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Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)
This film is deeply problematic
This isn't the first Spider-Man film starring Tom Holland. So to portray Peter Parker is a bumbling idiot, who is not only gullible and naive, but also exuding poor judgements in character and hand-to-hand combat, is really surprising.
I have always held that Toby McGuire Peter Parker as the standard, especially the second Spider-Man movie director by Sam Raime. Peter Parker has his down moments but he was always competent, skilled in combat and extremely intuitive. Tom Holland's Spider-Man is not only deeply flawed and not someone I would root for. The guy is girl crazy and has his priorities completely screwed. No wonder he was swindled by more than a few characters. Really very out of character for Peter Parker. His spider senses (or Peter Tinkle) somehow disappeared until he willed it back later in the movies. You cannot switch the Spider senses on and off like that. It makes no sense.
There is also another problem area for me: The CGI. OMG, the special effects not only look fake but so rudimentary. You can see the Elementals are fake. I have seen better rendered elements CGI on screen. This is not it.
And there are so many irritating and nonsensical characters in this version, especially Peter Parker's fat friend, Ned Leeds. That is not a good friend. The comedic timing of Batalon (who plays Leeds), is problematic. Very awkward and force. I really would not suggest watching this terrible movie in the cinema. Stream it when it's available. There's time since Phase 4 won't be out anytime soon.
Man of Steel (2013)
Someone needs to teach Kal-El fantastic hand-to-hand combat
I know he is completely new at this but really? This is embarrassing! Seriously, the guy was punched around like a novice. I wince so many times, I just lost faith. Half of the destruction was caused by Supes himself. Urgggggg!
Hate to admit it but Iron Man is still cooler. And I am not a fan of Iron Man. :( I am devastated. Completely disappointed with this version. I am still rooting for DC and Justice league though.
Henry Cavill is absolutely likable and I do wish the script writers had improve the fight scenes in favour of Supes. In the end, the Man of Steel resolved the problem and I was left wondering, "Now why in the world didn't he do that when he had the chance?!" I really pitied the residents of Metropolis and all the crap they had to endure during the invasion. If I were Lex Luthor, I would also want to get rid of MOS. After all, he was the main cause of the invasion.
Very disappointed with this version. Ultimately, the 1978 version is still my favourite. Yes, even with the cheesy Lex Luthor and the dated CGI. It still is the best version. P.S. No Easter Egg in the credits.
Nine (2009)
Those who should be cut stayed while those who shine were cut.
A marginally boring piece that has so many unlikeable characters that there is no one to root for. There were a few saving performances, especially those from Kate Hudson and Nicole Kidman. But Marion Cotillard was a complete bore. She literally put me to sleep. Argggg. No wonder the protagonist, Guido Contini, played by Daniel Day-Lewis, was so inclined to cheat on his wife, played by Cotillard. The woman has absolutely no sparkle, no shine, no zest. It's often been said that it takes two to clap and in this case, the failure of the marriage between Guido and Luisa was the fault of both. I completely disagree with a reviewer who said that Nicole Kidman was unbelievable as a screen goddess. In fact, I felt her performance was genuine and absolutely breathtaking. And the fact that her role was so small yet so memorable, is testament to her star quality. I would only suggest watching this movie on rental so you can watch certain scenes repeatedly. I thoroughly enjoyed Kate Hudson's "Cinema Italiano" performance. What energy. What glamour! Truly a scene stealer. Wished both Kate and Nicole appeared longer. The reason why this film flopped was because of Daniel Day-Lewis and the boring Marion Cotillard. And Penelope Cruz was just as sorry as her role called out to be. I was so relieved that the film ended the way it did.
Di Renjie zhi Tongtian diguo (2010)
A Feast For The Eyes But a Complete Bore till the end
Even if I were to accept the ludicrous ending which offered some obscure bugs as the culprits of the spontaneous combustion of Tang officials, there were still so many plot holes to ignore. In addition, the martial arts sequence was blurry, too-close up to take seriously. We know the actors aren't pugilistic experts and it showed. What they should have done was employ long angle shots to convey a sense of majesty and beauty in the martial arts, but of course they couldn't because the actors were just not as skilled. And the CGI was just so fake. Especially that of Chang'an, the capital city of ancient Tang Dynasty, and the statue of Buddha. Coupled with the lengthy story-line that was so boring, this film is a must avoid-at-all-cost. Consider yourself warned.
Xie (1980)
Interesting marriage of East and West
I watched this when I was a child back in 1980. Recently I got to watch it again and it brought back so many memories. The original premise of the movie is similar to Simone Signoret's Diaboliques, Les (1955) whereby the man is killed by his wife and her maid (in the original French versions, it's between the wife and the mistress). But it's paced faster to include the 2nd part of the story-line.
Once the wife dies, it is revealed that the maid and the husband had been in cahoots all along to drive the wife to her grave. Then things start going bump in the night. Even in broad daylight, various people have claimed to have seen the dead wife.
Thinking that the wife is pulling the same trick on them, the two adulterous villains get ready ready fight back. But they do not realize a 3rd element is at play here.
The part where the scriptures are written all over the naked body of the adulterous "maid" is interesting but overly long. The dead wife manages to pull apart those ears because those are the only parts not covered with scriptures, very much borrowed from vintage Japanese movie.
The ending is a cope out and extremely different from the feel of the opening shots. A real pity too. But since this is a Shaw Brothers movie, the sets are still wonderfully designed and the mood can be quite spooky. That pond is all misty and creepy. But the makeup for the film has not managed to stand the test of time.
If you would like to have a taste of Chinese horror movie from the early 80's, this one is recommended.
The Opposite Sex (1956)
Not as bad as many have claimed.
I have to say I am baffled by the trashing of this film. Are we watching the same movie? I have watched both The Women and The Opposite Sex, all within the span of a week on Turner Classic and though the Women was cleverer, The Opposite Sex was not really in the "Chopped Liver" category either.
Yes, it's true. Given a choice, I would rather watch The Women too.
But the Opposite Sex has adequate acting, women in gorgeous gowns and sticks quite faithfully to the original story-line whereby the 1st Wife gets her revenge against the 2nd wife. Who doesn't love the lucked-out-housewife-wins-the-day-story-line? I know I do.
And I do enjoy looking at Jeff Richards as the hunky singing cowboy, Buck.
If you have the time, why not check it out yourself.
Man cheng jin dai huang jin jia (2006)
A must see film bursting with superb subtle acting.
I just got back from watching the 8.30 pm show at Vivo City Gold Class and I must say I was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable the movie was.
I guess it could have been the bad press with the movie but I was really very impressed with Gong Li and Chow Yun Fat. They are true virtuosos, masters of their fields. Very impressed with the both of them.
Even that Jay Chou wasn't that bad although, although to be honest, he is just too green and inexperienced. He was miscast as the 2nd Prince because of his lack of good looks, but I can see that he tried his best.
But Gong Li, who acted opposite Jay as his mother was superb. Her convulsions (because of a long time illness no spoilers) were realistic.
Her varied range of emotions were a joy to watch. I didn't feel she was acting; you don't see the wheels moving. Chow Yun Fat's Mandarin wasn't that bad too. Not at all. He exudes the strength and power of the ruthless Emperor.
The only person whom I thought over acted was the actor, Ye Liu, who played the Crown Prince. I was not used to his acting. Now with him, you could see him acting.
The action scenes were not a lot since this is more of a political intrigue film BUT the two major action scenes were very impressive.
One happened at a small villa amidst the mountains.
The other is the one at the end which occurred at the Imperial Palace.
The only gripe I have with this film is the set decoration. It is quite garish.
The colors on the pillar walls were like these tie dye t-shirts which Rupert of Survivor wore. Really odd.
The costumes were not too bad. Even with my Chinese background, it was all alien to me.
I am not sure it's authentic but I will give the costumers the benefit of the doubt. They must have done they research to stand by the deep cleavage of the actresses.
Now I know where all the money went to. Though the set decoration can be a bit rainbow-brite for me, it certainly was opulent.
Go watch this film. It is a must see.