Genre: CG Animation
Director: Jennifer Yuh Nelson
Cast: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen, David Cross, Lucy Liu, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Gary Oldman, Michelle Yeoh, Jean-Claude Van Damme, James Hong, Victor Garber
RunTime: 1 hr 40 mins
Released By:  UIP
Rating: G
Official Website: http://www.kungfupanda.com/

Opening Day: 26 May 2011

Synopsis: From the studio that brought you "Shrek," "Madagascar" and "Kung Fu Panda." Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five - Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey. But Po's awesome new life is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. It is up to Po and The Furious Five to journey across China to face this threat and vanquish it. But how can Po stop a weapon that can stop kung fu? He must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins; only then will he be able to unlock the strength he needs to succeed.

Movie Review:

Things haven’t changed much: Po is still a panda, and he still lives in China. The only change since we last saw him in 2008 is that he’s now known to mere mortals (i.e. the anthropomorphic animals populating ancient China) as The Dragon Warrior.

This simply means that he is occupied with saving China from evil baddies. However, our overweight hero still finds time to contemplate about his origins, and he finally plucks up the courage to ask his goose father (we thought he was never going to do it) where he came from.

No, the villains won’t take a vacation just because Po is busy finding out more about his past. In fact, a deadly peacock is planning to take over the whole of China (yes, the plan is that ambitious) and annihilate Kung Fu (we don’t exactly see the link, but anything goes in the name of fun and laughter). Hence, it is up to our bumbling Kung Fu master to save the day.

And you can bet that by the end of this 100 minute sequel to the hit DreamWorks Animation, the day is saved.

The filmmakers must have quite a big budget to work on this movie, judging by the dazzling visuals (check out the fireworks!), the mesmerising action sequences (check out the big sets and falling buildings!) and the stunning flashbacks (check out the impressive dream like 2D images!). The scenic backdrops are as picturesque as Chinese paintings, and the radiantly luminous 3D effects are so visually appealing that you feel like you are part of Po’s motley crew. Watch out for the climatic finale where ships charge through a small town into the seas – it is definitely one of the most impressive animated sequences we have seen.

The remarkable animation is complemented by an affecting storyline which centers on family. There are a few moments (which are rather rare in other DreamWorks franchises like Shrek and Madagascar) which we actually felt for Po’s character. The oriental themes of finding inner peace and letting go of the past are also nicely tackled in the story, without being too kitschy.

Kudos to director Jennifer Yuh Nelson who took over the baton from the first movie’s John Wayne Stevenson and Mark Osborne. You can call it the female instinct, but amidst all the busy fighting and yakking (no thanks to Jack Black’s fast talking Po, of course), there is a charming tenderness and warmth which made things a little fuzzier compared to the last movie.

The lines are also wittily crafted, thanks to the screenplay by Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger. The energetic pacing is complemented by a glitzy score composed by Hans Zimmer and John Powell.

As for the cast, who would say no to be part of this successful franchise? Which is why, Black is back with Angelina Jolie (as Tigress), Seth Rogen (as Mantis), Lucy Liu (as Viper), David Cross (as Crane), Dustin Hoffman (as Master Shifu, Po’s trainer) and James Hong (as Mr. Ping, Po’s goose father) in this sequel, reprising their roles as the now famous characters (get ready to make big money with those action figures, toy manufacturers and fast food chains!). They have also brought along Jean Claude Van Damme to play an alligator warrior, Michelle Yeoh to play a goat soothsayer and Gary Oldman as a peacock villain. While Van Damme is somewhat underused (he is a quintessential action movie stars in his heydays after all), we are pleasantly surprised with Yeoh and Oldman’s performances here. You can almost feel the two actors’ presence just by listening to them speak their lines.

We are also happy to report that Hong Kong action superstar Jackie Chan has more lines this time round as the agile Monkey warrior. So how’s that for a celebration? Bring on those dumplings and noodles!

Movie Rating:  

(We want Po and The Furious Five to be back for a third time!)

Review by John Li

Genre: Romance/Drama
Director: Cary Fukunaga
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins
RunTime: 2 hrs
Released By: Shaw
Rating: PG (Brief Nudity)
Official Website: http://focusfeatures.com/jane_eyre

Opening Day: 19 May 2011

Synopsis: In a bold new feature version of Jane Eyre, director Cary Joji Fukunaga (Sin Nombre) and screenwriter Moira Buffini (Tamara Drewe) infuse a contemporary immediacy into Charlotte Brontë’s timeless, classic story. Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) and Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds) star in the iconic lead roles of the romantic drama, the heroine of which continues to inspire new generations of devoted readers and viewers.

In the 19th Century-set story, Jane Eyre (played by Ms. Wasikowska) suddenly flees Thornfield Hall, the vast and isolated estate where she works as a governess for Adèle Varens, a child under the custody of Thornfield’s brooding master, Edward Rochester (Mr. Fassbender). The imposing residence – and Rochester’s own imposing nature – have sorely tested her resilience. With nowhere else to go, she is extended a helping hand by clergyman St. John Rivers (Jamie Bell of Focus Features’ The Eagle) and his family. As she recuperates in the Rivers’ Moor House and looks back upon the tumultuous events that led to her escape, Jane wonders if the past is ever truly past…

Aged 10, the orphaned Jane (played by Amelia Clarkson) is mistreated and then cast out of her childhood home Gateshead by her cruel aunt, Mrs. Reed (Golden Globe Award winner Sally Hawkins). Consigned to the charity school Lowood, Jane encounters further harsh treatment but receives an education and meets Helen Burns (Freya Parks), a poor child who impresses Jane as a soulful and contented person. The two become firm friends. When Helen falls fatally ill, the loss devastates Jane, yet strengthens her resolve to stand up for herself and make the just choices in life.

As a teenager, Jane arrives at Thornfield. She is treated with kindness and respect by housekeeper Mrs. Fairfax (Academy Award winner Judi Dench). Jane’s interest is piqued by Rochester, who engages her in games of wit and storytelling, and divulges to her some of his innermost thoughts. But his dark moods are troubling to Jane, as are strange goings-on in the house – especially the off-limits attic. She dares to intuit a deep connection with Rochester, and she is not wrong; but once she uncovers the terrible secret that he had hoped to hide from her forever, she flees, finding a home with the Rivers family. When St. John Rivers makes Jane a surprising proposal, she realizes that she must return to Thornfield – to secure her own future and finally, to conquer what haunts both her and Rochester.

Movie Review:

Forget Alice, here’s Jane.

After being overshadowed by the colourful backdrops in Alice in Wonderland (2010), Australian actress Mia Wasikowska finally gets to show us her prowess as the titular character in this British romance drama. Based on the 1847 novel of the same name by Charlotte Brontë, this beautiful adaptation of the important feminist classic has Wasikowska playing Jane Eyre, a girl who begins obscure, plain and little, but eventually matures to become a confident whole woman.

The era was 1840s. Our heroine starts off with a bleak childhood, where unkind adults made life difficult for the poor girl. Despite the suffering, she grows up to become a governess and meets a mysteriously cold and abrupt man in her new position. Their relationship strengthens and she finds herself falling in love with the man of the house. Just as she thinks that happiness is finally upon her, a terrible secret threatens to destroy it forever.

Younger viewers may not realise how influential the original literature text was, thus overlooking its importance in today’s society. With the advent of noisy and CGI laden blockbusters in cineplexes, it is easy to ignore films like this one. After many TV series, musical productions and film adaptations, it is important to take stock and introduce this tale of love and independence to the contemporary audience.

Beautifully filmed by Brazilian cinematographer Adriano Goldman, this polished production has an alluring brooding and moody quality which is nothing but luscious when viewed on the big screen. Be prepared to immerse yourself in the awe inspiring landscapes of London, Derbyshire and Chatsworth, where residences bear a foreboding presence, portraying the cooped up frustrations of the protagonist. The clothing style of that foregone era also had a unique look – and thanks to Academy Award winning costume designer Michael O’ Connor (The Duchess), you have to give credits to the cast for donning those costumes which probably made movement rather difficult.

At its simplest, the 120 minute film is a love story. It is also a tale of how a woman wants to be recognised for her individual’s worth. Watch out for the scene where Wasikowska’s Jane Eyre agrees to marry her employer Mr Rochester after proclaiming herself as his equal. The 21 year old actress personifies that respected spirit with much gusto, and proves herself to be one of the finer actresses of her time. The character’s subsequent decision to leave Mr Rochester is also a testament of her personal demand to be treated as an indpendent human being with her own needs and talents. As one sees Wasikowska wandering through the vast grasslands to Academy Award winning composer Dario Marianelli’s (Atonement) gorgeous score, it is hard not to feel the triumph of the human spirit.

Director Cary Fukunaga also had a talented cast to work with on his second feature film project. Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds) plays the idealised but flawed male protagonist Mr Rochester, who is tricked into an unfortunate marriage before meeting our heroine. The German born Irish actor exudes an appealing charm which complements the character’s personality. English actor Jamie Bell (The Eagle) plays a clergyman who later befriends Jane Eyre, while Academy Award winner Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love) plays a kind and respectful housekeeper who disapproves of Jane Eyre’s relationship with her employer.

With a stellar cast and fine production values in place, what’s required of you as a member of the audience is to use your heart to fully appreciate the film’s admirable themes of love, passion and independence.

Movie Rating:



(A sophisticated production that reminds us what it’s like to live a life of love and passion)

Review by John Li

Genre: Fantasy/Action
Director: Rob Marshall
Cast: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, Kevin R. McNally, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Sam Claflin, Geoffrey Rush
RunTime: 2 hrs 18 mins
Released By: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Rating: PG (Some Violence)
Official Website: http://www.disney.com/pirates

Opening Day: 19 May 2011

Synopsis: Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Rob Marshall, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3D™. Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed adventure. Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penélope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the “Queen Anne’s Revenge,” the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past. The international cast includes franchise vets Geoffrey Rush as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa and Kevin R. McNally as Captain Jack’s longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs, plus Sam Claflin as a stalwart missionary and Astrid Bergès-Frisbey as a mysterious mermaid. 

Movie Review:

No, things will never be the same again – so don’t you go into the cinema thinking that this fourth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean film series will be anywhere as good as the first movie in 2003. But yes, it is a true blue summer blockbuster – so you can go into the cinema and expect a swashbuckling adventure, and of course, a certain Johnny Depp to keep you entertained for the movie’s runtime of 136 minutes.

If you don’t already know, the series of fantasy adventure movies based on the Walt Disney theme park ride of the same name features the American actor as the lead protagonist Captain Jack Sparrow: Who else to bring this somewhat campy pirate to life than everybody’s favourite Mr. Depp?

In this movie, the infamous pirate crosses paths with a woman from his past. The only problem is, she is now the daughter of one of the most feared pirates on the treacherous seas. Our hero isn’t sure whether he is still in love with this fiery woman, or whether she is just a con artist trying to use him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. Before he knows it, he finds himself on a new adventure involving noble Englishmen, devious Spaniards, repulsive zombies and bloodthirsty mermaids.

You may remember reading the favourable review of the franchise’s third movie in 2007 on this very same website (yes, it was written by yours truly), and seeing other reviews that thought otherwise. It will probably be the same scenario four year on for this Rob Marshall directed installment.

While some reviewers may not think much of bombastic action sequences, evidently expensive sets and pompous production values, this one thinks that these are the exact things cinema goers look out for in a summer blockbuster. Who would want to see Depp ponder over life for the entire movie? Who would want to see him sulking in depression for over two hours? Who would want to see the Golden Globe winning actor contemplate over his existence against the backdrop of breezy beaches?

It’s the season to leave your brains at the door, and bring out the popcorn to see Jack Sparrow do his thing! May we also remind you that Depp was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of the campy pirate in 2003’s The Curse of the Black Pearl?

The strangely attractive Kentucky born actor once again effortlessly pulls off the offbeat personality of Jack Sparrow with ease, providing some of the best moments in the movie. He is paired up with his co star in Blow (2001), Oscar winning Penelope Cruz as the sizzling female pirate who has something up her sleeves. Although clothes stay intact (it’s a Disney movie, after all), the chemistry between the two is interestingly scorching. One just needs to imagine a too cool to be true Depp exchanging dialogue with a blazingly hot Cruz to know what we mean.

Elsewhere, Geoffrey Rush and Kevin McNally return as Barbossa and Gibbs respectively, while veteran actor Ian McShane sends shivers with his portrayal of the terrifying pirate captain Blackbeard. Although their characters are nowhere as memorable as Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley’s, good lookers Sam Clalin and Astrid Berges Frisbey deliver decent performances as a stalwart missionary and his mermaid love interest. Also, watch out for cameo appearances by Rolling Stones founding member Keith Richards and an award winning Dame.

Primarily shot in Hawaii, this action adventure comedy features breathtaking views (the 3D effects on the movie aren’t exactly spectacular though), and one particularly thrilling mermaid sequence which will change your impression about those bikini clad babes. Together with producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Marshall has managed to deliver a respectable popcorn adventure to entertain audiences.

Movie Rating:

(Will Jack Sparrow return for a fifth time? We are guessing it’s a yes!)

Reviewed by John Li

Genre: Family/ Comedy
Director: Mike Disa
Cast: Hayden Panettiere, Patrick Warburton, Glenn Close, Andy Dick, Cory Edwards, Martin Short, Debra Wilson, David Ogden Stiers, Bill Hader, Amy Poehler, Benjy Gaither, Joan Cusack
RunTime: 1 hr 25 mins
Released By: GV
Rating: G
Official Website: http://www.hoodwinkedtoomovie.com/

Opening Day: 12 May 2011

Synopsis: From the team that brought you HOODWINKED, the comedic portrayal of the fairy tale Red Riding Hood, comes the all-new animated family comedy HOODWINKED TOO! HOOD VS. EVIL in 3D. The sequel finds our heroine, Red (Hayden Panettiere), training with a mysterious covert group called the Sisters of the Hood. But Red is forced to cut her training short when she gets an urgent call from Nicky Flippers (David Ogden Stiers), who returns as head of the super-secret Happily Ever After Agency, aka the HEA. A wicked witch (Joan Cusack) has abducted two innocent children, Hansel (Bill Hader) and Gretel (Amy Poehler), and Nicky needs Red for the search-and-rescue mission. Of course, what is a sequel without guest stars from the original? Thankfully, Granny (Glenn Close) and the rest of the HOODWINKED gang--including the ever-clueless Wolf (Patrick Warburton) and his over-caffeinated little partner, Twitchy (Cory Edwards), join Red to solve the forest's latest caper. Fracturing fairy tales and pop culture with good-natured glee, HOODWINKED TOO! HOOD vs. EVIL in 3D takes viewers on a rollicking rollercoaster ride combining edge-of-the-seat adventure with classic, zany cartoon antics.

Movie Review:

I’m not sure anyone wanted a sequel to the low-budget animated film “Hoodwinked”, even I dare say those- like myself- who did enjoy the original back in 2005. After all, much of its charm lay in the freshness of its Rashomon-style treatment to tell the story of Red Riding Hood CSI-style, a gimmick one must admit that probably wouldn’t work as well the second time round. And besides, do we need another reinterpretation of classic fairy tales after four “Shrek” movies?

But wisdom or even prudence doesn’t always dictate how Hollywood works, especially how the Weinstein Company works, so here we are with this long-delayed sequel six years later. If the troubled production wasn’t enough to convince you that “Hoodwinked Too” was not going to be a good movie, then let’s sure hope this review does- because just, or even worse, than expected, this Mike Disa movie is one witless, charmless, humourless animation that doesn’t for one second justify its existence.

The first thing you’ll notice about the movie is its unappealing visuals. While that was true of the first movie as well, it was largely excusable because of the budget the pair of filmmakers- Cory and Todd Edwards- were working with. Here Mike Disa’s budget is a much heftier US$30 mil, and though that may be small by Dreamworks or Disney standards, it is still no excuse for the flat uninspiring backgrounds and Ceramic-like look of all the characters. The most glaring of all is how the movement of the characters’ mouths don’t even follow the onscreen dialogue!

Whereas the dialogue and the story was one of the original’s strong suit, it is just another of this sequel’s banes. Attempting some form of continuity, the Edwards brothers set Red and the original team of Wolf, Granny and a hyperactive squirrel Twitchy in search of the people who have stolen the recipe for a ‘super truffle’ which apparently gives the person who eats it dominion over the Earth. What?! Yes, that was the exact incredulity this reviewer was faced too.

A modicum of the original’s wit could have made this easier to swallow, but alas even that was conspicuously missing here. The script by the Edwards brothers, Disa and Tony Leech is filled with unfunny lines and inexplicable allusions to films like “Silence of the Lambs”, “Goodfellas” and “Kill Bill”, none of which worked on the kids nor the adults judging by their lack of a reaction. The film also tries to do the equivalent of Scrat for “Ice Age” by having the blind singing goat from the first movie pop up at regular intervals during the film to be interrupted  by one of the main characters, but even that fast becomes a gimmick which wears out its welcome.

As if acknowledging the mirthlessness of it all, the ensemble voice cast sound terribly bored. Hayden Panettiere takes over the voice of Red from Anne Hathaway, and gives a soulless treatment to the character. Glenn Close just sounds uninterested to be back, Patrick Warburton is often mumbling in his own world as Wolf, and Twitchy is not as funny the second time round. Bill Hader and Amy Poehler try their best improvising as Hansel and Gretel, but there’s only so much they can do to save a sinking ship.

And indeed that’s exactly what this unnecessary sequel is, a movie that starts off mediocre and quickly and surely descends lower than your lowest expectations. Rarely have I seen such a restless and unresponsive audience during an animated film, and that alone is proof of which side of the balance- hood or evil- this film falls into. My final words of advice? Don’t be hoodwinked, avoid this altogether. 

Movie Rating:

(Perhaps the most witless, charmless and humourless animation you'll encounter in the cinemas this year) 

Reviewed by Gabriel Chong

Genre: Crime/Romance
Director: William Monahan
Cast: Colin Farrell, Keira Knightley, Ray Winstone, David Thewlis, Anna Friel, Ben Chaplin, Eddie Marsan, Jamie Campbell Bower
RunTime: 1 hr 47 mins
Released By: Shaw
Rating: M18 (Coarse Language and Some Nudity)
Official Website:

Opening Day: 26 May 2011

Synopsis: An ex-con tries to make a fresh start in a relationship with a reclusive actress in London Boulevard , the directorial debut of William Monahan, the Oscar (r) -winning screenwriter of The Departed . A sexy, stylish gangster thriller bristling with wit and brutal intrigue, London Boulevard stars Colin Farrell and Keira Knightley as star-crossed lovers who run afoul of one of London 's most vicious crime bosses.

After three years behind bars, Mitchel (Colin Farrell) emerges from Pentonville Prison with good intentions. But when his old friend Billy (Ben Chaplin), a low-level gangster who's looking for backup on a job, meets him upon release, Mitchel joins him in exchange for a place to live. While entangled in his past, Mitchel becomes involved in the life of Charlotte (Keira Knightley), a movie star holed up in a Holland Park mansion against a horde of reporters and photographers. Touched by her beauty and vulnerability, he quickly falls into the role of her protector, fending off aggressive paparazzi, stalkers and other villains, as well as Billy's ploy to rob the house of its expensive art and vintage cars.

As the attraction between them grows and their relationship deepens, Mitchel and Charlotte make plans to start anew in Los Angeles. But Mitchel has already caught the eye of powerful and ruthless mob boss Gant (Ray Winstone), who sees him as a potentially valuable asset to his business. When Mitchel rebuffs a lucrative job offer, Gant sets out to ensnare him in a violent web of extortion and murder . As Gant's tactics become increasingly vicious and deadly, it becomes clear he would rather see the younger man dead than free. Knowing no one close to him is safe from Gant's wrath, including Charlotte and his troubled sister Briony (Anna Friel), Mitchel decides to take a drastic move to settle things between them once and for all.

Movie Review:

William Monahan won an Oscar for his adapted screenplay of "The Departed" and now tries his hand at directing with the star-studded "London Boulevard", a crime film based on a novel by Ken Bruen that twirls in a star-crossed love story and against-the-odds revenge. The question here becomes; did Monahan actually show up to direct this convoluted and romanticised version of the British Gangster Film? The film does not actually adhere to anything except cliches and audacious leaps of faith, with no impetus to find a distinct element in its proceedings. Monahan naturally spins a good line but his eye for performance and cohesion fails him more often than not.

Colin Farrell stars as Mitchel, the hard-luck gangster who has just been released from the clink and finds himself being drawn back into the fold of villainy by a perfidious underworld don (who else? Ray Winstone) just as he meets Charlotte (Keira Knightley), a famous but borderline agoraphobic young actress who hires him as a handyman/bodyguard. They fall in love and Mitchel reaches a crossroads -- to protect his freedom, he has to risk it all.

The prime factor of the film that spurs every other action in the film is the romance between Mitchel and Charlotte so it only goes to reason that the prevailing fault of "London Boulevard" is the unbelievable and badly charted relationship between the reformed gangster and the troubled actress. Perhaps it's something as intangible as chemistry or perhaps its that Charlotte does not get a fair share of screen time to develop and endear herself. The romance in the film feeds right into its violence and the nature of survival -- love becomes the emblem for freedom, so to botch up this element is to drive a wedge between the honest truth of the film.

As a London crimer, the film understands the seedy and grimy facade of the world and calibrates its violence accordingly. There is a sense that Monahan feels more attuned to this world than he does with Mitchel's tepid love life. Even so, its bleak perspectives and lack of motivation to mine the potential black comedy lurking within its premise of celebritydom being similar to the ravenous crime underworld create an unerringly dour endeavour.

Monahan works from templates of the genre with nothing new to create a film with a personality of its own -- the titular inspiration to "Sunset Boulevard" becomes laughable. Shades of "Notting Hill" to "Layer Cake" colour the film's uneven handling of melodrama and violence. His ear for dialogue remains the best part of the film but even that's all fluff when the story and development of the characters feel like a tangled mess of scenes that never does come together.

Movie Rating:



(Despite some good dialogue, "London Boulevard" strings together an undercooked story and badly realised cliches)

Review by Justin Deimen

Genre: Horror/Action
Director: Kevin Munroe
Cast: Brandon Routh, Sam Huntington, Peter Stormare, Taye Diggs, Anita Briem, Kurt Angle, Brian Steele
RunTime: 1 hr 48 mins
Released By: Cathay-Keris Films & Musictronic Entertainment
Rating: PG (Some Violence)
Official Website: http://dylandogdeadofnight.com/

Opening Day: 26 May 2011

Synopsis: DYLAN DOG: DEAD OF NIGHT is a new horror/comedy film based on one of the world's most popular comics (60 million copies worldwide). Brandon Routh stars as Dylan Dog, world famous private investigator specializing in affairs of the undead. His PI business card reads "No Pulse? No Problem." Armed with an edgy wit and carrying an arsenal of silver and wood-tipped bullets, Dylan must track down a dangerous artifact before a war ensues between his werewolf, vampire and zombie clients living undercover in the monster infested backstreets of New Orleans

Movie Review:

Brandon who? The name’s Brandon Routh, the former fashion model who was supposed to save the Superman series by playing the caped superhero in 2006. Alas, despite positive reviews for the Bryan Singer directed movie, the planned sequel for Superman Returns never materialized. What happened to the chiseled good looker? He went on to play supporting roles in several TV series (he had a 12 episode stint on Chuck) and movies (2008’s Zack and Miri Make a Porno being the most memorable), before landing himself on this project, which, according to the movie poster, is based on “one of the world’s most popular comics”.

Err, doesn’t that accolade belong to the gang from Marvel?

Jokes aside, Routh plays the titular Dylan Dog, a supernatural private eye who seeks out monsters to bring peace to New Orleans. With a zombie as his assistant, the ace detective must come face to face with vampires and werewolves so that the world can be safe once more.

Research tells us that the horror comic series this movie is based on originated in Italy, where a good one million copies are sold each month since its publication in 1986. The filmmakers have taken liberty to shift the setting of the movie from London to New Orleans, and replacing the sidekick character with an undead assistant due to copyright issues. So here, we have Routh donning the comic character’s signature red shirt, black jacket and blue jeans to hunt those monsters down.

Truth be told, the dashing star does look good in the movie with his 1.9 meter frame. The Iowa born actor has the quality of a leading man (check out those sculpted facial features and broad shoulders), but charisma alone is apparently not good enough to make Routh a credible actor. There is a lack in his character portrayal, and it is rather unfortunate that his acting was as dead as the creatures he has to battle. The tiresome voiceovers do not help to sustain our interest in the character either.

Laughs come in the form of Sam Huntington (he played Superman’s pal Jimmy Olsen in 2006’s Superman Returns, which explains his pairing with Routh in this movie), who plays the underappreciated friend who becomes a zombie. The endearing actor gets some of the best moments in the movie, including one which has him going to a zombie support group so that he can come to terms with his newfound status as an undead. His presence in the otherwise dreary movie provides the much needed perks.

Regrettably, Huntington alone isn’t enough to save the 108 minute production from being predictably lackluster. His co stars include Anita Briem (Journey to the Center of the Earth) who tries her best to take on the role of an attractive client, Peter Stormare (The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus) who tries his best to look threatening as a werewolf and Taye Diggs (Chicago) who tries his best to send shivers down our spines as a vampire. Maybe it’s the B grade movie feel of the production, or maybe it’s just the unsurprising plot developments, but we just cannot find ourselves being impressed by the ensemble cast.

Special effects aren’t too shoddy in this Kevin Munroe (his other feature film credit is the disappointing TMNT) directed movie, but we can’t help but feel that this is one movie best played on late night television.

Movie Rating:



(Brandon Routh is a tad too dead serious in this passable production which could do with more fun and silliness)

Reviewed by John Li

Genre: Horror/Thriller
Director: James Wan
Cast: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Barbara Hershey, Angus Sampson, Johnny Yong Bosch, Kimberly Ables Jindra, Ty Simpkins, Andrew Astor
RunTime: 1 hr 42 mins
Released By: GV & Clover Films
Rating: NC-16 (Horror & Some Frightening Scenes)
Official Website: http://www.insidious-movie.com/

Opening Day: 26 May 2011

Synopsis: "Insidious" is the terrifying story of a family who shortly after moving discover that dark spirits have possessed their home and that their son has inexplicably fallen into a coma. Trying to escape the haunting and save their son, they move again only to realize that it was not their house that was haunted.

Movie Review:

This is going to make you think that this columnist is a scaredy cat, but he is going to say it anyway – This review was written in bright daylight. What? No way was he going to risk his life by penning a horror movie review (one that is helmed by James Wan, that is) in the dark. Who can make sure that there is no creepy little kid peering at him from under the table? Who is going to guarantee that there is no old lady with frizzy hair hanging from his wall? Who can ensure that there is no fiery faced devil looking at him type from outside the window?

No, it doesn’t matter that he stays on the tenth floor of a supposedly safe HDB flat in Singapore. You just never know what may happen, especially given the subject matter of this freaking good horror picture.

Director Wan teams up with his Saw collaborator Australian screenwriter Leigh Whannell for this haunted house movie. Coming together for the thrill ride is Paranormal Activity writer director Oren Peli, who takes on the role of the producer on this movie. If that’s not a draw for horror seeking fans, we don’t know what is. Without spoiling the fun, let’s just say that the movie is about a couple who tries all means and ways to prevent evil spirits from taking over their house and their comatose son.

The first two thirds of this 102 minute movie are chillingly good, boasting of unsettling scenes and creepy atmospheres which will have timid audiences crouching in fear. There are spine chilling shocks and disquieting scares that never feel cheap or exploitative. There are also no gross out sequences which feature blood and innards, so fans of the Saw franchise may feel a tad disappointed (it’s only rated NC16 for Horror and Some Frightening Scenes). 

The disconcerting sense of suffocation is a result of David M Brewer and John R Leonetti’s effective cinematography. Cloaked in ominous shades of grey and blue, there is something about the film that feels overpowers its viewers with ill omen. Joseph Bishara’s minimalist score also complements the mood of the movie, making the whole viewing experience deliciously spine chilling. 

The filmmakers have assembled a cast which delivers decent performances. Patrick Wilson (Watchmen) and Rose Byrne (28 Weeks Later) play the couple whose lives are turned upside down, no thanks to these spirits from the other world. Barbara Hershey (Black Swan) and Lin Shaye (My Sister’s Keeper) lend weight to the movie with their portrayals of a mother and a medium who deals with paranormal activity. Whannell himself takes on the role of a paranormal investigator, together with Angus Sampson (I Love You Too) to provide the occasional moments of comic relief.

 Every horror movie needs a frightened child who looks frightening at the same time. Here, we get Ty Simpkins (The Next Three Days) who is prominently featured on the promotional poster. 

There is an obligatory twist at the end of this movie which slightly spoils the initial fun that was so nicely set up. However, the last third of the roller coaster ride should satisfy audiences who are comforted by closures and explanations. Whatever it is, this columnist is glad that this review is coming to an end, just before the sun sets. He doesn’t want any being from the other world gazing at him from anywhere in his room.

Movie Rating:



(We dare you to stare into the dark corner of the cinema hall during the end credits of this creepily satisfying movie)

Review by John Li

Genre: Comics/Action
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Cast:James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, January Jones, Zoe Kravitz, Jennifer Lawrence, Kevin Bacon, Benjamin Walker, Lucas Till, Caleb Landry Jones, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Bill Bilner, Oliver Platt, Jason Flemyng, Ray Wise
RunTime: 2 hrs 12 mins
Released By: 20th Century Fox
Rating: PG (Violence)
Official Website: http://www.x-menfirstclass.com/

Opening Day: 2 June 2011

Synopsis: X-Men: First Class charts the epic beginning of the X-Men saga, and reveals a secret history of famous global events. Before mutants had revealed themselves to the world, and before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Not archenemies, they were instead at first the closest of friends, working together with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to stop Armageddon. In the process, a grave rift between them opened, which began the eternal war between Magneto's Brotherhood and Professor X's X-Men.

Movie Review:

The X Men movies followed a similar trajectory to another Marvel property “Spiderman”- the first movie was a surprising blast, the second built on the merits of the first to deliver ever bigger and better thrills, but the third just knocked the wind out of the sails. And so like any self-respecting franchise would do, you go back to the beginning and start all over again- well, in this case, much much further back to the beginning.

The director with the unenviable task of rebooting one of the premier Marvel superhero titles is Matthew Vaughn, best known for subverting the genre last summer with the cult favourite “Kick-Ass”. Here Vaughn tucks away the subversion for some mainstream summer entertainment- yes, none of that violence that got some people riled up (remember Hit-Girl?)- and boy does he do a bang-up, and I would say, kick-ass job reviving the franchise.

Sure, it probably isn’t as fresh as the first “X Men”, nor as insanely brilliant as “X2 United”, but Vaughn exceeds all expectations- modest or lofty- in creating an origins story that captures the heart of what the series was all about. But to do so, Vaughn has gone way back to the 1960s when the United States and Russia were locked in a Cold War and the prospect of World War III came so imminent with the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Vaughn in fact begins his story much earlier with a prologue that establishes the childhood days of Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr. Whereas Charles grew up in an affluent but isolated stately home in New York, Erik was locked up in a concentration camp in Poland. It is there Erik first meets the Auschwitz doctor Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon), who kills Erik’s mother in plain sight of him in order to get him to demonstrate his powers. The contrast is key- it is ultimately their childhood circumstances that will have far-reaching repercussions on their divergent paths in life later on.

And so while Charles becomes an Oxford academic on genetics and envisions a world where humans and mutants can live in harmony with one another, Erik is plotting his revenge against Shaw and cynical of the very utopia Charles cherishes. But when the fate of the world hangs by a nuclear thread, the two find a common enemy- together with the CIA no less- in Shaw and so put aside their ideological differences to fight alongside each other.

It isn’t as simple as a union of conveniences- Charles and Erik fast become firm friends, and they band together to start a school for mutants. Among those recruited are the brainbox and soon-to-be-Beast Hank McCoy (Nicholas Hoult), the sonic-screamer and soon-to-be-Banshee Sean Cassidy (Caleb Landry Jones), the plasma-blasting and soon-to-be-Havok Alex Summers (Lucas Till), as well as the winged Angel Salvatore (Zoe Kravitz). Shaw also has his own army- icy Emma Frost (January Jones), teleporter Azaael (Jason Flemyng) and the tornado-spinning Riptide (Alex Gonzalez).

There certainly isn’t enough time to give each of the multitude of characters a back-story, but at least Vaughn sets aside space within the spectacular action-packed climax for each of them to show off their unique superpowers. Rather, Vaughn and his frequent collaborator Jane Goldman (working off a story by Sheldon Turner and Bryan Singer) give weight instead to the central relationship between Charles and Erik, emphasising on the bond between the two close friends and their eventual descent into bitter enemies as Professor X and Magneto.

It is in the intimate character drama between Charles and Erik where the movie achieves its greatest payoff. Some of the best lines in the script are reserved for the witty interplay between the two characters, and are especially thought-provoking in their arguments for and against war and diplomacy. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender also share great bromantic chemistry with each other, and their excellent performances- one the dashing yet dangerous individual, and the other the charming and intelligent fellow- allow the friendship between their characters to be the rightful emotional heart of the film.

But to bring home the raison d’être for their disagreement is the budding relationship between Hank (aka Beast) and shape-shifting and future-Mystique Raven (Jennifer Lawrence). Their constant struggle to accept their extraordinary looks (Raven’s blue form and Hank’s hands-for-feet) or correct their perceived abnormalities so as to better fit into society crystallise the very humanistic message of the X Men series- that of embracing those who may be different from us, but who have every right as us to belong in our society.

Hoult and Lawrence are also outstanding in their own right, and the movie benefits tremendously from strong performances all around. Kevin Bacon is all smarmy menace as Shaw, while Rose Bryne brings a welcome touch of humanism as the rare human in the film to accept these extraordinaires. Veteran character players James Remar, Michael Ironside and Ray Wise add a touch of class to the proceedings, while fanboys will delight over a killer cameo in the movie.  

The person who deserves credit for pulling it all together is Vaughn, who so deftly mixes fact and fiction to create an awfully plausible version of alternate reality. Ingenious was the move to situate the might-vs-right dynamic between Charles and Erik against the backdrop of the Cold War, the events of history providing both significance and gravitas, and Vaughn stages the events with terrific pacing and much aplomb. So too is his handling of the action scenes in the film, especially the explosive climax where we get to see the mutants unleash their powers in their full glory.

With “X Men: First Class”, Vaughn has breathed new life into a franchise that ran aground with its bland and formulaic “Last Stand” and an otherwise unremarkable “Wolverine” spinoff. Admittedly, the storytelling could have been smoother, but Vaughn’s reimagining of the X Men universe is more than robust, especially with an intelligent tightly-plotted script, outstanding lead performances and thrilling action sequences. It may not match the brilliance of Bryan Singer’s first two films, but this is perhaps as close as it gets.

Movie Rating:

(A first-class summer blockbuster that packs awesome action, great character drama and outstanding lead performances to restore the X Men franchise back to glory)

Review by Gabriel Chong

Genre: Romance/Comedy
Director: Luke Greenfield
Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield, John Krasinski, Steve Howey, Ashley Williams, Geoff Pierson
RunTime: 1 hr 53 mins
Released By:  GV
Rating: TBA
Official Website: http://somethingborrowedmovie.warnerbros.com/

Opening Day: 9 June 2011 

Synopsis: Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) is a talented attorney at a top New York law firm, a generous and loyal friend and, unhappily, still single...as her engaged best friend Darcy (Kate Hudson) is constantly reminding her. But after one drink too many at her 30th birthday party, perpetual good girl Rachel unexpectedly ends up in bed with the guy she's had a crush on since law school, Dex (Colin Egglesfield), who just happens to be Darcy's fiancé. When Rachel and Darcy's lifelong friendship collides with true love, it leads to unexpected complications and potentially explosive romantic revelations. Meanwhile, Ethan (John Krasinski), who has been Rachel's constant confidante and sometimes conscience, has been harboring a secret of his own, and Marcus (Steve Howey), an irrepressible womanizer, can't keep his mind out of the gutter or his hands off any girl within reach.

Movie Review:

It does not take a genius to figure out that movie adaptations of popular books have high potential to sell. With an existing fanbase to bank on, producers of such movies do not have to cross their fingers too tightly in hoping for box office success sincemost fans do not mind paying to satisfy their curiosity of seeing their favourite characters turn into flesh on the big screen. Whether they are adapted successfully or not is of course another thing. And then there's the plot. Finding a balance between paying a loyal tribute to the original story and fulfilling the demands of entertaining movie storytelling can be tricky. So expectedly, at times, parts of a story have to be tweaked and sacrifices made.

Although I have not read the chic lit novel that Something Borrowed is both based on and titled from, I would like to imagine that the story progression and characters are less grating on paper since well, it was an international bestseller. Centering on the lives of a group of NYC besties in their late twenties, the movie opens with the bursting of dormant romance and sticky revelations in the form of a spontaneous tryst between Darcy’s (Kate Hudson)best friend, Racheland hersoon-to-be husband, Dex. Now whenever someone cheats in a movie, heavysuspense always falls on how and if the cheated finds out about the cheating… unless something more exciting happens - which unfortunately does not in this one.

It’s just too bad that the movie seems to unnecessarily delay the solution to the suspense that it feels like a lingering tv soap. It just takes too much time to explain the root of Rachel and Dex’s a-decade-in-the-making feelings for each other and the couple’s post-tryst development, which simply put, are just yawn inducing. The chemistry between Ginnifer Godwin’s Rachel and Colin Egglesfield’sDex is just so-so and lacks the kind of charm that might push the audience to sympathizewith them more despite the sneaking around behind the bride-to-be’s back. Maybe the female audience is expected to be thrilled at the fact that the book-smart average-looking nerd-ish heroine is able to snag the heart of the beautiful-looking and sensitive Dexrather than by their interaction alone. Well, hurrah for the nerd girls I suppose, but boo for romance drama originality.

In fact, the whole movie does not hold anything back in its perpetuation of chic lit clichés. Other than the nerd girl and hot guy match up, the simplistic oppositional nature of the Darcy and Rachel’s friendship is also obviously stereotypical.Their personalities are defined by hair colour, too.If you are still wondering who’s the blonde and who’s the brunette then that’s a thought too long.

To be fair, the movie revolves, on a deeper level, around the perpetual struggle between doing what the characters want for themselves and what they are expected to do.The audience may easily relate to such a universal issue but not necessarily be entertained by it - especially when it is too dragged out.

Movie Rating:  

(Borrow the dvd instead)

Review by Syafiqa Rahman

Genre: Comedy
Director: Peter Farelly & Bobby Farelly
Cast: Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis, Jenna Fischer, Richard Jenkins, Christina Applegate, Alexandra Daddario, Stephen Merchant, Nicky Whelan, Larry Joe Campbell, Tyler Hoechlin
RunTime: 1 hr 46 mins
Released By: Warner Bros
Rating: M18 (Sexual Scenes And Nudity)
Official Website: http://www.hall-pass-movie.com/

Opening Day: 7 April 2011

Synopsis: Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis) are best friends who have a lot in common, including the fact that they have each been married for many years.  But when the two men begin to show signs of restlessness at home, their wives take a bold approach to revitalizing their marriages: granting them a “hall pass,” one week of freedom to do whatever they want…no questions asked. At first, it sounds like a dream come true for Rick and Fred.  But it isn’t long before they discover that their expectations of the single life—and themselves—are completely, and hilariously, out of sync with reality.

Movie Review:

Because this reviewer (a male one at that) is a swinging bachelor, he doesn’t have any idea how a “hall pass” works. Is this even a known concept among married couples in Singapore? The notion does sound thrilling though - at least to guys who believe that there is always a time in their lives, whether attached or not, to have the freedom to have relationships without any commitments.

Before you start judging this humble columnist, let it be known that this is a value he doesn’t agree with, but let’s just say he cannot predict what will happen if he is given a “hall pass” one day when he is all settled down with a beautiful wife.

For the two protagonists of this movie, they are unhappy with their sex lives and miss the days when they were single. Thanks to circumstances (nothing more than some clever manipulating of the script by writers Pete Jones, Kevin Barnett, together with Peter and Bobby Farrelly), the two best friends are given “hall passes” to do anything they want for a week, including having limitless affairs with other women. One can only imagine the joy of these two middle aged men, until their wives begin having what you can define as “extramarital activities” during that one week away from home.

This isn’t the most moral theme to explore in a movie, if you ask us. But for those who are familiar with the Farrelly brothers’ works, they would be looking out for the signature gross gags and toilet humour. There is a reason why There’s Something About Mary (1998), one of the best movies to showcase R rated jokes, is used as a marketing tool for this production (and probably most of the duo’s works) – because everyone loves a no bars held adult comedy once in a while.

Unfortunately, despite the potential this plot holds for some really outrageous setups, the 105 minute movie comes across as a fragmented comedy with unfocused bits and pieces. It also doesn’t help that the filmmakers seem to be overly cautious about not crossing the line of morality.

You know something is amiss when there is only one big time laugh out loud moment in the movie (without giving too much away, let’s just say it involves a sneeze in a bathroom).

So, when male leads Owen Wilson (How Do You Know, Little Fockers) and Jason Sudeikis (Going the Distance, The Bounty Hunter) try their best to constantly outtalk each other with crass jokes, one cannot help but sense their failure to engage the audience. The supporting female cast includes Jenna Fishcher (Solitary Man, Blades of Glory) and Christina Applegate (Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore, The Rocker), and as pleasant as they are, it doesn’t salvage the movie from being a bore. Nope, we still do not find ourselves laughing as much as we wanted to when veteran actor Richard Jenkins (The Visitor, Step Brothers) appears as a veteran chick magnet.

Yes, this M18 rated comedy does feature body parts (without saying too much again, let’s just say these are organs which you won’t see in a PG rated comedy), but it is also devoid of the laughs which we were very much looking forward to.

Movie Rating:



(You may want to give this a pass if you were expecting something outrageously rib tickling)

Review by John Li