. My mom and dad thought that Dre Parker is a GIRL!! Haha.. They were also just realized that he was Jaden Smith! A son of the famous actor Will Smith.
2. My sister was really like Cheng! The bad one. And I do too. I really like his "bad" and "insulting" expression.. hehe..

-Wen Wen & Zhenwei-

This movie is actually the remake from the movie with the same title in the past. BUT, There are A LOT of differences between the two movies.

1. The "kid" in 1984 movie was not actually a kid. He was around my age, maybe a senior high school student, by name Daniel Laruso. And he is WHITE. While in the 2010 version, it is really a kid! Name Dre Parker, he is BLACK.
2. In 1984 version, the kid and his mother were actually not going far. They were going to Los Angeles, California. And in 2010 version, They're moving to CHINA!
3. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. And it really make a good discussion. The original one, 1984's, The teacher (Mr. Kesuke Miyagi) was actually teach the kid KARATE. And what make me confuse, the 2010 version, It's KUNG-FU what we're talking about. So, Why didn't they change the title?
4. There are more more differences! You actually can look at :
- 1984 version : Karate Kid (Daniel Larusso and Mr. Kesuke Miyagi)
- 2010 version : Karate Kid (Dre Parker and Mr. Han)

The Trailer :



enjoy the movie ^^

-auReL-

Chloe (2009)

Aurel and I watched this movie together when I was staying over at her house. It was... well, a rather surprising movie. One warning: it's very, very graphic. But since we're both over 18, I guess it's kind of okay. Lol.

Here's some general info, taken from imdb:

Director: Atom Egoyan

Writers: Erin Cressida Wilson (screenplay), Anne Fontaine (motion picture Nathalie)

Genre: Drama | Thriller

Casts: Julianne Moore (Catherine Stewart), Liam Neeson (David Stewart), Amanda Seyfried (Chloe), Max Thieriot (Michael Stewart), etc. For the complete cast list, click here.

Summary, taken from imdb:

Catherine and David, she a doctor, he a professor, are at first glance the perfect couple. Happily married with a talented teenage son, they appear to have an idyllic life. But when David misses a flight and his surprise birthday party, Catherine's long simmering suspicions rise to the surface. Suspecting infidelity, she decides to hire an escort to seduce her husband and test his loyalty. Catherine finds herself 'directing' Chloe's encounters with David, and Chloe's end of the bargain is to report back, the descriptions becoming increasingly graphic as the meetings multiply.

If the one you love is lying to you, how far would you go to find out the truth?

What I think about this movie:

1. It's for mature audiences only. It has a couple of sex scenes in it and very close to being a porn movie.

2. If you hate lesbians, don't watch this movie.

3. Seeing through the sex scenes and the lesbians... this movie is actually quite great. It's beautiful, for one thing. Great people are playing in this movie (I have a tendency to squeal when I see Liam Neeson lol), and the moral issue of this movie is real. I think people are able to relate to Catherine's problem. And that's the most important thing.

4. I'm giving it a 3.5 stars out of 5.

A trailer, from youtube:

Toodle-o,
Maria