Rating: C+
I really wonder if Hollywood is afraid of making anything provocative, shocking, and daring. The Raven had so much potential, and a wealth of back material to draw from. And while it was clever, it wasn't particularly smart. Where there were plot twists, they weren't particularly mind-bending. Yet another movie in this year's indulgence of mediocrity.
It's been said that John Cusack is probably the most natural actor of our time. And I quite agree with that. It's a shame that most of the other cast members in this film was not so natural. And while I feel that Cusack is miscast in this role, I think he did an admirable job as Edgar Allan Poe, I feel that the role would have been better served being played by someone a little darker, say perhaps, Johnny Depp.
The biggest problem of the movie was its lack of direction. There really would have been no difference if they completed this movie with 1 murder, or with a dozen. The clues of the murder led you to the next clue and not to who the killer was. So really, The mystery and chase was really rather pointless. And while ONE of the murders was decidedly graphic and macabre, none of the other ones had the same level fear, torture, nor blood.
Perhaps one would be more involved in the movie if they were more familiar with Poe's work, but I doubt very many know more than a handful of his life and work well enough to find the correlation intriguing. This movie could have had so much more depth. It could have been significantly more gripping. Or they could have opted to make it totally tragic. Instead, they opted for mediocrity.
~Cheers.
Sunday, 29 April 2012
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Blogger's Note: 10,000 Page Views...
The last time I posted a thank you post, I was closing in on 5000 page views. But unfortunately, I took a little hiatus. When I looked again, I was closing in on 8000 page views and I hadn't even been posting! So to all of you who have been checking in on my little blog, thank you so much. I will do my best not to fall behind again, but let's not get too far ahead of ourselves.
10,000 page views is going to be a big milestone for me. So... Same game. Same rules. First person to send a comment that they are the first comment on or after 10,000 page views will get a little gift as token of my gratitude. I really do appreciate the support all of you have given me over the past few months.
I really do appreciate the continued support. Thanks again. And of course... Don't forget to spread the love =)~
~Cheers.
10,000 page views is going to be a big milestone for me. So... Same game. Same rules. First person to send a comment that they are the first comment on or after 10,000 page views will get a little gift as token of my gratitude. I really do appreciate the support all of you have given me over the past few months.
I really do appreciate the continued support. Thanks again. And of course... Don't forget to spread the love =)~
~Cheers.
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Movie: The Hunger Games (2012)
Rating: B-
This movie’s been out a while, and I’ve been meaning to write put my critique out there. But due to extenuating circumstances, I’ve had to wait until now. Based on the book series of the same name, The Hunger Games had the potential of being something as visually powerful and mentally jarring as Lord of the Flies. Instead, they decided to dilute it for the Dora The Explorer demographic. Only problem is, it’s still too troubling for the kiddies, and far too gentle for anyone over the age of 10.
While I disagree with many that this book / film is an English version of the Japanese book / film, Battle Royale; I do wish that they would have taken a page from the Japanese version. Make it daring, or poetic, or shocking. Instead, in order to placate soccer moms and interest groups, The Hunger Games languishes in mediocrity; Just good enough to be worth watching, but not nearly good enough for it to be memorable.
Jennifer Lawrence gave an admirable performance, and Stanley Tucci is one of my favourite supporting casts. But that's about it. And I suppose I should give credit to the direction of Gary Ross for moving the movie along fluidly because let's not forget, the actual "games" don't start until about the middle of the 140+ min movie.
On top of that, the side stories just felt entirely too contrived and there were just too many holes in the movie. I mean, aside from the wolves that appeared out of no where for no particular reason, there really was never any real danger to Ms. Lawrence's character.
But judging from the reception of this movie, it looks like the film adaptations for the next two books of this trilogy is just going to be more of the same.
~Cheers.
This movie’s been out a while, and I’ve been meaning to write put my critique out there. But due to extenuating circumstances, I’ve had to wait until now. Based on the book series of the same name, The Hunger Games had the potential of being something as visually powerful and mentally jarring as Lord of the Flies. Instead, they decided to dilute it for the Dora The Explorer demographic. Only problem is, it’s still too troubling for the kiddies, and far too gentle for anyone over the age of 10.
While I disagree with many that this book / film is an English version of the Japanese book / film, Battle Royale; I do wish that they would have taken a page from the Japanese version. Make it daring, or poetic, or shocking. Instead, in order to placate soccer moms and interest groups, The Hunger Games languishes in mediocrity; Just good enough to be worth watching, but not nearly good enough for it to be memorable.
Jennifer Lawrence gave an admirable performance, and Stanley Tucci is one of my favourite supporting casts. But that's about it. And I suppose I should give credit to the direction of Gary Ross for moving the movie along fluidly because let's not forget, the actual "games" don't start until about the middle of the 140+ min movie.
On top of that, the side stories just felt entirely too contrived and there were just too many holes in the movie. I mean, aside from the wolves that appeared out of no where for no particular reason, there really was never any real danger to Ms. Lawrence's character.
But judging from the reception of this movie, it looks like the film adaptations for the next two books of this trilogy is just going to be more of the same.
~Cheers.
Friday, 20 April 2012
Movie: 那些年 - "Those Bygone Years" (2011)
Rating: B-
I've never been to school in Asia, but from what I've heard / seen from friends and the media, 那些年 seems to give a pretty accurate depiction of the student life in Taiwan and I suppose fairly close to the student experience in Chinese Asia in general terms.
(Blogger's note: Sorry. This is the music video of the title song and not the Trailer)
This is a coming of age story of a group of friends going to school in Taiwan. I liked the fact that they didn't try to be cute, and tried to keep the story as realistic as possible; to a point where you could actually see that yeah...kids could quite possibly grow up like that. I also like that they didn't try to put a full cast of great looking kids out there, because let's face it, most people aren't good looking. HAHA. It really just seems like you're taking a glimpse into the lives of a group of very ordinary kids.
A friend of mine said that the depiction of the budding romance was a very accurate comparison to real life, I couldn't help but think back upon my own experiences back in school. Of all the people that I knew (not that I knew few or many), I only knew one person that spent their entire high school life trying to score a date with a girl. So while I understand that the movie was trying to focus on this one core group, the romantic relationship that underlined the group's dynamic seemed a little far fetched.
I don't know a single member of this cast, but the female lead really stood out for me. Watching her grow up and mature in front of the screen was a fantastic feat that left me extremely impressed with her performance. While the other members weren't nearly as noteworthy, I suppose that if we think of our own lives. How many of our lives would make for a good movie?
~Cheers.
I've never been to school in Asia, but from what I've heard / seen from friends and the media, 那些年 seems to give a pretty accurate depiction of the student life in Taiwan and I suppose fairly close to the student experience in Chinese Asia in general terms.
(Blogger's note: Sorry. This is the music video of the title song and not the Trailer)
This is a coming of age story of a group of friends going to school in Taiwan. I liked the fact that they didn't try to be cute, and tried to keep the story as realistic as possible; to a point where you could actually see that yeah...kids could quite possibly grow up like that. I also like that they didn't try to put a full cast of great looking kids out there, because let's face it, most people aren't good looking. HAHA. It really just seems like you're taking a glimpse into the lives of a group of very ordinary kids.
A friend of mine said that the depiction of the budding romance was a very accurate comparison to real life, I couldn't help but think back upon my own experiences back in school. Of all the people that I knew (not that I knew few or many), I only knew one person that spent their entire high school life trying to score a date with a girl. So while I understand that the movie was trying to focus on this one core group, the romantic relationship that underlined the group's dynamic seemed a little far fetched.
I don't know a single member of this cast, but the female lead really stood out for me. Watching her grow up and mature in front of the screen was a fantastic feat that left me extremely impressed with her performance. While the other members weren't nearly as noteworthy, I suppose that if we think of our own lives. How many of our lives would make for a good movie?
~Cheers.
Monday, 16 April 2012
Movie: Lockout (2012)
Rating: D
I have a big love/hate relationship with Luc Besson movies. I love the premise, hate the execution, and love to rip on them afterwards. Lockout was no different. If you've read some of my critiques, you'll know how much I hate holes in movies. This movie just had hole after hole after hole, with poor lighting, editing, and I do believe, that somewhere in the beginning sequence, they forgot the put the finishing touches on some Special Effects (CGI).
It's almost like Mr. Besson is doing charity work. He comes up with ideas, writes the initial screenplay, then offloads it to some poor up and coming director salivating at the opportunity at having Luc Besson in his credits at the end of the movie. Lockout seems to be yet another example. Both James Mather and Stephen St. Leger just seem overwhelmed with directing this movie.
Looks like Guy Pearce has been hitting the gym and looks great as a grisly framed agent on a one man rescue mission of the president's daughter played by Maggie Grace. Their relationship is what you would expect between a wily veteran and a sassy, but doe eyed beauty, and while a romance is somewhat inevitable in this kind of movie, how it blossoms is entirely contrived and there is no chemistry whatsoever. Quite honestly, the only person that stood out in this entire movie is Joseph Gilgun who plays the crazed brother of the main villain in the movie.
~Cheers.
I have a big love/hate relationship with Luc Besson movies. I love the premise, hate the execution, and love to rip on them afterwards. Lockout was no different. If you've read some of my critiques, you'll know how much I hate holes in movies. This movie just had hole after hole after hole, with poor lighting, editing, and I do believe, that somewhere in the beginning sequence, they forgot the put the finishing touches on some Special Effects (CGI).
It's almost like Mr. Besson is doing charity work. He comes up with ideas, writes the initial screenplay, then offloads it to some poor up and coming director salivating at the opportunity at having Luc Besson in his credits at the end of the movie. Lockout seems to be yet another example. Both James Mather and Stephen St. Leger just seem overwhelmed with directing this movie.
Looks like Guy Pearce has been hitting the gym and looks great as a grisly framed agent on a one man rescue mission of the president's daughter played by Maggie Grace. Their relationship is what you would expect between a wily veteran and a sassy, but doe eyed beauty, and while a romance is somewhat inevitable in this kind of movie, how it blossoms is entirely contrived and there is no chemistry whatsoever. Quite honestly, the only person that stood out in this entire movie is Joseph Gilgun who plays the crazed brother of the main villain in the movie.
~Cheers.
Friday, 13 April 2012
Product: Jambox by Jawbone
Design: 4.5 / 5
Sound Quality (in): 4 / 5
Sound Quality (out): 3.5 / 5
Build Quality: 4 / 5
Battery: 5 / 5
MSRP: $199.99 (USD)
Overall: 4 / 5
I've been a pretty big fan of Jawbone products for a while now. And a while ago, they came out with a new item to add to their lineup. The "Jambox Smartspeaker". It's got a pretty nice design, and for its size, it packs quite a punch.
It's got all those gimmicky things that I'd previously mentioned for the Jawbone Era, and again, it's cute...but entirely useless. But what I do find nice about it, is how versatile this little thing is. It probably isn't loud enough for a house party, but I've used it for conference calls, trade shows, dinner parties, video games, or just listening to music while I'm cooking or whatever.
It does have a slot for a 3.5mm headset cable if you like, but there's no noticeable lag if you're connecting via bluetooth.
Now, if you don't require speakerphone capabilities, or don't mind a little bit more heft, you can probably get away with similar sound quality for a cheaper price. But for what it is, you are getting plenty of value for your buck.
~Cheers.
Sound Quality (in): 4 / 5
Sound Quality (out): 3.5 / 5
Build Quality: 4 / 5
Battery: 5 / 5
MSRP: $199.99 (USD)
Overall: 4 / 5
I've been a pretty big fan of Jawbone products for a while now. And a while ago, they came out with a new item to add to their lineup. The "Jambox Smartspeaker". It's got a pretty nice design, and for its size, it packs quite a punch.
It's got all those gimmicky things that I'd previously mentioned for the Jawbone Era, and again, it's cute...but entirely useless. But what I do find nice about it, is how versatile this little thing is. It probably isn't loud enough for a house party, but I've used it for conference calls, trade shows, dinner parties, video games, or just listening to music while I'm cooking or whatever.
It does have a slot for a 3.5mm headset cable if you like, but there's no noticeable lag if you're connecting via bluetooth.
Now, if you don't require speakerphone capabilities, or don't mind a little bit more heft, you can probably get away with similar sound quality for a cheaper price. But for what it is, you are getting plenty of value for your buck.
~Cheers.
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