Sleepless In Seattle

Sleepless In Seattle. Yes, I know, it's a really old movie already, but still, it's amazing, that's why I decided to write about it in this blog. Again, saw it on HBO~

Summary:
Near Christmas, Sam Baldwin's son, Jonah, decided to call on to a live radio show to help his dad find a wife since his mum had passed away 18 months earlier. On it, he mentions how his dad is unable to sleep well and such as the reason that he has to find a new wife. Sam is forced on the phone, and begins to talk about how much he loved his wife and how he's coping. That night, women all around heard of this story and was immediately touched and most even wanted to meet with Sam.

Among them is Annie Reed, a newspaper writer. She and her fiance, Walter, recently got engaged, yet she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Sam by his story. Soon, she begins to get second thoughts regarding her feelings and feels very confused on how she feels to a complete stranger.

She hires a private investigator to search on Sam, and she also writes a letter to Sam herself after much consideration. Sam, after receiving tons of mails from women, is very negative against any women writing to him, but Jonah immediately feels taken to Annie after reading her letter which suggests that they meet on the top of the Empire State Building in New York on Valentine's day. Sam of course, rejects the idea, and starts seeing another local woman which Jonah absolutely hates, since he feels that Annie is the one.

Annie finally decides to go to Seattle to see Sam, and as soon as she steps out in the airport, Sam, who was there to see the woman off, notices her and feels very attracted to her. But he lost sight of her in the crowd. They meet again on opposite sides of the road after Annie follows Sam around. Sam says hello and Annie, unable to react out of anxiety, nearly gets run over by a truck, and after that, immediately fled back home in humiliation.

Annie goes to New York to meet Walter, and on the other hand, Jonah, being fed up with his father Sam and the new woman, decides to book a ticket to New York himself. Sam chases after him after finding out he's gone. Annie's having dinner with Walter when she realizes she can't be engaged to Walter anymore. She rushes to the Empire State Building but was disappointed to see that everyone had left. However, just when everything seems to have lost hope, Sam and Jonah detours back since Jonah left his bag on top, which of course, Annie found on the corner.

They meet, and to not give any spoilers, one has to watch the movie to find out what they say to one another~

(Longest summary ever....But worth it though~)

Cast:
Tom Hanks -- Sam Baldwin
Meg Ryan -- Annie Reed

~The Scene Where They Finally Meet~

My Thoughts:
This is a definite Romantic Comedy (rom-com) which everyone who likes this genre should absolutely see. The story is original and funny, and it shows how two absolute strangers could just be the perfect match for one another.

It's shows the pursuit of true love by two people who live on completely different sides of the country, and yet were united, perhaps by fate by this little boy.

It's a very fun movie, and one might just learn something about love from this outdated, but still wonderful and eternal romantic movie.

~The Love Sign on Empire State Building which is a sign for Annie to act~

Sherlock Holmes

Yup! This post is about Sherlock Holmes, the movie. The above poster was a special one which I found on the web, and the way Robert Downey Jr. a.k.a Sherlock Holmes is shrouded in the shadows was so mysterious~!


Summary:
The movie starts with the successful capture of Lord Blackwood, whom had been around London as a notorious serial killer. After Lord Blackwood had been sentenced to death and buried, however, he seemed to have been resurrected and had come back from death. Sherlock Holmes and his ever trustworthy friend, Dr. Watson, has to go on pursuit searching for clues regarding this incident. The appearance of Irene Adler, love interest and sort of rival of Sherlock Holmes sets the whole event into a deeper mystery. As Holmes and Watson struggle against time to figure out the whole event, the detectives must try and figure out the truth which lies tangled in a web of deceit, fear, black magic and murder itself.

Cast:
Robert Downey Jr. -- Sherlock Holmes
Jude Law -- Dr. John Watson
Rachel McAdams -- Irene Adler
Mark Strong -- Lord Blackwood

~Sherlock Holmes~

~Watson~

~Irene Adler~

~Lord Blackwood~

My Thoughts:
I am half tempted to only write two sentences,

The first= Kyaa~!!
The second=OMFG~! This is sooooooo... freaking amazing~!!!

Yes, that will suffice.

But still, seeing that I'm willing to elaborate, here goes.

I watched the movie about 4 times already I think. Twice at the cinemas. And I must say I still haven't gotten bored of it. Sure, hardcore book fans will frown and scowl at the portrayal of Holmes and Watson in the movie, but I absolutely loved it.

The Sherlock Holmes in the movie is quirky, eccentric, still enigmatic and brilliant, but could carry a few heavy punches of his own. He is also quite adorable at times. Dr. Watson is also slightly altered, and the relationship between both of them is humourous in their constant bickering and Watson's disgruntlement and Holmes meddling.

This new perspective is indeed refreshing and delightful. And the story itself is carried out with the precise and suitable pace in which every moment is exciting and eventful, it keeps you hooked on for the entire show.

And of course the interaction and chemistry between Holmes and Adler is fun to watch, with so much teasing around. Of course, the lines between the characters is also amusing and fun to take note of.

Another thing I really like is the slow motion scene which they show how Holmes' mind works, and then you watch it in real action afterwards. It further shows and capture the brilliance of Holmes mind.

Oh, and another thing to mention, the sound score, which is composed by Hans Zimmer, is an absolute gem, and worth a listen to~!

So, a definite must watch again!! (But maybe I'm just biased but I just LOVE Sherlock Holmes, both book and movie SOOOO much! >_<)

Seven Pounds

I went on a movie frenzy and watched three movies yesterday, two back to back on HBO and one more on disc.

One of them is Seven Pounds, aired as this month's special on HBO. Now, on to the review~

Summary:
Ben Thomas is a person who looks for redemption by creating opportunities and chances for other people in his own unique way. The story unravels around him and other strangers which he seeks out and try to change their lives in one way or another. However, there is a dark secret behind Ben's actions and his plan has an ultimate goal in the end. As the movie plays on, one begins to eventually understand and realize the motive behind the actions and the real story behind it all.

Cast:
Will Smith -- Ben Thomas
Rosario Dawson -- Emily Posa
Woody Harrelson -- Ezra Turner

My Thoughts:
An absolutely thought provoking and emotional film. I've actually watched it before and the plot remained stuck in my head even after so long, that's how captivating the story is. It's as meaningful as another one of Will Smith's movie, "The Pursuit of Happyness", and yet it has a rougher, and overall more dark and sorrowful edge to it. I won't spoil the movie by giving away too much details, but I will tell that this is worth the watch.

Sure, at the beginning of the movie it could be rather slow and confusing, and some may even find it boring and give up watching it. But I promise, if you just calm your mind and continue watching on, the story will unravel itself in a beautiful, albeit tragic way. I can't help but feel the mood of the story, its so riveting and yet so depressing that sometimes it's hard to decide on it.

The ending is a bit unexpected as another mystery clears itself up, but the end for the character may be predictable.

I, for one, detest stories which have unhappy endings, but in this case, although the ending is bitter, it is sweet in a way that you can see what Ben had done for all those people, and you get to see their reactions. And if you think I'm speaking in riddles, just try watching the movie and you will know~

14 Blades a.k.a 锦衣卫

Again, this was a movie I watched during CNY. At the same theater too. I watched it before Percy Jackson, and it was actually kind of on a whim. Its because my dad accidentally stumbled upon the opening day of the cinema and decided to try it out.



Summary:
In Ancient China, there was a group of assassins named Jin Yi Wei especially for the Emperor. And the strongest, most powerful person will be the leader of the group and named Qing Long (which means green/jade dragon in Chinese) and this person will be given the trademark 14 blades which are kept in a wooden box. When Qing Long goes on a mission given by eunuch Jia, who said that it was by orders of the Emperor, Qing Long finds his mission to not turn out as what it seems. His mission to retrieve a box which contains the list of traitors appeared to be the Royal Seal. It appears that eunuch Jia was conspiring with the banished prince, Prince Jing to take over the throne.

Also, Qing Long and his loyal subordinates was betrayed by one of their own which had been corrupted by Eunuch Jia. So Qing Long who had escaped became the most wanted person. He signs up for the help of the Justice Escort Agency and met with Qiao Hua, the daughter of the boss.

Together, they escape the pursuits of the army as well as a deadly female assassin named Tuotuo, who was sent by Prince Qing. They must also uncover Eunuch Jia's plot to overthrow the throne and regain the Royal Seal. On the way, they enlist the help of the Heaven Eagles Gang, which was led by the Judge Of Sands.

Cast:
Donnie Yen/甄子丹--Qing Long/青龙
Zhao Wei/赵薇--Qiao Hua/喬花
Wu Chun/吴尊--Judge Of The Sands/大漠判官
Kate Tsui/徐子珊--Tuo Tuo/脱脱

~Qing Long~

~Qiao Hua~

~Judge Of The Sands~

~The Box Containing The 14 Blades~

My Thoughts:
I had high hopes for this movie, seeing that it was the one that my dad was aiming to see, and also the fact that there was Donnie Yen and Zhao Wei in it.

And the truth--I wasn't disappointed, nope, not at all.

The plot is well done, and the flow of the movie was generally very smooth. And then there was the fighting scenes, which were done awesomely. One thing I don't like about it is the fighting scenes involving Tuo Tuo, the girl seemed tp have this uncanny ability with her robes and I dunno, but it just seems weird and floaty and incomprehensible for me. Maybe I fail to see the artistic value of this action? Hmm.

Anyway, the other scenes involving Donnie Yen and his kick ass skills sure make up for any flaws. The actor has a slight disheveled look in this movie, with the beard and unfixed hair, but hey, the guy has some great moves with his sword and body.

Another plus about this film is Zhao Wei's character Qiao Hua. She provides a firm support for Qing Long as well as providing for the humorous and also touching moments between our male and female leads. Although this is an action film, there is a healthy dose of romance and humour mixed in it, which makes it even more interesting.

One thing I was surprised though, was how good Wu Chun is in this film. I am not going to lie, but I had great doubts about the actor seeing that I didn't really like him and think him incapable. And my first thought at knowing Wu Chun was in this film was actually: Eeew....

Haha. But after watching him pull off the role of Judge Of The Sands so well, it is kind of hard to not say my praise for the man. He did kind of embodied the role very beautifully.

So, all in all, this is an excellent film and I would recommend it very much. Although the ending is quite melodramatic and not typically prefect, it complements the theme and feeling of the movie very well.

And of course, for Wu Chun lovers, you would watch it regardless of what I say anyway. To Wu Chun haters, you must try it for a new perspective on the guy. To those who are neutral in this area, watch it, and you might become a fan of the man.

And of course, those who love Donnie Yen, a definite watch!!

Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief

This is a movie I watched recently during the CNY when I went back to SP~I will start with the film's basics, of course.

Summary: Zeus's most powerful lightning bolt was stolen and he suspects it to be the work of the son of Poseidon, Percy Jackson. Percy, on the other hand, was a normal boy suffering from dyslexia and ADHD and lives with his mum and stepdad. After getting attacked by his teacher-turned-monster Ms. Dodds, he was transported by Grover (his best friend/guardian/satyr) and his mum to 'Camp Half-Blood'. In the process his mum was reduced to dust by a minotaur. In the camp, he learns about his heritage and decides to go on a quest to save his mum from Hades. Grover and the daughter of Athena, Annabeth, accompany him. And in their journey, they encounter obstacles and fight through it all to solve the mystery of the missing bolt and to rescue Percy's mum.

Cast:
Logan Lerman--Percy Jackson
Brandon T. Jackson--Grover
Alexandra Daddario--Annabeth
Perce Brosnan--Chiron

(I only named a few key characters as the whole list would be too troublesome to write~XD)

~Percy Jackson~

~Grover~

~Annabeth~

My thoughts:
In truth, I went in the cinema without much expectations. I have lost faith over the genre of book-turned-movies as it kind of lets me down every time I watch one. (Eg. Harry Potter series anyone?) The fact remains that the movie will never surpass the literature, although LOTR comes close to perfection. But anyway, imagine my surprise as I find the movie quite nice, highly amusing even.

I haven't read the book, so maybe that's why I can't make a good comparison, but the movie was done in such a way that you would be able to understand perfectly how the story goes without ever having to read the book, which is a good thing. And also, while some scenes are slightly unoriginal, the full teenage cast and the youthful vibe that the movie brings definitely provides some compensation. And its a good thing there were a few humorous scenes too. It lightens the movie somewhat.

And of course, if you are a fan of Greek mythology, you might want to check this out. Although it won't provide entirely educating and enlightening information, its great fun to see the power of the gods and their half blooded children.

Overall, I find the movie entertaining. Of course, I'm not a movie critic, so what I see, I tell. Of course, don't watch the movie with expectations of deep dialogue and great revelations. Because you will certainly be disappointed greatly.

But if you are looking for some fun, amusement and action, this is the movie for you. Just clear your mind, sit back and enjoy.

So for me, this movie is a definite go. Some people may hate it for its lack of originality and sheer childishness, but to me, a 19-year old, this just provides a very good choice for a movie to watch with your friends and family.

And on another note, the leading man, Logan Lerman, although still a teenager, has great looks. He has absolutely the most gorgeous blue eyes I have ever seen (except Elijah Wood but he's an adult), and has a face which eerily reminds me of Zac Efron. So even if the movie might prove less than pleasing, the eye candy won't be any lessening. *winks*

One could only imagine what he would grow up to look like. *drools*

And of course, the female character, Annabeth is quite pretty too, with another set of beautiful blue eyes.

And that's it, my review on this movie. If you have watched it and have your own thoughts to share, please don't hesitate to leave a comment!

Till next time~!

FirSt PosT!

This is my new blog! As the description says, this blog is especially designed of pure interest in my hobbies. And thank you for reading this~

I am purely aware of my other blog rotting away, but hey, it's my blog, I can update whenever I want right? >_< But rest assured, I have a fleeting suspicion that this blog will be updated more regularly.

I think it's with the fact that I won't be ranting about my personal life that makes me feel so. Hmm.

The things I say will be purely self-influenced and if you find yourself supporting my views, then thank you. But if you don't, I am open to friendly banter any time. Or if you are feeling particularly vicious, then please do save your thoughts to yourself~>_<

But in the end, I hope the things I write will be able to interest people, that's all~

But enough of this pointless introduction, again, thanks for reading, and I will start my blog on some reviews and thoughts about movies and musics and such.