Review rating system: ***** - 'super good' movie; don't miss it. **** - good movie; try to find the time to watch it. *** - average movie; you may or may not like it. ** - crap movie; watch only if you have nothing else to do. * - 'super crap' movie; don't watch it at all!
Note to fellow Muslims: If you do want to watch the movie(s), please still do obey your prayers and whenever possible, still strive to do so in jemaah. Wallahua'lam. Thank you.
I remember back in the younger years (NOT implying I’ve grown so much older ok, hehe) when Toy Story came out. If I'm not mistaken, it was the first for such a feature length 3-D animation to ever hit the screen.The storyline was creative and unique, the characters were adorable and funny (including the villain kid), while the surreal animation - it left me speechless!
Initially, I believed that a movie like that didn't come so often, and therefore I shall NOT miss whenever the one like it comes next. However, after a few years, we saw not one or two, but a bunch of film creators tinkering with their computers in creating a movie like Toy Story. It was as though they were all competing in creating the best animation movie(s). Heck, no wonder they've created an oscar award that is up for grab every year too!
We now have a truck load of such movies. So far, we have animations about talking toys (Toy Story 1 and 2), talking insects (A Bug's Life), talking ants (Antz), talking cars (Cars), talking animals (Madagascar), talking birds (Valiant), talking ogres and monsters (Shrek) and not to forget - talking humans (The Incredibles)... with stories set during ice age time (The Ice Age), inside kids' closets (Monsters Inc.), a haunted house (Monster House) etc. etc. Whatever will they come out next huh?
Contrary to my intial belief, I now find 3-D animation movies can no longer fall under, what I used to call 'special' category. Let me explain further...As you know, different movies fall under a different MAIN category. They can be horror, comedy, drama, thriller and fantasy catering for people of different age groups (thus the existence of movie rating system). Since there are so many movies out there, some can be brilliant, while others are not....
Unfortunately, 3-D animations have fallen into the same trap (of being too many) with some of them being excellent, while others are just average or plain dull. I guess it's true that 'too much of a good thing is not a good thing'. There are some 3-D movies which are a disappointment, with crappy plots and sometimes even the graphics and animations, which are the gist that make these movies 'special', fail to awe you. Examples are like Chicken Little, Valiant and Madagascar.
Nowadays, I treat 3-D movies just like other movies. I proceed with caution - they may not be as great as they seem to be. If I think I should pass, I'll pass... and if I regret myself watching it, then I shall have to live with it, or perhaps warn others.
In this review, I shall take you to visit the cartoon world of Ice Age 2: The Meltdown, Cars, Over The Hedge and The Wild and fortunately, these are all a bunch of good ones.
When I saw the trailer for CARS, I thought this was just another movie about some 'rookie' trying to excel in some sports competition (who usually wins in the end)and that the plot was a plain and straight one. Some obvious examples are the Karate Kid series, The Sea Biscuit and Racing Stripes.
Luckily, I was wrong. I mean, what was I thinking? Surely the team that brought us Toy Story, Monsters Inc. etc.. could figure something different about the story of a hotshot rookie race car. The storyline, just like real life and how the roads are out there, is NOT a straight one. Instead, it's a winding (in a good way) and a rather unpredictable one!
The movie delivers some good values that we all can learn from - value your friends and friendships; appreciate your strengths and weaknesses; discover yourself as you discover new places; don't be too self-centered or look down on others just because you think they are 'low class'; don't leave behind the 'past routes' just because you find new alternative routes (you'll never know when you might use the old routes again); fame and glory are temporary, it's how you want to be remembered that matters etc etc.
There are colourful characters that come in sleek (and not so sleek) designs - Lightning McQueen the rookie, Doc Hudson the legendary, Sally Carrera the eye candy and Mater the funny....
Apart from that - some hilarious punch lines/scenes including the wake-the-tractor antics and jaw-dropping graphics. Totally not to be missed! (Rating: *****)
The title Ice Age 2: The Meltdown should be able to hint what the movie sequel basically covers. In the fist movie, an enemy (Diego) hides his true self by proclaiming that he wants to help his herd (which consists of Manny the woolly mammoth and Sid the sloth) return a human baby to safety. Their adventure is fun, with many obstacles and a plot twist towards the end - the enemy becomes a friend and a part of the herd.
However, there is/are no real villains in Ice Age 2, or at least the villains don't really talk and plot some devious plans against humanity, or in this case...'animality'? The movie delivers a strong family theme to the audience. It's also a straightforward journey, with no twists and turns and stuffs, other than Manny meeting up his own kind after thinking he's the last of his species. And the slight twist is that, his own kind (Ellie) somehow thinks she's a possum, thanks to her two wild and naughty 'siblings', Crash and Eddie. Their journey to the big 'boat' to escape the soon-to-happen big flood as the ice is melting (does this somehow remind you of Noah's Ark story?) is filled with laughter as Manny tries to convince Ellie that she is a mammoth, Sid tries to prove himself worthy and Diego overcomes his fear of water and his anger towards Crash and Eddie. Oh yes, Scrat has plenty of screen presence to entertain you in this one. Since my wife likes it so much, so I'm going to give the overal rating as ****. I know it's biased, but who hasn't done it anyway, right....? :)
Two distributors (DreamWorks and Walt Disney) disappoint us with their lousy Madagascar and Chicken Little. Therefore, some may be a bit relunctant over how their latest Over The Hedge and The Wild (respectively) would fair at the box office.However, we can toss away our doubts over the hedge and into the wild as these two movies deserve two thumbs up!
Comparing the two, Over The Hedge (OTH) is wilder and the animals are more chaotic/comical than The Wild. In OTH, we have RJ the Ring Leader, whose enthusiasm to cross over the hedge comes with a secret agenda. His plan to get stocks of foods from humans (who live to eat, rather than eat to live) are well received by the animals who'd just recently awaken from a long hibernation, only to greet with a large, green hedge, cropped up right through the middle of their once-natural habitat. They are Verne the over-cautious turtle, Hammy the nut squirrel, Stella the skunk, Heather the 'Avril Lavigne' etc etc. They also get help from the unlikely ally, Tiger the cat, after the cat falls helplessly and odourlessly with Stella.
Meantime, I especially enjoy and agree with RJ's lengthy definition of foods through the eyes of humans. (Rating: ****)
Though watchable, in my opinion The Wild's plot lacks the punch that makes people want to say 'wow' 'ooohhh' and 'aaaahh'. Maybe Disney should beef up their storyline department (if such a dept. exists) or something...
Anyway, the story revolves around this group of animals and their journey from the zoo into the wild concrete jungle of New York, then stranded on an island that is about to blow up because of its active volcanic mountains. Meet Samson the Lion, Ryan the Lion Cub, Nigel the Koala, Benny the Squirrel, Bridget the Giraffe and Larry the Anaconda.
The Wild is constantly being compared with Madagascar, but I shall give credit to where it's due: the movie DOES stand on its own. At times, the movie is also a reminiscence of Disney's The Lion King (like relationship between Samson and Ryan and also the scene on Samson about to fall off from a cliff).
I also especially enjoy when Nigel is praised as a God by some of the animals on the island (and the reason behind such worship) and how the wildebeasts over there, manage to climb up to the top of the food chain. Totally didn't see it coming... (Rating: ***)
Coming Soon:
1. To rude or not to rude? - KL folks (especially) are rude? In fact, KL city comes third as the most rude city folks? Well, I do agree based on MY standards... However if it's based on the magazine's standard of what it considers as rude and not rude, then I'll have to disagree with the magazine's ranking.
2. The 'CHARM'ing idiot box - The hit TV series has wrapped up its magic after 8 years. Read on as I take you through its magical years.
3. New French Kiss - so there's a new definition of French kiss... you just hit your (probably hard-headed) head towards your lover's/opponent's chest. Read all about it and the verdict that follows...
4. More movie reviews:
a) The Last X-Men Standing - a review on X-Men 3:The Last Stand. b) Superman Returns - Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it's the overweight Abdunman (whose most pants are now out of size.... hehee). c) Fantasy adventure or fantasy love? - Forget about Lord of the Rings or even Harry Potter for a while. Here comes Capt. Jack Sparrow in his 'pirated' fantasy adventure. Also, meet up with Kate Forster and Alex Wyler as they both fall in love in front of a magical mail box that separates them two years apart.
N.B.: From time to time, I shall be posting entries which are rather religious in nature, from sources that are reliable and trustworthy, for the sake of reminding fellow Muslims ONLY. I may mention about (the wrongful) behaviours of certain people, but I shall STAY CLEAR from mentioning other religions (and I hope others can show that same respect too). In case you disagree with (some of) my points or they are somewhat less accurate, please correct me, backed be your solid evidence. Also bear in mind that mistakes come solely from my side and my side only, as a human being. And if this entry is not your cup of tea, do carry on reading other entries in this blog, as I'm sure there are those that may suit to your liking. Thank you. On Friday (16 June 2006), I attended one of the most powerful and 'fiery' khutbah Jumaat. Khutbah is more like a 'sermon', except that khutbah is an address of religious nature, delivered before the Friday prayer commences in mosques. Anyway, during that particular khutbah, I was completely awake and alert, due to the khatib/imam outlining many reminders and accurate points. After the prayer ended, I heard some dissatisfied remarks made by a couple of 'jemaah' who commented that the khutbah was longer than usual and that the khatib was a bit cynical (I guess some of the points hit them in the nose). I don't really blame the khatib for 'targeting' his jemaah like that. After all,Jumaat (Friday) prayers is the only time where men from all walks of life, income status, ages, faith level and physical attributes, come and congregate in mosques all over the world. If the same speech is delivered during other prayer times, only a certain group of people will gain benefits, since the number of jemaah/ma'mum is very much less, mainly older generation. As for the younger generation, most are busy being young and all (just DON'T say busy committing sins, will ya!), so much so that we sometimes forget to appreciate the benefits of jema'ah prayers.Actually I'm not talking about others. Look at me - there's always a movie to watch, or a person to meet, or work to be settled at the office, or a place to go to etc etc, that a Maghrib (and Isha') jemaah is more often than not, missed. Herewith, I outline some of the points from the khutbah (plus my own additional points), for the benefit of us all (including myself), especially the women folks who can't attend Friday prayers:
1. Other people have done it and chances are, so have we. After our passing, those whom we leave behind may also do it for us. A ceremony is held to pray for the souls and spirits of the dead. Village folks, friends and relatives are invited to pray together. Not that it's wrong, in fact it is very much encouraged especially if the prayer recitals are for our beloved parents. However, let's ponder this for a while. If say, during our lives, we hardly or never spend our time with Allah, how can we expect people to pray for us after we're dead?Is it fair at all? Worst still, if we hardly feel grateful for all the rahmat He has bestowed upon us. Not just that, for some, committing sins are just part of their lives, without feeling any remorse or humility. For examples;rezeki comes from doubtful or haram sources, lust for zina is fulfilled every other night, meeting the quota of having enough liquid everyday by drinking beers and vodka, ignoring the duty of paying zakat, prayers are hardly part of everyday's activities, etc. etc.
A friend has his own interpretation of "Life begins at the age of 40" and I kind of agree with him. He says, if we don't leave our bad deeds/vices behind and toss them far far away soon enough, chances are when we reach 40, it becomes very difficult and we might not be able to change at all - we become who we have been until the moment we die. This reminds me of an acquiantance, who is close to 40, married and just adopted a child, but is still berzina with girls as young as 18. Not enough with that, he even brags about with whom and how he does it with and ridicules those who try to correct him. Masha' Allah, Na'u zubillah....our lives can be snapped away any day, any minute, any second, regardless of what age. Don't change when we are 39 1/2 years, let us change NOW instead of expecting/relying other people to pray for us after we die.
2. Muslims should disassociate themselves from everything harmful and sinful. Terrorism and violence are things that have been much talked about. However, these issues are something that we may be able to refrain ourselves from getting involved in. A motivator once said - if someone wants to change the world for the good, he/she must start by changing him/herself first. If everybody does this, then automatically the world would be a better place. Therefore, for us who live in Malaysia, there are issues that are much closer to home that we need to tackle first. For a start, for those who smoke, quit NOW! There's no point in arguing whether it's haram or makruh, because facts have shown that smoking causes harm not just to the smokers themselves, but those who are close to them. That should be a good enough reason to quit... Why should continue doing something when it's known that no good can come out of it? If we dare not do other bad/sinful things, then why should smoking be any different? Media advertisements on cigarettes have long been banned in the country. However, it is 'puff-of-mouth' advertisements that are helping cigarette companies to sustain themselves. Children see examples of adults smoking almost everywhere; eventually some of them will tend to have a smoke and so the bad habit is passed on from one generation to the next.
Problems of drug addicts is another thing. Drugs don't come cheap and (rather) easily, which is why drug addicts also steal, break-in and sometimes kill. Try to ask for some drugs from any addict. Very likely, they will shove you away and say 'if you want it, buy it yourself'. Therefore, getting involved with addiction to drugs is something that you do by choice. So choose which path to walk on....
Also, there are other worrying issues like crimes, rapes, domestic violences, mat rempit, cult etc etc...
3. Just like other prophets before His time, Nabi Muhammad was faced with immense ridicule from many sides when he tried to spread the wahyu of Allah. Ever since, histories have shown that Islam and Muslims have been subjected to unfair treatment and cruelty.
It is one thing, that there are those who openly/indirectly attack us (need I quote the many obvious examples?), but it is another thing when there are Muslims who also support these groups.
I once received a disgusted look from an elderly man, the minute he heard my Muslim name, though initially, it was he who started the conversation. Luckily, I managed to reconcile myself and the least I could think of was "this is an Asian convention old man, you are not really welcomed here. So, you can take off your ugly cocky look and shove it down your throat."
I also come across a person in a forum who openly declares that his life's mission is to make people realise that Islam and Muslims should be entirely wiped out from the face of Earth. He is one of those who spread the same agenda through many different websites, blogs, publications etc. out there...
Then, there was one time in a Malaysian newsletter publication, where a non-Muslim complained about our Azan being disturbing (despite each Azan lasts only for a few minutes). His article is supported by a Muslim editor/chairman (can't recall) on the grounds of freedom of speech.
Also, beware of those; 1. who fight in the name of freedom and martyrdom - remember Osama and Bush anyone (and those who back them up)?, 2. who fight in the name of human rights, and hide their true nature under family's or own (political) reputation - remember this certain Article X anyone? Wallahua'lam...
It's been two weeks now since my wife is transferred here in K.L. Enjoying the fact that we now live under the same roof, eating the same foods (most of the time I mean, though the amount may be different - people have been commenting how my mid-section is obviously larger than other sections.... oh no), being able to send her to work and pick her up from work, building our family together etc etc.
And the facts that I enjoy the most are how my status has changed from a bachelor to a weekend husband to a full-time hubby... and how I receive a human touch to wake me up in the mornings, rather than an alarm clock, which usually fail to do so, hehe...
No... I'm not going to talk about those fucking crazy Zionist Israelis who act like dogs attacking and killing innocent people over two kidnapped soldiers (though I MAY write about it some time soon). I'm talking about the attack that many of us is susceptible to encounter - HEART ATTACK!
A few days ago, a likeable Malaysian actor collapsed in front of his 9-year old daughter at the airport due to the same cause. He was only 41 and had never reported sick before.
I enclose herewith two related articles that 1. I got from a friend and 2. a Yahoo article, though I can't really guarantee the accuracy of the articles (especially the first one). Thanks...
Article 1
HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing conscious. However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously.A deep breath should be taken before each cough, the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again.
Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital.
Article 2 Heart Attacks Often Go Unrecognized - Kathleen Doheny (HealthDay Reporter)
Cardiologists have made impressive strides in the treatment of heart attacks in recent years. But if a patient - or his or her doctor - doesn't realize a heart attack is occurring, those advances can be for naught.
Heart attacks often go unrecognized, although experts disagree on just how often. One recent study suggested that 43 percent of attacks - more than four in 10 - may go undetected when they occur, and more often in women than men. While other experts say that estimate is too high, they concede that unrecognized attacks are a problem.
On one point all agree: Both women and men need to know the warning signs of a heart attack and to seek immediate help if they suspect one. The worst that can happen if you're wrong? You'll be sent home from the emergency room, secure in the knowledge it was a false alarm. Dr. Rita Redberg, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, said, "People often ignore the warning signs of a heart attack. "Sometimes, it's a case of denial. Other times, people wrongly write it off as indigestion or stress, she said.
According to the American Heart Association, the warning signs of a heart attack typically include: 1. Chest discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and then returns. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. 2. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. 3. Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort. 4. A cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Women are more likely than men to experience such symptoms as shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Dutch researchers reported the finding that 43 percent of heart attacks are unrecognized in a study published earlier this year in the European Heart Journal. They analyzed the electrocardiographs (ECGs) of more than 4,000 men and women over age 55, all participants in the so-called Rotterdam Study.
The researchers gave the men and women a baseline ECG screening during the years 1990 to 1993, then repeated the ECGs during either 1994 to 1995, or 1997 to 2000. The imaging tests revealed that over 4 out of 10 heart attacks went unrecognized -- including one-third of attacks in men and more than one-half in women, the study said. The researchers think the results could apply to any developed country.
Redberg acknowledged that heart attacks can - and do - go unrecognized, but she said using an ECG alone is not proof-positive of a heart attack. "An abnormal ECG could indicate a lot of conditions besides heart attack," she said. Even so, she added, people do ignore warning signs and many heart attacks do go unrecognized.
Dr. Susan Bennett, director of George Washington University Hospital's Women's Heart program, said even a doctor may not recognize a heart attack, especially in women. "Physicians typically under-evaluate and under-treat women," she said.
A special report published last year in the journal Circulation polled 500 physicians online, including primary-care doctors, obstetricians/gynecologists and cardiologists. They were given an experimental case study and asked to categorize the patient's level of heart-disease risk. The authors found that women at intermediate risk were more likely to be assigned to a lower-risk category than men with identical risk profiles.
Bennett said the decision to evaluate a patient for a possible heart attack depends on the "index of suspicion. "And often, that suspicion is not high enough for women, she said. "When they [doctors] see a woman who is white, on the thinner side, they get that reflex that this is a lower-risk person," she said.
Of course, even better than recognizing a heart attack early on is focusing on preventing one. "Know your numbers," Bennett advised. That means knowing your blood pressure as well as your cholesterol levels. Focus, too, she said, on a healthful diet and a healthful weight. Aim for a body mass index (BMI, a ratio of weight to height) below 25: that's equal to less than 150 pounds for a person 5-feet, 5-inches tall, and less than 175 pounds for a person 5-feet, 10-inches tall.
The Comedy vs The Horror (updated in green: the verdict is at the bottom of the reviews)
Review rating system: ***** - 'super good' movie; don't miss it. **** - good movie; try to find the time to watch it. *** - average movie; you may or may not like it. ** - crap movie; watch only if you have nothing else to do. * - 'super crap' movie; don't watch it at all!
Note to fellow Muslims: If you do want to watch the movie(s), please still do obey your prayers and whenever possible, still strive to do so in jemaah. Wallahua'lam. Thank you.
If there was a rank on a movie with the longest tagline, then She’s The Man (STM) will definitely win, which says “Everybody has a secret… Duka wants Olivia who likes Sebastian who is really Viola whose brother is dating Monique so she hates Olivia who’s with Duke to make Sebastian jealous who is really Viola who’s crushing on Duke who thinks she’s a guy”. Quite a lengthy and probably confusing one huh? Well, maybe… not unless you’ve watched the movie.
There are many movies where character(s) in the stories switch “places”. For examples (to name a few), switching: a) genders – in Steve Martin’s award-winning performance, All Of Me (1984), spirit of a woman enters a man’s body; b) roles – in Freaky Friday (1976 & 2003), a mother and her teenage daughter inadvertently switch bodies and mayhem continues as each still needs to carry on living in each other’s shoes; c) ages – in Big (1988), a 12-year-old boy becomes a 35-year-old man after making a wish at a carnival machine. In 13 Going On 30 (2004), a 13-year-old girl who thinks adulthood is just not arriving fast enough, changes to a 30-year old successful woman the next day. The problem is, she has absolutely no idea of what has happened to her the past 17 years; d) entity – after critically injured in a car accident, a wimp Marvin (The Animal-2001) receives animal organs to rebuild him. Energized by his new parts, life is good to Marvin, until his animal instincts start taking over his body. In The Shaggy Dog (2006), Dave Douglas transforms from family dad to family dog and back again.
In STM, Amanda Bynes (Viola) voluntarily becomes her twin brother (Sebastian) and enters his school, while he is away in London. The main reason that drives her to wear a short-hair wig, dress, talk, behave and smell like a man is so that she can enter the school’s football team, and defeat her former school’s team who had unfairly dissolved all-women’s soccer team due to not enough players (sounds fair to me if you ask…)
Amanda Bynes is just amazing - you’d probably love her wit and cute face in TV’s What I Like About You, and laugh just the same, whenever she says some punch lines in Robots. Playing both Viola and Sebastian in STM, Bynes is funny, talented and ‘macho’ all at the same time.
Meantime, there have not been many Hollywood soccer movies. But in STM, the actors are pretty talented in playing the game and the games/training scenes are quite entertaining. (Rating: *****)
Just My Luck (JML) is another switch ‘places’ type of comedy. If in Freaky Friday (2003), Lindsay Lohan unwillingly switches her role in the family with her mother. In JML, her good luck charm is magically replaced with a boy’s bad luck magnet after they kiss on a dance floor. Her race to regain her luck that she usually takes for granted before, lies with the guy she is fated to meet.
Although typical, the movie perfectly targets its tween audience. However at times, the jokes are rather bland. Watch this if you like Lohan, believe in superstitions, and you understand how being a good luck charm or a bad luck magnet like. (Rating: ***)
The movie Scary Movie 4 (comedy) comes with 2 posters and 2 taglines - one that says "The funniest thing you ever sawed" featuring fingers being cut off and form the no. 4 and based on the horror movie Saw. The other says "The fourth and final chapter of the trilogy" featuring the usual type of Scary Movie poster (like the first 3 movies) where all the characters sit in rows of chairs (like in cinemas), looking so silly and funny.
Despite testing us with our understanding in words (how can a trilogy have a fourth chapter? hehe), I do hope that this is NOT the final chapter. Because Scary Movies series have amazed us with their slapstic jokes, poker-face actors, and good story lines (considering how they brilliantly combine different movies, usually horror ones to become one big joke!). Every time we watch a Scary Movie movie, it hits us with the illogical factors of some of the original movies out there and remind us how we have (enjoyed) being fooled before.
And if there is one thing that the team behind Scary Movies should be applauded for, it is their capabilities in re-creating the sets - almost a 100% accurate! Impressive...
Though not as good as the third installment, it is still an enjoyable movie. The scene on the US President at the school is a 'bushy' and funny one; the naked world leaders scene is relevant to the story; the "lightning doesn't hit the same place twice" and "what's going on?" lines are hillarious and the characters conversing in Japanese can 'help' teach us mastering the language. (Rating: ****)
In the horror movie Stay Alive, a group of teenagers (don't horror movies usually revolve around people of that age group anyway?) come into possession of "Stay Alive", a horror survival videogame based on the true story of a 17th-century noblewoman known as "The Blood Countess. However, they find a chilly connection when each one of them dies everytime the character that they play in the game dies.
The movie stars famous teen actors like the husky and lovely Sophia Bush (luckily not related to the other Bush) of TV's One Tree Hill (see my review on the TV show dated June 22, 2005 entitled 1, 3 Hill), Frankie Muniz (Malcolm In The Middle) and Samaire Armstrong (The O.C.). Story and pace wise, they are acceptable. However, acting (especially Armstrong) is not that good, and the ending drags a bit. (Rating: ***)
It's very rare for creators of original movies wanting to have their movies remade some many years down the road (usually it's some other younger chaps doing that). Wes Cravendirected the original two The Hills Have Eyes movies (1977 & 1985). In the 2006 version of the same movie, we see Wes Craven being the producer.
As I mentioned earlier, usually horror movies revolve around teenagers, especially if one after another character gets killed. It's also quite rare for horror movies to involve members of a family being chopped off before their other loved ones. Possibly because, such horrific scenes may invoke sadness to moviegoers at the same time (we don't want people crying their eyes out after watching a horror movie, do we?).
In this movie, we see the father (who played psycho killer in Silence of the Lambs), gets burned alive after being tied to a tree and head bashed violently onto car windows; the sister's brain splatter all over the vehicle after a bullet went through her head; another sister gets molested; the mother gets shot and intestine eaten; a baby is kidnapped and a family dog's inside removed.
It's a 'bloodied', gory movie (Rating: ***)
When 6/6/06 was coming, some movie makers wanted another horror movie to be remade and changed the storyline a little bit to relate the 'Anti-Christ child' to some of the current events. And so, we have The Omen (again). Many viewers can't resist the evil and cute looks that come from the young actor's eyes, Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick. However, probably, that's the only plus point about the movie. The movie fails to surpass (if not as good as) the original one. Let's see if they want to continue remaking part 2, shall we? (Rating: ***)
And so, here's the verdict: Based on 3 comedies against 3 horror movies, the movies in the comedy category wins. This is due to the following reasons:
1) You can go as wild and out-of-the-box as you want to, in making comedies. You can even make jokes on serious stuffs (as long as don't hurt anybody) and based on chilling stories. However, writers should avoid from falling into the trap of having too-much slapstick and sex jokes, that can really make people feeling sick instead.
2) On the other hand, you can only scare people a certain way, it is becoming too cliche sometimes. Ideas on horror movies can't be expanded as much, and in some stories, viewers can predict what might happen next. Also, most horror movies nowadays rely mostly on the shock factors - like a very loud sound effect/music and special effects, instead of focusing on the essential supernatural/unknown elements that make horror movies something to scream about.
Review rating system: ***** - 'super good' movie; don't miss it. **** - good movie; try to find the time to watch it. *** - average movie; you may or may not like it. ** - crap movie; watch only if you have nothing else to do. * - 'super crap' movie; don't watch it at all! Note to fellow Muslims: If you do want to watch the movie(s), please still do obey your prayers and whenever possible, still strive to do so in jemaah. Wallahua'lam. Thank you. Mission Impossible is one of those hit TV series that have made it to the big screen. The small-to-big-screen movies are either injected with some modifications, giving them some fresh new looks; or the movies actually form part of the whole TV series. Examples of such movies are Charlie's Angels, X-Files, Serenity (from the series Firefly) and yet-to-be-released The Miami Vice and The Simpsons.
In my opinion, James Bond has set the trend for other spy agent stories out there. Putting Bond's casanova and sex elements aside, similarities between Bond and other spy titles are:
1. the spies lead double lives, hiding their true profession from the knowledge of their loved ones; 2. the spies get to go places and get to use some very advanced and sophisticated gadgets; 3. they always have'sidekicks': the boss @ the master, the tech guy, the sexy one etc. 4. they always have aliases, disguising themselves as somebody else in their mission to capture or kill the most wanted and to retrieve or destroy the target.
The MI movies still maintain elements that make MI unique, like the 'trademark' music; the (process of making and wearing the) mask; and how the brief details of a mission is always stored in some gadget, which can be obtained in the most unsuspecting ways, and which will start to self-destruct after the voice decoder of the gadget warns so. However, if TV's Mission Impossible (MI) is more about working in a team, the movie is more about one man's show - Cruise show. Let's face it, MI IS a Tom Cruise movie. It's always about him getting involved with some chicks/birds (whatever you call them); Cruise carries out most of the tasks and uses his brains and brawn most of the times and also, it is always Cruise who kills the bad guys, not his team. The movie franchise propels Cruise's acting career to a higher level to the extent that when we hear another MI movie is coming out, we think of Cruise, instead of the whole MI team. Hmm.....
Back to the movie... MI 3 sees Ethan Hunt (Cruise) retired from field duties. Instead, he now trains new IMF recruits. But when his favourite student is kidnapped by a ruthless terrorist, he is forced to rescue her, only to put his life and his loved one's in danger.
Basically, MI 3 is the best compared to the first two installments (the second being the worst). The movie is helmed by J.J. Abrams, the same creator of TV's Alias series.If you enjoy Alias, you will enjoy MI 3. In fact there are a few similarities between MI 3 and Alias, including the rather comical techy guy in MI 3, who reminds me of Marshall, the techy guy in Alias. Overall Rating: ****
Poseidon is a remake of The Poseidon Adventure, a hit movie back in the 70's, lead by the then, younger Gene Hackman. In my opinion, if a movie is to be remade, we should at least wait for the original lead actor to be very old, or already passed away. In the case of The Poseidon Adventure, Gene Hackman is still 'young' and kicking, and still actively acting. If this trend continues, I guess by the time I reach the age of 50, movies in the 90's and between 2000 to 2005 like The Sixth Sense, Titanic, Armageddon or even Spiderman will be remade as well?
Anyhow, Poseidon is about a luxury cruise liner which overturns and capsizes when a rogue wave hits it. A small group of survivors become unlikely heroes and cowards when they need to overcome all odds to rescue themselves. The movie shows realistic death scenes, which are not suitable for younger viewers. In one drowning scene - it is so real, it takes my breath away, almost literally. I think the director gets the idea of how to make the scene, after seeing/playing Lara Croft's video game, the parts where Lara drowns if she doesn't get out of water on time.
The plot is rather unpredictable (surprised?), I mean with regard of who survives and who doesn't. Other than that, the special effects and the acting are nothing to shout about. Overall Rating: ****
Coming Soon:
1. Ponder these... - some lessons that I'd like to share.
2. To rude or not to rude? - KL folks (especially) are rude? In fact, KL city comes third as the most rude city folks? I do agree very much.... Hope you do too, after reading my opinions.
3. The 'CHARM'ing idiot box - The hit TV series has wrapped up its magic after 8 years. Read on as I take you through its magical years.
4. More movie reviews:
a) The Horrors vs The Comedies - reviews on She's The Man, Scary Movie 4 (it's a comedy by the way), The Omen, Stay Alive and The Hills Have Eyes.
b) Cartoons Network - reviews on Cars, Over The Hedge, Ice Age 2 and The Wild.
c) The Last X-Men Standing - a review on X-Men 3:The Last Stand
d) Superman Returns - Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it's the overweight Abdunman (whose most pants are now out of size.... hehee)
The Oxford Dictionary says "boulevard" means wide city street, often with trees on each side. As for me, "boulevard" is the path that I thread my way through in life. At times, the trees give me protection from the hot sun above. While at other times, no amount of trees can comfort me when it pours. Come rain or shine, the road continues to provide me with the journey of life until it reaches its destination.
People say I'm sweet, kind, a gentleman, caring, romantic and observant (let's just concentrate on the good attributes). I love those who matter to me, and care about things that count. I'm a Malay Muslim and proud to be one. I DON'T think Islam should be judged by those nasty followers. Islam should be judged by the religion itself; its teachings and the purpose behind them. I mean, humans will still behave like humans right? Usually, regardless of religions that they embrace. It is also in my nature to please, since I believe that TO PLEASE EVERYONE IS AN IMPOSSIBLE FEAT, BUT NOT TRYING TO PLEASE ANYONE OTHER THAN ONESELF IS A POSSIBLE DEFEAT (own quote). Apart from sharing the things I read, watch and listen to, I'd also share my thoughts and feelings, and express my views on certain issues. Last by no means least, I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM EVERYONE OF YOU OUT THERE ABOUT ANYTHING! If we knew each other 'in the previous life' and had lost contact, or we hardly contact each other nowadays, do email me or comment on my entries. Feel free to explore my blog & website (http://members.fortunecity.com/abdunmy/). Cheerio & Wassalam.
Sometimes, to boldly go (where no one has gone before) at warp speed may cause you unnecessary troubles.
Own quote, based on Star Trek
Lesson from the quote: Rushing to reach your destinations or goals may get you there fast, but may not always be the smartest thing to do!
"Note The Quote (Malay translation)"
Kadang kala, perjalanan (ke tempat yang tidak pernah ditujui) pada kelajuan maksimum boleh menyebabkan kesusahan pada diri sendiri.
Rekaan sendiri, berdasarkan dari Star Trek
Pengajaran: Terburu-buru untuk sampai ke destinasi atau matlamat hidup mungkin boleh membawa kita ke sana dengan cepat, tetapi langkah itu tidak semestinya yang terbaik!
You have to find something that you love enough to be able to take risks, jump over the hurdles and break through the brick walls that are always going to be placed in front of you. If you don't have that kind of feeling for what it is you are doing, you'll stop at the first giant hurdle.
George Lucas (Film Director and Producer)
"Favourite Note The Quote 2"
A sign in a mosque on the need to switch off handphones:
P/S: Email me if you wish to receive a "Weekly Note The Quote" newsletter, a compilation of quotations that appear here in this column or in any of my blog entries within a particular week. Please put Note The Quote in your email subject. TQ.
If you have a specific field/term to search on Islam, you can also enter your search item(s) at Islamic Web Directory, available at the bottom of an entry entitled Proofs. For your convenience in accessing the Directory, Proofs is available in "Other own (cool) stuffs" column. Thank you.
Penguin Rush
