Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

I’ve been waiting for this movie for months and when I knew that it is opening this week I count the days till the premiere. I was really blown away by the trailer and had the impression that it is going to be a blockbuster movie. A lot of movies had let me down because I was deceived by the trailers but I had a good feeling with this movie. Fortunately, I was right! Prince of Persia became a blockbuster movie since the opening day. Aside from the reasons that it is a Walt Disney film, Jerry Bruckheimer is the producer and Jake Gyllenhaal as the leading actor, what really made me watch the movie is that I used to play this video game when I was young and I really enjoyed and loved it although I just played it on DOS before.

Prince of Persia is a movie from the popular video game. The story is set in ancient Persia where the story revolves around the adopted orphan boy of the King named Dastan. Though he is the youngest among the sons of the King, Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal) is very skilled and very determined to help his brothers and the King. Dastan really helped in the attack of Alamut, the Kingdom who was said to have a special weapon called the Sands of Time. It will let you go back in time or reverse time.  Alamut is lead by Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton) who pledged to protect the ancient dagger or the sands of time. When the King died and Danstan was accused of his death, the partnership of Danstan and Princess Tamina began. Both struggled to protect the dagger and find answers to reveal the truth about the King’s death. And along their adventure they revealed secrets, found out answers and encountered the real person responsible for the King’s death.

I was really impressed with the movie. It is action-packed and I really enjoyed the fighting scenes. The good catch was I really had a good laugh with Danstan and Princess Tamina’s conversations. Gyllenhaal really portrayed the character very well as well as Arterton. And I have to say they are both gorgeous in the movie! Before the movie came out I know that a lot of video game player would really compare the game to the movie just like the other movies based on video games. I say, just forget the video game. Just watch the movie and enjoy!

My Rating:

The Cove

The First word that came out to my mouth when I’m done watching this documentary was “Wow.” Wow as in I cried because my heart was squeezed how Dolphins were treated in Japan as what was shown in the docu. I also felt hate and rage about what was happening in Japan all along. Dolphins were killed brutally for their meats were sold to supermarkets with Whale meat labels on it not “Dolphin meat”. There are approximately 23,000 dolphins killed every year. Yes you read it right – 23,000 beautiful God-made creatures. One time in the docu, Dolphin Trainers of major marine parks in the world swarm Taiji, Japan to select and buy the Dolphin that would best entertain their spectators. Imagine 1 Dolphin costs around $153,000. For the love of money, people can really do brutally insane things! Richard O’Barry together with his team that cares about dolphins did a mission impossible but made possible job to show to the world how dolphins were badly treated in Japan- how the Japanese Government know about this brutality but didn’t do something about it – how most of the Japanese people don’t know that this is actually happening in their country. I was inspired with O’Barry’s mission in life. It is to bring global consciousness about dolphins and to protect them against brutality. O’Barry is the dolphin trainer of the 70’s hit tv show, Flipper. His personal anecdotes in the documentary are very inspiring.

I consider “The Cove” as the very powerful and disturbing film of 2009. The Cove is a very controversial film that could open the eyes of everybody to do something about this cruel dolphin slaughter. This conscience purging film is a must-see documentary. You can also take part with O’barry’s movement in the plight of these magnificent dolphins by visiting their website here.

The Cove was awarded as the Best Documentary in the 82nd Academy Awards.

of course my rating:

The Hurt Locker

What made me watch this movie? The six Oscar Awards. On the recently concluded 82nd Academy awards I had a mixed feeling when the Hurt Locker won the Best Picture award. I didn’t expect they will get it because first, I haven’t watched the movie so I was expecting Avatar will win. Second, didn’t hear so much about it from my friends who have watched the movie (Or maybe I didn’t manage to ask?). And third, I’m not really a fan of movies about war.

And so, I finally watched the movie and I was in real awe. The movie is indeed award-worthy. And two thumbs up to Kathryn Bigelow, who was known before as just the ex-wife of James Cameron but now she already established her name through the Hurt Locker. The movie is about the job of disarming bombs which is considered as one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. When the team of elite soldiers was on a mission in Iraq their team leader died while disarming a bomb. Then Sergeant James filled in the position. Sanborn and Eldridge find Sergeant James very unpredictable and bizarre that often leads to conflicts. James is very reckless and adrenaline junkie but very good with his job. The movie mainly focuses on three highly trained bomb disarming team. As the movie progresses, the team get to know the strength and weaknesses of each individual. Every bomb case which is to search and defuse bombs is very full of suspense and thrill. It is full of violence which is given since it is a movie about war that’s why it is rated R.

The good thing about this movie is they present to you how hard the job of a bomb tech is. This movie will make you find their job very commendable and should be highly regarded. My salute also goes to their families who sacrifice and allow them to go to battlefield to risk their lives.

Anyway, here are the awards that the movie earned which are worth mentioning:

Best Picture: The Hurt Locker
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker)
Best Original Screenplay: Mark Boal (The Hurt Locker)
Best Sound Mixing: Paul N.J. Ottosson and Ray Beckett (The Hurt Locker)
Best Sound Editing: Paul N.J. Ottosson (The Hurt Locker)
Best Film Editing: Chris Innis and Bob Murawski (The Hurt Locker)

my rating:

*have to post all their movie posters. i really liked it.

Hachiko: A Dog’s Story

Hachiko is a true to life story of a dog who faithfully loves his master. Hachiko was very young when Professor Parker Wilson (Richard Gere) found him. At first, Professor Wilson is hesitant to bring Hachi at home because his wife is not fond of dogs. But later on his wife (Sarah Roemer) decided to keep the dog and even beginning to love the dog. Parker Wilson is a college professor so he had to go everyday to teach. Hachi would accompany his master to the train station and return back to the station when his master returns from work. Hachi do this every day. While he does this every day, Hachi became close to other people near the train station. But when Professor Wilson died, Hachi still go to the train station on the same spot where he always waits. Today, a statue of Hachiko sits in Shibuya station in Japan in memory of this faithful and loyal dog that touched and taught a lot of people about love and devotion.

If you love dogs or even if you don’t this movie will touch you. I have my own pet dog that after watching this movie it made me kiss my own dog and even taught him some tricks just what Professor Wilson did to Hachi. It made me also think of getting an Akita. I have to admit, I cried watching it. Who would think a dog can wait forever for his master. The movie is so sad and full of drama but it teaches a lot of lesson about faithfulness, loyalty, love and devotion. My favorite part of the movie is the first time Hachi accompanies Professor to the station. Hachi’s love for Professor Wilson is very real and lasted even he is already gone that he waited for him every day in the train station.  The movie also teaches about loving the animals. Although they are not human, they have the heart like ours.  If you will love them, they will love you back.

The real Hachiko.

One of the scene in Hachiko: A Dog’s Story

Hachiko’s statue in Shibuya Station, Japan

My rating: 

82nd Academy Awards winners

• Best Picture: “The Hurt Locker”

• Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow, “The Hurt Locker”

• Best Actor in a Leading Role: Jeff Bridges, “Crazy Heart”

• Best Actress in a Leading Role: Sandra Bullock, “The Blind Side”

• Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Christoph Waltz, “Inglourious Basterds”

• Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Mo’Nique, “Precious”

• Best Original Screenplay: Mark Boal, “The Hurt Locker”

• Best Adapted Screenplay: Geoffrey Fletcher, “Precious”

• Best Foreign-Language Film: “El Secreto de Sus Ojos,” Argentina

• Best Animated Feature Film: “Up”

• Best Documentary: “The Cove”

Valentine’s Day

Boyfriend and I decided to celebrate the Valentine ’s Day very simple. We decided to just watch a movie. And guess what movie we watched? Valentine’s Day. Been eyeing this movie for a month and I can’t wait to finally watch it. When we entered the movie theatre, I made sure that I already got what I needed and no t so much liquid in take so that I can avoid the bathroom during the movie. The movie took an hour and 57 minutes. The cast is pact with the best actresses and actors that are just worth enumerating – Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Jamie Foxx, Bradley Cooper, Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Emma Roberts, Jennifer Garner, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, Topher Grace, Shirley Maclaine, Ashton Kutcher, Taylor Lautner, and Taylor Swift.  Valentine’s Day is a star-studded comedy movie about 10 people who lives in Los Angeles. Their lives crisscross on the romantic holiday.

I’m really glad because it was good and I liked it. I really enjoyed the different stories portrayed in the movie especially how everyone is connected to someone. I especially love the love story of Reed (Ashton Kutcher) and Julia (Jennifer Garner). Reed proposed to his girl friend, Morley (Jessica Alba) but she got cold feet and left him. On the other hand, Julia didn’t know that her boyfriend, Dr.  Copeland (Patrick Dempsey) is already married. When Reed found out about Dr. Copeland, he warned Julia about it. She didn’t believed it and wants to see it herself. The nurse who worked for Dr. Copeland confirmed it.  At the end, Reed and Julia discovered that they love each other more than just a friend.

The movie showed young love, teenage love and adult love. Who would have thought that a very young boy could give Valentine’s Day big of a deal. He bought flowers and card for his Valentines and really made effort to give it to someone he considered as his valentine. He is just so adorable.  It was also nice to see Taylors played as lovers in the movie. And I have to say, Anne Hathaway was really funny in the movie. Her role is the one thing you should look forward to in the movie.

So if you haven’t seen Valentine’s Day, better watch it. Spread the love!

My Rate:

Did You Hear About the Morgans?

If you see in the cast that it has Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant, you would really want to watch this movie. The movie is about a couple who are in the brink of getting a divorce. Grant, who plays as Paul Morgan is wooing again his wife after Parker, who played as Meryl Morgan knew that he cheated. Paul asked her many times to go out on a date with him but Meryl always refuses until one day she said yes. But their date ended up to an argument and then unfortunately, they became a witness of a murder. Because of this, they were sent to a small town called Wyoming to hide from the murderer. They were under the protection of a Sheriff and his wife. At first, they miss the life in New York but while they were hiding, they discovered great things about the small town. They met new people and made friends. Aside from that, Meryl is beginning to fall again for Paul. But the arguments and fights didn’t stop. Worst, the murderer learned where they are so he came to kill them.

The movie is funny, (kinda) suspense and (kinda) dramatic. It is really not the you-should-watch movie type but you will really like it because of the chemistry of Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant in the movie. I didn’t watch the trailer so I really don’t have any idea what it is about. The poster even gave me clueless but I expected a lot maybe that’s why I’m not really that satisfied. Movie lines are funny but I feel it’s like watching one of those Disney movies. One part of the movie that I really like though is Grant’s accent especially when Parker mocked him about it. The bear attack was also fun. Overall, the movie is just a feel good movie. If you just wanted to be entertained or just for the sake that you’ve seen the movie, Did you hear about the Morgan’s is just fine.

my rating is:

The Proposal

Margaret (Sandra Bullock), a prominent book editor in New York proposed to her executive assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds) when she faces deportation back to Canada. Andrew must marry Margaret so that she could stay in the US and save her job. So it is now Margaret who is wooing Andrew for him not to back out. Margaret even promised Andrew a promotion once it is done. Now, Andrew and Margaret fly to Sitka, Alaska to break the news to Andrew’s family before the Immigration Agent knows that the coming wedding is just a set up.  During their weekend visit to Andrew’s family and while convincing everyone that they are really a couple, they unexpectedly fell in love with each other.

I really enjoyed the movie. Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds are good combination for a romantic-comedy movie. Reynolds delivered the lines well and I have to say he’s very charming and oozing with sexiness (as always). Bullock on the other hand made me laugh so hard especially the part when she said Sit-ka, Al-aska. One character that I also love from the movie is Andrew’s grandma. She’s very funny and her lines are very hilarious. I will definitely watch it again!

My rate:

Bride wars

Bride Wars is a story of two best friends Liv (Kate Hudson) and Emma (Anna Hathaway) who since they were kids have planned everything for their wedding. Both attended weddings and have critique everything from flowers to wedding singers. So when their boyfriends propose to them, they were very ecstatic and excited to arrange everything. And on top of their list is to get married in the Plaza Hotel, New York’s Number 1 Bridal Destination. They thought everything will go smoothly until there was a clerical error in booking for the venue. They’re about to get married on the same date! So now their friendship is put to test when no one wants to give way.

Finally, I get to watch this movie I’ve wanted to watch for months. I’m not really a big fan of Hathaway and Hudson but I really enjoyed this movie. It was very hilarious and entertaining! And I have to say, Anne Hathaway is very pretty and adorable in the movie. The way she dress and her face is so perfect. The only downside of the movie is their grooms. They are not that charming, hot or handsome except for Bryan Greenberg who played Kate Hudson’s brother who soon becomes Anne’s groom (oops! there goes the spoiler.)My favorite part is when Kate Hudson’s hair turned blue. She’s very funny.

For all the ladies, I recommend you watch the movie. You will really enjoy it as much as you can relate to the movie.

Rate:

Taken

I don’t know who you are. But if you don’t let my daughter go, I will find you. I will kill you.

I’ve seen Taken months ago but since it is been shown in theatres just now, I want to post my review about the movie. The story is a revenge movie of a father whose daughter was kidnapped by a woman trafficking gang on her trip to Paris. Liam Neeson played as Bryan Mills who is an ex-government agent who retired in California to live close to his daughter. Mills wants to make up to his daughter for the lost time when he was away for his job and left her daughter to his ex-wife (Famke Janssen). When he knew that his daughter was taken by goons in Paris, he immediately fly and look for the criminals in order to save his daughter.

I had doubts that Taken would be a worthy movie to watch when I read the cast especially with the leading actor that didn’t even ring a bell to me. Taken is a kind of movie that is predictable or you already know what will happen at the end but you still want to go along with the ride. It’s like a James Bond movie that is fully-packed with action, car-chasing and gun-toting. You will really admire the love and how a father cares for his daughter. He can even risk his life and even his profession to catch the culprit and save his daughter. It’s my first movie to see Neeson but I’m really impressed and it made me look for his past movies. The movie really proves that older man for an action movie is not bad after all. So if you love action and ass-kicking movies, I recommend Taken.

Rating: