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Jurassic World (2015)
ROARRRR! Finally a worthy follow to the original Jurassic park.
Lets start of by saying this movie is thoroughly enjoyable. Who can resist to watch the followup of the 1993 classic? If you didn't happen to like the lost world and jurassic part 3, then it should relief you that the events in those two followups have been ignored in jurassic world. Was this a good movie? Yes, definitely. But did it have the magic of the original JP? Sort of... but it did have its flaws. \
Lets start of with the good. This movie made many Jurassic park references. Thats why i can't help but compare the two. (which is an honour for this movie) Touching the dying dinosaur, seeing the raptor image on the wall, raptors fighting the big Rex... At points, the references really brought back memories that tears were brought to my eyes. Moving on from the references, the movie was fast paced. At least after the first 30mins. There was LOTS of action. Furthermore, I liked the concept of having a relationship with the dinosaurs. Yes, it sounds cheesy, but the scene where a raptor was running in slow motion, coming to the rescue is just irresistible. If you're a dinosaur fan like me, this movie would be so easy to fall in love with. Even if you're not, its easy to get caught up in the excitement of it. Of course throughout the movie there were a few moments of comedic relief too. I also have to give credits to the cgi. It was great. The scene whereby the indominous rex camouflaged among the trees blew me away.
Now for the bad parts, the human roles were so standard. A macho male lead, two children in distress... Your standard cast. I know the movie is about the dinosaurs but it wouldn't hurt to have some great humans. Its not like they can steal the limelight or focus from the dino's anyway. Speaking of focus, there were some sub plots like the children family that shouldn't have been there. The director probably wanted to show how this event bonded family but still, the sub plot felt so disconnected from the movie. Also, when they first played the jurassic park theme, I was expecting to see some grand dinosaurs. Instead, I saw buildings. ZZZ
Now here comes the in between part. The parts where I can't decide whether its good or bad. First, despite liking dins and humans having a relationship, it still seems a little convenient that the raptors have the brain to choose to befriend and help the humans. There one of the smartest dinosaurs but even so, they're supposed to be stupider than the average animal. Even the T rex felt kind of convenient. After taking down the indominous rex, it just left. Didn't attack the humans. And on to the indominous rex. Its more of a monster than a dinosaur. It kills for sport! Not to eat. The ending too may be seen as assail by some. The sudden attack of the mosasaurus ending the fight in two seconds. The masseurs shouldn't even be that big. Like it can even grasp the indominous Rex in its jaws and drag it into the water??!! If thats the case, it can have its own movie with it as the antogonists. It can be the new jaws.
With all that being said, this is still a great movie. If you do not compare this to the first and understand that all movie has flaws, the movie would be more than decent. There conflicts when the script was made so I can understand why the movie might not have flowed so smoothly. Other than that, dinosaur fans are in for a blast! There are more dino on dino action here:)
Boychoir (2014)
'Vocally blessed' movie
The first thing anyone would comment on after the movie would be the sweet melodic voices the children in the movie portrayed. Yes, its a show about a boy choir so it definitely has to have some standard of singing. However, even with expectations set high, the angelic voices will still blow people away. Of course a movie can't be judged based on just that but the great singing did make the movie significantly more enjoyable(and I'm certain same for non music fans).
Story wise, its everything you expect. Predictable from start to end. The first thing you see of him in the show is rebutting a teacher. From then you know he is those 'bad boy', sad background... Everything you think will happen will happen. I did hope for some twist to spice up the movie but unfortunately it was kept simple and straightforward. Nonetheless, I'm not too upset about that as I never expected much goodness to come from the storyline of a movie as such. After all, I watched whiplash recently and couldn't help remembering scenes of it while watching boy choir. I don't expect all movies to possess such great story lines as whiplash so I'm fine with what boy choir has to offer.
Moreover, the acting by Dustin Hoffman and the lead Boy was pretty good too, making the movie a tad more pleasant. Hence, if you're gonna watch this show, prepare for an enjoyable time. My main concern before watching this movie was that it would be plain boring. But I guess as long as you get your expectations right, you'll pretty much enjoy this show.
Wild (2014)
Boring at first sight, but impactful on second thought
Basically, this movie is not for the mass audience. It is condensed in a way such that only avid movie watchers will be able to stay awake and keep track. This movie surely isn't another typical film whereby they dramatise every small thing or that the movie is filled with climatic scenes such as running away from hungry predators. Instead, it flows through her encounters pretty quickly but not briefly. Unlike movies with similar style like Boyhood, this turned out to be quite dull and monotonous on first sight. However, thinking back now, some of the events still remained etched in my mind.
The best trait of the movie was probably the way its played out. Instead of showing how Cheryl screwed up and then the hike, the movie focused mainly on the hike, but strategically showcasing flashbacks from time to time. The continuous bouncing between past and present was well played. Each time we entered her memory, it would somehow relate to what she was experiencing during the hike. Along the way scenes were put in place to help us her feelings better. This allowed my "emotions' to follow hers throughout the movie.
Some notable scenes like Cheryl eating her mothers ashes, shooting her moms horse,,, Such moments immediately catches you by heart again(thats if you're still awake and paying attention). Coupled with the exceptional acting from reese witherspoon and Laura Dern, the movie was quite enjoyable at parts.
In conclusion, I would recommend you to watch this movie only when you're feeling sensitive/emotional and perhaps not too sleepy!
Whiplash (2014)
Some movies blow your mind, this one shakes your soul
Basically, this movie is about an ambitious boy possessing a strong will being driven to fulfil his dream of being a legendary drummer. I won't spoil much as this movie is totally worth watching. Keeping it short here. This movie is for everyone. Even if you're not a fan of drums and drama, this movie should keep you captivated to the very end.
From the start, the movie had the ability to make your heart stop and race abruptly. Its easily as intense as any thriller out there. The storyline depicts a boy lost in his dreams and a teacher going to the extremes. Throughout the film, you'll be kept wondering whether the teacher is being harsh for the sake of the greater good as he claims or is he just being an ass who doesn't want to lose his pride. Many people may fall the same way in their lives and start to wonder whether whatever they're doing is worth it. This movie would serve as a mirror for this people, where they can look at themselves and reflect. The first class storyline coupled with top notch acting from the actors especially the coach makes the movie all the more enjoyable. This movie could easily have turned out to be an old cliché drama about success and all, but no, things were put right here.
The ending was one of the best I've seen in a long time, Super intense and concludes the story well. Enough said i guess. Watch it to see why this movie was nominated for the best picture! Truly amazing
The Wedding Ringer (2015)
You'll laugh, no doubt. But its just another comedy
People have been criticising this movie for being niche or cliché but lets keep in mind that every movie has a sense of uniqueness to at least the smallest extent or it would spark a huge outcry. This movie IS predictive. You'll get what you expect to see. But it also gives you what you hope to see.
Jokes come on an average of 1 joke every minute. Not all the jokes may be innovative but nonetheless, will tap into your sense of humour. They range from weird looking people to awkward situations(the most apparent) to religion and hilarious acting. In fact, the concept of hiring a best man is pretty much a joke on its own. Humour wise, this movie has passed. but then again there are tons of other comedies out there so the only way to put itself ahead is by introducing innovative jokes. This wasn't so apparent here.
The movie doesn't go into very deep topics. Yes it does its fair share of seriousness(as compared to the dictator). However, its nothing too cheesy. Some deep conversations but nothing that will spoil the mood of the movie.
Not a must watch movie but something you can easily pop at a party.
Boyhood (2014)
A movie to remember
This movie is in fact a masterpiece. Since I shouldn't use the word 'perfect', I guess calling it a 'masterpiece' is the next best. I won't lie though, to some it may be the most boring 165mins of a movie. However, avid movie fans who can appreciate pure drama are in for a treat. Don't get me wrong, this is not like an art-house film. It has its fair share of comedic and sad moments. Just that anything flows so smoothly to the point some people find it monotonous. But, I feel that is the beauty of the movie. In brief, the movie got their stuff right. Everyone acted well(including the calefares and especially Patricia Arquette), dialogue was good, great storyline...
Being a drama, there wasn't much action in this movie. The most extreme thing that happened was probably Mason's violent stepfather smashing a glass. There wasn't anyone getting a sudden heart attack, getting into a car accident or even dying. Even amongst Dramas, this is unique. It gives us a very normal lifestyle of a boy growing up. This doesn't mean there aren't complications though. There are troubles the boy faces like a normal person, but the movie doesn't dramatise any of them. It simply flows through his life, showing the different phases of life people face. Not just the boy, but his parents and sister too. This is the beauty of the movie. No exaggeration. No harping on small or big problems. It just moves on, like life does. It really is a great unique experience watching the cast grow up. How the young mischievous children mature, how relationships come in play, mixing with different sorts of friends, phones start coming into their lives,going off to college... These may sound boring at first but the way the movie played it out was brilliant. It doesn't prompt you much when they're bringing out a point. You just gotta learn to be sensitive enough to realise it. And when you do realise and acknowledge it, it immediately brings back memories of your own life. When the scene of Mason in his young stage receiving attention from a girl, and yet giving her mindless replies, it immediately brought me back to the time whereby I first interacted with girls and how tactless I was.
Unlike blockbusters such as the dark knight, you don't get the blood rushes when watching the movie. No build up no climax. Such movies reaches for the attention, but this film reaches for your heart. The movie imbues in you a great impression of it that will be remembered for life. After all, like what the director said, Life is beautiful.' Life itself is beautiful and this movie bear's testimony to that. At the start of the movie, you see two cute kids and a really busy stressed out Mom. At the end you see a grown up lady who can care for herself, a grown up man with moustache and a mom who now feels so free yet still emotionally unstable(and has put on quite some weight). The experience and feel the movie provides is like no other, For me, it made me reflect upon my own life and realise how much I've changed. Some may wish for more events and drama in it, but I feel what gives this movie its purity is its simplicity. It puts life on a plate for you to enjoy. The way the movie ended was great too(though the second half of the movie was more depressing), with the saying" you don't seize the moment, the moment seizes you". Lastly, I'll reiterate the fact that this movie epitomises the saying,' life is beautiful.' Though this movie is't the sort you'll pop at a party, its the sort that comes to your mind when someone asks you what are the most memorable movies you've watched. A true deserving Oscar best picture winner.
Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)
No Blockbuster but enjoyable
In short, this movie felt like a usual TV drama(but with exceptional CGI) with no ups or downs. It had this monotonous feel throughout. Those who yearns for a great climax, don't get your hopes high. Nonetheless, the movie was still able to keep me awake and alert for the full 156mins. The movie followed the original story most of the time and other than a few great moments, it was mediocre.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on the movie, was just expecting more after seeing the epic line up of actors they have. To start of with the good, the cgi was great, especially when the red sea parting was concerned. The part where the red sea parted and closed back in gave the 'climax' of the movie a great closure. The acting by Christian Bale was pretty good too which made the movie pleasing to watch and follow throughout. Also, the way they portrayed God in the movie was unique. Wont say more about it!
Now coming to the parts where I had mixed feelings about. The flow of the story. I expected a brief build up on Moses growing up and his he came to meet God and all. And then the main focus of the story would be on the plagues and trying to free the people. Instead, lots of time was spent on the period before the plagues. Some fighting scenes, scenes of slaves, lots of talking , finding out about prophecy and his true race, getting married. God only appeared after way more than an hour n the show. Then, just when I thought the interesting part, what they had build up for so long, was about to start, the plagues passed by quickly. There wasn't much scenes of the Egyptians begging the pharaoh to release the people or even confrontations between Moses and the Pharaoh like there was in the bible. Perhaps Ridley Scott was trying not to be too predictable and cliché.
On a side note, what disappointed me was the little screen time given to most of the actors. When I saw so many big names in the movie, I was puzzled too how they were gonna have a part to play. In the end, many of them such as Aaron Paul and Sigourney Weaver were there just for a couple of lines. Nothing too serious here though.