Monday, February 18, 2008

Jumper

JumperDirected by Doug Liman, starring Hayden Christensen, Rachel Bilson, Jamie Bell and Samuel L. Jackson.

David Rice accidentally found out that he had the ability to transport himself anywhere, anytime. He innocently use the power into his own advantage and without realizing, got into a messy fight between Jumpers--those like him--and those who hunt and kill them.

Meh. It's one of those movies that makes you want to scream "WTF?!" when the end credits roll. It started okay, I guess, and it's always very nice to see Jamie Bell, but when you finished watching it, it kinda felt pointless. Hayden still can't act (okay, maybe he has improved about 1% since the Star Wars days) even though he did look pretty, and Kristen Stewart only got a stupid cameo! Man! The world needs more Kristen Stewart! I know the movie concept is pretty cool, but still, a cool concept of pretty people teleporting isn't good enough.

5.5 / 10. Would probably give a higher mark if the leading actor can be pretty AND also actually act.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

P.S. I Love You

P.S. I Love YouDirected by Richard LaGravenese (Freedom Writers, Paris Je T'aime - Pigalle, wrote The Bridges of Madison County), starring Gerard Butler, Hilary Swank, Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Yes! Denny Duquette!), Lisa Kudrow and Harry Connick Jr.

Holly and Gerry married at a very young age, and after ten years together, with the ups and downs of life, yet bonded with their strong love for each other, Gerry died. Holly was left broken and later discovered that his late husband already prepared, in his own way, messages for the beloved wife to be strong and gain her life back.

I am a girl. I love romantic movies. If a girl can't have romance in her life, she'll get it from the movies. And this is one hell of a romantic movie. I loved it. Sad, beautiful, romantic movie. I cried in the cinema, couldn't help it. Gerard is the man, I love that guy. And I know Hilary doesn't pick good movies consistently but I've loved her since Boys Don't Cry and will forever love her. Jeffrey Dean Morgan was charming as always. And the best thing about this movie is that it isn't 100% sad. It doesn't have tears for two hours. It's funny! It has some really funny moments and it balanced the movie well. I loved this movie!

8.5 / 10.

Atonement

AtonementDirected bt Joe Wright (Pride and Prejudice, of course), starring my current fave Brits, Keira Knightley and the very charming James McAvoy.

Cecilia and her housekeeper's son, Robbie, were in love. But her younger sister Briony, who had a crush on Robbie, interfered and her childish jealousy and accusations lead Cecilia and Robbie's love to a devastating journey.

Devastating. Yeah. Keira and James got what they wanted. I felt absolutely devastated after I finished watching it but it is a very beautiful film. Keira and Joe Wright made a great team, huh? I love the performances by both leading actors and it's just one of those beautiful period movies, you know. Yet totally different.. darker and deeper, I guess. The famous sex scene is famous for a reason.. it differentiates good filmmaking and great filmmaking. Exquisite film. Serious film lovers should definitely see it.

9 / 10.

Into the Wild

Into the WildDirected and written by the great Sean Penn, based on Jon Krakauer's book, starring the very wonderful Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Catherine Keener, Vince Vaughn, Hal Holbrook and Kirsten Stewart (who I love).

Into the Wild tells the true story of Christopher McCandless, who abandoned his family, education, identity and all his possessions to embark on an unplanned journey into the wilderness of Alaska, in search of freedom and a meaning of life.

Absolutely beautiful. I loved it. I think Emile gave a wonderful performance, he showed Chris' naiveness, depth and his free, rebelious soul. This film is way too underrated and AMPAS is being ridiculous by giving this film only two nominations (Best Supporting Actor and Best Editing.. WTF?!) especially by overlooking the soundtrack. Hello? If you can only pick one feature to award to the film, then it should be for Eddie Vedder! His music is absolutely wonderful and suited the film beautifully! I personally am still listening to and loving the album.. No Ceiling is a current favourite. So yeah, I loved this film, I think everyone did a great job and the story with Hal Holbrook's character is just one of the most heartbreaking stories I've ever seen. Sean and Emile really gave us something this time. I recommend everyone to see it.

9 / 10.