Kingsman:The Secret Service (Summarized Movie Review)

Kingsman:The Secret Service (Summarized Movie Review)

(For complete movie review, please visit: http://www.wljack.com/2015/02/movie-review-kingsmanthe-secret-service.html )

Introduction

Based upon the acclaimed comic book The Secret Service and directed by Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass, X-men: First Class), Kingsman: The Secret Service tells the story of a super-secret gentleman spy organization that recruits an unrefined but promising street kid into agency’s ultra-competitive training program. Their main goal is to neutralize global threat.

During a mission in the Middle East, one of the Kingsman Harry Hart (played by Colin Firth) was unable to prevent the death of one of his fellow agent. Harry felt guilty for his death. In order to repay his debt, he wants to help his deceased colleague’s son Eggsy to become a Kingsman.

Will Eggsy becomes a Kingsman in the end?

What type of global threat that will be faced by the Kingsman?

Let’s suit up and catch the movie in your nearest cinema now!

Movie Review

The Good

• Great storyline with some twists and turns. Very engaging plot and great character development.
• Memorable protagonists as well as the antagonist.
• Action-packed sequence is top-notch, like in the Kick Ass movies.
• Great humors in dialogues as well as scenes.
• Remarkable acting especially by Colin Firth, Samuel L.Jackson as well as Taron Egerton.
• Great original soundtrack.
• Guilty pleasure of violence.

The Bad

• Some brutal scene might not be suitable for minors

Verdict:

This movie deserves a 9.0/10.0!

“New Era of Spy Genre Movie! Amazing movie with great action as well as great humor!” –WLJack

“Nice spy agent movie! Bloody action scenes with funny background music is really memorable! Totally worth watching! My first 10/10 movie in my life!” – Fellow reviewer, John Chen

Highly recommended to those who loves James Bond style movie and Kick Ass movie!

If you are someone who doesn’t like action movie and was hoping to see Colin Firth being romantic in this movie, you would be disappointed! But come on, how could you not like a movie as good as this?

Million thanks to Nuffnang for the opportunity to attend the #NNPremiereScreening of the movie!  #Kingsman

Published by WLJack.

The Last: Naruto The Movie (Summarized movie review)

The Last: Naruto The Movie (Summarized movie review)

(For full written review, please visit: http://www.wljack.com/2015/02/movie-review-last-naruto-movie.html )

Introduction

After the end of the story in Naruto Manga, here comes the final movie which will tell us what happens during the “timeskip” between the chapter 699 and chapter 700.

The moon is approaching dangerously close to Earth. The moon will disintegrate and shower the earth with gigantic meteors if nothing is done. In order to save the world, Naruto goes on a mission with Hinata, Sakura, Shikamaru and Sai.

In this movie, Naruto has also discovered what he cares the most and he hopes to confess his feeling to someone. It’s a movie titled The Last but it’s actually a movie which will show us Naruto’s First Love.

Will Naruto be able to save the world once again?

Will he finally get together with the one he loves?

Let’s Rasengan through the Cinema and watch the epic movie of the gutsy ninja!

Review:

The Good

• The flashback and the use of original main theme brings us a lot of nostalgic moments.
• The love story between Naruto and Hinata can be really romantic.
• Arts and characters designs are top-notch and might be the best for the series so far.
• Spectacular original soundtrack! Credit song for the movie by Sukima Switch is touching!
• Happy Post-credit scene!

The Bad

• Not all characters in the series get to appear in the movie.
• Sasuke (who is supposed to be one of the main character in the series and is also featured in the movie poster) appeared briefly for less than 1 minute.
• Naruto’s previous feelings towards Sakura is loosely explained

Verdict:

This movie deserves a 8.0/10.0!

“It’s an action-packed nostalgic ride with a romantic touch! A must watch for Naruto fans! And a great treat for NaruHina fans!” –WLJack

“"We know that this movie's focus is on Naruto and Hinata's love story, but Sasuke's uber limited screen time is a little sad! Or maybe the truth is, Sasuke appearing before Naruto will be too great a distraction for Naruto to focus on Hinata instead... hahahaha” – Fellow reviewer, Paik Hwa (from http://altunit.com/ )

Highly recommended for all Naruto fans!

If you are someone who are not the fans for the series, you might not enjoy the movie as much due to its romantic element. However, you will definitely like the Dragon Ball Z like fights that are featured in this film.

Million thanks to GSC Movies for inviting me to the press screening of the movie. And million thanks too for bringing the movie to Malaysia. It’s a great effort and I am sure many Naruto and anime fans will truly appreciated it!

Published by WLJack.

“Tracers” Movie Review (summarized version)

“Tracers” Movie Review (summarized version)

(For full written movie review, please visit: http://www.wljack.com/2015/01/movie-review-tracers.html)

Cam (played by Taylor Lautner) is a young bicycle messenger has gone through a series of unfortunate circumstances and owed the wrong people money.  He is trying desperately to find ways to pay off the debt.

Along the way he meets a girl and becomes besotted with Nikki and that changes his plans completely when she introduces him to a world that he didn’t know existed – the world of parkour!

He finds she and her street criminal friends and they become his new surrogate family of orphans. Using their skills in parkour, Cam has gotten involved in things which are clearly illegal. Before he realizes about it, he’s in far deeper than he expected.

Can Cam Get Out From All His Troubles?

How will parkour be used in Cam’s work?

Let’s parkour to your nearest cinema now!

Review:

The Good

Amazing parkour as the main theme.

Well-shot parkour moments supported by casts who can do the parkour themselves.

The storyline is very simple and easily digestible. It has balanced pacing.

The Bad

Poor character development make those characters forgettable.

Cheesy lines in between characters.

Stony acting can be spotted throughout the film.

Verdict:

This movie deserves a 6.0/10.0!

“A great adrenaline rush with the magnificently shot Parkour!” –WLJack

“Enjoyed the parkour scenes!.” – Fellow reviewer, Andy Lim

Highly recommended to those who love Temple Run, Minion Rush and most importantly, Parkour!

Also recommended to girls who love Taylor Lautner! (you will get a lot of Taylor Lautner’s scenes here)

If you are someone who are expecting great storyline and marvelous acting, you should go for Birdman or other movies available in the theatre. Those two elements are 404 not found in this movie!

Otherwise, you would definitely enjoy amazing parkour stunts which they have featured in the movie.

Million thanks to GSC Movies for the opportunity to attend the Premiere Screening of the movie!  #Tracers

Published by WLJack.

Birdman (Summarized Movie Review)

Birdman (Summarized Movie Review)

(For full movie review, please visit: http://www.wljack.com/2015/01/movie-review-birdman.html )

Introduction

Riggan Thomson, once known quite well as an iconic superhero, "The Birdman" is now washed up. He is now battling his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career and himself in the days leading up to the opening of a Broadway play.

Riggan has a difficult time juggling between the set, his replacement actor, his daughter, and other obstacles that prevent a proper staging of the play.

How will his ego affect his current life?

Will Riggan be able to shine again in his career?

Let’s fly like a bird into the cinema near you and watch it!

The Good

• A fresh and unique experience. It made you believes that whole movie was taken in “one-shot”.
• Interesting plot and storytelling on inner struggles and outer obstacles in life.
• Dramatic yet comedic sequences that were realistically convincing.
• Spectacular acting performances by the casts especially Michael Keaton.
• Great beats and rhythms in the movie that made the flow even smoother than its already smooth “one-shot” filmography.

The Bad

• A little of draggy but necessary moments.

Verdict:

This movie deserves a 9.0/10.0!

“Brilliant cinematography, top-notch acting and a realistic experience! A must watch for movie-goers!” –WLJack

“A movie with greater message delivered within.” – Fellow reviewer, Andrew Yem

Highly recommended to those who loves new experience in movie and great acting!

If you are someone who can’t accept realistic drama and don’t buy the idea of “one shot” film, you might not like it. Otherwise, I can’t think of a reason why someone would dislike the movie.

Million thanks to Nuffnang for the opportunity to attend the #NNPremiereScreening of the movie!  #BirdmanMovie

Published by WLJack.

Time Is Money 《十万夥急》movie review (summarized version)

Time Is Money 《十万夥急》movie review (summarized version)

(Full written review: http://www.wljack.com/2015/01/movie-review-time-is-money.html)

*From now onwards, full movie review segment will be posted in http://wljack.com. Please take note.

“Time Is Money” is the first movie directed by Kang Kang. It revolves around the story of Chen Mo (played by Kang Kang) who is one of the second generation of rich family. Due to his addiction in gambling, he lost everything in which his dad has passed over and this infuriates his old man. His dad left him a painting by painter Chu Zhong Tian (played by Mark Lee) and it is only worth $100,000 Taiwan currency which is not enough to pay off his debt.

After he and his underground boss saw the news in television about a painter and how to boost up the painting’s value, the underground boss forced him to fly to Singapore to kill Chu Zhong Tian.

Zhu Yue Po (played by Ng Man Tat) hates Chu Zhong Tian because it’s Chu Zhong Tian’s fault that he was being placed inside a jail.  Because Chu Zhong Tian was surrounded by enemies, he accept the gallery broker recommendation to seek for Malaysian beautiful gallery broker, Hu Jing ( played by Wang Yu Rou)’s help to sell his painting while fleeing from danger.

Finally, 3 of them meet in Malaysia and start their evil scheme against each other.

What will happen in between three of them? Who will win in the end? 

Let’s find out whether the movie is worth your time or your money in the cinema near you.

The Good:

• Some Slapstick comedy scene which can make you laugh!
• Great cameo appearances such as Henry Thia, Jacky Wu and etc. Loves Jacky Wu’s appearance. (However, the cameo appearance were totally non-related with main storyline)
• Some really laughable performances by some casts. Personally, I love Alvin Wong’s performance who portrays an old hotel manager in Malaysia.
• Ng Man Tatt singing for the movie theme song.

The Bad:

• Nonsensical script which at times felt a bit lame.
• Forceful character development.

What can you expect from the movie?

You will enjoy the comedy if you watch it with low expectation on storyline.

Verdict:
This movie deserves a 5.5/10.0!

“While the storyline is not that inspiring, I did find myself laughing to some of the jokes and slapstick comedy scenes in the movie!” –WLJack

“A few of the scenes are funny!” – Fellow reviewer, Andy Lim

Highly recommended to those who love Kang Kang and wish to support his first movie!

Published by WLJack.

“Deepsea Challenge 3D” Movie Review

“Deepsea Challenge 3D” Movie Review

Introduction

(For summarized review, please visit: http://www.wljack.com/2014/10/movie-review-deepsea-challenge-3d.html )

Not all places on Earth have been visited before. There are places on Earth itself which is as remote from us as distant planets. After years of work, a team of engineers led by National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence & prominent filmmaker James Cameron (“Avatar”, “Titanic”) has built a high-technology submersible that allows humans to visit the deepest part of this hidden world that lies in the ocean.

The National Geographic film DEEPSEA CHALLENGE 3D records the astounding journey of Cameron and members of his engineering and science team as they prepare to make history, fulfilling lifelong dreams in the process.

How Cameron’s journey started in exploring the sea?

What awaits Cameron deep down the sea?

Let’s witness the historical moments of deepsea exploration in your nearest cinema now! In 3D!

Review:

Deepsea Challenge 3D follows the real-life story of James Cameron, the man who brought us the movies of “Avatar” and “Titanic”. It has always been his dream to explore the mysteries of the ocean. His interest has begun since he was a child, inspired by the “Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau”. This movie is the complete documentation of him achieving that dream.

Since it is a real life story, the plot quality of such movie genre usually varies according to the subject. However, James Cameron’s life itself is a very interesting asset to be shared with the audiences. He has done many amazing things in life and the movie was able to capture a lot of these moments and present it thoroughly on the big screen.

The pacing is a bit slow at some scenes as they are actually the real footage of his exploration deep down the sea. Otherwise, the chronology of his team preparing for the deepsea exploration is delivered in a smooth pacing.

Most of the scenes are LIVE taken footage and I am really impressed at how determined they are in achieving their dreams. Plus, the details they have provided in this movie are really comprehensive. We even get to see some of the rare creatures deep down in the ocean as they are being brought in front of our eyes in 3D!

Besides all these, I need to praise the musical scores in this movie. Despite being a documentary video, the background soundtracks are very powerful and as epic as a blockbuster movie. I really enjoy the music very much!

Apart from that, this movie is actually really educational and inspiring. A lot of the scenes and footages have been associated with speeches by either James Cameron or his teammates. These lines are either science facts or really inspirational quotes by Cameron himself!

The movie is actually a really good documentary movie with very little flaws. Although some scenes are really slowly-paced but they are really interesting if you love science. However, some might doze off during these scenes. Besides, some scenes felt like commercial ads for James Cameron as they have highlighted on his passion and past achievements a bit more than expected.

What I like about the movie:

1. James Cameron’s life is amazing!
2. Real life footage presented in a comprehensive chronological order.
3. Great background music.
4. Scientific and inspirational.

What I dislike about the movie:

1. Pacing might be a bit slow at some scenes.
2. Commercial like scenes.

Verdict:
This movie deserves a 7.0/10.0!

“Ever dreamt of looking at the deeper part of the sea? You can watch it here in this movie!” –WLJack

“A good documentary movie but not for everyone!” – Fellow reviewer, Jose Yap

Highly recommended to those who love National Geographic and for those who love science!

If you are not the type who enjoy documentary movies, this is not for you and there are many other choices of movies in the cinema now!

Million thanks to GSC Movies for inviting me to the premiere screening of the movie.

For summarized review, please visit:
http://www.wljack.com/2014/10/movie-review-deepsea-challenge-3d.html

Published by WLJack.

Movie Review: Outcast (2014)

Movie Review: Outcast (2014)

(For summarized review, please visit: http://www.wljack.com/2014/09/movie-review-outcast-2014.html)

Introduction:

A Moorish town is about to fall during the Crusades. Gallain, one of the Crusaders and mentor of the commander Jacob says that he is tired of war and killing the innocents. He wants to go to East and he tells Jacob that the soldies will not spare the people who are innocent. Jacob disagrees with him and eventually he realizes he’s wrong. He feels that he should have listened to Gallain’s advice.

The story proceeds to the setting in China. There’s a change of power whereby Prince Shing has killed his father in order to become the emperor. He’s hunting down his younger brother, Prince Zhao who has taken the imperial seal. His younger brother is the real chosen heir. Prince Zhao and his sister, Princess Lian are trying to run away from Prince Shing’s forces. They have teamed up with Jacob who appears in China. They have also get help from a mysterious person known as the “White Ghost”!

Why is Jacob in China?

Who is the “White Ghost”?

Will Prince Zhao be able to retrieve back the empire to his hands?

Let’s find out the nearest cinema now!

Review:

Directed by Nick Powell, the movie “Outcast” takes place mainly in China with westernized elements. It has featured casts such as Hayden Christensen, Nicolas Cage, Liu Yifei, Andy On and etc.

The plot of the movie is very straight forward involving the villain trying to take over the throne of the empire. Those who always watch ancient China movies will feel the familiarity with this theme.

However, Outcast has added in some twist to the movie with westernized elements into it. Thus, this creates something fresh to the scenes in ancient china. It is something different of course but if you are someone who is very particular with history, it could appear a little bit absurd.

In fact, you can’t even recognize the era on which the film is set in. Since when do you see western people, Indians, Negro and etc in an ancient China? Most cheesy part is, all of the people in the ancient china of this film could actually understand and converse well in English. But of course, if you view the movie in a more fiction way than the historian way, you can get away from all these uneasiness and can enjoy the movie more!

The pacing of the movie on the other hand is quite balanced. There are some slowdown moments which involve flashbacks and conversations though but they are very brief and function decently enough as the transitions between the more engaging scenes.

As for the acting aspect, Hayden Christensen is actually not bad in depicting the character who changes from a very proud person into someone who is in guilt for his mistakes. In my opinion, he has delivered his role very well. Nicholas Cage on the other hand has very minimal amount of screenplay time. In fact, his appearance in the movie felt more like a cameo appearance to me. But of course, he is definitely good in acting and has played convincing enough as the mentor for Hayden Christensen’s character. Besides these two, most of the other cast members’ performances are so-so and some of them even have woody expressions that no one could comprehend.

As for the scripts, it can be a ridiculous and lackluster at times. Sometimes, the characters can speak something in a very cool manner but all of the words they speak are actually not as brilliant as they appear to be.

The movie might has its own flaws but it has its good points too. Personally, I love the sceneries shot in the movie. Some of these are really visually stunning. Besides this, the movie also has quite a number of action scenes. I think the action choreograph is good enough to entertain the audiences. I wish there are more scenes involving Andy On in action though because he usually does many cool stunts in his previous films.  As for the background music, it matches well with the scenes although there are not much instrumental emphasis on the ancient China setting. Either way, I enjoy the scores in this film.

What I like about the movie:

1. Balanced pacing with brief slowdown moments
2. Great acting by Hayden Christensen & Nicholas Cage.
3. Beautiful sceneries.
4. Decent amount of actions.
5. Good background scores.

What I dislike about the movie:

1. Excessive twist of ancient china setting.
2. Familiar plot.
3.  Poor acting by most of the other casts.
4. Not-so brilliant scripts.

Verdict:
This movie deserves a 6.0/10.0!

“If you can accept the twisted and westernized ancient China, you will enjoy the movie better! Besides, the film has some good action sequences and breathtaking sceneries!” –WLJack

“It will be more logical if the chinese can speak mandarin in the film, I don’t mind watching the movie with English subtitles.” – Fellow reviewer, Brian Chong Yi Yong

Recommended for those who don’t have much experience in watching ancient China movie and curious to see how it would look like if ancient China is being westernized!

However, for those who are very particular with history and logical plot, this is definitely not a movie for you!

Million thanks to RAM Entertainment for the invitation to the premiere screening of “Outcast”!

For summarized review, please visit:
http://www.wljack.com/2014/09/movie-review-outcast-2014.html

Published by WLJack.