THE DANISH GIRL

http://bit.ly/TheDanishGirl_15Webdl

REVIEWED

What awesome acting this film has. Impressed with Eddie Redmayne (Hawkin) and Alicia Vikander (Ex Machinia). Q (James Bond) was also here but in a small role.

Now after seeing this, I stand corrected that AV gave a powerful acting performance than Bree Larson in Room. But on checking IMDB, AV is not in the leading actress category thou she felt like one (as vouched by IMDB) she is competing in the supporting role. Even ER competing as leading actor is argued by IMDB as he should be in the supporting role. Jokingly, he could have been in the supporting actress category !

OK I have said that about AV and so in my opinion is ER as best actor against overrated Leonardo DiCarpio in The Revenant. In the Oscar, Eddie will be competing against Damon, Cranston, Leonardo and Fassbender. I have seen all the films and my bet goes to ER ! Not bias as he already won as S Hawkins last year. Just like Tom Hanks with Philadelphia then Forrest Gump, 2 years in a row. The only argument that I can think of he would not be qualified as he played a woman ! But I think Dustin Hoffman won for Tootsie a number of years ago playing a woman.

Well thats for the oscar now lets talked about the film..

It is loosely based on a true story about one of the first transgender operation and this happened in the 1920s.

My complaint was why not the dog grew bigger as the story progresses. Maybe its a kindda of small dog which I dont think so.

My salute is for someone to have a wife like Greda who stood and support both Einar and Lili.

This is a film with powerful acting. See it also to understand identity crisis.True Oscar material this one.

SHOOTING AT SOCRATES

http://bm.cx/ZDLu

REVIEWED 

Found and watched this movie hoping to be inspired like the sports true story movie I watched before this; "My All American". Its an Irish(?) production and on tight budget. And "old" one too from 2014.

The actors are unknown to me except for the main character as the coach. He appeared in many British movies.

This film is about the Northern Ireland team which made it to World Cup 86 Finals. Only the 2nd time in its history and at that time it was the smallest country playing in the World Cup. Worst, the country was at a civil war between the North and South something to do with religious beliefs. 

Socrates is the name of the Brazilan Captain who himself was a poet and a politician. After watching this movie found out in the closing credits that he had died in 2011 at the young age of 57. Thou he was a doctor (medical practioner) and a sportsman, he smoked right before entering the football field for a match to the shock of the Irish players.He died due to health complicated reasons.

The movie used actual live footage of the world cup only from the distant shots. So you know that Ireland is playing but they are not the team you saw in the movie (played by the actors). Socrates played by some Brazilian actor who was tall (like him), well built (he was skinny) and handsome guy(he was not so much). Not much scenes for his part but just to carry the movie, I guessed.

Theres nothing much to shout about for the movie nor do the achievement of the Northen Ireland football team in the world cup that year. It did not qualify to the next round as it drew 1-1 with Algeria and lost 2-1 with Spain. Their final game (which i hoped to be a historic one which did not) lost to Brazil (you cant change history).

But the morale of the story of how they can advanced into the world cup even if their country is in a turmoil. How the team managed to unite the country North and South to forget about their conflicts and war and be proud for the country in a world game. That to me I forever hope to be for this country. Got all the things in the world but still having a shitty football team.

There is one local film about Malaysia in football currently showing in the cinema "Ole Bola" its more or less about the yesterday team that qualify to the Olympics in Moscow. Looks pretty good and hopefully can find its source and review it here in the near future.

An OK movie this one. See this if you are a fan of the game.

MY ALL AMERICAN

http://bm.cx/sPLu

REVIEWED 

This is a true story on sports personalities. There are plenty of these type of movies that I have seen. But this one is the saddest of em all. How someone so potential strucked with tragedy. The sad thing was Freddie Steinmark was such a good obidient discipline guy with the world right in front of him. He got plans with his girl friend and that how tragic it was.

This movie is straight forward with an interview with a very old coach (Aaron Eckhart). Then the story went back to the 60's on the life of Freddie. No fancy camera works straight forward. For those who love American Football they must enjoyed watching this. Not only for the drama and story unfold but for the football matches. Not overdone like some sports movie but with slow motion used sparingly at some parts of the game. Reading from Wikipedia the final game actually happened the way it was shown even call it the game of the century. 

Freddie was played by an uknown (at least by me). Anyway from imdb he is quite regular in TV series. My remarks for the make up was that the hairs were always nicely combed even when you are in the hospital.

This is both a moving touching drama with equally impressive football matches. Nearly 2 hours long one would be satisfied for the drama and the sports it showed. More impressive that these events actually happened and the people in it existed.

A good well done movie. You wont be inspired by the coach giving motivational and fiery lectures in between halves. But you will be motivated by Freddie for his courage, motivation and spirit.

THE PROGRAM

 

PreREVIEW
Another true story film. Its not about computers but on Lance Armstrong the fallen France Le Tour bicyclist. Its about cancer and how he defeated it.
REVIEWED
Completed watching this movie  which have its moral to ponder.

The gist is, its about Lance Armstrong one of the best bicyclist in the world who struggle to win the Tour De France. Then diagnosed with Cancer. Fight it to recovery. Then make a comeback and won the Tour more times than anybody ever did or ever will at 7 times ! People suspected that he and his teamates uses drugs. But he and his lawyer managed to sue them back and won. Then retire. His biggest mistake was to come back from retirement and only managed 3rd place. Then he was accused again for drug abuse and this time no escpae. So all his winnings were stripped and he become a disgraced. So thats how sad and stupid one can be. If he could have remained retired he could become a legend !

Thru the film it showed how dangerous the sports of cross country cycling can be especially when you are cycling down a hill. 

Dustin Hoffman made his experience a bit short which shoes can be filled by anybody. Hope the film "BoyChoir" which he is in does not disappoint.

But whatever the outcome for LA finally, how he combat and overcome Cancer is remarkable. Even if he had cheated.His comeback was exemplary and inspiration to many people. I also wonder was the drug got him cancer in the first place ? 

TRUTH

 

REVIEWED
This is one film I wont miss as it is a true story and about journalist's courage and integrity. The other movie for 2015 of this kind was Spotlight which after all receive the Spotlight. But not this one even with its many known actors. In the end I might draw my own conclusion as to why that came about.

Seem that this movie escaped the recent Globe Awards radar. No mentioned at all. Thou i havent seen Cate Blanchette performance in Carol which she was nominated as best actress, but I've her here. She's good as always. Not good enough to be nominated ? Thats another question.

Ok here are the array of stars in Truth - Blanchette, Redford, Topher Grace, Quaid, Keach, Greenwood, Mulroney and others. Even that guy who was at the HQ control in Pacific Rim, I thought I saw in this movie.

After you see this movie you tend to relate to what is going on in the real world not only is US but in our country. How the truth is manipulated to become a conspirancy and in the end the brave Journalists are the ones who got kicked in the Ass. Worst for the TV network CBS in this one. A few top executives were asked to resigned, all in the team even the Executive Director (Mary played by CB) got fired and the anchor man (Dan Rather played by Redford) got demoted. In the process it showed that covering the US President's ass is more important than the truth. It is for the record that if the story was aired before the presidential election, Al Gore would have become president because this showed how Bush cheated to be in the National Guard. Then we may not have 911 and Iraq would probably still be under Sadam. The world might be a better place (or a worser kind ?). Mary's personal problem resulted that didnt happen.

There's one acronym that the team shared which was FEA. I thought it was Fear (without the r) but its something else. Click here to know what it is

Its a very good truthful movie that happened in our past that we may know of and would have changed the world if things work the other way round. Sadly we dont have any of these kind of guys here.

LIFE

REVIEWED
This is a very slow story about 2 men who become friends where one is hoping for the other to make their career works. These were about James Dean and his photographer friend Dennis Stock. It happened around 1955 before JD became famous.

Theres no climax or outburst or even comedy in this one. Its OK if you are a fan of James Dean and wanting to know more about his life which could be rather surprising as to what being painted he was about. He was actually a home farm boy who care for his roots. though sloopy and easy going with his way which annoyed his bosses, he was actually not what we thought he was - womaniser, drug addiction et all. The film also tells about his struggle and how hard he wanted to be famous.

Nostalgic in seeing how a picture was taken in those days with Black and White film spooled camera. How the flash require a new bulb after every takes.

This film has a natural scene when JD was with his girl friend (Pier) in one of the scene. No issue of having a bra whilst on bed. Thou the boobs shot was unnecessary guess they want to make it in to make some spice for the film.

This is one of those film where you have 2 British actors playing Americans. One happened to be an icon. But they did it well where you wont know they are not Americans at all

Joel Edgarton is also in this movie. How good he is to look and act differently from his characters in other movies his in. 

As mentioned, this is a very slow movie. Good if you just want to know the man James Dean.

THE 33

True story of 33 miners trapped underground for 69 days

Bigger Screen Cap CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE to download,
PreReview
Beside knowing the real story of the 33 people involved, Antonio Banderas is playing.
First Posted 23nov15
REVIEWED
This is one of the movie in 2015 that  thought I passed but then again decided to see it as it had good reviews. Also because I dont see much TV downloads like before.

This is based on the true story of how 33 miners got trapped in a gold mine in Chile. If wondering what is actually true and what are not just refer to IMDB trivias about the movie. BTW this film was directed by a lady director. The 2nd last movie score for James Horner (who did Titanic).

All survived in 69 days and without any aid for 1/2 of that time is a feat. One can think of how discipline the miners must be, respect one another and respect their leader's decision. In this case the leader is not JD Phillip who was the supervisor in the film. And that is an impressive and inspired record indeed. No need to resort to forced canibalism like Heart of the Sea did. But then it would be even worst to stuck on a boat for nearly the same duration of time. Imagine the dehydration and heat that can do to ones body. But lets talk about The 33.

Thou the film has its strength and can hold one's concentration it also has its weaknesses.

First the actors physique dd not trim down so well after "starving" for nearly 2 months. Banderas and especially JD Phillips has still got muscle when they were rescued.

Second they didnt look "homeless" enough. This coud be the fault of the make up department or just to compromise the looks for the big screen.

The third which is very glaring was the things that the surface managed to supply them through the first drill hole which I reckoned about 6in width ? Papers, ipod, Tshirts etc is ok but to see the miners got matress and water containers is another thing.

Overall not a bad picture if to classify as a courageous and inspired movie. The thing is they just cant make the plot heavy enough as it is based on a true account. what if some died in the movie, that could bring tears not only to thier family but the audience too.

A WALK IN THE WOODS - download link corrected

REVIEWED
This film is about an adventure of 2 old men (above 70 years old.. possibly above 80?) through the Appalchian trails in the US. The trail is more than 2,000 miles crossing over 14 states. Its from a book wrote by Bryson (played by Robert Redford). Nick Nolte is the friend who followed him as his (Bryson's) wife did not allow him to go alone.

Its a drama with some dose of humor along the way. From the film they traveled thru 3 months (even thru snow) and still only covering less than 1/3 way of the trails.

Aside from the other incidents they went through, it was really about the friendship of this two friends who had lost in touch with one another for sometime.

Of course to make the story interesting there were events that happened along the way like meeting and knowing people and learning new things.

Now back the facts or reality.
Redford is in the movie because he co produced it. Nolte on the other hand because RR wanted him as Paul Newman had died. The fact that these old men took the challenge is such a thrill to know and to find out if they made it or otherwise. But the truth is, health wise and the physicality of both men, they could not have made it.. a few miles maybe. Full Stop. In actuality, Bryson and his friend took the trip when he was 44 years old. And that is considered "old" to have attempt to walk the trail. So having actors nearly twice his age doing the trail is somewhat ridiculous. They could have used actors who are about that age but the challenges wont be that challenging.

But its a fun movie from the veteran actors. Seeing it you know one or two on hiking in the woods. There are people who are doing this for something they want to achieve and that is admirable.

JOY

REVIEWED
This movie stars Ms Jeniffer Lawrence. For sure her crazy fans from Hunger Games and also XMen would flocked to see her in this one too. Just like Hunger Games she potrayed a gritty woman fighthing the odds. Also someone who has a dream and go for it.

Despite it being a drama, its a Business and Entrepreneur movie where it showed you how to launch a product (in the 90's that was) and be aware of the pitfalls learned from this movie. After all it is based on a true story and a true person
.
The movie was directed expertly by KO Russel who also directed her and two of her co stars in Silver Lining. I am sure this movie is also nominated heavily for various awards. De Niro and Bradley Cooper is in this also like in Silver Lining. Some critics would say that it is not a good idea to use them again as some audience may be "in the box" relate it back to their previous movies and find it hard to enjoy JOY ! True of some sort. You may tend to associate her character to the one in Silver Lining and your brain tend to relate to who is who and that can confuse things big time.

The direction is good and how it made a simple complicated life of Joy looks interesting and fast paced.
Acting is of course superb.

But what I do like is Joy herself how she never knows how to give up. But definitely she's lucky and perhaps risky too. She can go alone travel miles and miles away to confront shrewd business people. She could get killed and history may not be as it is right now.

See Joy (The Inventor of the MOP) for sure as I saw this in one sitting.

WOODLAWN

REVIEWED
The first impression that the poster give was that this is a American Football movie. Right ? You are half right because the other bigger message is that this is a christian religious movie. On top of that, as it must have been sponsored, they show you the future meetings of the movement, website etc at the end credits.

I am not against that but I dont think it will ever get shown on the local cinemas or allowed on be legal DVDs as some would say could "menyesatkan" people who see it. Why not as it is a true story and it enhance the power of Jesus.

It is about this Chaplin who can "convert" a whole football team even the coach to believe in Jesus ! The thing is not all christian are christians until they pray or go to church. Most of all to be a true christian you have to  believe.

But the message they convey that "to believe can unite you no matter what color you are, to believe can make you win eventhough you thought that its impossible and other things.

The story is good as one may wonder how can a school in a racist state can be united and not fight one another ? In the movie you got the answer.

If you are want to watch because of the football, its worth it also because the actions and camera works are great. Jon Voight in this one and so did Sean Astin as the Chaplin. But I give my hats off for the coach who is quite unknown except for credits playing in TV series. He is believable as a coach.

Worth the watch with the right frame of mind.

THE BIG SHORT

Seen and to be reviewed very soon
REVIEWED
This is one of my movie of 2015. Not in the top 10 because like others which are not in it, it dont have special effects and actions. It is good in its scripts and acting. Why not as the heavy weights were in it - Bale, Gosling, Pit and Carrel. All give fantastic performance. Dont expect much from Pit as his part is not as big as the other 3. But since his company "Plan B"  produced this movie so he is in it.
I like this movie because its about trading. Not trading forex which is my forte, not even the stock market but the loans and mortgage. Being what happened is true it makes the watching more interesting.
Good movie and style as I like it. Some say (I wont name who) they should not put the narration by Gosling in the movie as it makes it weird and irritating. For me it become more interesting and unique !
Guess the movie manage to make itself interesting even if the subject of trading is boring to those who dont.
Thumbs up.

BLACK MASS

REVIEWED
This is a FBI Mafia sort of movies. Thou this is the Irish mafia not the italian one. Also in the movie you also have this rival between the Irish and the Italian mafias.
So Bulger, character played by Johnny Depp is the boss of the Irish mafia. He did all sort of bad things including murder and got away with it because he was in "alliance" with Conolly (played by Edgelton) an FBI agent who was his childhood friend. His brother (played by Cumberbatch) was involved in the Senate.
JD in this one (as reviewed by many) really brought how cruel Bulger could be. He was like someone without a conscious or pain. He killed or asked his goons to kill as he liked. The execution scenes were nicely executed (!) Not overly done.
There were quite a number of known stars too, K Beacon and that guy from Ant Man were in this one.
To me this film did not depict the power of Bulger rather than how corrupted or stupid the FBI can be when it comes to people they choose not to prosecute because they are their informants. Why not as Bulger did get away with murder in broad daylight on the road with a rifle.
Good fulfilling gangster movie.

CONCUSSION

PreReview
Will Smith and Alec Baldwin is in this one and its about brain injury through sports.
REVIEWED
Got the chance to see this movie at home in the dark (is it worth the treatment) with some grubs.

Been sometime last saw Will Smith in a movie and in this one he do looks old or made up to be old as he is acting a real (still alive person); an expatriate Nigerian  pathologist living in US. The funny thing about US movie (my opinion only) is that when you have an alien (someone from out of US) an American actor would potray it. But film of iconic Americans, non american actor would do it. Well not that Will Smith cannot do this guy because he did well right to his ascent. The thing is other non american actors can play the role, even better ? Like I said, WS played the role well enough. In some scene you even got scared when is agitated with what I called the "oscar moments". Well thats just my opinion. Now back to the story.

The issue is really really big. But like what happened with another true story film issue ; Spotlight, its got forgotten easily and fast. Bennet (WS character) proved that concussions in football will cause brain damage in the long run. So thats explain the erratic behavior of some football players (American NFL). But most of them extreme behavior like killing themselves !

The one scene that make sense to a layman was when Bennet started his presentation on the subject to whom to be his co writer with this paper. How he explained about the speed flight bird zooming into water to catch fishes or even the woodpecker knocking its heads billions of times. The thing is, they are created to do such things but human are not. Our brain is actually suspended in fluid in our skull. Yes that analogy scares the shit out of me. So does other sports like boxing and others. Even IMDB verified that Muhamad Ali's does not suffer from Parkinson but actually a form of brain damage caused by concussions (CTE ?)

This movie has its best moment but I think its length of a bit over 2 hrs diluted the message. Bennet's personal life, to me, should not have been emphasized too much if the objective of the film is to nail the danger of the issue.

Anyway, this is produced by Scott Free Ridley Scott's film company and was supposed to be directed by him.

SPOTLIGHT

PreREVIEW
8.6 on IMDB one of my awaiting film before 2015 closes. Hulk, Birdman and SabreTooth all in here but in human form. Dont forget Rachael McAdams too. Will give a watch and give review fast as possible.

REVIEWED
Got to see this film which went on to the wee hours of the morning. It is only a bit more than 2 hours. Definitely the few breaks in between for food and toilets, extended the time spent.
Before watching this, other than the review, had watched Chris Stuckman's review of the film giving it an "A" which is as good as Star Wars TFA. Of course you cant compare them both as they are in different genre. This film has more stars than one could count. Billy Kudrup was there too so does that guy from CSI. So there is no complaining about the acting. Like movies basing on true stories they got to keep it to the facts which I think they did. Like CS said, they dont look like acting rather than being reporters. That I agree except for Mark Ruffalo who at time blowing his top. Not over acting but his character required that. He looked skinnier with an accent as he is Portugese.
Yes the film is great if you are in the genre of course. But here are two main points I am raising.

1. Reporters who did their jobs to the best they can
They dont care about money nor recognition but finding and telling the truth. Nor can they be bribed or intermediated or threatened. At that time (2001-2002) internet was just starting out so the print version of their papers was vital in passing of information. Hand phones were already around but smart phone which help the spreading of news still aint. These are people who carry the responsibility and integrity of reporters. If we have reporters like them, our country aint shitty like it is right now. Amin. In the movie even the lawyers  and police asked the reporters where were they (reporters) when it began (the scandal is nothing new)

2. Take a look at the church institution
It should take the public by storm that the people you seek for guidance and teachings particularly for your kids are actually the devil who tormenting them. Its not merely a Boston problem as it is a US problem it is the world's own problem. This film should open the eyes, if it dont than you are either blind or deaf.

Kudos is actually with the new editor (Liv) of the Boston Globe because he was the one who initiated the story and backed it all the way until it was published.

Everest

REVIEWED (25Sept)
Saw this at the movie due to its :-
1. Good imdb rating
2. Good Jeremy Jay review
3. Can bring minor (Adam)
4. Long time no see movie with family
5. Its the holidays
So i dont mind spending over RM40 for the family.
The outcome
It was OK as i dont expect much but a bit disappointing on how it could have been. I think the director is sticking to make it "real" as possible so as not to over do the scene.
The popular actors like Clarke, Brolin, Galleyhall, Worthington and Knightly maximize their screen time effectively.
But when its over and as i came out of the movie i feel that it was based on a real movie.

End Of The Tour

This movie could be great with rating of 7.9 (wtf!) ! on imdb. The cast are good too - Jason Segel (How i met your mother (TV) and other forgettable movies) with Jesse Eisenberg (Social Network and the upcoming Lex in Batman vs Superman). Choose to see definitely.

 REVIEW
This is a true drama about a journalist who is also a so so writer following while interviewing another writer on his last book tour. It happened in 5 days (from imdb), quarrel along the way on very petty and misunderstanding matters but parted away as friends. Then 12 years Wallace (interviewee played by Segal) shot himself. So this is Lipsky (Jesse/interviewer) flashback of that interview.
Its a drama and a lot of yikity yak. Whats important to absorb oneself in this kinda of movie is to get the conversation and ponder on its meaning. Anyway, Wallace seem to be a great writer having written a book thats over 1,000 pages long and yet people buys and read it.
It also tell how friendship built in the course of knowing another person that one admired but due to a work project. Segal was different in this one thou he always play characters that try to be funny but not so funny. Jesse like his usual self. Wonder in real life is the contrast in height of both of them are for real ?
Good film if you expect the film to go this way. Also tells you how an interviewer operates.  Anyway he attended 8 years of interviewing degree (for real or joke ?)
Out of context, are houses in the US built like the one in the movie ? By the roadside with very large window with only glass no fence or grill. What no crimes expected ? 

James Bond Spectre Interview/Making Of

This is one of the awaited movie of 2015 beside Star Wars. Both will be in the same month Dec 15. Lets know whats happening behind the scene in this documentary.

Good round up of the James Bond franchise. Very noticeable that they try to avoid touching on Quantum Solace. Perhaps that it was a bomb ?
The clips of Spectre looks exciting and promising. Also first time Bond's girl is as old as he is - Monica Belucci. Jonathan did ask Daniel if he is going to sign up for another Bond. Its a fact that this will be his 2nd last one for DC and of course the last one is the one he had signed.
Overall its a good documentary and do justice to JB. My predication is that Spectre can exceed Skyfall in terms of money making and film making. That we wait till December to see.