The Equalizer - Review (2014)

"If you love Denzel Washington you will love this movie" but seriously. who doesn't love him? espcially in action movie. He always nails it.

And The Equalizer is undeniably fun. It's one of those thrillers that begins moody and atmospheric, and then decides it would be more fun to see how many people can be dispatched with nail guns. As Teri, Chloe Grace Moretz (Kick Ass, Carrie) forgoes the sarcastic strategy Jodie Foster used as a teenage hooker in Scorsese's Taxi Driver. Teri is arguably much more frightened of her violent handlers, and is less given to false bravado as result. And even though her character really amounts to little more than a glorified supporting part after she is sent away, she is a great deal of fun to watch, and she holds her own more than capably against Denzel Washington. The habit of extended cameos in The Equalizer is even more extreme in the case of Melissa Leo as Robert's former CIA contact, who pops up to give a vital piece of information on the evil mobster, and to tentatively tiptoe around the subject of his wife, while offering a small measure of comfort.

The acting was great, both from the protagonist and the antagonist. Not that the acting had to be that great because this was an action movie after all, but it's always better when the actors give a good performance. The directing and cinematography was wonderful too. The director, Antoine Fuqua, who also directed Training Day, masterfully worked the action scenes with well timed slow motion and soundless shots. Even the musical score for the climax was enough to draw you in.

The entire movie boils down to Denzel Washington playing Robert McCall, a retired agent that has incredible skills. He played the quintessential hit man/assassin. The film gives a satisfying climax and the action is well choreographed.

Anyway if you are uncomfortable with on-screen gruesome violent fights, then in that case it's probably not advisable to watch this film. However, please keep in mind that these people (the mafia characters the actors portrayed) are not considered as humans, but merciless scumbags. They treat women as nothing other than sexual objects for money, willing to kill anyone without hesitation or remorse, thinking they're high and mighty and forcibly exert authority and influence over others. In the film, McCall gave them a choice beforehand, but they choose to belittle him instead. So, violence was necessary and they've got exactly what they deserve. To be honest, I don't feel sorry for them at all. THAT IS THE PART I HATE THE MOST ABOUT THIS MOVIE.

This is not the best Denzel movie, but you should watch it. I highly recommend it.

My Rating : 7.5/10
IMDB : 7.6/10
Metarcritics : 57/100
Rotten Tomatoes : 61%

2015 Oscar Prediction - Best Director

After I made my random and "Sok Tau" Prediction about the best picture for next year Oscar Contender I'm going to make best Director release. because best picture won't happen with the director right? Here are my predictions for the Best Director prize at next year's Oscars, which could see previous nominees Paul Thomas Anderson, David Fincher, Mike Leigh, Rob Marshall, Bennett Miller, Alejandro González Iñárritu and Christopher Nolan factor into a race full of potential newbies. JC Chandor, Tim Burton, Richard Linklater (who looks like safest call at this point), James Marsh, Angelina Jolie, Wes Anderson have got Oscar love in other categories, but never here. All kind of shocking in a few cases, for sure...

But that all aside, who's in the lead? It's hard to tell given we haven't seen so many films, though even at this point it's hard to imagine Linklater and Iñárritu not factoring into this race, and all eyes are definitely on Jolie to become the first female nominee since Kathryn Bigelow won five years ago.

The Safe Bet
1. Richard Linklater, "Boyhood"
2. Alejandro González Iñárritu, "Birdman"

Hasn't released yet but they look strong
3. David Fincher, "Gone Girl"
4. Angelina Jolie, "Unbroken"
5. David Ayer, "Fury"
6. Christopher Nolan, "Interstellar"
7. Paul Thomas Anderson, "Inherent Vice"

Next on my list
8. Wes Anderson, "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
9. Mike Leigh, "Mr. Turner"
10. Bennett Miller, "Foxcatcher"
11. James Marsh, "Theory of Everything"
12. Morten Tyldum, "The Imitation Game"

Sounds good
13. Ana DuVernay, "Selma"
14. JC Chandor, "A Most Violent Year"
15. Tim Burton, "Big Eyes"
16. Clint Eastwood, "American Sniper"
17. Rob Marshall, "Into The Woods"

Dark Horses
18. Damien Chazelle, "Whiplash"
19. Jean-Marc Vallée, "Wild"
20. Jon Stewart, "Rosewater"

The Maze Runner Rewiew (2014)

I know it's been a very long time since I posted anything or even anything about movie review. And last week i watched this movie. Finally, you don;t know how excited I am for this movie. I was afraid this movie will be another flop with the post apocalypse theme and all. but thank;s God they do good at box office and critics.

The appeal of the The Maze Runner for its billion dollar genre is how straightforward everything it seems. It (thankfully) doesn't begin with a voice-over narration, because indeed it's another high concept that designs a world as a mind-bending game. The film already faults for spilling too much rules and details, but when things starts actually moving, the action becomes marvelous, with large scaled, suspense driven set pieces that easily makes it worth the price admission. The worst of it however is when it finally unfolds all of the hidden secrets, compromising much of the potential of this ride. Still, it's pretty hard to deny the excitement of the experience alone. Treating it as another solid action film might be enough for a while.

The Rover (2014)

I'm curious about this movie, this movie was one of the movie that got good reviews and buzz, maybe because the former Edward Cullen was here. I was Twilight fam, eventhought O'm more Kristen Stewart fan. But i;m curious about those big franchise actors after the franchise is over. Daniel Radcliffe did great, Emma Watson is more on working to get critical acclaims, and Ruper Grint he was on Ed Sheeran video clip lol. Keira did an amazing job, Orlando is being Orlando, etc, etc. And now I'm on the watch of Twilight former stars.

So Cannes this year, this movie was made last year, with David Michod directed it (Animal Kingdom) and Guy Pearce (Brad Pitt's look alike with very underrated reviews. Trust me Mr Pearce is amazing actor). Reading the synopsis it feels like Mad Max, the after apocalypse movie based on the dessert on Australia, and the newest Mad Max will release next year.

The story is about the guy who lose everything he once loved, and the only thing he has is his car, and when someone stole it he met the robber. It's very intense story. I can't stand the violence in this movie. It's not my cup of tea, I love drama, but it's too dramatic. my father loves this movie.

By dramatic I don't mean over dramatic. David Michod is very brave to tell this story but IMO there is very little dialogue and I don;t like it. I;m the queen of quoting movies.  Like I said before too many violence, and I think it's unnecessary. This movie has great character (Eric and Rey) it's about their journey, I wish they will stay to it. I love the building characters of Eric and Rey. And how the relationship grow into something. first they are enemy and then they before this awkward partner. The story it self is interesting, not as good as Animal Kingdom but definitely worth watching

Do I like the movie? not really. But it's not my cup of tea. I like the characters more. This movie has good scenery. The story is interesting if you like western post apocalypse movie you should watch this movie.

My rating : 7/10
IMDB : 6.7/10
Metacritics : 64/10
Rottentomatoes : 66%

Sin City : A Dame To Kill For (2014)

First, I don't like a movie with too much violence. I still dont get it why the hell I chose this movie. I could'nt stand 300 and the first Sin City, so yeah when I watched this I bolted and then back again, stupid me I guess. LOL

A Dame to Kill For is the same type of movie as the first, but it is not executed quite as well. It may just be be cause the style lost some of its original appeal, but I thought it didn't live up to its predecessor. With that said, I still thought A Dame to Kill For was a great time at the movies. Everything about it was solid. It continued the action from the first and did not fail to keep me at the edge of my seat. And, Marv was his normal, b.a. self.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (2014)

I watched this movie because my little cousin beg me to accompany him. I don't like the TMNT series, and I don't think something will change my opinion about it. I do love reading reviews before I watch a movie, and I read a lot of bad reviews. That's why i didn't expected this movie to be good or amazing. This movie is for kids, totally for kids just like the last Transformer. Kids will like it, adults will hate it. Back then when I watched Transformer the first time, i really like Michael Bay, he is genius. And ugh, you don't know how much I hate Megan Fox, and I had to sit watching this movie seeing her face as the lead actor. She is the Shia of TMNT. lol

Anyway, I love the turtles, The CGI of the turtles are good. But for the other are blehhh.. Megan Fox is awful in here, not like as if she is good. Sorry, no hating, I know. The story is nothing special, just very normal story. The villain characters are undeveloped. But I love the chemistry between the brothers. And father and sons. It's easy movie, if you want fun and if you want to ask your kids to watch kids movies you should ask you kids, little siblings, or whoever they are to watch this movie. They will enjoy it, and laugh.

The Expendables 3 (2014)

Remember the greatness of 80's action movies? yeah don't expected that. But, if you watch it, sit, and enjoy it you will like The Expendable series just the way they are. Those oldies are still goodies, and the still can kick ass. This last Expendables series is  my favorite of the them all. I watched this because my dad asked us. He loved those old men. He still likes his actors of his decade. This movie was starred by almost those 80's and 90's bad ass movie stars. With the faces of some young actor who really want to be the next big thing. My biggest problem with this movie is not how boring or whatever it is. The problem is they have too many people in this movie, and we can't focused on anyone, week fight scenes, and Jet Li doesn't even fight. ughhh... 

The first 20 minutes of the movie is boring, same story, same old, same old. But then the new casts come and make a little bit different. This movie has great trailer anyway, that's why I will never lose hope on The Expendables series. I'm not the big fan of the action movies to be honest. Hey, I'm a woman. The story is bland. But great action. This is not supposed to be PG-13. But in my theater they have it as D (or adult)

Oh and anyway this movie is all about Stallone, they just name dropped all of the other greatest action stars. Anyway if you want a great action movie with no serious plot this movie is totally for you, but if you expected story. Just don;t go. this is not a bad or amazing movie. But definitely good. They have really cheap CGI tho. I expected a story when I watched this, that's why I'm disappointed. they have good humor and they have new casts and some are not important to be honest.