"EVERY BREATH YOU FAKE" a Short Film by JUN KIN
Scheduling in Year 2016
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Sunday, April 6, 2014
"THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL" FILM REVIEW
“THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL”
PRESS REVIEW
In truth, anyone can get tickled pink whilst watching this film. It’s absolutely hilarious as it’s meant to be.
It swallows you into its “guffawing” process, from start to finish.
This Reviewer steers away from comedies because he is a sad person, but hey, this one really makes him roar. (very serious).
Granted, the packaging offered is deliberately done in old school style to render it a period setting.
But beat it, the jokes and actions are timelessly funny. If you are feeling blue at any time of the day, check into the cinema to enjoy this fun movie when it’s in town.
You’d not regret the decision.
“THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL” breezes us through the silly escapades of Gustave H, a classic goodlooking concierge at a renowned European hotel between the wars.
His sidekick is Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy he trains to be his loyal friend.
The story focuses all types of human dramas: the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting, and the battle for an enormous family fortune, all against the back-drop of a Continent that is geographically changing.
Director-writer WES ANDERSON dresses the movie in seamless style. He garnishes it with rich color tones, symmetrical designs, nothing short of breathtaking.
It’s a goofy movie that induces genuine laughter. Hahaha!
Repeat, the lead actor M. Gustave (RALPH FIENNES) is a concierge at a legendary hotel perched atop a vantage mountain in a fictional European country before the outbreak of war.
He is in the process of training a lobby boy named Zero (TONY REVOLORI), who will soon become his closest pal and accomplice.
Gustave is a dandy who takes delight in catering to the whims and fancies of senior wealthy women who stay at the hotel. Whether this is done out of pure joy or gain, no clear reasons were specified.
When oldie dowager (TILDA SWINTON) who plays an old lady aged 100+) passes away, she bequeaths him with a priceless painting, but this act infuriates her arrogant son (ADRIEN BRODY).
What follows are cat-and-mouse chases throughout the movie, involving murder, imprisonment and a whole lot more.
The list of notable veterans such as RALPH FIENNES, JUDE LAW, TONY REVOLORD, BILL MURRAY, EDWARD NORTON, SAOIRSE RONAN, ADRIEN BRODY and OWEN WILSON.
The film director WES ANDERSON takes a cue from the Charlie Chaplin comedies where the actions of his actors are animated in a high spirited and hilarious style.
He unashamedly adds a remarkable dash of surrealism transporting us through a world of aesthetic dreams where the rules of reality do not apply.
His visual treatment is like a welcome breath of fresh air.
Stay braced for a beautiful, colorful world.
In grand style.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
“IN THE DARK " 怨鬼 (MALAYSIA) FILM REVIEW
The POSTER warns: “SOME SECRETS ARE BEST LEFT UNEXPOSED.”
MURDEROUS INTENT? Come watch the MOVIE for the ANSWER.
SMELL a Rat?
Seems so, something is just not right.
An OUIJA Session to tempt FATE?
Don’t! You might usher in Unwelcome Spirits!
Someone’s knocking at the Door?
There shouldn’t be anyone at this unearthly hour!
DANGER on the High Seas?
Not if you hold on to me tight, dear.
CAN you SEE the SPIRIT SLURPING on YOUR SOUP? (quivers)
- a Yeo Joon Han film -
“IN THE DARK” (怨鬼) 2014 Malaysian Movie.
The PRESS REVIEW
Treat “IN THE DARK” 怨鬼 ” as one big Pandora’s box, and you will be bestowed with surprises galore.
But hide it from the squirmish and faint-hearted. Because, should you continue digging further, you may strike upon unnerving nuances.
Curiosity kills the cat, right.
So don’t be dismayed when upon unwrapping, you get more than what you bargain for, but beware ….. the findings can be brutal and demented.
“IN THE DARK” tells you about a doomed romance, the sudden demise of this clingy relationship leads to unsettling discord and mayhem.
The psychological reel nightmare faced by the actors up on the giant screen can sort of creep into your skin as audience. You actually feel the goose pimples. Scream!
The Director intends to assail you with his power of scares to harness you on edge. And he rendered a smashing job at that.
Painstakingly written and helmed by Yeo Joon Han whose previous project was “Sell Out!”, he delivers also, a spooky haunting score. His musical director Ken Hor ensures that, at every juncture of shock, he dispenses a scare “jolt”, to draw audience into the mood.
It’s a refreshing change to see Taiwanese pin-up boy Wang Po Chieh as the lead actor, emitting a powerful performance. He brings a raw energy, engaging and endearing.
And Malaysian beauties Candy Lee and Jennifer Foh are up-and-coming Malaysian actresses who can give the regular television artistes a run for their money.
Everything is a refreshing change to boot. Thank goodness.
Beware! “IN THE DARK” is not crafted for the squeamish. What would you do when you harbor dark thoughts of cinematic nihilism?
This one is for those looking for a new kick in scares, be prepared for the headache you might get when you leave the theater.
Let’s run through the plot:
Joseph (Wang Po Chieh) is one happy-go-lucky real estate agent, taking life in his stride. He has a reasonably successful sales career and has gotten a new love May (Jennifer Foh) in his life. Life’s looking great.
He is devastated when May is suddenly killed in a car accident.
Just before the accident, May has been seen squabbling with an unknown male passenger Wei Teck who survives the crash but slips into a coma.
Taking May’s joke seriously that she will return to haunt him if she dies one day, Joseph enlists the help of May’s best friend, Vivien (Candy Lee)
Both of them perform an Ouija board session hoping to find May
from the dead and talk to her.
However, instead of May appearing, a host of other strange spirits turn up to taunt him, including Wei Teck’s ghost.
Vivien, too, is threatened by demons of her own — ghosts from a dark past that she has been unwilling to confront.
Now, spirits are out to get both of them at every turn.
Joseph and Vivien have to unravel the mysteries that surround them – Why are they being pursued by Spirits?
What other horrors will be unleashed from the darkest recesses of the surroundings?
This film is about twisted revelations. Some secrets are best left unexposed.
If haunts and spooks are your cup of tea, brace yourself and step right in.
“IN THE DARK” is superb, powerfully haunting and affecting.
Right.
Rating: 4 out of 5.
"DIVERGENT" FILM REVIEW
“DIVERGENT” (2014) PRESS REVIEW
An industry professional told me months ago not to miss the media screening of DIVERGENT, if there’s ever going to be one.
There was one eventually, and now you’d be asking me if it were any good.
For its entertainment value, I cannot fathom any complaints, to be devoutly honest.
The production is vivid, engaging and well worth seeing.
But if you enjoy digging dirt, you will be confounded with your own expert findings, but really, nothing serious.
DIVERGENT has SHAILENE WOODLEY together with THEO JAMES as a screen couple.
It has been reported that they are going to be groomed by Hollywood to be the next “best things” around. Charming.
They are competently supported by luminous veterans such as KATE WINSLET, ASHLEY JUDD and MAGGIE Q, among others.
DIVERGENT is an absorbing actioner set in a world where people are divided into distinct factions based on human virtues.
Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) is warned from the start that she is Divergent and will never fit into any one group.
Later she discovers a conspiracy by a faction leader (Kate Winslet) whose ulterior motive is to destroy all Divergents,
Tris then meets the hunk called Four (Theo James) and together they set to tackle the situation before it’s too late. Not before both of them grind and roar in sexual heat.
The plot is based on the popular book series by Veronica Roth. The film director is Neil Burger.
In recent years, Dystopian young adult novels have garnered such explosive popularity among teenagers and young adults.
This genre demonstrates the bleakness of worlds with corrupt governments and complex characters.
Film studios are ready to “cash in” and adapt these novels (Divergent, Insurgent and Allegiant) onto the big screen.
The first movie in a trilogy, Divergent has already been positioned as the next Hunger Games. As indicated by the mood-and-tone.
The film is both riveting and provocative.
For those who love this genre of movie, it’s a must-see.
You’ll hold your breath from start to finish.
RATING: 3.5 out of 5
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
“HORSEPLAY” 盜馬記 (HONG KONG) FILM REVIEW
“HORSEPLAY” 盜馬記 PRESS REVIEW
Here’s a mumbo-jumbo of the plot:
Ha Mui (KELLY CHEN) is a pretty TV host, trying to make good.
She is hot on the trail of a notorious thief and reliable sources direct her to London.
She sees the trip serving as the prologue to a fantastic scoop on relics smuggling ,and as a boost to impress her bosses.
And chances would have it, she comes face-to-face with the infamous thief who goes by the name of Nine-Tailed Fox (TONY LEUNG KA-FAI) during her investigations.
This foxy guy provides some comic relief, and outwardly he appears cheeky and playful.
Nay, not everything is what it seems.
Next, enter the bumbling nerd of a detective Cheung Ho (EKIN CHENG).
He arrives in London to “protect” the multi-million TANG DYNASTY POTTERY HORSE from being stolen.
And midway through it all, you’ll find he is more a hindrance than a help.
Everyone has his own hidden agenda.
We have a top-notch Hong Kong cast. Plus exciting locales such as London and Prague.
The plot of the movie may have been inspired by a TVB recent drama series TRIUMPH IN THE SKIES 2 which give the wrong idea that pilots and cabin crew are always frolicking on the streets of London during stopovers.
Please take note that Hong Kong is an island with an overall population of 7 million, the commoners dwelling in cramped public housings.
Not everybody can afford to travel, so the substitute is in the form of a travel movie which shows you the splendor of exotic locales.
The three veteran actors here are baby boomers.
Try sorting them in a potpourri of sorts and transport them to LONDON and PRAGUE. And be prepared for a mayhem of comedic escapades.
Every thing seems so surreal, just like stepping off a fashion spread.
You’ll wonder at KELLY CHEN who’s wearing the same red color evening gown for most part of the movie.
You tell yourself that it it’s her royal sacrifice, pursuing the nine-tailed fox, she has no time to go back to change. Believe this,chum.
What writer-director LEE CHI NGAI Lee succeeds is swarming us with breathtaking panoramic views of London and Prague.
Script-wise however, is another matter where he relies an overload of slapstick gags.
It is silly to watch the alluring female assassin (MANDY LIEU) trying to “finish off” the Nine-tailed Fox with a pen-like needle over and over again but fails in her attempts.
The squealing ERIC TSANG and the funny man WONG CHO-LAM are tag-along stars.
You hope that the riotous film ‘HORSEPLAY” ignites like a fire-cracker.
Well, almost, with your help.
Cha-cha-cha anyone?
Or tango?
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
"POSSESSED" THAI HORROR FILM REVIEW
“POSSESSED” THAI HORROR FILM REVIEW
Having worked in Thailand before and still am, it’s pretty clear to me, as with my Thai colleagues that this is one movie that will grip you by the horns.
Or it might not.
For sure, it will provide you with some chilly, scary moments.
Along with an accompaniment of mindless gags.
Hence we should pronounce this as a Ghost Comedy.
Now, the rural population of THAILAND is around 46 million and these country folks love this brand of comedies. Good to laugh, they chime.
Smart director Pakphum Wongjinda knows where to place his sentiments in a win-win situation.
He has also gleefully calculated the inflow of dollars and cents.
The drab Plot:
“A group of college students pick a remote Chinese cemetery as a filming locale for their
senior-year short movie project.
The filming script is planned to be a weepy romance that will tear at your heartstrings.
Quite by coincidence the shoot dates happen to fall during the Chinese Ghost Festival.
But the real terror erupts when Ji (Apittha “Mean” Klaiudom), a depressed female colleague, who has just joined the crew gets possessed by a stray spirit.
The horrifying spirit wants the crew to help it to accomplish something…
Or else death will befall everyone.”
It is silly to even compare this movie with PEE MAK, the blockbuster which stars MARIO MAURER.
PEE MAK is helmed by a very renowned director and MARIO is a Thailand superstar.
The ensemble cast of POSSESSED are relatively unknown.
No matter, as the 46 million people comprising the rural populace were to buy the DVD version, the sales will still reap a tidy amount, even if this film should flop at the cinema.
Is this movie deliciously demented?
Not on your life, but if you like Thai horror comedies, check this one out.
Rating: 2 out of 5.
Monday, March 17, 2014
"MR.PEABODY AND SHERMAN" FILM REVIEW
“MR. PEABODY AND SHERMAN”
ANIMATED FILM REVIEW
Truth be told:
You can grade me as an old school enthusiast, but no matter.
I try not to be a fan of the present day animated films where the focus rests largely on CGI instead of plot.
This one, however, is an exception: I am bowled over by “MR. PEABODY AND SHERMAN”.
It may be in 3D but the use of CGI is wisely balanced.
The movie is funny, wacky, cute, offering a wisp of spring, is irresistible, and a lot more …..
Truly we roar at the unintended antics of the comic duo MR.PEABODY, his son SHERMAN and their helpless escapades.
The “feel-good” energy is set to dispense anybody’s blues away.
Let’s take a quick run through the story:
Mr. Peabody (Ty Burrell) is a smart talking dog who won the legal right to adopt Sherman (Max Charles), an orphaned baby.
Father and son now live an eventful life—punctuated by frequent time-travel adventures around the world in Mr. Peabody’s time machine (called “the WABAC’). You better believe this.
Life is perfect, until Sherman starts school.
Teased by his classmate, Penny, for his unorthodox upbringing, Sherman retaliates and lands himself in a fix, raising doubts about Mr. Peabody’s ability to raise a human child.
Thereupon Sherman takes the WABAC out for a joyride to impress Penny and win over her friendship.
The two accidentally rip a hole in the universe, wreaking havoc affecting the most important events in history.
Before the damage sinks deeper to alter the past, present and future, Mr. Peabody is summoned to their rescue.
This is a wholesome family entertainment at its best.
Everybody will be assured of rib-tickling fun and laughter galore.
You can’t possibly go wrong with this one, chum.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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