Short: Post-It Love

|

A pretty cute and refreshing little short. The exchange of post-its was charming and innovative. The music greatly enhances the bubbliness of the film. Watch for a breath of fresh air.

Short: INSiDE

|

Impressive. This short could easily be mistaken for something produced by J. J. Abrams. The twist is unexpected; actually at one point I was confused about one of the character's fourth dimensional awareness, but still impressive. Must-watch.

G.I. Joe (2009)

|

Ok, first things first, Stephen Sommers need to hire a military consultant. Next, he needs to fire the company that did the CGI. Those were the two things among numerous misdirections that annoy me the most. I wasn't expecting much from a film adapted from a toy line, but seriously, if Michael Bay can transform a toy line into a blockbuster, I don't see why not for this movie. Don't waste your time!!!



Short: Strangers

|

Impressive camera work. Was a little slow in the beginning and the suspense could be more tense; wasn't too keen on the heart beat emulating music. Loved the train metaphor and the mise-en-scene in the last frame. Watch it.

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress (2002)

|

Throughout this film, I felt the characters' inner conflict in my soul, yet at the same time I felt lifted by the picturesque images of mountains and the harmonious music. The cinematography was exceedingly well done and the mix of Chinese and European string melodies blended together wonderfully to create a seamless flow of notes. Definitely a must watch.


Metropolis (1927)

|

The very first science fiction film ever made is also the best. Everything about this film is perfect. Yup, there's no other word for it. Plus, the themes are relevant to this age. This is the film that defined timeless classics. Watch it no matter what!!!



Short: The Hand

|

Out of three movie in the short film anthology, Eros, I enjoyed "The Hand" most. Gong Li's performance was excellent as ever and Wong Kar Wai managed to answer that age-old question, "Is that what love is?" brilliantly yet again. Perhaps in our pursuit of love, films such as this one, lessen our toil. Definitely a must watch for anyone searching for love.

Alfred Hitchcock Special: Notorious (1946)

|

Ever fallen in love? Ingrid Bergman in the classic Hitchcock film, Notorious, might be the best way to alleviate an aching heart. It is difficult not to gaze at the actor's physical details. Bergman was the reason why many individuals went to the cinema in the 1940s and 1950s, and in this film, Carey Grant's character also falls in love with Bergman because like him, we can't help ourselves giving our hearts to her. In this classic, the plot is exciting (pay attention to details, that's Hitchcock's trademark), the shots and compositions are ingenious, and the actors are brilliant. watch it, and fall in love with Bergman, while falling in love with classic film making.



Warchowski Brothers Special: Matrix Revolutions (2003)

|

As always, this film suffers from the third film syndrome. The first film is mind blowing, the second one steps it up a notch and the third is lackluster. The big fight between Neo and Smith at the end is nothing special. The special effects are less impressive than the second film. Basically, I only liked the Kid sequences in the entire film. Maybe watch it if you want to complete the series.



Warchowski Brothers Special: Matrix Reloaded (2003)

|


In terms of being action-packed, this film outdoes the other two. The fighting sequences are the best in the series and I loved meeting the Architect towards the end. Hugo Weaving is as amazing as ever, his multiple Agent Smiths against The One... Genius! Watch it!!!

Warchowski Brothers Special: The Matrix (1999)

|

The first film in the Matrix series. It's full of philosophical discourse that will challenge the most intellectual of people. Given that the actors are mediocre, this film nevertheless entertains extraordinarily. Compared to the two other films in the series, this is definitely the best. Essential must watch!!!



Charlie Kaufman Special: Synecdoche, New York (2008)

|

Another masterful script by Charlie Kaufman. I think he just get more postmodern with every film that he writes. In fact, this film is so postmodern that towards the end, I don't know where the movie ended and the play inside it began. Philip Seymour Hoffman is perfect to play Caden Cotard and he managed to do it exceedingly well. Also, it's always good to see Emily Watson. I think she should play the real Hazel and not the actress playing Hazel. Forget everything and watch it!!!



Charlie Kaufman Special: Adaptation (2002)

|

In a nutshell, wow. What writing. What characterization. Adapting a no-story high-nosed New Yorker book into a film is the work of a genius. Postmodernist to dizzying heights! Drop everything and watch it!!!



Drag Me to Hell (2009)

|

What is up with Hollywood horror? None of them impacted me the way Japanese and Thai horror did. It does not make me want to run in the middle of the night to my sister's room or afraid to take a shower. This film is no exception. The plot is overwhelmingly predictable; I was guessing correctly what will happen next while watching the film. Don't waste your time.



The Proposal (2009)

|

Definitely not one of Sandra Bullock better works. There is a serious lack of chemistry between her and Ryan Reynolds. The best bit of the film was with Betty White. In fact, Betty White and Mary Steenburgen were the only good parts; they had more chemistry than the leading couple. Not worth watching.



The Brothers Bloom (2008)

|

A average film. Tries hard to be witty, but the ending is not surprising at all. A thief meets an eccentric rich woman and falls in love with her, nothing new. In my opinion, it is a waste of talent to cast Rachel Weisz and Adrian Brody. Watch it if you want.



Short: Beat the Devil

|

The thing with Tony Scott is that he's a hit/miss. But in this case, definitely a hit. Gary Oldman playing the devil was ingenious. Music by Harry Gregson Williams is top notch. Watch it!!!

Short: I Love Sarah Jane

|

An above average short. Gives you a different perspective of the zombie genre. A must-see for Mia Wasikowska fans. Watch it!!!

Empire of Silver (2009)

|

An interesting film about ancient Chinese banking industry, the plot is bland but it's an enjoyable film. Maybe watch it.



Short: There's Only One Sun

|

Listen to the music, watch how the colors meld. Wong Kar Wai is a master of musical ambiance and color play. Only part that I didn't like was that he used the same song from 2046. It was a good song but it's stale.


Millennium Actress (2001)

|

Wow, fucking wow. The story is just beyond words, postmodern writing done extremely well. If you want to experience Japanese cinema, this is the definitive film to watch. Possibly the best anime film I've seen so far. Watch it!!!



Message: First Day

|



Hey everyone, welcome to Warning Spoilers Ahead. This is the place for all you film lovers who want a short and quick, no bullshit reviews of films. You'll be following me on a journey of cinematic ups and downs as I explore films old and new. I'll try to watch as many films as possible, especially the bad ones so that you won't be wasting 2 or so hours of your life. Enjoy!!!

 

©2009 Warning: Spoilers Ahead | Template Blue by TNB