Day 72 ccontinued - Love Me (American/British/Ukrainian)

"Love Me is a character-drive narrative that follows desperate men on their quest for love through the modern 'mail-order bride' industry in Ukraine. The film highlights the complete process of finding a partner in a foreign land, showing the Western male and Ukrainian female perspectives."

A very interesting documentary about a world that starting to get accepted in the mainstream society. The style of documentary could have been better but I enjoyed seeing the perspective of the girls and the men they chose. There are a lot of things that you have to think about when you decide to start an online relationship that will eventually become a real life romance. This documentary shows the upside and downside of doing this. Its quite interesting and I recommend it to people that enjoy this kind of documentary and are open minded.

Day 72 - Altar (British)

"A young family move to an isolated estate that the wife has been hired to restore, only to discover that the previous owner is reputed to have murdered his wife."

A very terrible horror film, theres not much to say but to never watch this movie. It lost my interest in the beginning, I tried my best but really couldn't get into this movie for some reason. The script was horrible and the overall feel of the film was weak.

1/5

Day 71 continued - Centurion (British)

 

"A splinter group of Roman soldiers fight for their lives behind enemy lines after their legion is decimated in a devastating guerrilla attack."

 

A very weak historical film that has many holes and boring action scenes. The script had a lot to say but I felt like it could have been better. Some of the story simply didn't make sense and felt rushed. There was explanation for many things which causes us to be left hanging even after the end of the film. I suggest you skip this film unless its a slow night.

 

1.5/5

Day 71 - Brotherhood of Blades (Chinese)

 

"The film is set in 1627, towards the end of the Ming dynasty, when a young emperor decides to end the influence of all-powerful eunuch Wei (Chin Shi-chieh) and purge his supporters.Caught in the midst of the intrigue are three lowly cash-strapped warriors from the Imperial Assassins, the secret police, who are given orders to find and kill Wei"

 

The action scenes are the only talented part in the film the rest could be thrown away. There were no feelings of true brotherhood amongst the three main characters. The women were even worse, you could tell their job was to basically be dolls that look good. They were very beautiful but it truly felt like the director/script held them back. The script was very weak, I really wonder why this movie was even made. The story doesn't even reveal everything, so there are holes. Some of the characters are unbelievable which causes the viewer to lose interest. I suggest it to fans of Wuxia.

Day 70 continued - The Wind Rises (Japanese)



"A look at the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the man who designed Japanese fighter planes during World War II."

Absolutely a one in a kind movie that no one really saw coming. Hayao Miyazaki leaves the world with a true stunner that is so similar but so different from anything else he has ever done. Before I start I would like to say there is no Anti-American emotion or scenes present in this film.
        Now I will this say the animation is truly wonderful, the world is beautiful and the characters are remarkable. No one else in this world has been able to make a film as wonderful as Hayao Miyazaki. From the hand drawn animation which is a dying craft that should be brought back to the colors of the world. He makes these wonderful words that have a basis in fiction and reality that makes it so believable. All of this is present in The Wind Rises, if you see the movie you will understand why he chose to make a movie like this. You will understand him more than ever, as I think this is a very personal film in a way. Often when I looked at Jiro I saw Hayao Miyazaki, the two lookalike and really stand for the same things.
Disney did a great job in finding the right people to do the voice work and were able to match the characters quite well. There is romance, war, adventure, dreams, and harsh reality in the film. Miyazaki doesn't leave anything out, I feel like this movie can't really be expressed in words. I suggest everyone go out and watch the film now. There is just so much we could all learn from this film that we can absorb into our own lives.
The Wind Rises is about a man named Jiro who wants to design airplanes that are meant for flight not war but the sad reality is whatever he designs will be used for war. There's a wonderful question in the film "Would you like to live in a world with or without pyramids?" meaning would you like to live with or without Airplanes knowing full well the airplanes you design will be used in wars. This is quite powerful as we can adapt the question to whatever we do thus it gets personal.
The love story between Jiro and Naoko is so wonderfully real. There's nothing fabricated, it was a love affair that probably actually happened during the time. So its a real love story in more ways than one, its really such a beautiful experience. Even Jiro's love of design is truly inspiring, he's passionate about what he does and not a lot of people in this generation are. So it really spoke to me as a designer myself, that we all need to stay alive and live with life.
I suggest this film to everyone from fans of Ghibli, animation fans, designers, movie lovers, women, men, and most importantly humans.

"I just wanted to make something beautiful"

5/5

 

 

Little info

 

Jiro is a combination of Tatsuo Hori who wrote the original story of the Wind Rises and Jiro Horikoshi the inventor of the Zero airplane

 

After the screening of the film, it was the first time Hayao Miyazaki cried during a screening of one of his movies

Day 70 - Keep on Keepin' on (Documentary)

" A documentary that follows jazz legend Clark Terry over four years to document the mentorship between Terry and 23-year-old blind piano prodigy Justin Kauflin as the young man prepares to compete in an elite, international competition."

The documentary is great not because of the direction but because of the emotion present in the film. I greatly enjoyed it, the emotion was real and it was something that not a lot of people can capture on camera. I enjoyed some of the direction but I thought it could have been better. I understand that it must have been hard because you are dealing with something who might not be able to film all day. The documentary is split in its time, it tells you the history of Clark Terry, Justin Kaufin then the history of their time together. It is truly remarkable experience to have seen this documentary it inspired me and made me smile. At the end I think I could relate to Clark Terry's emotion, he wanted to stay longer so he could help more people like Justin, Miles Davis, and Quincy Jones. I suggest this documentary to anyone that likes jazz or wants to see some real emotion in a documentary.

4/5

 

little info

 

Clark Terry mentored Miles Davis and Quincy Jones (Quincy was his first student)

Justin was signed by Quincy Jones

Clark Terry was the first black band member at CBS

 



Day 69 continued - Big Hero 6 (American)

 

"The special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes."

 

Such an amazing film! It was so enjoyable, I loved the design of the world and characters. I loved how familiar the design was because I have been to San Francisco, so to see an altered form of the city is pretty cool. This movie proves to me that American animation is starting to really made a big comeback in making better movies. The characters were great and really relatable which helps us connect to the film. Its great that they didn't show us that the characters had a perfect life, they didn't Hiro and his older brother were orphans living with their aunt. I loved this a lot, as a lot of us do not live with our parents either they died, abandoned, or simply couldn't take of us. So I think this film can speak to a lot of people who come from a home like this. The relationships are remarkable, especially being an older brother I could relate to Hiro's big brother Tadashi. Plus being multiracial and Hiro being bi-racial is was a bit easier to relate to him. This movie is really something special, I will suggest this film to everyone that loves animation.

 

4/5

 

little info

Hiro is the first bi-racial main character in a Disney film

The idea of blending San Fransisco and Tokyo was sparked by advice given by John Lasseter

Day 69 - The Monk with a Camera (American)

 

"Nicholas Vreeland walked away from a worldly life of privilege to become a Tibetan Buddhist monk. Grandson of legendary Vogue editor, Diana Vreeland, and trained by Irving Penn to become a photographer, Nicholas' life changed drastically upon meeting a Tibetan master, one of the teachers of the Dalai Lama. Soon thereafter, he gave up his glamorous life to live in a monastery in India, where he studied Buddhism for fourteen years. In an ironic twist of fate, Nicholas went back to photography to help his fellow monks rebuild their monastery. Recently, the Dalai Lama appointed Nicholas as Abbot of the monastery, making him the first Westerner in Tibetan Buddhist history, to attain such a highly regarded position. "

Not bad, a bit boring but it was a very interesting documentary. The direction could have been better but I enjoyed what I saw. I like the informalness of it but would have preferred better camera techniques. Its quite interesting to see this man balance his two passions in life. If you are interested in a multicultural documentary, then this is the documentary for you. This is proof that you can be whatever you want to be.


3/5

Day 68 continued - Summer Rental (American)

 

"Jack Chester, an overworked air traffic controller, takes his family on vacation to the beach. Things immediately start to go wrong for the Chesters, and steadily get worse. Jack ends up in a feud with a local yachtsman, and has to race him to regain his pride and family's respect. "

 

A decent 1980's comedy featuring the late great John Candy. Sadly this film didn't do as good as I thought it was going to be. Poor direction and script really make it hard for the actors to stand out in their own way. The film seemed almost empty, John Candy was the only good part in the film. If you like 80's comedies then this is the movie for you.

 

1/5

 

 

Day 68 - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (American)

"When his job along with that of his co-worker are threatened, Walter takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined."-idmb

Excellent movie, I happen to believe its one of Ben Stiller's best movies. It was quite entertaining and inspirational. There are a lot of messages present in this film but the most important to me is to live your life how you want to. Its a simple message in the film but it has a hard punch. This is the kind of film that everyone in this generation should see. Ben Stiller is great and not annoying at all proving he can seriously act when he chooses to. This is a great movie for those that don't know what to do.

3.8/5

little info

All the scenes in Greenland were filmed in Iceland

Sasha Baron Cohen and Will Ferrell were approached to play Walter

Day 67 continued - Blended (American)

"After a bad blind date, a man and woman find themselves stuck together at a resort for families, where their attraction grows as their respective kids benefit from the burgeoning relationship."

Could of been better but it has some good comedy present in the film. Despite what the normal critics say I enjoyed this movie quite a lot as I am a Adam Sandler fan. I think he is starting to make better movies as this movie was a thousand times better than his cross-dressing film Jack and Jill. It was probaly quite easy to make chemistry between Adam and Drew because this is the third time they have been romantic interests in a movie. I simply enjoyed seeing them together again, the two made this film really good to watch. I wish the story had more content, it has a lot of good values in it. I suggest you watch this film if you like the two.

3/5

little info

This is the 3rd movie that Adam Sandler has been in with Drew Barrymore (Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates), Shaquille O'Neal (Jack and Jill and Grown Ups 2) and Terry Crews (The Longest Yard and Click)

Day 67 - A Million Ways to Die in the West (American)

"As a cowardly farmer begins to fall for the mysterious new woman in town, he must put his new-found courage to the test when her husband, a notorious gun-slinger, announces his arrival."

A funny movie by the director/creator of Ted and Family Guy. This movie is perfect for anyone who is a Family Guy fan. Its entertaining to see Seth speak the truth about the west in a western movie. Its nice that he has back up like Liam Neeson, Sarah Silverman, Charlize Theron, Neil Patrick Harris and many others. Now it could have been better but Seth gave it a good enough try that its entertaining. The jokes are quite good, he attacks everyone just like in his shows and holds nothing back it was awesome. I will suggest this film to those that like Family Guy and Seth MacFarlane. 


3.3/5

Little info

Charlize Theron had to wear a wig because she shaved her head for Mad Max

The film started out as a joke but Seth decided to make it into a movie

Day 66 continued - The Heat (American)

"An uptight FBI Special Agent is paired with a foul-mouthed Boston cop to take down a ruthless drug lord."

Not bad as I think it was going to be but its still a little dull. The two actresses work well together but I would like to see Sandra Bullock do another role as she usually always plays the uptight woman. It was nice to see Marlon Wayans in a small role as its been a while since I saw him do a decent movie. Melissa McCarthy did a great job being her normal acting self. The plot is a little weak to be honest but you'll recognize a lot of actors in the film. Its a nice film to watch on a hot day. 

2.5/5  

Day 66 - The Dead Zone (American)

"A man awakens from a coma to discover he has a psychic detective ability."

Not bad but its a bit dull to be honest. Now Christopher Walker is good in the film, everyone else is a little weak. The plot could have been better as it is predictable and doesn't have a good twist. Only watch this movie if you have nothing else to watch. 

2/5

Day 65 continued - Nurse (American)

"By day, Abby Russell is a dedicated nurse, but by night, she lures cheating men to their brutal deaths and exposes them for who they really are."

Not as bad as I thought it was going to be, I really didn't like how Abby changed throughout the film. This film shouldnt have been made in 3d, even though I watched the 2D version there were a few moments you know that were made for the 3D version. I really hope someday people realise that 3D scenes look bad and are completely annoying. The killings were fun to watch, they get better as the movie goes on. Sadly the plot and direction turned sour, as it became something almost un-watchable.  I suggest you skip this horror movie even if its one of the better modern ones I have seen recently. 

Day 65 - Driving Miss Daisy (American)

I will be updating now, as my life is back on track. So expect to read something from me everyday.



"An old Jewish woman and her African-American chauffeur in the American South have a relationship that grows and improves over the years." -idmb

Such a nice movie to watch but I don't think it really was that dramatic. I did like Jessica Tandy (miss Daisy) and Morgan Freeman's performance. It was nice to see, they were the best in the film. Both appeared to be different from the normal performance. This is quite impressive as this was Morgan Freeman's third movie and he already proved that he belongs on camera. The director, Bruce Beresford, did a good job but I wish there was more emotional scenes in the film. Other than that it was an impressive film. I suggest you watch this if you want to see some good performances.

4/5

Little info

Jessica Tandy earned an Best Actress Oscar Award for her performance. She became the oldest person to win the award.

Its last the PG film to win an Oscar for best picture

Day 64 continued - The Cave (American)

"Bloodthirsty creatures await a pack of divers who become trapped in an underwater cave network."

A poorly made horror film that has talent present in it but a poor script and direction leads to this film's downfall. It was nice to see some faces that I haven't seen in a while like Morris Chestnut and Cole Hauser. I was so disappointed with this film, I was happy though with all of the colors present in the film. Besides that there was nothing else that was good in this film. I suggest you skip this film no matter what.


1/5

Day 64 - Slow Video (Korean)

 

"Yeo Jang-Boo (Cha Tae-Hyun) possesses extraordinary visual acuity. He is able to see things ordinary people cannot. When he little, people laughed at him. Afterwards, he spent the next 20 years at home watching TV dramas.

Finally, Yeo Jang-Boo goes out into the world and becomes an ace at a South Korean CCTV control center. "

 

A very fun movie to watch, towards the end it is a emotional film to watch. Chae Tae-Hyun did a great job, he was so entertaining and at the same time quite touching. The movie could of had a better script, as the characters were right I felt like some of the story could of been better. If you are used to Korean romantic comedies then this is the movie for you but its a little more serious. I could easily relate to the main character, actually I think a lot of people in this generation can.

 

3.5/5 

 

 

Day 63 - Seeking Asian Female (American)

"Two strangers -- an elderly American man and a young Chinese woman -- pursue a marriage brokered by the internet, but they get more than they bargained for when she moves across the Pacific to start a new life with him in America, in this intimate and quirky, personal documentary about modern love. "

Debbie Lum did a remarkable job with this documentary, it was very personal to see how these three grew as the camera continued to roll. I enjoyed the way Steve realized the truth about Asian stereotypes and the way that his relationship with his new younger wife wasn't a dream but a reality. At times reality is harsh, so it was nice that he was able to understand that you have to work with a relationship not force it just because you believe in a false stereotype. Debbie Lum did get a bit more personal than needed but it helped the documentary have a more realistic feeling to it. If you are interested in interracial marriages and interracial relationships plus movies about Asian stereotypes then this is the movie for you.


4/5

Day 63 continued - The History of Future Folk (American)

"The possibly exaggerated origin story of the real life alien bluegrass band, Future Folk, that has been playing for NYC audiences for the better part of a decade."

A decent film but its not all that funny. Its a little dry to me but it was still a nice movie to watch. I enjoyed the music even if it was a little silly. Its longer than it should have been plus the script could have been a bit better. But if you are bored with nothing to do then this is the movie for you.

2.6/5

Day 62 continued - Seven Years in Tibet (American)

 

"True story of Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountain climber who became friends with the Dalai Lama at the time of China's takeover of Tibet"

 

Not the best movie around nor does it feature one of the best main characters but it is a story that should be told. I enjoyed the multi-cultism present in the film and learning more about the history of Tibet. Brad Pitt did a good job just like David Thewlis and Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk. I hate the fact that they tried to make Heinrich Harrer look like a better person in the movie than he really was. So the difference between the real life Heinrich and Brad Pitt's Heinrich is very big. Now the movie appears to move a little fast, poorly written with a lot of good actors present but they were not given a chance even though they played very important people that were present during this time in Tibetan history. I suggest you watch this is you like Brad Pitt or are interested in Tibet. Otherwise its not that good of a movie.

little info

Jetsun Pema is the real life sister of the Dalai Lama thus she acted as her mother in the movie. 

Richard Gere was going to play Heinrich but instead he sent the script to the Dalai Lama for the producers of the film  

Day 62 - Geisha: Twiligt of Flowers

"Geisha, the twilight of flowers, is a journey to the secret world of Geishas of Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital. Filmmaker Romain Guélat takes us on a rare journey into this hidden world usually closed to western eyes"

A very eye opening documentary about the life of geishas, maikos, and everyone else involved in that world. It really is nice to see how geishas can still survive in the modern world. Its truly a remarkable profession, that is traditional but modern at the same time. Now the documentary itself was a bit dated and I wish it was a little longer. It was still entertaining to see this world, that as an American I have never seen.

3/5

Day 61 continued - He's On Duty (Korean)

 

"Bang Tae-sik is perennially unemployed as he drifts from one job to another, from manual labor to serving coffee. His appearance (dark skin and short height), being rather atypical for a Korean is to blame it seems, but best buddy Yong-cheol persuades Tae-sik to make better use of these disadvantages: Desperate and having nothing better to do, he adopts a strange accent and ethnic hat and is reborn as Bang-ga (a twist on his family name) from Bhutan, and immediately lands a job at a chair manufacturing factory"

 

This film had a great message with a good plot but falls flat on trying to achieve a good movie. The film is very hard to get through as it is slightly boring and the lead could have been better with his performance. Plus the ending of the film was a little weak, it really turned sour in the beginning of the film. It was really hard to concentrate on watching this movie. I will suggest this to anyone that likes to see the racial issues in Korea plus if you like Korean comedies.

 

 

2/5

Day 61 - The Pirates (Korean)

"Set during the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty period, envoys lose the Emperor's Royal Seal to a giant whale. Jang Sa-Jung (Kim Nam-Gil) leads a group of bandits and he attempts to retrieve the seal. Jang Sa-Jung and his group then run into a group of pirates led by Yeo-Wol (Son Ye-Jin). " -Asian wiki

Could have been a lot better with the talent in the film. I felt like it was a bit too comical at times and I wish it took a more dramatic take. I loved Son Ye-Jin in the film, she did a great job and was fun to watch. While Kim Nam-Gil had some good parts but I didn't really like his character too much as I felt like they didn't really add much depth to his character. I have to say this movie lacks depth and seems like it lacks heart as well. I suggest you watch this only if you like one of the two leads.


2/5