2012

Most moviegoers probably remembered The Day After Tomorrow, a disaster movie which questioned on whether Mother Nature would turn against us in the form of the next Ice Age. Reviews and ratings for that movie went on so-and-so, with extra attention being paid to the special effects and the plot and character second. 2012 runs along the same lines.

2012 tackles the speculation and prophecy made by the Mayans some many thousands of years ago regarding the “End of the World” by 21-12-2012 through a series of galactic arrangements. But of course, to make it suit today’s informative and not-so-easily-fooled audience, scientific grounds are covered on the basis of solar flare/radiation from the Sun. Hmm, a good try at least.

Character development in the movie seems somewhat blocky and predictable. Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) is science fiction writer and divorced dad who struggles to gain his kids acceptance and save his family from the impediment disaster. An overused character development plan which works in the way of;

1. Divorced dad has problems with family and tries to fix it up.
2. Dad suddenly discovers World is going to end.
3. Dad finds a way to save his family.
4. Dad tries to get back and re-bond with the family at the same time.

Classic.

Despite the character development which I did not particular favor, I enjoyed how John Cusack carried his character through the movie. Then of course, as in any disaster movie which involves the lives of humanity – The philosophy and question of humanity rests in the hands of those in authority. There are the usual faces of “For the Greater Good” and “Is This How We Will Have Our Grandchildren Remember Us?” popping up. I won’t say much more, lest it should spoil the movie. Hint: Money.

In subtle ways, this philosophical element is what I enjoyed watching throughout the whole movie. (Chiwetel Ejiofor) acts Adrian Helmsley as the scientist who has some moral issues with his boss (Oliver Platt). If there is something to look forward to the movie, it is the philosophies, and yes – The special effects. 2012 is never short of special effects. But what less do you expect from a director who produced The Day After Tomorrow? The main rule for disaster movies: if you’re gonna show the end of the World – Show it good. 2012 definitely nailed the job well here.

To me, 2012 was a definitely good movie with 3 hours put to good use. I just wish that the movies these days would work towards better character developments. Watch this!

2012 Official Movie Page

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Probably one of the most anticipated movies to top the list for this year’s movie list; Wolverine: Origins doesn’t disappoint. Marvel comes back after the pause of three years since X-Men 3: The Last Stand to serve up the origin of everyone’s favourite X-Men: Wolverine.

The movie explores the origin of Wolverine right down from his childhood – skip a century – to perhaps some ten to seventeen years before the first X-Men movie. This fills in the gap of holes many question in the X-Men movies of Wolverine’s past such as how he got the adamantium claws being the most popular, and perhaps the relationship between Sabertooth and Wolverine which was lightly (if not even) touched in the first movie which actually runs deep and complex.

Character development for Wolverine was done well here and it is without doubt that Hugh Jackman’s acting really brings out the character to life. This can be said mainly for the other cast as well, Victor Creed/Liev Schreiber for one. Other than that, there isn’t much to be said of the rest of them since majority of the limelight is stolen by Hugh Jackman’s adept acting.

Plot-wise, it flows along smoothly – Keeping the viewers on a constant flow. The fights (for us men) and maybe the men actors (for women) are maybe an eye-candy we look forward to in this movie. I’ve only one complaint and it is how they changed the concept of Deadpool towards the end of the movie. Disappointing.

Other than that, X-Men Origins: Wolverine is well worth watching and is a great entry to 2009’s summer blockbusters.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine Official Movie Page

Hancock

It’s a simple and true thing to say that 2008 is indeed a year of superhero movies, Starting the year of with the big bang was Iron Man from which followed The Incredible Hulk, the soon-to-be-released Batman: The Dark Knight and yes, Hancock.

For those who have chanced upon the trailer, you may have had a rough idea to whom Hancock (Will Smith) is in this movie: the sarcastic, alcholic and homeless superhero. One with the powers of Superman but has a different moral twist to it.

Without giving away any spoilers, I can say that Hancock, although doesn’t do much to satisfy the questions of his past which may arise halfway during the movie, is good enough as a movie if you intend to watch a different hero-genre movie.

Although the plot maybe somewhat flimsy and the script somewhat predictable (the jokes may seem funny at first, but eventually it’ll get predictable and boring), I must applaud the movie for its solid character development. We see Hancock, a misunderstood, destructive and irresponsible superhero turn into a better person as the plot unfolds throughout the movie.

I will not give this movie any more than three stars, but I’d reccomend Hancock for its different superhero-genre line. This is best watched without comparing it to other superhero movies.

Hancock Official Movie Page

If I Never See Your Face Again

If I Never See Your Face Again (feat. Rihanna) by Maroon 5

With Goodbye, Goodbye already receiving airplay in Canada, many people started assuming (hoping even) that the band would release it as a single soon enough. But then, rumors began to rise on the search engines about Rihanna and Maroon 5 working together on a new single.

And so this single came around.

It won’t be unusual to compare this version to the original, and of course, I’m here to say the original is much better than this duet version with Rihanna. Although a few may argue the different atmosphere and style injected into this single by Rihanna is a different thing entirely and is not subjected for comparison, I object.

Listening to the introduction itself has shown me that the original is, without a doubt, loads better. The vocals Rihanna dishes out is fairly okay but I think if this duet was done at a slower and more moody pace and with Mary J. Blidge on the vocals, it might be somewhat better.

But that’s my personal opinion.

The electronics-like background music introduced in this single is nowhere close to catchy (to the original) although still bearable. On the final note, I would say this: unless you’re a looking for something casual to listen to, this isn’t a single you might wanna put on loop. You’re better off with the original.

For those who liked this single anyway, it will be available in the re-release of Rihanna’s Good Girl Gone Bad and Maroon 5’s It Won’t Be Soon Before Long albums due in some time. Other than that, you can download it on iTunes.

Music Video on Youtube

Iron Man

Who wouldn’t know Iron Man? The leading character in Marvel’s Civil War series who played a major role in the Marvel superhero universe by bringing forth the Superhuman Registration Act and fought against former ally Captain America? Rewind back many years before this whole fiasco took place and you’ll find yourself in Iron Man’s origins.

And that, is what this movie is all about.

In this movie, we see Tony Stark, a successful and brilliant inventor and businessman who’s trip to the Middle East for a weapons test sets him down the path to become the golden avenger after being held captive by Middle Eastern terrorists.

Instead of the original stage, Vietnam which was present in the original comic, the movie plays toward the contemporary issues of the Middle Eastern terrorists. Talk about catching up with the times. Anyway, Robert Downey Jr. carries out his part as Tony Stark flawlessly, bringing forth the character from a comic book to the silver screen in full glory.

Though Tony Stark’s alcoholism issue is not brought up in this movie, directors have hinted towards sequels (most likely a trilogy) which will tackle the internal problems which Tony Stark faces in the comics. The chemistry between Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and  Virgina “Pepper” Potts, (Gwyneth Paltrow) can truly be seen between the two, complementing the movie well.

My only complaint is that the action comes late towards the later part of the movie when Tony Stark takes his first mission in his finalized Mark III Iron Man suit. Otherwise that, it is worth seeing the development of the suit and Tony Stark’s arrogant humor present throughout the movie.

There is without much doubt, that the success of this comic adaptation was mainly due to to Marvel’s Civil War series storyline which had Iron Man as one of the leading characters. And so, as an end-note, I would deeply recommend this to any Marvel Comics fan. For those who aren’t, this one is still worth your time.

Iron Man Official Movie Page

Where Rainbows End

From the author of PS, I Love You, Cecelia Ahern weaves yet another tale of love and all its trials. Upon the opening of the first page, once may gain a confused look as they stare upon what may seem like notes and letter from one person to another – Until the realization kicks in: the story is told in that form.

Yes indeed. Unique from most stories I’ve read, Cecelia Ahern takes the approach which is not commonly used by most authors, telling the story from a compilation of e-mails, letters, notes, chat room instant messages and cards. Though it makes one devoid of what is happening beyond those words on the messages, I must say this style of approach is what makes this story uniquely touching.

It makes you see things from the person’s thoughts directly. Like in first-person view, but not exactly that. Don’t back off from reading the book just because you may be turned off by the style the author chose though, just keep reading. It’s worth your time.

The plot revolves around two best friends who have known each other since the age of five, and the plot thickens after Alex Stewart, Rosie Dunne’s best friend, moves to America to pursue his studies in the bloom of their friendship. Complications appear when she is forced to stay in Ireland. The only form of communication between them stands in their e-mails and letters.

Imagine two best best friends (who have a growing love for each other) and are seperated. It keeps you wondering to the very last page how are they going to be together and how are they going to overcome the complications that exists to distance them.

Another factor that keeps you gripped to the novel is the factor of wanting to read the next letter and message, and though you may not be surprised in finding yourself skipping pages just to read what happens next between Alex and Rosie (and not the other characters). Don’t pass up the chance to read this novel: you’d be missing a part of your life.

—

Title: Where Rainbows End

Author: Cecelia Ahern

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

also published under the titles: Love, Rosie and Rosie Dunne

Cloverfield

 

While the release of this film speculated plenty of connections to the television series hit Lost (due to television series Lost director J.J.Adam’s hand in this movie), of what I could make out, there were no instant connections which could be pieces up together. But this coming from someone who has never watched Lost, I could be fairly wrong.

Anyway, thinking about how Cloverfield fared, it could just be said that it is a monster flick similar to Godzilla, but shot in a Blair Witch Project style. This has probably been said one too many times though. However, the clear difference between Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield is that the former did not bring much motion sickness symptoms.

But in all levels, I could say that Cloverfield had carried the monster flick genre to a higher level. As commented by a fellow reviewer, “The movie follows the Jaws rule that monsters are usually more intimidating when they are shown infrequently and only in brief glimpses.”. In the case of Cloverfield, this is a fact.

What makes this movie exceptional is that because it was filmed with a camcorder, which gives to it an air of realism and actual fear, because it makes you feel as though you are just right behind the eye-viewer, watching every real event unfolding before your eyes. Symbolic to the state of terrorism the World is facing these days, this movie no doubt speaks in volumes of its symbolism.

Other than the occasional bad camera shakes, this is a much recommended movie which will leave you leaving the theater room for more questions, opening an oportunity for a possible sequel. Just get ready to be dizzy.

Cloverfield Official Movie Page