Something Borrowed

Halfway or towards the end of this movie (seriously, there's not much of a difference), I realise, in a brewing sort of manner, similar to how you prepare stew, something: What is the point of this movie?

For every good, or at least any self-respecting movie, should offer us, the suckers who pay $9.50 after $9.50, a singular effort to connect us to the story.

And so here's my question What is so intriguing about a story of two best pals, Rachel, played by sweetie-pie looking Ginnifer Goodwin, and Darcy, the always sun-kissed Kate Hudson, falling in love with the same guy, Dex, the scarily plastic looking Colin Egglesfield (of god-knows-what-movie-he-acted-in fame)?

For 100 minutes (the movie runs at 112 minutes. I guess that answers when I had the epiphany), I see the meek Rachel giving in to I've-got-my-freak-on Darcy at almost every opportunity, that is, until mousey Rachel decides to fight for the man that is supposed to be hers in the first place. You see, Darcy and Dex are happily getting hitched, until a couple of beers and truths threatens to destroy the unison.

I hate to continue because I equally hate to lose my already pathetic number of readers (if any). Would you want me to continue writing something so mundane as this?

While this scenario is pretty realistic and commendable - I guess this is highly possible in real life - it fails to engage me as an outsider looking in.

After the movie, I asked the girlfriend: Why Something Borrowed?

She said: "I guess what's meant to be is meant to be. Darcy is only 'borrowing' Dex from Rachel."

Excellent answer, I thought. Because I was guessing whether the movie is going to return me the 112 minutes I've invested.

The Hangover Part 2 (2011)

I was taught not to lead with a question. But I can't help but ask: what's the difference between The Hangover and its successor?

There are none apparently. Zilch.

Yeah, yeah. Why change the shape of a wheel right?  Especially after the overwhelming success of The Hangover, it's easy and very tempting to stick with the formula of alcohol, mayhem, sex and amnesia. Well, what director, Todd Phillips, didn't realise was that while the concept of the original movie was a novelty two years ago, we are living in a world that change is the only constant (pardon me, it just popped out ).

The world moves on. The wolfpack didn't. Next movie please.

I'm back...

with a new name, new layout and new perspective. Let's hope it lasts =)

The Single Man (2009)

The pain of a man.

It is something many men don't show. Something too personal, something too revealing, something that is related to weakness; especially in today's society. Men simply don't acknowledge pain, until Colin Firth demonstrates how easy it is for men to fall apart.

Firth plays George, a professor who is still mourning over the death of his partner of 16 years, Jim. The story tells the unfolding of a day that George would ultimately take his own life. What happen if you plan your own demise?

Everything is magnified.

The cigarette burns with a purpose; the eyes dilate to let us into another world; the dinner with an old friend tastes heartier.

Such is the mundanity of George's last few moments. But they magnify his solitude, his yearning for company. Director Tom Ford manages to delve into George's world and create cinematography that is so vivid, that we are staring right at the character's anguish. And like his tailored suits, George's pain is immaculate.

Stripped bare, there's pain in everyone of us.

4/5

The Twilight Saga New Moon (2009)

First and foremost, let me make things clear. I am not envious of Robert Pattinson's "blue steel" stare and I am not insulted by the ridiculously ripped body of Taylor Lautner. No, these are not the reasons for giving this movie a pathetic one star. No, I will not let these reasons get into my head. I refuse to. Like how the film makers refuse to make this into a movie. Who can blame them? They already know that this movie will be a monster hit regardless of the bad acting, cheesy dialogue, slow pacing and a nonexistent direction. Girls will still be wooed and they will still sink their teeth into the next sequel. So why do I still watch this movie? Let’s just say that I’m an obedient boyfriend.

The Informant! (2009)

'!' included.

The Informant! stars Matt Damon as Mark Whitacre, a toupee wearing employee of agriculture company, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM). Vice president of ADM by elect, whisteblower by choice, this movie tells the tale of illegal of price fixing and (many) other dirty little secrets.

Ok, what can be so interesting with such a straightforward story of commercial fraud? Well, if you include a campy soundtrack, interesting character development (Well done Matt Damon, from Bourne to bumble with ease), an excellent supporting cast (never knew the FBI can be funny), great cinematography (Kudos to Steven Soderbergh) and tight pacing, The Informant! is indeed an engaging and humourous film. And not to mention the nitty gritty details like the bubblegum inspired typeface and Whitacre's monologue that , while being inane, adds a critical facet to his character and an extra dimension to this movie.

That's it for the review.But there's something else you should know.

I seldom give 4 stars to a movie.

Paranormal Activity (2009)

What happens when you sleep?

It’s a rare occurrence that I find it hard to open my eyes in the theatre. I’m a self-proclaimed movie buff. It should be in my ability to embrace all movies right? I’m afraid not this time.

You should know what I’m talking about. No, it’s not Darah (that made my eyes roll though). Yes, it’s Paranormal Activity-the most anticipated horror flick of 2009. This Blair Witch inspired movie brings us closer to the protagonists, Micah and Katie, who unfortunately had a brush with some evil entity. Convinced that she was being harassed by a demon, Micah, her loving but sometimes insensitive (aren’t we all?) boyfriend, bought a video camera to record what happened while they were sleeping. Results aren’t satisfying, to say the least.

The tension plays an integral part in this highly profitable movie. Once night falls, all hell breaks loose and the suspense is unbearable; is the door going to slam? What the hell is that? Throughout the show, you will feel that you are right there in the room, beside Katie, experiencing the terror. After 86 minutes, I’m thinking which will be worse; the ability to see ‘it’ or just getting freaked out by the invisible. All I can say is that the power of our imagination is not to be trifled with.

What happens when you sleep? You wouldn’t want to know.