Raw actions that put WWE to shame! Really!

The Incredible Hulk

The story continues from the dismay first episode by Ang Lee. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton), now hiding in Brazil, while searching for a cure of his gamma infection, learn jiujitsu for his breathing technique and work in a soda factory. It’s only up to fate that a single drop of his blood made it to an old man (cameo by Stan Lee) refrigerator in the state that he is traced. So the hunt began – and so we see Green Hulk again!

Then come Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth), 39 and feels that it is no fair fight for him against Hulk. Unfortunately, a mistake by the over zealous General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (William Hurt), Blonsky is transforms into a super soldier.

The round 2 of the fight is perhaps the most fun as it happens in the open area of a university and much more clearer. Of course, Hulk wins the day only to further anger Blonsky to go all the way to round 3.

Round 3 is all raw power which reminds me of how similar it is to Iron Man – a fight against the bigger version of itself. Yes, the Abomination is simply the bigger (and uglier) and stronger version of Hulk. Then on, it is all brute strength against each other!

To me, the selling point of the movie is all the strength displays (or CG) couples with all the overwhelming sounds of fist clashing, cars exploding and innocent passer by screaming! The second will be how streamlined Marvel controls over the movie is – it begins with Stark Industry making an appearance in the weapon blue print and ends with Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) inviting General to the team!

For all the raw fight, I’d give it a weak 5.5, but probably the possibilities of finally seeing everything being pieced together, it’d get notch up another .5, 6.0/10.0 from me!

Recently I’ve been comparing my experiences of movies against those on Rotten Tomatoes, I realised that though I did really enjoy the show, often than not the score on RT is pathetic at best. The reason behind this, I conclude, is the fact that it’s the information age, most of the ideas have been explored and the novelty is wearing off - quickly.

Heck, nevertheless, I think that shouldn’t be the reason why we should stop enjoying movies for what they’re - entertainment!

What do you do when you’re out of the game? Go to Sin City of course!

What Happens in Vegas

When a highly-strung stockbroker Joy (Cameron Diaz) is dumped by her fiancé, whilst laid-back carpenter Jack (Ashton Kutcher) is fired from his job, both went to Vegas to seek some thrills. Co-incident? More like faith (or in the case of a movie, script) to me! From then on, the fun began.

Before you begin that it’s just another romantic comedy, I say, yeah, it’s just another! But this time, I find most of the punch lines hitting it! The hall heard a lot more laughter as compared to the recent Made of Honor. Think it must be the performance of the two leads that were just simply adorable on screen.

First they got married under alcohol and a wild night influence, then they landed on a 3 million dollars price money, then the cheap tricks began in seeking way to make the other lose his/her claim, then to the understanding deeper of each other, respecting and comforting and supporting each other, only to lead to a betrayal that kind of made the whole show rose up to its peak! (a mouthful eh?)

All that started from the initial “I want to get out!” to “No no no, that’s my money!” to “You jerk!” to “Yes I do”, the whole show was quite light hearted.

For a light afternoon, it’s a great show. But I must say, Cameron Diaz definitely looked kind of rougher compare to the last I seen her in The Holiday. Ashton Kutcher was likable throughout as the guy that does not commit or finish.

At the end of the show, I like the message that being together is not totally of trying to be what the other wants you to be. Differences are what make things interesting in life.

I’d give it a steady 5.5, but it’s a weak 6.0/10.0 for the last joke on their friends Hater (Rob Corddry) and Tipper (Lake Bell)!

Music connects everyone. It does, doesn’t it?

August Rush

I’ve heard about this show for quite a while. First saw the trailer on Apple, later saw a flood of MSN personal messages claiming it’s the best film people ever watched, and finally I managed to catch it today on DVD. Verdict? Great, but not that great!

The story about an orphan, Evan Taylor (Freddie Highmore) who believed he could listen to the music that connected him and his parents. He started his lone journey from the orphanage to New York City. Unfortunately, he got picked up by Wizard who kind of cheat of a bunch of kids street performer.  Perhaps the only thing that was good about the meet up, was that Evan was given the name August Rush.

August, in fact, was a child prodigy. Luckily, he was picked up by the church and sent to school. Compose his very own rhapsody and was picked to be presented in the school annual concert. His parent, Louis (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and Lyla (Keri Russell) both being talented musician as they were, was having rough time of their own. Again, it was the process, twists and turns that finally brought all of them together at that very night that counts for a movie.

If you check on the response on Wikipedia, I’d agree that it’s not a show for everyone. It’s pretty bland minus all the music.  Though it was really enjoyable for me, I still think it may only worth 5.0 in the scale. Yet, it’s definitely a nice catch!

Speed racing or dirty racing? But heck it was one hella of speedy ride!

Speed Racer

Sure was fun to watch. Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch)going wild on those high speed turns and spins and jumps and heck the CGI! Superb! Words just can’t describe how well the speed was presented in the movie. The blending was perfect that it really does put modern F1 races to shame. (Speaking of which, this is the Turkey weekend.)

Then again, if we do look deeper into the story, guess it’s a dirty game out there, no matter where. Fixes and foul play everywhere. Toughest survive. But I guess the moral of the story is “Good guys still win the day!”

As for the humour in the show, apart from the speed that was readily available, I must say they were of another splendid blend. Spritle (Paulie Litt) and Chim-Chim (Kenzie and Willy) were great fun to watch, Pops (John Goodman) was interesting in holding the family together, while Trixie (Christina Ricci) was just lovable.

The Mach 5 & 6 were damn good too! Definitely put modern F1 to shame! (Oops, did I just say that again?)

Perhaps the only regret I’ve right now, after catching it on the big screen is, the disconnection that I’ve from my childhood in regards to this wonderful series. Guess I was just too young then. But heck, when the credit rolled, all the voices from the cartoon series filled the hall. Could, definitely I swear, felt the nostalgic piece in me tingling.

But guess at the end of the day, “Why do you race?” seemed to be an appropriate tie-in to almost our daily life. A great 7.5 (prolly near 8.0) of 10.0 I’d give it!

PS: Think many people didn’t like it.

It was great, but super dull on the wu-xia elements.

Forbidden Kingdom

You put Jackie Chan (Lu Yan) and Jet Li (Silent Monk) together on screen, the least you could expect was a great fight between the two. That, thoroughly delivered I must say. Apart from that, there ain’t anything great to watch!

Why? It can’t be that bad you say? Certainly it was!

First, Sun Wukong was so sadly portrayed that it did no justice to the great Sage himself.

Secondly, how the heck is everyone speaking in English? Oh, Lu Yan said “That’s because you’re not listening!”

Thirdly, that ang moh was just so typical ang moh; guess Shaolin Tiger might have served as a better ang moh beng in the show.

Fourth, all the wu-xia elements and concepts were all wrong! Going for the Imperial Exam to become a Scholar would make you an immortal? Never heard of that – never!

Oh, I forgot, this was definitely one of those Hollywood flick meant only for the Americans. I must say that was that. Guess they’ve got no Kung Fu!

I guess I’d console myself on paying the ticket only for the fight scene between the two great, and that alone would give it a high 7.5 near 8.0. Overall, a weak 6.5/10.0 from me.

The Summer (of Superheroes) 2008 began with Iron Man. I was impressed, but not blown away.

Iron Man - 2008

Tony Stark was definitely a good character to follow. Witty at all time, genius at every other corner. Heck, he was even cool when facing predicament. A millionaire weapon maker who later became a prisoner of a terrorist group, only to build himself an Arch generator to keep himself alive, and finally built the first prototype for his escape. After escaping, he realised what the world needs and how he can help it. Thus, we’ve iron man!

Throughout the whole show, it was very enjoyable to watch the character, Iron Man, being built. Tony Stark was developed, not Iron Man. All the CGs were great and definitely an eye feasta. The details are so great, that at times, I really believe such a suit can exists.

The fight scenes (of course, this is a superhero movie, there’s definitely fight scenes) were great. Though I only really enjoyed the one against the two F-22. Not the finale against the bigger prototype. Think it was just too plain and straight brute force at the end. The F-22 chase scene on the other hand was very interesting and kept me surprise at almost all times. Heck, the phone calls were one heck of a laugh!

Thought having said so much, pardon me one thing though, my initial contact with Iron Man was through some crappy animated cartoon from the 80s/early 90s. That’s all I know. Guess there’s much to learn!

Maybe next time, we’d see War Machine. This time round, 7.5/10.0. Hope it’s a good start of Summer (of Superhero) 2008!