50 Best Movies [I've Seen] Of The Decade: No 7. Closer

Where to begin...lets start with I love love this movie. I think it has one of the best screenplay ever...at least in my opinion...and its no wonder since its from a play which really is a form that relies heavily on good screenplay and performances...unlike movies where there are other elements like sets and locations, cinematography and special effects to distract you from the actual screenplay and acting. It really is a marvel what comes out of the actors mouth in every scene. It is just soo good. I wonder if real people actual speak such truths or such lies with such passion and edge...if they do, I haven't heard them or maybe just not as well said. And of course there's the performances...which were just amazing. There really are just four actors with very few others with speaking role (I think I only remember the one other that was the taxi driver)...so few movies have so very few characters in them...and this one manage to do so well in holding our attention on the performance of just the four. What more care I say. Closer is an excellent drama. I can watch it again and again. And below is one of my faovourite lines in the movie.

It's a lie [on a photography exhibit]. It's a bunch of sad strangers photographed beautifully, and... all the glittering assholes who appreciate art say it's beautiful 'cause that's what they wanna see. But the people in the photos are sad, and alone... But the pictures make the world seem beautiful, so... the exhibition is reassuring which makes it a lie, and everyone loves a big fat lie. - Alice

50 Best Movies [I've Seen] Of The Decade: No 6. The Bourne Triology

I am not a fan of the James Bond series, not that I've watch any of the movies in its entirety...I don't think I can really watch any from start to finish. I think James Bond glamorize the whole spy/assassin thing. James Bond being very debonair, wearing the best designer suits, and is after all the epitome of swinging bachelor with all those girls. Than there's the big box of cool toys he seem to have at his disposal. The fast cars...the cool gadgets. And wait...you have to mention his ever ridiculous mounting amount of nemesis, many of whom crave the end of the world. I know right...no wonder there's Austin Powers.

Anyhow...you might say...this is suppose to be about the Bourne movies not James Bond. But it is you see. Because it everything opposite of Bond. Jason Bourne actually looks like the everyday regular guy...except he has this amazing killer reflexes...there's nothing glamorous about what he does or rather what he used to do (remember he's a former spy/assassin who's now an amnesiac). His past life is literally getting him killed and he is constantly on the run. Fast cars, cool gadgets...and girls? Nah...you'd make do with what you can when you're on the run with the bare minimal to survive...Bourne's resourceful I'd say...a bit like Macgyver. I had never thought of Matt Damon as an action hero type of actor but he proves that he can with this trilogy. Though not like the big macho heroes of the 80's and 90's like Schwarzenegger and Stallone. No...his Bourne looks and talk like the everyday guy. He manages to humanize him with moments of emotional and physical vulnerability despite what Bourne was instilled to do.

And its not the character of Bourne and its development that is done well in the movies...its the story as well...which is extremely entertaining and enthralling how the mystery of Bourne's past reveals itself. I especially loved how the stories in Supremacy and Ultimatum were weaved together. It was not what I had expected...and I was glad I watch those two pretty much back to back. If you loved action, car chases and all those special effects stuff...the Bourne movies have all of that too....it is overall a great action movie and Jason Bourne is today's modern action hero.

GLEE Coming To Singapore

A high-school Spanish teacher becomes the director of the school's Glee club, hoping to restore it to its former glory. - IMDB.com

Finally we're getting one of the most talked about shows (I think it was critically well received too) on tv. Have you seen the the Glee trailer. Than you have too. Glee is pretty much a candy coloured drama/comedy/musical extravaganza. And they always do some fun creative perfomance of famous songs so thats always fun to see...definitely definitely looking forward to this. Glee premieres on Star World Jan 20 2010 9pm.

Out & About: DVDS

DVDs

I think I'm forgetting some that I saw in stores the past week. Anyhow these are the two I remembered. Imagine That, an Eddie Murphy vehicle. I reckon like the rest his done recently it should be horrible. Doubt me? Go ahead and check its rating on RottenTomatoes.com. And there's also Mulan the live action movie about the Chinese girl-warrior Mulan.

50 Best Movies [I've Seen] Of The Decade: No 5. Billy Elliot

Its been years since I've watched Billy Elliot. But one thing I remembered was just how good it was. Its a simple story of boy pursuing what he loves and what he's good at, despite what was expected of him, set against the backdrop of mid 80's England during the miners strike. And yet what I think, Billy Elliot does well, very similar to About a Boy is that it manages to balance the drama and comedy aspects of the story perfectly...The story has a lot of heart and very touching. And of course it has some of the most amazing performances all around notably from the young Jamie Bell playing the title role.

Out & About: DVDs...Moon, The Ugly Truth....

Amazing how 3 of the 4 movies released on DVDs the past week was just in theaters between September and October. Basically it only takes some 3 months for movies to be available on DVD. The wait has gotten shorter hasn't it? Anyhow, just released was Moon, which has gotten very good reviews...apparently the ending is something to watch for so I can't wait to seen it. Next is the September Issue about a particular September issue of Vogue which was their bestseller...somehow that got a documentary made. Then there's the Soloist...and lastly is romantic comedy the Ugly Truth. Suffice to say the only movie I care to watch from the past weeks batch is Moon.

50 Best Movies [I've Seen] Of The Decade: No 4. About a Boy

Watched it the first time some years back. I had heard some good stuff about it and wanted very much to check it out. But the only copy the video store had was on DVD, and I hadn’t had a DVD player then…so I resorted to reading the book instead (the movie is an adaptation) by Nick Hornby…which turned out, I loved. Much later, I finally got to see the movie. Suffice to say I loved it too. I thought it’s one of the best adaptations out there. And just a great movie by itself. Sure some stuff were changed but it manage to capture the very essence of the book. It has drama, its sweet, its thoughtful, its funny and it has some really good acting from the actual boy, Nicholas Hoult and Hugh Grant playing the man-child…who is probably giving his best performance here…he is just perfect in the character. I’ve watched it a few times since then and still find it really good and still funny, which is very rare.I can’t say enough good things for the movie. It is, I think a comedy with heart.

50 Best Movies [I've Seen] Of The Decade: No 3. (500) Days of Summer

I had heard a lot about the movie prior to watching it. Mostly gushings on how they absolutely loved the movie, so my expectations were high. The movie looked good, and exactly something I might like and I just wanted to love it as much as everyone else too.

And guess what, I fell for it. Its charming, its sweet, its sad, its fun, its funny and its heartbreaking. In my eyes it was just perfect movie. I loved the non linear storytelling that unconventionally starts somewhere near the very end (where we find out what happens to Tom and Summer’s relationship) and it goes back and forth throughout from the present then to the past (pretty much to explain how things came to be as it was in the present) and back to the present again…I really liked that…though I know, to some, it might appear a tad confusing…but I thought it made perfect sense. Now the movie does not exactly have a typical happily ever after ending for a love story…but wait… as the movie claims…it’s not a love story…it’s a story about love…and so it is. Because frankly I’m sick of the typical and this is definitely refreshing. My favourite scene, I have to say happens near the end of the movie, where Tom and Summer is having a conversation on a bench in a park. I loved the truths that came out… just the simple heartbreaking truths of their relationship in that scene…were just cutting…though it wasn’t intended to be malicious, but its just the nature of how truths can be.

So basically I just love love love this movie, I'm so glad I caught it when it was showing in the theaters. And I’m getting the DVD as soon as it gets a release so that I can watch it again and again. Now the commentary would definitely be fun.

50 Best Movies [I've Seen] Of The Decade: No 2. 300

Once again this is one of those movies that I was not really into watching. I had heard that it was a pretty violent flick full of big huge muscled guys looking tough and mighty…so yeah I was not the least bit interested. But…I saw the trailer one day at the video store. And I was sold. 300 must have one of the most awesome trailers ever, which basically did what it needed to do…sell the film…which it did in my case. The story is decent enough but it’s the visuals that really stand out because it is just stunning. It’s like looking at a live diorama. Though most of the best scenes were used for trailer everything else is nothing short of spectacular to look at. It had some really good slow and sped up shots. Amazing really what you can do with just blue/green screen. And I loved the sepia tone that was used for the movie, makes everything look ancient. What can I say; it’s just a fun enjoyable movie to watch.

50 Best Movies [I've Seen] Of The Decade: No 1. 28 Days Later

I’ve talked about this movie at least once on this blog. This is one of those movies that I almost didn’t watch because it simply did not seem like something that I would actually like. But it was on TV one day, and with nothing else on other channels I decided to watch it. I’m glad I did, because turns out I pretty much loved it. I was never much for Zombie flicks, but its take of the “zombie” condition which essentially is just an extreme version of an infectious virus that give rise to a murderous rage…was just done very well. It was effectively scary especially the silent scenes…remember the shots of stark deserted London and the long drive to the safe base? And of course the “zombies” aren’t the only things to be afraid off…most times during the movie you really get the depressing sense that the characters are fighting to survive when there is no future in sight…So yes, a really good movie I was thoroughly surprised with.

50 Best Movies [I've Seen] Of The Decade

Like I've said in my earlier post, I love making lists...movie lists of course. And since its almost the end of the year and the end of the first decade of this millennium, I've decided to put together a list of 50 best movies from this decade that...I've seen...because well I haven't seen everything (I have not watched There Will Be Blood, The Wrestler just to name a few) and this list is just what I consider the best...the ones I like from all that I've watched. And of course I'd like to think that some of these movies in my list are really great movies because they are and not just because I like them. Anyhow the movies will be in alphabetical order (they are not ranked) starting with titles with numbers...which means first up is...have a guess...

Random Rants/Thoughts: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and The Runaways

Read here. Yes it seems Natalie Portman is to star and produce the film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. I have read the actual Pride and Prejudice but not the Zombie spin off things. But I do think the idea of the movie sounds fun. And which character is Portman to play? Elizabeth Bennet I suppose? And who will be her Darcy? I'd love to see how the film will turn out.

The 2010 Sundance Film Festival film guide is out. You can check out here all the films that will be shown there. And with that comes the first still from the movie The Runaways starring Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart as Cherie Currie and Joan Jett respectively. I think they pulled of the look at least from the still. They look off the time and carry the air of rock stars.

Out & About: DVDs...Lots of Family Friendly Movies

I guess its because its nearing Christmas or the fact thats its the school holidays, maybe thats why we have a ton of family friendly films out the past week. Aliens in the Attic...which the title says it all...there are aliens in the attic, starring Ashley Tisdale. Then there's Bandslam with yet another High School Musical alumni, Vanessa Hudgens. This movie pretty much tanked everywhere even with the New Moon trailer premiering right before the movie. Coraline code 3 is now in stores too. Next is the documentary the Cove. One movie I will not watch...cause I would never be able to get the images out of my head if I did. Then there's the talking animals movie that is G-force, and finally I Love You Beth Cooper starring Hayden Panettiere.

Trailer Watch: Remember Me

A drama centered on two lovers whose newfound relationship is threatened as they try to cope with their respective family tragedies. - Flixster.com

Not much of a plot summary there...but this is the movie starring Robert Pattinson as a brooding young guy with a lot of teen angst...except I doubt the character is still a teen...anyhow...I'm sure the fan girls will flock to this movie. Though the story seems very much like any other privileged rebellious kid going against his parents wishes due to some sort of tragedy...pretty formulaic...the surprise really is that Pattinson actually looks good here. His acting definitely is much better than in the Twilight movies...he actually pulls off the brooding in this one. So yes I'll be looking forward to this one.

Trailer Watch: Up in the Air

So much good things has been said about this movie, and I've only just checked out the trailer. Looks good and I think I'm probably going to enjoy the movie...I did enjoy Reitman's other two flicks, Juno and Thank You for Smoking (which I much prefer to Juno). I like the melancholy in the Clooney's character monologue...and I have a feeling Up in the Air would have a tone similar to Thank You For Smoking (both featuring a main character you'd want to dislike due to their profession...a guy who fires people in the former...and a tobacco industry lobbyist in the latter). Up in the Air though will only open on 25 February 2010 in Singapore. A long wait to go.

Random Rants/Thought: Its almost the end of the year...no decade

Its almost the end of the year again...well decade too actually (how time just flies), and so its time for best of lists again. I love lists. Love reading them, love making them. And AVclub.com has come out with some the best lists so far. The have a Best of the Decade feature which covers everything from music, books, tv and movies. And their Best Films of the '00 is certainly the more comprehensive one with a list of 50 films covering films from different genres and countries too. You know what...I think I'll come out with my own list...soon. But for now check out AVclub.com Best of the Decade feature here.

Trailer Watch : The Teaser for Beastly

A modern-day take on the "Beauty and the Beast" tale where a New York teen is transformed into a hideous monster in order to find true love. -Flixster.com

Apparently this is based on a novel of the same name...one which I've never heard off. The movie stars Alex Pettyfer as the Beast and Vanessa Hudgens as the Beauty. The teaser was released a few weeks ago. Its just a teaser...so there's not much really to see other than brief glimpses of the characters. I kinda like the end shot of the teaser with the Beast on top of the highest point of bridge looking over the city. I find it very Batman/Phantom of the Opera/Vigilante-esque.

Now the movie...it doesn't quite look promising. First is the story. Maybe it works in the book but I'm not sure how they're working the part where the Beauty (a modern day New Yorker) is made to live in a stranger's house. Second Vanessa Hudgens is playing the Beauty...and she's not much of an actress is she? Third...the Beast...seriously he looks like one of the alien races in Star Trek. I mean I get that they won't make him like a half animal half man creature...but how about this...just make him disfigured...simple. Or maybe just plain plain. I mean the plain get ignored, shunned and ridiculed everyday right...that would already be a stark contrast to his previous celebrated pretty boy self.

That said...I'm still curious about the movie - still probably watch it. I'm sure the studios are hoping it could be another Twilight. So will it be a hit or will it tank...err tank I think.

Trailer Watch: Letters to Juliet

Wow does the trailer basically gives you the whole plot, from start to finish. I guess its one of those things where its not the end that matters because really in the romance drama/comedy is there really any other way to end other than the couple hooking up or breaking up...its those kinda stories where the journey to finding what or who you love that matters...ah...right.

The movie looks sweet though...I definitely like the foreign setting, very pretty. And so is the lead actress, Amanda Seyfried. She has a very charming and refreshing quality about her that makes her extremely watchable shedding her dumb doe eyed Karen Smith character from Mean Girls. But oh my, what is Gael García Bernal doing in this movie? Relegated to the "boyfriend" role who's basically in the background while his girl goes on big adventures? He seems terrible out of placed here.

Not exactly a movie I'd watch in the theaters but I'll watch it still. Rental it will be. And hey amazing we're getting the trailer some six months before the film actually opens, on 7 May 2010.

Out & About: DVDs and USB Flash Drive

DVDs

Orphan came out the past week. I've heard so much talk about the Orphan ending, I'm soo horribly curious about. Will definitely seek out to rent it. Next is My Girlfriend is an Agent, a Korean movie, which from the trailer I've seen,  seems to be a rom-com. And lastly, the season one of Fringe is now out in stores.

OTHERS

I've mentioned these USB Flash Drives before, I finally saw them at Harris at 313@Somerset. They had the New Moon one and some of the Star Wars Characters going for $59. Cute.

Random Rants/Thoughts: A Zombieland Video Game?

I just watched Zombieland yesterday. I'll talk about the actual movie later, but suffice to say I enjoyed it very much, it definitely met my expectations. Now I knew as I came into the movie there was already going to be in sequel, one that was in 3D, which I think sounds like awesome fun. But as I was watching the movie, I was thinking...this could be a great video game, injecting all the great humour that the movie has. And oh set it in an amusement park too...doesn't it sound fun already? Come on surely someone has thought to make a game of it? The premise of the movie is basically perfect for a video game spin-off.

Movie Rant: Paranormal Activity

Katie and Micah are enjoying a happy and carefree existence. Their future looks promising until bizarre events begin to occur at night. In order to get to the bottom of things, Katie and Micah purchase a video camera to find out what happens at night while they sleep. -Flixster.com

So I watched this movie last week...was it really last week it seemed soo long ago. Anyhow at first I was apprehensive about watching some "amateur" film-making with a whole load of shaky camera work...which was basically a mixed tape of scenes...and I'm not being condescending here...the movie was meant to seem amateurish, that was the point...it just means I wasn't sure I would enjoy this Blair Witch type of movie. Though I haven't even watch Blair Witch...I was fairly young when it came out...and by the time I was into movies...it was passe...apparently it hadn't age quite well.

But I could not quite pass on Paranormal Activity. It has been pretty hot thus far...being mentioned by many movie sites and blogs and receiving positive reviews at that...but surprisingly not quite so well received by local audiences here in Singapore...so I guess that's one of the reasons I watch it...if I would fall in with most of the local audiences.

Here's the thing though, coming into the movie I already knew about the ending...because some inconsiderate fellow had decided to spoil the ending for everyone on a message board without giving a spoiler warning. So there was no "what will happen in the end" thing for me.Basically I just wanted to know how it all plays out. To see if it was really that scary. So is it? Well for me it wasn't. No it was not scary for me. I wished it was. I wished it made my hair stand. But nope...I sleep pretty easily that night. Though I have to admit, during the movie, I had my hands ready to cover my face for at least two scenes...because...I just didn't like the idea of seeing a face of a demon coming at me on a huge movie screen.

Scary scenes...scary scenes...now if you're looking for major scary scenes...I think you're going to be a tad disappointed...because...it seems most of the big scares that the movie had, was already revealed to the world in the trailer…so don’t come in and expect something bigger.

So with that said. I don’t think the movie was too bad…I think I actually rather like it. Here’s what I think it did well. The back story. You know how in haunted type of stories…you always wonder why the inhabitants don’t just move out of the house…other than due to financial issues. Well you see in Katie and Micah’s case, they can’t or rather it wouldn’t make a difference…because we learn from very very early on…that the thing that’s doing the haunting…its been following Katie since she was a girl….though I kinda wonder when things started to escalate why they didn’t try to crash somewhere else that had more people. Maybe then things wouldn’t have gone down they way it did. Next is the atmosphere that was set up. Now even though the movie did not have big major scares (in my opinion anyway), it does do well in the little things. The, house, they picked a pretty good setting. Two storey, not too big not too small. There’s always a part of the house that’s out of the camera view, out of our vision, and we wonder what’s lurking in the corner. The silence. They certainly play up on the silence of house and the little sounds in the night that we hear and yet don’t see what or where it was coming from…It just heightens all your senses anticipating something to happen…magnifying all that was the use of the night vision camera. Things always look even more eerier in that perspective. Lastly is the performance. It was really good. The Katie and Micah had some great chemistry. They actually look like a real couple which was essential for the movie being what it was…it was easy to see that what we’re seeing was really some home videos of them.

Though the ending, was disappointing for me even though I knew what was going to happen. Maybe it went a little Japanese horror to me. I had hoped it was different. And from what I understand this was not the original ending…which I looked up as soon as I heard of its existence. And having read how the original ending went…I think I actually prefer it to the theatrical…hopefully it will be an extra on the dvd.

So, yes...overall a pretty good movie. A lot of people got freaked out by it...not so much me, but maybe it works better watching it alone in the dark in an empty house.