Madagascar --- definitely better than a zoo trip!

Title:
Madagascar (B+)
PH Release Date:
May 27, 2005
Voice Actors:
Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett-Smith, David Schwimmer, Cedric the Entertainer, Sacha Baron Cohen, Tom McGrath, Chris Knights
Director:
Eric Darnell et al.
Story and Screenplay:
Mark Burton et al.
Music:
Hans Zimmer
Producer:
Karey Kirkpatrick et al.
Studio:
Dreamworks



“I like to movie it, move it…. physically fit, physically fit!

Saw the trailer, didn’t like it. Forced to see it cuz it’s the only animated movie to be release this summer. There’s no way that I’m gonna take my little sis to watch somebody get beheaded by a blue fluorescent lamp. I was prepared to be disappointed. I am pretty sure that this movie is no Shrek or the Increbiles, instead, it’s an excuse for its stars to actually have a movie that their kids can watch. I was wrong and a bit right.

The story revolves around four animal friends who “work” in the Central Park Zoo. Alex the Lion (Stiller) is the star of the show, addicted to steak and fame, whichever comes first. His best friend is Marty (Rock), a zebra who wonders about a lot of things including whether he is a black horse with white stripes or a white horse with black stripes. Gloria (Pinkett-Smith) is the ghetto hippo, preggy and fab at the same time. And finally, Melman, a giraffe addicted to medication. All’s well and sound until the psycho penguins decided to escape from the zoo, Marty, longing to experience the life in the wild attempted to go to Connecticut via riding a train in Grand Central. It didn’t all went according to plan and they end up in an island called Madagascar where Shaggy’s ancestors reside. I would love to tell you more but I’d end up ruining it all for you so I’d rather stop here.



What a surprise this movie was! During the beginning, I was trying my best not to laugh at their “sitcom” jokes but as it progress I couldn’t hold it no more. I just had to laugh. And what’s even more surprising is that my little sister was laughing her head off as well. She barely understands English, in fact she speaks like Ethel Booba, her English is so small (waheehe), so it definitely caught me off guard. My sister loved it and I did as well.

The story is nothing amazing, what I did love about it is that it didn’t became another Spirit. It was not about self-discovery. And these animals, despite having the abilities to act and speak like humans were not capable of falling in love. I would hate to see another horse love story. It makes me wanna eat Tapsilog. However, it is quite obvious that almost all of these characters were based from the actors themselves or from a role they already played, which is nothing cool or praiseworthy but it worked.



Not a single dull moment in this movie, the director and writers make sure you wouldn’t have the time to think so hard about the story cuz there’s nothing really much to think about. After watching it, it barely left any message to me except to move it, move it and be physically fit (if you watch the movie you’ll know what I’m talking about and you’ll go as gaga as I did).

The animation was very good. The vibrant colors add more to the lively story and movement of events. It was like reading a really dazzling colored book. The music was brilliant as well, what do you expect from Hans Zimmer? And the closing credit is to die for. Don’t dare miss it.



Stiller’s versatility in comedy is his main asset on why every movie he did succeeded. You watch, you get convinced, now you listen to him and the same thing happens. Sometimes it makes me wonder when can he possibly go wrong? I think he’s the most bankable actor today, Cruise comes in close second. At first, I was afraid Chris Rock wouldn’t be as funny as he’s usually been cuz if he was censored in the Oscars here he is bound to be bleeped. And I thought he wouldn’t be able to deliver the same kind of comedy that he does so well, but he did well. That voice alone is something to laugh about.

I like Jada Pinkett-Smith, I don’t think she was awful but, given the chance, I would not have chosen her to play Gloria I think Queen Latifah could have done a better job. I dunno, it just felt like she lacks the attitude to pull it off. Now David Schwimmer is a different story, there was not much effort in his part. He’s used to playing this dorky, weak characters. He did for 10 years and this time it’s nothing different. And in case you’re wondering if Shaggy played the role of the King of Lemurs, no it wasn’t him.



A movie of pure entertainment value and a little substance. Movies are not made to teach lessons, so parents should not depend on flicks to do their role. This movie recognized that, it doesn’t provide your daily dose of good will but it is a rare treat for the whole family. This is the best family movie to come out this year and you’ll be stupid to let this one pass. I’m so glad I didn’t. Just don’t think about it too hard and take it for what it is. So what are you waiting for… go ahead and move it, move it!

Grading Sheet:
Story – 14%
Screenplay – 15%
Direction / Execution – 15%
Acting – 19%
Technical Aspect – 18%
Total: 81% = B+

La Visa Loca -- close to being denied....

Title: La Visa Loca (B)
PH Release Date: May 25, 2005
Actors: Robin Padilla, Rufa Mae Quinto, Johnny Delgado, Tessie Tomas, Noel Trinidad, Isay Alvarez, Robert Seña, Marissa Sanchez, Ricky Davao, Raymart Santiago
Director: Mark Meily
Story and Screenplay: Mark Meily
Editor / Music: Danny Anonuevo et al. / Vincent de Jesus
Design / Photography: Norman Regalado / Lee Meily
Producer: Tony Gloria
Studio: Unitel Pictures


© Unitel


A green card for greener pastures… that’s what most Filipinos are looking for, but that isn’t Jess’ main priority. His focus is more on just getting a visa to finally set foot on the modern-day promise land, which he knows for a fact to be not quite easy. With his insistent girlfriend and his diabetic dead father on completely opposite sides he’s finding a really hard time figuring out what to do and struggles to find some ways to get the visa that he’s been longing for. Will he get it??? I wouldn’t dare say… you may end up not choosing to watch this movie.

When I first heard that Sharon Cuneta and Robin Padilla will be teaming-up again, I instantly thought of my beloved aunt who now resides in Japan. She’s a real fan of hers and she’ll absolutely love another “Maging Sino ka Man”. Much to her dismay, and my delight, they’re not teaming-up as a screen couple but as producer-actor. Yup, Sharon is one of the executive producers and Robin plays the lead role. I am not a fan of his, but because Mark Meily left quite a good impression on me story wise in Crying Ladies I decided to watch this movie (primarily because Sin City was moved to the 1st of June… screw them), thinking that it may be worth it. I wouldn’t say it wasn’t completely worth it but I wouldn’t say that I paid less for what they offered.

Crying Ladies, for me, is one the best movies made since the turn of the century. Though I had a lot of problems with Meily’s direction, the story stands tall. I couldn’t say the same for La Visa. Somehow the story, no matter how incredibly relatable and Filipino-like, seemed to be repellent. This time the problem is not with his direction, but more of the screenplay and characterization.

It is as humorous if not more than Crying Ladies, but it’s not as emotionally stirring. I just didn’t feel the connection with any of these characters, except during the highest points of the movie: the beginning and the climax. Other than those two parts mentioned, they’re all detached from those watching them.


© Unitel

I don’t blame the actors for it but more of the writing. The constant laughs and the parodies clouded the emotions they needed to exude. The intentions were good, I get it, we all did, but Meily needs to realize that moviemaking is different from writing an episode for a politically and socially relevant version of Bubble Gang. If he wants to make such a difference, do it in Mendiola, don’t make such a good story suffer! It wasn’t like these with Crying Ladies but this one, it just went way too overboard. Like that feeling one gets when something is suppose to be funny, but because it’s the same kind of jest you’ve been witnessing all-day long, you end up feeling bored or even barmy.

Another problem I had is with his “pasyon chorus”, oh my god! What the hell was he thinking! This is not going over the board instead completely making a 360°. Once is tolerable but five friggin’ times??? The whole thing felt fake, not mentioning that the lyrics were not that pretty. Wow…. Before I wrote this, I was actually thinking of saying that this movie is nice… but the way it’s been goin’.. I doubt it…

The music is good especially during the opening credits, which is also visually stunning. The cinematography is okay, some off lights but passable. Editing was not much of a problem, maybe if they were given a better material they could have come out with something better.


© Unitel

If there’s one thing that made this movie somehow work, it’s Robin Padilla and Johnny Delgado. It is rare and I mean once in a blue moon type of rare, that we see Binoe does something completely out of his element. Away from the usual bad boy image, cop-gone-rogue type of image. In this one he’s totally not himself. The same old charisma he had for years but this time its just different. Too bad the character isn’t enough to be completely lovable. It was a good performance. Johnny Delgado, as always is just a knockout, not physically but acting-wise. He simply rocks. He’s probably the best in the country today. He has this unique quality of making you feel and connect with whoever it is that he plays. Rufa Mae didn’t have enough exposure but she did fine.

I don’t blame the movie in its entirety as the cause of my not-so-great feedback, I think the overhyping did kill this movie to me and it will too to some. It’s not the high-class comedy everyone’s been promising, it’s just a regular parody that sometimes gets it right but in an exaggerated unappealing way. Yah, you’ll have a couple of good laughs and some important issues to take notice of but somehow it just wasn’t enough. And the ending just made it more unlikely. It was completely off the tone of the movie.

The one scene that I did love was the climax. It will be crazy to tell yah how it was but it was great. The finest moment of the movie. The beginning was quite good as well. I do recommend this to everyone for the climax alone. This kind of movies rarely come, it may not be as perfect or better than we expect and hoped, but at least it’s something out of the ordinary “kilig” movies we only see these days. I mean seriously, just how many love stories are there that we haven’t heard of? So, in conclusion, this movie actually is nice. And at the current state of the Pinoy movie industry, nice is very, very good.


Grading Sheet:
Story – 17%
Screenplay – 15%
Direction / Execution – 15%
Acting – 18%
Technical Aspect – 15%
Total: 80% = B

Star Wars strikes back with a vengeance.....

© 20th Century Fox

Title:
Star Wars Episode 3: The Revenge of the Sith (B+)
Release Date:
May 19, 2005
Actors:
Ewan Mcgregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Christopher Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Frank Oz, Ian McDiarmid, Jimmy Smits
Writer and Director:
George Lucas
Music:
John Williams
Cinematographer:
David Tattersall
Producer:
Rick McCallum
Studio:
20th Century Fox


© 20th Century Fox

“may the force be with you”

The third and the final installment of the prequel to the earlier concluded six-part saga has finally come to an end. I was NEVER a Star Wars fan and prior to this movie, I’ve only seen one part of the series. Gaining good reviews and breaking box office records, does this film really live up to all the hype it’s been getting? or is it that all there is --- pure hype and a contrived response to show Lucas that his moneymaking ideas are worthy of praise?


© 20th Century Fox

I never saw Episode 2, after the disappointing turnout on my first attempt to be enlightened about the series courtesy of Episode 1, it convinced me that it will be much better to put the two and a half hours of my unequally exhilarating life to much better use. In complete defense of myself, I did attempt to rent a copy of it a week before the release of Sith but I can’t find one, so spare me from the charge of being judgmental cuz to be honest, it’s one thing I am widely known for. Wahehe...


© 20th Century Fox

In this chapter, Anakin Skywalker (Christensen), now on his verge of being a man, tagged along Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor) to rescue the pedophile-looking supreme chancellor of the republic in the hands of the Separatists. But first, they must pass the hand-cutting Count Dooku (Lee) , and the army leader General Grievous (Wood). The two succeeded in their primary mission but failed to capture Grievous.

When they arrived home, Padme (Portman) surprised the curly-haired chosen one of the soon arrival of their first baby. The happy moment turns catastrophic as Anakin started to have dreams of Amidala dying of childbirth, due to his previous clairvoyance record, he started to be bothered and completely distraught for what he considered will be the worst time of his life. Phedopile comes in, make his evil moves to draw the young man into his pants, I mean arms, I mean side. And unless your completely unacquainted with this cult-friendly series then you probably know what will happen and how things all came about.


© 20th Century Fox

I’m not as ecstatic with this movie as some critics are, however, I do believe that it is a good film. Miles better than the Phantom Menace. Why? First, this movie despite occurring in a galaxy far far away, was very believable. The humanity of the characters finally came about unlike with the menace where its characters were as emotionally uncharged as R2-D2. Second, there were not much irritating battle scenes that will turn-off even the maker of Matrix Reloaded. And third, the story is more juicy than cheesy.

George Lucas, have so much faith in this project as a whole and extremely proud with this movie. He finally realized that he is actually supposed to show the slow amalgamation of Anakin to the dark side and his complete submission. That in order to achieve that believable effect, and make this movie as deserving of all the hype it enjoys, he must shy away from making another children’s book adaptation and make an emotionally charged sci-fi adventure. He succeeded and he’s enjoying all the perks this simple concept has given him.


© 20th Century Fox

Lucas, despite having both written and directed the earlier five movies, did manage to direct the action scenes well, but when it comes for him to turn it down and concentrate on the story itself, he slowly sinks, but smartly, before the movie does completely, he’ll save it with another action sequence. This caused me, and may cause you some really awkward feeling as you watch the movie and you start to think there’s something really wrong but you can’t pinpoint on it. You don’t know if it’s the phasing, the editing or simply the script and direction.


© 20th Century Fox

But I do applaud him for making such a brilliant conclusion as to how Anakin became Darth Vader. I didn’t like the screaming at the near end of the movie, thought ‘twas such a terrible cliché. I do wonder though, how come Yoda uses a stick when he walks and does it as if he can no longer do so without them but can fight like a young gremlin on the loose? It’s completely weird and kinda crazy at the same time.

Aside from the grand visual effects, viewers will also feast their eyes on some incredibly beautiful production design. The music is quite impressive as well. The cinematography offers nothing new, but well done enough to have its compelling moments. The only problem I have is with the editing, which I don’t solely blame for some of the discomfited scenes of the movie.


© 20th Century Fox

Ewan Mcgregor outshined everyone in this movie, even Natalie Portman. Speaking of which, she’s as pretty as ever but has lesser exposure than expected. Hayden Christensen did have great moments, but the number of his incredibly out of his depth look and actions clouded them. He is very inconsistent. I was surprise though to see how big he has grown, from being that skinny white boy in Life as a House and Higher Ground, he’s now the hunky, and I mean hunky, jedi non-master.

Revenge of the Sith, is not a perfect movie, but it is considerably one of the strongest part of the series and the finest amongst the prequels. It is very different from the earlier two Star Wars for the simple reason that it’s more mature. This leads me to the point that this may not be the best movie to bring your children with. Not only does it possess violent scenes such as cutting a head off with a glowing blue fluorescent lamp, but story wise it becomes dull and terribly serious.


© 20th Century Fox

Now, don’t get me wrong, this Star Wars has a lot of values to share but the only way yur children can understand them is if you take the time to explain it to them. I’m not convince that it’s a great family movie, because the possibility of it becoming a great family disaster is pretty high. Watching it with a barkada can also not be the best idea especially if they don’t appreciate CGI movies. But there’s one thing I am sure of, that whoever said that Lucas will not be able to end this series with a bang, in the words, of master Yoda, wrong you are so.. Lucas just had his revenge and it's coming in millions...

Grading Sheet:
Story – 18%
Screenplay – 15%
Direction / Execution – 16%
Acting – 15%
Technical Aspect – 18%
Total: 59% = B+

© 20th Century Fox

The Amityville HORROR..of a movie!!!

© MGM

Title:
The Amityville Horror (C-)
PH Release Date:
May 11, 2005
Actors:
Ryan Reynolds, Melissa George, Philip Baker Hall, Jimmy Bennett, Jesse James, Rachel Nichols
Director:
Andrew Douglas
Screenplay:
Scott Kosar
Editor / Music:
Chris Wagner / Steve Jablonsky
Design / Photography:
Jennifer Williams / Peter Collister
Producer:
Michael Bay et al.
Studio:
MGM


© MGM

“There’s something really strange going on in this house…. (oh really??!!)”

And there’s something really weird about how this movie was sorta put together. That line, though fits the moment, felt like something I’ve heard from every slasher/horror flick I’ve seen since I was little (as if i'm tall now). Yes, it’s remake but that doesn’t mean everything that they do needs to follow what they based it from.

The story is pretty slick, because they have the power to say that it’s based from a true story. I have no time to research on whether in fact the premise they used is legit. So let’s just assume that it is. It doesn’t matter anyway cuz they weren’t able to use it effectively.


© MGM

I haven’t seen the original so I cannot compare whether it’s better or worse. And to be honest, I really don’t care. The fact that the characters presented in this movie are just plain stupid does it for me. I mean c’mon. If you have all the clues that something really bad is going on, why would you stay on that house for 28 days!!!! Your daughter talks to herself and becomes suicidal, your husband acts like he’s ready to butcher your kids and the priest runaway mad after attempting to bless the house. Aren’t those clues enough to actually make you say that “There’s absolutely something wrong in this house”, then get packing and leave.

Another crazy thing about this movie, is that the ghost inside the house (Jodi) seems more of an enemy than a friend, but I presume she’s suppose to be since she’s the little girl. I dunno. I’m going mad just thinking about this movie.


© MGM

As a director, Andrew Douglas, is a very talented copycat. If Xerox gets him as their CEO, they’ll probably regain their long lost popularity. Eveything he did was anything but original. As if every single thing that pops up in his mind (doesn’t matter whether it’s from another horro flick) he uses right away. He doesn’t even think twice, stupid fella. Sorry for the language but I really am pissed for wasting my time and money on this shit. I should have known better.


© MGM

The only thing nice about this movie which I am terribly surprise became the outcome was Ryan Reynolds and Melissa George. Okay, Ryan may not be the most reputable actor around, but he did his thing pretty well. No Van Wilder trying to be Jim Carrey thing, just him trying act in a horror movie. I love Melissa George from the moment I laid eyes on her way before she became part of Alias. This british beauty knows how to act, I just wish she can be given better roles than this. Such a waste of facial talent if that doesn’t happen wahehe.

Technically, the movie’s music sucked. Evrytime a scary scene comes up you know exactly when it’s gonna happen and how it’s gonna happen. It’s more premature than my first time (just kiddin’… wahehe). The production design is okay but the editing felt rushed. Needs a lot of improvement and too bad, there’s no more room for that cuz I guess the director though that when he first saw it, "this is it! my master piece". It was one hell of a masterpiece alright.


© MGM


Some moviegoers probably did like this movie. I for one have a fucked-up bone in my body with the same sentiment. Why? Because somehow, the movie worked for being a copycat. But I’m telling you, it may be a good waste of time, but a waste of time still. Not to mention money! You’ll gain nothing for watching this movie and I don’t think that in any way the entertainment factor can cover-up. Saw the verdict is out, it’s a horror movie and nothing short or more than that.

Grading Sheet:
Story - 12%
Screenplay - 10%
Direction / Execution - 10%
Acting - 15%
Technical Aspect - 14%
Total: 86% = C-



© MGM

As Good As It Gets in one's fancy....

Title: As Good As It Gets (A-)
Release Year: 1997
Actors: Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr., Skett Ulrich, Shirley Knight
Director: James Brooks
Story and Screenplay: Mark Andrus / Andrus and Brooks
Editor / Music: Richard Marks / Hans Zimmer
Design / Photography: Bill Brzeski / John Bailey
Producer: Bridget Johnson et al.
Studio: Columbia Tristar

“You look at someone long enough you discover their humanity”

This may generally be true but in some cases it’s the complete opposite. Try to look at Madame Auring more than a minute and you’ll realize how much of a fiend she is. Kidding aside, a word of warning to you, this is a perceptibly bias review. I’m sorry, it’s difficult to critique this movie cuz I love it so much but I am doing it anyways... here it goes…

Nicholson plays the Academy Award® winning role of Melvin, the ultimate chauvinist from hell. Nasty and cruel will be an understatement for this man who also happens to be an obsessive-compulsive romance novelist who lives in the same building as a homo (Greg Kinnear). Melvin, as obvious with his weight, loves to eat, and finds only one place to his approval and one waitress to stir up his appetite (Carol). One fateful event, leads to unwanted changes for Melvin that may or may not just be good for everybody.

The movie was engaging from the very first frame. Even I, could not believe how terribly entranced I was by Jack Nicholson, whom I never liked before because of his “DOM” image. But pushing that persona aside, this is the role of his career. Nobody and I mean nobody, could have played this character as effective as he did. This was made for him. From that alone, the movie established a great deal of support for their not so tight script.

I know you’re thinking about it, so let’s just throw it out there. The story was way too farfetched. Yes, I agree. As good as things may, it can’t possibly get as good as this. People just don’t change overnight, especially if someone is that ill for a very long time. People don’t open up that easily (especially Americans), it takes a lot of time to find some comfort to confide to someone. These facts were terribly ignored which leaves me nothing else to do but ignore it as well. Yup, somehow, because the movie worked so well, that you don’t think it’s in any way necessary anymore to criticize it. It’s a longshot but it was effective.

My only gripe is that Greg Kinnear’s character wasn’t as much as a focus. Yes, it’s only a supporting character but he was essential and I kinda felt that they overlooked him reaching to the conclusion. As far as nasty lines are concerned, I got more than I bargained for. And I mean, a lot more.

James L. Brooks’ brand of comedy is not something that most people will agree to but in this one he made it work. Still some skeptics, but they cannot deny the fact that they felt extremely displeased because the movie was awfully successful even if it’s the opposite of what they believe in. Great characterization. Some dragging points but presumably because they were a lot of highlights, that the normal scenes felt boring.

The musical score of this movie is terrific. Thumbs up to the always-great Hans Zimmer. The editing was good as well, but other than those two everything else were ordinary. It’s a character-driven movie so it doesn’t matter as much. But maybe, a few better shots may have given a better feedback.

Jack was not the only one on the top of his game in this movie. Helen Hunt gave a powerful, well-restrained performance. Although, I must say, the sitcom feel of her acting kinda steps in from time to time. Greg Kinnear, for me, gave the best performance in this movie. This is his best and possibly the one he should have won the Oscar for. Other actors can play this role, but they will not be as hard-hitting and believable as Greg. I’m not a fan of his, but he just turned me into one. Cuba Gooding Jr. was also funny, but everytime I saw him, I kept thinking about the snow dogs he usually hang out with.

Far from reality, but as every bit engaging as a true-to-life story. It’ll make you laugh, make you cry, at “best”, even make you curse. Sarcastic movies rarely make it in the world of cynicism but this one made it through with flying colors and two acting Oscars in its belt. Best seen with friends and an equally crazy lover. And if you’re having too much reality for a Friday night, get a dose of Melvin and you’ll hunger back for more actuality, even double of what you usually settle for. It doesn't get as good as that.

Grading Sheet:
Story – 18%
Screenplay – 18%
Direction / Execution – 18%
Acting – 20%
Technical Aspect – 15%
Total: 89% = A-

Kingdom of Heaven --- one hell of a movie (in a good and bad way)

© 20th Century FOX

Title:
Kingdom of Heaven (A-)
PH Release Date:
May 4, 2005
Actors:
Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, Liam Neeson, David Thewlis, Martin Csokas, Edward Norton
Director:
Ridley Scott
Story and Screenplay:
William Monahan
Editor / Music:
Dody Dorn / Harry Gregson-Williams
Design / Photography:
Arthur Max / John Mathieson
Producer:
Ridley Scott
Studio:
20th Century FOX


© 20th Century FOX

“It is not what you are born to be, but what you have in yourself to become”


If you think that’s the only aphorism you’ll find in this movie, you’re awfully mistaken. This film was close to becoming a 2 and a half hour special episode of the 700 Club. But notwithstanding that fact, I actually found this movie pleasant, and as far as current bioepics are concerned, pleasant is good.

Orlando Bloom stars (but not necessarily the center of it all) as Balian, a name I wasn't able to remember not because of my inabiltity to store key information but because the character was so weak. I honestly had to wait for the closing credits which by the way was weirdly arranged, just to catch his name and the rest of the supporting cast. He is suppose to be this man in mourning towards the suicide of his wife, and tries to find some salvation for her by accepting his father's offer who's none other than a baron of guess what city--- Jerusalem: the Kingdom of Heaven. He finds out it's all a fluke but finds himself defending that city afterwards. There's a lot more going on in this movie but it would take me years to tell them all, so i say just watch it.


© 20th Century FOX

Ridley Scott is an extremely great visual director. Most of the time he knows what he’s making except for some moments when he just completely lose idea of what he’s doing. That scene where Orlando got somewhat lost in the sea and resurrected from the shipwreck and gallivanted along the obviously draining dessert was just appallingly told. I don’t know if they ran out of films but it was so hurried that it appeared comical. It completely lost the whole momentum of the movie that he worked terribly hard for to establish.

I did not watch this movie because of Orlando, or to make it clearer, I didn’t find this movie nice for the sheer presence of Orlando. In fact, I think he needs a lot of work, but if his sole purpose is to induce the female in body and mind to see this flick, it worked. The I’m-so-helpless-I-wanna-cry-on-your-shoulder look that he has will surely make girls go gaga all over him. Believe me, I saw it. But in complete fairness to him, the effort was there, though it wasn’t enough.


© 20th Century FOX

I do find it completely weird how I like the first part of this movie so much cuz I am not a great fan of Liam Neeson (don’t be mistaken, I recognize that he’s a good actor) but those scenes where he was included were the strongest points of the movie. It was not predictable, it was well-phased and well shot. And then came his death and the dreaded sea sailing scene followed. Another standout was Edward Norton's character. I didn't know it was him since he's trying to be the man in the iron cast and all, but it's him playing that part of King Baldwin IV. I think it would have been so much better if the story revolves around him more: his sickness and true concern for the welfare of others, is a sure nice premise.


© 20th Century FOX

The fight scenes were great. It’s definitely different from Gladiator and it’s good to know that some combat scenes that came with obvious conclusions were abridged. I mean, it’s tough enough to sit through a 2-hour movie let alone see a battle go on forever when you know exactly how it’s gonna end. The production design, cinematography and editing were all good. The sound sometimes feels prematurely directing that it becomes humorous, just like what happened to that single and quick love scene. C’mon, that’s what fans wanna see. He was spared in Troy why not flaunt it now?

The supporting cast was good, though a much attractive and charismatic female may have made the scenes much more believable and interesting. Brendan Gleeson loves being hated. Jeremy Irons loves being the powerless good man. David Thewlis gave an "Alan Rickman" type of performance which was nothing less than great. And Velivor Topic was not much of a topic in the entire duration of the flick.


© 20th Century FOX

This movie is a sure visual treat. I am not sure as to what the message of this movie really is, cuz I was lost with all of the exchanges of proverbs. It tried to discuss a lot if issues that are important, but are not as easy to understand and digest especially when it comes in the form of a two and a half hour movie. The intentions were sincere and great, if it's simply to make people aware of these issues with religionn then they succeeded, but if they're trying to do something beyond that, i'm afaraid they failed. The pathway to heaven surely is difficult, the movie didn't reach it but it's cetainly not on its way to hell.

Grading Sheet:
Story - 17%
Screenplay - 14%
Direction / Execution - 18%
Acting - 18%
Technical Aspect - 19%
Total: 86% = A-