My Movie Review - Surrogates (may contain spoilers)

 

(poster from http://wwjcvddo.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/surrogates.jpg)

Just watched it today... the DVD copies are out so we just rented a VCD copy ( i know.. lame, right?). The movie was action packed all right but not as action as Die Hard; kinda like a sci-fi action mix with a detective thriller theme. When I was beginning to get into the story, I hear someone snoring... oh it's my sister. Well, sci-fi action movie aren't her type. But come to think of it, it was kinda "plain" or kinda mediocre.. basically it was OK... but I think the ending should have more boom..

Some things I've noticed..

1. The story is somewhat similar to "I Robot" (starring: Will Smith). In both films, James Cromwell (you might recognize him as the farmer dude in "Babe") is a scientist/inventor who wants to destroy what he built..

2. The movie kinda has the concept of the "Avatar" - having controlled bodies: in this film the controlled body is the "surrogate. In Avatar, it's the avatar..

3. The movie make-up is so cool!; they made Bruce Willis unbelievably younger..

I'll give it...

7/10

Not bad... worth watching

 Cute GIFs by Anikaos.com 

Need... To.... Watch!!!

Hmm... it's been a long time since I saw a DVD movie. The reason behind it is because I'm trying to lessen my "addictiveness" in movies. But of course it's hard for me to not watch something, and I sometimes slip up.. hehe

And most of all, it distracts me from all the school work that is REALLY piling up. The biggest distraction of all is the T.V.  'coz there's HBO, Star Movies, and Cinemax.. very cool movie channels!! HBO got me stuck on my couch several times. One time when I just saw the movie line up previews, I was so hyped and never got off my seat. I was watching HBO for like 3 hours... and then I forgot to submit my assignment (shame on me).

Oh well, I'm not intending on totally removing my love for it.. I just wanna lessen it. 

 Oh and these cute animated GIFs are from Anikaos.com

bye for now...

-Aoi :)

Things I've Learned When Watching Movies

Here are the things I've experienced and learned in my lifetime of watching films. Remember, each movie viewer is unique and some tips might not apply. But most of the tips I will you have worked on my friends and family. I hope this will make your viewing experience an awesome one.

#1 Choose Your Movie Buddy

"No man is an island" and this also applies to watching your films. But there are viewing companions that can make it very annoying or worse. Watch a movie with someone that has equal interests as you, most likely, someone who also likes the movie.

My best movie buddy is my sister. We have the same tastes and we have most faves in common. We always call each other when we see movies that we love and we'll watch it together.


(picture retrieved from http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/0278/01fae1d4-a1f1-4bc5-8d22-9d66ab582ef4.jpg)


#2 It's Ok to Read the Summary at the Back

Don't worry, there are no spoilers;The summary at the back of your DVD cover doesn't tell the whole story, but it gives you enough info to know if the movie is worth watching. It gives you great chances of choosing the right movie in a DVD rental store. Other than the back of the cover, there's the internet which has more than enough info that will guide you in your viewing.

(picture retrieved from http://www.covershut.com/covers/Star-Wars-Episode-V-The-Empire-Strikes-Back-2006-LE-Front-Cover-4310.jpg)



#3 Satisfy You Curiosity

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There are times that I miss parts of movies and I always wonder what happened. And I can't help it to wonder all that time. It makes me uneasy that I don't know what happened in the story. The only option I have is to satisfy my curiousity. Might as well watch it again or read the movie plot in some website (It's your choice). Not knowing can make you go a bit crazy at one point. It's always better to find it out rather than to let your thoughts be.

# 4 Bring Back Old Times
Having a DVD copy has a purpose - So you can watch it again! Most upcoming movies don't beat the faves. Watching them the second time makes you love the movies more and makes you wanna watch it AGAIN!! and it can give you the best memories. I always go down the memory lane and cherish those old movies I love.

#5 Don't Read the Book
Most movies nowadays came from books cherished by readers. But reading the original always brings you into noticing flaws in the movie. The more you say "that's not in the book!" and "where's the funny scene from the book!?" the more you end up ignoring the art of the movie story telling which I think brings you the enjoyment. And, the more you criticize, the more your movie buddies are annoyed... worse, they might hate you for it. You don't want to lose friends over a movie, do you?

(picture retrieved from http://www.nls.uk/supportnls/images/waverley_novels.jpg)

If you've read the book already, just try to be a good movie buddy. And remember, you can't fit the whole book into a movie; there will always be differences. deal with it. (Note: I don't have anything against novels/book/book writers).

Last but not the least..
#6 Be Yourself
Always watch the movie out of your tastes and curiosity; never watch a movie because it's "In" or the new thing, and deep down you were just forced to watch it. You are forced because your friends think it's "cool" and you're afraid that they might laugh at you or consider you as the "odd" one of the group. The movies you were forced to watch doesn't get you entertained enough. If you like some nerdy-sci-fi movies go ahead and watch them; don't be ashamed. The only situation that you are actually entertained by what you are forced to watch is that you happened to like it.

This tips are only from my opinion.

-Aoi :)

If you want to read my

I Plan to Watch... (part 2)

:3Ok, this a continuation... enjoy :)

For the month of April, I might watch Kick-Ass - apparently, it's a superhero movie. (Correct me if I'm wrong) I think it's based on a Marvel graphic novel. And the trailer is like telling part of the story where a guy lives his fantasy of being a superhero. For me, it's supercool to see people livin' their dream... I am DEFINITELY curious..

(movie poster retrieved from http://www.twotalkingmonkeys.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/kick_ass_movie_poster_3.jpg)

My list of 'May' movies are Ironman 2 and Shrek Forever After... Two sequels. NICE!! I hope these two don't disappoint 'coz I'm really hyped about really wating for these movies to release. I can't wait to see the new villain of Ironman 2, I heard it's a guy with acid whips and played by Mikey Rourke. As for Shrek, can't wait to see puss on boots again (fave character), but he's FAT!? ok... I saw the trailer and he's lookin' really chubby like my cat (which is very preggy btw)

 

(movie poster retrieved from http://www.deadline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/ironman2poster.jpg )

 

(movie poster retrieved from http://www.wildaboutmovies.com/images_7/Shrek4.jpg)

My only June movie is Toy Story 3, Ok.. I admit it.. I'm a kid at heart. I grew up watching on the Toys Story movies and it still is one of my favorites . I actually predict some teens and 20+ dudes and gals will actually watch it because they probably grew up with this stuff too like ME. But of course, I won't watch it on theatres 'coz I don't want to sit with little children (hehe a bit embarrassing for me)

 

(movie poster retrieved from http://babbleon5.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/toy-story-3-poster2.jpg)

And oh, I heard there's gonna be another Twilight movie on June, but I'm not gonna watch it. No offense to the fans, I don't like it and I'm sick and tired of vamps. And, I'm not sure about the Karate Kid remake.. Jackie Chan's there... and it's suppose to be Kung Fu 'coz Jackie's doing Kung Fu not Karate

That's it for now... will post more

- Aoi :)

I Plan to Watch....

Well, there are so many movies lined up for this year and I can only choose a few. I sure hope those movies don't disappoint.

For the month of February I choose Shutter Island and Dear John. Two totally different movies will make my day (or rather month..) Both are interesting to see... Hmmm.. especially Shutter Island 'coz there's alot of mystery that surrounds the story.. as for Dear John, I think it's gonna make me cry.

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(retrieved from http://tengossip.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/dear-john-movie-poster_a.jpg)

For the month of March there's Alice in Wonderland which is Tim Burton written all over it. Johnny Depp can't get any weirder than this; I mean look at him! - He looks like a clown with a huge hat!! and with that tecnicolor bowtie... But even if he looks weirder in this movie, I'll still watch it.

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That's it for now..

I'm will post some "I Plan to Watch" movies for the month of April, May, June and so on..

-Aoi :)

My Movie Review - AVATAR!

AVATAR

(retrieved from http://www.drafthouse.com/parknorth/admin/Images/avatar-movie-poster.jpg)

This futuristic movie is about a disabled war veteran sent to an earth-like planet to help a corporation extract raw materials from it. To be able to roam the planet's savage environment, he must transfer his soul into an alien body (mixed with his DNA) known as an 'avatar'. But, as he interacts with the alien natives (the Na'vi), he soon discovers the beauty of the planet through the eyes of Neytiri (a Na'vi princess). He must now choose... whether to aid the the humans in destroying the Na'vi homeland or to protect it as if he is one of them.

Starring:

Sam Worthingtin (as Jake Sully)

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Zoe Saldana as Neytiri

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First of all, I wasn't planning to go see this movie because I was expecting it to be 'too futuristic'. But when I heard a lot of buzz about it, I became interested, and i thought maybe this movie will become a blockbuster after all. And I was right; It did sold millions of tickets worldwide.

The Effects

As for the effects, I came to a conclusion that it was one of the best I've seen. The alien characters, the landscape, the CGI action - all of it was stunning. I love how they captured the movements of the actors to make it seem real, and obviously, they worked very hard for it. The most important aspect of it was human emotion expressed throught CGI. From various movies I've seen, only a handful of 'em generated CGI that expressed believable human emotions, and AVATAR is definitely one of them.

The Story

The first thing I noticed about the story is its similarity with the disney film 'Pocahontas' where a foreigner of an uncharted land meets a native princess. Yes, it is a common story, but a story well told. I think the reason for the 'common' storyline is that it continues to appeal the audience. It's a story that's always been told and it will continue to be told later on in the future.

Mix in the effects and the story and wa La! You get a blockbuster film that needs no blockbuster actors (well, except for Sigourney Weaver). BTW, because of this movie, I have a little crush on Sam Worthington (which was awesome in this film) *giggles* It's actually the first time that I cheer for the aliens

Overall I'd give it

9/10

because it's not that perfect, but it is certainly AWESOME!!!

If you love a movie with tons of CGI and a great storyline. I recommend AVATAR...

- Aoi : )

My All Time Fave!

I have a passion for movies... well mostly from hollywood. From action flicks to romantic comedies, i'll watch 'em all as long as it keeps me entertained. For now, I'm going to feature one of my all time favorites:

Twister (1996)

(poster retrieved from http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k281/roxiebello/extra%20prints/Twister_jpg_jpg.jpg)

Starring:

Helen Hunt

Bill Paxton

Philip Seymour Hoffman

I first saw this movie when I was 9 years old in a local t.v. special. I was awestrucked when I saw the tornados - they looked very real! The first tornado of the movie was at the very beginning when Jo, one of the lead characters, was only a kid. The warnings were too late and an enormous twister is headed towards her home. His parents quickly grabbed Jo and darted toward the underground shelter. When the twister was right above them, the doors [on their shelter] were beginning to break away. Jo's father quickly grabbed the knobs to prevent them from getting sucked. The winds were just too strong; along with the doors, Jo's father got sucked and was never to be found again.

It was frightning to see a man getting sucked by a tornado. It should've given me a trauma or something since I was only 9 when I saw it, but instead, I was drawn to the film. For 11 years, I've watch Twister for numerous times and obviously I have never forgotten about it.. This Film may have been my starting point in liking disaster movies. The films 2012, The Day After Tomorrow, and Dante's Peak are definitely in my top 20 (hmm.. this gives me an idea.. maybe I should post my top 20 movies).

The movie is thrill ride and there is almost no dull moment. I recommend it for those who'd love to see examples of mother nature's fury...

- Aoi :)