Rating: B+
Probably the most anticipated movie of 2012 also contained the most IMAX footage ever used in a feature film. Sure, plenty of movies, including this year's The Avengers, was converted into IMAX, but director Christopher Nolan actually used IMAX cameras to include over an hour of actual IMAX images for The Dark Knight.
The result is palpable. So if you do get a chance to see the movie in IMAX, it's definitely worth giving yourselves a treat to fully experience the clarity, vividness, and perfection that is IMAX.
But that being said, while I absolutely loved the movie, it really bothers me when there are plot holes. I'm going to try to say this without issuing a spoiler alert. Batman's injuries vs. recovery. Just doesn't add up. Another thing that bothers me is when symbols are overused that it becomes trite. Without giving away too much of the 2h45min movie, was it really necessary to have the ENTIRE national anthem sung? Granted, DC Comics really does cater to a more patriotic crowd, but this was overkill.
I love watching Christopher Nolan's movies and I think he's a great director. But if you watch the first two in this particular Batman trilogy, Gotham is a much different place. Yet, in THIS finale of the trilogy, Gotham City looked decidedly like New York. I just thought that the inconsistency was too great. Of course, did it detract from the movie itself? No. Just me being picky.
And my final problem with the movie. It really might have been a good idea to include subtitles when Bane spoke. And he spoke a lot. With the muffled mask, it was very difficult to understand him at times.
Aside from these things, the finale was everything that we've come to expect of Christopher Nolan's movies. I must say that I really enjoyed some of the character twists that they provided, ie, using the Selena Kyle character...you know, before she was officially the "Catwoman".
~Cheers.
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
Movie: Underworld: Awakening (2012)
Rating: C
One thing I really like about flights these days. It's a great opportunity to catch up on movies. Especially movies that you weren't quite sure that you want to spend money on at the cinema. Especially movies that cater to some guilty pleasure. Particularly true, for movies like Underworld: Awakening.
Like the rest of the sequels in this series, it's not a very good example of cinematic brilliance. It's not even an example of cinematic mediocrity. What it is, is just fun to watch.
Fun to watch Kate Beckinsale kick some butt in her skin tight black leather (well, probably faux leather). If you're expecting anything else from this movie or its franchise? You might want to get your head examined. You're delusional.
Granted, she's young. Granted, she's green. And granted, this role doesn't allow for her to fully explore her acting abilities, but the role of Eve, played by India Eisley was fairly lacking. It really felt like they just plucked a girl out of a crowd and put her into the movie. Of course, she only has but a few titles under her belt, so who knows...maaaayyybee she'll grow into it. Maybe. I guess we'll see huh.
~Cheers.
One thing I really like about flights these days. It's a great opportunity to catch up on movies. Especially movies that you weren't quite sure that you want to spend money on at the cinema. Especially movies that cater to some guilty pleasure. Particularly true, for movies like Underworld: Awakening.
Like the rest of the sequels in this series, it's not a very good example of cinematic brilliance. It's not even an example of cinematic mediocrity. What it is, is just fun to watch.
Fun to watch Kate Beckinsale kick some butt in her skin tight black leather (well, probably faux leather). If you're expecting anything else from this movie or its franchise? You might want to get your head examined. You're delusional.
Granted, she's young. Granted, she's green. And granted, this role doesn't allow for her to fully explore her acting abilities, but the role of Eve, played by India Eisley was fairly lacking. It really felt like they just plucked a girl out of a crowd and put her into the movie. Of course, she only has but a few titles under her belt, so who knows...maaaayyybee she'll grow into it. Maybe. I guess we'll see huh.
~Cheers.
Monday, 23 July 2012
Blogger's Note: 15,000 Page Views!
Woah....! 5000 page views in a month! Wow....thanks so much you guys! Thanks for showing this little blog love and support so far. I certainly hope that it continues to receive such awesome love and support so that it can flourish and grow and mature.
And....Sorry, I'm not generally so ready to toot my own horn, but.....WE'RE NUMBER ONE! WE'RE NUMBER ONE! My little post about IMAX vs. UltraAVXis now the TOP Googled result!
Since this 15,000 page view landmark only took about a month to reach (from 10,000), the next token of appreciation be at 30,000. Same rules apply. First person to send a comment that they are the first comment on or after 30,000 page views will get a little gift as token of my gratitude.
Thanks again so very very much. And please...keep tuning in....and more importantly...spreading the love! =)~
~Cheers.
And....Sorry, I'm not generally so ready to toot my own horn, but.....WE'RE NUMBER ONE! WE'RE NUMBER ONE! My little post about IMAX vs. UltraAVXis now the TOP Googled result!
Since this 15,000 page view landmark only took about a month to reach (from 10,000), the next token of appreciation be at 30,000. Same rules apply. First person to send a comment that they are the first comment on or after 30,000 page views will get a little gift as token of my gratitude.
Thanks again so very very much. And please...keep tuning in....and more importantly...spreading the love! =)~
~Cheers.
Restaurant: Nan's Thai Fine Dining
I don't get to try very many restaurants when I'm away for work because I'm generally on my own. Once in a while however, my running around does allow me to try some different restaurants, so I'm especially appreciative when they stand out. And man, did this place stand out, and apparently not only to me. According to the plaque on the wall, it also received AAA's 4 diamond award.
Ambiance: 4 / 5
Cleanliness: 5 / 5
Service: 5 / 5
Taste: 4.5 / 5
Presentation: 4.5 / 5
Price: $$$
Overall: 4.5 / 5
Nan's REALLY has designed this place designed exceptionally well; even the washrooms. Sorry, the washrooms in particular. I seriously wanted to bring my camera into the washroom to take a few shots, but uhmm....I don't think the other patrons would take so kindly to that. HAHA. But the washrooms were not only absolutely pristine, you felt like you were walking into a spa.
The first dish that arrived was Nan's Tasting Tree, which consists of a small sampling of a few of Nan's sumptuous appetisers. I was unfortunately, still admiring the design of the washroom while washing my hands when it came, so I can't really tell you what everything is. They were all good, but those two little pink swirly things at the bottom of the photo? They were simply AMAZING. Perfect balance of flavours with a nice kick from the hot pepper on top.
My selected entree isn't on their menu, but a special of the day. It was a steamed Chilean Sea Bass over some Bok Choy & mushrooms in a soy sauce. The sea bass was cooked perfectly, but honestly, the soy sauce was a bit much for my liking, even after I mixed in the ginger, green onion and pepper. But delicious nevertheless.
Below is just a quick photo of what my friend ordered. Unfortunately, she didn't seem to want to share, so I didn't get a chance to taste it. HAHA. She did say it was droolworthy tho. =)~
If you do get a chance to go to Atlanta, I'd highly recommend this place. Servers were all Thai and extremely hospitable. Thai hospitality + Southern hospitality = AMAZING hospitality. hahaha =)~
Nan's Thai Fine Dining
1350 Spring St. NW.
Atlanta, GA
404-870-9933
~Cheers
Ambiance: 4 / 5
Cleanliness: 5 / 5
Service: 5 / 5
Taste: 4.5 / 5
Presentation: 4.5 / 5
Price: $$$
Overall: 4.5 / 5
Nan's REALLY has designed this place designed exceptionally well; even the washrooms. Sorry, the washrooms in particular. I seriously wanted to bring my camera into the washroom to take a few shots, but uhmm....I don't think the other patrons would take so kindly to that. HAHA. But the washrooms were not only absolutely pristine, you felt like you were walking into a spa.
The first dish that arrived was Nan's Tasting Tree, which consists of a small sampling of a few of Nan's sumptuous appetisers. I was unfortunately, still admiring the design of the washroom while washing my hands when it came, so I can't really tell you what everything is. They were all good, but those two little pink swirly things at the bottom of the photo? They were simply AMAZING. Perfect balance of flavours with a nice kick from the hot pepper on top.
My selected entree isn't on their menu, but a special of the day. It was a steamed Chilean Sea Bass over some Bok Choy & mushrooms in a soy sauce. The sea bass was cooked perfectly, but honestly, the soy sauce was a bit much for my liking, even after I mixed in the ginger, green onion and pepper. But delicious nevertheless.
Below is just a quick photo of what my friend ordered. Unfortunately, she didn't seem to want to share, so I didn't get a chance to taste it. HAHA. She did say it was droolworthy tho. =)~
If you do get a chance to go to Atlanta, I'd highly recommend this place. Servers were all Thai and extremely hospitable. Thai hospitality + Southern hospitality = AMAZING hospitality. hahaha =)~
Nan's Thai Fine Dining
1350 Spring St. NW.
Atlanta, GA
404-870-9933
~Cheers
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Movie: Brave (2012)
Rating: C+
I don't understand how other people have given this movie such amorous reviews. Is it simply because it's a Pixar movie? While it was entertaining enough to watch, it's yet another movie that languishes in mediocrity, without taking any risks, or any attempt to follow through what the first part of movie suggests that this movie about. Both the introduction of the movie and the trailers suggest this is a movie about a young girl's quest for independence. Instead, it turns out that this movie is entirely about teaching the values of family and that mom really does have your interest at heart.
It really does seem like Pixar's lost its mojo after being bought by Disney. Even the jokes are losing their bite. The first couple of Pixar movies offered something different, something new; giving you the perspective of the toys as opposed to the kids playing with them. Or the turmoil that a monster needs to go through in order to have their place under your bed / in the closet. Or a different type of an "adventure" through a trip on a bajillion helium balloons. But Brave fails to do anything different. Oh, you'll enjoy it if you like the Pixar / Disney formula, but don't expect anything else.
Aside from a few belly laughs, the movie is awkwardly paced, there doesn't seem to be any breakthrough with the animation technology, nor does there seem to be any real artistic creativity (blogger's note: I really liked the flashback art in KungFu Panda 2). Everything is formulaic. A decent formula, but formulaic nevertheless.
~Cheers.
I don't understand how other people have given this movie such amorous reviews. Is it simply because it's a Pixar movie? While it was entertaining enough to watch, it's yet another movie that languishes in mediocrity, without taking any risks, or any attempt to follow through what the first part of movie suggests that this movie about. Both the introduction of the movie and the trailers suggest this is a movie about a young girl's quest for independence. Instead, it turns out that this movie is entirely about teaching the values of family and that mom really does have your interest at heart.
It really does seem like Pixar's lost its mojo after being bought by Disney. Even the jokes are losing their bite. The first couple of Pixar movies offered something different, something new; giving you the perspective of the toys as opposed to the kids playing with them. Or the turmoil that a monster needs to go through in order to have their place under your bed / in the closet. Or a different type of an "adventure" through a trip on a bajillion helium balloons. But Brave fails to do anything different. Oh, you'll enjoy it if you like the Pixar / Disney formula, but don't expect anything else.
Aside from a few belly laughs, the movie is awkwardly paced, there doesn't seem to be any breakthrough with the animation technology, nor does there seem to be any real artistic creativity (blogger's note: I really liked the flashback art in KungFu Panda 2). Everything is formulaic. A decent formula, but formulaic nevertheless.
~Cheers.
Monday, 2 July 2012
Movie: Ted (2012)
Rating: B+
Let's call a spade a spade. Is Ted an artistic masterpiece of biblical proportions? No. It's crass, it's boorish, it's inappropriate; the story line is cliched, and really nothing new. But....it's SUPPOSED to be crass. It's SUPPOSED to be boorish, it's SUPPOSED to be inappropriate. And how do you get around a cliched storyline? Make fun of the storyline itself. The result is some seriously extended inappropriate hilarity.
(The is the red band trailer. View discretion is advised)
The interplay is fantastic and Seth MacFarlane reunites some of his cast members from Family Guy, including Alex Borstein, Mila Kunis, and yes....Patrick Stewart. Look for a tonne of cameo work, which totally makes this movie work. In particular, the scenes with Patrick Warburton. Quite honestly, there isn't a whole lot to say about this movie. If you're looking for laughter and a good time, and don't mind some totally refreshing, politically INcorrect humour, go watch it.
For me, there was an added bonus to this movie. I went to school at Boston University, and I haven't been back in over 10 years. Seeing some familiar streets, neighbourhoods, parks, and in particular the Citgo sign really brought back memories and moments of nostalgia. So you'll have to excuse me if I have a bit of a soft spot for this movie, knowing full well that while the movie runs for about 115min, only about 30min of it was comedic genius and the rest was just tepid drivel.
~Cheers.
Let's call a spade a spade. Is Ted an artistic masterpiece of biblical proportions? No. It's crass, it's boorish, it's inappropriate; the story line is cliched, and really nothing new. But....it's SUPPOSED to be crass. It's SUPPOSED to be boorish, it's SUPPOSED to be inappropriate. And how do you get around a cliched storyline? Make fun of the storyline itself. The result is some seriously extended inappropriate hilarity.
(The is the red band trailer. View discretion is advised)
The interplay is fantastic and Seth MacFarlane reunites some of his cast members from Family Guy, including Alex Borstein, Mila Kunis, and yes....Patrick Stewart. Look for a tonne of cameo work, which totally makes this movie work. In particular, the scenes with Patrick Warburton. Quite honestly, there isn't a whole lot to say about this movie. If you're looking for laughter and a good time, and don't mind some totally refreshing, politically INcorrect humour, go watch it.
For me, there was an added bonus to this movie. I went to school at Boston University, and I haven't been back in over 10 years. Seeing some familiar streets, neighbourhoods, parks, and in particular the Citgo sign really brought back memories and moments of nostalgia. So you'll have to excuse me if I have a bit of a soft spot for this movie, knowing full well that while the movie runs for about 115min, only about 30min of it was comedic genius and the rest was just tepid drivel.
~Cheers.
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