2011 Movies I have seen and Rated

Donnie Yen and director Peter Chan have both done better things. When the main villain that killed off by a random lightning strike, you know that the movie is heading the wrong direction. Wuxia is not a complete waste of time, but passable entertainment at best. As for Peter Chan, we just expected more...

6/10

Its Donnie Yen again! However, this film is just like Russell Crowe's version of Robin Hood. Instead of the thrilling battles that come later in his life, what we get is a history lesson. It is definitely a decent movie, but it never rises up to a level where it is engaging or exciting. A rather forgettable affair...

5/10

More of the same, but also just as fun! Kung Fu Panda was an easy success and I loved how adorable and funny it is. As for the sequel, the same can be said. There is something about the Panda that makes it incredible likable. As for the movie itself, you just got to enjoy the jokes, the dialogue, the fun, the ride and all that goes with it. A wonderful cute film...

8/10

The biggest problem with this film is easily the lead actress. Not only is she not as pretty or sexy as the acclaimed Megan Fox, but she just can't act. If one is thinking that she can compensate by showing more skin or sexy poses, then walk away now and be disappointed. However, apart from that this is easily the most enjoyable of the trilogy. Fun and exciting from start to finish. One other thing, if only they discount the first 30 minutes trying to explain about the moon and etc. The film would have been great. Uneven, but fun...

7.5/10

Director Johnny To takes the rein in the popular “A Moment for Romance” series and continue the romantic tale. What impressed me was how Andy Lau and Wu Chien-Lie are able to lift their game beyond the limits of the simple plotline. The radiating chemistry between the two is still evident and it is this aspect that makes the film incredibly watchable. Set in the World War 2, with some interplay of the Chinese and Japanese war torn era, the film is primarily a love story, a simple one and sometimes, that is all it needs to be...

7/10

A somewhat satirical look on society, but somehow ends up just totting over it. Jason Bateman is easily likable and it helps when you have an on-screen beaut in the form of Mila Kunis to tune things up a little. Basically, Extract is about a successful middle aged man who is about to deal with personal, family and business downfall all at the same time. It also attempts to take a look at sexual frustration between long term couples, but in the end, like all other issues, the film just seem to breeze by it, rather than provide any focus. A decent film that is real and funny at times. Could be better...

6.5/10

Some films just do not warrant a sequel and Aaron Kwok's 2007's The Detective certainly did not ask for one. Still, here we are with the follow up. The problem with this film is that it tries far too hard to be mysterious, but the premises and the crimes itself, is not interesting enough for a sustained retention. Discounting these negative as usual any film directed by Oxide Pang means impressive visuals. The good news is that good performances from Aaron Kwok, Liu Kai-chi and the much missed Patrick Tam, tend to save the film. For a film in the detective genre, it is different. While different doesn't equate quality, this film isn't exactly bad either. However, I am not looking forward for The Detective 3 though...

6/10

Little Miss Sunshine is a wonderful heartfelt movie because it lets the actors play their game, without plot devices, movie magic or a emotionally simulating soundtrack. It works because, the casting is pitch perfect, the directing is automated and the situation seems real. The movie is about dreams, pursuing, the journey, the destination and realisation. It is a satirical comedy without the actors ever trying to be funny. In fact it is one of those rare movies where the whole family can sit in a van on a highway and along with the induced silence, the movie still moves along. It’s a movie that makes you think further on about everything and at the same time, it lifts you somehow. Perhaps you don't know it, but you will feel it. It is one of those experiences that you have to endure yourself...

8.5/10

It is almost a rarity that Tony Leung Chiu Wai comes off rather annoying. However, there was a period in the early 90s when Mr. Leung was filming a number of nonsense comedies, he was actually more of a liability. Then again, we shouldn't put all the blame on the aforementioned man, as The Great Pretenders is by no means a good movie. In fact, it is terrible and hard to finish...

2/10

Sometimes, even Wong Jing can surprise us and make a good movie. This is probably as rare as the prospect of finding a seat during a peak hour train ride. This is simply an Andy Lau with his face and presence written all over it. What set the film apart from being great is that it is not coherent and rather uneven. The relationship between Gigi Leung and Lau is also rather forceful than running the course of nature. Still, this is easily a good film without the usual Wong Jing's antics; the result is an engaging film that might just make you emote a little as well. A good ride…

7.5/10

There is no doubt that Wristcutters tries to be different, against the norm and "out of the square" Hollywood, but that do not always translate to a good movie experience. It is a film that makes you think, feel bittersweet, a few jokes here and there, but there is something about the film that stops the audience from engaging. Whether it is deliberate or not, it is not important, but at the end of the day, it is still a good attempt at trying something different, disguising a romantic comedy within the world of after-life. What could have made the film great, if it can bring the audience along the journey and involve them within? Unfortunately for whatever reasons the film glimpses at important issues, but only never truly explored into them. Still, a decent and strange film, but could have been better...

6.5/10

I enjoyed this movie, because I went along for the ride. Sometimes in life, we just get caught up a little in the routine of things. We forget about what we want to do, but rather just become too caught up with a certain plan. The Adjustment Bureau gives up hope despite what fate has determined for us. Although changing what is fated, may be difficult, but if one is willing to go beyond all obstacles, they just might get there. This is a fine effort and worthy to look at...

8/10

This is an at times funny, at times stupid and mostly an irrelevant nonsense comedy. As usual, the overacting Jim Chim is more annoying than funny. Then again, at least there are some eye candies (especially Dada Chen), apart from that it is more of the same from Wong Jing's factory. In other words - barely watchable crap...

4.5/10

The problem with Funny People is not because of acting, story or direction, but rather the slow and dragging pace. It is so slow and lingers on some scenes so pointlessly long that it loses its intention and meaning. It must be said that Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen have a wonderful chemistry and director of 40 Year old Virgin has honest intentions. At the end of the day, when a film requires me more than a week to finish, it just doesn't feel like a movie. Funny People is an hour too long, but with strong performances, it isn't exactly bad...

5.5/10

Liam Neeson has become a staple in doing these kinds of thrillers. It is no doubt that Neeson is one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood, but in doing the same role over and over again, it certainly doesn’t give him much credibility. Still, Unknown is a decent thriller and even manages to thrill and engage the audience in the first half, before dying off in the 2nd quadrant. It is unfortunate as the director and scriptwriter alike, both prefer shortcuts and explosions, rather than focusing on the story and characters. Average movie and probably something we have all seen before...

6/10

A smart and interesting premise that translate into a good movie. To me, Source Code works like the Collin Farrell's Phone Booth (2002), which is smart, efficient and effective. It is intriguing to witness a movie that tries something different and ends up succeeding in the process. It helps when you have the hugely underrated Jake Gyllenhaal at works. He is ably supported by the ever beautiful Michelle Monaghan. All in all, Source Code is definitely worth a look and breezes by before you know it. A good film...

8/10

As much as I want this film to work, it just doesn't. I don't blame Wong Jing anymore as this is clearly a throwback to the Jing's 90's comedic Wuxia hits, but without the feel and manner of one. While in the 90's we have stars like Stephen Chow and Maggie Cheung. We now have Nicholas Tse and Nick Cheung. Unfortunately, Nick Cheung is almost always just plain annoying in comedies and Tse is far more suited in serious Dante Lam's actioners. It goes without saying that Charlene Choi is no longer 20 years old and her age is showing. Acting cute and lustful may have worked in the past, but at 30 years plus, she just doesn't pass. Of all, Liu Yang impresses the most as the Treasure Inn owner -clearly attractive, sexy and fittingly Wong Jing's style of play. Still, it is better than a lot of Wong Jing's production nowadays, and it could have been far worst...

5/10

Despite being billed as one of the best Hong Kong movie in 2011, Overheard 2 fails to live up to expectations and falls short of its lofty ambition. In fact, Overheard 2 ticks all the right boxes to be a great film - strong cast (Lau Ching Wan, Louis Koo and Daniel Wu), thoroughly written script, quality production values (Derek Yee) and directing talents of Alan Mak and Felix Chong. Unfortunately the film fails to engage with the audience and for whatever reason it just never take the audience along for the ride. Perhaps, it is due to the overtly written script, the at times uneven direction or even subpar performances from what you expect from the likes of Lau, Koo and Wu. It is all the more disappointing when you can tell how hard the production team are trying and the amount of details they go into. It is probably harsh to say this, but sometimes, you can try very hard to achieve something and it still somehow does not work out. This is exactly the feeling that I got from this film. All in all, Overheard 2 tries extremely hard to succeed, but sometimes, engaging the audience, bringing them along the ride, can just be so much more. 100% for effort, but only 50% entertainment - probably the most overhyped film of the year...

6/10

It’s been 7 years since I last watched this film and like red wine, it gets better with age. Back then, I didn't appreciate the full perspective displayed by the ever-green Johnnie To. Throw Down is a film that uses the “show not tell” principle to perfection. It does not use words or flashbacks to tell the audience what happened, but rather uses raw emotions, close facial expressions, brutal desire to pursue a dream, a warm brotherly embrace and the simple innate human nature of will power to continue on in life. It is a powerful film that makes the audience works hard and ultimate the result is a film that involves and emotes the senses of the audience. Years ago, I only see the film as just displaying one point - getting thrown down and standing up again. Now the film shows much more and I am sure years down the track, I will find something else in this small little piece of gem...

8/10

This is probably a film that a lot of people missed out on during 2006. Back then, this was probably one of the better movies of the year and the status remains despite 5 years after. The film was made on the backdrop of an era where undercover cops have been given cult status after the success of 2002's Infernal Affairs. For me, On the Edge succeeds on a number of levels, firstly as a character driven drama, secondly in refining the career of Nick Cheung and finally as an engaging drama. Still, On the Edge is by no means perfect; it fails to live up to its promise. It is simply a film that could have been great and settled for second best. Then again, the film poses one of the most memorable scenes with Francis Ng and Nick Cheung in the car. Ng (the triad boss) asks Cheung (undercover cop) - "How long have you been a cop?” Cheung replies "7 years", Ng continues "How long have you been with me?” Cheung claims "4 years". Ng smartly charms "At least it is not because we don't pay you enough, so you have to work part time!” For me, the film works because it focuses on characters and with the scene stealing Francis Ng, ever dependable Anthony Wong, the improving Derek Tsang and a convincing yet difficult display of conflicting emotions by Nick Cheung, On the Edge rises above expectations and succeeds...

8/10

Most probably the best sequel of the series - It is rare that the fifth film of a long running series comes good, but this film is exactly that. Fast Five hits all the right panic buttons, by being surrounded with pretty and tough characters, interesting scenario, Ocean's 11 like plot-line, cheesy one-liners and a storming car chase to boot. Sounds like the predecessors, except this film entertains. In fact it entertains from start to finish. A job well executed…

7.5/10

Cheesy, predictable and just not funny enough are probably the most likely words to come out of the departing audience. Cameron Diaz used to dazzles the screen with her smile. However, in Bad Teacher, it no longer justifies an entire film. The jokes are dragged, predictable and unfunny. Justin Timberlake is simply wasting his time not making more songs. With the subtle chemistry between Diaz and Jason Segel being the best thing in the film, there is no question that Bad Teacher is great marketing with no substance. A terrible mess of a film...

4/10

It is impossible not to be disappointed at the latest Milky Way Film produced by Johnnie To. The film probably plays like any other To's films, but without the usual stylish flair that elevates his films to fan-boy's status. Director Law Wing-Cheong is clearly no Johnnie To and his inability to take an average and predictable story and turn it into a stylistic art means mediocrity is all he will achieve. It is unfortunately with the likes of Anthony Wong and Richie Ren being involved and giving a good account of themselves in the process as well. The film also suffers from the lack of a wonderful soundtrack that is so utterly important in Milky Way films. All in all, Punished fails as a Milky Way production and lacks of all the usual Johnnie To's stylistic trademark that make his films so much better. Average and predictable at best...

6/10

I always have a soft spot for films that involves Ancient Rome as a setting and The Eagle is no exception. The Eagle is a perfect example of how a film can be efficient and effective, while at the time being totally average and nothing special. It works because the film avoids the overly-used CGI effects, in place of real human flesh. The battles seem slightly more realistic, despite the constant MTV style editing in brutal fight scenes. The only minor distraction is a lack of any female presence in the entire film, then again, it probably works in the film's flavour in being a straight forward, no nonsense action packed historical movie. It certainly works, but never rises above its genre conventions, much like 2010's Centurion...

6.5/10

Director John Woo's first venture into Hollywood was not without its obstacles. With Van Damme being one of Hollywood's bright action stars back in the early 90s, it is pretty much certain that Woo lacked what he received in his later works - control. The film for most of it, seems uneven, especially when there are scenes you can clearly see as Woo's footprints all over it and there are others that are just plain awful. Still, if you ignore the bad acting from Van Damme, poor pacing, poor editing, there is still fun to be had. Namely the majority of the shooting sequences, a wonderful villainous turn by future "The Mummy" star - Lance Henriksen and a few pigeons to boost, Hard Target is really not that bad...

6/10

Whatever it is that made Natalie Portman's No String Attached worked out fine, the same cannot be said about Friends with Benefits. The movie just does not cut it and the chemistry is just not there. Not to say the least, I am no admirer of Justin Timberlake's acting talent and apart from Social Network; the lad has zero acting ability and should take some acting classes. Despite being picture perfect, Mila Kunis does not add much to her role apart from being beautiful for beautiful sake. At the end of the day, Friends with Benefits does not work because it doesn’t walk the talk. From the start the movie pokes fun at romantic comedies and the clichés of love, only to go back into the Hollywood syndrome by the film ending credits. Basically, this film does not convince me and pretty much an unnecessary affair...

4/10

If you watch Beach Spike as a film, it will be so terrible that you just want to smash the TV screen in front of you. However, Beach Spike is not a film, but rather a showcase for the "le-mo" bouncing up and down in their bikini and on a beach playing volleyball. While the film first few volleyball match seems to satisfy the eager awaiting candy coated eyes of the drooling audiences. The same cannot be said about the final showdown. Rather than focusing on key body parts, the camera cuts and edits and fade away. For the expecting audience, this is clearly bad filmmaking at its worst. Therefore coming into this film, it is best to not view this as a film, but rather a chance to get to know the likes of Chrissie Chau, Theresa Fu and Jessica C. Apart from that, fans of Lam Suet can rejoice. Otherwise, stay away.

2/10

Welcome to the Rileys is a film that takes human emotions seriously. It spend a lot of time with the characters, concentrating on small details, the things they do and the way they live and interact. It is in all essence about how different people deal with problems in life in their own ways. What impresses me here is certainly how well Kristen Stewart played her role. Stewart is undoubtedly talented, but here she is full of raw emotions, real and ultimately flawed. Not an easy role to play, but she pulled it off beautifully. James Gandolfini gives a conflictingly good performance and as does Melissa Leo. All in all, Welcome to the Rileys takes you on a journey and keeps you there. Maybe not affecting, but a good film nonetheless...

7.5/10

Surprisingly Love in Space works and despite using all the clichés, corny love quotes and cheesy confessions of love. It works because the film never takes itself too seriously, nor does it try to be profound. It is a simple Fruit Chan’s production that shows couples getting together and nothing more. Indeed, chemistry between co-stars is a must and the casting is undoubtedly a success. Aaron Kwok and Rene Liu convinces as a corny space couple, Eason Chan and the talented Guey Lun Mei shows honest emotions and surprising Angelababy impresses for the first time. With some parts of the film being shot in Sydney, one must question why isn't more films shot in this beautiful city. Despite all the cheesiness and corniness, the film somehow reminded me to treasure someone more. All in all, Love in Space works and it makes me happy....

7.5/10

It’s basically Mr. Bean playing James Bond and that's pretty much good enough for me. It’s been too long since we last venture across an adventure with everybody's favourite funny man. For me, this sequel is better than Johnny English and for Bean, it is really the case of the older the better, the older the wiser and the older the funnier. From the opening till the end, Reborn is a fun, laugh-out loud and thoroughly enjoyable ride. High recommended and bring on Johnny English Refresh...

8/10

This is probably as real and realistic as its gets in terms of making movies about night clubbing in the infamous LKF. It helps with all three actresses being hot (namely Dada, Jeana and Shinga). Then again, with such a trio of sexual powers exposing in every scenes, it is difficult not to enjoy the process. In fact this movie is actually a direct influence from a Taiwanese movie called "9pm to 5am", but the Hong Kong factor adds an extra dimension. Although nothing really is said about anything, LKF works because it is not about anything, but the ride, the process and the fun to go with it. It is sexy, carefree and pretty much oozing hotness everywhere. It’s been a long time, since a pure Hong Kong film that talks, live and breathe the Hong Kong lifestyle and LKF serves out exactly that...

7/10

Since 2001, I have not missed a single Jet Li film in the cinemas. His latest is a spin-off/remake of the HK's 90s classic Green Snake. It is one of those films where you need to suspend your beliefs and just enjoy the cheesiness of the CGI created imaginary world. Although there will never be a better duo of snakes beauty in Joey Wong and Maggie Cheung, the replacement duo in Eva Huang and Charlene Choi does well. Sadly the biggest acting fraud in the 21st Century comes in the form of TVB's favourite Raymond Lam. The lad simply cannot act and his attempts at acting are quite frankly awful to say the least. Despite all the cheesiness and mo-lei-tau playback of the early 90s, the film somehow works out. Along with an assured performance from monk-like Jet Li and some creative directing from Ching Siu-tung. The Sorcerer and the White Snake isn't bad and could have been a lot worse...

I rate it 6.25/10