Monday, December 31, 2012
I.D.
Finish Line
3.5/10 RATING ( 316 )
What a long way he has come...from the old Happy Days to here. Still looks like the same old Chachi...Scott Baio - finally cast as somebody not so nice. Well he wasn't overly mean either - he was just a little rougher than his boyish typecast personality in every other show. This is like Charles In Charge with a touch of a mean streak and a lot of money. Not a horrible movie, but has lots to be desired because the thugs and mean guys have no personality and the cops have little to do too. As for the daughter, sexy and sultry but really - does her character have to be so perfect looking but yet so bland? It's a Saturday afternoon movie - a time waster and yes - there are worse movies than this...even if it does have Scott Baio as a lead; it's still not overly horrible. Sunday, December 30, 2012
The Four
5.5/10 RATING ( 408 )
First, to get one of the major negative points out of the way. Whoever directed and had a hand at editing the very first big action sequence, deserves to get his or her head checked, and then shot at. The major misconception adopted was that fast-paced editing, with every shot lasting mere milliseconds, and flitting amongst countless of characters, even for a flash of the eye, does not get interpreted as fast paced. What this only achieves, is to irritate the audience, since everything's a blur, and nobody can see anything with everything whizzing by, and the camera work not helping. Perhaps it's to capture the adrenaline rush of the moment, but seriously, it just demonstrates amateur skills at play to mask poorly shot martial arts, or just plain incompetence on the filmmakers' part. Thankfully, that was the only badly done fighting scene, with subsequent ones picking up in design, pace, and editing to provide a decent semblance of who's battling whom. The Four has a shaky start, but it improves from there, so between the two directors in Gordon Chan and Janet Chun, the latter having cut her teeth in comedies such as All's Well Ends Well 2011 and The Jade and the Pearl, one can only wonder who had more say. The story in this big screen installment deals with the proliferation of counterfeit coins, culminating in what many would have seen in trailers as a zombie-pocalypse, but what it truly is, was to take its time in the introduction of the titular characters, and then some, complete with politicking amongst factions, and individuals caught up in a web of deceit. Essentially, it's a tale of two investigative functions, the Department Six Constabulary, and the Divine Constabulary, with the former now infiltrated by a shadowy group of six female inspectors, led by the ambitious Ji Yaohua (Jiang Yiyan), and the latter being that group with elite powers as granted by, and answering directly to the Emperor himself. Led by the evergreen Anthony Wong as Zhuge Zheng Wo, he is like the chaperon always on the lookout for gifted individuals with special prowess, whom he bands together under his investigations banner. Yes that's right, think of it like Professor X's School for Gifted Youngsters, with similarities in this version being quite like taking a leaf out of familiar Marvel heroes. Which isn't really a bad point, given that this shares similar ambitions in wanting to tell a quality story, filled with intriguing, powerful characters who bicker more than they cooperate. It's a successful fusion of martial arts and special effects without going overboard with the latter, making this somewhat like a movie with oriental medieval mutants on display, out to help rid society of ills and those with evil intentions. And story aside, with its twists, turns and really extended fashion in going from point A to B, it's the characters that stand out, and make it fun to watch. Liu Yifei headlines the quartet as Emotionless, a girl paralyzed from the waist down, but blessed with psychic abilities, a familiar looking wheelchair and having a penchant for hidden darts as deadly projectiles. Her movie outings of late has been period films from White Vengeance to The Forbidden Kingdom, but her character has to stay pretty serious looking for the most parts, despite romantic interest shown from Deng Chao's Cold Blood. A cross between the Incredible Hulk and Wolverine for being brought up by wolves, he finds an attraction toward Emotionless, and these two serve up, as best as they can, as the central emotional anchor for this film, which didn't play off too well. Ronald Cheng, on the other hand and to great surprise, nails it as the comical loafer type as Life Snatcher, a new recruit whose fighting abilities resemble more like Storm Warrior's Cloud with focus on lower body limb attacks, contrasted against Collin Chou's Iron Hand, who is the team's blacksmith, and has ample opportunity to show off his bronzed abs. Their roles are pretty one-dimensional here, especially Chou's, and it's quite a long wait before these two get a chance to flex their muscles against enemy forces, forging a rivalry / partnership ala Gimli and Legolas in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, given their contrasting abilities. Wu Xiubo also deserves mention as the chief villain here known as The God of Wealth, a conniving schemer who has no qualms at disposing allies once they serve no further purpose, and while he may not be the greatest martial arts villains out there, he's certainly one of the most memorable. The score by Henry Lai also stands out, especially its banjo sounding main theme that hints of an upcoming big fight each time it airs, though the film sometimes lapses into unnecessary posing for the sake of, atop watch towers, or lingering in bath waters to witness six female warriors letting their armour down. As already reported, this film is now the first part of a trilogy, and that the sequels have already begun shooting. So far so good, as the story picked up as it went on, with the requisite finale with everything and everyone coming together for that last hurrah big battle, with enough twists and double crossings that lead the door wide open for follow up films. Hopefully by then, all the titular Four constables will be given screen time to build up characterization, and we should be in for quite a ride in this Chinese fantasy franchise! Saturday, December 29, 2012
The Boondock Saints
7.8/10 RATING ( 138,319 )
Fraternal twins set out to rid Boston of the evil men operating there while being tracked down by an FBI agent. Friday, December 28, 2012
The Shadow
5.7/10 RATING ( 12,852 )
In 30's New York City, the Shadow battles his nemesis, Shiwan Khan, who is building an atomic bomb. Thursday, December 27, 2012
Death Note: The Last Name
7.3/10 RATING ( 7,889 )
Picking up where the first one leaves off, Light joins the task force searching for Kira in an effort to avert suspicion from himself---and get rid of L. Chocolate: Deep Dark Secrets
4.7/10 RATING ( 982 )
Christmas Eve, London. While the snow-clad city gets ready to celebrate the festival of peace and joy, a series of bizarre incidents shatter the Christmas calm. A couple of luckless Indians find themselves hauled by the London police and made scapegoats. Or are they? Chocolate unfolds a web of sinister plots, slowly unearthing true and mystifying personalities of seven individuals - seven high-strung, distinctive people who have chosen to remain in the foreign land hoping to make or break their lives. Wednesday, December 26, 2012
THE PERFECT WEAPON
5.4/10 RATING ( 1,716 )
Jeff, a young delinquent, is enrolled by his father in a kenpo school, in the hopes of teaching the boy some self-discipline. Years later, Jeff's mentor, Kim, is being threatened by one of the Korean mafia families. Jeff tries to help his old friend, but is too late to prevent Kim's death at the hands of an unknown hitman. Vowing revenge, Jeff takes on all of the families, using his martial arts skills to find the man who killed his friend. Hook (1991)
6.4/10 RATING ( 106,231 )
Hook (1991) - When Capt. Hook kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan must return to Neverland and reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his old enemy. Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Cypher
6.9/10 RATING ( 18,924 )
An unsuspecting, disenchanted man finds himself working as a spy in the dangerous, high-stakes world of corporate espionage. Quickly getting way over-his-head, he teams up with a mysterious femme fatale. Monday, December 24, 2012
Agent Cody Banks
5.0/10 RATING ( 16,167 )
A government agent trains Cody Banks in the ways of covert operations that require younger participants. Sunday, December 23, 2012
Superdotado (Gettin' It)
3.7/10 RATING ( 565 )
Silver, a teenage boy desperate to score with his long time girlfriend Sheila is pursued by many women in the community when an erroneous rumor circulates about his prowess. Rollerball
6.5/10 RATING ( 11,176 )
In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game. Female Perversions (1996)
5.6/10 RATING ( 1,435 )
Female Perversions (1996) - An ambitious female attorney wallows in excess and meaningless sex with both male and female partners, while dealing with her personal life problems including helping her kleptomaniac sister. Saturday, December 22, 2012
One For the Money (2012)
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5.1/10 RATING ( 17,653 )
One For the Money (2012) - Unemployed and newly-divorced Stephanie Plum lands a job at her cousin's bail-bond business, where her first assignment puts her on the trail of a wanted local cop from her romantic past. Friday, December 21, 2012
Astro Boy
6.3/10 RATING ( 14,576 )
Set in futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy is about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist in the image of the son he has lost. Unable to fulfill the grieving man's expectations, our hero embarks on a journey in search of acceptance, experiencing betrayal and a netherworld of robot gladiators, before he returns to save Metro City and reconcile with the father who had rejected him. Thursday, December 20, 2012
Sexy Teacher
6.1/10 RATING ( 667 )
Beautiful, sexy Ji-young is placed at an all boys’ high school as student-teacher. Teenage boys in puberty think of her as a sex goddess and fantasize about her. Then from one of the classrooms, Dean of Students sees a silhouette of a couple embracing and hears a woman moaning. He goes to the classroom only to discover a pair of red stilettos. He suspects Ji-young and is resolved to protect the boys from her sexual charms. Friday, December 14, 2012
Biker Boyz
4.2/10 RATING
A son of the leader of a legendary group of an urban biker gang tries to retain his championship title.
Escape to Athena
5.5/10 RATING
The ever efficient German war machine had little trouble sweeping over Greece, yet some stubborn resistance remained active. Various civilian prisoners were thrown with the officers in Stalag VII-Z, a camp on the site of a Neptune temple under two masters: SS Major Volkmann enjoys the unpleasant ways of brutal Nazi extremism, but the gentleman camp commandant, former dodgy Viennese art merchant Major Otto Hecht, definitely prefers the finer things in life, regardless of political 'correctness'. Therefore the camp, meant to sent Berlin archaeological treasures, actually keeps the true treasures for his private black market trade, via Hecht's sister in Switzerland. His 'guests', all fortunate to be spared by him the usual harsh treatment of escapees etc., include the brilliant archeology professor Blake, the Italian cook Bruno Rotelli, American show-people Charlie and Dottie Del Mar, and even black US POW Nat Judson. Hecht's hospitality seems poorly rewarded when they mount an elaborate plan to take over the camp, in league with the local Greek resistance leader Zeno, who is determined to prevent the arbitrary execution of villagers as reprisal. As they all seem to agree upon a common goal, the priceless art treasures in the monastery on nearby Mount Athena, Hecht is persuaded to join for a cut, but Zeno has a military agenda, as the allied invasion is approaching, and the monastery's mountain is also the cover for a secret German rocket installation...
Thursday, December 13, 2012
The Mechanic
6.5/10 RATING
Follows an elite hit man as he teaches his trade to an apprentice who has a connection to one of his previous victims.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Cyborg She
6.9/10 RATING
Keisuke Koide is an ordinary lonely university student. One day he meets an beautiful and interesting woman. Unfortunately she is an Cyborg that lacks manners and emotions.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
First Time Felon
6.6/10 RATING
Inspired by the true story of Greg Yance. In the film, Yance (Epps) is a hood who goes to jail for possession of drugs. He is given a choice: 5 years in jail or a couple of months in boot camp. He chooses boot camp and finds out it is tougher than he thought it would be. He braves it through and comes home a better man. He then has to deal with the real world, and never gives up no matter what the odds.
Monday, December 10, 2012
21 Blackjack
6.7/10 RATING
"21" is the fact-based story about six MIT students who were trained to become experts in card counting and subsequently took Vegas casinos for millions in winnings.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Sorority Row
5.0/10 RATING
A group of sorority sisters try to cover up the death of their house-sister after a prank gone wrong, only to be stalked by a serial killer.
Fuga de cerebros (Hot School)
-/10 RATING
Emilio, very shy, is in love with Natalia, considered the most beautiful girl in school. When he learns she goes to pursue his studies at Oxford, his friends, poor students decide to fake their notes in order to support also. Five sub-gifted students and will incorporate one of the most famous universities in the world ...
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Undisputed
5.9/10 RATING
When heavyweight champion George 'Iceman' Chambers lands in prison, the resident gangster arranges a boxing match with the reigning prison champ.
Guyver: Dark Hero
5.6/10 RATING
Sean Barker became the unwilling host to an alien bio-armor known as the Guyver. A year ago he destroyed the Kronos Corporation, an organization of mutants who want the Guyver. Now he is trying to find why the Guyver unit forces him to fight and kill evil. He is lead to an archelogical site where scientists discover an ancient space craft. Now he must fight Kronos again before they discover the secrets of the Guyver's origin.
Friday, December 7, 2012
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
Real Emily Rose Anneliese Michel Exorcism Tapes and Video
6.7/10 RATING
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) - A lawyer takes on a negligent homicide case involving a priest who performed an exorcism on a young girl.
Barbarossa
-/10 RATING
Ancient Mariners of the Mediterranean Sea attack the southern coasts of Italy.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Damage (2009)
5.6/10 RATING
Damage (2009) - An ex-con battles it out in the cage to pay for the operation that would save the daughter of his victim. Along the way he finds fatherly love, and friendship, in the most unlikely of places.
The Grudge (2004)
5.8/10 RATING
The Grudge (2004) - An American nurse living and working in Tokyo is exposed to a mysterious supernatural curse, one that locks a person in a powerful rage before claiming their life and spreading to another victim.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Twister (1996)
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6.1/10 RATING
Twister (1996) - Bill and Jo Harding, advanced storm chasers on the brink of divorce, must join together to create an advanced weather alert system by putting themselves in the cross-hairs of extremely violent tornadoes.
Blood and Bone
6.6/10 RATING
In Los Angeles, an ex-con takes the underground fighting world by storm in his quest to fulfill a promise to a dead friend.
Monday, December 3, 2012
House of Sand and Fog (2003)
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7.6/10 RATING
House of Sand and Fog (2003) - An abandoned wife is evicted from her house and starts a tragic conflict with her home's new owners.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Saturday, December 1, 2012
The Switch
5.9/10 RATING
Seven years after the fact, a man comes to the realization that he was the sperm donor for his best friend's boy.