Tapi.... aku sokong dari jauh saja. hehe
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
MURTABAKK!!!!
For once, not a 'movie-related' post. Just wanna share this very funny video by comedycourt. Thanks to Det. :)
So "Who Wants To Be A Billionaire?"
So "Who Wants To Be A Billionaire?"
Monday, February 25, 2008
And The Oscar Goes To....
....NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. As expected.
I was rooting for There Will Be Blood, but when the Coens got the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, I knew right-off that they would win. Anyhow, TWBB getting the awards for actor(Daniel Day-Lewis) and cinematography(Robert Elswit) is enough for me. And hurrah for Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova for Best Original Song!
Anyway, here's a parody clip of the famous "Milkshake" scene in There Will Be Blood. I dunno about you, but I thought this is pretty freakin hilarious.
Another one. A re-enactment of the scene by Brandon Hardesty.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
SEMPENA OSCAR
UPDATE NOTE: Forgot to insert No.5(Tropa De Elite) in the initial post.
The 80th Academy Awards is on 24th Feb. This is my list of the Top 10 Films of 2007.
10)NO END IN SIGHT by Charles Ferguson
If you want to see what the Bush Administration did to post-war Iraq, or if there's even a slight interest to what's going on over there, you owe it to yourself to see this eye-opening documentary film.
9)SUNSHINE by Danny Boyle
"At the end of time, a moment will come when just one man remains. Then the moment will pass. Man will be gone. There will be nothing to show that we were ever here... but stardust."
I'd say Sci-Fi is my favorite film genre. Not only does Sunshine revived the space sci-fi genre, it's also one of the most visually breathtaking films of the year. The Mercury scene alone made me hold my breath every time. A retread of such sci-fi classics as Alien and 2001:A Space Odyssey, raising philosophical questions as well as dishing out amazing action sequences. It's flawed, sure, but the images in the film stuck with me ever since I saw it. It has kind of grown on me with repeated viewings, to the point that the final 3rd of the movie doesn't bug me that much anymore.
8)NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN by Ethan & Joel Coen
"You can't stop what's coming."
Aaahh arguably America's favorite movie of 2007. For good reasons, too. It's a masterfully directed thriller/western, extremely tense and suspenseful from start to finish. Plus, it's aided with amazing performances by the cast, particularly Javier Bardem. This is the Coens' darkest, most violent and thought-provoking film yet.
7)ZODIAC by David Fincher
"Before I kill you, I'm going to throw your baby out the window."
Part serial killer movie, part police procedural. It could draw up comparison with Memories Of Murder, where the narrative is more on the 'obsession in finding the killer' than 'finding the killer' itself. But what Memories Of Murder don't have is David Fincher's distinct visual presentation. It's not the kind of serial killer movie that wants to bludgeon the audience with senseless violence and cheap scares. It's subtler, more intelligent and calculated than that. The 'chills' creep out from inside; psychologically. The murder at the lake scene is downright the scariest scene in any film of last year. All with nary an ounce of blood in sight. What a travesty that even Norbit got 1 nomination and Zodiac got none.
6) LE SCAPHANDRE ET LE PAPILLON/THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY by Julian Schnabel
"Other than my eye, two things aren't paralyzed, my imagination and my memory."
The movie that makes me feel very grateful to be ALIVE and well. A look of the world from the eyes of a 'dead' body, but a living soul.
5) TROPA DE ELITE/THE ELITE TROOP by Jose Padilha
The Brazillian film that won the Golden Bear for Best Film at the Berlin Film Festival 2008. Tropa De Elite repeats the success of Cidade De Deus, delving into the world of drug trafficking, crime and social crisis in Rio De Jeneiro. It's frenetically paced and the violence depicted makes Cidade De Deus rather tame in comparison. The film focuses on the corruption of the police force, and the BOPE elite troop's role in cleansing the slums of drug trafficking. The squad's methods are indeed questionable, but the situation is not as 'simple' as it seems. Jose Padilha does not strive for simple 'conclusion' towards the issue, and it's open for the audience's own interpretation and judgement. Even if the film's message and sociopolitical debate it conjures up doesn't interest you, it's still is a one heck of an engaging and entertaining film.
4)RATATOUILLE by Brad Bird
"I don't LIKE food, I LOVE it. If I don't LOVE it, I don't SWALLOW."
As simple as the dialogue line above may seems, it actually speaks volumes. A masterpiece from auteur Brad Bird(with the kind of films he's making, he deserves to be called an 'auteur'). A feast for the eyes, heart and soul. It's about a rat who loves to cook, but also an allegory to the filmmaking industry and art in general. In my opinion, Pixar's best outing to date.
3)ONCE by John Carney
"What's the Czech for "Do you love him"?"
Made with only $150,000(about RM500,000!), and grossed more than $9million in limited release in the US. Once is the surprise hit of the year, loved by both critics and audiences. This is the definitive example that you can make an excellent film without millions of dollars in budget. All you actually need is heart, honesty and talent. Malaysian filmmakers should take note! And what's more commendable is the central theme of its 'love story'. Which is 'love without physical contact'. I'd say it's even more 'sopan' than our own local romance films. Quoted from Steven Spielberg himself,"A little movie called Once gave me enough inspiration to last the rest of the year’.". Hear, hear!
2)THERE WILL BE BLOOD by Paul Thomas Anderson
"I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE!!"
God how I've waited so long to watch this film. The very idea of Paul Thomas Anderson working together with the legendary Daniel Day Lewis is enough to make film buffs wet their pants. It's the 'dream team'. One is the best film director below 40 and the other is the very definition of an "actor". There Will Be Blood further cements Daniel Day Lewis' status as the greatest living actor. They should just hand over the Oscar to him. His amazing performance was only rivalled by Paul Thomas Anderson's cinematic genius. PTA is basically the "other star" of the movie and it would be great if he gets the coveted Best Director Oscar. This is one film for the ages, though I think it would divide viewers considering it's rather unconventional filmmaking. In basic term it's kinda weird. Film lovers would marvel at it for years to come, but regular movie-goers may end up scratching their heads trying to catch the subtle display of 'genius' inherent in it. Maybe it's too "smart" for its own good. Now I feel another viewing is in order to fully savor the awesomeness of There Will Be Blood.
1)THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD by Andrew Dominik
"Can't figure it out: do you want to be like me or do you want to BE me?"
I'm not really sure which one to choose, between this and There Will Be Blood. On a different day maybe I'll put There Will Be Blood. Nevertheless, both are fantastic films in their own rights. The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford is a profound cinematic experience. It's beautifully poetic, thought-provoking and emotionally investing. It excels in every aspect of filmmaking. Be it the acting, cinematography, direction, etc. It's a wonder that the film didn't get the recognition it deserves(in the Oscars). Also, the film boasts Brad Pitt's best performance to date. However, it is Casey Affleck that dominates the acting department. It's not only a wondrous achievement in the visual/technical sense, but also in its attention to character development. Robert Ford is both a detestful and a sympathetic persona. And Jesse James, as ruthless as he may seem, is enigmatic and hopelessly caught in an inner turmoil;that I 'feel' for him. And thus makes the inevitable outcome all the more saddening, for both party. This is truly one of the highlights for films of this decade, and one of the best 'Western' film ever made.
Honorable Mentions:
Haru Biru, Mukhsin, 4 Months 3 Weeks And 2 Days, Knocked Up, Juno, Michael Clayton, Darfur:The Devil Came On Horseback, Redacted, Hot Fuzz, Superbad, In The Valley Of Elah, 12:08 East Of Bucharest, The Bourne Ultimatum, Sicko, Gone Baby Gone, Rescue Dawn, Eastern Promises, I Don't Want To Sleep Alone, Bridge To Terabithia, Death Proof, The King Of Kong:A Fistful Of Quarters
The 80th Academy Awards is on 24th Feb. This is my list of the Top 10 Films of 2007.
10)NO END IN SIGHT by Charles Ferguson
If you want to see what the Bush Administration did to post-war Iraq, or if there's even a slight interest to what's going on over there, you owe it to yourself to see this eye-opening documentary film.
9)SUNSHINE by Danny Boyle
"At the end of time, a moment will come when just one man remains. Then the moment will pass. Man will be gone. There will be nothing to show that we were ever here... but stardust."
I'd say Sci-Fi is my favorite film genre. Not only does Sunshine revived the space sci-fi genre, it's also one of the most visually breathtaking films of the year. The Mercury scene alone made me hold my breath every time. A retread of such sci-fi classics as Alien and 2001:A Space Odyssey, raising philosophical questions as well as dishing out amazing action sequences. It's flawed, sure, but the images in the film stuck with me ever since I saw it. It has kind of grown on me with repeated viewings, to the point that the final 3rd of the movie doesn't bug me that much anymore.
8)NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN by Ethan & Joel Coen
"You can't stop what's coming."
Aaahh arguably America's favorite movie of 2007. For good reasons, too. It's a masterfully directed thriller/western, extremely tense and suspenseful from start to finish. Plus, it's aided with amazing performances by the cast, particularly Javier Bardem. This is the Coens' darkest, most violent and thought-provoking film yet.
7)ZODIAC by David Fincher
"Before I kill you, I'm going to throw your baby out the window."
Part serial killer movie, part police procedural. It could draw up comparison with Memories Of Murder, where the narrative is more on the 'obsession in finding the killer' than 'finding the killer' itself. But what Memories Of Murder don't have is David Fincher's distinct visual presentation. It's not the kind of serial killer movie that wants to bludgeon the audience with senseless violence and cheap scares. It's subtler, more intelligent and calculated than that. The 'chills' creep out from inside; psychologically. The murder at the lake scene is downright the scariest scene in any film of last year. All with nary an ounce of blood in sight. What a travesty that even Norbit got 1 nomination and Zodiac got none.
6) LE SCAPHANDRE ET LE PAPILLON/THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY by Julian Schnabel
"Other than my eye, two things aren't paralyzed, my imagination and my memory."
The movie that makes me feel very grateful to be ALIVE and well. A look of the world from the eyes of a 'dead' body, but a living soul.
5) TROPA DE ELITE/THE ELITE TROOP by Jose Padilha
The Brazillian film that won the Golden Bear for Best Film at the Berlin Film Festival 2008. Tropa De Elite repeats the success of Cidade De Deus, delving into the world of drug trafficking, crime and social crisis in Rio De Jeneiro. It's frenetically paced and the violence depicted makes Cidade De Deus rather tame in comparison. The film focuses on the corruption of the police force, and the BOPE elite troop's role in cleansing the slums of drug trafficking. The squad's methods are indeed questionable, but the situation is not as 'simple' as it seems. Jose Padilha does not strive for simple 'conclusion' towards the issue, and it's open for the audience's own interpretation and judgement. Even if the film's message and sociopolitical debate it conjures up doesn't interest you, it's still is a one heck of an engaging and entertaining film.
4)RATATOUILLE by Brad Bird
"I don't LIKE food, I LOVE it. If I don't LOVE it, I don't SWALLOW."
As simple as the dialogue line above may seems, it actually speaks volumes. A masterpiece from auteur Brad Bird(with the kind of films he's making, he deserves to be called an 'auteur'). A feast for the eyes, heart and soul. It's about a rat who loves to cook, but also an allegory to the filmmaking industry and art in general. In my opinion, Pixar's best outing to date.
3)ONCE by John Carney
"What's the Czech for "Do you love him"?"
Made with only $150,000(about RM500,000!), and grossed more than $9million in limited release in the US. Once is the surprise hit of the year, loved by both critics and audiences. This is the definitive example that you can make an excellent film without millions of dollars in budget. All you actually need is heart, honesty and talent. Malaysian filmmakers should take note! And what's more commendable is the central theme of its 'love story'. Which is 'love without physical contact'. I'd say it's even more 'sopan' than our own local romance films. Quoted from Steven Spielberg himself,"A little movie called Once gave me enough inspiration to last the rest of the year’.". Hear, hear!
2)THERE WILL BE BLOOD by Paul Thomas Anderson
"I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE!!"
God how I've waited so long to watch this film. The very idea of Paul Thomas Anderson working together with the legendary Daniel Day Lewis is enough to make film buffs wet their pants. It's the 'dream team'. One is the best film director below 40 and the other is the very definition of an "actor". There Will Be Blood further cements Daniel Day Lewis' status as the greatest living actor. They should just hand over the Oscar to him. His amazing performance was only rivalled by Paul Thomas Anderson's cinematic genius. PTA is basically the "other star" of the movie and it would be great if he gets the coveted Best Director Oscar. This is one film for the ages, though I think it would divide viewers considering it's rather unconventional filmmaking. In basic term it's kinda weird. Film lovers would marvel at it for years to come, but regular movie-goers may end up scratching their heads trying to catch the subtle display of 'genius' inherent in it. Maybe it's too "smart" for its own good. Now I feel another viewing is in order to fully savor the awesomeness of There Will Be Blood.
1)THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD by Andrew Dominik
"Can't figure it out: do you want to be like me or do you want to BE me?"
I'm not really sure which one to choose, between this and There Will Be Blood. On a different day maybe I'll put There Will Be Blood. Nevertheless, both are fantastic films in their own rights. The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford is a profound cinematic experience. It's beautifully poetic, thought-provoking and emotionally investing. It excels in every aspect of filmmaking. Be it the acting, cinematography, direction, etc. It's a wonder that the film didn't get the recognition it deserves(in the Oscars). Also, the film boasts Brad Pitt's best performance to date. However, it is Casey Affleck that dominates the acting department. It's not only a wondrous achievement in the visual/technical sense, but also in its attention to character development. Robert Ford is both a detestful and a sympathetic persona. And Jesse James, as ruthless as he may seem, is enigmatic and hopelessly caught in an inner turmoil;that I 'feel' for him. And thus makes the inevitable outcome all the more saddening, for both party. This is truly one of the highlights for films of this decade, and one of the best 'Western' film ever made.
Honorable Mentions:
Haru Biru, Mukhsin, 4 Months 3 Weeks And 2 Days, Knocked Up, Juno, Michael Clayton, Darfur:The Devil Came On Horseback, Redacted, Hot Fuzz, Superbad, In The Valley Of Elah, 12:08 East Of Bucharest, The Bourne Ultimatum, Sicko, Gone Baby Gone, Rescue Dawn, Eastern Promises, I Don't Want To Sleep Alone, Bridge To Terabithia, Death Proof, The King Of Kong:A Fistful Of Quarters
Monday, January 28, 2008
Rather Lovely Thing
THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD (Andrew Dominik, 2007)
Aku malas nak tulis rebiu betul-betul. "Writer's block", orang kata. Tapi aku kena promo jugak filem ini. Sebab jarang sekali kita dapat satu filem yang 'sempurna', yang merempuh dinding keempat, dan pada akhirnya 'meletup' dengan hebat macam supernova. Kalau suka Terrence Malick, kau mesti akan suka gila filem ini. Malah, aku rasa Andrew Dominik telah hasilkan "filem Malick" yang lebih baik daripada Malick sendiri. Sangat mengagumkan memandangkan ini hanya filem ke-2 dia, tapi dah macam orang yang dah berpuluh tahun mengarah filem. Aku tak dapat jumpa apa-apa yang cacat dari perspektif yang objektif, dan secara subjektifnya memang jiwa filemi ni secocok dengan jiwa aku. Nah, markah sempurna aku bagi. Bravo!
5/5
Aku malas nak tulis rebiu betul-betul. "Writer's block", orang kata. Tapi aku kena promo jugak filem ini. Sebab jarang sekali kita dapat satu filem yang 'sempurna', yang merempuh dinding keempat, dan pada akhirnya 'meletup' dengan hebat macam supernova. Kalau suka Terrence Malick, kau mesti akan suka gila filem ini. Malah, aku rasa Andrew Dominik telah hasilkan "filem Malick" yang lebih baik daripada Malick sendiri. Sangat mengagumkan memandangkan ini hanya filem ke-2 dia, tapi dah macam orang yang dah berpuluh tahun mengarah filem. Aku tak dapat jumpa apa-apa yang cacat dari perspektif yang objektif, dan secara subjektifnya memang jiwa filemi ni secocok dengan jiwa aku. Nah, markah sempurna aku bagi. Bravo!
5/5
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
HEATH LEDGER DEAD
LINK------>http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/22/heath.ledger.dead/index.html
What a shocking tragedy. Perhaps his final role as THE JOKER in THE DARK KNIGHT was his best performance ever
Monday, January 14, 2008
'Honest To Blog'
JUNO(Jason Reitman, 2007)
It's the 'indie movie of the year', like Little Miss Sunshine was in 2006. A hip, witty and smart comedy starring the very talented Ellen Page(Hard Candy, X-Men 3). Sometimes the script seems to try too hard to be 'zippy' and 'hip'(then again, so does Tarantino and Kevin Smith), but thanks to Ellen Page's delivery it all seems natural. Juno is a kind of movie that is so energetic and charming that you just hate to see it ends.
4.5/5
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN(Joel & Ethan Coen, 2007)
"What's he supposed to be? The ultimate bad-ass?"
Llewelyn Moss, regarding Anton Chigurh. Yes, that's the characters' names.
I couldn't help but hold my breath everytime Anton Chigurh, played by the great Javier Bardem, is on screen. Just to look at his emotionless, and merciless face is terrifying enough. He'll definitely go down in history as one of the greatest villain ever put on film. Up there with Hannibal Lecter.
It's pretty much already a fact that the Coen Brothers' latest offering is their best film since Fargo. Some may even claim it to be their best. It has everything that you would come to expect from the Coen Brothers, and more. Humor, suspense, and violence are so subtly meshed together without leaving out hints of 'humanity'. Personally I'd rather let it breathe a little bit. Wait about a year or so before claiming it a 'masterpiece'. But as it stands now, No Country For Old Men is close to it. A perfectly orchestrated thriller, that has a lot going on underneath. It wouldn't beat Once(that currently sits on the top of my soon-to-be Top 10 of 2007;after I see There Will Be Blood), but it'll probably be amongst my top 5.
4.5/5
NO END IN SIGHT(Charles Ferguson, 2007)
The best documentary film of 2007, and to me the most 'important' film of the year. No End In Sight chronicles the days after the fall of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, and reveals the ramifications caused by the incompetence and recklessness of the US policy that leads to Iraq's descent into anarchy. It's utterly jaw-dropping to see how much damage the American invasion has caused, and how such evil could even exist. The truth is, as has always been suspected, the Bush administration have no interest whatsoever to rebuild post-war Iraq. They couldn't care less. Add that with the on-going civil war in the region, there really seems to be no end in sight.
4.5/5
It's the 'indie movie of the year', like Little Miss Sunshine was in 2006. A hip, witty and smart comedy starring the very talented Ellen Page(Hard Candy, X-Men 3). Sometimes the script seems to try too hard to be 'zippy' and 'hip'(then again, so does Tarantino and Kevin Smith), but thanks to Ellen Page's delivery it all seems natural. Juno is a kind of movie that is so energetic and charming that you just hate to see it ends.
4.5/5
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN(Joel & Ethan Coen, 2007)
"What's he supposed to be? The ultimate bad-ass?"
Llewelyn Moss, regarding Anton Chigurh. Yes, that's the characters' names.
I couldn't help but hold my breath everytime Anton Chigurh, played by the great Javier Bardem, is on screen. Just to look at his emotionless, and merciless face is terrifying enough. He'll definitely go down in history as one of the greatest villain ever put on film. Up there with Hannibal Lecter.
It's pretty much already a fact that the Coen Brothers' latest offering is their best film since Fargo. Some may even claim it to be their best. It has everything that you would come to expect from the Coen Brothers, and more. Humor, suspense, and violence are so subtly meshed together without leaving out hints of 'humanity'. Personally I'd rather let it breathe a little bit. Wait about a year or so before claiming it a 'masterpiece'. But as it stands now, No Country For Old Men is close to it. A perfectly orchestrated thriller, that has a lot going on underneath. It wouldn't beat Once(that currently sits on the top of my soon-to-be Top 10 of 2007;after I see There Will Be Blood), but it'll probably be amongst my top 5.
4.5/5
NO END IN SIGHT(Charles Ferguson, 2007)
The best documentary film of 2007, and to me the most 'important' film of the year. No End In Sight chronicles the days after the fall of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, and reveals the ramifications caused by the incompetence and recklessness of the US policy that leads to Iraq's descent into anarchy. It's utterly jaw-dropping to see how much damage the American invasion has caused, and how such evil could even exist. The truth is, as has always been suspected, the Bush administration have no interest whatsoever to rebuild post-war Iraq. They couldn't care less. Add that with the on-going civil war in the region, there really seems to be no end in sight.4.5/5
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