Day 60 continued - Dracula III: Legacy (American)

"In the near future, Uffizi and Luke travel to the remote reaches of war torn Romania to rescue Elizabeth and finish the vampire once and for all. Along the way, they encounter TV news journalist and a corps of rebels trying to fight the vampire uprising which plagues their country."

 

Better than the first two but there is still a lot of room for improvement. The direction and filming style is better, after three movies they have found the perfect balance of darkness. Even with a cast of people who have done successful movies this is not one of them. I suggest you skip this move, you know what skip the whole series and be cautious about watching any movie named Dracula.

 

 

1/5

Day 60 - Angriest Man in Brooklyn (American)

"A perpetually angry man is informed he has 90 minutes to live and promptly sets out to reconcile with his family and friends in the short time he has left"

A poorly done film with a lot of meaning but is rushed like the angry man's life. I love how blunt everyone eventually becomes but the film was poorly directed and the progression of things are predictable. If you are a fan of Robin Williams then watch it but if you are not then I suggest you skip it.


1.5/5

Day 59 continued - From The Rough (American)

"Dr. Catana Starks made history as the first woman and the first African American woman to coach a men's college golf team."

-IMDB

 

A good film but also could have been better, maybe something with more depth. A lot of it feels forced, its actually the younger cast that lift this movie up and its the older cast who appears to be bringing this film down. Taraji P. Henson was alright but I wish the film had a better script. Overall its a rushed movie bout a black college having a multi racial team of golfers.

 

2/5

Day 59 - The Lady (french)

 

"The story of Aung San Suu Kyi as she becomes the core of Burma's democracy movement, and her relationship with her husband, writer Michael Aris."

 

A decent film about a wonderful lady who fights for the people of her homeland, the memory of her father and for the love of her family. Michelle Yeoh does a wonderful in this role, to me its the best one I have seen from her. Sure the film could have been a thousand times better with better direction and maybe more depth. David Thewlis did a good job supporting Yeoh as her characters husband who battles cancer while his wife's life is endangered in another country. Everyone else could have been a lot better as these two were the only two good actors in the film. This film has a wonderful message and I hope it will enlighten people.

 

2/5

 

 



 

 

 

Day 58 continued - ABC's of Death 2 (American)

"It contains 26 different shorts, each by different directors spanning various countries"

Such a good collection of shorts, I really liked the fact that each short came from a different country. There is not much to talk about because it will spoil the collection. I suggest you watch this film and enjoy.

3/5

Day 58 - Once Upon a Time in Shanghai (Hong Kong)

 

"A laborer moves to Shanghai in the hope of becoming rich. But ends up using his kung fu skills to survive."
Not bad for an action film but could have been a lot better. There are a few holes that could have been filled in order to make the film better. The action scenes were stellar, I wish the dramatic scenes could match them but sadly they couldn't. The climax of the film could have been better as it was predictable but the ending of the film was a lot of fun to watch. If you are bored and want to watch a good action film then this movie is perfect for you.

3/5

little info
It's a remake of Boxer From Shantung (1972) 

 

Day 57 continued - Web Junkie (American/Israeli)

"The film focuses on the Chinese government's classification of internet addiction as a clinical disorder and focuses on the treatment used in Chinese rehabilitation centers."

A very harsh look into the world of internet addiction, I feel like most of the blame falls upon society and the parents of the addicts. As most of them said that they are harsh to their children and work a lot. This is a good documentary that could have been great if handled differently. Its still a good documentary to watch as it might stir a lot of emotions in you and make you want to think about your life. There is something pretty twisted things present in the film that might leave you saying "wtf".


2.5/5

Day 57 - Zach Galifianakis: Live at the Purple Onion (American)

 

 

 

"A master of the one-liner with an absurd rambling style, Zach's sharp, resonating humor makes his show at the famed Purple Onion in San Francisco one of the funniest performances in recent comedy."

 

A very funny stand up from a comedian that the world really started to take notice of in The Hangover. There are a few    boring moments but his stand up is really great though this a little short. If you love his humor, you'll love this stand up special as much as I did.

 

3/5  

Day 56 continued - Finding Neverland (American)

"The story of J.M. Barrie's friendship with a family who inspired him to create Peter Pan."

One of Johnny Depp's best "serious" roles as he is actually acting in a different manner than normal. It was a role that fits him perfectly, it was very entertaining to learning the story and the people behind Peter Pan. Kate Winslet was alright but it was Johnny who stole the spotlight and really carried the film with the help of the child actors. Dustin Hoffman makes an appearance in this film but it wasn't really necessary as he is not seen a whole lot.

2.6/5

little info

In the formal dinner Johnny Depp placed a fart machine under the chair of Julie Christies. So the children are actually laughing about that more than when they are playing with the spoons.

It had been a tradition that girl play Peter Pan on the stage

Johnny Depp was the first cast member to sign on to do this film

Day 56- Her (American)

 

"A lonely writer develops an unlikely relationship with his newly purchased operating system that's designed to meet his every need"

 

A bizarre but beautiful that will leave you questioning a lot of things like what is real love? This movie deserved the Academy Award for Best Screenplay because it was truly something different. Joaquin Phoenix gave the best performance of his career, I normally don't like his acting but he was great in this film. He represents many people that I know in real life, so he was a character that is easy to relate to. I love the world that they created within this movie, it was so believable. I can imagine that this is what our future might look like it. This film is quite realistic as there are a few people that have married fictional characters from video games. So the concept of this movie can actually happen.

 

4/5

 

little info

 

Most of the background shots were filmed in Shanghai

This is the only movie that Spike Jonze has written as well as directed

No one in the film was seen wearing a belt

Day 55 continued - In His Charts (Japanese)

"

Dr. Ichito Kuriharai (Sho Sakurai) works at a clinic in Nagano Prefecture. He rarely has any free time due to the clinic's shortage of doctors and the constant influx of patients. Ichito even sometimes diagnoses patients out of his area of speciality and sometimes goes days without sleeping. He hopes to work at a major hospital where he can get more free time to spend with his wife Haruna (Aoi Miyazaki) and also specialize in his field of study. However, Ichito is also reluctant to add to shortage of doctors at the clinic and break his relationships with the patients.

One day, Dr. Ichito Kuriharai clears out the belongings of a terminal cancer patient who passed away. Durin this time, he discovers a letter made out to him thanking him for the care he provided to her, even though he could not cure her sickness. Dr. Ichito Kuriharai then has a revelation about the medical chart he keeps in his hand - filled with personal observations and concerns ..."-AsianWiki

A very slow movie that gets better then starts to get slow again. There are a few good moments in the film but they tend to be overshadowed by some of more comical moments. I actually liked the characters but I felt like they were wasted do to poor direction and script. I felt like there could have been more romantic feelings between Ichito Kuriharai and Haruna Kuriharai. But I understand why they didn't add more of it, I do appreciate some of what the movie was trying to say. Its a slow movie but if you have nothing to do then its the perfect movie for you.

 

1.8/5

 

little info

 

It appeared at the 15th Shanghai International Film Festival   

Day 55 - Mean Machine (British)

 

"A soccer star jailed for assault leads a group of inmates in a match against prison guards"

 

Its not that bad as it had a very enjoyable moments but it lacked to do anything original. It is an adaption of the American movie The Longest Yard. Vinnie Jones was good, it was a nice effect that he himself was a pro soccer (football) player. I mean it was a little different as the original movie featured a different sport and has a little more drama. I felt like this movie was drowned in comedy thus losing its more dramatic feel. I would suggest you skip this film unless you a major soccer fan.

 

1/5

 

Little info

 

Two members of the cast were professional athletes: Vinnie Jones was a former pro soccer player while Jason Statham was a British National  Team Driver.

Day 54 continued - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (American)

 

"When Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace."

 

It was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. I only liked the first one but I truly loved this one. It showed a lot of growth and included darker themes. I respect when a animation movie tries to do something different. I love the introduction of all the new dragons, characters, and other islands. I have to say the baby dragons were very cute and enjoyable to see. It makes the film have more depth, it really impressed me with its delivery. I felt like the voice acting this time around was a lot better since the actors really know what they are doing. If you liked the first one you'll love this one, I suggest to all animation fans.

 

3.5/5

 

little info

 

It's the first DreamWorks Animation film to win a Golden Globe for Best Animated Film

 

 

Day 54 - And the Oscar Goes To....(American)

 Tells the history of the Academy Awards

 

As a documentary goes this one is kind of poor as it didn't really leave me with a lasting impression. It was kind of interesting to learn the history of the award ceremony. It was also nice to get an insight into the mind of the "winners" and why the award means so much to someone in this kind of field. I really wished the documentary had better direction and more depth. It brought up a lot of memories yet it lacked the punch to be a great documentary.

 

2/5

 

 

 



Day 53 continued - The Hunting Party (American)



"A young journalist, a seasoned cameraman and a discredited war correspondent embark on an unauthorized mission to find the No.1 war criminal in Bosnia. However, their extremely dangerous target decides to come after them."

Not bad, its understandable why they made a movie like this. I enjoyed most of it but at times it can be a little boring. I dislike Jesse Eisenberg, so it was annoying to see his appearance in the film. I do happen to think Richard Gere and Terrence Howard did a good job as a team. I felt like there should have been more to the film as the direction wasn't all that great. Its an okay movie to watch when you are bored.

2/5

Day 53 - Team America: World Police (American)

 

"Popular Broadway actor Gary Johnston is recruited by the elite counter-terrorism organization Team America: World Police. As the world begins to crumble around him, he must battle with terrorists, celebrities and falling in love."

 

Better than I thought, it had its moments. I always expect good/outrageous things from the creators of South Park. There are a lot of what the fu*k moments in the movie especially towards the end. I enjoyed seeing all of the puppet versions of celebrities and why they are important to the story. If you like South Park then you'll most likely like this movie. On a side note Trey Parker uses a smiliar version of cartman's voice to voice Kim jong Il.

 

2.8/5

 

little info

 

Alec Baldwin thought the movie was "amusing"

100 sets were made for this movie



Day 52 continued - A Walk Among Tombstones (American)

"Private investigator Matthew Scudder is hired by a drug kingpin to find out who kidnapped and murdered his wife."

 

One of the better new Liam Neeson movie but still needed some work. I dislike the fact they had Astro as a supporting character he is so annoying to me. I enjoyed Liam Neeson's performance as it was one of his best, to me it was better than his character in Taken. Its a good movie to watch on a warm day when you want to stay inside.

 

2.8/5

 

little info

 

Was based on a book

Liam Neeson is the second person to portray this character on film (Jeff Bridges was the first)

Day 52 - John Wick (American)

 

"An ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that took everything from him."

 

First off this movie needed a lot more work done to it but this has to be the best performance I have seen from Keanu Reeves. The direction was alright, there were a few holes in the plot. The action scenes were very nice and very fun to watch. I hate how they introduced a few characters without really usually them like the bartender. Back to Reeves, he was able to portray this character so well that this role appears so different from any other role he has taken. I was so impressed with his appearance that I felt like watching it again. Excellent movie if you have nothing better to do.

 

3/5

 

little info

 

Keanu Reeves did 90% of his stunts

He learned the nightclub fight scene on the day of 

This movie is intended to be a trilogy

This is Keanu Reeves 6th time playing a character named John
The dog in the beginning of the film is actually Keanu Reeves' dog

 

Day 51 continued - Fury (American)

"April, 1945. As the Allies make their final push in the European Theatre, a battle-hardened Army sergeant named Wardaddy commands a Sherman tank and his five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Outnumbered, out-gunned, and with a rookie soldier thrust into their platoon, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany"

A realistic war film that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I enjoyed almost all of this movie though there are a few plot points I wished were filled. Brad Pitt did a remarkable job as the leader of this crew and his performance was award worthy. He had a lot of help from a good supporting cast like Shia LaBeouf, Michael Pena, Jon Bernthal, and Logan Lerman. This is an American movie but it doesn't pull any punches about the cruel reality of war. Its a cold brutal act which should be perceived as that and this movie does just that. The direction needed some work but it is still an amazing movie to watch.

4/5

 

little info

 

This movie featured a real live Tiger I Tank, which is the first time a real one has appeared in a WWII movie.

Michael Pena did his own stunt driving for the tank

This is the 3rd WWII movie Brad Pitt has been in



Day 51 - Neighbors (American)

"After they are forced to live next to a fraternity house, a couple with a newborn baby do whatever they can to take them down."

 

Honestly this movie wasn't that funny at all, the best part was the scene with the airbags. Besides that it really hard no worth comedy wise. It was fun to see Seth Rogen vs Zac Efron but it failed to live up to the funny trailer. I have to say that Zac Efron and Rose Byrne did a good job. Rose Byrne was absolutely excellent, she proved that she was the best in this film. The script is very weak with no real edge or wit imbedded into it.

 

1.5/5

 

little info

 

Seth Rogen and Zac Efron took pay cuts to save money for the film's budget.

Dave Franco, James Franco's brother is also good friends with Seth Rogen.

Zac Efron broke his hand during his fight with Dave Franco's character

Day 50 continued - Mr. and Mrs. Player (Hong Kong)

"Chinese Feng Shui master, Carson was a real ladies' man, he had never been in a stable relationship. Carson was a "Natural Born Player", taking names and breaking hearts. Fate had it that he would meet his match, the hot veterinarian, Chi-Ling. It was love at first sight, but neither could stand the other's fickle nature lest the affair might have ended as soon as it began. So Chi-Ling invite Carson to move in with her and make him promise to have no sexual contact with any girls for 100 days"

I liked this movie somewhat but felt like it was really one sided. Love wasn't really that big in the movie until the end. I guess that is what they wanted in order to tell a more modernized version of the movie. I kind of wish that this movie was more serious and had more love present.

1/5

Day 50 - Hostipality Department (Japanese)

 

"The hospitality division in Kochi Prefecture can't promote the beautiful nature in the area due to a strict rule by the prefecture government. Popular writer and Koichi area native Kyosuke Yoshikado (Kengo Kora) is appointed as a special envoy for tourism in the area. He then receives a recommendation to meet Seien, a former employee of Kochi Prefecture, who once hatched an unusual idea to promote tourism. Seien pushed forward a project to import pandas into the area, but lost his job because of that project. Meanwhile, hospitality division employees Fumitaka (Ryo Nishikido) and Taki (Maki Horikita) visits the tourist house which is run by Seien and his daughter (Megumi Seki). When they arrive, the daughter throws a bucket of water at them, still angry for the way her father was dismissed from his job. From there, a plan for the hospitality division is born. "

This was a good hearted movie about the beauty and wonder of the part of Japan they call Kochi. I enjoyed the movie a lot, there were some very good parts. I enjoyed the romance present in the film and the way it was executed. The comedy wasn't over the top it was actually realistic as was the approach to the romance. If you really like to see a beautiful place and see some wonderful characters then this is the movie for you.

3/5 

 

little info

 

Ryo Nishikido was a part of two J-Pop groups. This was also his 3rd movie

Kengo Kora also starred in The Egoists



Day 49 continued - Sweet Alibis (Taiwanese)

 

 

 

 

"Starting from a seemingly pointless case of a puppy's accidental death, from eating chocolate, the essentially incompatible pair unexpectedly digs up the clues to a series of mysterious deaths."

 

Its not a movie that you take too serious but its a wonder to watch. I was entertained while watching this movie but some of the acting was very bad. The plot needed some more work but there is a good message behind this film. The character changes were consistent but still needed some more work. This is the kind of movie you just sit back to watch on a boring Friday.

 

2.5/5

 

 

little info

 

Alec Su was once a big idol in 1988

 

Ariel Lin was discovered after winning a contest called the pretty subway girl contest

Day 49 - Robocop (American)

 

"In 2028 Detroit, when Alex Murphy - a loving husband, father and good cop - is critically injured in the line of duty, the multinational conglomerate OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer."

 

This film is hard to critique as I do like the direction at times but other times its completely bad. I do like the darker feel of this movie as it fits the time better than trying to copy the comedy present in the original film. I didn't really like the main actor as he really didn't portray the struggle of this character that well. Something that ignored me was the fact that Alex Murphy's wife didn't play a bigger role and was only used when it was absolutely necessary. Even with an all star cast this movie really didn't make that good of an impression with me. If you are a fan of the original then understand they took a different approach and don't base your criticism on how the new Robocop strayed so far what was the original was.

 

2/5

 

little info

 

Michael Keaton and Gary Oldman both were apart of the Batman movie franchise. Peter Weller the original Robocop also played Batman.

 

 

Day 48 continued - The Last House on Cemetery Lane (British)

 

"A screenwriter staying in an old manor house in West Wales discovers that it's haunted by malevolent spirits."

 

Such a bad horror movie its a complete waste of a movie. It is so boring even for the modern horror movie genre. Skip this movie at all costs!

 

0/5