The Tourist (December 25, 2010)

The much awaited, much anticipated double slam A-listers; only Jolie and Depp can pull off a movie as watchable as The Tourist.

Failed attempt on my part to watch Anthony Zimmer (yes, the movie was adapted from this Frenchy!) from start to finish on SBS because the pace was lacking but more so were my energy levels. I can't and won't compare the two because I know I will be bias, which is atypical of me to be prejudiced towards an American remake. Usually the original score gets the thumbs up (e.g. Let The Right One In)

What can I say... alone in Perth on a 40 degree Celcius day, I can't ask any less than to celebrate with the ever so charming Johnny Depp and the beguiling, sexy Angelina Jolie in a paparazzi swamped location like Venice. So what if it's cliche, over the top, predictable... there's a lot of class, a lot of ravishing (ravenous) hotties, and a lot of location shoots in my dream city. I am amazed how high pitched Angie can sound when she speaks French. It's nice to see her out of the tough love role and into the elegant, well mannered, all encompassing woman. As for Johnny Depp, I loved that he didn't have to repeat the quirks of Willy Wonka, Mad Hatter and Captain John Sparrow and just play the predictable lead male who gets the girl and everything else in the end. Perhaps I'm so used to seeing him with eyeliner now that I found his face being somewhat naked without them.

Pretty good escapism for a solo Christmas. I look foward to more movies like this.. with actors like that.

And Angie you're right.. it was hilarious that you got the Golden Globe nomination for Musical and Comedy category!

King's Speech (December 2010)

Splendid. Definitely oscar worthy for Firth and Rush.

It's hard watching HBC in such an unquirky role. She was very supportive though. Nice, but not fantastic. Her clothes were yuck.

Colin Firth really embraced the role with a lot of grace, charm and the princely role was so befitting for him.

I loved how Lionel insisted on having his sessions with his 'special patient' conducted in his own terms and stood his ground when Bertie digressed or was on the verge of giving up. Geoffrey Rush performed beautifully.

The premise of the movie is the King's curse of the stammer but it delves into a lot of personal issues surrounding family, sacrifice, fear, love and friendship. Typical of many movies you might think.. but the King's speech is very touching and classy.

==>> N A P O LEON DYNA M I T E (2004) <<==

So now I know where Guy Sebastian's fro came from.

*Joking!*

This is perhaps one of the best free rental I've pinched from the Library

(Note: I have been hunting down books and dvds from the library these days as part of the find-a-cheap-hobby project)

The movie may appear dull and unappealing but there's just so much humour behind the indie style. I loved the innocence surrounding Pedro, Napoleon and Tina.

My god, the dancing scene was such a jaw dropping moment.

Not "OMG this bucked teeth, ginger haired skinny white boy CAN DANCE?!?" but more like:

"OMG this guy has no fear, no shame and no second thoughts.. just went out there, did his gig and got his mate Pedro a gong for school President.. ARE YOU KIDDING ME, WHERE DID THE GEEK LEARN TO GET MOVES LIKE THAT, TRY HARDER SUMMER, SO YOU THINK NAPOLEON CAN'T DANCE? WELL BOO ON YOU!"

check out Napoleon's dance

I'm still recovering from the joy of the dance.

It's the same soundtrack in Centre Stage, right? whoooaaa.. I reckon Napoleon's dance should be the official ambassador for this song!

This is the kind of movie that instills hope in everyone. Guys, girls and latin americans running for presidency.

If only there is a bit of Napoleon Dynamite in everyone.

The world will be a better place for all the Pedros'.

trivia: according to IMDB, Jon Heder received $1,000 for this role..??

Henry's Crime (Toronto International Film Festival: September 2010)

Will it show in Australia?

If yes, WHEN?

if no, WHY?

I've already been deprived of The Private Lives of Pippa Lee.

Please don't take Henry's Crime away from me!

Key facts:

Principal cast: Keanu Reeves, Vera Farmiga, James Caan

Director: Malcolm Venville

Screenwriter: Sacha Gervasi, David White

Genre: Comedy, Crime.

check out Keanu's cute french message to Anvil from his trailer during the filming of Henry's Crime.

Viva Keanu!!

*Update on The Social Network* (BOO)

On Saturday I borrowed 'The Accidental Billionaires' (by Ben Mezrich) from the local library
Finished it on Monday.
I never finished a book in 3 days. I think my average is 2 months.

As you may have already known, The Social Network is adapted from this fantastic book

Yes, I knew about it when I saw the movie but I was blinded by Fincher's direction and creativity and swayed by the greatness of it all that I didn't think the author played a big part, maybe just an introduction to the idea of a Harvard dude developing facebook.

So I take back what I said about Sorchin. He's not brilliant. Ben Mezrich is the legend behind the success of the movie. He did so much of the research and work, all Sorchin had to do was to dialog the whole thing.
Sorchinism my ass.
The Facemash incident didn't happen that way.
The twins did not approach Mark that way.
Sean Parker had nothing to do with the phrase 'I'm CEO, bitch'
Kelly didn't just burn her present (which wasn't even a scarf), she burnt down the whole damn place.
... and what about the Fuck Truck?

At least be true to the book. I don't mind the added character (Erica). But I am not pleased with what you did, Sorchin. Twisting the story.
I am not happy that Ben Mezrich was not credited well enough.
IF this movie scored an award of some sort (yes, the Oscars are approaching) and no mention is made about Ben Mezrich I am going to be pissed as.

I think, regardless, I already am.