Powered by Blogger.
RSS

Lawrence Kasdan To Write Star Wars Boba Fett Spin-Off Film

04:56 | Labels:



Any Star Wars fan will definitely know Boba Fett the Bounty Hunter. Whether you first see him in the original trilogy or the prequel trilogy, it doesn't matter. Ever since his debut in The Empire Strikes Back, the armour clad hunter has garnered massive likings and fans from around the world. Many has demanded that a Boba Fett spin-off film to be released for years, and with recent Disney acquisition of Lucasfilm and Episode VII to begin production soon this year it seems that a spin-off is more possible than ever.

Lawrence Kasdan previously worked on The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi and is currently working with J.J. Abrams on Episode VII. In a recent podcast episode of AMC Movie News, director Jon Schnepp dropped the bomb that a spin-off is indeed happening and a Star Wars legend is behind the creative process.

“I know they haven’t announced it, but one of them is Boba Fett,” Schnepp said on AMC Movie Talk. “I know. I know for a fact. Sorry, I will never reveal my source, but it is the one written by Lawrence Kasdan.”

Terrific news indeed. If you're like me and love the way the original trilogy's story is written then all hopes will be high for a great Boba Fett film that will quench the thirst of fans.

Source: Flicksided

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read User's Comments(0)
Posted by Unknown

Rush Review

04:52 | Labels:




Directed by: Ron Howard
Casts: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia Wilde
Genre: Action, Biography, Drama
Release Date: 27 September 2013

James Hunt and Niki Lauda's fierce competition in the 1976 Formula One Season is well orchestrated in the epic biopic Rush, starring Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl as Hunt and Lauda respectively. It tells the story of the two racers' dreams, struggles and competitive spirit even in the face of death; Hunt is a talented English playboy while Lauda is a brilliant Austrian technical strategist who's differences morph into strong rivalry as both aim for the title of World Champion.

Praise: Let me get this straight: I wasn't particularly a F1 racing fan nor do I have any prior knowledge on Hunt/Lauda's history as racers before watching this film. However, I found myself immediately captivated by the ever-presence rivalry between the two on screen. The story of their competition is exciting, well paced and presented in such endearing manner with enough jolt of thrill and adrenaline. Even the lives of the racers off track are told vividly, with just the right dose of drama to explain the essence of their individual believes and charisma.

The cinematography is excellent, particularly the racing scenes. Everything is captured with such breathtaking beauty; each angle and frame deliver perfect tension as the cars overtake each other with speed and grease. No nonsensical CGI are used so as to further fixate audience on the 70's period in which the drama took place. The 1976 Japan Formula One set in which the final race was held is illustrated ominously but so ever beautiful, the ever-presence grim atmosphere setting the perfect climatic centre-stage.

This is, in my opinion, Chris Hemsworth's best performance yet. The actor is able to bring such swift expressions and mannerisms on screen; his accent is music to the ears and natural acting highly convincing. This all makes for an authentic James Hunt, worthy of awards. Daniel Brühl too is impressive, his incredible gift in acting cultivate in a Niki Lauda that we can hate, love and feel for at the same time. The two actors share little screen time together, but nonetheless develop a strong, fierce, funny and emotional relationship as Hunt and Lauda; this relationship carries and piece together the film as whole. Several other casts such as Olivia Wilde and Alexandra Maria Lara played their role well in shaping Hunt and Lauda as human being and not just racers.

Director Ron Howard certainly outdone expectations of many with Rush. He established the direction of the film and then hands it over to the actors to guide it to glory.

Complains: There tends to be too much technical terms used in racing throughout the film, and as someone that is not familiar with the industry I tend to get a bit lost from time to time.

Rating: 9.1/10
Hit or Miss: As far as biopic goes, this is an honest interpretation of sports drama without gagging Hollywood-like cliché intervention. The film tells the story and gets the job done without much fanfare. The best biopic I have seen for a very long time. Even novice to the F1 sport like myself is thoroughly thrilled. Hit.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read User's Comments(0)
Posted by Unknown

Paul Walker's Character to "Retire" in Fast & Furious 7

04:47 | Labels:




It is recently announced that Universal Studios, director James Wan and writer Chris Morgan has come to a sounding conclusion to retire the character of Brian O'Conner in the upcoming Fast 7.

Rest assure, O'Conner will not be killed off in the film. Tweaks and adjustments will be made to the script so that existing footages containing Walker can still be used. However, changes will be in such a way that the character can exit the show without dying and hopefully will satisfy the fans.

Only half of the film was shot when Paul Walker's tragic accident took place and production was halted indefinitely until a decision can be made. Release date of the film have also been pushed to April 10, 2015. 

Source: IGN

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read User's Comments(0)
Posted by Unknown

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Rumoured as Green Lantern in "Batman vs Superman"

04:22 | Labels:





Surprise! This may be nothing more than just misdirected gas, but Peter Georgiou from Think McFly Think recently tweeted a rumour that Dwayne Johnson, better known as "The Rock" to fans, could possibly don the ring of Green Lantern in the upcoming "Superman vs Batman" film that is expected to begin production this year. Georgiou stated that it was a rumour passed to him from behind the scenes of the industry.

Ever since the announcement of the project and the casting of Ben Affleck as the new Bruce Wayne, the hype of who's next on the casting list has been going endlessly. With Gal Gadot being the new Wonder Woman and Vin Diesel as Groot in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, perhaps the Fast and Furious star decided it's high time he join in to the superhero franchise as well.

At some point earlier, Denzel Washington was also rumoured to be up for the Green Lantern role. Both speculations could all melt down to nothing but it seems likely that Green Lantern will be in the yet untitled Superman vs Batman film, and further enforced the possibility of a Justice League film.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson can be seen in the upcoming Hercules: The Thracian Wars.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read User's Comments(0)
Posted by Unknown

47 Ronin Review

04:17 | Labels:





Directed by: Carl Rinsch
Casts: Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Rinko Kikuchi
Genre: Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Drama
Release Date: 25 December 2013

47 Ronin sees Keanu Reeves leading a set of international casts in a fictionalised adaptation on one of Japan's most famous tales on bravery and loyalty. After Lord Asano, the overlord of Ako Domain in ancient Japan was framed and commanded to commit seppuku for attempted assassination on master of ceremonies Lord Kira, his now master-less samurais (ronin) gather together to plot revenge and gain justice for their fallen master. Kai (Reeves), an outcast for his entire life, decided to join the ronin not only to avenge the man who once saved his life but also to protect the one person he love most.

Praise: Despite being a Hollywood production, the set and costumes design maintained enough Japanese elements to give a sense of authenticity to its ancient feudal Japan backdrop. The special effects are neat and non-excessive, along with some impressive make ups that pretty much reminded me of the first Mortal Kombat film (aside from the fact that Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa playing as the Shogun, oddly maintaining the same authoritative notion as Tsang Tsung.). Oh and of course, watching Rinko Kikuchi as a seductive sorceress is always a plus point.

Complains: Now, where do I start....? The plot and narrative is horrendous. Despite being a fictionalised fantasy account of the 47 ronin, the film progressed in such a flat pace, completely void of excitement and adrenaline. Instead, it is full of cheesy, cliché dialogues that it became so hard to sit through the entire film without losing focus. In addition, some actions taken by the characters are illogical, even by science-fiction standards.

30 minutes into the film and I am stricken with how one-dimension every character is. There is zero depth and complexity in the characters; everyone is exactly what they came off as. Each role are played with such painful stereotypical portrayal that I have to constantly convince myself that maybe there will be some surprising creativity waiting at the climax, just to keep myself seated until the end. Which of course, there is none either.

One major agony in watching the film is seeing the Japanese actors so out-of-character in almost every scene. Each line spoken seem forced, as though they have no confidence in saying them. It is a fatal flaw to have the Japanese characters interact with each other completely in English rather than their mother tongue. Not only does it look and sound dubious but it also westernised the feeling and experience too much, causing it to lose its Japanese authenticity so carefully built by the sets and costumes. The casts are awesome but I feel that each of them (except Keanu) could not bring out their full acting potential to give off the necessary emotion and impact when conversing fully in English.

While some other disappointing fantasy films have, at the very least, breath-taking climatic fight scenes to compensate and reward you for enduring till the very end, don't count on 47 Ronin for doing just that. The final battle between the characters are simplistic, short and forgettable. It is akin to watching children settling their quarrels in the most unfashionable way imaginable.

Rating: 3/10
Hit or Miss: Unless you derive satisfaction from watching outright dull and unimaginative fantasy films or if you're 10 years old, this film is a must miss. Though you can simply watch it just to see Rinko Kikuchi.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read User's Comments(0)
Posted by Unknown

Don Jon Review

04:10 | Labels:




Directed by: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Casts: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore
Genre: Drama, Romance-Comedy
Release Date: 27 September 2013 

Multi-talented actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt's directorial debut tells the tale of a man dedicated to his family, his friends, his church, his body, his house, the floor mat (whut?) and his porn. It shows how a man fascinated with watching porn got his life turn around after meeting two very special women.

Praise: Having been in several major box-office (Inception, The Dark Knight Rises), Joseph Gordon-Levitt has shown his remarkable talent as a director and screenwriter with Don Jon. Unpredictably funny and emotional, the film redefine how a rom-com flick should be made. By detaching itself from the familiar formula that gives us the jarringly repetitive and predictable films like Ugly Truth and Friends With Benefit, Don Jon wins the stage with a story that felt brutally honest and authentic.

Throughout the film, Joseph Gordon-Levitt demonstrates true flair and style in his performance, commanding immense screen presence. His co-stars Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore moves such suavely in and out the entire film, delivering powerful thought-provoking messages without knocking Joseph Gordon-Levitt off the centre stage. 

While having Julianne Moore decisively made the film better, special shout-out must be given to Scarlett Johansson, whose great acting and passion vibrates reverently to give off in my opinion her best performance yet. The icing on the cake of this great cinema piece is its conclusion, in which it shows that there is more to life than just a happy ending. 

This is, without doubt, my top pick as the best romantic-comedy of 2013.

Complains: Perhaps a little more insight into Scarlett Johansson's character is needed. We get to see why Julianne Moore's character is the way she is but not on the former. Everyone has a reason, we just didn't get to know her's. 

Rating: 7.2/10
Hit or Skip: Though the general audience might not like it, this film is a must hit. Sadly it's not shown in Malaysia cinemas probably for its heavy sexual-oriented contents (why am I not surprised?) but with the internet, all things are possible.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read User's Comments(0)
Posted by Unknown

Prisoners Review

04:07 | Labels:






Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Casts: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Terrence Howard, Paul Dano
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Release Date: 20 September 2013

Often I am taken aback by the never-ending clichés that crime and thriller films tend to offer. Take The Purge for example. The film offers a clever concept but was stripped of much of its merit with the implementation of gagging clichés. Then we have Paranoia with pretty much predictable plot and hero-gets-the-chick-ending. But I was utterly surprised that Prisoners offer none of the aforementioned, instead captivate the audience with gripping emotional complexity and cleverly plotted storyline.

The story revolves around two families' struggles after their daughter was kidnapped without a trace. When the only lead points to Alex Jones (Paul Dano), fathers Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) and Franklin Birch (Terrence Howard) take matters into their own hands when the police failed to get any form of information or confession from him. Unwilling to give up as well, Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) begins to take the case on a personal level, determined to solve the mystery and save the missing girls at all costs.

Praise: The plot is engaging and constantly twisting to keep you tugging the end of your shirt and cringing to know the truth. It is rare to find a plot so "alive" in an abduction film, full of unexpected turns that keeps you interested in the film all the way despite its lengthy 2 and a half hours run.

Prisoners' stellar casts synchronize well with the film's great plot. Never have I seen Hugh Jackman so emotionally vulnerable and exposed on screen. His play of a man struggling to keep his remaining family intact while desperately attempts to locate and rescue her daughter even at the expense of discarding his humanity is Oscar-worthy. Jake Gyllenhaal's take of a detective with a shadowy past is too powerful to overlook. He stands as a man not necessarily bound by values of virtues, constantly fighting his inner demons while at the same time doing everything in his power to bring justice and save the girls. The complexity of his character plays a crucial part in making the experience of watching this film sensational. Paul Dano's performance here elevates the thrill of mystery to a new height, coming off as a man that is in the borderline of creepy and sympathetic. Terrence Howard, Viola Davis, Maria Bello and the rest of the supporting casts each play their role well to give further depth to the film.

Everything is pieced together so well to create a masterpiece - the cinematography, soundtracks, atmosphere and even the creaky and shady buildings. Denis Villeneuve has just proved himself a director to be reckon with.

Complains: Honestly I can't think of anything I don't like about this film.

Rating: 8.9
Hit or Skip: A must hit

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read User's Comments(0)
Posted by Unknown
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)