Fangirl scream for Howl! .. Howl's Moving Castle Review...

 (from http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/howl/poster_images/USA_full.jpg)

If you're wondering who's Howl, here's a picture for ya..

 

Oh and here's him as well.. with a cool hair color

Yeah.. he's an anime character from Miyazaki's masterpiece - Howl's Moving Castle. A very whimsical animated movie, as expected from Miyazaki. I know it's kinda late for me to watch this, but I got really curious and I can't help myself but watch. It didn't fell under the "Best of the Best" category, but definitely it was under the "You're suppose to watch this 10 years ago" category. Oh boy did I miss a lot in my younger years.. Anyway, It's time for me to give my review.

Here goes...

The Look.

Definitely Miyazaki written all over it. The look, the colors, the characters.. EVERYTHING! It's what we all call trademark. It really worked for me. I love how dreamy the scenery are and how magical the scenes are. I was blown away by the moving castle's animation; really sophisticated! everythings almost perfect. The only thing that bothered me a little was Sophies dress... It's so.. dull. No offense to the designers, but it was really dull. 

 

The hat didn't help.. 

Howl's outfit was fine. It wasn't too flashy, wasn't too dull either. No matter what he was wearing he ended up kinda dreamy, and with Christian Bale's voice.. WOW! it made the character sound so suave! At one point Bale did the batman voice, and I was like "whut the-?". It was a weird moment for me, but at least the voice fits.

The Characters and the Story. 

Howl... there's nothing to describing except for pure dreamy-ness and awesome-ness! He was cool! well, not for his tricks but for his dashing manner. He treated Sophie like a princess... awwwww! [like any man should do! hmp!]. I wish he was real. I'd marry a guy like that, even though he's a drama queen. 

Here's a proof that he's a drama queen..

 hahaha! so funny, but I still love him!!!!

Sophie was plain and innocent. She depicts a person who is so new to Howl's world. Even though her plainness can bore people, the movie is nothing without her. She is one of the important keys to the story.

To be honest, Howl and Sophie were pushing for the two-totally-different-people-love-team cliche; I mean pairing an overly vain guy to a fashion disaster is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Then again, if I watched this 10 years ago, I won't mind this love team cliche. And, it's not the movie makers' fault, because it's actually based from a fairly old novel. In short, the love team won't work as much as it would've been ten years ago. For me, it worked in most parts, specially at the climax, it got me hooked. Now, the villains, I love. The witch of the waste a.k.a. "fat granny", wasn't useless as I thought she would be. She was freaky but at the end turned into a poor old lady. The Sullivan lady was a wolf underneath a sheep's clothing, she was the selfish kind of evil. The sidekicks were awesome. Markl is cute and so is Calcifer. The voice actors gave good performances. Christian Bale was excellent. Emily Mortimer (as Sophie) was just OK, but didn't disappoint.Blythe Danner is the best as Madame Sullivan. Billy Crystal managed to keep me laughing (as Calcifer). Josh Hutcherson was adorable as Markl. For some anime shows, english dubs suck, but this cast was no joke! I applaud them. :)

The story was as good as the movie's art and style; very whimsical and dreamy. But similarly to what I felt in Spirited Away, the movie left me unsatisfied with some facts. As much as it impressed me, it left me with questions in my head. I realized it was the director's style to encourage the audience imagination. Good technique, but confusing [for some viewers]. Overall, the story kinda left me hanging. I wish there was a sequel. But in some sense, the story was simply beautiful.

My Rating...

7.9/10

If I were to rate Howl's awesomeness -- 10/10 hahaha!!! I officially have a crush on cartoon character.

 

Here's more of Howl's awesome-ness!.. xD

Some Movies I'm Looking Forward to Watch :D... looks like a suspense fest for me

I'm not really a sucker for suspense, but this looks fun!!!

 (poster from http://yourentertainmentnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/buriedposter-120409.jpg)

That's right. Ryan Reynolds stars in it. The funny dude just became one of those stars that went on to "greener pastures". He knows he wouldn't last just by doing only comedy, so he decides to be in action/suspense/romance films! SMART DECISION!.. Now this movie looks so sick! I heard the writer was inspired by the coffin scene from Kill Bill vol. 2. Based from the trailer it's about a guy (Reynolds) kidnapped and trapped six feet under, in a coffin. wow! talking about phobiac suspense! The plot kinda reminds me of the movie Phone Booth, but instead of a telephone booth, they used a coffin. I think Buried is gonna be so much better that Phone Booth. I just hope they don't mess up the ending.. making it too "artsy" would ruin the thrill.

NEXT..

Ok... now it's my first time posting a vampy movie.. well, it's very different than Twilight. BUT take note, I AM NOT a twilight FAN!!!!! Don't get me wrong, I somewhat hate that movie' coz they made the vampires [in the words of my cousin] "toothy-fruity".. anyway back to this next movie..

(poster from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaMMmt_9g5V9KpbJ6pDoRvSuNoIYbE8juDaUjBW4U41h7A6SXlYxqH0j94IluoaNpUZtjQbdTqdsH8ewBh1iilpPrLfvUZBaATNWFUxOFnuIqNfcMPV1ZOLuNmYEcTdr-BrrXFiALUU0/s1600/let+me+in+poster.jpg)

 Even though I chose this as one of the movies I'm looking forward to watch, I'm a bit hesitant. It's vampire movie but not like the Twilight series. the vampires there looked freakishly normal, unlike those uber pale vamps. At least Chole Moretz stars in it. After seeing Kick Ass, I was kinda impressed by her performance because she wasn't exactly acting like a kid like most actors her age. The only thing I didn't like about her performance was the fact that she cursed so much (well, it's not her fault). Anyway, Let Me In is perfect for Chloe.. makes her join the ranks of Dakota Fanning.. As I've said before.. I'm a bit hesitant, I'm just waiting for the reviews to come out. If it's too creepy, I won't watch it.. totally not a sucker for scarey stuff O_O..

My Toy Story 3 Review (some spoilers)

Like many others around the world, I grew up watching the two Toy Story films.The story, the characters and the morale of the films easily became part of my childhood. Now, 11 years after the Toy Story 2, I watched an [apparent] last installment of the franchise. But it's not just a sequel; it's one of those movies that are hard to forget, as if they are engraved into my brain. I knew this was gonna be big. And I knew, from the minute I saw the first annoucement, that I'll be watching this despite my age.

Now the first moments of the film is already a tear jerker. It was like watching a dead person's memorial video, in a good way. Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang seemed to have a bleak future, which made me glue myself onto my seat. While watching their dilemma, I became nervous because I had the feeling it's gonna be a literal end for the toys. There's still a sense of adventure in some scenes even though they didn't explore to somewhat far places that much like the 2 previous films (except the dump). Now, Buzz was the perfect comic relief for the story. We've already met the "astro nut" Buzz, but none of them compared to the Spanish-romatic Buzz! It was so funny, he's like a space dude version of Zorro. As for the new characters, all I say about the strawberry smelling teddy bear is that he's PURE evil. No kidding! See the climax and you'll know what I mean. Ken is the one that stood out. I really like his character. In fact, I was glad that he kinda joined the gang. Now for the other new characters that didn't have enough screen time (because they're too many to squeeze in), they were colorful in terms of personality. The one that really freaked me out is the worn out baby toy. He's close to Chucky from Child's Play.

The scenes the stood out
Definitely the climax. It tore me apart! It was so heart wrenching that I was crying on the inside. The toys were at a place of nightmares and when you think that you see daylight at the end of the tunnel, think again. It showed the true friendship and the reality of good-byes. The ending was priceless, I kinda expected it because previous scenes gave off obvious hints. It made me realized that I don't want it to end, but a good bye is inevitable and proper... this only shows that I suck at good byes :(

Toy Story 3 is hard to top if they're planning a sequel. I think it's better to end it right here at Woody's line "So long, Partner". It's definitely a tear jerker, it can make a grown man cry. Movies like these are very rare and they shouldn't be missed.

After watching it, I am so feeling bad for my old toys..

10/10 Perfection in storytelling

Finally...a Greek Mythology film remake!

Clash of the Titans... heard it.. waited for it.. and finally watched it..

Oh well, before even reading this blog you might've already read tons of bad reviews out there. Even right now as I write this blog, I'm seeing more popping up. I think only about 5% of the reviews had positive sides but those are only parts of the reviews not the whole reviews themselves. Even before I get to watch it, I've read some forums that reeks "Clash" haters. But the bad OPs didn't keep me from watching the film. I thought "I have to watch it before I can hate it"

After about 1 hour and 30 mins. of the film, I have now the right to say this: "hmm.. not bad". Well, it wasn't great but it wasn't as awful as they said it was. But I have to agree with some people out there, it was missing something. I'm not sure what it was missing but it was definitely missing something.. character development or maybe some extra scenes? oh well, we might never know [lol]. The thing is.. Sam's buzz cut bothered me a little, 'coz in a greek mythilogy movie, you'd expect a dude with long curly hair, but no.. a buzz cut was shown instead. Seeing it, I imagined sam jumping out of the Avatar movie set and then shooting the COTT without a gap between the two films. Another thing is that there was little (almost no) romance in it. In movies like these, one would expect romance between the hero and the girl by his side. It was a suprise to me that Perseus didn't even kiss his girl, Io. I thought "this is something different".. but it's about time we see a movie without any sex or heavy kissing in it. I'm on the wholesome side =).

I wouldn't say the acting was great, 'coz it was not great [except for Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes ~ oh.. did i spell that right?], but it did not deserve those uber hate moments that you would feel if the acting was an epic fail [and of course also from the hate OPs]. In defense to Sam Worthington's acting, I think it wasn't that bad.. I mean ~ c'mon people!! give the guy a break and give him room to grow! at least people should give him credit on the acting. Acting isn't easy [believe me I tried it].

Most comments say it was an 'epic fail'. I think it wasn't a fail. I think it was mediocre. And based from the commets I've read, a lot of people was expecting a big 'o blockbuster. I think it has something to do with the trailer. The trailer was so EPIC that the people expected an EPIC movie, thus, seeing it actually created the hate factor. Too bad, the hate factor 'infected' thousands of viewers.. viewers with blogs.. you can never underestimate the power of blogs.

curious? see the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpZ5D_Wc4cA&feature=related

Other comments i've read are just complaints that the movie is inferior to the original COTT. Well, i haven't seen the original and I don't care 'coz i hate watching old films.. I fear it might bore me to death ['coz that's what old films tend to do to me hahaha!] Focusing only on the effects, I'd say it rocked! xD now..focusing on the story, it made me somewhat interested on the Greek mythology itself. The story didn't bothered me a lot like most people out there. I liked it and I enjoyed it. It did what a movie suppose to do - to entertain. True, there are so many flaws but the movie didn't lose the adventure feel to the story. and finally... the SFX are AWESOME!!! Typing all of this down.. I feel like i'm receiving a lot of hate mail. : (. well, if I'm too kind then let me be.. and remember all of it this is just my opinion.

I'm giving it
7/10

Shutter Island - Freakiest place EVER!!!

(from http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2009/07/22/shutter-island-poster.jpg)

Just watched the movie 'Shutter Island'. From the trailer itself you can almost find out the storyline - kinda made the movie predictable. But, I watched it anyway to know for sure what was it about. It was about a cop sent to an assylum [located in a 'spooky' island] to investigate a missing prisoner (or should i say "patient", according to Ben Kingsley's character). Then the story gets into a "insane or not insane" conflict very much similar to the movie 'A Beautiful Mind', where the protagonist is confused whether he's really doing stuff or just making it up (hallucinations). Well, I'm not giving off spoilers, watch it if you're really curious.

The assylum of the island reminds me of Arkahm Assylum from the Batman. I even wondered if could find Joker there *LOL* ~ just kidding! Well, the place was freaky alright, also reminded of one of my nightmares. If I were the cop (Leonardo Dicaprio), I'd pass if I were assigned to investigate there. However, there were scenes that made the place look normal. Anyway, I find the acting good. Leo was awesome in his drama. Mark Ruffalo almost fooled me. Ben Kingsley was 'mysteriously' good. I like the flash backs and the confusion It made me think and speculate; in other words, "brain exercise".The only bad thing about the movie [in my opinion] is the annoying old style background music. Makes me wanna replace it with a mysterious-feel sound.The story was quite predictable but it gives you a little curiousity... just a little

The movie didn't wowed me. To me it was just OK - a little mediocre. it was like one of those mystery films that can make you think. But honestly, it needs something more... maybe a bit of more action. Maybe it's just me 'coz I'm a sucker for action stuff.

I give it

6.5/10

The Humans... The Prawns... and The District 9!

(picture from http://wizandchips.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/district9poster-thumb-450x665.jpg)

I just watched District 9. Before seeing it, I had a feeling it would be similar to Avatar. but actually, it's a little different but the concept is quite similar. Both movies have aliens as the "victims" and the humans as the "bad people", and both have a human as hero for the aliens. The obvious difference is that District 9 has more scenes that you could literaly throw up once you see 'em ~ gorey, bloody.. ewww.. you know what I mean when you get to see it. Similarly to Avatar, you'll feel sorry for the "prawns" [or aliens]. This movie made me forget the eye-candy on Avatar O_O..

Watch the trailer here


I gotta say.. the effects are jaw dropping. The story is good. The actors are believable. It deserved to be mentioned in the Oscars. Without the good-story element, the movie might've been just another disgusting sci-fi stuff; It's definitely weird but it's the story worked for me. I find the kid "prawn" cute!

I'll give it

8.5/10

Put the yuckie scenes aside and you'll see a great story

I can't get enough of batman!!! xD

A friend of mine showed me 2 of her FMVs, both have clips from Nolan's batman movies. I've been wanting to make some [AMVs/FMVs] for years, but I wasn't able to find a character, theme, anime or movie to work on. Now I found the perfect character - Batman!!!

Here's my very first FMV/AMV!!



althought it turned out to be looking like a trailer (not what i want it to look like) it's still my treasured art.

I'll be making more FMVs or AMVs on different themes or characters

- Aoi :)