tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77211721003209404892024-03-06T13:32:38.853+08:00GOLLUMPUSa blog mostly about movie reviews as well as other interesting things.Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-51563185988023547692017-03-02T05:50:00.001+08:002017-03-02T05:50:37.793+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: LOGAN (2017)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLCB2BBd5FXOitLq82HI7Ldi_GCvYFuamCzb4u7qZwpJoFVzxo6d79W1Bt4X-4Qg1fbzN4qHu6o7dDikeirr94tvTIokO84eGM_7vXyWv4qpSlH37GG46pcbVavVqkvlIgehezNrLytk/s1600/LOGAN+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLCB2BBd5FXOitLq82HI7Ldi_GCvYFuamCzb4u7qZwpJoFVzxo6d79W1Bt4X-4Qg1fbzN4qHu6o7dDikeirr94tvTIokO84eGM_7vXyWv4qpSlH37GG46pcbVavVqkvlIgehezNrLytk/s640/LOGAN+Poster.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>From <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3315342/">IMDB</a>:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Storyline</b></span></div>
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In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces.</div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt3315342" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3315342/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Logan (2017) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3315342/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">73</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3315342/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3315342/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">27 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3315342/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">148 critic</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From Rotten Tomatoes:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MOVIE INFO</span></b></div>
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It's 2029. Mutants are gone--or very nearly so. An isolated, despondent Logan is drinking his days away in a hideout on a remote stretch of the Mexican border, picking up petty cash as a driver for hire. His companions in exile are the outcast Caliban and an ailing Professor X, whose singular mind is plagued by worsening seizures. But Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy abruptly end when a mysterious woman appears with an urgent request--that Logan shepherd an extraordinary young girl to safety. Soon, the claws come out as Logan must face off against dark forces and a villain from his own past on a live-or-die mission, one that will set the time-worn warrior on a path toward fulfilling his destiny.</div>
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Rating: R (for strong brutal violence and language throughout, and for brief nudity)</div>
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Genre: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=1">Action & Adventure</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=9">Drama</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=14">Science Fiction & Fantasy</a></div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/james_mangold">James Mangold</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/james_mangold">James Mangold</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/scott_frank">Scott Frank</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/michael-green">Michael Green</a></div>
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In Theaters: Mar 3, 2017 Wide</div>
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Runtime: 135 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/logan">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/logan_2017/#contentReviews">93%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 8/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 100</div>
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Fresh: 93</div>
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Rotten: 7</div>
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Critics Consensus: Hugh Jackman makes the most of his final outing as Wolverine with a gritty, nuanced performance in a violent but surprisingly thoughtful superhero action film that defies genre conventions.</blockquote>
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WANT TO SEE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/logan_2017/#audience_reviews">99%</a> <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/logan_2017/#audience_reviews">want to see</a></div>
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User Ratings: 33,326</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SUQ4hUQk2XCMOhfGPFx7nRBruDYbbi_SQLxgMg4Vxw3kvOIsKpjOoDLfeLE39UlpjjVUMV6_7U3nQlNW0CiXfD7KREVTMqQeSw_5iCzUqGHONOfzwCI9Z9j0iKwiXljfPnZvNTpZMsk/s1600/LOGAN02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SUQ4hUQk2XCMOhfGPFx7nRBruDYbbi_SQLxgMg4Vxw3kvOIsKpjOoDLfeLE39UlpjjVUMV6_7U3nQlNW0CiXfD7KREVTMqQeSw_5iCzUqGHONOfzwCI9Z9j0iKwiXljfPnZvNTpZMsk/s640/LOGAN02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is Old Man Logan. He's a chauffeur trying to make enough to buy a boat... ©<a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">This is not the Wolverine you know...</span></b></div>
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Okay, at least not based on the Wolverine you've seen in the previous X-Men movies at least. So, Logan, the last and final movie that <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0413168/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Hugh Jackman</a> will play Wolverine. This news has disappointed a lot of people and that's quite understandable. Jackman's Wolverine is one of those rare moments when an actor perfectly cast in a role. The first time anyone saw Mr. Jackman as Wolverine that was the moment the standard for Wolverine in a movie was set. Mr. Jackman is the only constant and the only good thing in every X-Men movie ever made. The only other good things are <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001772/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Patrick Stewart</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005212/?ref_=nv_sr_2">Ian Mckellen</a>, and maybe <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000932/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Halle Berry </a>but they weren't in every X-Men movie. Wolverine has been in most of them if not all including the reboots that introduced us to the younger versions of the X-Men that we are familiar with. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dtT5QpGgGw0Ge2wTpJAyFMxbzpX1tCSG8afertXS5KwR7hUakN71ONz29kXGBl08yzDGQ7QUNwgozFAMoTRPkWynKbZYmEF1W9XQb1OcG6TloDLhGXjsKshWj37CzzhyphenhyphenZl6LVzvEfP8/s1600/LOGAN06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dtT5QpGgGw0Ge2wTpJAyFMxbzpX1tCSG8afertXS5KwR7hUakN71ONz29kXGBl08yzDGQ7QUNwgozFAMoTRPkWynKbZYmEF1W9XQb1OcG6TloDLhGXjsKshWj37CzzhyphenhyphenZl6LVzvEfP8/s640/LOGAN06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this is Old Man Xavier. His mind isn't what it used to be. Something bad happened and he hasn't been the same... <span style="text-align: center;"> ©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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So since you already know that this is the last time you'll see Wolverine you probably also know that the story takes place sometime in the future and that Logan is an old man and that his only other companion is an even older Prof. Xavier. They are living in hiding, They are possibly the last of the X-men. The last mutants. Until one day when a little girl comes into their lives and they discover that she is very much like Logan. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwP2-xEZx9JyL6UPUoUj6jEd6B78XXB76bnzddSqU92VJQPmFmi4MZtTK08mqfrP_G_Dma2KneWfyrsdKXGTj__QK2LjmoiYnky-ZFqGWzq9O-dJ5Zis7_DIeQgYilUdBHtvxOnMTuVg/s1600/LOGAN07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwP2-xEZx9JyL6UPUoUj6jEd6B78XXB76bnzddSqU92VJQPmFmi4MZtTK08mqfrP_G_Dma2KneWfyrsdKXGTj__QK2LjmoiYnky-ZFqGWzq9O-dJ5Zis7_DIeQgYilUdBHtvxOnMTuVg/s640/LOGAN07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You've seen the trailers, right? So you know what she hand in her hands before this... <span style="text-align: center;"> ©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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So here's what I like...</div>
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<li>The story. Just so different that what we've been given from the X-Men franchise, even when compared to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1430132/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_3">The Wolverine</a> (2013) movie that was also directed by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003506?ref_=tt_ov_dr">James Mangold</a>. What was explored in that movie is taken even further and in a more personal and darker direction. In this movie you really get to know who Logan is and what a lifetime of being a mutant and having to fight because of it has done to him. And you also get to see a different side of Prof. Xavier too. A more human side and a very frail side. And to give you an example of how different this movie is to every other X-Men movie is, the first words you hear Logan say is, F*ck. </li>
<li>The cast. Totally amazing. We're so used to seeing and expecting Wolverine and Prof Xavier a certain way that seeing them the way they are in this one is somewhat jarring but a welcome one. We finally get to see the human side, the real world side of them and how Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart show us who these characters are after a lifetime of fighting and finally losing is is just amazing. You will be moved. And <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm6748436/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Dafne Keen</a> who plays Laura or X-23 is just as amazing. She doesn't say much but she says volumes.</li>
<li>The visuals. It looks completely different not only from all the other X-Men movies but even when compared to The Wolverine. It looks like an indie drama. It's beautifully done. As is the action sequences. There's little special effects in this one but that's primarily because there aren't that many mutants with special abilities but you don't miss it. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdMjOimIah3AOvWq83YYKtRSneingu5rq6AqngeYayKPowyJWKUrENUPWy9LPlFPEDnlvX-8-EHj0jYjcjli0yP-i-s1kCgjnHyvB4GdfvLhew6swYsn7_ASVpI1iE4LOC5_kCKCpRCQ/s1600/LOGAN08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdMjOimIah3AOvWq83YYKtRSneingu5rq6AqngeYayKPowyJWKUrENUPWy9LPlFPEDnlvX-8-EHj0jYjcjli0yP-i-s1kCgjnHyvB4GdfvLhew6swYsn7_ASVpI1iE4LOC5_kCKCpRCQ/s640/LOGAN08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Those claws don't belong to Laura... <span style="text-align: center;"> ©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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This was such an amazing film and so unlike all the other X-Men films, in fact when compared to other Marvel or even DC superhero films. It's the first time where you see a character especially a superhero character look so different from what you know them to be. A more human side. This movie is essentially a drama with a familiar X-Men in it. And it's good. I'm hoping that this is the beginning of a trend in a way. I'm giving Logan a solid 4.3 out of 5.</div>
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Check out the final trailer below. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VHilK6b0Trs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VHilK6b0Trs?feature=player_embedded" width="600"></iframe></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A GREAT BIG THANKS TO <a href="http://klips.my/">KLIPS.MY</a> AND <a href="https://www.facebook.com/foxmovies.my/">20th CENTURY FOX MALAYSIA</a> FOR THE PREVIEW PASSES! </span></b></div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-87161179880489402632017-03-02T03:51:00.000+08:002017-03-02T03:51:57.197+08:00QUICK REVIEW: HACKSAW RIDGE (2016)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lUSn-hix4FXStCapw6XsvlTAZ2i_EsdH2fkTFrnAl54y-SStJb32dJ4LC5EFdOyWyxA-Xk6n6pxFa2_norfC4Hi97bzD0JGXY10oknPBfmwJ6yopRO2-6Zge0auRa7LEuUFDT7tnXEU/s1600/Hacksaw+Ridge+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lUSn-hix4FXStCapw6XsvlTAZ2i_EsdH2fkTFrnAl54y-SStJb32dJ4LC5EFdOyWyxA-Xk6n6pxFa2_norfC4Hi97bzD0JGXY10oknPBfmwJ6yopRO2-6Zge0auRa7LEuUFDT7tnXEU/s640/Hacksaw+Ridge+Poster.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2119532/">IMDB</a>:</span></b></div>
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The true story of Desmond Doss, the conscientious objector who, at the Battle of Okinawa, won the Medal of Honor for his incredible bravery and regard for his fellow soldiers. We see his upbringing and how this shaped his views, especially his religious view and anti-killing stance. We see Doss's trials and tribulations after enlisting in the US Army and trying to become a medic. Finally, we see the hell on Earth that was Hacksaw Ridge.</div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt2119532" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2119532/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Hacksaw Ridge (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2119532/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">71</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2119532/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2119532/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">425 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2119532/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">390 critic</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hacksaw_ridge/">Rotten Tomatoes</a>:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MOVIE INFO</span></b></div>
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HACKSAW RIDGE is the extraordinary true story of Desmond Doss [Andrew Garfield] who, in Okinawa during the bloodiest battle of WWII, saved 75 men without firing or carrying a gun. He was the only American soldier in WWII to fight on the front lines without a weapon, as he believed that while the war was justified, killing was nevertheless wrong. As an army medic, he single-handedly evacuated the wounded from behind enemy lines, braved fire while tending to soldiers and was wounded by a grenade and hit by snipers. Doss was the first conscientious objector to ever earn the Congressional Medal of Honor.</div>
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Rating: R (for intense prolonged realistically graphic sequences of war violence including grisly bloody images)</div>
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Genre: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=1">Action & Adventure</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=9">Drama</a></div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/mel_gibson">Mel Gibson</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/robert_schenkkan">Robert Schenkkan</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/andrew_knight">Andrew Knight</a></div>
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In Theaters: Nov 4, 2016 Wide</div>
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On DVD: Feb 21, 2017</div>
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Box Office: $66,935,525.00</div>
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Runtime: 139 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.hacksawridge.movie/">Summit Entertainment</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hacksaw_ridge/#contentReviews">86%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 7.2/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 222</div>
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Fresh: 192</div>
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Rotten: 30</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Critics Consensus: Hacksaw Ridge uses a real-life pacifist's legacy to lay the groundwork for a gripping wartime tribute to faith, valor, and the courage of remaining true to one's convictions.</blockquote>
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AUDIENCE SCORE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hacksaw_ridge/#audience_reviews">92%</a> <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hacksaw_ridge/#audience_reviews">liked it</a></div>
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Average Rating: 4.4/5</div>
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User Ratings: 45,938</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVfE1ZlikBP1KtV-tDk2gmlEYvz5XEZG2nuvHO92ApNBFx2cxaTP9QlkR46yIt8rXdu5WgwNxTWAxwciZ6FCNfI_v-KRnR490KD9gxmTIY8zczynG18ge-wf76Yv7fQe2VRFAeLV1NpQ/s1600/Hacksaw+Ridge+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVfE1ZlikBP1KtV-tDk2gmlEYvz5XEZG2nuvHO92ApNBFx2cxaTP9QlkR46yIt8rXdu5WgwNxTWAxwciZ6FCNfI_v-KRnR490KD9gxmTIY8zczynG18ge-wf76Yv7fQe2VRFAeLV1NpQ/s640/Hacksaw+Ridge+01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Man wanted to be a doctor and help people so bad he went to war for it... ©<a href="http://www.lionsgate.com/">Summit Entertainment</a></div>
<br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Basically this decades' Saving Private Ryan...</span></b></div>
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Here's another movie that's been out months and one that I also saw a while ago but like the LEGO Batman movie review I just posted up, I'm just getting round to putting a review about it. Again, you've probably already seen and heard everything about it and maybe even saw when it won 2 Oscars recently. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ei_E2NUwpkFUfjHMyl44Qa8Qyk4QQ9cgY9407TR-5ouggiPY6_xfNI8NKM84JzwqeS1gDnlIFtRXcVtMn8-4DkbhLuOq3RH83p-H8mGxL1M0ptsNG-FdxJfo00L9UAgC8M0SudPxlP4/s1600/Hacksaw+Ridge+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ei_E2NUwpkFUfjHMyl44Qa8Qyk4QQ9cgY9407TR-5ouggiPY6_xfNI8NKM84JzwqeS1gDnlIFtRXcVtMn8-4DkbhLuOq3RH83p-H8mGxL1M0ptsNG-FdxJfo00L9UAgC8M0SudPxlP4/s640/Hacksaw+Ridge+02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This man is a literal real-life superhero...<span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.lionsgate.com/" style="text-align: center;">Summit Entertainment</a> </div>
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Anyway, here's what I like about it...</div>
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<li>The story. An amazing story. An although it isn't exactly the way it actually happened how it's laid out for you is beautiful. You get who Desmond Doss is. You get his motivations. And you admire his determination. Oh, and if you want to see how the movie and the real story differs you can either read about <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Doss">Desmond Doss</a> on the wikipedia page about him or about the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Okinawa">Battle of Okinawa</a> which is where the movie takes place. You can also go to <a href="http://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/hacksaw-ridge/">HistoryVsHollywood.com</a> and read about how it compares according to them. </li>
<li>The cast. All of them do a heck of a good job, especially <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1940449/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Andrew Garfield</a>. The only person that I just had a hard time believing was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000681/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t33">Vince Vaughn</a>, just hard to believe his character as the drill sergeant.</li>
<li>The action. When it gets going it is incredible, incredible visually. The realism, the gore and violence is unlike any other movie that I can remember but it doesn't take away from the core of the story. If anything it makes what Desmond has to go through and his determination to stick to his principles even more incredible.</li>
<li>The visuals. As I mentioned before it is gory and violent and incredibly realistic. The camera work throughout all this is just brilliant. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnF3k61B_FdSVIWwJhGwTf7fx3N86rXVRIeufifx76evzJ8BnxbOlEQCFB68mwaqkOVL556Py6RufIM20ZP0bZoc4JrvwzvaP2Y_qSA1AAkSCZcq8UFm4-Wyapsm7jJHb89Iq6WDYUCzk/s1600/Hacksaw+Ridge+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnF3k61B_FdSVIWwJhGwTf7fx3N86rXVRIeufifx76evzJ8BnxbOlEQCFB68mwaqkOVL556Py6RufIM20ZP0bZoc4JrvwzvaP2Y_qSA1AAkSCZcq8UFm4-Wyapsm7jJHb89Iq6WDYUCzk/s640/Hacksaw+Ridge+03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When you don't believe in violence and won't carry a gun but the other men won't go into battle without you... <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.lionsgate.com/" style="text-align: center;">Summit Entertainment</a></div>
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Overall, Hacksaw Ridge is one of those movies that will probably be talked about for awhile. It'll definitely rekindle interest in what happened during the pacific theatre of World War II and in who Desmond Doss is. I wrote in the title that Hacksaw Ridge is this decades Saving Private Ryan but there's a difference, Saving Private Ryan was partly based on a true story but in the real story there wasn't a band of men sent to save him, what happened instead was that the last surviving brother was informed that all of his brothers had been killed in the war and that the army was sending him home. Hacksaw Ridge on the other hand aside from certain details omitted or changed to suit the telling of the story in film it's basically all there, or at least the key parts of it. </div>
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Regardless of what cinematic and story-telling license the writers took to make it fit into the film medium it's still a very good story and an amazing one. I'm giving it a solid 4.5 out of 5.</div>
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Here's a trailer for Hacksaw Ridge. </div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-70847398099056759042017-03-02T02:56:00.001+08:002017-03-02T05:52:22.024+08:00QUICK REVIEW: THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (2017)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrMqPqFpKGUR7D1ivRXKk8msEkKzy-g0LJ7bdhUh-HwbRt3JxKMakboA5sYQLFdmjBWlieuqBzvppQqn2JR0g6bn9Kp_mV0T7y_ubXeISX4iRouXThQbnBNLrcdm-MONDr93YeullmVs/s1600/The+LEGO+Batman+Movie+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrMqPqFpKGUR7D1ivRXKk8msEkKzy-g0LJ7bdhUh-HwbRt3JxKMakboA5sYQLFdmjBWlieuqBzvppQqn2JR0g6bn9Kp_mV0T7y_ubXeISX4iRouXThQbnBNLrcdm-MONDr93YeullmVs/s640/The+LEGO+Batman+Movie+Poster.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4116284/">IMDB</a>:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Storyline</span></b></div>
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There are big changes brewing in Gotham City, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker's hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.</div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt4116284" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4116284/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="The LEGO Batman Movie (2017) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" /> </a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4116284/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">75</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4116284/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4116284/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">137 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4116284/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">272 critic</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_lego_batman_movie/">Rotten Tomatoes</a>:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MOVIE INFO</span></b></div>
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In the irreverent spirit of fun that made "The LEGO (R) Movie" a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble - LEGO Batman - stars in his own big-screen adventure: "The LEGO (R) Batman Movie." But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker's hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.</div>
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Rating: PG (for rude humor and some action)</div>
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Genre: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=1">Action & Adventure</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=2">Animation</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=6">Comedy</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=11">Kids & Family</a></div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/chris_mckay">Chris McKay</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/seth_grahame_smith">Seth Grahame-Smith</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/chris_mckenna">Chris McKenna</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/erik_sommers">Erik Sommers</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jared_stern">Jared Stern</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/john_whittington_2">John Whittington</a></div>
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In Theaters: Feb 10, 2017 Wide</div>
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Box Office: $133,214,675.00</div>
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Runtime: 90 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.legobatman.com/">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_lego_batman_movie/#contentReviews">91%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 7.5/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 212</div>
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Fresh: 193</div>
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Rotten: 19</div>
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Critics Consensus: The Lego Batman Movie continues its block-buster franchise's winning streak with another round of dizzyingly funny -- and beautifully animated -- family-friendly mayhem.</blockquote>
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AUDIENCE SCORE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_lego_batman_movie/#audience_reviews">84%</a> <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_lego_batman_movie/#audience_reviews">liked it</a></div>
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Average Rating: 4/5</div>
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User Ratings: 29,283</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26nhZPGAK60fDrti6KBXoKNoe3FXEZ4XKaAsm3TZkGVDu443snqSQZ955dXlXVsZqCpxvbmB8dbk-SorW7xvUi6KEWXt9vrNPJaTGLRme-uncn7cffKLuTaZKF5QuZeDbDojDhAZE-fk/s1600/LEGO+Batman+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26nhZPGAK60fDrti6KBXoKNoe3FXEZ4XKaAsm3TZkGVDu443snqSQZ955dXlXVsZqCpxvbmB8dbk-SorW7xvUi6KEWXt9vrNPJaTGLRme-uncn7cffKLuTaZKF5QuZeDbDojDhAZE-fk/s640/LEGO+Batman+01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the first Batman movie that has bothered to explain why Robin is dressed the way he is... ©<a href="http://www.warnerbros.com/">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">It's a LEGO movie, it's a BATMAN movie...</span></b></div>
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I know this movie came out a long time ago and the truth is I saw it a long time ago too, saw it the week it opened actually but I'm only getting to blog about it now. By now you've probably already seen it, know what it's all about and also know that it went over really well, so now I'll share with you my two cents about it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_4uI3q2VE4ssZB-WJzVGw_DYhIK-dWu4_1wQPzgNlT-WgT6xOAyg0Vb92J8uzwwhyphenhyphen4K6_n0NpW5IwCkPUAAAXeO0FlCHTFqd4N_k5NZ1P-MTfghywIIB25hV0zZ_ny79O0lc3xb31Go/s1600/LEGO+Batman+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_4uI3q2VE4ssZB-WJzVGw_DYhIK-dWu4_1wQPzgNlT-WgT6xOAyg0Vb92J8uzwwhyphenhyphen4K6_n0NpW5IwCkPUAAAXeO0FlCHTFqd4N_k5NZ1P-MTfghywIIB25hV0zZ_ny79O0lc3xb31Go/s640/LEGO+Batman+02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And finally we know why Batman is always on his own... ©<a href="http://www.warnerbros.com/">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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<li>The story, I like it. Struck a nice balance between what a LEGO movie should be and what a Batman movie should be. </li>
<li>The animation. It's not bad. It doesn't seem as polished as the first LEGO movie but it isn't noticeable.</li>
<li>The cast. On this one, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004715/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Will Arnett</a> really does steal the show but he's beautifully supported by the rest.</li>
<li>The pace. Directed by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003021?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Chris McKay</a> who also worked on <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0437745/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_4">Robot Chicken</a> it is relentless just like the TV show that he worked on.</li>
<li>Loved all the cameos, easter eggs and references to other Batman movies, etc. </li>
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All in all, I enjoyed it just like a lot of people out there. I'm giving it a solid 3.7 out of 5.</div>
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Here's the final trailer just for fun.</div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-82494698028450326022017-01-26T04:10:00.001+08:002017-01-27T14:23:53.188+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: LA LA LAND (2016)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6URUd6bBYJck9GCfGWNL6fg-RuAJd7RiH-wZ18At1VDNqywPYBGut0twLWbBQzHMsPR1Inp6L4lmN3Li-EiYS9_f7U_FqUWgRBj_BO-32aFGb7LT58Sqde0nfkEMdbrJrdhaCIL-foNk/s1600/La+La+Land+02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6URUd6bBYJck9GCfGWNL6fg-RuAJd7RiH-wZ18At1VDNqywPYBGut0twLWbBQzHMsPR1Inp6L4lmN3Li-EiYS9_f7U_FqUWgRBj_BO-32aFGb7LT58Sqde0nfkEMdbrJrdhaCIL-foNk/s640/La+La+Land+02.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">From <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3783958/">IMDB</a>:</span></b></span></div>
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Mia, an aspiring actress, serves lattes to movie stars in between auditions and Sebastian, a jazz musician, scrapes by playing cocktail party gigs in dingy bars, but as success mounts they are faced with decisions that begin to fray the fragile fabric of their love affair, and the dreams they worked so hard to maintain in each other threaten to rip them apart.</div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt3783958" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3783958/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="La La Land (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" /> </a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3783958/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">93</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3783958/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3783958/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">518 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3783958/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">431 critic</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">From <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/la_la_land/">Rotten Tomatoes</a>:</span></b></span></div>
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Written and directed by Academy Award (R) nominee Damien Chazelle, LA LA LAND tells the story of Mia [Emma Stone], an aspiring actress, and Sebastian [Ryan Gosling], a dedicated jazz musician, who are struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts. Set in modern day Los Angeles, this original musical about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams.</div>
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Rating: PG-13 (for some language)</div>
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Genre: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=6">Comedy</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=9">Drama</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=12">Musical & Performing Arts</a></div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/damien_chazelle">Damien Chazelle</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/damien_chazelle">Damien Chazelle</a></div>
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In Theatres: Dec 9, 2016 Limited</div>
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Box Office: $89,758,080.00</div>
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Runtime: 128 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.lalaland.movie/">Liongate Films</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/la_la_land/#contentReviews">93%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 8.7/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 305</div>
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Fresh: 283</div>
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Rotten: 22</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Critics Consensus: La La Land breathes new life into a bygone genre with thrillingly assured direction, powerful performances, and an irresistible excess of heart.</blockquote>
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AUDIENCE SCORE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/la_la_land/#audience_reviews">87% liked it</a></div>
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Average Rating: 4.3/5</div>
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User Ratings: 43,401</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXc1KgVjXJdDMWeGMMR8VDihfjC-Su7zbB9yKv3U4xMVa8Sw1zDZoZZLr_zGbS6N1Y5qBDqQCKRkgwTX0bOnw-qyPiLQZABnQii0ZP7TqFUgn3OBShmwMyuxtYT8dDEehI9mPJGcepho/s1600/LaLaLand03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXc1KgVjXJdDMWeGMMR8VDihfjC-Su7zbB9yKv3U4xMVa8Sw1zDZoZZLr_zGbS6N1Y5qBDqQCKRkgwTX0bOnw-qyPiLQZABnQii0ZP7TqFUgn3OBShmwMyuxtYT8dDEehI9mPJGcepho/s640/LaLaLand03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Didn't I see this same scene in The Nice Guys? Nope, I guess not. ©<a href="http://www.lionsgate.com/">Summit Entertainment</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From the man who brought you the intense story of a young man trying to become a jazz drummer...</span></b></div>
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So, La La Land. This movie was just announced to have received no less than 14 Oscar nominations but it has already gotten 182 nominations for other awards and won a total of 134 of them. That's pretty impressive when you consider that for most of the world we just found out and saw this movie starting from a little over a month ago. Written and directed by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3227090?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Damien Chazelle</a> who also wrote and directed the 2014 surprise hit that was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2582802/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Whiplash</a>. The surprising thing is that La La Land was supposed to be made first before Whiplash but as the Chazelle was relatively unknown then and the script proved a little too difficult to bring to life, Whiplash was made instead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSsrn4R86B6BevwLtRZR-WyYaBbscjms72HTGCD2SJo5fZs6zCRjbizuR6-wqHVyrUce3LCtJFpokgNbTvtJ4e9-c5yAVBokogG1ghaUSJUccgGOHPaK9SApkORaZD1KyjUkpPeXcmCQ/s1600/LaLaLand14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSsrn4R86B6BevwLtRZR-WyYaBbscjms72HTGCD2SJo5fZs6zCRjbizuR6-wqHVyrUce3LCtJFpokgNbTvtJ4e9-c5yAVBokogG1ghaUSJUccgGOHPaK9SApkORaZD1KyjUkpPeXcmCQ/s640/LaLaLand14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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How often do you do a swishy dance when you get dragged to a party? <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.lionsgate.com/" style="text-align: center;">Summit Entertainment</a></div>
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Whiplash was a simple story but was so intense and brilliantly told and the music heightened that intensity. La La Land is at the other end of the spectrum. It's a Rom-Com coated in a quirky musical that pays homage to all of the musicals from the 40's and 50's, those movies with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Astaire">Fred Astaire</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Kelly">Gene Kelly</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger_Rogers">Ginger Rogers</a> and the ones by made by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busby_Berkeley">Busby Berkeley</a>. But they aren't as elaborate or as grand, except of course for that last one. But they are just as entertaining to watch. And underneath all that colourful choreography is a solid soundtrack that is heavily influenced by jazz.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGC2aaRq0EKjTkW09HKBQmwPWH0DtXIbPQzNWH4Vv40m57NTBbcAws-_ZBk6X2Ps3cz0nMmai_esJ93IBWF8thPIFqxF_fLp-eSTTLO0nqrvcbO24tFLfNEJfz2Yr76TTXpBZg_hAs00w/s1600/LaLaLand05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGC2aaRq0EKjTkW09HKBQmwPWH0DtXIbPQzNWH4Vv40m57NTBbcAws-_ZBk6X2Ps3cz0nMmai_esJ93IBWF8thPIFqxF_fLp-eSTTLO0nqrvcbO24tFLfNEJfz2Yr76TTXpBZg_hAs00w/s640/LaLaLand05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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How often do first meetings go so well that you end up doing a dance together? I know it happens a lot in Bollywood films too. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.lionsgate.com/" style="text-align: center;">Summit Entertainment</a></div>
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The story is pretty simple, a struggling actress meets and equally struggling jazz musician who dreams of buying an old jazz club and turning it into his own dream jazz club. They meet much like in any other Rom-Com, bumping into each other in unlikely places until that one moment where they finally get to talk and though they may at first rub each other the wrong way something does click and soon they fall in love. As with any other Rom-Com, there is, of course, that moment of conflict where they question their relationship and decide to go their separate ways in the case of La La Land the wedge between them is their respective dreams. But unlike most Rom-Coms, they don't end up together but they do have a sort of reunion near the end of the film. Their story is told not only through dialogue but through song and dance too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3aA35iWbpAmtpbHBoSmaCfxqcft-euiI9zv-4zq16UFCS-EHXTtapll1smog6DDdd6BsXbabaQT76pCiXZm2zJYrFqoaUx1mYhrRphZs62pRUkzojd9FD0Evhz4ceL4DiWM-_7tSgYw/s1600/LaLaLand09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3aA35iWbpAmtpbHBoSmaCfxqcft-euiI9zv-4zq16UFCS-EHXTtapll1smog6DDdd6BsXbabaQT76pCiXZm2zJYrFqoaUx1mYhrRphZs62pRUkzojd9FD0Evhz4ceL4DiWM-_7tSgYw/s640/LaLaLand09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, look it's <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0799777/?ref_=tt_cl_t11">J.K. Simmons</a> being mean to another jazz musician. ©<a href="http://www.lionsgate.com/">Summit Entertainment</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So, on to the likes.</span></b></div>
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<li>The story. Nothing special about it but very well told and towards the end, not exactly the ending you were expecting but good nonetheless. Loved the little "what if" musical segment.</li>
<li>The music. Loved it.</li>
<li>The visuals. Loved it too. Beautifully shot and there were moments where Chazelle would use certain visual/camera compositions and lighting that was used back in those old movies.</li>
<li>The choreography. What's not to like? If you didn't like it, why did you go watch it, to begin with? You did see the trailers before going, right?</li>
<li>The cast. Brilliant performance by both <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0331516/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Ryan Gosling</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1297015/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Emma Stone</a> didn't know they could dance let alone sing.</li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The not so likes.</span></b><br />
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<li>As good as the music is I sort of felt that the singing could have been a lot better.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhh5P8QfAFl4-szE-ytTl2LkQ-m0yGHFFcBFIML_UnsdMge3OiDWS6bCvpdgpjFUDS9NtAO73vKe1oFyg59U0SwjcqFaXDkugKVy4cNskimL8Z42r0Ymo8HU4zU1PDUCAsiFUIz3k6i4c/s1600/LaLaLand07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhh5P8QfAFl4-szE-ytTl2LkQ-m0yGHFFcBFIML_UnsdMge3OiDWS6bCvpdgpjFUDS9NtAO73vKe1oFyg59U0SwjcqFaXDkugKVy4cNskimL8Z42r0Ymo8HU4zU1PDUCAsiFUIz3k6i4c/s640/LaLaLand07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The grandest and most colourful dance scene happens not when these two find happiness together... <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.lionsgate.com/" style="text-align: center;">Summit Entertainment</a></div>
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All in all, La La Land is a beautiful tribute to those great dance musicals from the early days of Hollywood and not only is the music and dancing entertaining but it has a lovely little story brought to life by two very talented actors whom you can tell are really enjoying themselves. If they weren't we as the audience probably wouldn't have enjoyed watching it as much. Case in point, Toni Colette in xXx.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaZME4vbExc3yygb78Vlto4KupZAO8rL-cUae_OI7oeBFP_Isy3-Z8wjuZ2WAyr5zFj4oGTXWPd2qXKJTy6ANOKqGntts-7m6sAF9Ric7aAOoyQp1krJYZBnWOdhTHaT8YDKQjw623AY/s1600/LaLaLand01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaZME4vbExc3yygb78Vlto4KupZAO8rL-cUae_OI7oeBFP_Isy3-Z8wjuZ2WAyr5zFj4oGTXWPd2qXKJTy6ANOKqGntts-7m6sAF9Ric7aAOoyQp1krJYZBnWOdhTHaT8YDKQjw623AY/s640/LaLaLand01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As with quite a few good love stories this one too has a scene in a cinema. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.lionsgate.com/" style="text-align: center;">Summit Entertainment</a></div>
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If you're looking for something different, something fresh, a story told very well but in a different way than pretty much every movie in the past year then go watch this. Or just go watch it to see why everyone's talking about it and why it's been nominated for so many awards and won quite a few. <b>La La Land deserves a solid 4 out of 5.</b><br />
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Check out the trailer.<br />
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-58318179537512685632017-01-25T03:15:00.001+08:002017-01-27T14:22:53.589+08:00QUICK REVIEW: ARRIVAL (2016)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC15C2BqulcVvLev_hIbD8AC9sjKtN-Grm2xQB5u9nJVzPVNttRyJ5t0oIcXvVN6F96pfaVqt-y9bjvOItj7bHxsYPFI8xkj-kKQ8A_p6obV_xy4IY5bDOL2M1dGGmV3lGgxHlukQDO0/s1600/Arrival+Poster+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC15C2BqulcVvLev_hIbD8AC9sjKtN-Grm2xQB5u9nJVzPVNttRyJ5t0oIcXvVN6F96pfaVqt-y9bjvOItj7bHxsYPFI8xkj-kKQ8A_p6obV_xy4IY5bDOL2M1dGGmV3lGgxHlukQDO0/s640/Arrival+Poster+01.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">From IMDB:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team - led by expert linguist Louise Banks - is brought together to investigate. As mankind teeters on the verge of global war, Banks and the team race against time for answers - and to find them, she will take a chance that could threaten her life, and quite possibly humanity.</span></div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt2543164" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2543164/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Arrival (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" /> </a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2543164/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">81</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2543164/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2543164/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">699 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2543164/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">511 critic</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From Rotten Tomatoes:</span></b></div>
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When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team--lead by expert linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams)--are brought together to investigate. As mankind teeters on the verge of global war, Banks and the team race against time for answers--and to find them, she will take a chance that could threaten her life, and quite possibly humanity.</div>
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Rating: PG-13 (for brief strong language)</div>
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Genre: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=9">Drama</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=13">Mystery & Suspense</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=14">Science Fiction & Fantasy</a></div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/denis-villeneuve">Denis Villeneuve</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/eric_heisserer">Eric Heisserer</a></div>
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In Theatres: Nov 11, 2016, Wide</div>
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Box Office: $95,664,632.00</div>
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Runtime: 116 minutes</div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/arrival_2016/#contentReviews">94%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 8.4/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 301</div>
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Fresh: 283</div>
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Rotten: 18</div>
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Critics Consensus: Arrival delivers a must-see experience for fans of thinking person's sci-fi that anchors its heady themes with genuinely affecting emotion and a terrific performance from Amy Adams.</blockquote>
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AUDIENCE SCORE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/arrival_2016/#audience_reviews">83% liked it</a></div>
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Average Rating: 4.1/5</div>
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User Ratings: 61,643</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNTC8cXFj_5MiBMp_Sr7M0miMP-_etmU3J6iOINiE4OP9aeuBHaK5_G0pfcbThEhp-fAdvxXOhIxtk9vv-hxX0IkrqSCRaveGXXjreqSKKvHuAXElonipFW7etdXGasW80ZLFpXQRVAk/s1600/Arrival10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNTC8cXFj_5MiBMp_Sr7M0miMP-_etmU3J6iOINiE4OP9aeuBHaK5_G0pfcbThEhp-fAdvxXOhIxtk9vv-hxX0IkrqSCRaveGXXjreqSKKvHuAXElonipFW7etdXGasW80ZLFpXQRVAk/s640/Arrival10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What goes through your mind when giant seed pods begin landing all over the earth? ©<a href="http://www.paramount.com/">Paramount Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I've heard quite a few people reference 1997's <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118884/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Contact</a> when they talk about this movie...</span></b><br />
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Okay, so I saw Arrival this past weekend a half hour after I watched The Great Wall, The Great Wall was a big-budget summer blockbuster action movie sort that you watch without using your brain. Lots of nice shots, cool action scenes and little substance to the story to confuse you. Arrival, on the other hand, is on the other side of the movie spectrum.<br />
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Arrival, based on a short story called "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Story_of_Your_Life">Story of Your Life</a>" by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Chiang">Ted Chian</a>g, which was then turned into working script by the director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0898288?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Denis Villeneuve</a> is a thoughtful and thought-provoking film, and in that way, it is similar to 1997's Contact. The only other way that Arrival is similar to Contact is that throughout the movie you follow a female scientist. That's it. In Contact, which was directed by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000709?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Robert Zemeckis</a> and based on a story by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Sagan">Carl Sagan</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Druyan">Ann Druyan</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0005786/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Eleanor Arroway</a> (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000149/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Jodie </a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000149/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Foster</a>) is an astronomer very much involved with the search for alien intelligence, she wants to meet an alien. In Arrival, linguist <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0554547/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Louise Banks</a> (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0010736/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Amy Adams</a>) isn't. She's invited to lead the team tasked with establishing contact with the aliens but the experience at first terrifies her.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8J8UhsrI26RJRSzhed4JUhWUDCOsjro8qryL1vjXQTOEx6fwrATGBEUXllZwzGQ-9rhkJEqHwoQatCyTpWF4TpbZFcM7Oo7-ghdoYP9fqEraPj-7cEyjGTHTdhcosATE2BVVS6M2_y0s/s1600/Arrival09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8J8UhsrI26RJRSzhed4JUhWUDCOsjro8qryL1vjXQTOEx6fwrATGBEUXllZwzGQ-9rhkJEqHwoQatCyTpWF4TpbZFcM7Oo7-ghdoYP9fqEraPj-7cEyjGTHTdhcosATE2BVVS6M2_y0s/s640/Arrival09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What do you do when someone tells you that you need to talk to aliens? And fast. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.paramount.com/" style="text-align: center;">Paramount Pictures</a></div>
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Contact takes us through the experience of a first extra-terrestrial contact through the eyes of Eleanor Arroway as she battles the sceptics who try to dismiss her and her findings and then decide to not pick her for the first mission after they've completed the machine that she helped piece together, albeit with the help of a suspicious billionaire named <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0005789/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t41">S.R. Hadden</a> (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000457/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t41">John Hurt</a>). The movie deals with that first contact from several viewpoints, from Arroway's point of view whose enthusiasm after finding a possible alien civilisation and of the possibility of meeting them blinds her to the potential dangers it might present, from the government's point of view which of course is suspicious and wary of it and from the point of view of the public where some are willing to embrace it and some in outright fear of it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_djNg-0JqtDdL_T2KqIZCKkvPgqnyQC8Nr0QWzQlrjrDYZj2Z4ChcYy1dFzhNlk2w3FP2EDWzvow-6rZY7ZulubF_2CVlax9n9idkY8TIykoMLNtcsMj9Irl7GaDwDLXB64XVckKbjEw/s1600/Arrival04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_djNg-0JqtDdL_T2KqIZCKkvPgqnyQC8Nr0QWzQlrjrDYZj2Z4ChcYy1dFzhNlk2w3FP2EDWzvow-6rZY7ZulubF_2CVlax9n9idkY8TIykoMLNtcsMj9Irl7GaDwDLXB64XVckKbjEw/s640/Arrival04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And that you have to do it dressed like a spaceman in a huge condom? <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.paramount.com/" style="text-align: center;">Paramount Pictures</a></div>
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Arrival too tries to deal with some of the things that were put forth in Contact, how nations and governments around the world try to deal with the possibility of first-contact and in this case of the aliens literally dropping in, of how the public might deal with but it differs greatly with how our protagonists deals with it. Both movies show us a personal side of the main protagonist that colour how they deal with the situation they find themselves in but it comes at it from different ends. Where Contact feels a little melodramatic and sappy when Arroway finally gets to "meet" the aliens, what Banks discover's is entirely personal and somewhat bittersweet, yes there is more to what she discovers but best you watch it yourself, if you haven't yet that is. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliOTdsoleGP_7tfWwRVgnNeTIRJzacBNFhLHkq4pGfZbShyW6AOVU3nsvnIJp3bznmFNUiCBV6gFLJ4gbXpe_e8XB0Uok3cp23orGsTEzYAVyEwhErRlXZ1u4O8RUKUaYSDsPGiKivWw/s1600/Arrival08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliOTdsoleGP_7tfWwRVgnNeTIRJzacBNFhLHkq4pGfZbShyW6AOVU3nsvnIJp3bznmFNUiCBV6gFLJ4gbXpe_e8XB0Uok3cp23orGsTEzYAVyEwhErRlXZ1u4O8RUKUaYSDsPGiKivWw/s640/Arrival08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When you came to the party overdressed and the only way you can chat someone up is to dress casually. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.paramount.com/" style="text-align: center;">Paramount Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, on to the likes.</span></b></div>
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<li>The story. Brilliant. As you watch it and you go through what's happening guided by Banks you're also given glimpses of what appears to be Banks memories but by the end, you realise that that's not what you were seeing at all. That revelation makes you think again about what all that she's gone through. </li>
<li>The cast. Amy Adams is amazing. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0719637/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Jeremy Renner</a> provides a nice balance and counterpoint to Adam's character. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001845/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Forest Whitaker</a> is entertaining as <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0555143/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Colonel Weber</a>, I like that he isn't the overbearing military character but someone trying to find balance not only in the situation but also in how he deals with everyone. Enjoyed <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0836121/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Michael Stuhlbarg</a>'s Agent Halpern too. Every main character in this film is level-headed and rational and it doesn't hurt the drama or storytelling at all. Most movies would require at least one character to be the one that pushes the others to provide drama and conflict but here there isn't one unless you count General Shang (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002245/?ref_=tt_cl_t6">Tzi Ma</a>) but when you find out why he does it it doesn't appear to be an exaggerated response.</li>
<li>The visuals. Beautifully shot. Every scene just lovely.</li>
<li>The soundtrack. Amazing music. Amazing soundtrack.</li>
<li>The science. Fascinating. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l4bByyseIuxIfAqrlTq49YuRDge6TP6rkVGahvltwe3LnmS0-Nm3KT1yI4UCXQtiAS6XpfgTnE5CCpKl568m6zo1Oz95iNcFX7VsdBth1T_J3G9IGBkKOw3akNn9NP5tqoPHOKoT6U4/s1600/Arrival07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l4bByyseIuxIfAqrlTq49YuRDge6TP6rkVGahvltwe3LnmS0-Nm3KT1yI4UCXQtiAS6XpfgTnE5CCpKl568m6zo1Oz95iNcFX7VsdBth1T_J3G9IGBkKOw3akNn9NP5tqoPHOKoT6U4/s640/Arrival07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What do you do when the hosts turns out to be gigantic pods with seven legs and have no faces? <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.paramount.com/" style="text-align: center;">Paramount Pictures</a></div>
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I've seen <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0898288?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Denis Villeneuve</a>'s Sicario (2015) that was a tense and gripping film from start to finish. An emotional ride as you follow <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1289434?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm">Emily Blunt</a>'s character and her discovery of what is really going on. Arrival is just the same but more so. Because of it's subject matter you ask yourself even more questions, questions about not only what that first extra-terrestrial contact would be like but how we would deal with it, we question about what we understand as a language and we question would we do the same if we were given that same gift the Heptapods gave her after she truly understood their language, the gift that saved the world. </div>
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I loved Arrival and am probably going to watch it again sometime in the future. <b>I'm giving Arrival a 4.5 out of 5. It's just too good to pass up.</b></div>
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Here's the trailer if you haven't already seen it. </div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-85544655069989561522017-01-24T04:00:00.000+08:002017-01-27T14:22:06.646+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: THE GREAT WALL (2017)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0sPiA2wLjyKhkEdYvvE9E_hIrvKxZDSdwg6NXZooHizJWbSU4RuQBh_VD_qCygUcoSz01KQrJzTSD5QKw2HwuZ_H07KvS1zcADqd1Kwcn4nzMxbp1mPybEEcQvTmTfH_1uNN3G1NSWY/s1600/The+Great+Wall+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0sPiA2wLjyKhkEdYvvE9E_hIrvKxZDSdwg6NXZooHizJWbSU4RuQBh_VD_qCygUcoSz01KQrJzTSD5QKw2HwuZ_H07KvS1zcADqd1Kwcn4nzMxbp1mPybEEcQvTmTfH_1uNN3G1NSWY/s640/The+Great+Wall+Poster.jpg" width="402" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">From IMDB:</span></b></span></div>
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When a mercenary warrior (Matt Damon) is imprisoned within the Great Wall, he discovers the mystery behind one of the greatest wonders of the world. As wave after wave of marauding beasts besieges the massive structure, his quest for fortune turns into a journey toward heroism as he joins a huge army of elite warriors to confront the unimaginable and seemingly unstoppable force. </div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt2034800" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2034800/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="The Great Wall (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" /> </a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2034800/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">48</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2034800/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2034800/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">56 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2034800/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">41 critic</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">From Rotten Tomatoes:</span></b></span></div>
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Starring global superstar Matt Damon and directed by one of the most breathtaking visual stylists of our time, Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers), Legendary's The Great Wall tells the story of an elite force making a valiant stand for humanity on the world's most iconic structure. The first English-language production for Yimou is the largest film ever shot entirely in China. The Great Wall also stars Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe and Andy Lau.</div>
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Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of fantasy action violence)</div>
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Genre: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=1">Action & Adventure</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=9">Drama</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=13">Mystery & Suspense</a></div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/zhang_yimou">Yimou Zhang</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/carlo_bernard">Carlo Bernard</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/doug_miro">Doug Miro</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/tony_gilroy">Tony Gilroy</a></div>
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In Theaters: Feb 17, 2017 Wide</div>
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Runtime: 104 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.thegreatwallmovie.com/">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_great_wall_2017/#contentReviews">44%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 5.8/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 9</div>
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Fresh: 4</div>
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Rotten: 5</div>
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Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.</div>
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WANT TO SEE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_great_wall_2017/#audience_reviews">94%</a> <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_great_wall_2017/#audience_reviews">want to see</a></div>
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User Ratings: 8,672</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39IHSI9yMK7U9fDgsaz55P2UIFyjADSOSVj4lZu-OXkHM1zPSHtcnv75hasPTnEDcaU9HQyJT0XZtnRIWRPiPgvzRN9lfMeJL7wS3fgh5EoQSGHpKziBlOB6945PuCJg9CIdDi9qRAtk/s1600/TheGreatWall01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39IHSI9yMK7U9fDgsaz55P2UIFyjADSOSVj4lZu-OXkHM1zPSHtcnv75hasPTnEDcaU9HQyJT0XZtnRIWRPiPgvzRN9lfMeJL7wS3fgh5EoQSGHpKziBlOB6945PuCJg9CIdDi9qRAtk/s640/TheGreatWall01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Meet Pero and William. They've been riding across the desert for months only to end up at a wall. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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<b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">A movie that you wouldn't expect to see someone like Matt Damon in...</span></b></div>
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The Great Wall. From the very beginning of the film, much like that xXx: Return of Xander Cage movie, you know who is behind this film, who's paying for it. But unlike that movie, this movie actually has an impressive team behind it, in a way. Written by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0112150/?ref_=ttfc_fc_wr1">Max Brooks</a> who wrote the book <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0816711?ref_=nm_ov_bio_lk1">World War Z</a> which was turned into a movie in 2013, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001880/?ref_=ttfc_fc_wr2">Edward Zwick</a> who produced movies like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110322/?ref_=nm_flmg_prd_27">Legends of the Fall</a> (1994) and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0325710/?ref_=nm_flmg_prd_14">The Last Samurai</a> (2003) and directed movies like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097441/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_15">Glory</a> (1989) and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0450259/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_5">Blood Diamond</a> (2006), and<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0380980/?ref_=ttfc_fc_wr3"> Marshall Herskovitz</a> who also worked on the same films. It's directed by the acclaimed <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0955443?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Zhang</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0955443?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Yimou</a> who directed <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1410063/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_5">The Flowers of War</a> (2011), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385004/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_15">House of Flying Daggers</a> (2004), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0299977/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_17">Hero</a> (2002) and<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101640/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_27">Raise the Red Lantern</a> (1991). So you're expecting something pretty amazing, right? Well, compared to xXx, yes you are. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUYOpL-8biIqFlOVWruyQgXRqe9Eqtef8emmL-PDNDWAq2dovbKFRqkav8c2Wg39sU4VciQ27KCkRYXyar5tu74y0JWF5CFfdYQ_GYT-eAWLPLLNy6DaTHIIBinZ55gX-N9FOkMjXujM/s1600/TheGreatWall05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUYOpL-8biIqFlOVWruyQgXRqe9Eqtef8emmL-PDNDWAq2dovbKFRqkav8c2Wg39sU4VciQ27KCkRYXyar5tu74y0JWF5CFfdYQ_GYT-eAWLPLLNy6DaTHIIBinZ55gX-N9FOkMjXujM/s640/TheGreatWall05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The man in black is the commander the others are the generals. The commander doesn't last long and guess which of the generals he chooses to take over his place. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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So if you've seen the trailer you know that this movie is about or takes place in China and more specifically the Great Wall of China. You also know that something monstrous is attacking said great wall and for whatever reason, a white man and his Spanish friend end up at said portion of the very long wall where the monsters are attacking. The white man named <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0558786/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t1">William Garin</a> played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000354/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Matt Damon</a> then decides to volunteer himself to help the Chinese army fight the attackers. His travel buddy Pero Tovar (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0050959/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t3">Pedro Pascal</a>) though has different ideas, he wants to do what they came to do which is look for something that the west has heard rumours of and wants very badly. He is aided by a man named Ballard (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000353/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t4">Willem Dafoe</a>) who has been at the wall for 25 years for learning the existence of the thing that William and Pero have come looking for. </div>
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As the film progresses you see William go through a change of heart and career, annoy his buddy Pero, gain the trust of Commander Lin Mei (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1320897/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2">Tian Jing</a>) and her generals as well as Strategist Wang (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0490489/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t5">Andy Lau</a>), do amazing things with a bow and arrow and kill monsters whose origins and behaviour are pretty ridiculous. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFn5f5ICrBPIZ2zWDUJw6enYpMFr-JXcS0-YIzCkRwX2q8oq9_kYMRcvs72hENRKXddreUiimXAcYT9io9xB2RBuawvntrRbiEA62gKYUn0VwmZ3A7JyxzmRH5i1gz1Q12jHZvaHqzYw/s1600/TheGreatWall03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFn5f5ICrBPIZ2zWDUJw6enYpMFr-JXcS0-YIzCkRwX2q8oq9_kYMRcvs72hENRKXddreUiimXAcYT9io9xB2RBuawvntrRbiEA62gKYUn0VwmZ3A7JyxzmRH5i1gz1Q12jHZvaHqzYw/s640/TheGreatWall03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f6f5; font-size: 13px;">The movie says it takes place at the Great Wall but most of the time you're at this one section only. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">On to the likes.</span></b></div>
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<li>The story. It isn't that bad actually. It isn't original for sure but it isn't completely horrible, full of plotholes or peppered with bad dialogue. It's simple and straight forward.</li>
<li>The cast. Overall not bad. If you like Matt Damon in the Bourne series you'll probably enjoy him here too. Same goes for Pedro Pascal whom most will remember as the dude that gets his eyes gouged out and then his head crushed in the Game of Thrones series. And of course Willem Dafoe, this is a minor role for him for sure but that doesn't mean he doesn't do a good job. And then there's the Asian cast of whom you'll have the pleasure of meeting two of them for most of the movie, Commander Lin Mei played by Tian Jing, an orphan girl who rises up the ranks and one day due to an unfortunate circumstance is given control of the Nameless Army and Strategist Wang played by Andy Lau, a kind of intelligence officer cum scientist for the Nameless Army. If you're a fan of Asian Cinema especially those coming out of Hong Kong then you know who Andy Lau is. Tian Jing on the other hand is a relatively new actress but she's shared the screen with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000329?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm">Jackie Chan</a> in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2599716/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_6">Police Story: Lockdown</a> (2013) and with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000334/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Chow</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000334/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Yun-Fat</a> in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3444184/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_5">The Man from Macau</a> (2014) and also <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0947447?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm">Donnie Yen</a> in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2118775/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_7">Special ID</a> (2013). </li>
<li>What you see on the screen. That's pretty good too. The costumes are colourful and elaborate. The sets look impressive and quite real. The effects look good. The army makes quite an impression. The action scenes were quite good too.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuBqYLbjLhYv8NecSZl_tgqTtDtAgM-7T90Iu1pQtFOw4ItMVQDsExb_d08EO0K1g3wBhATJpovVlH9kP9fQ3oOBXnBtzl4D0l1_u_txt22Zl8a81X1-rs8-Wo5q_ciZYePaBOtYR5sw/s1600/TheGreatWall07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuBqYLbjLhYv8NecSZl_tgqTtDtAgM-7T90Iu1pQtFOw4ItMVQDsExb_d08EO0K1g3wBhATJpovVlH9kP9fQ3oOBXnBtzl4D0l1_u_txt22Zl8a81X1-rs8-Wo5q_ciZYePaBOtYR5sw/s640/TheGreatWall07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this thing here is what the Great Wall was made to keep out. Yes, that's his eyes near his shoulder. But these are the soldiers, wait till you meet the queen and her armoured bodyguards. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The not so likes.</span></b></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Well as mentioned before the story is not at all original maybe the only original thing is how the monsters, the Tao Tei came to be is and of course how they look. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Which brings me to the second thing that was a little ridiculous or maybe really ridiculous, the Tao Tei's origins and what the Chinese empire knows about them. It just sounds ridiculous and this is a ridiculous movie.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Which brings me to another thing about the Tao Tei. They don't look horrible but seeing as how everything else around looks so good the Tao Tei sort of looks not as good. You get what I mean? Now as perfect as the other visual effects. </li>
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This happens in the final battle. I'll let you figure out what happens. Or go watch the movie. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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Overall The Great Wall is a decent no-brainer action movie set in a familiar historical location with an unusual twist. The story has its good moments but it also has its silly ones too. If you know of Zhang Yimou and the movies he's done don't expect this one to be like those others, there are elements from them but overall this is closer to the Hollywood summer blockbusters than any of his elaborate period dramas or action films. Go and watch this with that mindset and you'll be okay. Go expecting something like House of the Flying Dagger or any of Matt Damon's other films and you may be a little disappointed. This is big-budget, colourful-action eye-candy more than anything else. <b>I'm going to give this movie a decent 3 out of 5.</b> </div>
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Have a look at the trailer below. </div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-10865540057089420332017-01-19T05:02:00.001+08:002017-01-27T14:21:24.447+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZ3e5SOkqtKTGy9_5CzL78IA0HPzetGRy98GNFFypFmSCF5O80Ji0AEaKeLzlj8DBsLvPmazGDZAuNI5hpcwWjRsvr2nItixgDrEh7Wp65qEXLmTy1jo3cr7p0E-yyNK7PGT42_RPUbA/s1600/xXx+Return+of+Xander+Cage+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZ3e5SOkqtKTGy9_5CzL78IA0HPzetGRy98GNFFypFmSCF5O80Ji0AEaKeLzlj8DBsLvPmazGDZAuNI5hpcwWjRsvr2nItixgDrEh7Wp65qEXLmTy1jo3cr7p0E-yyNK7PGT42_RPUbA/s640/xXx+Return+of+Xander+Cage+Poster.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">From IMDB:</span></b></span></div>
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Extreme athlete turned government operative Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) comes out of self-imposed exile, thought to be long dead, and is set on a collision course with deadly alpha warrior Xiang (Donnie Yen) and his team in a race to recover a sinister and seemingly unstoppable weapon known as Pandora's Box. Recruiting an all-new group of thrill-seeking cohorts, Xander finds himself enmeshed in a deadly conspiracy that points to collusion at the highest levels of world governments. </div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt1293847" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1293847/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" /> </a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1293847/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">22 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1293847/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">19 critic</a></div>
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Popularity 16 ( 17)</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From Rotten Tomatoes:</span></b><br />
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The third explosive chapter of the blockbuster franchise that redefined the spy thriller finds extreme athlete turned government operative Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) coming out of self-imposed exile and on a collision course with deadly alpha warrior Xiang and his team in a race to recover a sinister and seemingly unstoppable weapon known as Pandora's Box. Recruiting an all-new group of thrill-seeking cohorts, Xander finds himself enmeshed in a deadly conspiracy that points to collusion at the highest levels of world governments. Packed with the series' signature deadpan wit and bad-ass attitude, "xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE" will raise the bar on extreme action with some of the most mind-blowing stunts to ever be caught on film.</div>
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Rating: PG-13 (for extended sequences of gunplay and violent action, and for sexual material and language)</div>
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Genre: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=1">Action & Adventure</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=9">Drama</a></div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/dj_caruso">D.J. Caruso</a></div>
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In Theatres: Jan 20, 2017 Wide</div>
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Runtime: 110 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.returnofxandercage.com/">Paramount Pictures</a></div>
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WANT TO SEE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/xxx_return_of_xander_cage/#audience_reviews">93%</a> <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/xxx_return_of_xander_cage/#audience_reviews">want to see</a></div>
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User Ratings: 14,969</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7LRuw2gXbBX7hZGjYIg8fqRifGLHp7_UpMVZfjiuJU7eQPIeqoeG3NwInaofIqwqgQBw4onSnY1liGkdABQzcdhb66Tl4ne4_bw78CK48bEzvI7EEqtNf8h1xfvv5GPID63GrubRgRY/s1600/xXx05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7LRuw2gXbBX7hZGjYIg8fqRifGLHp7_UpMVZfjiuJU7eQPIeqoeG3NwInaofIqwqgQBw4onSnY1liGkdABQzcdhb66Tl4ne4_bw78CK48bEzvI7EEqtNf8h1xfvv5GPID63GrubRgRY/s640/xXx05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is Gibbons. He's sort of like the more casual and hip version of Nick Fury. He does another thing in this movie that Nick Fury does too. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">©</span><a href="http://www.paramount.com/">Paramount Pictures</a>.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So apparently Xander Cage wasn't killed in the second movie... </span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0295701/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">xXx</a> started way back in 2002 with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004874/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Vin Diesel</a> playing Xander Cage or xXx, but I can't for the life of me remember whether I actually saw that movie or not. Then the sequel showed up in 2005 titled <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0329774/?ref_=fn_al_tt_5">xXx: State of the Union</a>, this time around <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004874/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Vin Diesel</a> wasn't free since he was making <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0395699/?ref_=nv_sr_3">The Pacifier</a> so a new xXx was found to replace him and that man was named Darius Stone played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001084/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Ice Cube</a>. Again I can't remember actually watching it. The takeaway here is that both movies left little to no impression on me for me to even recall whether I watched either or both movies at all. Very, very forgettable films. </div>
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So why did two movies that didn't really make huge money at the box office and impressed only a handful of critics who put it in the so-bad-that-it's-sort-of-good category get a third instalment? And not only that but also got Vin Diesel to return as the titular character? I honestly don't know but made it did get. </div>
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Anyway, as the title suggest Xander Cage is back. He wasn't killed off as mentioned in the second movie but has instead been chumming it up with the locals somewhere in Latin America. He's also been stealing cable for them as an act of rebellion against the rich, or something like that. While Cage is doing that the man who recruited him, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0007035/?ref_=tt_cl_t10">Augustus Gibbons</a> played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000168/?ref_=tt_cl_t10">Samuel L. Jackson</a> is busy trying to recruit professional footballer <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4827772/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t21">Neymar</a> to join the xXx program when a satellite falls out of the sky and kills them both. The satellite, of course, didn't fall out of the sky by accident. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nRxNmIfW0sNWawSK-P8g8oWijfh4SqjwXg9ZgKWkoqSRSUzumcZRh-2TsPWYBrqie1J5QodVSsUN-V-f7FAlGm2CrvivGsh4ILa3g-E-_HFb2WdM5osMtXfJmyNo9I1nnY_t6c15zDk/s1600/xXx03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nRxNmIfW0sNWawSK-P8g8oWijfh4SqjwXg9ZgKWkoqSRSUzumcZRh-2TsPWYBrqie1J5QodVSsUN-V-f7FAlGm2CrvivGsh4ILa3g-E-_HFb2WdM5osMtXfJmyNo9I1nnY_t6c15zDk/s640/xXx03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So this scene apparently takes place on an island somewhere in the Philipines but you'd find a hard time spotting the locals. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">©</span><a href="http://www.paramount.com/">Paramount Pictures</a>.</div>
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The little incident prompts someone from the government named Jane Marke (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001057/?ref_=tt_cl_t9">Toni Collette</a>) to call a meeting of pretty important individuals in the intelligence industry for a meeting. The meeting gets crashed though by Xiang (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0947447/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Donnie Yen</a>), Serena Unger (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2138653/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Deepika Padukone</a>) and Hawk (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2261451/?ref_=tt_cl_t13">Michael Bisping</a>) who kill pretty much everyone there except for Marke and the CIA Director (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002326/?ref_=tt_cl_t14">Al Sapienza</a>) and proceed to steal something called the Pandora Box which apparently was the device used to pull the satellite out of it's orbit to be turned into a missile to target a man eating in a Chinese Restaurant. The trio escapes literally unscathed and are met by their fourth member Talon (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1388074/?ref_=tt_cl_t6">Tony Jaa</a>) whose only contribution to the nights' event is to take down a man on a motorcycle holding a gun. Not too sure why there was only one man on a motorcycle with a gun at a meeting of obviously important people. Where in the world are their security details/teams? </div>
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So now Marke has a problem, she's been attacked by a very professional and somewhat daredevil team and she has no idea who they are. So what does she do? She looks for Cage. Now how did she know he was alive? It would make sense that Cage would be trying to lay low and avoid being noticed by people like Marke. And how come Gibbons didn't know something like this was brewing? Why didn't he get even an inkling that someone was out for him? Also wouldn't Gibbons know that Cage was alive? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmsM0EvP31TEVRF1fwefZJvCf9tJxfTxRRH3_HkmD8Prk7lnoVKGYhQjU70acbgcaDLhd6ZSLWz-_rY-1SqVvHKjZiq3lkOsumCN9EzKqKrh2mD8QsIAx6QWBy8pODMJkCI40LwvSTV0/s1600/xXx04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmsM0EvP31TEVRF1fwefZJvCf9tJxfTxRRH3_HkmD8Prk7lnoVKGYhQjU70acbgcaDLhd6ZSLWz-_rY-1SqVvHKjZiq3lkOsumCN9EzKqKrh2mD8QsIAx6QWBy8pODMJkCI40LwvSTV0/s640/xXx04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So she's a sniper but here she's decided to hang herself under a coconut tree in full view of everyone while holding a very large sniper rifle. That's a real pro. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">©</span><a href="http://www.paramount.com/">Paramount Pictures</a>.</div>
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Moving on. Marke tracks down Cage and tells him she needs him and that he'll get the government's full support. She even brings along an elite team of soldiers for him to lead. Cage makes fun of them, sneakily hooks all of them up the equipment package they've brought on the plane then opens the cargo bays and drops them out of the sky. Cage then tells Marke that he's got his own people and so we soon meet <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0558954/?ref_=tt_cl_t5">Adele Wolff</a> (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3199307/?ref_=tt_cl_t5">Ruby Rose</a>) a sniper and weapons specialist who likes to shoot at hunters that are trying to kill animals, Nicks (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm6806246/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Kris Wu</a>) a wannabe DJ and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0558955/?ref_=tt_cl_t8">Tennyson Torch</a> (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0564920/?ref_=tt_cl_t8">Rory McCann</a>) a former stunt driver who now spends his time crashing cars into things and then taking a selfie with the wreck. Once Cage has gathered his team we meet the last person on the team who's also Marke's underling and that's <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0558986/?ref_=tt_cl_t7">Becky Clearidge </a>(<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2400045/?ref_=tt_cl_t7">Nina Dobrev</a>). </div>
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So after Cage meets with Ainsley (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5795508/?ref_=tt_cl_t11">Hermione Corfield</a>) a woman under house arrest in London who has a team of beautiful young ladies who are apparently hackers, she can't do it herself because it would violate her house arrest terms, Cage discovers where Xiang and his team are hiding out. And so begins lots of fighting and shooting, some talk about who wants or should get the Pandora Box, a few folks switching sides, a dead CIA Director and the return of someone from the dead and someone from the past. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCrY5clW_deBZuTRsg-vDxvZ-aCstSTrz9iWhQWl8Q7Krb-3M9wdDr1lEH86f4EnDa9xGBB_LnyKFTfweswSMmFMWMAfzg1mdz91apaB4mO79SoZYsJnIhwkpdnhm34ChPD-fI5HBO9Y/s1600/xXx01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCrY5clW_deBZuTRsg-vDxvZ-aCstSTrz9iWhQWl8Q7Krb-3M9wdDr1lEH86f4EnDa9xGBB_LnyKFTfweswSMmFMWMAfzg1mdz91apaB4mO79SoZYsJnIhwkpdnhm34ChPD-fI5HBO9Y/s640/xXx01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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See that girl with the glasses? She's supposed to be the teams tech support but she's also the comic relief. She's only good at one of them, guess which? <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">©</span><a href="http://www.paramount.com/">Paramount Pictures</a>.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Now for the likes.</span></b></div>
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Hmm... Let's see...</div>
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<ul>
<li>The Story? Nope. Didn't like it. Too convoluted and full of plot holes. </li>
<li>The dialogue? Nope. Didn't like that either. Stilted and juvenile. Lots of one-liners that's probably meant to make the character sound cool. You'll notice that it's quite often paired with them trying to look cool saying it. Also, Tony Jaa hardly says anything. </li>
<li>The action? Hmmm... Nope. Not that either. The stunts either looked ridiculous or didn't make sense. I mean how likely is it that in the middle of an alley there's a conveniently placed ramp for you to use in order to ram into your opponent. The fight scenes were just as bad as well especially when you consider that not only is Donnie Yen in it but Tony Jaa too. These two guys not only appear in front of the camera but they have consulted for fight scenes behind the camera too. </li>
<li>The camera work? Hmm.. wasn't impressed with that either. The only people who'll watch this movie and think that the camera work is awesome would be the same people that think the Fast and Furious movies are the best action movies ever. In fact, compared to this I'd probably agree with them. </li>
<li>The music? Hmm... I read somewhere that the makers of this movie wanted the movie to be a big part of it. There definitely is music and you do notice it because it gets a little intrusive at times but it won't make you want it like how the Guardians of the Galaxy did with Starlord's Mixtape Vol. 1.</li>
<li>The only good thing I can think of about this movie is that at the very least the cast is truly diverse. </li>
<li>The other good thing is that I found Toni Collette's constant eye rolling a reminder that I wasn't the only one who found this movie a steaming pile of poo. Maybe. </li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The not so likes.</span></b></div>
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Uhhh... Look up there. I could write more but I'm bored already. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLCFVYlIo5oZbENPUiQnzT23LQSmscA2b2pCbanaj7BHPstGkhglc32F0lfmJf1CD0lSXaOmx-Dvildw4d6ecIvF_wDfkcIpzHeHNUWCphFAU9pauMGelZbIhqGcWvRR8zvsFD-4WG7Y/s1600/xXx06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLCFVYlIo5oZbENPUiQnzT23LQSmscA2b2pCbanaj7BHPstGkhglc32F0lfmJf1CD0lSXaOmx-Dvildw4d6ecIvF_wDfkcIpzHeHNUWCphFAU9pauMGelZbIhqGcWvRR8zvsFD-4WG7Y/s640/xXx06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, look! It's the Hound. Actually, go watch him as The Hound instead of whomever he plays in this one. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">©</span><a href="http://www.paramount.com/">Paramount Pictures</a>.</div>
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So, yeah, I didn't like this movie. It was horrible. You know how some movies are so bad that it's good? Yeah, this isn't one of them. I honestly don't understand how this movie got made. How did they all look at the script and collectively agreed to do it as it is, even when you think about how some movie scripts get written and rewritten until they get one that works you'd still have to wonder how bad the other scripts were that they decided to settle on this one. All they had to do was live up to the previous films and yet somehow... Actually, I don't know or can't tell if this one is better or worse than the first two since I don't remember either of them. </div>
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Anyway, if you're a fan of Vin Diesel I'd suggest you give this a miss, wait for Fast & Furious 8 or maybe even Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, you may not see him in it but I can guarantee he'll be better there. If you're a fan of the fight masters Donnie Yen or Tony Jaa, well Rogue One is probably still playing somewhere and Tony Jaa's earlier films are much better. As for Kris Wu and Deepika Padukone, well this is their first big budget Hollywood film so I'm guessing they have that going for them. Samuel L. Jackson and Toni Collette, I guess they're doing it for a laugh and the cheque. </div>
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If you value your money if you want a coherent and well-told story with exciting action and amazing fight scenes don't go watch this movie. If you don't care about any of those things and you're like 12 and think extreme sports and the X-Games are the most amazing things ever to be shown on TV then go right ahead. <b>I'm giving this movie a 1 out of 5.</b> </div>
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Here, check out the trailer. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BOIkjjAKtco/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BOIkjjAKtco?feature=player_embedded" width="600"></iframe></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I'D LIKE TO THANK KLIPS.MY AND UNITED INTERNATIONAL PICTURES MALAYSIA FOR THE EARLY PREMIERE PASSES! </span></b></div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-44012497937869194892017-01-18T05:54:00.001+08:002017-01-27T14:20:04.808+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: SPLIT (2017)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPFS4Q4zoAfcOOftThDnVWEGGJQRSH9jUIV22UU5SGegrUnRyC7cogD1Iz1IqWteahUgRz-jNb7d8MBoruNnprqlJZZfrOgYeW-PH-lniqVpVV4BSdmrZzIVgkG_AGJSz0SfLMeP06H0/s1600/Split+Poster+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPFS4Q4zoAfcOOftThDnVWEGGJQRSH9jUIV22UU5SGegrUnRyC7cogD1Iz1IqWteahUgRz-jNb7d8MBoruNnprqlJZZfrOgYeW-PH-lniqVpVV4BSdmrZzIVgkG_AGJSz0SfLMeP06H0/s640/Split+Poster+02.jpg" width="402" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">From <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4972582/">IMDB</a>: </span></b></span></div>
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After three girls are kidnapped by a man with 24 distinct personalities they must find some of the different personalities that can help them while running away and staying alive from the others.</div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt4972582" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4972582/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Split (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" /> </a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4972582/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">76</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4972582/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4972582/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">10 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4972582/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">36 critic</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">From <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/split_2017/">Rotten Tomatoes</a>:</span></b></span></div>
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While the mental divisions of those with dissociative identity disorder have long fascinated and eluded science, it is believed that some can also manifest unique physical attributes for each personality, a cognitive and physiological prism within a single being. Though Kevin has evidenced 23 personalities to his trusted psychiatrist, Dr Fletcher, there remains one still submerged who is set to materialise and dominate all the others. Compelled to abduct three teenage girls led by the willful, observant Casey, Kevin reaches a war for survival among all of those contained within him - as well as everyone around him - as the walls between his compartments shatter apart.</div>
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Rating: PG-13 (for disturbing thematic content and behaviour, violence and some language)</div>
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Genre: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=9">Drama</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=10">Horror</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=13">Mystery & Suspense</a></div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/m_night_shyamalan">M. Night Shyamalan</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/m_night_shyamalan">M. Night Shyamalan</a></div>
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In Theaters: Jan 20, 2017, Wide</div>
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Runtime: 116 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.splitmovie.com/">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/split_2017/#contentReviews">81%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 7/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 21</div>
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Fresh: 17</div>
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Rotten: 4</div>
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Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.</div>
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WANT TO SEE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/split_2017/#audience_reviews">97%</a> <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/split_2017/#audience_reviews">want to see</a></div>
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User Ratings: 12,917</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGL75o74tL7IRU9Sd4m7i2Av_tpP1r4Sxzb8fRlL3Wl6VfZSUpvyPkguxlTY4EvD5NWHaEvK6Mr8u0lcMZjJGwXh793WFH3XGTfvnFLHoeNVF_g9RdBOxdUKJoWQSVquU-20d2Dgh6xw/s1600/Split04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGL75o74tL7IRU9Sd4m7i2Av_tpP1r4Sxzb8fRlL3Wl6VfZSUpvyPkguxlTY4EvD5NWHaEvK6Mr8u0lcMZjJGwXh793WFH3XGTfvnFLHoeNVF_g9RdBOxdUKJoWQSVquU-20d2Dgh6xw/s640/Split04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Meet Hedwig, he's nine. He likes to dance in his room to the music of his favourite singer Kanye West. ©<a href="http://universalpictures.com/">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">M. Night Shyamalan might have gotten his groove back...</span></b></div>
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Okay, so Split, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0796117?ref_=tt_ov_dr">M. Night Shyamalan</a>'s 13th directorial effort and the 11th one that he also wrote. He's famous for his plot twists which worked real well in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167404/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_12">The Sixth Sense</a> (1999) and in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0217869/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_11">Unbreakable</a> (2000) but then didn't in pretty much every movie after. His movies slowly became sort of a joke in that you know you're in for something weird and interesting but one where the weird might end up a little silly. Of course, I'm just exaggerating. </div>
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This is Dennis. He's stern, is an OCD and he really hates it when things get dirty. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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So what's Split about? Well, by now you've probably seen the trailers so you know that it's about a man played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0564215/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">James McAvoy</a> who suffers from something called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dissociative_identity_disorder">Dissociative identity disorder</a> or DID which was previously known as Multiple personality disorder (MPD) in movies they usually call those characters as having a split personality. In this case, Mr Kevin Wendell Crumb has 23 distinct personalities which have been identified by his long-term psychiatrist Dr Karen Fletcher (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000990/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Betty Buckley</a>). What Dr Fletcher doesn't know is that a few of these personalities have sort of taken over in order to prepare for the coming of what they refer to as The Beast. Part of the preparation, of course, is what you see in the trailer where one of Kevin personalities named Dennis kidnaps three girls, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0552060/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t24">Casey Cooke</a> (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5896355/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t24">Anya Taylor-Joy</a>), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0556244/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t20">Claire Benoit</a> (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4726634/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t20">Haley Lu Richardson</a>) and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0558099/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t23">Marcia</a> (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4088627/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t23">Jessica Sula</a>). As the film unfolds not only do you learn about Kevin, The Beast and his many personalities but also about Casey who has quite a story of her own. </div>
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This is Barry. He likes fashion and has quite a talent for it. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The likes.</span></b></div>
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<li>The story. It's really quite good and intriguing. You're really not too sure of what's going to happen. And each element to the story just reveals itself at the right time.</li>
<li>The cast. The main characters that you'll be following are Kevin and his multiple personalities, Dr. Fletcher and Casey. James McAvoy is just amazing here. He plays each character so well and distinctly and he transitions between them so well. You can tell which personality has taken over just by looking at his face or body language. Anya Taylor-Joy is pretty amazing too. I've only seen her in one other film which was last years <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4520364/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_5">Morgan</a>, and I was pretty impressed with her there too. Here she really gets to flex her acting chops and she's pretty good. And Betty Buckley was also just as good as you can sense her concern turning to suspicion of something wrong with her patient. </li>
<li>The music. Really provides ambience and drives the scene.</li>
<li>The other cameo other than the one you expect of M. Night Shyamalan who shows up in all of his own movies. Very cool. </li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The not so likes. </span></b><br />
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Hmm... let's see. I guess there are glaring plot holes but they really don't get in the way of the story or of enjoying the story. I'm sure there are things that a real movie critic can pick on and rip this movie to shreds but for me, at this very moment, I can't think of any. Maybe I'll fill this in when I think of something.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOd0nI6OeizQ58g6ChALLOpvzxnePNjcURfH9mzXAdtlP3QapsqaUuX1dnwvYB9CG67fNekztKFTpkdpl3f0vH_HoHzSPbHJPrAEal8GBqZp__WH-Q22o3aIEolT5W4VATgQBM5Z5oj_E/s1600/Split02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOd0nI6OeizQ58g6ChALLOpvzxnePNjcURfH9mzXAdtlP3QapsqaUuX1dnwvYB9CG67fNekztKFTpkdpl3f0vH_HoHzSPbHJPrAEal8GBqZp__WH-Q22o3aIEolT5W4VATgQBM5Z5oj_E/s640/Split02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And Dennis kidnapped these girls because The Beast told him to. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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So there you go. A movie written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan that I actually enjoyed. I can remember when I last enjoyed an M. Night Shyamalan movie, it was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167404/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_12">The Sixth Sense</a> ()1999) and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0217869/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_11">Unbreakable</a> (2000). The question I guess then is, is Split as good as those two? Hard to say, too much time has passed since then but on its own merit, it is good. Go for the story, go for James McAvoy who does an impressive job and looks like he's having fun doing it. Just go. It's been a long time since M. Night Shyamalan has done something this good. If you're wary, give him the benefit of the doubt and go read some of the other early reviews by actual movie critics. But from this casual movie fan, the verdict is in and Split is well worth the price of admission. </div>
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<b>I'm giving Split a solid 4 out of 5</b>. </div>
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Check out the trailer below.</div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-82570503534190807272017-01-18T03:49:00.001+08:002017-01-27T14:18:59.065+08:00QUICK REVIEW: ASSASSIN'S CREED (2016)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkr7uOnOs4XJ9kAATCKwZEk-IuilKvD2jvy9GB8I_vE3bKY3jOZY0cj5pdq7bOYunK7BPQX6mLEG4nZXA00q_LNsla6aTdZs6Ude1xMTR8ybwRu6lvJOxplSqy9cauSLxZB5h8tv29ibE/s1600/Assassin%2527s+Creed+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkr7uOnOs4XJ9kAATCKwZEk-IuilKvD2jvy9GB8I_vE3bKY3jOZY0cj5pdq7bOYunK7BPQX6mLEG4nZXA00q_LNsla6aTdZs6Ude1xMTR8ybwRu6lvJOxplSqy9cauSLxZB5h8tv29ibE/s640/Assassin%2527s+Creed+Poster.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">From IMDB:</span></b></span><br />
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Through Abstergo a company that creates a revolutionary technology that unlocks his genetic memories, Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) experiences the memories of his ancestor, Aguilar de Nerha (Aguilar Of Nerha), in 15th Century Spain. Callum discovers he is descended from a mysterious secret society, the Assassins and Templars, and amasses incredible knowledge and skills to take on the oppressive and powerful Templar organization in the present day.</div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt2094766" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2094766/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Assassin's Creed (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" /> </a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2094766/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">36</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2094766/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2094766/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">264 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2094766/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">231 critic</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">From Rotten Tomatoes:</span></b></span></div>
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Through a revolutionary technology that unlocks his genetic memories, Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) experiences the adventures of his ancestor, Aguilar, in 15th Century Spain. Callum discovers he is descended from a mysterious secret society, the Assassins, and amasses incredible knowledge and skills to take on the oppressive and powerful Templar organization in the present day. ASSASSIN'S CREED stars Academy Award (R) nominee Michael Fassbender (X-Men: Days of Future Past, 12 Years a Slave) and Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard (The Dark Knight Rises, La Vie en Rose). The film is directed by Justin Kurzel (Snowtown, Macbeth); produced by New Regency, Ubisoft Motion Pictures, DMC Films and Kennedy/Marshall; co-financed by RatPac Entertainment and Alpha Pictures; and distributed by 20th Century Fox. ASSASSIN'S CREED opens in theaters worldwide on December 21st, 2016.</div>
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Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, thematic elements and brief strong language)</div>
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Genre: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=1">Action & Adventure</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=9">Drama</a></div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/justin_kurzel">Justin Kurzel</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/bill_collage">Bill Collage</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/adam_cooper_2">Adam Cooper</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/michael_lesslie">Michael Lesslie</a></div>
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In Theaters: Dec 21, 2016 Wide</div>
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Box Office: $53,053,641.00</div>
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Runtime: 116 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/assassins-creed">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER<a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/assassins_creed/#contentReviews">17%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 3.9/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 160</div>
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Fresh: 27</div>
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Rotten: 133</div>
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Critics Consensus: Assassin's Creed is arguably better made (and certainly better cast) than most video game adaptations; unfortunately, the CGI-fueled end result still is still a joylessly overplotted slog.</div>
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AUDIENCE SCORE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/assassins_creed/#audience_reviews">56%</a> <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/assassins_creed/#audience_reviews">liked it</a></div>
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Average Rating: 3.4/5</div>
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User Ratings: 51,651</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuK_8Z5jkxUBuXRMET0bRcTQY8Mi519kLXwUJa4lGS5h19tTjKTpsFntf76Tp6Ycz1se-hPdAxiHD0dSK7Mh3uZfhITmbAUkmU76CnFxwGfSoYvoBRlx5VHIajTAY73hUyzIu4Alok2Uc/s1600/AC01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuK_8Z5jkxUBuXRMET0bRcTQY8Mi519kLXwUJa4lGS5h19tTjKTpsFntf76Tp6Ycz1se-hPdAxiHD0dSK7Mh3uZfhITmbAUkmU76CnFxwGfSoYvoBRlx5VHIajTAY73hUyzIu4Alok2Uc/s640/AC01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Michael Fassbender sure ends up in prison a lot in his movies. ©<a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Another much-beloved game franchise gets a chance on the big screen...</span></b><br />
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So, based on the very popular game franchise of the same title which began in 2007 and has since spawned 8 sequels as well as countless other splits and such <a href="http://ubisoft.com/">Ubisoft</a> in 2012 finally gets the ball rolling in trying to turn it into a movie. And four years later it hits the big screen but not to everyone's delight. Or maybe that should be to anyone's delight.<br />
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Anyway, I watched Assassin's Creed a little over a week ago since I had a couple of free passes to it. And I went in with the awareness that this wasn't a very good movie, so in a way, I sort of went because I was really curious about whether it was really that bad. So on to the likes and the dislikes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDgy9FlUqtXZ1sHwaKNbFMaJcM6OMjsqrzquDaq6Bp9EpTxKFT_fZZhkQUHvChS7ObrYOW-ztPefE1zcxJb0LIxWFBn_W-MXD-BuPY2TQvJGr83Lgv3yNdziz727ZOLzcwV14FPQU8RY/s1600/AC02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDgy9FlUqtXZ1sHwaKNbFMaJcM6OMjsqrzquDaq6Bp9EpTxKFT_fZZhkQUHvChS7ObrYOW-ztPefE1zcxJb0LIxWFBn_W-MXD-BuPY2TQvJGr83Lgv3yNdziz727ZOLzcwV14FPQU8RY/s640/AC02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But this time he gets to get sentenced to death through lethal injection. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The likes.</span></b><br />
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<li>The story isn't completely horrible. It's familiar but not entirely interesting or amazing. It's not too bad but not good either.</li>
<li>The cast. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1055413/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Michael Fassbender</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182839/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Marion Cotillard</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000460/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Jeremy Irons</a>, amazing cast and they did a pretty good job considering what they had to work with.</li>
<li>The visuals. Very nicely done. Everything looks pretty cool.</li>
<li>The action. Not too bad. But that being said not that good either.</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The not so likes.</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>How the story is far too often stuck in the dramatic rather than the action. Way too much exposition. So much so that the action when it comes feels like it's rushed and compressed. And when the action ends we're back to the drama and the talking which makes the film feel long and draggy.</li>
<li>The music. A little too loud sometimes. </li>
<li>The constant appearance of the eagle. Yes, it's in the game but only as a skill of the assassin, not a flying bird totem that appears every single time Cal goes into the Animus or when the story needs to go back in time to explain something.</li>
<li>Also assassin's who spend far more time fighting right out in the open instead of in the shadows where they got their reputation.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEThfQFAvGs4mF6QEueI3jSX3BvEcEvRhsEW_RUGJZVUZMDJYrumhaCxF4JI9kiMSvEIQhx3o9Ox0Gd1kNgyQvB6l9S7x3bVQHHEKVkkiA-5LGPsvXjvPDvRl5iqlaBR0Ih6GavACPZTY/s1600/AC03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEThfQFAvGs4mF6QEueI3jSX3BvEcEvRhsEW_RUGJZVUZMDJYrumhaCxF4JI9kiMSvEIQhx3o9Ox0Gd1kNgyQvB6l9S7x3bVQHHEKVkkiA-5LGPsvXjvPDvRl5iqlaBR0Ih6GavACPZTY/s640/AC03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So based on this movie assassins dress conspicuously and carry weapons out in the open and no one notices. Magic. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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There's so much potential in this film that isn't realized but I guess that's not all that surprising. The problem that Assassin's Creed has is the same that all other game to movie adaptation attempts suffer from and that's one of perspective in my opinion. I've played games before and while playing have thought of how amazing that particular game would be if it became a movie but there's a problem with that. When you play a game you become part of that character and the story unfolds as you play that character through quests and puzzles. It's nowhere near the same when all you do is sit down and watch it unfold in front of you. When you play you are that character and you naturally become invested in his story and well-being through the many hours of the game. When you sit down to watch you only have a few minutes to get into the same territory and that only happens with a script that writes the character well. And even that comes into problematic territory when it comes to game adaptation, hardcore fans know the character too well while casual players of the game or those that are complete strangers to it need to be filled in on who he is so now you have to strike that balance and frankly speaking I don't think any game-to-movie adaptation has been successful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQR6u2OSmOWLJkJSNTVl1Tz-0nluCmAEOhC0TB3papmWx9eq_DGfjgjIfy7EjhqhoDwiCAgi18QxcvnChKrcIH9vovOFq6T8YMtUyveFPQO8UMiUy912QT8cdLCY2jRHAmiEeSO5ZVeus/s1600/AC04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQR6u2OSmOWLJkJSNTVl1Tz-0nluCmAEOhC0TB3papmWx9eq_DGfjgjIfy7EjhqhoDwiCAgi18QxcvnChKrcIH9vovOFq6T8YMtUyveFPQO8UMiUy912QT8cdLCY2jRHAmiEeSO5ZVeus/s640/AC04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And they're all looking for a special apple. ©<a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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Then there's the perpective of the film maker. What do you take from the movie? And, in most cases by the time there's interest in turning the franchise into a movie there's a lot of games and storylines and fans are no longer just casual fans but hardcore ones. So now there's a decision to be made, please the fans or please the general audience who may not know anything. Which ends up affecting the whole story which in this case ends up being way too talky and slow. And in this case I think the director that they decided to go with didn't help matters much. A brief look at Mr. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2355933?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Justin Kurzel</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/">IMDB</a> page and you'll notice that he mostly does dramas and not action films. And let's be honest here, most game players aren't looking to sit down and listen to their favourite characters talk. They play games to lose themselves in the quests and the action the story is incidental. If they were truly interested in the story they'd probably be reading books more than playing games. Maybe. </div>
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Anyway, as I sat through Assassin's Creed I thought of how much potential this movie really had. Half of me liked what I saw but the other half thought this could be soo much better. <b>So I'm giving Assassin's Creed a decent 2.5 out of 5. </b></div>
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Here's the trailer for you to check out.</div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-50893470675162193732017-01-18T01:29:00.000+08:002017-01-27T14:17:30.651+08:00QUICK REVIEW: ALLIED (2016)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBEm8-TkZXYmDQpKwOscbga-fSAZxceV_wHgVYvGk9VIzakVv51EO8zo-XKri6sV6xrXOr3tyGfa1BGcNzOzaaq1NwtrP0ev85zbUD5eg3L8D8FgeeKBOvq0jv-BD0a7HmmK6es_vepc/s1600/Allied+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBEm8-TkZXYmDQpKwOscbga-fSAZxceV_wHgVYvGk9VIzakVv51EO8zo-XKri6sV6xrXOr3tyGfa1BGcNzOzaaq1NwtrP0ev85zbUD5eg3L8D8FgeeKBOvq0jv-BD0a7HmmK6es_vepc/s640/Allied+Poster.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">From IMDB:</span></b></span><br />
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In 1942, a Canadian intelligence officer in North Africa encounters a female French Resistance fighter on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. When they reunite in London, their relationship is tested by the pressures of war.<br />
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt3640424" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3640424/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Allied (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" /> </a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3640424/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">60</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3640424/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3640424/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">112 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3640424/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">224 critic</a></div>
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Popularity 72 ( 9)</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">From Rotten Tomatoes:</span></b></span></div>
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The story of intelligence officer Max Vatan, who in 1942 North Africa encounters French Resistance fighter Marianne Beausejour on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Reunited in London, their relationship is threatened by the extreme pressures of the war. </div>
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Rating: R (for violence, some sexuality/nudity, language and brief drug use) </div>
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Genre: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=1">Action & Adventure</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=9">Drama</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=18">Romance</a> </div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/robert_zemeckis">Robert Zemeckis</a> </div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/steven_knight">Steven Knight</a> </div>
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In Theaters: Nov 23, 2016 Wide </div>
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Box Office: $39,954,249.00 </div>
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Runtime: 124 minutes </div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.alliedmovie.com/">Paramount Pictures</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/allied/#contentReviews">61%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 6.2/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 191</div>
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Fresh: 116</div>
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Rotten: 75</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Critics Consensus: Allied has its moments, but doesn't quite achieve epic wartime romance status -- a disappointment made more profound by the dazzling talent assembled on either side of the camera.</blockquote>
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AUDIENCE SCORE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/allied/#audience_reviews">68%</a> <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/allied/#audience_reviews">liked it</a></div>
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Average Rating: 3.6/5</div>
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User Ratings: 20,309</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WeTO93AkVs2pWLHVmnjJ1tblSDu8rCvORu91Wfn2Xq9a7ov9KNG5992wlrD-iax9MZadXurrznoMY2rvvf6GlUTV9KYXwWk7_KPZcxVvFKUnPkCSUoLxPIKUopv1wM588ulq6MbCwP4/s1600/Allied+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WeTO93AkVs2pWLHVmnjJ1tblSDu8rCvORu91Wfn2Xq9a7ov9KNG5992wlrD-iax9MZadXurrznoMY2rvvf6GlUTV9KYXwWk7_KPZcxVvFKUnPkCSUoLxPIKUopv1wM588ulq6MbCwP4/s640/Allied+02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Two beautiful spies meet. ©<a href="http://www.paramount.com/">Paramount Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A movie about spies who fall in love and then...</span></b></div>
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Okay, so I actually saw this about two weeks ago. Yes, Allied which opened in the U.S. on November 23 of 2016 only opened in Malaysia almost two months later. </div>
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Anyway, here's a list of things I like and not so like from what I can remember.</div>
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<b>Likes</b>. </div>
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<ul>
<li>The story, Not too bad and an interesting angle to the popular subject that is WWII. </li>
<li>The cast. Brilliant work by the cast, enjoyed <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000093/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Brad Pitt</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182839/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Marion Cotillard</a>'s performance although at times I found Marion Cotillard's accent a little distracting. </li>
<li>Loved the attention to detail in the art direction. Very nice. </li>
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<b>The not so likes.</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>I don't think there's anything I didn't really like but by the end of the movie, although everything seems to be tied up nicely, you're left with a feeling that you didn't watch anything of real substance or impact. It was a good story but not a memorable one. Which is surprising when you consider the talent that's not only in front of the camera but behind it too. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000709?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Robert Zemeckis</a> has always had a knack for telling a good story no matter how simple or complex it may be and telling it in such a way that it's easy to follow and with Allied the story is told well and everything is paced well but there's little impact.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QSrFeZuewn5D8WOM7-TPl1bw5jApM1QJZSUDBurqgL86o1omU8oihIOjmNQs-I7TQP8dD2_YmnCycdZXHn60QxR4f3Zkr5fKX07JqfMrDE8f3UUv0rRQcTMQtmExuGD-5zMBExShqQA/s1600/Allied+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QSrFeZuewn5D8WOM7-TPl1bw5jApM1QJZSUDBurqgL86o1omU8oihIOjmNQs-I7TQP8dD2_YmnCycdZXHn60QxR4f3Zkr5fKX07JqfMrDE8f3UUv0rRQcTMQtmExuGD-5zMBExShqQA/s640/Allied+01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And some guns are used. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.paramount.com/" style="text-align: center;">Paramount Pictures</a></div>
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Allied if you were to go by its trailer you would be expecting action, intrigue and in the midst of it all a love story between two individuals who can be considered equals at what they do. And although there is all of that you still walk away from it thinking that something seems to be missing. <b>Anyway, that's what I thought of it so I'm giving Allied a decent 3 out of 5.</b></div>
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Check out the trailer below.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0f1_fbdB6RQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0f1_fbdB6RQ?feature=player_embedded" width="600"></iframe></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A GREAT BIG THANKS TO <a href="http://www.bfm.my/">BFM</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BFMradio/">RADIO</a> AND <a href="https://www.facebook.com/uipmalaysia/">UNITED INTERNATIONAL PICTURES MALAYSIA</a> FOR THE PREMIERE PASSES!</span></b></div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-87966939240971574712016-12-29T02:11:00.001+08:002016-12-30T15:42:39.011+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: WHY HIM? (2016)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2jGTASZb66hzPeIc4hjJMrMgA_Z3LCOmXfpNll0qyecFYXAFUET5bsvgbfO7gxq38p7r8-MTvsqwys2JXuZbCZpa0p8IWOpat1aEVCl0sNvtgG2VModKMupg4r1nGM3h67vQXpm0PPk/s1600/Why+Him+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2jGTASZb66hzPeIc4hjJMrMgA_Z3LCOmXfpNll0qyecFYXAFUET5bsvgbfO7gxq38p7r8-MTvsqwys2JXuZbCZpa0p8IWOpat1aEVCl0sNvtgG2VModKMupg4r1nGM3h67vQXpm0PPk/s640/Why+Him+Poster.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>From IMDB:</b></span></div>
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Over the holidays, Ned (Bryan Cranston), an overprotective but loving dad and his family visit his daughter at Stanford, where he meets his biggest nightmare: her well-meaning but socially awkward Silicon Valley billionaire boyfriend, Laird (James Franco). The rivalry develops, and Ned's panic level goes through the roof when he finds himself lost in this glamorous high-tech world and learns that Laird is about to pop the question.Written by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=20th%20Century%20Fox&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl">20th Century Fox</a><br />
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt4501244" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4501244/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Why Him? (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" /> </a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4501244/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">38</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4501244/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4501244/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">17 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4501244/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">61 critic</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">From Rotten Tomatoes:</span></b></div>
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Over the holidays, Ned (Bryan Cranston), an overprotective but loving dad and his family visit his daughter at Stanford, where he meets his biggest nightmare: her well-meaning but socially awkward Silicon Valley billionaire boyfriend, Laird (James Franco). The straight-laced Ned thinks Laird, who has absolutely no filter, is a wildly inappropriate match for his daughter. The one-sided rivalry-and Ned's panic level-escalate when he finds himself increasingly out of step in the glamorous high-tech hub, and learns that Laird is about to pop the question.</div>
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Rating: R (for strong language and sexual material throughout)</div>
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Genre: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=6">Comedy</a></div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/john_hamburg">John Hamburg</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/john_hamburg">John Hamburg</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/ian_helfer">Ian Helfer</a></div>
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In Theaters: Dec 23, 2016 Wide</div>
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Box Office: $11,002,986.00</div>
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Runtime: 111 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/why-him">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/why_him/#contentReviews">40%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 4.9/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 102</div>
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Fresh: 41</div>
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Rotten: 61</div>
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Critics Consensus: Solidly cast but overall misconceived, Why Him? offers the odd chuckle, but ultimately adds disappointingly little to its tired father-vs.-fiancé formula.</blockquote>
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AUDIENCE SCORE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/why_him/#audience_reviews">63%</a> <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/why_him/#audience_reviews">liked it</a></div>
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Average Rating: 3.6/5</div>
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User Ratings: 9,962</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRverzdJOIAR17HPbX2vVVTzyfoK8SNFt5Q6mkXOLHqoUi4QU5qTXlHKzyft9JyUm38RXMwknOVyTin08RAvWha6Bq6KJfvpCHOBsUlTA3-yG1h2k2NM6c3_2OtpkEJ9l7lbdNnXO6IQ/s1600/WhyHim01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRverzdJOIAR17HPbX2vVVTzyfoK8SNFt5Q6mkXOLHqoUi4QU5qTXlHKzyft9JyUm38RXMwknOVyTin08RAvWha6Bq6KJfvpCHOBsUlTA3-yG1h2k2NM6c3_2OtpkEJ9l7lbdNnXO6IQ/s640/WhyHim01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If the first time you meet someone and he doesn't have a shirt and has a foul mouth what goes through your mind? ©<a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Directed by the man who also wrote for all the Meet the Fockers franchise and the Zoolander franchise...</span></b></div>
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Why Him? was actually released in the US on December 23rd but is only coming to Malaysia on the 29th. I saw it yesterday, the 27th. Why is it taking this comedy so long? Who knows? Anyway, Why Him? was written in part by the director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0357453?ref_=tt_ov_dr">John Hamburg</a> along with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1706767/?ref_=ttfc_fc_wr1">Jonah Hill</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0375043/?ref_=ttfc_fc_wr3">Ian Helfer</a>. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0357453?ref_=tt_ov_dr">John Hamburg</a> also wrote for <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0212338/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_11">Meet the Parents</a> (2000), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0196229/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_10">Zoolander</a> (2001), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0343135/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_8">Along Came Polly</a> (2004), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0290002/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_7">Meet the Fockers</a> (2004), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1155056/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_5">I Love You, Man</a> (2009), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0970866/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_4">Little Fockers</a> (2010) and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1608290/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_2">Zoolander 2</a> (2016). Now with the exception of maybe Little Fockers and Zoolander 2 pretty much all the rest were pretty good and funny and a little better than average. By the time of Little Fockers and Zoolander 2 you've basically seen and heard everything and it's just not as fresh, right? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyd0ljXAHbvxAXgNk_6heVOTLO2EWnff3BT37YerM4vroZPa16DP5AyGaMAt7SXHpqVsV7A88VOZb60oTCQ5kycLX_6YwRh4V2sRMrCKI9MTpPaHjB_ycJzXY6m7hurteYhBxVgYBBcfE/s1600/WhyHim03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyd0ljXAHbvxAXgNk_6heVOTLO2EWnff3BT37YerM4vroZPa16DP5AyGaMAt7SXHpqVsV7A88VOZb60oTCQ5kycLX_6YwRh4V2sRMrCKI9MTpPaHjB_ycJzXY6m7hurteYhBxVgYBBcfE/s640/WhyHim03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the menu today is smoked bear wrapped in yesterday's newspaper. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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So let's get on to Why Him?, which stars <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0186505/?ref_=tt_cl_t6">Bryan Cranston</a> as Ned Fleming the man who's asking the question, "Why him?". He has a daughter named Stephanie (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3614913/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Zoey Deutch</a>) who is currently in college and to his surprise is dating a man whom he finds out about quite accidentally and hilariously on his birthday while on a video call with his daughter. After this accidental introduction Stephanie decides it would be good for the family to get to know the "new" boyfriend and tells her dad to bring down the family to California over the Christmas holidays. So off Ned goes to California with his lovely wife Barb (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005259/?ref_=tt_cl_t7">Megan Mullally</a>) and son Scotty (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3838034/?ref_=tt_cl_t9">Griffin Gluck</a>).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPEbXb3hpob6b7maoZGmLhjpt5u6fPb3aDVoK9tOKjRZ-DKml5RQHredXQ51slsf___N6YJXyZ-lEHHrjQIbMsyhL8wacSjwDP4Pddr9QIKxSbfsaT7mWG8_xQuphSZA70a_-PIl70-A/s1600/WhyHim06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPEbXb3hpob6b7maoZGmLhjpt5u6fPb3aDVoK9tOKjRZ-DKml5RQHredXQ51slsf___N6YJXyZ-lEHHrjQIbMsyhL8wacSjwDP4Pddr9QIKxSbfsaT7mWG8_xQuphSZA70a_-PIl70-A/s640/WhyHim06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pinkie swears are very important to Silicon Valley millionaires. That's how they finalize all their contracts. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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On arriving in California Steph tries to tell Ned a little about her boyfriend but can't quite figure out how and things get a little harder to explain when they arrive at his home and enter through a hidden entrance. Things get weirder still as they see chickens and llamas on the estate and meet with Gustav (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1221047/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t16">Keegan-Michael Key</a>) the estate manager who previously managed a chain of famous 5-star hotels because he was tired of all the trappings associated with that career and lifestyle.</div>
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Anyway, the story pretty much unravels the same way that Meet the Parents does albeit this time it's the father in law to be who is the focus of things and have funny things happen around him and occasionally to him. That's one difference, the other difference is is the future son in law is one of those silicon valley millionaire guys with an unusual personality. So that's the thing that's been updated. And oh yeah, the cussing, lots of cussing. What did you expect from a movie that's also written by Jonah Hill who also helped write for <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1700841/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_2">Sausage Party</a> (2016) and stars James Franco? We're just short of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0736622/?ref_=ttfc_fc_wr1">Seth Rogen</a> and it would've been complete. If you know what I mean. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gr7CjXkDcjvsl5EaMIy-vSLEvnWq_V5wPk_Y1oJugD8mnRp9lN1vR2LWslxv1zcsZfC80X7so8Mjxr6-Zw-hlcyL8pD17Hfo7W_K5_PE08GMsRNpEXc3uysygfJMWPl8tdajyQKJMg0/s1600/WhyHim02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gr7CjXkDcjvsl5EaMIy-vSLEvnWq_V5wPk_Y1oJugD8mnRp9lN1vR2LWslxv1zcsZfC80X7so8Mjxr6-Zw-hlcyL8pD17Hfo7W_K5_PE08GMsRNpEXc3uysygfJMWPl8tdajyQKJMg0/s640/WhyHim02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
What is the correct reaction for when a wet and clearly-naked-under-his-kaftan dress man sits on your bed and then tells you that there's a computer always listening to what you're doing? <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So here's a few things I enjoyed.</span></b></div>
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<li>Like Ned and the Flemings. Fun to watch Bryan Cranston in a comedic role again. Megan Mullally was adorable. Scotty was ok. Steph was ok too. </li>
<li>The story was average. Not bad. Not super good or super funny either. It has its moments.</li>
<li>Like Gustav. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfQQu81f1hL8HnYaPq-nItHG6oAapK47-ukh4L_ECa2bwnMtgTfvLLIgfZdFKTmJUhGalBntmSKRTUL3qxRgFgvDF4sOUDAdx3szO8xW62lvL4KEag4IhUeg3Oa8Js3PTRUsFahdBjj8/s1600/WhyHim05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfQQu81f1hL8HnYaPq-nItHG6oAapK47-ukh4L_ECa2bwnMtgTfvLLIgfZdFKTmJUhGalBntmSKRTUL3qxRgFgvDF4sOUDAdx3szO8xW62lvL4KEag4IhUeg3Oa8Js3PTRUsFahdBjj8/s640/WhyHim05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Why is a dead moose trapped in it's own urine considered art? <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A few things that didn't impress.</span></b></div>
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<li>Not impressed with James Franco's character. That whole Silicon Valley millionaire start-up weirdo just isn't all that interesting. Doesn't really bring anything new to the story. Well not much anyway. And the cussing. Really? It stopped being funny after the first f*$k. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HsANrfWAkLHeXCucvaRqNNUx5IrsK6x8VmSL3UFbYPogjpru0sA5BUkYlo8iJC5FIG7JRdl1ICb9Sls1vAYFI-sb7Xv61Sya4Us4IgoMyyDyYC9gIfJu7DgWJprZeQoOUvwz2soNK7g/s1600/WhyHim07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HsANrfWAkLHeXCucvaRqNNUx5IrsK6x8VmSL3UFbYPogjpru0sA5BUkYlo8iJC5FIG7JRdl1ICb9Sls1vAYFI-sb7Xv61Sya4Us4IgoMyyDyYC9gIfJu7DgWJprZeQoOUvwz2soNK7g/s640/WhyHim07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So Ned goes to Laird's office to talk about hacking into his network. I guess he forgot about the fact that someone is always listening. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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Why Him? is, to be honest nothing special. It has its moments for sure and you'll laugh but you won't remember it a half hour after you've walked out the cinema. If people ask you about it, you might say it's funny and you might recommend it but you probably won't go into much detail. Unless you're a fan of the comedy that James Franco and friends are known for. You'll enjoy Bryan Cranston if you're a fan of his and it's a nice throwback to the days when he did comedy. But nothing in this movie will make you rant and rave about it to your friends and family. Also, this may not be suitable for the whole family. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Wm8JbVGvNSaU6zYutCmcm3IKzMd5LGXopWxcgeRx3NNa94RJbQQ3vYwExaeesQ0RtXt0jG4KTcPoBHjCG_xRWkEHQUDfSLIiPyUtnhXQpCTGO-fyWGN1WMbF4LzePH9olZt3hs7gjJM/s1600/WhyHim08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Wm8JbVGvNSaU6zYutCmcm3IKzMd5LGXopWxcgeRx3NNa94RJbQQ3vYwExaeesQ0RtXt0jG4KTcPoBHjCG_xRWkEHQUDfSLIiPyUtnhXQpCTGO-fyWGN1WMbF4LzePH9olZt3hs7gjJM/s640/WhyHim08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Who isn't turned on by a cartoony portrait of humping capybaras? <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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What this movie is is a quick laugh after a long day or a long week. A movie to watch when you just don't want to think about anything. Sort of like every comedy that James Franco has been in or Seth Rogen or Jonah Hill. It's very little substance but lots of juvenile type humour to appeal to the frat boy or sorority girl in you. If you consider yourself an adult then maybe don't watch this movie. And since I sort of guessed that this was going to be the case I set my expectations pretty low. <b>So that's why I'm giving this movie a 3 out of 5. </b></div>
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Check out the red band trailer below. </div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-67673074564397991602016-12-23T05:37:00.001+08:002016-12-24T10:55:38.645+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: PASSENGERS (2016)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptRLc2rZqJHts44p1fvMESI3dlW0d1FD2l9nxsHFtqdPth5g-x2qzogO80Ec3JYxiQ0RUstcchUID4zYchfrsB3Yx0Rm_-0KE7-h62GceQMH3QVI83vGL1ATkmhJu7ugQy3FB-O4ZqyA/s1600/Passengers+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptRLc2rZqJHts44p1fvMESI3dlW0d1FD2l9nxsHFtqdPth5g-x2qzogO80Ec3JYxiQ0RUstcchUID4zYchfrsB3Yx0Rm_-0KE7-h62GceQMH3QVI83vGL1ATkmhJu7ugQy3FB-O4ZqyA/s640/Passengers+Poster.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">From IMDB:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Storyline</span></b><br />
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The spaceship, Starship Avalon, in its 120-year voyage to a distant colony planet known as the "Homestead Colony" and transporting 5,259 people has a malfunction in two of its sleep chambers. As a result two hibernation pods open prematurely and the two people that awoke, Jim Preston (Chris Pratt) and Aurora Dunn (Jennifer Lawrence), are stranded on the spaceship, still 90 years from their destination.</div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt1355644" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1355644/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Passengers (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" /> </a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1355644/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">40</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1355644/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1355644/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">27 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1355644/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">98 critic</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">From <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/passengers_2016/">Rotten Tomatoes</a>:</span></b></div>
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Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt star in an exciting action-thriller about two passengers who are on a 120-year journey to another planet when their hibernation pods wake them 90 years too early. Jim and Aurora are forced to unravel the mystery behind the malfunction as the ship teeters on the brink of collapse, with the lives of thousands of passengers in jeopardy.</div>
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Rating: PG-13 (for sexuality, nudity and action/peril)</div>
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Genre: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=1">Action & Adventure</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=9">Drama</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=14">Science Fiction & Fantasy</a></div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/morten_tyldum">Morten Tyldum</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jon_spaihts">Jon Spaihts</a></div>
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In Theaters: Dec 21, 2016 Wide</div>
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Runtime: 116 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.passengersmovie.com/">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/passengers_2016/#contentReviews">31%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 5/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 129</div>
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Fresh: 40</div>
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Rotten: 89</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Critics Consensus: Passengersproves Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence work well together -- and that even their chemistry isn't enough to overcome a fatally flawed story.</blockquote>
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AUDIENCE SCORE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/passengers_2016/#audience_reviews">68%</a> <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/passengers_2016/#audience_reviews">liked it</a></div>
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Average Rating: 3.7/5</div>
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User Ratings: 25,957</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAz_Jg9yk0kIk1klCtGAFg185XfeK-Mne1O_OABz_uJyCLBVdzAMrJClgqZqvf-VcWr3U_GMy6LYBnB0uX6AHyVyquGVcvL72QHVecoE9h50qjhnIzDUCChsdqensHEU709liwACow-ro/s1600/Passengers05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAz_Jg9yk0kIk1klCtGAFg185XfeK-Mne1O_OABz_uJyCLBVdzAMrJClgqZqvf-VcWr3U_GMy6LYBnB0uX6AHyVyquGVcvL72QHVecoE9h50qjhnIzDUCChsdqensHEU709liwACow-ro/s640/Passengers05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the Avalon. It's on a 120 year journey to a new planet, everything was going fine until it had a little fender bender. ©<a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Another movie where Chris Pratt ends up in floating in space slowly becoming a human popsicle...</span></b></div>
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Passengers, a movie that some may have been waiting for. A movie that everyone thought would be a story about two people who find themselves alone on a ship travelling through space having to fight against the odds to stay alive and while falling in love with each other. Boy, were we wrong about all that. </div>
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Anyway, by now you've probably read quite a few reviews and have found out what the story is about. You've probably also gathered by now that a lot of critics didn't think that this movie was all that good. Well, in some ways I do agree with them but I still sort of liked it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XYtl3j_qwR-rP9Hlf2IbwTh7uy5Ky_hec-KC2W7QXekON1KeOULSpfhcy4Au9j9Do_BzhtLkLAsOHAHBikNU7gTVzyN-VvCwQixiVKBasTzY-U8dh_XZJD81DOxLtlY5ArvMmi4yZSo/s1600/Passengers04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XYtl3j_qwR-rP9Hlf2IbwTh7uy5Ky_hec-KC2W7QXekON1KeOULSpfhcy4Au9j9Do_BzhtLkLAsOHAHBikNU7gTVzyN-VvCwQixiVKBasTzY-U8dh_XZJD81DOxLtlY5ArvMmi4yZSo/s640/Passengers04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Look at that face, you know he's up to no good. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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<b>Some of the things I liked.</b></div>
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<li>The story. I didn't really know what to expect to be honest, and yes I know it is uneven and that they really didn't handle the darker issues all that well because it just jumps right in the middle into the usual ROMCOM cliches before dumping both of them into a crisis both situationally and in their relationship, I still found it entertaining. </li>
<li>Like the cast. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2225369/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Jennifer Lawrence</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0695435/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Chris Pratt</a> did a pretty good job. Enjoyed <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0790688/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Michael Sheen</a> as the android bartender.</li>
<li>Loved the visuals. Everything looks really cool, really futuristic. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-UW0-CQthALl2z31baeTH7ZENMI5N3GhgtVi65B9JqXYpbQseyU1f0UpAENQ3KAf6Vmnv8hyphenhyphen9VkeaGirpb6Te7TIHPYlfYqzHXl8YnEd9eM1zC9GG1JTnp5subAjJPzHwXoINDEPhZM/s1600/Passengers08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-UW0-CQthALl2z31baeTH7ZENMI5N3GhgtVi65B9JqXYpbQseyU1f0UpAENQ3KAf6Vmnv8hyphenhyphen9VkeaGirpb6Te7TIHPYlfYqzHXl8YnEd9eM1zC9GG1JTnp5subAjJPzHwXoINDEPhZM/s640/Passengers08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When you've been alone for a year you do end up doing something crazy. ©<a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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<b>Some of the things that irked me.</b></div>
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<li>As mentioned by lots of reviewers the uneven treatment of the themes. The movie feels like a mash-up of several different themes/ideas. They've barely made it into a cohesive story but because of that if you're looking for a deep story with interesting themes and questions to ponder, you're going to be a little disappointed. Everything ends with everyone forgiven and everyone else on the Avalon discovering something magical. A Disney sort of ending.</li>
<li>The science and how some things just don't add up. It looks really cool no doubt but like the story, it's a little uneven. </li>
<li>The convenient way that Gus Mancuso (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000401/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Laurence Fishburne</a>) shows up to provide them access to the bridge and give them a hand at discovering what the problem with Avalon is before dying. This just felt like they ran out of ideas on how to wrap things up. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNcB0YOp4tQj_nNjKy6ajwB-oxPfyoQNadHMLHho3HbQo0OQEPv9HPjkkPJ1c7F0aVlwCF-Iyci1Yu8B0OVjSBIrSi817950iNggiAg5JjajGQbC4m8QnSu-Ioh-R3PeZ3Osad5gqRZU/s1600/Passengers07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNcB0YOp4tQj_nNjKy6ajwB-oxPfyoQNadHMLHho3HbQo0OQEPv9HPjkkPJ1c7F0aVlwCF-Iyci1Yu8B0OVjSBIrSi817950iNggiAg5JjajGQbC4m8QnSu-Ioh-R3PeZ3Osad5gqRZU/s640/Passengers07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In this scene there's a huge fire on the other side and things get really hot but not everything conveniently. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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Overall I thought this was not a bad film. It could have been so much better of course especially since they had capable actors in the cast. Passengers is a movie where you got to just shut off that thinking brain, that analytic side and just watch. Have fun watching <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0695435/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Chris Pratt</a> and enjoy how amazing <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2225369/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Jennifer Lawrence</a> looks. Watch this movie the way you would watch the Transformer movies by Michael Bay. <b>I'm giving Passengers a 3.5 out of 5</b>. </div>
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Check out the trailer below.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A GREAT BIG THANKS TO GSC CINEMAS AND SONY PICTURES MALAYSIA FOR THE PREMIERE PASSES!</span></b></div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-27050057542080102302016-12-22T04:33:00.000+08:002016-12-24T10:55:26.401+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (2016)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB16He0U9arcdnD-cHTUPp7VqxxtORzD93JgYFFZNWmRYB8LDpazy0o1nsBxuFMnsnoIrhrDqNJpyyJN5-jAw60OKsWsHHFqBC2tdPjbQwYKsUjyVKBtbgXI7r0r-flFNujiRTDV7uCJQ/s1600/Rogue+One+A+Star+Wars+Story+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB16He0U9arcdnD-cHTUPp7VqxxtORzD93JgYFFZNWmRYB8LDpazy0o1nsBxuFMnsnoIrhrDqNJpyyJN5-jAw60OKsWsHHFqBC2tdPjbQwYKsUjyVKBtbgXI7r0r-flFNujiRTDV7uCJQ/s640/Rogue+One+A+Star+Wars+Story+Poster.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">From IMDB:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Storyline</span></b><br />
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Jyn Erso, a Rebellion soldier and criminal, is about to experience her biggest challenge yet when Mon Mothma sets her out on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star. With help from the Rebels, a master swordsman, and non-allied forces, Jyn will be in for something bigger than she thinks.</div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt3748528" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3748528/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" /> </a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3748528/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">65</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3748528/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3748528/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">641 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3748528/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">448 critic</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">From Rotten Tomatoes:</span></b></div>
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From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.</div>
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Rating: PG-13 (for extended sequences of sci-fi violence and action)</div>
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Genre: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=1">Action & Adventure</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=9">Drama</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/opening/?genres=14">Science Fiction & Fantasy</a></div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/gareth_edwards_v">Gareth Edwards (V)</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/chris_weitz">Chris Weitz</a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/tony_gilroy">Tony Gilroy</a></div>
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In Theaters: Dec 16, 2016 Wide</div>
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Box Office: $155,081,681.00</div>
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Runtime: 133 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.starwars.com/">Walt Disney Pictures</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/rogue_one_a_star_wars_story/#contentReviews">85%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 7.5/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 306</div>
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Fresh: 259</div>
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Rotten: 47</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Critics Consensus: Rogue Onedraws deep on Star Warsmythology while breaking new narrative and aesthetic ground -- and suggesting a bright blockbuster future for the franchise.</blockquote>
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AUDIENCE SCORE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/rogue_one_a_star_wars_story/#audience_reviews">90% liked it</a></div>
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Average Rating: 4.3/5</div>
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User Ratings: 56,479</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">This is where it all starts. Unless you want to count the three films about Anakin that is...</span></b></div>
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Okay, so I actually saw this on Dec 15th at 2355 Malaysia time which means that I saw it a day before it actually opened in the US, but I've been busy lately and didn't have the time to sit and put my opinions down about it till now. Anyway, by now most of you have either seen it or read every possible review about it so this will be brief.</div>
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<b>What I liked</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>I liked the story. Pretty much answers all the question we've had about how the first Death Star came to be and why that silly vent was made. </li>
<li>Liked the cast. Wasn't too impressed with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0428065/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Felicity Jones</a> (Jyn Erso) when I saw her in <a href="http://gollumpus.blogspot.my/2016/10/movie-review-inferno-2016.html">Inferno</a> (2016) but I do like what she does with her character here. Kept thinking that <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0526019/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Diego Luna</a> (Cassian Andor) was Oscar Isaacs though. </li>
<li>Loved all the easter eggs and cameos. Even liked the CGI characters even if Grand Moff Tarkin looked a little too plastic. </li>
<li>Loved the visual effects. </li>
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<b>What I didn't quite like</b></div>
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<li>The pacing was a little too slow at times. You go through dramatic scenes and then it seems to slow down at times. Ditto with the battle scene.</li>
<li>Battle scene too felt a little too long.</li>
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Regardless of my nitpicking overall I liked it. It's one of the better "new" Star Wars story. The Force Awaken was good but it was basically episode IV with a bunch of different characters and different planets. This one feels new but one that fits very nicely I think before episode IV.<b> I'm giving this one a solid 4 out of 5.</b></div>
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Check out the final trailer (if you actually haven't seen it that is)<br />
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-26681022587036536142016-11-21T02:40:00.002+08:002016-12-24T10:56:21.113+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM (2016)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7QkGQpzsOQwL5zx64-Lt4PfdEVaWeo2M-KPSX9WH-Y54uRawLMRPC9GFZHZK39lWpCxHUJ1qy9Pl2J05cs0tWJRzfwv5cZibyNyvkz3tuZJMbic0GfAmfYb7wah1mP7HcWveerrhKpY/s1600/FBaWtFT+Poster+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7QkGQpzsOQwL5zx64-Lt4PfdEVaWeo2M-KPSX9WH-Y54uRawLMRPC9GFZHZK39lWpCxHUJ1qy9Pl2J05cs0tWJRzfwv5cZibyNyvkz3tuZJMbic0GfAmfYb7wah1mP7HcWveerrhKpY/s640/FBaWtFT+Poster+2.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">From IMDB:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Storyline</span></b><br />
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The year is 1926 and Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident...were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt's fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.<br />
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt3183660" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3183660/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" /> </a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script></div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3183660/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">65</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3183660/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3183660/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">70 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3183660/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">203 critic</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">From Rotten Tomatoes:</span></b></div>
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The magic of Harry Potter lives on in this Warner Bros. spin-off penned by {J.K. Rowling}, and intended as the first chapter in a whole new fantasy film franchise. </div>
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Rating: PG-13 (for some fantasy action violence.)</div>
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Genre: Action & Adventure , Kids & Family , Science Fiction & Fantasy</div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/david_yates">David Yates (II)</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jk_rowling">J.K. Rowling</a></div>
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In Theaters: Nov 18, 2016 Wide</div>
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Runtime: 132 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.fantasticbeasts.com/">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fantastic_beasts_and_where_to_find_them/#contentReviews">76%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 6.9/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 201</div>
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Fresh: 153</div>
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Rotten: 48</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Critics Consensus: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them draws on Harry Potter's rich mythology to deliver a spinoff that dazzles with franchise-building magic all its own.</blockquote>
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AUDIENCE SCORE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fantastic_beasts_and_where_to_find_them/#audience_reviews">87% liked it</a></div>
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Average Rating: 4.2/5</div>
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User Ratings: 49,143</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM IS CURRENTLY PLAYING IN CINEMAS. IF IT ISN'T CLICK <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3183660/releaseinfo?ref_=tt_ov_inf">HERE</a> TO FIND OUT WHEN IT DOES NEAR YOU.</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SaFdCDan6O0j301lBRXgnU5HzXfis7RIvChH0zNrhBE162ZMaEnoa4jjuryEmV8UQC-j1ZjbIg_pqt_GHCyOYsSxozAz0T3svm7tLCdYlGkHbcBSL9bSNZgoGCcrr48L-h5-JRUU0xY/s1600/FBaWtFT02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SaFdCDan6O0j301lBRXgnU5HzXfis7RIvChH0zNrhBE162ZMaEnoa4jjuryEmV8UQC-j1ZjbIg_pqt_GHCyOYsSxozAz0T3svm7tLCdYlGkHbcBSL9bSNZgoGCcrr48L-h5-JRUU0xY/s640/FBaWtFT02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Meet Newt Scamander he's a bit odd, I think he has Aspergers or something. ©<a href="http://warnerbros.com/">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A story about wizards, muggles, amazing creatures that don't take place in England and years before Harry even exists...</span></b></div>
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Truth time. I am not a fan of the Harry Potter books. Have not read a single page from any of the books. Of the film adaptations I have only sat through the first one and not the other ones. The first one I didn't find amusing or interesting enough that I just didn't bother with the rest. There.</div>
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Now that that's out of the way let's get on with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. If you've read every book then you would know that the book was mentioned in the first books in the series and that the author's name is Newt Scamander. If you've only seen the movies then you would have no idea who he is and why there's suddenly a movie about him. But sometime in 2001 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0746830?ref_=tt_ov_wr">J.K. Rowling</a> published something that is known as a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_document">false document</a>. That's when an author writes a book that is related to another book or series but isn't relevant to the actual narrative of that book or series. What was this book called? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLX5u35hn8IOsRN1f_xc9dNlT1UmKNOOCAZTToMAb7m2NfxOIiQZlUqW0e1gwwqsxwaJZdX1Y1ztK-5eM5yXBnESk9DYDsnfTEJZ-n5IWxbc9CAohqWDxXBtTgXQoPdLFwqE6zX-5iwGY/s1600/FBaWtFT03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLX5u35hn8IOsRN1f_xc9dNlT1UmKNOOCAZTToMAb7m2NfxOIiQZlUqW0e1gwwqsxwaJZdX1Y1ztK-5eM5yXBnESk9DYDsnfTEJZ-n5IWxbc9CAohqWDxXBtTgXQoPdLFwqE6zX-5iwGY/s640/FBaWtFT03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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He has very interesting pets. ©<a href="http://warnerbros.com/">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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Well it was Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them with an introduction by the "author" Newt Scamander. The book was about the many magical creatures that Newt Scamander has studied and is effectively a directory of magical creatures and beasts. The book was also supposed to be owned by Harry and had notes and scribblings by Harry, Ron and Hermione regarding their own adventurous encounters with some of the beasts listed in the book as well as some in-jokes related to their adventures from the series. The book was published to raise money for the British charity <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comic_Relief">Comic Relief</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM86dL-BtvGPsfB-JfcGivOeAXtEAQusmOtHQqi-xhbZbDK2wMJm5BqS0PGprJf3VTYowXBatBhAjpaT1TeXRXB9gW51MMz3VXKF-9Gud1aQvFfufJ8QoBeDFynvPaehMteJi89cNdnyA/s1600/FBaWtFT06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM86dL-BtvGPsfB-JfcGivOeAXtEAQusmOtHQqi-xhbZbDK2wMJm5BqS0PGprJf3VTYowXBatBhAjpaT1TeXRXB9gW51MMz3VXKF-9Gud1aQvFfufJ8QoBeDFynvPaehMteJi89cNdnyA/s640/FBaWtFT06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is Jacob and all he wants to be is a baker and not walk into a strange man's withered suitcase. ©<a href="http://warnerbros.com/">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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So the honest truth is is that there never really was an actual story to Newt Scamander until sometime in 2013 when it was first announced that there would be a movie about him and that <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0746830?ref_=tt_ov_wr">J.K. Rowling</a> would be the screenwriter for the film. And aside from that the directory of fantastic beasts written by Newt Scamander there probably won't be a book about Newt's adventures. Newt's life will instead be told on the big screen as in addition to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them there's no less than 4 films that will follow it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw97yu9rclOj0fpYNwjS_SWWg54q8_-zRpSgpGmW8EHS1DFJs6sIY5e59P80CPiSaoTjn_LEX78JJqbwCzSY4kJzWt3OASrBLJcFgctN5nmXo_rV6nOV9x_tL40Qh0LDumV0O3eEmLt_o/s1600/FBaWtFT04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw97yu9rclOj0fpYNwjS_SWWg54q8_-zRpSgpGmW8EHS1DFJs6sIY5e59P80CPiSaoTjn_LEX78JJqbwCzSY4kJzWt3OASrBLJcFgctN5nmXo_rV6nOV9x_tL40Qh0LDumV0O3eEmLt_o/s640/FBaWtFT04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is Credence and he has a very interesting secret.©<a href="http://warnerbros.com/">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, on to the film at hand and what I like about it. </span></b></div>
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<li>I rather liked the story. Granted I may not be as familiar with the Harry Potter world seeing as I've really only seen one of the many Harry Potter films from start to finish I still have to say it feels very familiar yet very different. It's a lot lighter throughout, there's more whimsy to it. Yes it is also quite dark in places but in general the mood of the film feels light and whimsical.</li>
<li>The cast. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1519666/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Eddie Redmayne</a> as Newt Scamander did a brilliant job portraying the somewhat awkward and introverted character in my opinion and the cast that were constantly around him, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0283945/?ref_=tt_cl_t11">Dan Fogler</a> who plays Jacob Kowalski and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2239702/?ref_=tt_cl_t9">Katherine Waterston</a> as Porpentina Goldstein really complemented each other in their scenes together. Then there's also that little budding romance scene between Kowalski and Queenie Goldstein (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0837223/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t38">Alison Sudol</a>) which was just adorable. Also <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0268199/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t7">Colin Farrell</a> who plays Percival Graves who throughout you're wondering what he's really up to. And finally I liked <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3009232/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t12">Ezra Miller</a>'s portrayal of Credence Barebones. </li>
<li>The Beasts. There were quite cool to look at even though at times they looked less than believable. </li>
<li>I loved the attention to details given to what you see on screen in terms of the costume and set design. The details were crisp and lovely. </li>
<li>The visual effects were also quite good aside from the beasts. The only time I sort of thought they were a little disappointing was during the scene where Newt shows Jacob around his fantastic beast sanctuary. There the physical backdrops and set pieces didn't seem to blend all too well with the special effects. </li>
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This is a very angry man. He too has secrets. ©<a href="http://warnerbros.com/">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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Overall Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an entertaining movie. For those who like me didn't seem to fancy the Harry Potter series for whatever reason this might be just be the franchise that'll get you somewhat interested in the Potter universe. For those who are already fans then this will be the next second time the fall in love with the whole wizards and magical world of Harry Potter albeit this time with an all adult cast, which I guess would be perfect since most of those who grew up watching the Harry Potter series are pretty much adults now. </div>
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You'll see this little guy the most and he causes the most problems for Newt. ©<a href="http://warnerbros.com/">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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I really did enjoy watching this movie and am sort of looking forward to where <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0746830?ref_=tt_ov_wr">J.K. Rowling</a> will take Newt Scamander on his next misadventure. It also helps that I think <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1519666/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Eddie Redmayne</a> is pretty darned good actor. <b>I'm going to give Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them a solid 3.5 out of 5</b>.</div>
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Check out the latest trailer for it right here.</div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-5205526583665709522016-11-11T04:01:00.002+08:002016-11-11T18:41:08.244+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK (2016)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDngT8L33U5BZ3IosuVaiUI4dGZQgttxSOt4adRPpaGg1Y-zKrF6e0b1wi9sCSmFH9FU3dDg8_vffj_FkItCjnvu0m3P9ln4hvsrKAikHQkD6RRECykzeReuHp_H8MSxje9H2dZ1MFuQ/s1600/Billy+Lynn+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDngT8L33U5BZ3IosuVaiUI4dGZQgttxSOt4adRPpaGg1Y-zKrF6e0b1wi9sCSmFH9FU3dDg8_vffj_FkItCjnvu0m3P9ln4hvsrKAikHQkD6RRECykzeReuHp_H8MSxje9H2dZ1MFuQ/s640/Billy+Lynn+Poster.jpg" width="410" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">From IMDB:</span></b></div>
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Two-time Academy Award® winner Ang Lee brings his extraordinary vision to Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, based on the widely-acclaimed, bestselling novel. The film is told from the point of view of 19-year-old private Billy Lynn (newcomer Joe Alwyn) who, along with his fellow soldiers in Bravo Squad, becomes a hero after a harrowing Iraq battle and is brought home temporarily for a victory tour. Through flashbacks, culminating at the spectacular halftime show of the Thanksgiving Day football game, the film reveals what really happened to the squad - contrasting the realities of the war with America's perceptions. The film also stars Kristen Stewart, Chris Tucker, Garrett Hedlund, with Vin Diesel, and Steve Martin. Lee used new technology, shooting at an ultra-high frame rate for the first time in film history, to create an immersive digital experience helping him dramatize war in a way never seen before. Lee directed and produced the film, from a screenplay by Jean-Christophe ...</div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt2513074" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2513074/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2513074/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">54</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2513074/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2513074/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">6 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2513074/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">12 critic</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">From Rotten Tomatoes:</span></b></div>
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The film is told from the point of view of 19-year-old private Billy Lynn, who, along with his fellow soldiers in Bravo Squad, has been hailed as a hero and brought home for a victory tour after a harrowing Iraq battle. Through flashbacks, culminating at the spectacular halftime show of the Thanksgiving Day football game, the film reveals what really happened to the squad - contrasting the realities of the Iraq conflict with America's celebration back home.</div>
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Rating: R (for language throughout, some war violence, sexual content, and brief drug use)</div>
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Genre: Drama</div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/ang_lee">Ang Lee</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jean_christophe_castelli">Jean-Christophe Castelli</a></div>
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In Theaters: Nov 11, 2016 Limited</div>
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Runtime: 110 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.billylynn-movie.com/">Sony Pictures</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/billy_lynns_long_halftime_walk/#contentReviews">46%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 4.8/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 26</div>
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Fresh: 12</div>
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Rotten: 14</div>
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Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.</div>
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WANT TO SEE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/billy_lynns_long_halftime_walk/#audience_reviews">86% want to see</a></div>
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User Ratings: 4,187</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK OPENS IN THE U.S. ON THE 11th OF NOVEMBER AND IN MALAYSIA ON THE 10th OF NOVEMBER. TO FIND OUT WHEN IT OPENS IN A CINEMA NEAR YOU CLICK <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2513074/releaseinfo?ref_=tt_ov_inf">HERE</a>. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jzK0yejbAfPaUj2eJimqvlaG3MJwJAEOBE_S8cpkte3hmV-2LtE5boT6NEoPzvQO9NdVJ5WvAeCmPAeem-tTYhqQSCwMXQIBZODW5y_Rk1WFZ7DT7y0l7w9wLWzSn2a1Ef7UYcrLm2Y/s1600/BillyLynn06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jzK0yejbAfPaUj2eJimqvlaG3MJwJAEOBE_S8cpkte3hmV-2LtE5boT6NEoPzvQO9NdVJ5WvAeCmPAeem-tTYhqQSCwMXQIBZODW5y_Rk1WFZ7DT7y0l7w9wLWzSn2a1Ef7UYcrLm2Y/s640/BillyLynn06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is Billy. He joined the military because he did something pretty bad to his sister's boyfriend. ©<a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/">TriStar Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A movie about how a man who has been sent to fight a war not his and then returns to receive an accolade he has a hard time accepting emotionally...</span></b></div>
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So this is a movie about a team of eight men named the Bravo Squad who in Iraq one less than fine day encountered some bad men and during their encounter a Sergeant named Shroom (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004874/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Vin Diesel</a>) is caught out in the open and is shot. While the rest of the team is pinned down by enemy gun fire a Specialist in the team named Billy Lynn (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm7153679/?ref_=tt_cl_t7">Joe Alwyn</a>) bravely runs out to try and rescue him but is instead himself caught out in the open. He bravely stands his ground and shoots at the bad men and eventually manages to roll his Sergeant to safety for the moment. The whole event just happens to be caught on camera.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5GyMwDnndtHjyGjIK1LGWLfulrDVHX1fUnHf6ISEUdDhcfkLNl5mzAXCqEq2D58ReY-tvhOiG3S6xznRhpDz4t85JzfPFTFruktCdtsWK9np8Fy-B5SnAnC4dBQLt7T6r7G80AltcUE/s1600/BillyLynn05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5GyMwDnndtHjyGjIK1LGWLfulrDVHX1fUnHf6ISEUdDhcfkLNl5mzAXCqEq2D58ReY-tvhOiG3S6xznRhpDz4t85JzfPFTFruktCdtsWK9np8Fy-B5SnAnC4dBQLt7T6r7G80AltcUE/s640/BillyLynn05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That is Sergeant Breem, he likes to tell each of his squad members that he loves them before they go out and kill people. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">TriStar Pictures</a></div>
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Later on after he receives the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Star">Silver Star</a> he and his team are paraded around the United States to show Americans what a hero looks like. In the movie we spend the last day of his tour when it culminates with the team appearing at the halftime show of an American Football game. </div>
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Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk actually began as a book written by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Fountain">Ben Fountain</a> and was published in May of 2012. The book was meant to be a sharp satire that dealt with themes such as brotherhood, the commercialization of war, and what it really means to support the war when the real costs are barely felt by the majority of U.S. citizens at home. (Took that last bit from the Wiki page for the novel. You can read the full Wiki entry <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Lynn%27s_Long_Halftime_Walk">here</a>.) It received many positive reviews and won praise from many reviewers and even won a few awards from the many it was nominated for. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjWciaWHZboBo0kbTWIPa9WsB9hH9AIWcW41aEAXwykIEfUev4l_gJCloRkvaYOx650qODlC5dH5UXm9Zwou4PhKpp3sqfaYp4SD2WzutxRD0oYpUNTaVBvhNvIvjYTYEt5j76hIC3OA/s1600/BillyLynn08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjWciaWHZboBo0kbTWIPa9WsB9hH9AIWcW41aEAXwykIEfUev4l_gJCloRkvaYOx650qODlC5dH5UXm9Zwou4PhKpp3sqfaYp4SD2WzutxRD0oYpUNTaVBvhNvIvjYTYEt5j76hIC3OA/s640/BillyLynn08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's Kate Billy's sister. See those scars? That's why he had to go join the military. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">TriStar Pictures</a></div>
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So fast forward to 2014 and the book is currently being turned into a screenplay by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0064479/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Simon Beaufoy</a> who also wrote the screenplay for <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1010048/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_7">Slumdog Millionaire</a> (2008).The film would be produced by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film4">Film4</a> in collaboration with a U.S. production company, The Ink Factory, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_Pictures">Sony Pictures' TriStar</a> film studio division as well as China's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bona_Film_Group">Bona Film Group</a> and Studio 8, which is backed by the Chinese conglomerate <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fosun">Fosun</a>. The movie would be directed by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000487?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Ang Lee</a> whose last film <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0454876/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_3">Life of Pi</a> (2012) won the Oscar for Best Achievement in Directing, Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score and Best Achievement in Visual Effects. If you're wondering who from that award-winning film is also working on this one it's <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002217?ref_=ttawd_awd_3">Mychael Danna</a> the music composer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0pDhDVI0Cw3Fw4L0UD7VYnzxPRgdkJxd5Bp7E3YG7zNe3jnfvp72uz-GxqPrvsAInpb-6FnRk61Hz0qyT8vtYiN6h6OjusdRd9K7JSyN4oh8AfqBROoEpSxZIRS5M_QdQsRJCgXjLhI/s1600/BillyLynn10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0pDhDVI0Cw3Fw4L0UD7VYnzxPRgdkJxd5Bp7E3YG7zNe3jnfvp72uz-GxqPrvsAInpb-6FnRk61Hz0qyT8vtYiN6h6OjusdRd9K7JSyN4oh8AfqBROoEpSxZIRS5M_QdQsRJCgXjLhI/s640/BillyLynn10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The man on the left is Sergeant Dime and the other guy is Albert. Albert is trying to sell Bravo Team's heroic story but no one seems interested. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">TriStar Pictures</a></div>
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Now Ang Lee didn't just want to make a movie that gave you the feels in the pit of your stomach and in your heart, he also wanted it to make your eyes go wide in amazement at what you saw. He wanted this movie an "immersive" and "realistic" experience of the reality and emotional journey of soldiers. Ang Lee wanted to give you the "Whole Shebang" in terms of a visual experience. So what did he decide to do with this film that would hopefully do that? He decided he wanted viewers to experience his latest film at a projection <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frame_rate">frame rate</a> of 120 frames per second in 3D at 4K HD resolution. This is the first film to actually use those specifications. The last film that was shown and a high frame rate was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0903624/?ref_=nv_sr_1">The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey</a> (2012) but even that was only at 48 frames per second and when that film was released not everyone was impressed by the new frame rate. But unfortunately for most of us we won't be able to watch this film the way Ang Lee would want as only six theaters worldwide are capable of handling the specifications. In fact, during its world premiere they had to arrange for a special set-up as the original theater that it was supposed to be in didn't have the right dimensions to fit the dual laser projectors and the large screen. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5u0A5yaP5e8JLwxjHGr1goZLunUCIVWg7W7Q-o_TzX5DCpGw2xsdjVQg-Y0uOa7PrhZ6R6hfENhAcPG-7-MoJ1EH0-EUjhf-7dQlwycVnlfjzaMn8idE-yplJ0pN7lTeOxpxP2ptjss/s1600/BillyLynn09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5u0A5yaP5e8JLwxjHGr1goZLunUCIVWg7W7Q-o_TzX5DCpGw2xsdjVQg-Y0uOa7PrhZ6R6hfENhAcPG-7-MoJ1EH0-EUjhf-7dQlwycVnlfjzaMn8idE-yplJ0pN7lTeOxpxP2ptjss/s640/BillyLynn09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The man standing right up front there is Mr. Norm Oglesby, he owns the stadium or the football team or something. He'd like to make a movie about Billy and his friends but he doesn't want to pay them that much.<span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">TriStar Pictures</a> </div>
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Anyway, so if you didn't read the brief storyline above or have yet to see the trailer, here's my brief description for Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk. You follow Billy and the Bravo Team he is with on the last day of their nationwide tour which ends at the halftime show of an American Football game. As he goes through the day little things causes him to remember the events that would lead up to this day. He also, with his team mates encounter people during his day that makes him question what he does, who he does it for and why he does it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVd-CXCKdK-yCsRhu-9jG7rWyeYoylvyxsVQ2y90Elu6zBaI0f6cuWvaop3HiI0PbT4HXI2Y9z-crbWmBvB4NKBDp8wez-Hs3cENsrV6sThFakwwrYSBHDbZdcURdcs3C-YRWznldLFQU/s1600/BillyLynn03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVd-CXCKdK-yCsRhu-9jG7rWyeYoylvyxsVQ2y90Elu6zBaI0f6cuWvaop3HiI0PbT4HXI2Y9z-crbWmBvB4NKBDp8wez-Hs3cENsrV6sThFakwwrYSBHDbZdcURdcs3C-YRWznldLFQU/s640/BillyLynn03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So for killing some men and almost saving the life of Sergeant Breem on camera, Bravo Team gets to imitate lifeless mannequins on stage while Destiny's Child performs. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">TriStar Pictures</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So here's a few things I liked.</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>The story. For the most part it's interesting. An interesting take on the participants of a war that no one really wanted to happen, wanted to participate in let alone be a part of for so long. An interesting perspective from someone whom everyone has labeled a 'hero' but who himself just thinks he only did what his training taught him to do. And of course the people that meet him.</li>
<li>The cast for the most part was pretty good. Considering how this was his first major role in a major film <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm7153679/?ref_=tt_cl_t7">Joe Alwyn</a> did a pretty good job. As did <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0829576/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Kristen Stewart</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004874/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Vin Diesel</a> despite only showing up in a few scenes. Wasn't too impressed with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1330560/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Garrett Hedlund</a> though, actually I have never really enjoyed his acting.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Was really nice to see <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000188/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Steve Martin</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000676/?ref_=tt_cl_t8">Chris Tucker</a> too. And was quite pleased with his portrayal of a Texas millionaire.</li>
<li>The camera work was interesting but not always.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozPWouD3DP_yHB2w1Z2v64dpHHnTXK5Ha10PmFDNQYYnUOSHvb55TQZ2YKGh6HMBdoU36KmIp-3sAL1WW9oBmxmBnrBvtcgD4ULyt-esl7tKiCMpQuK4MlNIpPihVDzxkE_Hzgugcgu4/s1600/BillyLynn13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozPWouD3DP_yHB2w1Z2v64dpHHnTXK5Ha10PmFDNQYYnUOSHvb55TQZ2YKGh6HMBdoU36KmIp-3sAL1WW9oBmxmBnrBvtcgD4ULyt-esl7tKiCMpQuK4MlNIpPihVDzxkE_Hzgugcgu4/s640/BillyLynn13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's an unusual preoccupation this movie has with Billy's virgin status. So how do they handle that? Have him have a casual hook-up with a cheerleader and then send him back to war. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">TriStar Pictures</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A few things that didn't sway me</span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Interesting as the story is I don't think this movie did the book justice. I haven't read the book but I'm sure it doesn't live up to it. </li>
<li>The acting. In general it felt more of a miss than a hit. </li>
<li>Remember when I said the camera work was interesting but not always? Well, I think part of it can be blamed on the new frame rate which didn't allow for many re-takes compared to using conventional methods and I think it shows on screen. Some of the performances probably could have been better. Also Ang Lee uses a lot of shots where the actors look directly at the camera as character addresses Bobby Lynn and a lot of the times the performance given then just isn't convincing and that ruins things quite a bit.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhpzSPQts7pYMrSUjJqfB9dSwNdL2RTstDrvuIA5NbnhjAft1qxxtdUWIZS2uqmD77SWnStGqFGG1wUX_3-g1uHx7LkY7UPeOmvV5wqK7tHJmPClqoFr9fNvSb5rNFNS6emOphokZQKo/s1600/BillyLynn17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhpzSPQts7pYMrSUjJqfB9dSwNdL2RTstDrvuIA5NbnhjAft1qxxtdUWIZS2uqmD77SWnStGqFGG1wUX_3-g1uHx7LkY7UPeOmvV5wqK7tHJmPClqoFr9fNvSb5rNFNS6emOphokZQKo/s640/BillyLynn17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a nice little moment where Mr. Oglesby tries to reason with Billy about why he wants to pay them so little for their story. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">TriStar Pictures</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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When you watch this movie you sort of get that although it's supposed to be satire in that satire there is a message trying to be heard. Was it the intention of the author all along? Was the message what Ang Lee was interested in when he decided to make this movie? Maybe. Who knows. Another thing about this movie is the release date coinciding with America finding out who it's new president is. It's sort of timely in a way. But here's the thing about that message thing I was talking about whatever that message may be, because of the shortcomings present in this film whatever that message is is sort of less effective. You're not drawn into this film or to the characters. And because of that you don't appreciate what the characters are going through or hear what they're really trying to say let alone have what they say impact you. That being said though there is one moment in the film that made me think, it's the final scene that Lynn has with Shroom right at the end of the film. </div>
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Probably the only real memorable moment in the movie for me. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">TriStar Pictures</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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All in all this movie was sort of a disappointment for me especially when you consider who was directing it and who started work on the screenplay. It could have been vastly better probably if instead of trying to impress audiences with new technology which can't even be applied in most cinemas Ang Lee instead did it the old-fashioned way and concentrated on the actors and their performance. This is a very human story and I guess it could have been a movie worth talking about because of what it may be trying to say.</div>
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<b>Anyway, I didn't really enjoy this movie much so I'm giving Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk a 2.5 out of 5. </b></div>
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Here's the trailer for your consideration.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/veoPig2LJDU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/veoPig2LJDU?feature=player_embedded" width="600"></iframe></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A BIG THANKS GOES TO <a href="https://www.facebook.com/klipsmalaysia/">KLIPS.MY</a> AND <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SonyPicturesMalaysia/?fref=ts">SONY PICTURES MALAYSIA</a> FOR THE PREMIER PASSES!!</span></b></div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-10157121850785612112016-11-09T02:47:00.003+08:002016-11-11T18:42:12.730+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: ANGUISH<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCeUDMFf7uYJSTpwOoYL0Rzu-ohaARo4xZr4CyGf1dY0iU857DFOuW9HYC3GVLnI5uwTUNDAYVP62vwo4E7pqXSV7V-59KjoHjpWrRtHDsmAVs49UpJUuuV9WRSIdzrMB3aBY4J8sFxM/s1600/Anguish+Poster+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCeUDMFf7uYJSTpwOoYL0Rzu-ohaARo4xZr4CyGf1dY0iU857DFOuW9HYC3GVLnI5uwTUNDAYVP62vwo4E7pqXSV7V-59KjoHjpWrRtHDsmAVs49UpJUuuV9WRSIdzrMB3aBY4J8sFxM/s640/Anguish+Poster+1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">From IMDB:</span></b></div>
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Tess is a teenage girl diagnosed with identity disorder, however that may not be the problem after all. Lucy, a teenage girl who's in the same town, and around the same age. The unlikely pair meet in a way that so few people actually understand, and usually misinterpret.</div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt3620762" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3620762/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Anguish (2015) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" />
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3620762/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">10 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3620762/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">43 critic</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">From Rotten Tomatoes:</span></b></div>
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A new girl in a quiet town, Tess (Ryan Simpkins) tries to manage her psychosis while adjusting to her new life with her mom (Annika Marks). After stumbling upon the shrine of Lucy (Amberley Gridley), a hit and run victim, Tess finds herself overwhelmed by hallucinations of the dead girl and starts to question her sanity again. When the spirit possesses Tess's mind and soul, mother and daughter are at a loss for where to turn next for salvation: religion or medicine? Both institutions have failed them to date but faith leads them to the house of Sarah (Karina Logue), Lucy's mother, who has been despondent since the accident. All together with time working against them, Sarah is desperate to believe that Lucy is still alive in Tess but neither parent wants to give up on their daughter. Now that she understands what is happening to her, ultimately Tess must decide whether she wants to keep fighting or succumb to her affliction.</div>
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Rating: NR</div>
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Genre: Horror</div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/sonny_mallhi">Sonny Mallhi</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/sonny_mallhi">Sonny Mallhi</a></div>
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In Theaters: Dec 18, 2015 Limited</div>
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On DVD: Apr 5, 2016</div>
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Runtime: 91 minutes</div>
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Studio: Anguish Film</div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/anguish_2015/#contentReviews">50%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 4.7/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 10</div>
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Fresh: 5</div>
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Rotten: 5</div>
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Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.</div>
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AUDIENCE SCORE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/anguish_2015/#audience_reviews">25%</a> <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/anguish_2015/#audience_reviews">liked it</a></div>
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Average Rating: 2.4/5</div>
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User Ratings: 239</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUBXrJwi5ILF9YujIC5H0igii61wYct5HUL50sy7iMqgJti82TwS52EKGebwHad0ZiDfgfvrGwxFqXabY5jT3DIGlj5-MfxU8Q5a2JsqTv9UwnhmvrGCUgw45XtfCsbgrmkXpEe-KHH4/s1600/Anguish07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUBXrJwi5ILF9YujIC5H0igii61wYct5HUL50sy7iMqgJti82TwS52EKGebwHad0ZiDfgfvrGwxFqXabY5jT3DIGlj5-MfxU8Q5a2JsqTv9UwnhmvrGCUgw45XtfCsbgrmkXpEe-KHH4/s640/Anguish07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is Tess she isn't like other teenagers. She hears and sees things. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">This isn't your typical thriller/ horror film...</span></b></div>
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So Anguish, not a new movie it had a limited release in the US last year before going to DVD and VOD. Written and Directed by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1867458?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Sonny Mallhi</a>, this is his directorial debut after acting as producer on such films as <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0410297/?ref_=nm_flmg_prd_12">The Lake House</a> (2006), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482606/?ref_=nm_flmg_prd_10">The Strangers</a> (2008) and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1321511/?ref_=nm_flmg_prd_5">Oldboy</a> (2013). If you're a fan of the genre you've either already seen this or have surely heard about it or even read the many, many reviews written about it. I am not a fan of the genre and didn't know anything about this film until I saw the trailer for it a few days ago. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJqDeANFcxl8Q1U7YNIXJa5yN8iv_2ea4Nwmgrq8wQd7s65RiMz3GvYoWlC6TZykwhSITaDyHy1bS03XILFCcGPvh4x0YiH-f5HCY0TQ0w2uBlJ1UrwuCz3ALVifwc9W8FiXWxMT3Jy4/s1600/Anguish08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJqDeANFcxl8Q1U7YNIXJa5yN8iv_2ea4Nwmgrq8wQd7s65RiMz3GvYoWlC6TZykwhSITaDyHy1bS03XILFCcGPvh4x0YiH-f5HCY0TQ0w2uBlJ1UrwuCz3ALVifwc9W8FiXWxMT3Jy4/s640/Anguish08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That is a picture of Lucy. She died in an accident. </div>
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The trailer does a very good job of leading you on to believe that this is just another run-of-the-mill horror movie about demonic possession. </div>
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Anyway, I'm not going to go into any details or background about this movie so I'm going to go direct to what I liked and didn't fancy much. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGS06ZTVXKit7kYWyB-2IDVV_lM9J-ku3kzAj95Nhu1CG0sfAMrvZ6XC76UJzGQ8bsPA0Dt2Y5x1B-Lmhaye7Us-WlQJ57YyPdrATkydEkUlhqbQtSBlrTrOxldM4Qnymg_e3oXL2dbI/s1600/Anguish04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGS06ZTVXKit7kYWyB-2IDVV_lM9J-ku3kzAj95Nhu1CG0sfAMrvZ6XC76UJzGQ8bsPA0Dt2Y5x1B-Lmhaye7Us-WlQJ57YyPdrATkydEkUlhqbQtSBlrTrOxldM4Qnymg_e3oXL2dbI/s640/Anguish04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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No that's not a strange party game happening inside there.</div>
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<b>What I liked.</b></div>
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<li>The story. It's interesting. Different. Not perfect but different.</li>
<li>The cast especially the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1364532/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Ryan Simpkins</a> who plays Tess. This movie isn't heavy on the dialogue but what it lacks is made up by Ryan's performance. Very subtle and dramatic. </li>
<li>The atmosphere. The lack or maybe refusal to use the tired old horror genre gimmicks and tricks to scare you. Instead this movie relies on building the tension with a slow visual pace accompanied by score and sound design. It works pretty well.</li>
<li>The camera work was quite delightful. </li>
<li>The twists. When you've watched enough horror/thriller movies you sort of get a sense of what's about to happen. You can guess how things might turn out or will happen. This movie I think takes advantage of that. </li>
<li>The all female cast was a refreshing change. And with that refreshing change came an interesting difference when compared to other films of the genre, the way the situations is dealt with. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmbJ03H1uA3F8OznqDZbb3mGX3tgSNScyy9IPehyphenhyphenxn1VPTm8d3MybDk-ALzzjMYeKz7XdGWbnAamw7QBvbBpDlyCSNhK1Y_Wkt1hzDtkDe_1HS4nAC3IaXzQTI6Tto_a8ephFZLd7CU4/s1600/Anguish01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmbJ03H1uA3F8OznqDZbb3mGX3tgSNScyy9IPehyphenhyphenxn1VPTm8d3MybDk-ALzzjMYeKz7XdGWbnAamw7QBvbBpDlyCSNhK1Y_Wkt1hzDtkDe_1HS4nAC3IaXzQTI6Tto_a8ephFZLd7CU4/s640/Anguish01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And that's not a loving hug that she's receiving. </div>
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<b>What I didn't fancy much. </b></div>
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<li>Right at the start they state that this is inspired by true events and also a statement about how mental illness is approached and treated in the U.S., this of course leaves you with a few preconceived ideas about what the story is about. So yes, Ryan does suffer from some form of mental illness but then when she gets possessed by Lucy (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3789952/?ref_=tt_cl_t5">Amberley Gridley</a>) and then we hear from Lucy's mom (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0517792/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Karina Logue</a>) tell Tess's mom (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1161296/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Annika Marks</a>) about how when she was younger she used to move a lot because of her missionary parents and that in India she witnessed a woman get possessed by spirits of the dead in order to give closure to those still living, I sort of wondered what the director is trying to say. What is the takeaway message or moral of this movie especially when you consider that opening statement in the beginning and the way the story unravels? I found that to be a little confusing.</li>
<li>The pace. I sort of like it and hate it. This movie if you're not prepared for it, if you were expecting it to be like a lot of other films in the genre that was recently released then you may find it a little odd or maybe even disappointing. You might even find it a little tedious and dull because of its deliberate pacing. So be warned and be prepared. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjoeZ7mji-e1a2Th5cgycFiGkUIARKC83KiAT0WnTR1H8EcUj2t_-uj5cTgqCOlzXGasMcGOgso7DMLSrGCdzy9iJ14h0QMG4Zli-48IgFr1hyphenhyphen5teyWcsNIfaPQixGh5IAVyr6rXMYSU/s1600/Anguish05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjoeZ7mji-e1a2Th5cgycFiGkUIARKC83KiAT0WnTR1H8EcUj2t_-uj5cTgqCOlzXGasMcGOgso7DMLSrGCdzy9iJ14h0QMG4Zli-48IgFr1hyphenhyphen5teyWcsNIfaPQixGh5IAVyr6rXMYSU/s640/Anguish05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Closets and narrow hallways seem to be a favorite place that possessed people like to hang out in. </div>
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Anguish is an unusual movie for the genre, it leads you on thinking you're going to get the same twists or the same plots and solutions but it doesn't. It feels like an Indie movie in many ways but there's that supernatural/horror/thriller element to it and also the different way the the characters and the story eventually resolves the situation. Anguish isn't for everyone. It certainly isn't for those looking for the usually supernatural/horror/thriller fare but if you're willing to give it a chance and are prepared for something different you might find yourself entertained.<b> Anguish gets a decent 2.8 out of 5 from me.</b></div>
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Check out the trailer for Anguish below.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2GVMsY4CwD0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2GVMsY4CwD0?feature=player_embedded" width="600"></iframe></div>
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A GREAT BIG THANKS TO <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TGVPictures/?">TGV PICTURES</a> AND <a href="http://www.cinema.com.my/">CINEMAONLINE.</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cinemaonline/?">COM.MY</a> FOR THE PREMIERE PASSES!!</div>
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</script>Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-88519512446523043592016-11-04T01:19:00.000+08:002016-11-11T18:42:49.148+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL (2016)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohMJO_f56TgPvuArgpD36IC550NuLFDThpxlr1pGrU8q10wIC2de_hv0q3kNJ___vPom3IfeqoO7Dw2bq8vFV8hzqBKwd5liNnj1QvJJW638i68iPMgXpRITSmWw8BiQmYyAJZgZkk_8/s1600/Ouija+Origin+of+Evil+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohMJO_f56TgPvuArgpD36IC550NuLFDThpxlr1pGrU8q10wIC2de_hv0q3kNJ___vPom3IfeqoO7Dw2bq8vFV8hzqBKwd5liNnj1QvJJW638i68iPMgXpRITSmWw8BiQmYyAJZgZkk_8/s640/Ouija+Origin+of+Evil+Poster.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">From IMDB:</span></b></div>
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In 1965 Los Angeles, a widowed mother and her two daughters add a new stunt to bolster their seance scam business and unwittingly invite authentic evil into their home. When the youngest daughter is overtaken by a merciless spirit, the family confronts unthinkable fears to save her and send her possessor back to the other side.</div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt4361050" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4361050/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4361050/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">65</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4361050/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4361050/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">49 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4361050/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">138 critic</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">From Rotten Tomatoes:</span></b></div>
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In this horror sequel, a game of Ouija leads to supernatural activity. Annalise Basso, Henry Thomas, Doug Jones, and Elizabeth Reaser star. Directed by Mike Flanagan.</div>
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Rating: PG-13 (for disturbing images, terror and thematic elements)</div>
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Genre: Horror , Mystery & Suspense</div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/mike_flanagan">Mike Flanagan</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/mike_flanagan">Mike Flanagan </a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jeff_howard">Jeff Howard</a></div>
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In Theaters: Oct 20, 2016 Wide</div>
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Box Office: $24,678,810.00</div>
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Runtime: 99 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://ouijamovie.com/">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ouija_origin_of_evil/#contentReviews">82%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 6.2/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 92</div>
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Fresh: 75</div>
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Rotten: 17</div>
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Critics Consensus: Ouija: Origin of Evil swerves its franchise's planchette unexpectedly to YES with a surprisingly scary and dramatically satisfying follow-up to its lackluster predecessor.</blockquote>
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AUDIENCE SCORE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ouija_origin_of_evil/#audience_reviews">64%</a> <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ouija_origin_of_evil/#audience_reviews">liked it</a></div>
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Average Rating: 3.5/5</div>
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User Ratings: 7,876</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL OPENED IN THE U.S. ON THE 21st OF OCTOBER AND IN MALAYSIA ON THE 3rd OF NOVEMBER. TO FIND OUT WHEN IT OPENS IN A CINEMA NEAR YOU CLICK <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4361050/releaseinfo?ref_=tt_ov_inf">HERE</a>. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqADybERe46770-IbqrbT0UzSuKogeuZ9bzFHdZ9Nzc5wU1exffZUxYbCTFmvPPi6r7fjKhtZTcbGt7zk5sr3YI0W7sPDxcxXE5E6t55Vh0nXKv5xU_x6LuU5V_fOKIn_xxP853rMhpw/s1600/OuijaOoE01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqADybERe46770-IbqrbT0UzSuKogeuZ9bzFHdZ9Nzc5wU1exffZUxYbCTFmvPPi6r7fjKhtZTcbGt7zk5sr3YI0W7sPDxcxXE5E6t55Vh0nXKv5xU_x6LuU5V_fOKIn_xxP853rMhpw/s640/OuijaOoE01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Problems always start when you do things alone, especially when you deal with the supernatural. ©<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Pictures">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Ouija Board, it's a lot older than you think it is...</span></b></div>
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Okay, let's start off with an admission, I did not see the first movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1204977/?ref_=tt_rec_tti">Ouija</a> (2014) but checking out various popular movie rating sites lets me know that it wasn't very good. So as with other situations such as this I'll be sharing my opinions without comparing it to the movie that came before it. </div>
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So the Ouija board, a board with a bunch of letters and a couple of words which you would then use a planchette where you and your friends put your fingers on. Then you say some words to summon the spirits and then proceed to ask whatever questions pop into your mind, it could be about the future, your future, the afterlife, etc. Sounds like fun, right? But the Ouija board isn't something new, there's been something like it in existence throughout history, used by shamans, wisemen, soothsayers and many more. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaV_9JwhZooeiPOQkwA73GqcvwJ2OMWbp0B9Th-ZOLfwYHHjn9hVk838OGLBF4FPxO9WKwflLA6HCKAJ4rVEYERlfzTDDXYee6VGf-rohHlLfAZ2anfNbuXEWPe8V4wHhfd14Awzwp7T0/s1600/OuijaOoE02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaV_9JwhZooeiPOQkwA73GqcvwJ2OMWbp0B9Th-ZOLfwYHHjn9hVk838OGLBF4FPxO9WKwflLA6HCKAJ4rVEYERlfzTDDXYee6VGf-rohHlLfAZ2anfNbuXEWPe8V4wHhfd14Awzwp7T0/s640/OuijaOoE02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I guess when you're a teenager you don't really care that your kid sister is acting weird until it's too late. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Pictures" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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What the Ouija board is supposed to do while your fingers are on that planchette is to do what is called planchette writing or spirit-writing or also known as automatic writing. Presumably when you say those summoning words and you ask your questions a spirit will slowly move the planchette to answer yes or no or spell things out for you. All this is done without any of the participants moving the planchette themselves or putting any pressure on it. That's what the players of course believe is currently happening or should happen. But science isn't convinced that that actually happens. What they think happens is called an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ideomotor_phenomenon">ideomotor response</a>, it's when your fingers move involuntarily and in an unconscious way and the words that are spelled just happen to be whatever you may be thinking right at that moment when you asked that question. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzUJhMvV1Ngwwp6JCJWGTi6GKeBUF1d7I4kDjzufMNJO3_pLaf8a7_h7D9Ua1CZ-8ooXNyJcMTfJrE-5xaCK5_NP_-IV4aj7lxPrbGDY_02bWspeGlYJE8h7IArRgMKHa81nR6XXErbU/s1600/OuijaOoE06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzUJhMvV1Ngwwp6JCJWGTi6GKeBUF1d7I4kDjzufMNJO3_pLaf8a7_h7D9Ua1CZ-8ooXNyJcMTfJrE-5xaCK5_NP_-IV4aj7lxPrbGDY_02bWspeGlYJE8h7IArRgMKHa81nR6XXErbU/s640/OuijaOoE06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I guess a little girl just standing in the middle of the playground isn't all that interesting to the nuns. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Pictures" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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Spirit writing has been around for a long time, one of the earliest mentions of it happens to come from China from around 1100 AD from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_Dynasty">Song Dynasty</a>. Back then it was called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuji_(planchette_writing)">Fuji</a>, and as the Wikipedia puts it, "The use of planchette writing as an ostensible means of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necromancy">necromancy</a> and communion with the spirit-world continued, and, albeit under special rituals and supervisions, was a central practice of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quanzhen_School">Quanzhen School</a>, until it was forbidden by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qing_Dynasty">Qing Dynasty</a>." But China wasn't the only place in the world that practiced it, it is claimed that similar methods of mediumistic spirit writing have been practiced in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_India">ancient India</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece">Greece</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire">Rome</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medieval_Europe">medieval Europe</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6ABwms5Eh6REGBI5QWxqcD_eZErKV-JdWMjwnb8_60gNGk4QKcXsiOzmjOzgsd8BKGLmG0-yNX0XXfO7W_aReI1MsI857s-UIxL7mD17pmQzL8Bloy0Y40dBwPLTJmUDepx-O0FzeOc/s1600/OuijaOoE09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6ABwms5Eh6REGBI5QWxqcD_eZErKV-JdWMjwnb8_60gNGk4QKcXsiOzmjOzgsd8BKGLmG0-yNX0XXfO7W_aReI1MsI857s-UIxL7mD17pmQzL8Bloy0Y40dBwPLTJmUDepx-O0FzeOc/s640/OuijaOoE09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This movie may not be super good but at least it doesn't make you yawn like that up there. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Pictures" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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The Ouija board that we see in the movies and that is popular in American Culture on the other hand comes courtesy of a man named <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah_Bond">Elijah Bond</a> who on July 1, 1890 introduced it to the American public. for a while it was just considered a silly board game by everyone until an American Spiritualist named <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patience_Worth">Pearl Curran</a> used it as a divining tool during <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I">World War I</a>. But even before that Spiritualist used to use a similar type of board to so that the living can communicate with the dead in camps in Ohio in 1886. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKanaY_u-i6G9giOvNEsEHwUDejC9xAs1a-EgGvTVdpKyvBiL5v2oJ3mFdRhOx0mrgeciM-2y9q2S3Qb4fErfYK_EyKnQoZhpusQ2rftjO4UA2FkBWAIqIBxJ4X-vV4F9CYHGtjmCl2Q/s1600/OuijaOoE04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKanaY_u-i6G9giOvNEsEHwUDejC9xAs1a-EgGvTVdpKyvBiL5v2oJ3mFdRhOx0mrgeciM-2y9q2S3Qb4fErfYK_EyKnQoZhpusQ2rftjO4UA2FkBWAIqIBxJ4X-vV4F9CYHGtjmCl2Q/s640/OuijaOoE04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Who knew spirits liked to play hide-and-seek. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Pictures" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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Now the first movie was actually considered a sequel to the movie that I'll be reviewing in this blog. In that movie, from what I've read, a bunch of teenagers decided to play with the board only to unleash a spirit that begins to kill everyone that played it. Then as the remaining survivors try to figure out what's going on they come across the history of the board that they're playing with and they discover that it has a history. A history involving a family and an unsolved case of a missing person. This movie is that history. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig33QTkCsMgSuCmF_bWE14fsE25FrEbQTL8-tDjjK9k2R1yktwijH6pQJmGJgb8LIQYYStglwVl_s3bzYvV_PqHr-rSrAwwP82hfdQC4ZdPZCJ5rHXzY0IGw7TbsQZgdpLNLh0LCzGS88/s1600/OuijaOoE08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig33QTkCsMgSuCmF_bWE14fsE25FrEbQTL8-tDjjK9k2R1yktwijH6pQJmGJgb8LIQYYStglwVl_s3bzYvV_PqHr-rSrAwwP82hfdQC4ZdPZCJ5rHXzY0IGw7TbsQZgdpLNLh0LCzGS88/s640/OuijaOoE08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You know something's up when the school priest decides to join in the seance. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Pictures" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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So if you're in the U.S. and are a horror movie fan you've probably already seen it. If you haven't and like horror movies you've probably seen the trailers, right? Or read the synopsis for it by now. Anyway if you haven't it's the story of mother Alice (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0714147/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Elizabeth Reaser</a>) and daughters Lina (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2399383/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Annalise Basso</a>) and Doris (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5157662/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Lulu Wilson</a>) and their struggle to make ends meet. Where's the husband and father? He was killed when a drunk driver drove into him. So to make ends meet Alice provides and unusual service to those who have lost a loved one, she offers to get in touch with them and help them find closure by asking only three questions. Things aren't going so well though. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFW_D22tanFGxp3sYS_MWcfmAHL5wiDZcVXmljvvDL53c5BBUWNax3XlqR1M-VtEbMVnyAV5eeHg6cCxzYLZIEeYMk7Rv-plhGFnoeirYQDAb2GYr65eazM5620-TRt4AmjFpLySoEko/s1600/OuijaOoE03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFW_D22tanFGxp3sYS_MWcfmAHL5wiDZcVXmljvvDL53c5BBUWNax3XlqR1M-VtEbMVnyAV5eeHg6cCxzYLZIEeYMk7Rv-plhGFnoeirYQDAb2GYr65eazM5620-TRt4AmjFpLySoEko/s640/OuijaOoE03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If your child begins to act up it may just be a demonic possession. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Pictures" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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Then one day Lina sneaks out to hang out at a friends house and while there her friends decide to play with a Ouija Board. While playing they are caught by her friend's mother and Alice is called to pick her up. Alice of course isn't happy and Lina only excuse is that they were just hanging out and playing with the Ouija board. Lina then suggests to her mother that she should consider adding the board as part of her methods of communication. So when she goes to pick up a few supplies the next day it just so happens that the store also just happens to be carrying the board game. </div>
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No she's not trying to seduce her sister's boyfriend. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Pictures" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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So now the board game is at their home and Alice is preparing it to use in her work. Now the Ouija board comes with instructions, a couple of really important ones are to never play alone and to always say goodbye. While setting up the board Alice reads of the summoning words alone and when she is done she doesn't say goodbye. While Alice does all that up stairs Doris goes into a trance and begins to answer the questions that Alice is asking downstairs. And so the scary part begins. Doris begins to behave strangely, Lina begins to experience odd things and even having nightmares, Doris begins to write in Polish. And when Lina discovers that Doris has been writing in Polish she takes those notes to Father Tom Hogan (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001794/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Henry Thomas</a>). When Father Tom has it translated he meets with Lina and Alice and tells them what Doris has written. </div>
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But before he tells them what is written Father Tom decides to test Doris's abilities to talk to the dead. He isn't convinced and when he informs Alice and Lina of what Doris has written the three decide to confront Doris and what is possessing her. </div>
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And here's the required wall/ceiling crawling scene all horror movies these days have. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Pictures" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So here's the good and bad as I see it. </span></b></div>
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<li>A pretty cool idea to use the Ouija board I guess, it hasn't been done in a while. </li>
<li>The story is decent and predictable but doesn't hold up very well towards the end. Some parts don't make much sense, the discovery of what is possessing Doris isn't at all original or interesting. </li>
<li>It's a slow to build film. Slow in the beginning, better in the middle, loses steam towards the end. </li>
<li>The casting is decent. The main character here is actually Lina and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2399383/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Annalise Basso</a> does a pretty good job. Doris played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5157662/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Lulu Wilson</a> does a decent job but not all the time. She does do the creepy factor well though. </li>
<li>The scares were okay, it's the usual stuff. Nothing new here. </li>
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Why is always the fault of some crazy doctor? <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Pictures" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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To be honest this movie wasn't a bad one it's just that there's nothing new or fresh or original about it. Every element in it you've seen somewhere before. Could it have been better? Maybe, maybe not. Could it have been worse? Definitely. For whatever shortcomings or failings this movie has it's still an okay horror movie. If you're looking to waste a few hours and maybe get a few scares in then there are worse options than this one. Not too sure if there are better options playing at the moment. Ouija: Origin of Evil gets a 2.5 out of 5 from me. </div>
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Here's the trailer.</div>
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</script>Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-21045419249274275502016-10-29T04:20:00.001+08:002016-11-11T18:43:31.303+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: DOCTOR STRANGE (2016)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">From IMDB:</span></b></div>
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Marvel's "Doctor Strange" follows the story of the talented neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a tragic car accident, must put ego aside and learn the secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions. Based in New York City's Greenwich Village, Doctor Strange must act as an intermediary between the real world and what lies beyond, utilising a vast array of metaphysical abilities and artifacts to protect the Marvel Cinematic Universe. </div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt1211837" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1211837/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Doctor Strange (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1211837/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">74</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1211837/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1211837/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">60 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1211837/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">116 critic</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">From Rotten Tomatoes: </span></b></div>
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A disgraced former surgeon named Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) becomes a powerful sorcerer under the tutelage of a mystic known as the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). Rachel McAdams, Mads Mikkelsen, and Chiwetel Ejiofor co-star in this entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister).</div>
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Rating: PG-13 (for sci-fi violence and action throughout, and an intense crash sequence)</div>
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Genre: Action & Adventure , Science Fiction & Fantasy</div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/scott_derrickson">Scott Derrickson</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/c_robert_cargill">C. Robert Cargill </a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/thomas_dean_donnelly">Thomas Dean Donnelly </a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/scott_derrickson">Scott Derrickson </a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/joshua_oppenheimer">Joshua Oppenheimer </a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jon_spaihts">Jon Spaihts</a></div>
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In Theaters: Nov 3, 2016 Wide</div>
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Runtime: 130 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://marvel.com/doctorstrange">Walt Disney Pictures</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/doctor_strange_2016/#contentReviews">94%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 7.3/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 70</div>
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Fresh: 66</div>
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Rotten: 4</div>
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Critics Consensus: Doctor Strange artfully balances its outré source material against the blockbuster constraints of the MCU, delivering a thoroughly entertaining superhero origin story in the bargain.</blockquote>
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WANT TO SEE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/doctor_strange_2016/#audience_reviews">99%</a> <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/doctor_strange_2016/#audience_reviews">want to see</a></div>
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User Ratings: 50,394</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">DOCTOR STRANGE OPENS IN THE U.S. ON THE 4th OF NOVEMBER AND IN MALAYSIA ON THE 27th OF OCTOBER. TO FIND OUT WHEN IT OPENS NEAR YOU CLICK <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1211837/releaseinfo?ref_=tt_ov_inf">HERE</a>. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxj0mHEj-fWuAOZA2ORxgciCU37rVn_EoDwnLPs8_zKuw_9elHSi4_UKWuJQxA4xRkglbUQGv4669f3-oa9PcdLjUR9p8a24eIPxg-yGmRIfxraMZKGxLv90GL1jkDbuakdkOKy4WiU6w/s1600/DoctorStrange08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxj0mHEj-fWuAOZA2ORxgciCU37rVn_EoDwnLPs8_zKuw_9elHSi4_UKWuJQxA4xRkglbUQGv4669f3-oa9PcdLjUR9p8a24eIPxg-yGmRIfxraMZKGxLv90GL1jkDbuakdkOKy4WiU6w/s640/DoctorStrange08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Meet Stephen Strange, one of the best neurosurgeons alive with an ego bigger than the sun. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">©</span><a href="http://waltdisneystudios.com/corp/unit/74">Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">After 14 movies about Marvel superheroes you'd think you've seen everything they could imagine to put on screen...</span></b></div>
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Doctor Strange, part of Marvel third phase in their cinematic universe and the 14th film that features a brand new character that unless you've been a fan of Marvel you probably have no idea who he is. But you've probably seen all the trailers by now so you at least know he's a hotshot surgeon who gets into an accident and loses his ability to practise his skills. Depressed and angry at his condition and the fact that modern science can't help his hands return to the way they were he goes in search of other solutions. Solutions that reveal to him a reality he had no idea existed and new challenges and foes. </div>
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Then this happens and his world, his reality as he knows it begins to fall apart. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">©</span><a href="http://waltdisneystudios.com/corp/unit/74" style="text-align: center;">Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures</a></div>
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This movie isn't the first movie with Doctor Strange of course, back in 1978 there was a live-action adaptation of the comic book that was made for TV. In that version Strange was a psychiatrist. After that live-action TV movie which Stan Lee was quite proud of, there have been attempts to make a Doctor Strange movie since 1986. A lot of writers and directors have been tied to a variety of different Doctor Strange projects with a number of different studios but nothing materialized until of course Marvel regained control of the movie rights for it's comic book characters. And even then when this particular production began to gain traction there were many, many actors rumoured to be shortlisted for the role of Doctor Strange including <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0362766/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Tom Hardy</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001467/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Jared Leto</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000206/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Keanu Reeves</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001618/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Joaquin Phoenix</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1183149/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Édgar Ramírez</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000160/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Ethan Hawke</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1209966/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Oscar Isaac</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000191/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Ewan McGregor</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000190/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Matthew McConaughey</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0350453/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Jake Gyllenhaal</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0268199/?ref_=nv_sr_3">Colin Farrell</a>, and even <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0331516/?ref_=nv_sr_3">Ryan Gosling</a>. </div>
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So what does he do? He spends his dwindling fortune searching for a place that even the locals have never heard of. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">©</span><a href="http://waltdisneystudios.com/corp/unit/74" style="text-align: center;">Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures</a></div>
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Doctor Strange first appeared in an issue of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strange_Tales">Strange Tales</a> #110 dated July 1963. Created by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Ditko">Steve Ditko</a> who wanted to bring to the Marvel Universe not only a new character but someone who was different, someone who dealt in the mystical arts and who dealt with different realities, the multiverse. Under the guidance of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_One">Ancient One</a> whose trust he gains after revealing the betrayal of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baron_Mordo">Baron Mordo</a>, Strange soon becomes one of the strongest magicians in the universe. He fights enemies with the aid of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_of_Agamotto">Eye of Agamotto</a> and his recognizable <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjg3ZOHjv7PAhWGVRQKHfPzDocQFggeMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FCloak_of_Levitation&usg=AFQjCNGkXlmV6Btycqh1dZpwDA8XkbDRig&sig2=LxCSHV3D4_OLyVPhLu-bgg">Cloak of Levitation</a>. His greatest foe is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dormammu">Dormammu</a>, a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warlord">warlord</a> from an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_universe_(fiction)">alternate dimension</a> called the "Dark Dimension"</div>
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And when he finds the place he's looking for he gets more than he bargains for. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">©</span><a href="http://waltdisneystudios.com/corp/unit/74" style="text-align: center;">Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures</a></div>
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That bit up there is from the comics of course. For the movie it's somewhat similar. Strange (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1212722/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Benedict Cumberbatch</a>) is a doctor and he does get into an accident that renders his hands useless. He does waste all his money trying to find a fix for it but as each method and solution fails he slowly loses faith in modern medicine. He comes to hear about a man who learns to walk again after being diagnosed with a broken back. He searches for the man and gets a simple answer, Kamar Taj. In the comic book Strange learns of a mystical place from two sailors talking by the dock. In Kathmandu as he wanders around asking everyone he meets about Kamar Taj he is stopped by three men who aim to rob him. He tries to fight back but his hands fail him again but just then a man comes to rescue him and takes him to the place he's been looking for. The man's name is Mordo (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0252230/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Chiwetel Ejiofor</a>). Mordo takes him to the Ancient One (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0842770/?ref_=tt_cl_t6">Tilda Swinton</a>). Their first encounter opens reveals to Strange amazing things but the Ancient One refuses to take him under her tutelage but with a little convincing from Mordo and Strange hanging around outside for five days, the Ancient One changes her mind.</div>
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A lot more. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">©</span><a href="http://waltdisneystudios.com/corp/unit/74" style="text-align: center;">Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures</a></div>
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Soon Strange is reading everything in the library and harassing Wong (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0938950/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Benedict Wong</a>), the librarian. It is while perusing one of the books in the library that he learns of Kaecilius (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0586568/?ref_=tt_cl_t5">Mads Mikkelsen</a>), a former student of the Ancient One who is now intent on destroying the three sanctum sanctorums that protect the earth from otherwordly enemies in order to allow a creature named Dormammu to enter our reality. Kaecilius believes Dormammu will bestow upon him and his followers eternal life. </div>
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But before he gets there he needs to learn a few things. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">©</span><a href="http://waltdisneystudios.com/corp/unit/74" style="text-align: center;">Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures</a></div>
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This is quite different from what is told in the comics but when you watch the movie and stay till the very end including the two end credit scenes you'll find out something interesting, or something that'll lead to what the next Doctor Strange movie maybe about.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeqSikntxbtzI_MQsO37MP9RBLEUtaD29ElGt-_sqaq8VM7Mvn4kfZ0kmQMuubfqHKQW-e3jG-kyaED0dtN0HL66ylG97oh7jBIdfMshiWgHZoqZWp8CqoJjhXKFGUyS7A4ZZ2AlrnNw/s1600/DoctorStrange12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeqSikntxbtzI_MQsO37MP9RBLEUtaD29ElGt-_sqaq8VM7Mvn4kfZ0kmQMuubfqHKQW-e3jG-kyaED0dtN0HL66ylG97oh7jBIdfMshiWgHZoqZWp8CqoJjhXKFGUyS7A4ZZ2AlrnNw/s640/DoctorStrange12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Meanwhile this man is going through some issues of his own. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">©</span><a href="http://waltdisneystudios.com/corp/unit/74" style="text-align: center;">Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway here's a few things I enjoyed.</span></b></div>
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<li>Let's start with the story, it's the same familiar formula. You meet the main character, you get a sense of their personality. They get into a situation that forces them to change, to re-analyze their situation, their world. They go to a learning phase and soon after they meet the enemy. And like other Marverlmain characters there's a love interest, in this case it's Dr. Christine Palmer (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1046097/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Rachel McAdams</a>) and like Stark and Potts it's a rather tenuous relationship that they have because his ego gets in the way. You might think that because it's the same formula that it's predictable and it is but there's nothing wrong with it. The story flows beautifully. You're given just enough without being overwhelmed by too much details nor are you bombarded with endless detailed expositions explaining everything. You don't need to know much about Doctor Strange to enjoy watching Doctor Strange.</li>
<li>The cast. I've always liked Benedict Cumberbatch and think that he's capable of taking on any role and making it his own. His characterization of Doctor Strange is perfect. Not for a moment do you think or notice that he's an english actor trying to sound american or that his hand gestures look fake while trying to conjure up spells. Then there's Tilda Swinton, sure there were a lot of negative press when it was announced that a white woman was to play an old asian man but for this movie the Ancient One was never asian, she's celtic. And several hundreds if not thousands of years old. And she does a brilliant job of playing a wizened practitioner of the mystic arts, but there's more to her. Something unexpected and as you watch her it shows. Only at the end do you find out what she's hiding. Mordo played by Chiwetel Ejiofor was also good. His transition from a loyal student and when he learns of the Ancient One's secret is palpable. As is Kaecilius, you believe that he truly is evil until that one scene where you realize why he's doing what he's doing. </li>
<li>What you see on the screen. I watched Doctor Strange in IMAX 3D and man was it worth the ticket price. I read somewhere that the director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0220600?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Scott Derrickson</a> had almost an hour or more of footage shot or formatted originally for IMAX 3D and it shows. The moment that anyone begins to cast a spell it really takes you to a whole new visual experiences. The scenes were truly mind bending and at one point made me feel a little vertigo. </li>
<li>The little references to previous Marvel films. You spot familiar landmarks. There's a little reference to Rhodey. All these little references tell you that Strange lives in the same reality as all the other Marvel superheroes of past Marvel movies but it doesn't go any further. This is a movie about Doctor Strange. You enjoy the little references and that's that. </li>
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Which eventually leads to him lying in an operating room fighting for his life. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">©</span><a href="http://waltdisneystudios.com/corp/unit/74" style="text-align: center;">Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures</a></div>
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Overall, I thought Doctor Strange was an amazing film. Everything seemed to fit perfectly together. The story was engaging and entertaining with a perfect mix of drama, humour, action and more. The actors were brilliant in their respective roles. The music a lovely complement to what was on screen. The visual were unlike anything you have ever seen put into one movie. You may have seen it in bits and pieces in other movies but not all together at once and even though you might think it would turn out to be a mess Derrickson did a brilliant job of making it work. And making it look incredible. </div>
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Only to get up again and do this to reality. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">©</span><a href="http://waltdisneystudios.com/corp/unit/74" style="text-align: center;">Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures</a></div>
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But unlike other some movies like for example Guardians of the Galaxy which at the end left me feeling excited, satisfied and wanting more, Doctor Strange just left me wanting more. I wanted to see more, know what is next is store for the good Doctor. That's a good thing.<b> I was impressed with Doctor Strange, I'm giving it a solid 4.5 out of 5</b>. I can't wait to see Cumberbatch back as Strange and hopefully in the same hands as the people that made this one. </div>
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</script>Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-23977157466293291092016-10-26T23:18:00.000+08:002016-10-26T23:18:12.977+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: TROLLS (2016)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdz_FFYKCsi_FC18O66fhkC13-yLNH67rin6kQwb5QlIwcwZdx7NLTeDRWTYf1zEFcPdfgSJ9Ym6e56iW45g5OMSd5G-Tzw9qPJs3uTyecoNMP936d9ett9rhBYcpgWFF0FgXhxgwWzA/s1600/Trolls+Movie+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdz_FFYKCsi_FC18O66fhkC13-yLNH67rin6kQwb5QlIwcwZdx7NLTeDRWTYf1zEFcPdfgSJ9Ym6e56iW45g5OMSd5G-Tzw9qPJs3uTyecoNMP936d9ett9rhBYcpgWFF0FgXhxgwWzA/s640/Trolls+Movie+Poster.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1679335/">IMDB</a>:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Storyline</span></b></div>
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From the creators of Shrek comes the most smart, funny, irreverent animated comedy of the year, DreamWorks' Trolls. This holiday season, enter a colorful, wondrous world populated by hilariously unforgettable characters and discover the story of the overly optimistic Trolls, with a constant song on their lips, and the comically pessimistic Bergens, who are only happy when they have trolls in their stomach. Featuring original music from Justin Timberlake, and soon-to-be classic mash-ups of songs from other popular artists, the film stars the voice talents of Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Russell Brand, James Corden, Kunal Nayyar, Ron Funches, Icona Pop, Gwen Stefani, and many more. DreamWorks' TROLLS is a fresh, broad comedy filled with music, heart and hair-raising adventures. In November of 2016, nothing can prepare you for our new Troll world.</div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt1679335" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1679335/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Trolls (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1679335/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">48</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1679335/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1679335/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">11 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1679335/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">41 critic</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/trolls/">Rotten Tomatoes</a>:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MOVIE INFO</span></b></div>
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DreamWorks Animation's TROLLS is an irreverent comedy extravaganza with incredible music! From the genius creators of SHREK, TROLLS stars Anna Kendrick as Poppy, the optimistic leader of the Trolls, and her polar opposite, Branch, played by Justin Timberlake. Together, this unlikely pair of Trolls must embark on an adventure that takes them far beyond the only world they've ever known.</div>
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Rating: PG (for some mild rude humor)</div>
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Genre: Animation , Kids & Family</div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/mike_mitchell_2">Mike Mitchell </a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/walt_dohrn">Walt Dohrn</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jonathan_aibel">Jonathan Aibel </a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/glenn_berger">Glenn Berger</a></div>
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In Theaters: Nov 3, 2016 Wide</div>
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Runtime: 100 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.dreamworks.com/trolls/">DreamWorks Animation</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/trolls/#contentReviews">88%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 6.5/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 32</div>
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Fresh: 28</div>
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Rotten: 4</div>
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Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.</div>
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WANT TO SEE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/trolls/#audience_reviews">90% want to see</a></div>
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User Ratings: 17,884</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">TROLLS OPENS IN THE U.S. ON THE 4th OF NOVEMBER AND IN MALAYSIA ON THE 3rd OF NOVEMBER. CLICK <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1679335/releaseinfo?ref_=tt_ov_inf">HERE</a> TO FIND OUT WHEN IT OPENS NEAR YOU. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzSVOtzd1qGfAar3RP4l2R4JYOg_d8EaQllcStBQfyQgr8oFFMsKtPLnX3w8mws1jV6kfSYgcWbsRYNGcbBuCyNEIF7VWXEh17qyt3TzwomLgqU_ePg4ejO_8yQXl34WkeHy0mxkFj9g/s1600/Trolls01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzSVOtzd1qGfAar3RP4l2R4JYOg_d8EaQllcStBQfyQgr8oFFMsKtPLnX3w8mws1jV6kfSYgcWbsRYNGcbBuCyNEIF7VWXEh17qyt3TzwomLgqU_ePg4ejO_8yQXl34WkeHy0mxkFj9g/s640/Trolls01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is Princess Poppy. Her hobbies include singing, dancing, hugging and scrapbooking. ©<a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From a toy born in the 60's to a film about trolls who are eaten because they are believed to make you feel happy...</span></b> </div>
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So Trolls, born from the mind of a Danish man named <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Dam">Thomas Dam</a> who in 1959 because he couldn't afford to buy a christmas gift for his daughter decided to carve her a little doll. I guess he was a little different even for then because the doll turned out to be a troll. When his daughter's friends in the Danish town of Gjøl saw the little troll all of them wanted it. Soon Mr Dam started a company called Dam Things and the little trolls became a fad all over the world. In the 50 odd years of the little trolls existence they've been plagiarized, copyrighted, turned into action figures, made into fashion dolls, they were made into TV shows, videogames and now even a film. It would be quite surprising if anyone were to say that they've never seen them before.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWBQJohZBKsxLaVf6PLCTf4S0SwJktwZ_n2ciyUhajxvgIjmw3pAY0MnE5lCFxd4SU1U-Tb7pr2Hkw4pBrqClm3gXtHXW5m2U6oNwikcVlHsFhhy1ud7jXD_cTnHV-4fftr6XWYovCiM/s1600/Trolls07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWBQJohZBKsxLaVf6PLCTf4S0SwJktwZ_n2ciyUhajxvgIjmw3pAY0MnE5lCFxd4SU1U-Tb7pr2Hkw4pBrqClm3gXtHXW5m2U6oNwikcVlHsFhhy1ud7jXD_cTnHV-4fftr6XWYovCiM/s640/Trolls07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That grey dude there is Branch. His hobbies include telling the other trolls that Bergens are coming and preparing for their eventual coming. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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Let's do a quick background about this little movie. A little over six years ago <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DreamWorks_Animation">DreamWorks </a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DreamWorks_Animation">Animation</a> announced plans to create a film based on the toys, two years later they then announced that <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1631269/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Chloë Grace Moretz</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005403/?ref_=nv_sr_4">Jason Schwartzman</a> would be voicing the main characters but no mention about it being a musical. A year later they acquired the intellectual property for the Trolls franchise from Mr Thomas Dam's family and Dam Things. After that there was a few changes to who would direct, who would write, what it was going to be about and when it would actually show up on the big screen. In May of 2013 they finally confirmed that it would be a musical comedy but at the time <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0447695?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm">Anna Kendrick</a> was the only one confirmed to be part of the project as the cast. Then in January 2016, on twitter, the full cast was revealed. I had no idea this film even existed until about a month ago or so. I think.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYTNDJshXyAAVZCX4gFlnAsJ4PnBoqkxsvDQB4nNBg8DBHLTBLKi7DeE7inmvm8aff3XI0TBpfU_Aq7K8YBr5r7juVK3VppelH5xcX5AoVUEYTRVLy01R0dEJ5a0GN6KJECrIaE5j0iE/s1600/Trolls14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYTNDJshXyAAVZCX4gFlnAsJ4PnBoqkxsvDQB4nNBg8DBHLTBLKi7DeE7inmvm8aff3XI0TBpfU_Aq7K8YBr5r7juVK3VppelH5xcX5AoVUEYTRVLy01R0dEJ5a0GN6KJECrIaE5j0iE/s640/Trolls14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The trolls have a hugging schedule. They hug every hour. Branch isn't a fan of hugs. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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Trolls is about a village of trolls who twenty years before escaped from their captive existence in the town of Bergen. Bergen is filled of course with Bergens who are generally an unhappy bunch until one day they discover the trolls who are ultra colorful little creatures who do nothing everyday but sing and dance and be happy. For whatever reason the first Bergens to encounter these happy little creatures believed that for them to be happy just like the trolls they'd have to eat the trolls. So it is that the tradition of Trollstice is born where once a year the Bergens go down to the tree that the trolls live in and pick a few to give to few lucky Bergens to eat. For the purposes of our viewing pleasure this Trollstice will be the first time Prince Gristle (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2395586/?ref_=tt_cl_t6">Christopher Mintz-Plasse</a>) will be tasting a little bit of happiness. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc_xIBXAX0ij1-_wy7FkzYyRYxa-keK5OgyQB6iMkOFZ8PEolbUeNPWXMkHxHWCGW3NPZzcrX2mn7gWp-Py0GpVT8BktWQF6lERDzOAJyo_y9s_G8u_4g81WvmYu-Dhur1H3_kZf5vHA/s1600/Trolls06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc_xIBXAX0ij1-_wy7FkzYyRYxa-keK5OgyQB6iMkOFZ8PEolbUeNPWXMkHxHWCGW3NPZzcrX2mn7gWp-Py0GpVT8BktWQF6lERDzOAJyo_y9s_G8u_4g81WvmYu-Dhur1H3_kZf5vHA/s640/Trolls06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Branch would rather spend his time in his secret hideout. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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But unfortunately for him twenty years before all the trolls fled under the direction of King Peppy (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001787/?ref_=tt_cl_t5">Jeffrey Tambor</a>) and all that's left are wooden troll dolls. Like what Mr Dam made for her daughter. This makes King Gristle (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000092/?ref_=tt_cl_t11">John Cleese</a>) mad and so he banishes the person who was supposed to be in charge of Trollstice, Chef (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004724/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Christine Baranski</a>) from Bergen forever. Chef of course is unhappy about this development and swears to find the trolls.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOV6Zq-hG2SMTp01OhI_joWt-maooJhgELE2EI71zlS2Ix8V5NS9M3ccUtA5NNnSL0RmBuzjmqQMVoPJKeUt6DfvalWjHJApwpDkp2fmrjclB3uXnYGsQELgmH0dhyphenhyphen3QUgM3RI5P-fD5E/s1600/Trolls10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOV6Zq-hG2SMTp01OhI_joWt-maooJhgELE2EI71zlS2Ix8V5NS9M3ccUtA5NNnSL0RmBuzjmqQMVoPJKeUt6DfvalWjHJApwpDkp2fmrjclB3uXnYGsQELgmH0dhyphenhyphen3QUgM3RI5P-fD5E/s640/Trolls10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And sit around with his mousetraps. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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Meanwhile, since it's been twenty years King Peppy isn't so peppy anymore and his daughter Poppy (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0447695/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Anna Kendrick</a>) is next in line to take over. But she's got other things on her mind at the moment, like celebrating the twentieth anniversary of living a Bergen-free existence so she and her friends Biggie (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0179479/?ref_=tt_cl_t7">James Corden</a>), Guy Diamond (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2471798/?ref_=tt_cl_t8">Kunal Nayyar</a>), DJ Suki (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005461/?ref_=tt_cl_t9">Gwen Stefani</a>), Creek (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1258970/?ref_=tt_cl_t10">Russell </a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1258970/?ref_=tt_cl_t10">Brand</a>), Cooper (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3236733/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t15">Ron Funches</a>) and Satin and Chenille (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5593235/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t17">Caroline Hjelt</a> & <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5592916/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t18">Aino Jawo</a>) busy themselves with the preparations while Branch (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005493/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t3">Justin Timberlake</a>) reminds them that all they'll be doing is attracting Bergens to their party.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF07NeGMgf2EuVt3FmUySYS5a43VTaPf_MtbZ3cxrxTVe_BcO5Dke-CgZRTW3B7A5P-eHgPbl4wKNcZ9TGWZO0H3WCDstyKleUoXZ_OJw0O3hMTs7Num5JKMHCOMA1ZYxlmmGOxqJwr0/s1600/Trolls09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF07NeGMgf2EuVt3FmUySYS5a43VTaPf_MtbZ3cxrxTVe_BcO5Dke-CgZRTW3B7A5P-eHgPbl4wKNcZ9TGWZO0H3WCDstyKleUoXZ_OJw0O3hMTs7Num5JKMHCOMA1ZYxlmmGOxqJwr0/s640/Trolls09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That big creature is called Chef. She only knows how to cook Trolls. She's not much of a chef. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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Of course Poppy doesn't listen to Branch's tale of doom and gloom brought about by Bergens and of course Chef finds them and captures all of Poppy's friends. This of course means that Poppy needs to rescue them and that Branch needs to be the reluctant hero. When they get to Bergen they find some unlikely help in the form of Bridget (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0221046/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2">Zooey Deschanel</a>), Bergen Castle's only scullery maid who is also hopelessly in love with Prince Gristle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsv2fjpmeWhYH0koJ_At_oK82lJLRWJU-h0k4m5VNulsPgTp77iTJjg4zsMGMMxApiBDA-rZmjuFO2UapNAaTo8bLgVxxp3K-A3deG2vxlY0DNuA1gWl5bSiF7CXcnx5P3mCcNTx5qsMM/s1600/Trolls16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsv2fjpmeWhYH0koJ_At_oK82lJLRWJU-h0k4m5VNulsPgTp77iTJjg4zsMGMMxApiBDA-rZmjuFO2UapNAaTo8bLgVxxp3K-A3deG2vxlY0DNuA1gWl5bSiF7CXcnx5P3mCcNTx5qsMM/s640/Trolls16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That cloud guy seems like he would be fun to watch, right? Well, he was for the few minutes that he shows up. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A few things I like. </span></b></div>
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<li>What I saw on the screen. Beautifully colourful and vibrant. Loved how things were textured to look like everything was made out of felt and wool. A really cool look.</li>
<li>The story was fine. Nothing original but what can you expect from a movie directed mainly at kids. </li>
<li>The music wasn't too bad. Mostly snippets but nicely done. If you enjoyed Anna Kendrick's voice in the Pitch Perfect movies then you'll enjoy her voice here too. </li>
<li>The main cast were of course good. Wasn't too impressed with Timberlake but no complaints about the others who were of course seasoned actors and voice actors. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL789M3qlmveiLpZz14QM-e44wcBVM8ve1mrXEzlQD8M1dmxAVHuuYdxBCpHXpoSK94wXxwErxlH6onNUEkuvzt5C1CA_y0W0BnbVBe9yCqmTEv7m_APQFzQak7FlIwYMzcKhcoKtB1Ho/s1600/Trolls17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL789M3qlmveiLpZz14QM-e44wcBVM8ve1mrXEzlQD8M1dmxAVHuuYdxBCpHXpoSK94wXxwErxlH6onNUEkuvzt5C1CA_y0W0BnbVBe9yCqmTEv7m_APQFzQak7FlIwYMzcKhcoKtB1Ho/s640/Trolls17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The one with the colourful hair is Bridget, she's secretly in love with Prince Gristle. That's not her hair. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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Trolls is a fun little movie for the kids. There's a few laughs and silly gags and puns but they don't make you laugh boisterously or frequently. It's ultra colourful and cutesy that will for sure keep the kids attention focused on the screen for a while at least. The music is fun but it isn't particularly catchy so the kids won't be singing any of the songs for months after watching it. And at the end the kids will get a nice little message about how they can find happiness and joy without having to eat anything small and colourful. Especially when they're being forced on you by an old and ugly woman. </div>
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This movie is like a 90 minute long PSA against substance abuse but there's no way anyone could have come up with what you see here without it, right? <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/" style="text-align: center;">20th Century Fox</a></div>
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All in all Trolls is a fun little distraction that will only take about 90 minutes of your life. Definitely one for the kids and for parents who could use 90 minutes where their kids aren't driving them crazy. I'm going to give Trolls a solid 3 out of 5. </div>
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Check out the latest trailer for Trolls below.</div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-26738276904262370882016-10-17T20:46:00.001+08:002016-10-17T23:31:34.732+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: THE ACCOUNTANT (2016)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPN4Bf4XUbZP8By5Y33vZm-qsjGDrdwCA3lfzRZNoOX1WvmvHEIenDRBUgkZ9ONyG1qqs2idR4WbCyTXhWMYJi2OY0uUdyW7yFxQGGpQlaj1xg8U7bdwiIQeOV0iDMge5iqDU11U7xEqg/s1600/The+Accoutant+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPN4Bf4XUbZP8By5Y33vZm-qsjGDrdwCA3lfzRZNoOX1WvmvHEIenDRBUgkZ9ONyG1qqs2idR4WbCyTXhWMYJi2OY0uUdyW7yFxQGGpQlaj1xg8U7bdwiIQeOV0iDMge5iqDU11U7xEqg/s640/The+Accoutant+Poster.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2140479/">IMDB</a>:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Storyline</span></b></div>
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Christian Wolff is a math savante with more affinity for numbers than people. Behind the cover of a small-town CPA office, he works as a freelance accountant for some of the world's most dangerous criminal organizations. With the Treasury Department's Crime Enforcement Division, run by Ray King, starting to close in, Christian takes on a legitimate client: a state-of-the-art robotics company where an accounting clerk has discovered a discrepancy involving millions of dollars. But as Christian uncooks the books and gets closer to the truth, it is the body count that starts to rise.</div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt2140479" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2140479/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="The Accountant (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2140479/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">51</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2140479/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2140479/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">27 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2140479/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">98 critic</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_accountant_2016/">Rotten Tomatoes</a>:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MOVIE INFO</span></b></div>
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Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) is a math savant with more affinity for numbers than people. Behind the cover of a small-town CPA office, he works as a freelance accountant for some of the world's most dangerous criminal organizations. With the Treasury Department's Crime Enforcement Division, run by Ray King (J.K. Simmons), starting to close in, Christian takes on a legitimate client: a state-of-the-art robotics company where an accounting clerk (Anna Kendrick) has discovered a discrepancy involving millions of dollars. But as Christian uncooks the books and gets closer to the truth, it is the body count that starts to rise.</div>
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Rating: R (for strong violence and language throughout)</div>
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Genre: Drama</div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/gavin_oconnor">Gavin O'Connor</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/bill_dubuque">Bill Dubuque</a></div>
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In Theaters: Oct 14, 2016 Wide</div>
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Runtime: 128 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.accountantmovie.com/">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_accountant_2016/#contentReviews">50%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 5.7/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 139</div>
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Fresh: 70</div>
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Rotten: 69</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Critics Consensus: The Accountant writes off a committed performance from Ben Affleck, leaving viewers with a scattershot action thriller beset by an array of ill-advised deductions.</blockquote>
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AUDIENCE SCORE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_accountant_2016/#audience_reviews">87%</a> <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_accountant_2016/#audience_reviews">liked it</a></div>
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Average Rating: 4.2/5</div>
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User Ratings: 18,590<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE ACCOUNTANT IS CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THE U.S. AND OPENS IN MALAYSIA ON THE 20th OF OCTOBER. TO FIND OUT WHEN IT OPENS IN A CINEMA NEAR YOU CLICK <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2140479/releaseinfo?ref_=tt_ov_inf">HERE</a>.</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsUpEvoRpjWeb-NkZ6409-bQCEmPu30K2inkXAHrgFa4tjCQhMyGgrU1gzp6ab1JFXA6Vfclo9Amn2WPSCtwqbDO6kYN-dVQknuE5XmrHfEpwsPeP2Jv6apuY4UfRD2Kgbo3ZoaRQjDI/s1600/TheAccountant06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsUpEvoRpjWeb-NkZ6409-bQCEmPu30K2inkXAHrgFa4tjCQhMyGgrU1gzp6ab1JFXA6Vfclo9Amn2WPSCtwqbDO6kYN-dVQknuE5XmrHfEpwsPeP2Jv6apuY4UfRD2Kgbo3ZoaRQjDI/s640/TheAccountant06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Meet Chris. He's an accountant and he'll help you pay less on your taxes. ©<a href="http://warnerbros.com/">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ben Affleck plays a superhero-like character with it's own Oracle-like character but isn't Batman. Anna Kendrick accidentally meets and has a crush on a man that turns out to be a killer again...</span></b><br />
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So, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000255/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Ben Affleck</a> plays the role of Christian "Chris" Wolff who as a child was identified with a form of autism. His father (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0872354/?ref_=tt_cl_t12">Robert C. Treveiler</a>) is a military man and doesn't think that sending his child to a psychiatrist/psychologist or a camp for special children like Chris is a good idea in order to understand his child and give him the best possible chance at a somewhat normal future. He has his own idea. His mother (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1428867/?ref_=tt_cl_t13">Mary Kraft</a>) after a while gives up on Chris and abandons her family. Growing up his father uses several methods to 'train' Chris to be stronger, to overcome his condition. His brother too undergoes the training. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre6GN8l3PnWyVT50ULTjofqzrifvLXWzdH1ktUSS0kpPZqKNLiHJtxCI4ONpJjFByhR_eFtrN0EvUO_Nfa9zb7jp1Zq3BVEArsTBuOyiRYcLBY6XSpls74LZaDN0zCARVrwqLVGnGhIQ/s1600/TheAccountant10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre6GN8l3PnWyVT50ULTjofqzrifvLXWzdH1ktUSS0kpPZqKNLiHJtxCI4ONpJjFByhR_eFtrN0EvUO_Nfa9zb7jp1Zq3BVEArsTBuOyiRYcLBY6XSpls74LZaDN0zCARVrwqLVGnGhIQ/s640/TheAccountant10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That man there wants to know who Chris is, so he gets someone else to do it. ©<a href="http://warnerbros.com/">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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Fast forward to the future and we meet Ray King (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0799777/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">J.K. Simmons</a>) the director of financial crimes at the Treasury Department, he calls in to his office <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0550498/?ref_=tt_cl_t6">Marybeth Medina</a> (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1870963/?ref_=tt_cl_t6">Cynthia Addai-Robinson</a>) and gives her a task, to find a man that the department has been looking for for years, a man they called The Accountant. King tells Medina to find him or he'll have her past ruin her future at the department. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCmedUMB5mE2zVExcSppMIPaoOwiqPR7zsMbyWRyKnK_VjoRcUSevQqMgzANlF67X7L3W99BdU5oxDtb42mUeNrLG4CggnJpfKDCaHenqlOBvCeV4hvP88DoPPxe8NAcswpTpp-A8Tmg/s1600/TheAccountant09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCmedUMB5mE2zVExcSppMIPaoOwiqPR7zsMbyWRyKnK_VjoRcUSevQqMgzANlF67X7L3W99BdU5oxDtb42mUeNrLG4CggnJpfKDCaHenqlOBvCeV4hvP88DoPPxe8NAcswpTpp-A8Tmg/s640/TheAccountant09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Chris studied how to be an accountant in prison from this man who used to be an accountant for the mafia. ©<a href="http://warnerbros.com/">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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Chris introduction to the world of bookkeeping for special clients was due to one person, Francis Silverberg (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001787/?ref_=tt_cl_t5">Jeffrey Tambor</a>) a convicted bookkeeper himself. The two meet by 'chance' in a low security prison that Francis was in and the two immediately bonded. They were inseparable. Francis tutoring him in the ways of a good bookkeeper and more day in and day out, making sure that Chris wouldn't forget a thing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcq1_IvpxjYwQ4sbB4zFhyTTyqME8mtmpTtswhmgv8nLJl7VkkWF-do2tf_-cMbdxKuzFCWg4ws8gWxwzmtJ3EhTzHnQIz4JOsifVRgCmyds-BVh4B-6agSrQqVpxs0RFA_D3OegKqP8/s1600/TheAccountant16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcq1_IvpxjYwQ4sbB4zFhyTTyqME8mtmpTtswhmgv8nLJl7VkkWF-do2tf_-cMbdxKuzFCWg4ws8gWxwzmtJ3EhTzHnQIz4JOsifVRgCmyds-BVh4B-6agSrQqVpxs0RFA_D3OegKqP8/s640/TheAccountant16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This man is also interested in Chris. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://warnerbros.com/" style="text-align: center;">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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Fast forward to the future again and Chris now has his own accounting firm in a small town where he helps the local townsfolk with the their tax returns in the most creative way that benefits them. As he speaks to his clients his eyes never leave his computer monitor, he goes through one remote video camera feed after another. On his drive back home from work he discusses his clients with Justine (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2226071/?ref_=tt_cl_t10">Alison Wright</a>) who also suggests that he take on more conventional clients and gives him the name of a company, Living Robotics. Meanwhile in Europe a man (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1256532/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Jon Bernthal</a>) slips into the car of businessman and threatens him. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlCzf28YuRCLHl-56aujavoZPFe15q9Yf7UGcRvUQ6KVNysQlZH2Y2VCtznTPMY6RvSvI35dpnUvpG3on5mi2RFzr8u5A_N30BIFiXPDqEkU8wqEjTE2NF2CjD5zqvVD4dt8ARVhPWWQ/s1600/TheAccountant01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlCzf28YuRCLHl-56aujavoZPFe15q9Yf7UGcRvUQ6KVNysQlZH2Y2VCtznTPMY6RvSvI35dpnUvpG3on5mi2RFzr8u5A_N30BIFiXPDqEkU8wqEjTE2NF2CjD5zqvVD4dt8ARVhPWWQ/s640/TheAccountant01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This man next to Chris seems nice, right? <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://warnerbros.com/" style="text-align: center;">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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When Chris visits Living Robotics he meets with Rita Blackburn (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005443/?ref_=tt_cl_t8">Jean Smart</a>) and Ed Chilton (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0880820/?ref_=tt_cl_t9">Andy Umberger</a>) who represent Lamar Black (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001475/?ref_=tt_cl_t7">John Lithgow</a>) one of the founders of Living Robotic. They want Chris to find the source of their financial problems. To help Chris with his task is Dana Cummings (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0447695/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Anna Kendrick</a>). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJRqosaVagPzYSnu1Qbh5IyXhZJ-WsXKOjIhffVCEpQler-eejkLQGMh6PqgwgjHGds1lPfFoMGignk5DuM8bZheBV6tdaykFhenffVHwbOakxBWg-mtDhBF7GlpmIURoDPnprRwcxl4/s1600/TheAccountant07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJRqosaVagPzYSnu1Qbh5IyXhZJ-WsXKOjIhffVCEpQler-eejkLQGMh6PqgwgjHGds1lPfFoMGignk5DuM8bZheBV6tdaykFhenffVHwbOakxBWg-mtDhBF7GlpmIURoDPnprRwcxl4/s640/TheAccountant07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is Dana. She thinks she meets a quirky and cute guy but of course there's more. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://warnerbros.com/" style="text-align: center;">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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<b>So a few things I like.</b></div>
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<li>I like the story and how each character is introduced and who and what they are. It isn't done in huge chunks of exposition or in a way that is obvious and direct. You get to make your own conclusions about each character. </li>
<li>I like the flow of the story. Well paced, interspersed with humour at just the right moment to lighten the overall feel of the movie. </li>
<li>Ben Affleck does a pretty good job. Enjoyed him here. Ditto J.K. Simmons. Everyone else was good too but they're there to keep the story moving. The story is about Chris. </li>
<li>The visuals are nothing special as is the fight scenes but they work. </li>
<li>The surprise you get at the big fight at the end. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59Wa-jPV2PIpDZnvOkg6ECrBuQ-XbthFNIaLfi0GcVoK-AcBx_x-ZcQpShns_Wjua3ICSzxNQmSoahuhrWagiy9vLDys7KX32PTqWoxTvOvoQ5sOSfiIsuvu3iE21pBEHeGdRdgnTb10/s1600/TheAccountant02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59Wa-jPV2PIpDZnvOkg6ECrBuQ-XbthFNIaLfi0GcVoK-AcBx_x-ZcQpShns_Wjua3ICSzxNQmSoahuhrWagiy9vLDys7KX32PTqWoxTvOvoQ5sOSfiIsuvu3iE21pBEHeGdRdgnTb10/s640/TheAccountant02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And now she's got people following her around. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://warnerbros.com/" style="text-align: center;">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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<b>A few things that I didn't.</b></div>
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<li>There are glaring gaps in the story but bad as they are you it really doesn't affect the story much. In fact the gaps could be addressed in a later movie if there is one. </li>
<li>As much as I enjoyed the other actors in the film you don't really feel their presence at all and I think that's unfortunate. </li>
<li>Not too sure what this movie is really about or if it has a single overarching moral/goal/theme. For example, Avengers: Age of Ultron, you get what the movie's about and the end of it is of course Ultron being defeated. The Accountant, not so much. Chris has his own moral code and the other thing is is that he needs to finish what he started, and that's it. Is this a revenge story? Nope. Is it a story about a child with autism overcoming his disabilities to become an assassin? That's a weird takeaway. An accountant who is also an adept killer with an unusual moral code? Don't think so.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6GtCHwmeh3wWN-KZkhsKFMU-hLWzFCEvyM45lcuSIiDSGeurMIqn7pp7nMdN6Gy1clbEIkSUoJqf-P1f7U6wq7KaKDhcdbPpeJBMF4M8epy-mzl1IfoFFjV_slEHeYDNmUek5wvzG30/s1600/TheAccountant14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6GtCHwmeh3wWN-KZkhsKFMU-hLWzFCEvyM45lcuSIiDSGeurMIqn7pp7nMdN6Gy1clbEIkSUoJqf-P1f7U6wq7KaKDhcdbPpeJBMF4M8epy-mzl1IfoFFjV_slEHeYDNmUek5wvzG30/s640/TheAccountant14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But don't worry, Chris is stalking her too. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://warnerbros.com/" style="text-align: center;">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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All in all I really found this movie to be a fun watch. At the end of it I was thinking of a headline to a review of this movie, it said something to the effect that this movie is something like a superhero movie. I totally agree with it. This movie has the elements of a good superhero movie but it doesn't play out in the same way as a Marvel movie. In this one you are given tidbits of the superhero's origin story throughout the film while the main story unravels. And that's pretty refreshing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliW0ETxJT76r37m4_3vZdi_LB1T9yLUkMU8Ly_Wn6godgVo6sT9gDIzj6-9jx2pNgRIieDzbllalp2GnEAMd5ZaTlpNjETr_E60h8BFhLkbn-A4cntWCOOo1DPMKVmLo7glCdq2bzatc/s1600/TheAccountant03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliW0ETxJT76r37m4_3vZdi_LB1T9yLUkMU8Ly_Wn6godgVo6sT9gDIzj6-9jx2pNgRIieDzbllalp2GnEAMd5ZaTlpNjETr_E60h8BFhLkbn-A4cntWCOOo1DPMKVmLo7glCdq2bzatc/s640/TheAccountant03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She does some pretty amazing deductions based on very little. She's like Sherlock Holmes. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://warnerbros.com/" style="text-align: center;">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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The thing about this movie is that it sorts of takes from many superhero movies and comics and sticks them in a single movie about an unlikely sort of hero with an unusual moral code which is never revealed to us. The only thing he doesn't have is the superhero outfit, everything else it there. The unusual upbringing, the unfortunate family situation, the training, the apprenticeship. They elements are there although a little unusual. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_7OXhfNPItxkrOgGQ6EZqYNI376MG0zYvLYLH11eeHD1PF_2NtS_f2MtewG0afNeD5a5VVOXxz7q1DDmordRMPzHNMkq7pRqAwc9ubr-HK_fjRjA2k9eH7jov8wbExJsBO6NhFQGE24/s1600/TheAccountant15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_7OXhfNPItxkrOgGQ6EZqYNI376MG0zYvLYLH11eeHD1PF_2NtS_f2MtewG0afNeD5a5VVOXxz7q1DDmordRMPzHNMkq7pRqAwc9ubr-HK_fjRjA2k9eH7jov8wbExJsBO6NhFQGE24/s640/TheAccountant15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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How many CPA do you know do this on the side? <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://warnerbros.com/" style="text-align: center;">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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Like I said I like this movie and hopefully there will be a sequel to fill in the gaping holes left in this one. <b>I'm giving The Accountant a solid 3.9 out of 5</b>. Go watch it. And tell me you don't sort of wish that Ben Affleck's upcoming Batman movie will be just as good if not better and not be like the other DC movies of late. </div>
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Check out the trailer below. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fkPJ3aENjvM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fkPJ3aENjvM?feature=player_embedded" width="600"></iframe></div>
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A BIG THANK YOU GOES TO GSC CINEMAS FOR THE PREVIEW PASSES!!</div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-74319038486362998452016-10-15T00:21:00.001+08:002016-10-17T23:33:46.134+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: INFERNO (2016)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQqssHSxA9gpMDpOFZb7z1EYsTuY_pZG-fWN00JoPV9wwYcDmv-bGa9r81ZUbj9VpoejOZ_A2fIAS1bo8Pjhqkv-iI6Ml8vcf5n48RLqmZWqAuxMuGjM0e-VQcPy8UoVQLyEZGkoCjSE/s1600/Inferno+Poster+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQqssHSxA9gpMDpOFZb7z1EYsTuY_pZG-fWN00JoPV9wwYcDmv-bGa9r81ZUbj9VpoejOZ_A2fIAS1bo8Pjhqkv-iI6Ml8vcf5n48RLqmZWqAuxMuGjM0e-VQcPy8UoVQLyEZGkoCjSE/s640/Inferno+Poster+2.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3062096/">IMDB</a>:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Storyline</span></b></div>
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Academy Award® winner Ron Howard returns to direct the latest bestseller in Dan Brown's (Da Vinci Code) billion-dollar Robert Langdon series, Inferno, which finds the famous symbologist (again played by Tom Hanks) on a trail of clues tied to the great Dante himself. When Langdon wakes up in an Italian hospital with amnesia, he teams up with Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones), a doctor he hopes will help him recover his memories. Together, they race across Europe and against the clock to stop a madman from unleashing a global virus that would wipe out half of the world's population.Written by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Sony%20Pictures%20Entertainment&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl">Sony Pictures Entertainment</a></div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt3062096" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3062096/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Inferno (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" />
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3062096/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">10 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3062096/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">76 critic</a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/inferno_2016/">Rotten Tomatoes</a>:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MOVIE INFO</span></b></div>
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Tom Hanks reprises his role as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon in director Ron Howard and screenwriter David Koepp's adaptation of author Dan Brown's bestselling novel Inferno, which finds Langdon using Dante's The Divine Comedy as a tool in the race to prevent a devastating global pandemic. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi</div>
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Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of action and violence, disturbing images, some language, thematic elements and brief sensuality.)<br />
Genre: Action & Adventure , Drama , Mystery & Suspense<br />
Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/ron_howard">Ron Howard</a><br />
Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/david_koepp">David Koepp</a><br />
In Theaters: Oct 28, 2016 Wide<br />
Runtime: 121 minutes<br />
Studio: Sony Pictures<br />
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/inferno_2016/#contentReviews">24%</a><br />
Average Rating: 4.3/10<br />
Reviews Counted: 33<br />
Fresh: 8<br />
Rotten: 25<br />
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Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.<br />
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WANT TO SEE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/inferno_2016/#audience_reviews">97% want to see</a><br />
User Ratings: 17,878</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">INFERNO OPENS IN THE U.S. ON THE 28th OF OCTOBER AND IN MALAYSIA ON THE 13th OF OCTOBER. TO FIND OUT WHEN IT OPENS NEAR YOU CLICK <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3062096/releaseinfo?ref_=tt_ov_inf">HERE</a>. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-CQ9z9QOnLN4D3gxtC-RgsVLpsXlND3co5zOp63mJmDFNBSewNhs-RMyKFn24v02oVz6qrBQKtB8vL2kWXZTxgV0MQiBRBj-8FyrkeFlEXqYEmsZUJ-fyJghKV88UN1RuhB6FM9ABO4/s1600/Inferno04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-CQ9z9QOnLN4D3gxtC-RgsVLpsXlND3co5zOp63mJmDFNBSewNhs-RMyKFn24v02oVz6qrBQKtB8vL2kWXZTxgV0MQiBRBj-8FyrkeFlEXqYEmsZUJ-fyJghKV88UN1RuhB6FM9ABO4/s640/Inferno04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The movie doesn't start here but Mr. Langdon's troubles in Italy certainly does. ©<a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A movie where you spend most of the time in rooms, hallways, museums with the occasional walk outdoors...</span></b> </div>
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First a caveat, I have not read any of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Brown">Dan Brown</a>'s books nor have I seen any of the previous films adapted from his books. But I do know what they are about. </div>
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So Inferno, the fourth novel in the Robert Langdon book series and the third film in the series directed by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000165?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Ron Howard</a>. If you follow the books you'll know that Inferno is the fourth in the series, and if you've followed the films as well, that the films don't follow the release sequence of the books. If Ron Howard and the studios had followed the books then what cinemagoers should have seen first would be <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0808151/?ref_=tt_rec_tt">Angels & Demons</a> (2009) before <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382625/?ref_=nv_sr_1">The Da Vinci Code</a> (2006). And if you really are a fan you'd be wondering why they skipped over another book, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lost_Symbol">The Lost Symbol</a> (2009), to make this one. I have no answers for you on that. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDr1ka-x6A6DU_5Jh5eMUfLLpZ3qhFHXqE4OdjJ4A7cc1h3VLH1roNsssIUyBzb3wAdvNoOfjiVY5n5hWWIgbAqelUkhPCFQobpiY71fyGYtBc2fZn9mtBMcdxEDvmLrM8VNk7NG7uSuk/s1600/Inferno06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDr1ka-x6A6DU_5Jh5eMUfLLpZ3qhFHXqE4OdjJ4A7cc1h3VLH1roNsssIUyBzb3wAdvNoOfjiVY5n5hWWIgbAqelUkhPCFQobpiY71fyGYtBc2fZn9mtBMcdxEDvmLrM8VNk7NG7uSuk/s640/Inferno06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And within the few hours that transpires between that evening and when he wakes up in the hospital the bad guys manage to put amazing visions inside his head. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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Anyway, on to the film. If you haven't read the book or seen the trailer or read the descriptions for it up there then let me try to briefly inform you of what it's about without ruining the whole story for you. Robert Langdon (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000158/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Tom Hanks</a>) finds himself in a hospital in Florence, Italy being attended by a Dr Sienna Brooks (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0428065/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Felicity Jones</a>). He has no memory of the past 48 hours and has no idea of even traveling to Italy. Just as he is about to get his bearings a woman dressed as an Italian Carabinieri (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0880367/?ref_=tt_cl_t7">Ana Ularu</a>) tries to kill him and they both escape finding refuge at Dr. Sienna's apartment. </div>
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The next day, going through his belongings they discover a biohazard canister with a thumbprint scanner on it. Langdon puts his thumb on the scanner and <a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/voil%C3%A0">voilà</a> it opens to reveal a carved piece of human bone with a projector in it. Turning on the projector reveals an image of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dante_Alighieri">Dante Alighieri</a>'s conception of hell. But someone has altered it somewhat. They find a name on the image and a quick search on the internet leads them to a man named Bertrand Zobrist (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004936/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Ben Foster</a>). Putting what they know so far they guess that he may be planning to release a virus that would kill well over half of the world population. They decide to call the American Consulate. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4a7SKt7i3bdz65eWiIDb5pE7n8yzqBmFe9VEh7J7dAkpDd3e7YTZrBpcbGqZ0xQP5BDDF7KPGycrzvywMpGswbkhpdFBAjkzPlgbjBrkUG_tIwCZqKtuDMGgsuokfHgz83cdSPxtdYA/s1600/Inferno05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4a7SKt7i3bdz65eWiIDb5pE7n8yzqBmFe9VEh7J7dAkpDd3e7YTZrBpcbGqZ0xQP5BDDF7KPGycrzvywMpGswbkhpdFBAjkzPlgbjBrkUG_tIwCZqKtuDMGgsuokfHgz83cdSPxtdYA/s640/Inferno05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Which eventually ends up with him in some strangers apartment with a tiny projector built into a piece of human bone. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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Their call to the consulate brings about a man named Cristoph Bouchard (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1082477/?ref_=tt_cl_t6">Omar Sy</a>) and his swat team to the apartment. They are from the W.H.O. The pair manage to escape and Bouchard has to face an unhappy Dr. Elizabeth Sinskey (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0461746/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Sidse Babett Knudsen</a>) who tells them to try harder. At the scene also is Vayentha, the policewoman who tried to kill them at the hospital, her employers too are unhappy and she is given clear instructions to complete her mission or face harsh consequences by a man she calls "The Provost", a man named Harry Sims (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0451234/?ref_=tt_cl_t5">Irrfan Khan</a>) the head of a secret security organisation that provides unique solutions. </div>
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So as Langdon tries to piece together what has happened to him in the last 48 hours as well as try to solve the clues that he finds in one museum after another, taking trains and planes from one country to another, he also has to contend with numerous people trying to chase after him. And he has no idea who is trying to kill him or help him. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyBM7pIwQW8rF9F_vVRGtZc0s_yXn79LVQuvhmawZOp7dCWn9fUZ43Kl65eV0nwXhRTiFUTH8NMjTEVhtZezlgS17xhcDdYXitiFbC02QTbko2njWsgO6J52rdwRz-apAXD9vcWdR3Pg/s1600/Inferno03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyBM7pIwQW8rF9F_vVRGtZc0s_yXn79LVQuvhmawZOp7dCWn9fUZ43Kl65eV0nwXhRTiFUTH8NMjTEVhtZezlgS17xhcDdYXitiFbC02QTbko2njWsgO6J52rdwRz-apAXD9vcWdR3Pg/s640/Inferno03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With a clue that leads them here, trying to look for tiny words in huge paintings. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So here's a few things I sort of liked.</span></b></div>
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<ol>
<li>Tom Hanks. As always his performance is a pleasure to watch. </li>
<li>The museums. Always cool to see these places and especially the areas you don't usually get to see as tourist. </li>
<li>The art/museum pieces. Always nice to learn something about them. </li>
<li>Using Dante Alighieri's Inferno. It was sort of cool. Sort of interesting.</li>
<li>The camera work and the visuals as well as the editing. Interesting work. Kept it feeling tense and dramatic but not all the time though. </li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwKrMiJTC16YiwPnCCoXCEGcoTNGGKlxAT15dgQOLARHckNRFmgSN2fxWs9QVivtXuGzylJ8Bj1MW2usXVLGp73NGULa7SZNGe8xnMmYVMu4w-SNhTLTepVZXbDMgFb73zDdkcMN7-Ak/s1600/Inferno07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwKrMiJTC16YiwPnCCoXCEGcoTNGGKlxAT15dgQOLARHckNRFmgSN2fxWs9QVivtXuGzylJ8Bj1MW2usXVLGp73NGULa7SZNGe8xnMmYVMu4w-SNhTLTepVZXbDMgFb73zDdkcMN7-Ak/s640/Inferno07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then at another place looking for something that he had stolen but couldn't remember. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A few things I wasn't impressed with.</span></b></div>
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<ol>
<li>The story. It started off interestingly enough but soon became a little dull and tedious. Having characters that have been introduced as either being professionals in their field or being a child prodigy obsesses with history and whatever else Robert Langdon is interested in and then having historical facts and trivia mentioned among them in the most inane way just so that the audience is informed of something just makes it all so stupid and silly.</li>
<li>A few things were really hard to believe. That someone could have a specific amount of time erased from his memory temporarily so completely and have it replaced with very specific imagery and visions in a few hours. That the W.H.O. has a paramilitary section that can do whatever it needs to do unhindered by local enforcement. That a brilliant scientist/billionaire can create the deadliest and fastest spreading virus ever and decides to put it in a big clear plastic bag and hides it almost in plain sight under less than a feet of water. That a museum housing some of the world's greatest artifacts doesn't do a full walkthrough/check of it's displays at the beginning and end of the day and that there are no anti-theft measures installed. There's more. All of it made it hard to get into the story.</li>
<li>The dialogue was so trite and unimaginative let alone intelligent. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTXzY2tVbg3gqfVOZMLcH90Y0f7PwF0JNuALQhe55fbfHrxekijT7t9O2xnCUrTbQzh7lutCnzrQKEx7IZyVNjh6jIvQ2Atq_FLKk2TlZKswk8fM2HKxG3IR53Jljm_y2Sh3sKaAlX00/s1600/Inferno08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTXzY2tVbg3gqfVOZMLcH90Y0f7PwF0JNuALQhe55fbfHrxekijT7t9O2xnCUrTbQzh7lutCnzrQKEx7IZyVNjh6jIvQ2Atq_FLKk2TlZKswk8fM2HKxG3IR53Jljm_y2Sh3sKaAlX00/s640/Inferno08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A valuable death mask that someone had vandalized but somehow the museum that displayed it didn't discover. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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Inferno didn't turn out to be the tense intelligent action thriller that I was expecting it to be. It started of somewhat promisingly but quite quickly deteriorated into a tedious Where's Waldo search where the parents are right there telling you where to look. Was it like this in the previous two films? Are the books like this? I did check out the reviews and ratings of the previous two films and it would seem that Inferno is no different from the others. If the books aren't like this then I'm wondering if it's the fault of the film makers for dumbing it down to please what they think fans of Dan Brown's book enjoy. If those and this film is what Dan Brown's fans enjoy and think is good then.. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTIDSN0e2Yif3mdMBV-Hd1lo6jmqypSVCBVVn4KsvBj9ygH0bM0rZrY3RL6eCaYOHY_rP2pccajuPhLUuSHxoiQP5b3K3f9krfgBHEN3-r33dho_AlnOEAu4aQdO_vWrP4He1b2Pk-PQ/s1600/Inferno01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTIDSN0e2Yif3mdMBV-Hd1lo6jmqypSVCBVVn4KsvBj9ygH0bM0rZrY3RL6eCaYOHY_rP2pccajuPhLUuSHxoiQP5b3K3f9krfgBHEN3-r33dho_AlnOEAu4aQdO_vWrP4He1b2Pk-PQ/s640/Inferno01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And also they get chased around by a drone. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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In the end I was far from entertained. Too many hard-to-believe situations occur in this film that made it hard for me to really get into it and enjoy it. In fact it made enjoying Tom Hanks difficult.<b> I can only give this a 2 out of 5</b>. If you're a fan of the first two films and actually enjoyed them maybe you'll like this one too. If you're a fan of Dan Brown's book maybe go see it. If you've neither read the books or seen the previous films, you can give this a miss.</div>
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Check out the latest trailer for it.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IzAfSsFJkIc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IzAfSsFJkIc?feature=player_embedded" width="600"></iframe></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A BIG THANKS TO <a href="http://klips.says.com/">KLIPS</a>.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/klipsmalaysia/">MY</a> AND <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SonyPicturesMalaysia">SONY PICTURES MALAYSIA</a> FOR THE PREVIEW PASSES TO INFERNO!!</span></b></div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-59701249839848882602016-10-07T02:29:00.000+08:002016-10-17T23:33:58.500+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN (2016)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexby8J_UQvNIBEadb_3ct4g4ZMuBb42TeTIoZWWfunveQo6IRkbG8SWyyMU7rRM7cSYIZ4THomhQ03dIdHqvkQIuLUuEhcqWQvG-m9QefHrobpRa8yR_OmNpJ1kfMqTWEqNrcBAvx-6E/s1600/The+Girl+on+the+Train+Poster+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexby8J_UQvNIBEadb_3ct4g4ZMuBb42TeTIoZWWfunveQo6IRkbG8SWyyMU7rRM7cSYIZ4THomhQ03dIdHqvkQIuLUuEhcqWQvG-m9QefHrobpRa8yR_OmNpJ1kfMqTWEqNrcBAvx-6E/s640/The+Girl+on+the+Train+Poster+1.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From IMDB:</span></b></div>
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The Girl on the Train is the story of Rachel Watson's life post-divorce. Every day, she takes the train in to work in New York, and every day the train passes by her old house. The house she lived in with her husband, who still lives there, with his new wife and child. As she attempts to not focus on her pain, she starts watching a couple who live a few houses down -- Megan and Scott Hipwell. She creates a wonderful dream life for them in her head, about how they are a perfect happy family. And then one day, as the train passes, she sees something shocking, filling her with rage. The next day, she wakes up with a horrible hangover, various wounds and bruises, and no memory of the night before. She has only a feeling: something bad happened. Then come the TV reports: Megan Hipwell is missing. Rachel becomes invested in the case and trying to find out what happened to Megan, where she is, and what exactly she herself was up to that same night Megan went missing.</div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt3631112" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3631112/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="The Girl on the Train (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" />
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47 Metascore From metacritic.com</div>
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Reviews 10 user | 64 critic</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From Rotten Tomatoes:</span></b></div>
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Rachel, devastated by her recent divorce, spends her daily commute fantasizing about the seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes every day, until one morning she sees something shocking happen there and becomes entangled in the mystery that unfolds. Based on Paula Hawkins' bestselling novel.</div>
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Rating: R (for violence, sexual content, language and nudity)</div>
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Genre: Drama , Mystery & Suspense</div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/tate_taylor">Tate Taylor</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/erin_cressida_wilson">Erin Cressida Wilson</a></div>
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In Theaters: Oct 6, 2016 Wide</div>
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Runtime: 112 minutes</div>
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Studio: Universal Pictures</div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_girl_on_the_train_2016/#contentReviews">52%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 5.7/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 66</div>
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Fresh: 34</div>
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Rotten: 32</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Critics Consensus: Emily Blunt's outstanding performance isn't enough to keep The Girl on the Train from sliding sluggishly into exploitative melodrama.</blockquote>
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WANT TO SEE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_girl_on_the_train_2016/#audience_reviews">98%</a> <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_girl_on_the_train_2016/#audience_reviews">want to see</a></div>
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User Ratings: 15,169</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN OPENS IN THE US ON THE 7th OF OCTOBER IN THE U.S. AND ON THE 6TH OF OCTOBER IN MALAYSIA. FOR THE REST OF THE WORLD FIND OUT <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3631112/releaseinfo?ref_=tt_ov_inf">HERE</a>.</b></h3>
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Meet Rachel, she's recently divorced and has a substance abuse problem... ©<a href="http://universalpictures.com/">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">There are two other movies with the same title but you won't have heard of the other two...</span></b></div>
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In fact, I didn't even know they existed until I did a little search to find out about this movie. Truthfully, I didn't know about this movie until I knew I was going to watch it and I didn't know there was a book first either. So I saw this movie last night which means it's been a full 24 hours since I saw it. It opens today in Malaysia and in a little over a day in the US but if you've been curious about this movie I'm guessing you've already read some of the early reviews for it. My opinions of this movie won't diverge all that much from the general opinions found in those early reviews. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWww5uYMUWkfGWvu0FGDGyG69Cmag3pqM7o-odnr07qqm6CoIhBlIJTZM7fRKGFMB0ZhE6rt2WUAaNnSZxA-LTEmE7p-hqGpMVPPsnQfVRc0UkPIrHJ9XOweXFu26Rx_3_Jo2i3S5JNI/s1600/TheGirlontheTrain10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWww5uYMUWkfGWvu0FGDGyG69Cmag3pqM7o-odnr07qqm6CoIhBlIJTZM7fRKGFMB0ZhE6rt2WUAaNnSZxA-LTEmE7p-hqGpMVPPsnQfVRc0UkPIrHJ9XOweXFu26Rx_3_Jo2i3S5JNI/s640/TheGirlontheTrain10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rachel on her daily commute sees Megan and begins to fantasize about who she is and the type of life she has. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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The book written by British writer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_Hawkins_(author)">Paula Hawkins</a> was first published in January 2015 quickly became a bestseller and debuted at No. 1 on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times_Fiction_Best_Sellers_of_2015">The New York Times Fiction Best Sellers of 2015</a> list and remained at the top until April. Then about a year later it again went to the top of the best sellers list but this time reviewers began to comparisons between it and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gone_Girl_(novel)">Gone Gir</a>l, claiming it to be the next <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gone_Girl_(novel)">Gone Girl</a>. Gone Girl too became a movie in 2014 and went on to be nominated for several awards. Gone Girl was an incredible film. You can read my review of it <a href="http://gollumpus.blogspot.my/2014/12/movie-review-gone-girl-2014.html">here</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97Rse9JCDmpste4wf-WpVFQtBnP4qdUvsjvun0QCRbRkzW4VNxG2AH07Ezxh8l9BWalip-3Ce39dZj8TVC_p_To84Nj_-p6aapj4j7Fpq3tREEkGO1gjYTL5KufGrpdA0-Y5VoewHtr0/s1600/TheGirlontheTrain09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97Rse9JCDmpste4wf-WpVFQtBnP4qdUvsjvun0QCRbRkzW4VNxG2AH07Ezxh8l9BWalip-3Ce39dZj8TVC_p_To84Nj_-p6aapj4j7Fpq3tREEkGO1gjYTL5KufGrpdA0-Y5VoewHtr0/s640/TheGirlontheTrain09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She also passes the home of Tom and Anna. Tom used to be her husband and their house used to be her home. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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Unlike Gone Girl which took a bit more time to be picked up by the studios, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DreamWorks_Pictures">DreamWorks Pictures</a> acquired the film rights to the novel before the book was even available to the public in March 2014. By January 2015 while the public was falling in love with the book and putting it on the best sellers list, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0933379?ref_=tt_ov_wr">Erin Cressida Wilson</a> was already working on the films screenplay. In May of the same year <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0853238?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Tate Ta</a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0853238?ref_=tt_ov_dr">ylor</a> was hired to direct and in the following months various actors and actresses were rumoured to be part of the production. Among them included <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1289434/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Emily Blunt</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0544718/">Kate Mara</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0272581/"></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0272581/">Rebecca Ferguson</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2247245/"></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2247245/">Haley Bennett</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001467/">Jared Leto</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0262635/">Chris Evans</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1183149/">Édgar Ramírez</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0857620/">Justin Theroux</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005049/">Allison Janney</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001435/">Lisa Kudrow</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1812656/">Luke Evans</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0696059/">Laura Prepon</a>. Of course not everyone was available to be part of the final film. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ447MgMBAm1CDKojDL342zR8DqEO5gtiW1-6czuXD4SOxUQ28bDnjQ67hnOg5wZqRE2Cx951PgCLMMsDp3DsE5DKdyiJrDapT-QeFV21c680Abrxfx02lYWMusSoSCkv2M6fv0RDkNLw/s1600/TheGirlontheTrain04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ447MgMBAm1CDKojDL342zR8DqEO5gtiW1-6czuXD4SOxUQ28bDnjQ67hnOg5wZqRE2Cx951PgCLMMsDp3DsE5DKdyiJrDapT-QeFV21c680Abrxfx02lYWMusSoSCkv2M6fv0RDkNLw/s640/TheGirlontheTrain04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then one day she decides to get off the train after a particularly bad day. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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So if you haven't read the book and have only seen the trailers then the only other clues you have regarding what this movie is about are the two things that are mentioned above, that it's the new Gone Girl and the title that mentions a girl on the train. With regards to Gone Girl this film shares a few similarities I guess. The tone of the two films are pretty similar. The two films have a gritty and tense atmosphere. They both throw all sorts of details at you to try and throw you off the path of the true criminal. Both use a fair bit of sex in the film to add another layer of complexity to the characters and their situations. As for the girl on the train, Emily Blunt plays the central character who rides the train from her home to work and back and is the one is the link to all the main players in this mystery. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OxSzkiJ6Pd95ZFELHFwmWLTw5ga-tjGHB6oVznyW5a3HK8IOJoObmnY8wNtFzO-sp5kCJQoTjpATKHrMyr1rNF3Zols_LyZkijN5vuD4IDIheO1mF8T0sBZJCTKHwE3Exv6mH6RQ7T0/s1600/TheGirlontheTrain01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OxSzkiJ6Pd95ZFELHFwmWLTw5ga-tjGHB6oVznyW5a3HK8IOJoObmnY8wNtFzO-sp5kCJQoTjpATKHrMyr1rNF3Zols_LyZkijN5vuD4IDIheO1mF8T0sBZJCTKHwE3Exv6mH6RQ7T0/s640/TheGirlontheTrain01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After which she gets a little visit from a detective. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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<b>So here's what I enjoyed about the film.</b></div>
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<ol>
<li>The story wasn't too bad. Played out pretty nicely but if you were paying attention you could about two thirds of the way in figure out what really happened and who the culprit really is.</li>
<li>Emily Blunt is pretty amazing. </li>
<li>Visually. Scenes nicely played out and paced. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0853238?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Tate Ta</a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0853238?ref_=tt_ov_dr">ylor</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1401820/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cr8">Charlotte Bruus Christensen</a> did a pretty good job of keeping the scenes tense and gritty. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPYmIGOgEV7juvCCKnvClyXl9h9wjNAde1vF6PiKloo_tTRLddthfgSUx8ZNtPVCzlEb9YmlaIPwn2US9UBZQFYzsDpexbYahcgpdnEcJHmWs39qS0iXUGifB5B3Ib3pHSpE5JFE8930/s1600/TheGirlontheTrain02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPYmIGOgEV7juvCCKnvClyXl9h9wjNAde1vF6PiKloo_tTRLddthfgSUx8ZNtPVCzlEb9YmlaIPwn2US9UBZQFYzsDpexbYahcgpdnEcJHmWs39qS0iXUGifB5B3Ib3pHSpE5JFE8930/s640/TheGirlontheTrain02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the detectives' visit Rachel decides to help this man out. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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<b>A few things I didn't fancy much.</b></div>
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<ol>
<li>The balance between the characters or something like that. Emily Blunt was amazing but the others sort of were not. </li>
<li>Things ended up being too melodramatic at times. Didn't suit the scenes so well or the film overall.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUezwMEXuczsNHot6usxXML-9ack_Do9CBQ3dmJtDIUg1i2jvdAN45M7DnhhoEXTxbuSWATBKFESco8fusGOtMgrGhSJQQFYstQ4sqydV6GSoD52acmql3T2e2vuXjevDfo4qD1NMwkfA/s1600/TheGirlontheTrain03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUezwMEXuczsNHot6usxXML-9ack_Do9CBQ3dmJtDIUg1i2jvdAN45M7DnhhoEXTxbuSWATBKFESco8fusGOtMgrGhSJQQFYstQ4sqydV6GSoD52acmql3T2e2vuXjevDfo4qD1NMwkfA/s640/TheGirlontheTrain03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But in the end she's back on the train. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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Overall this was a pretty good story to watch, it was tense and as things played out you were kept guessing. But to compare it to Gone Girl is to flatter this movie a little too much. If I were to say how similar or close to Gone Girl this film is I'd probably say about 60% maybe. The thing or person that really drives this film is Emily Blunt without her I don't think this film would be as entertaining or watchable. <b>But since I did enjoy it I'm going to give it a decent 3.2 out of 5</b>.</div>
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Check out the trailer. </div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-36678288529468664932016-09-28T20:59:00.000+08:002016-10-17T23:34:13.586+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: BRIDGET JONES'S BABY (2016)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQp9SinoB7vTXU_nR_3_itbI-pSlqPDLWb3NOedisjX6jNXDx4ddrbcmYll4rPR2LAZIhCjYVCewLKrqqteThKRiFmm3C_cYuCapmuabk7WCxgV-6Cb3xFbJVRExVuLclcHMjNvu3GVA/s1600/Bridget+Jone%2527s+Baby+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQp9SinoB7vTXU_nR_3_itbI-pSlqPDLWb3NOedisjX6jNXDx4ddrbcmYll4rPR2LAZIhCjYVCewLKrqqteThKRiFmm3C_cYuCapmuabk7WCxgV-6Cb3xFbJVRExVuLclcHMjNvu3GVA/s640/Bridget+Jone%2527s+Baby+Poster.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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<div>
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<br />
<b>From IMDB:</b><br />
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Bridget's focus on single life and her career is interrupted when she finds herself pregnant, but with one hitch ... she can only be fifty percent sure of the identity of her baby's father.<br />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1473832/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgLv8zSltQh3-eUqqmBAefnAISct29dL2U-MnsjJPRW-bpYTw0oPffSVDZTlU9ycJhgyvlR2_uhZM8-9j-76PFeIQd3YyioSiliaWg4xeJ7PrfTHFECly5VTTDzoh7NuRrjGBCE5CdnbhaMZGIaePoeajc1ex8ydpsG_md3HpEsWivOtJOY4kTFwaeQXbTBZfRaAKdg=" /> </a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1473832/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">59</a> Metascore From metacritic.com<br />
Reviews 49 user | 115 critic<br />
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<br />
<b>From Rotten Tomatoes:</b><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oscar (R) winners Renée Zellweger and Colin Firth are joined by Patrick Dempsey for the next chapter of the world's favorite singleton in Bridget Jones's Baby. Directed by Sharon Maguire (Bridget Jones's Diary), the new film in the beloved comedy series based on creator Helen Fielding's heroine finds Bridget unexpectedly expecting. After breaking up with Mark Darcy (Firth), Bridget Jones's (Zellweger) "happily ever after" hasn't quite gone according to plan. Fortysomething and single again, she decides to focus on her job as top news producer and surround herself with old friends and new. For once, Bridget has everything completely under control. What could possibly go wrong? Then her love life takes a turn and Bridget meets a dashing American named Jack (Dempsey), the suitor who is everything Mr. Darcy is not. In an unlikely twist she finds herself pregnant, but with one hitch...she can only be fifty percent sure of the identity of her baby's father. The much-anticipated third installment of the Bridget Jones's franchise welcomes fellow Academy Award (R) winner Emma Thompson to the cast. Longtime collaborators Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title Films produce alongside Debra Hayward. Universal Pictures will distribute Bridget Jones's Baby in North America and select international territories.</div>
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Rating: R (for language, sex references and some nudity)</div>
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Genre: Comedy , Romance</div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/sharon-maguire">Sharon Maguire</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/emma_thompson">Emma Thompson </a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/1174894-dan_mazer">Dan Mazer </a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/helen_fielding">Helen Fielding</a></div>
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In Theaters: Sep 15, 2016 Wide</div>
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Box Office: $16,594,365.00</div>
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Runtime: 122 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.bridgetjonesmovie.com/">Working Title</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bridget_joness_baby_2016/#contentReviews">78%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 6.3/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 160</div>
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Fresh: 124</div>
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Rotten: 36</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Critics Consensus: Bridget Jones's Baby might be late on arrival, but fans of the series should still find its third installment a bouncing bundle of joy.</blockquote>
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AUDIENCE SCORE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bridget_joness_baby_2016/#audience_reviews">79% liked it</a></div>
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Average Rating: 3.9/5</div>
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User Ratings: 11,471</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">BRIDGET JONES'S BABY OPENED IN THE US ON THE 16th OF SEPTEMBER AND IN MALAYSIA ON THE 29th OF SEPTEMBER. FOR EVERYWHERE ELSE FIND OUT <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1473832/releaseinfo?ref_=tt_ov_inf">HERE</a>. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkqnyr7O1uoNC27FTLsm22o1pKnXc_33EBOv_m-NnDTPtiQOMpk9IWje0MaD-CVnpYPvK9ylrjiCiFIWle5h3dfhLY-hE5iqRKW07FP7ewonXJdkS7LP19WHDqC1uqiXDw8pY_YC-Q0s/s1600/BridgetJonesBaby06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkqnyr7O1uoNC27FTLsm22o1pKnXc_33EBOv_m-NnDTPtiQOMpk9IWje0MaD-CVnpYPvK9ylrjiCiFIWle5h3dfhLY-hE5iqRKW07FP7ewonXJdkS7LP19WHDqC1uqiXDw8pY_YC-Q0s/s640/BridgetJonesBaby06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The movie starts off like this. ©<a href="http://universalpictures.com/">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">15 years after the first and 12 years after the second one Bridget Jones finally gets what she's been looking for...</span></b></div>
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So Bridget Jones, a character that started its life in a column titled <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridget_Jones%27s_Diary">Bridget Jones's Diary</a> in an online British newspaper called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Independent">The Independent</a> in 1995 which was so successful they turned it into a novel in 1996 and three years later came the sequel titled <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridget_Jones:_The_Edge_of_Reason">Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason</a>. Both books were a hit with readers and when a book is a hit they sometimes spawn movies based on it or adapted from it, in this case the first movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0243155/?ref_=tt_rec_tt">Bridget Jones's Diary</a> came out in 2001 and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317198/?ref_=tt_rec_tti">Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason</a> was released in 2004. The first movie did better than the second.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizog8xCV0dYDCouRdZhElPKWDAif1k7kqfosPVJGpIuOuYLD8exs4Wn8USqX8G0o_tbxlJ-bAANz9H_ZkLm0Mzryz10qKZzhEFwI-FiewWvW_hF1jRLcsEQGicoVgqxhkl3metazYs7A/s1600/BridgetJonesBaby04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizog8xCV0dYDCouRdZhElPKWDAif1k7kqfosPVJGpIuOuYLD8exs4Wn8USqX8G0o_tbxlJ-bAANz9H_ZkLm0Mzryz10qKZzhEFwI-FiewWvW_hF1jRLcsEQGicoVgqxhkl3metazYs7A/s640/BridgetJonesBaby04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Which later bit later ends up with Bridget doing this. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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So now more than a dozen years later we get Bridget Jones still going through life as single woman and still being very much herself. She's also still has a crush on her Mr. Darcy. Why did it take so long for a third installment to get made and hit the screen? Well a third installment was announced back in 2009 and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_Title_Films">Working Title Films</a> did confirm that it wouldn't be based on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Fielding">Helen Fielding</a>'s third Bridget Jones novel but between then and 2015 nothing was confirmed other than <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000250/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Renée Zellweger</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000147/?ref_=tt_cl_t9">Colin Firth</a> being interested in participating in it. There were others interested in joining the project too like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000424/?ref_=tt_cl_t8">Hugh Grant</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0082450?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Paul Feig</a> among others but in the end they decided to not be a part of it due to creative differences or something like that. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fZgPrX8xHhfsEN6P0V4WU-C1ghr_wq04KXbnBB_A7S3lsgn0Uq-OkpMzZkZRo-AIk-CI3MKgKCkHU6lsjDgIntKXzpwbHPDaEYRmiFAejYiDicNYI8E0wMCVXdF-C7nmf-uHx5l_iO4/s1600/BridgetJonesBaby03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fZgPrX8xHhfsEN6P0V4WU-C1ghr_wq04KXbnBB_A7S3lsgn0Uq-OkpMzZkZRo-AIk-CI3MKgKCkHU6lsjDgIntKXzpwbHPDaEYRmiFAejYiDicNYI8E0wMCVXdF-C7nmf-uHx5l_iO4/s640/BridgetJonesBaby03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">She also meets this bloke but thinks he works at her local Starbucks. ©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a><br />
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Anyway, as mentioned before this installment picks up several years after the second film, Bridget (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000250/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Renée Zellweger</a>) is still single and is now working as a segment producer in a news floor of a tv station, Darcy (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000147/?ref_=tt_cl_t9">Colin Firth</a>) is still a lawyer and is now married and Daniel (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000424/?ref_=tt_cl_t8">Hugh Grant</a>) is presumed dead after his plane disappears somewhere in the world (which means <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000424/?ref_=tt_cl_t8">Hugh Grant</a> isn't in this movie). Her Dad (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000980/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Jim Broadbent</a>) is still the affable and understanding block and Mom (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0428121/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Gemma Jones</a>) is running for a position in the local county office or something. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjKa0NM7j_ju3RnnRv_ZSvmvbzMUEbpKY9jhp13RPC3lhorn1PLw6zWwxzvrBA2boq4ujLPpVfpzHxMq6MNeNiNhAP_vgNaIrlX4u8QRxMIl5-sjjGfUTGvjnSFhc0BFZrsv9xNOzfoU/s1600/BridgetJonesBaby09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjKa0NM7j_ju3RnnRv_ZSvmvbzMUEbpKY9jhp13RPC3lhorn1PLw6zWwxzvrBA2boq4ujLPpVfpzHxMq6MNeNiNhAP_vgNaIrlX4u8QRxMIl5-sjjGfUTGvjnSFhc0BFZrsv9xNOzfoU/s640/BridgetJonesBaby09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But that weekend of partying also leads her here. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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She has a good friend in her colleague Miranda (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1683850/?ref_=tt_cl_t15">Sarah Solemani</a>) who is the reason or the cause for part of her problems in this film. And there's also Jack (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001131/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t25">Patrick Dempsey</a>) an internet start-up millionaire or billionaire who founded a internet dating/matching app/website with some sort of fancy algorithm that does a brilliant job and putting the right people together except himself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAlKmJUtpJ9CmT6GO0OLO60fTHTZjkx3NPTV9fbG7ACgR_OU_HypBjLBE0KyHODn3cPZA8xn1LFntF-pPJMpjvwi17SRIKcpf9LXd58Khn3itXydwrgavKX_QkMpXdzA67SIU6EW4ZgQ/s1600/BridgetJonesBaby02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAlKmJUtpJ9CmT6GO0OLO60fTHTZjkx3NPTV9fbG7ACgR_OU_HypBjLBE0KyHODn3cPZA8xn1LFntF-pPJMpjvwi17SRIKcpf9LXd58Khn3itXydwrgavKX_QkMpXdzA67SIU6EW4ZgQ/s640/BridgetJonesBaby02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So here's a few things I like. </span></b></div>
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<li>The cast. Everyone who matters is back, except for Hugh Grant of course and it's all very familiar and comfortable. Zellweger is back with her adorable awkwardness and her less than believable accent. Firth looks amazing. </li>
<li>The humour. It's been a while since the first film and I don't remember much of it but from what I can remember it seems like it's still intact. It's a little bit more reserved maybe but still there. Lots of wit and puns for sure and some are a little naughty. It isn't laugh out loud from start to finish but the pace is nice and you're not left bored.</li>
<li>The story is fun too. It doesn't put Bridget in too extreme a situation to draw out the laughs or play too much with her spinster status. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000668/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t41">Emma Thompson</a> who plays Dr Rawlings is brilliant. She also helped write the screenplay.</li>
<li>What I didn't like. </li>
<li>Can't think of any actually. </li>
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With two possible fathers for her baby who like to pretend that they're gay and that she's a surrogate. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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Overall this third and long awaited installment for some is a fun trip back in time. A nice revisit with a character that was much loved from a while ago as well the actors that played it. I was amazed at how some have aged compared to others. I'm guessing you know who I'm talking about. Seeing <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000250/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Renée Zellweger</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000147/?ref_=tt_cl_t9">Colin Firth</a> standing on screen together now and then watching a short montage from the previous films really was a remarkable thing to see. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zeiLiP-CM7dcA1JfKhACojvYerN7fbow-_moxYQznbPjt-xQl6xhbQIuF7c1DI1whgCdTlS5_YL5BTq_jzeh7kXacDRx69Jkbl3ldg1M3qS5ohVusTayXbBYB87GJHpF63usKEQeb90/s1600/BridgetJonesBaby01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zeiLiP-CM7dcA1JfKhACojvYerN7fbow-_moxYQznbPjt-xQl6xhbQIuF7c1DI1whgCdTlS5_YL5BTq_jzeh7kXacDRx69Jkbl3ldg1M3qS5ohVusTayXbBYB87GJHpF63usKEQeb90/s640/BridgetJonesBaby01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But she still ends up buying her own christmas tree and lugging it back home herself. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://universalpictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</a></div>
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If you loved the previous films you'll probably love this one too. If you've never seen them this is still an entertaining and funny film. It's pure British humour and wit this film. <b>I'm going to give it a solid 3 out of 5.</b></div>
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Check out the trailer below.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5aaWY7rQS3I/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5aaWY7rQS3I?feature=player_embedded" width="600"></iframe></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A BIG THANK YOU TO <a href="https://www.tgv.com.my/">TGV </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TGVCinemas/">CINEMAS</a> AND <a href="http://www.uip.com.my/">UIP </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/uipmalaysia/">MALAYSIA</a> FOR LETTING ME WATCH BRIDGET JONES'S BABY AHEAD OF MY FELLOW MALAYSIANS!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuV-mJ5c3GV_IXOslq3uL8X_V1W1HVo2kaZSppurKF6rumBmXh26nJKPQYRK0EknBKBITiZos_bJc-EEx6VCK2kuesFbLpDaVb6ZbD4e2bgATH1k-_97gjLtwjSbKuZ54QYYxuUWKeQzc/s1600/Storks+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuV-mJ5c3GV_IXOslq3uL8X_V1W1HVo2kaZSppurKF6rumBmXh26nJKPQYRK0EknBKBITiZos_bJc-EEx6VCK2kuesFbLpDaVb6ZbD4e2bgATH1k-_97gjLtwjSbKuZ54QYYxuUWKeQzc/s640/Storks+Poster.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">From <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4624424/">IMDB</a>:</span></b></div>
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Storks deliver babies...or at least they used to. Now they deliver packages for global internet giant Cornerstore.com. Junior, the company's top delivery stork, is about to be promoted when he accidentally activates the Baby Making Machine, producing an adorable and wholly unauthorized baby girl. Desperate to deliver this bundle of trouble before the boss gets wise, Junior and his friend Tulip, the only human on Stork Mountain, race to make their first-ever baby drop - in a wild and revealing journey that could make more than one family whole and restore the storks' true mission in the world. Written by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Warner%20Bros.&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl">Warner Bros.</a></div>
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<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt4624424" data-user="ur28864281"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4624424/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Storks (2016) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4624424/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">63</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4624424/criticreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">Metascore</a> From <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">metacritic.com</a></div>
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Reviews <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4624424/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">2 user</a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4624424/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt">31 critic</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">From <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/storks/">Rotten Tomatoes</a>:</span></b></div>
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In this animated children's fantasy, two storks (voiced by Kelsey Grammer and Andy Samberg) reveal the truth about their job delivering babies to new parents.</div>
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Rating: PG (for mild action and some thematic elements)</div>
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Genre: Animation , Comedy , Kids & Family</div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/nicholas_stoller">Nicholas Stoller </a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/doug_sweetland">Doug Sweetland</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/nicholas_stoller">Nicholas Stoller</a></div>
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In Theaters: Sep 23, 2016 Wide</div>
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Runtime: 87 minutes</div>
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Studio: <a href="http://www.storksmovie.com/">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/storks/#contentReviews">53%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 6/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 45</div>
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Fresh: 24</div>
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Rotten: 21</div>
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Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.</div>
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WANT TO SEE <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/storks/#audience_reviews">94%</a> <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/storks/#audience_reviews">want to see</a></div>
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User Ratings: 12,460</div>
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<b><b><span style="font-size: large;">STORKS OPENS ON THE 23rd OF SEPTEMBER WORLDWIDE. IF IT DOESN'T OPEN ON THE 23rd NEAR YOU, CLICK <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4624424/releaseinfo?ref_=tt_ov_inf">HERE</a> TO FIND OUT WHEN IT OPENS.</span></b></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Pb9i70r5QzPJF8u7nZ9dRutIY-0emWJO_xtRltDPv7VXEerqk8xgl2mDqwQpsA4Z0vaAhmnSWyh6JxqbsHXV4wqOP2TeTlQcQUCIVn2cKNDNuHS4sGfkLKmgwmI5A0lTg-8njZmOCH0/s1600/Storks01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Pb9i70r5QzPJF8u7nZ9dRutIY-0emWJO_xtRltDPv7VXEerqk8xgl2mDqwQpsA4Z0vaAhmnSWyh6JxqbsHXV4wqOP2TeTlQcQUCIVn2cKNDNuHS4sGfkLKmgwmI5A0lTg-8njZmOCH0/s640/Storks01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Guess which one is the odd one out and the orphan here. ©<a href="http://warnerbros.com/">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From the studio not the people that gave you the LEGO Movie...</span></b></div>
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So a few days ago I went to watch Storks but since I am a major procrastinator I'm only writing down my thoughts about it today which is actually the day it opens worldwide. Storks which stars among others <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001288/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Kelsey Grammer</a> as Hunter the current head honcho at Cornerstore.com located on Stork Mountain, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1676221/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Andy Samberg</a> as Junior the up and coming Stork slated to take over from Hunter, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1764070/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Katie Crown</a> as Tulip as the only human working at Cornerstore.com, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000098/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Jennifer Aniston</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0123092/?ref_=tt_cl_t5">Ty Burrell</a> as Sarah and Henry Gardner owners of Gardner Real Estates and parents to Nate voiced by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4465086/?ref_=tt_cl_t6">Anton Starkman</a> is a story about how Nate's desire for a baby brother changes everyone's life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMze5u0qF3O6EXJUzl-Fw00ffkzLAEDe3bVUEDWXI83xINhhO4oVqhj8gisOprtnI-LNv6Fbr_JWtht62tZWdu6LfxeOHiECQ-YxavhND_ifwJoukYn8Yad7S3Lfj5o-lRMNjb0Ol1b4/s1600/Storks03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMze5u0qF3O6EXJUzl-Fw00ffkzLAEDe3bVUEDWXI83xINhhO4oVqhj8gisOprtnI-LNv6Fbr_JWtht62tZWdu6LfxeOHiECQ-YxavhND_ifwJoukYn8Yad7S3Lfj5o-lRMNjb0Ol1b4/s640/Storks03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is Hunter, the boss. He's going to retire soon and spend the rest of his days bullying little bird. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://warnerbros.com/" style="text-align: center;">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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It starts with Hunter who calls on Junior, Cornerstore's best delivery stork, to his office to inform him that he's chosen Junior to replace him as the CEO at the next Stork-Con event. But there's a catch, Junior needs to fire Tulip the orphan the only human who works at Cornerstore. Tulip became an orphan when the Jasper (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001803/?ref_=tt_cl_t9">Danny Trejo</a>) the stork that was supposed to deliver her to her parents decides to keep her and during the standoff between him and the other storks he drops the homing beacon that shows her home smashing it to pieces.</div>
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Guess what Nate is missing here. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://warnerbros.com/" style="text-align: center;">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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Nate Gardner on the other hand has parents who are too busy to pay him any attention and since he has no one to play with him at home and a chance peek at a pair of brothers gushing about how they love each other in the next car on the way to dinner, Nate decides he'd like a little brother. Not just a brother mind you, a brother with ninja skills. His parents deciding not to take him seriously especially when he begins to talk about how easy it is, because all babies come delivered by storks, tell him they'll talk about it later. Nate while playing/rummaging in the attic some days later discovers quite conveniently a brochure for what the storks used to do and how to get them to deliver a brand new baby. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8vzCSjpA7a1rW1Irok2MWlpCiNlEFOvrsaGOKNgiJ8iQJ4QwZWSXyJwbEtT4Om9DUyZjVXz2uv2_OAFbUAie1vfFkBJv4_Mt3iN7bkTG3DKP0aoPmr-j2TS9pOp7OxVPsVV7ut-Jrh8/s1600/Storks05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8vzCSjpA7a1rW1Irok2MWlpCiNlEFOvrsaGOKNgiJ8iQJ4QwZWSXyJwbEtT4Om9DUyZjVXz2uv2_OAFbUAie1vfFkBJv4_Mt3iN7bkTG3DKP0aoPmr-j2TS9pOp7OxVPsVV7ut-Jrh8/s640/Storks05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can you tell why Junior has that look on his face? <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://warnerbros.com/" style="text-align: center;">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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So Nate follows the instructions and a baby shows up and the now defunct baby department at Stork Mountain where the only employee there is Tulip who has been assigned by Junior to take charge of the mail room. The appearance of the baby puts a huge wrench in Junior's ascension plans so they both team up to get the baby delivered before Hunter finds out and well before Stork-Con. In their delivery baby adventures they meet a crazy wolf pack with amazing team work lead by an alpha wolf (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1221047/?ref_=tt_cl_t7">Keegan-Michael Key</a>) and a wannabe beta wolf (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1443502/?ref_=tt_cl_t8">Jordan Peele</a>). Spied on by a somewhat goofy pigeon with lofty dreams named Pigeon Toady (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2811212/?ref_=tt_cl_t10">Stephen Kramer Glickman</a>) and finds out what truly happened on the day that Jasper dropped Tulips homing beacon.</div>
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This is a pigeon and he's a toady. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://warnerbros.com/" style="text-align: center;">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">That being said here's a list of things I enjoyed.</span></b></div>
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<li>The voice acting. Everyone does a pretty good job. </li>
<li>The animation. It's beautifully done.</li>
<li>The wolf pack. They were a surprise and they were silly fun.</li>
<li>The babies. They were adorable.</li>
<li>The ending. That was a surprising heartfelt moment.</li>
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Oh, look. Creepy penguins. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://warnerbros.com/" style="text-align: center;">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Things I didn't find so enjoyable.</span></b></div>
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<li>The story. It seemed to be a little unfocused. There's the balance that they strike between telling Junior and Tulip's adventures and what Nate does with his parents but you don't really end up investing much in either. </li>
<li>The humour. There's a few laughs, much too few laughs. For an animation that obviously seems to be targeted at kids there's little fun to be had. There were kids in the cinema that I was watching this in but I didn't hear much gleeful laughter from them. Most of the silly giggles came in the scenes with the wolf pack. </li>
<li>Something feels a little forced. Not too sure whether it's the relationship between the characters or the humour or maybe both. </li>
<li>The end sequence where Hunter gets his comeuppance seemed a little too serious and grim for a movie like this. Not too sure who they were trying to impress with that one, can't be the kids.</li>
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Guess what they put in here. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://warnerbros.com/" style="text-align: center;">Warner Bros. Pictures</a></div>
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Overall this was a pretty "Meh" experience. The elements are all there but it just doesn't come together all that well. Shiny and cute visuals and a story that doesn't seem to draw you in and because of that no matter what the capable cast does it sorts of ends up a little as I said, unfocused. Who is this movie for? The kids or the adults? Sitting there watching it I have to say I don't think neither seem too impressed by it. <b>So that being said I'm going to give Storks a fair 2.5 out of 5</b>. Maybe the really young kids who are amused by colourful characters on screen might find it fun. Maybe.</div>
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Check out the combined trailer below. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/v3PV-VvAyRI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v3PV-VvAyRI?feature=player_embedded" width="600"></iframe></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">BIG THANKS TO <a href="http://klips.says.com/">KLIPS.MY</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WarnerBrosMalaysia">WARNER BROS MALAYSIA</a> AND <a href="http://www.tgv.com.my/">TGV </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TGVCinemas/?">CINEMAS</a> FOR THE PREVIEW PASSES!</span></b></div>
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Gollumpushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07980681515905902938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721172100320940489.post-74606621905098343062016-09-20T18:58:00.000+08:002016-09-29T09:53:40.050+08:00MOVIE REVIEW: THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (2016)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<b>From IMDB:</b><br /><br />Seven gun men in the old west gradually come together to help a poor village against savage thieves.<br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgLv8zSltQh3-eUqqmBAefnAISct29dL2U-MnsjJPRW-bpYTw0oPffSVDZTlU9ycJhgyvlR2_uhZM8-9j-76PFeIQd3YyioSiliaWg4xeJ7PrfTHFECly5VTTDzoh7NuRrjGBCE5CdnbhaMZGIaePoeajc1ex8ydpsG_md3HpEsWivOtJOY4kTFwaeQXbTBZfRaAKdg=" /> <br /><br />51 Metascore From metacritic.com<br />Reviews 3 user | 52 critic<br /><br /><br /><b>From Rotten Tomatoes:</b></div>
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Director Antoine Fuqua brings his modern vision to a classic story in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures' and Columbia Pictures' The Magnificent Seven. With the town of Rose Creek under the deadly control of industrialist Bartholomew Bogue (Peter Sarsgaard), the desperate townspeople, led by Emma Cullen (Haley Bennett), employ protection from seven outlaws, bounty hunters, gamblers and hired guns - Sam Chisolm (Denzel Washington), Josh Farraday (Chris Pratt), Goodnight Robicheaux (Ethan Hawke), Jack Horne (Vincent D'Onofrio), Billy Rocks (Byung-Hun Lee), Vasquez (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), and Red Harvest (Martin Sensmeier). As they prepare the town for the violent showdown that they know is coming, these seven mercenaries find themselves fighting for more than money.</div>
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Rating: PG-13 (for extended and intense sequences of Western violence, and for historical smoking, some language and suggestive material)</div>
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Genre: Action & Adventure , Drama , Western</div>
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Directed By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/antoine_fuqua">Antoine Fuqua</a></div>
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Written By: <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/richard_wenk">Richard Wenk </a>, <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/nic_pizzolatto">Nic Pizzolatto</a></div>
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In Theaters: Sep 23, 2016 Wide</div>
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Runtime: 132 minutes</div>
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Studio: Sony Pictures</div>
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TOMATOMETER <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_magnificent_seven_2016/#contentReviews">62%</a></div>
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Average Rating: 6.1/10</div>
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Reviews Counted: 45</div>
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Fresh: 28</div>
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Rotten: 17</div>
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Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.</div>
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WANT TO SEE </div>
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<a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_magnificent_seven_2016/#audience_reviews">98% want to see</a></div>
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User Ratings: 19,277</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN BEGINS PLAYING IN U.S. CINEMAS ON THE 23rd OF SEPTEMBER AND IN MALAYSIA ON THE 22nd OF SEPTEMBER. TO FIND OUT WHEN IT OPENS NEAR YOU CLICK <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2404435/releaseinfo?ref_=tt_ov_inf">HERE</a>. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQVfzvfavKnXSLYrlnyjYtPXxTjLgrBvyR1LG2REFLC5R0Ldv2GyzIcA4XqLVFPVe9N4v4PDXfwjtZW0oeeKK7KwPohyntei9X3WbXqDhBz5BjXj319fsjNt0BHinXMKHtDLCxQ2xxdo/s1600/TheMagnificentSeven09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQVfzvfavKnXSLYrlnyjYtPXxTjLgrBvyR1LG2REFLC5R0Ldv2GyzIcA4XqLVFPVe9N4v4PDXfwjtZW0oeeKK7KwPohyntei9X3WbXqDhBz5BjXj319fsjNt0BHinXMKHtDLCxQ2xxdo/s640/TheMagnificentSeven09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the first 10 minutes you're introduced to this handsome man and the bad guy who shoots him dead. ©<a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And this time a spaghetti western based on a japanese movie gets a reboot for a new generation of movie-goers...</span></b></div>
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So last night I went to watch The Magnificent Seven which is as of this writing is still a full three days before it officially opens in the U.S. There's been a fairly good buzz around this movie and that's probably due to the fact that this movie has to live up to two movies from the past. One shares the same title, the second is the original movie that spawned the previous film with the same title. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharJoIZ8Z_R1SjXPL9NMELNQW9_LpnN2e-_iteSFDYZ24Xp-g8tzL3bb_3wi71TEZgtD347fvtrAknLxrVe4Q6wwlT-u9-MOPSHGFO9J2_FtYtoA14ICJWEr2fCCwgyREaJxtFsPqNGo8/s1600/TheMagnificentSeven02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharJoIZ8Z_R1SjXPL9NMELNQW9_LpnN2e-_iteSFDYZ24Xp-g8tzL3bb_3wi71TEZgtD347fvtrAknLxrVe4Q6wwlT-u9-MOPSHGFO9J2_FtYtoA14ICJWEr2fCCwgyREaJxtFsPqNGo8/s640/TheMagnificentSeven02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the handsome man is shot the bad guy tells his men to be the best examples of douchebags. ©<a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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Let's begin with the original source, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047478/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Seven Samurai</a> (1954) by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000041?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Akira Kurosawa</a>. Co-written, edited, and directed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akira_Kurosawa">Akira Kurosawa</a> the film has been lauded ever since it's release and has influenced movies and directors ever since. Seven Samurai was the first time that anyone saw a story where a someone a person or village in need goes in search of someone to help them and who himself goes in search of others to help him. We now see this narrative in almost every other action movie. But that's not the only narrative influence that Seven Samurai has left, there's the introducing the main hero with an undertaking unrelated to the main plot, the reluctant hero, romance between a local woman and the youngest hero, and the nervousness of the common citizenry had appeared in other films before this but were combined in this film.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_q4KWh_7rPSRBoRoOJmiUcMsDBbRsslEc7t7WnD1M_dQRXrXCNydXqPwohuUZhnIi-ar4Qj16Kyl2qORqu0jj7BUYYWwMGR_BWrTYv-rshVw2Tr_-0b2M0lqbGuyi4kDOIMEcHIG_WE/s1600/TheMagnificentSeven06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_q4KWh_7rPSRBoRoOJmiUcMsDBbRsslEc7t7WnD1M_dQRXrXCNydXqPwohuUZhnIi-ar4Qj16Kyl2qORqu0jj7BUYYWwMGR_BWrTYv-rshVw2Tr_-0b2M0lqbGuyi4kDOIMEcHIG_WE/s640/TheMagnificentSeven06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then you meet this handsome rogue who isn't doing so well at poker hence the six shooter. ©<a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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Seven Samurai was also one of the earliest films to successfully use the telephoto lens which was rare in 1954. It was also the first time that any director used multiple cameras to film a scene which allowed the audience to be fully immersed in the action without having to have the actors repeat what they were doing. </div>
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Seven Samurai was a creative and technical accomplishment unlike any other for that period and became Japan's highest-grossing movie and set a new standard for the industry. Six years later came The Magnificent Seven.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrqEEu3gPnQnYC9lF1-UA0ewX5yQD9zpDC0tRLIriAOSlING37tL5iEiQvRg1rvRJoHqZjrDHaXX6ahnOh7AH17VLI-dHRidZK5PxxMAEobN9wg9GnAEqFMl2Cs7FDkI88t2uaau4hac/s1600/TheMagnificentSeven08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrqEEu3gPnQnYC9lF1-UA0ewX5yQD9zpDC0tRLIriAOSlING37tL5iEiQvRg1rvRJoHqZjrDHaXX6ahnOh7AH17VLI-dHRidZK5PxxMAEobN9wg9GnAEqFMl2Cs7FDkI88t2uaau4hac/s640/TheMagnificentSeven08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then the handsome rogue is recruited by a man who has more designations then most men at the time has property. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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Directed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Sturges">John Sturges</a> and starring <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yul_Brynner">Yul Brynner</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_McQueen">Steve McQueen</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horst_Buchholz">Horst Buchholz</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bronson">Charles Bronson</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Vaughn">Robert Vaughn</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Coburn">James Coburn</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brad_Dexter">Brad Dexter</a>. The Magnificent Seven adapted the Seven Samurai story and characters and placed them in the old west, replacing the samurai sword with guns and rifles. The film even took whole scenes and replicated it in the old west. Unfortunately, instead of being a successful adaptation of Seven Samurai meant to entertain a western audience when it was released, the critics hated it. But there is one person who liked it so much that he gave director John Sturges a samurai sword, Akira Kurosawa. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfrQGwviWfnTqO_XC7MoRqkTpgT3vXYwS0z386DaZJ-3ZCg357EaY1w9VSNugWblyUXZUEBCTGhX8XeMHBuDs0rgQN2tWLICGFMKszFX4re09cl2x7v4OClfnVxfLV4kRB72ELJeECXM/s1600/TheMagnificentSeven05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfrQGwviWfnTqO_XC7MoRqkTpgT3vXYwS0z386DaZJ-3ZCg357EaY1w9VSNugWblyUXZUEBCTGhX8XeMHBuDs0rgQN2tWLICGFMKszFX4re09cl2x7v4OClfnVxfLV4kRB72ELJeECXM/s640/TheMagnificentSeven05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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They then recruit a few other men including these two. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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So now 62 years after Seven Samurai and 56 years after the original The Magnificent Seven and countless other movies that have been influenced by it or made variations of the narrative comes <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0298807?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Antoine Fuqua</a>'s version. You'll remember Antoine Fuqua for exciting, tense and gripping action dramas such as <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1798684/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_7">Southpaw</a> (2015), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0455944/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_8">The Equalizer</a> (2014), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2302755/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_9">Olympus Has Fallen</a> (2013) and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0139654/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_18">Training Day</a> (2001) which gave <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000243?ref_=ttawd_awd_1">Denzel Washington</a> his first Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000160?ref_=ttawd_awd_2">Ethan Hawke</a> a nomination for Best Actor in A Supporting Role.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUg3xm1mhxmFdD7xB7d26zRtyoRWr1E6H65u9l1SURHwaLnnIHIWZsAqP-otfNs_GD3MPxzhJ3cMNlzWW-7jbkPfYep0CsPjcTA-MaqG6RXnUily42w5KyG_pKbCeXPoEL8mSP81WMVk8/s1600/TheMagnificentSeven07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUg3xm1mhxmFdD7xB7d26zRtyoRWr1E6H65u9l1SURHwaLnnIHIWZsAqP-otfNs_GD3MPxzhJ3cMNlzWW-7jbkPfYep0CsPjcTA-MaqG6RXnUily42w5KyG_pKbCeXPoEL8mSP81WMVk8/s640/TheMagnificentSeven07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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They go on to share their expertise with the folks of Rose Creek. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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The film stars <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000243/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Denzel Washington</a> as <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0003982/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Chisolm</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0695435/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Chris Pratt</a> as <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0003999/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Josh Faraday</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000160/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Ethan Hawke</a> as <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0004003/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Goodnight Robicheaux</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000352/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Vincent D'Onofrio</a> as <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0003977/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Jack Horne</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0496932/?ref_=tt_cl_t5">Byung-hun Lee</a> as <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0003980/?ref_=tt_cl_t5">Billy Rocks</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2636310/?ref_=tt_cl_t6">Manuel Garcia-Rulfo</a> as <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0003985/?ref_=tt_cl_t6">Vasquez</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2936232/?ref_=tt_cl_t7">Martin Sensmeier</a> as <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0003978/?ref_=tt_cl_t7">Red Harvest</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2247245/?ref_=tt_cl_t8">Haley Bennett</a> as Emma Cullen one of the folks from Rose Creek who goes in search for heroes to help her and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0765597/?ref_=tt_cl_t9">Peter Sarsgaard</a> as <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0003979/?ref_=tt_cl_t9">Bartholomew Bogue</a> the evil robber baron who has taken over Rose Creek in order to mine gold in the nearby hills. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyQ7VIt4Z30gzp3LlcG6UfcU6yuytU0rbf9QgFc9ff9fjgJHIi4YsXYxLtDg_pFIUeenOwBwgfXxHH3Fyl6gQXC44pD-6MeQVIt5D-0Ts9QkofDunhs2kZ5IvoOXPHe6FaX9cxJh1nsE/s1600/TheMagnificentSeven03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyQ7VIt4Z30gzp3LlcG6UfcU6yuytU0rbf9QgFc9ff9fjgJHIi4YsXYxLtDg_pFIUeenOwBwgfXxHH3Fyl6gQXC44pD-6MeQVIt5D-0Ts9QkofDunhs2kZ5IvoOXPHe6FaX9cxJh1nsE/s640/TheMagnificentSeven03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And prepare them for the return of King of the Douchebags. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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<b>So here's a list of things I like. </b></div>
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<li>The story is of course familiar but in the hands of Fuqua it's executed pretty good and in a goodly pace. A nice blend of everything. </li>
<li>A well balanced treatment of all the cast. Yes, Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt are the headliners but everyone gets enough time for you to get to know them without feeling like it was done without thought. </li>
<li>The visuals are pretty good. Fuqua style is present but he pays tribute to the old ways too which you'll notice with the extreme close-ups of the actors to capture their expression.</li>
<li>The acting. If you enjoyed Denzel's work in his past films with Fuqua you'll enjoy it here too. Chris Pratt is entertaining and funny. Hawke is good. D'Onofrio is quirky. All in all the cast works pretty well together and is entertaining. </li>
<li>Peter Sarsgaard is delightfully evil and hateful without going over the top in my opinion.</li>
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<b>The things I wasn't so impressed with. </b></div>
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<li>The big fight scene at the end. It seemed to run a little too long and loses some of its momentum after a while. And that sort of ruins the whole climactic pace/feeling at the end.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRypQS2BYwH4clmybBJGb-H-FWO_7U1jZu4I5ohpgld8w2SrSOjn1qM3qhPQ9uSfynYrNgUFQ6TIKhXx1psyuXzkRTpz3ejm1dKUR-jlb2993jkqotwZ5UcX0X_jUIQkF7JZqa3TqXEc/s1600/TheMagnificentSeven01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRypQS2BYwH4clmybBJGb-H-FWO_7U1jZu4I5ohpgld8w2SrSOjn1qM3qhPQ9uSfynYrNgUFQ6TIKhXx1psyuXzkRTpz3ejm1dKUR-jlb2993jkqotwZ5UcX0X_jUIQkF7JZqa3TqXEc/s640/TheMagnificentSeven01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When he returns this lovely lady, the seven men and the folks of Rose Creek deliver an important lesson to the bad guys. Never underestimate a little town willing to hire mercenaries. <span style="text-align: center;">©</span><a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/" style="text-align: center;">Columbia Pictures</a></div>
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So there you go. I enjoyed The Magnificent Seven. It's not a masterpiece and I can't say if it does any of it's predecessors justice because I don't remember much of them but it's a familiar story told by a director who is more than capable of delivering a good story filled with equal amounts of tension, drama and action. Basically if you've enjoyed Fuqua's previous films you'll probably enjoy this one. And if you've enjoyed Denzel's work when he collaborates with Fuqua then you'll probably enjoy him in this too. If you love Chris Pratt then you'll probably like what he does here too. </div>
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It's a decent maybe even good action movie with a nice amount of drama. So I'm giving The Magnificent Seven a decent 3 out of 5. </div>
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Check out the most recent trailer below. </div>
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