Friday 15 July 2016

Movie Review: Cold War 2 寒戰 II

THERE ARE SOME SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.


Hello readers,
I'm back with another review and this time is the sequel to the 2012's Cold War. Three years ago, I wrote a short review on the part one and if you happened to be interested, you can click here. Back to the review, Cold War 2 is all about power and control. We have Aaron Kwok who reprised his role as Commissioner Lau and some other co-stars from the previous film.

Now I shall get started with the review on different aspects of Cold War 2. The film like its previous one, suffered a difficulty of gasping of storyline and how it is somehow inconsistent. I have to admit that the opening sequence was very cool and after that, everything was somehow like "what's going on??!!" Simply put, Cold War 2 is a film about how the big guys are so hard to be removed and all those typical law enforcement's dirty tricks.

The flashbacks used in the film were very limited and it can be quite hard for audience members who likely forgotten about the previous film. Some people mentioned it was not sympathetic enough to actually understand the characters. The plot was kind of silly than being smart. What kind of fellow is this who thought that Comissioner Lau is responsible for causing his son's death?? (LOL, you will get what I mean when you watch till the end.) The only thing I totally know for sure is that all the actors in the film were strong in their acting game here and I applaud that.

Thoughtout the Cold War 2, what I learned is all you need is the guts to stand up for yourself. No one is going to come and rescue you when at dark times. All humans seek the beauty of power and control. Most importantly, everyone wants money. Money = power.

With lack of action scenes (although a few kickass fighting choreography) and more 'John Le Carré'-inspired kind of work, Cold War 2 offers more of espionage thriller, leaving audience members feeling the tension and the suspense in the film. So if you are looking for a film to watch this week or before August, Cold War 2 is just for you. Whether do I prefer part one or two, I would say both are alright. No strong preference.

Ratings: 6/10

P.S. Chow Yun Fat has a guest appearance in Cold War 2. His little introduction to the film makes me wonder will he still come back to the film franchise. If so, I look forward to more screen time of him.

Sunday 10 July 2016

Movie Review: Now You See Me 2

THERE ARE SOME SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.


Hello readers,
I will be writing a review on Now You See Me 2. I wanted to write this review yesterday, however because of school projects and homework, I can only write the review right now. A sequel to the 2013 film (I wrote a review here), Now You See Me 2 focuses on the downfall of the Four Horsemen and their leader who faced a latest threat who seemed to know everything inside and out.

Following a year later after the first film, Now You See Me 2 offers the audience what they loved from the previous film, especially the Four Horsemen. Unlike the previous film, this time their magic and illusion aren't prepared in advance. They have to raced against time to stop the main antagonist, Watter (played by Daniel Radcliffe) who somehow so desperate to get back his micro-like chip size card for some purposes.

Daniel Radcliffe as the main antagonist was something new and probably the first time I saw him acting as a spoilt child villain. Lizzy Caplan as Lula, taking over Isla Fisher's position in the film was a great joy to watched, probably the funniest in the gang and making the film less miserable. I was kind of disappointed that the magic and illusion in this film wasn't as special as Now You See Me. Throughout the film, I actually got 'lost' in the magic explanations. However, what I like about Now You See Me 2 is the robbery heist where everyone somehow were on point (lol) and the villains were exposed and arrested.

In conclusion, if you are expecting something special like the previous film, don't expect Now You See Me 2 to keep up the 'wow-ness'. Hopefully, the next sequel could do better.

Ratings: 5/10

Saturday 2 July 2016

Movie Review: Finding Dory

THERE ARE SOME SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.


Hello readers,
I am going to write a review on Finding Dory. Acting as a sequel to the first film, Finding Nemo (which came out long, long time ago), Finding Dory brings us back the familiar cast including Marlin and Nemo (who has since been quite mature and smarter).

The film is about Dory, a short-term memory loss, lovable blue fish, who suddenly remembered the most important thing in her life which she always forget: family. Coming from somewhere far from the place she and the others are at, the adventure started when Dory finds herself being captured and sent to the Marine Life Institute. Like Finding Nemo, Marlin and Nemo have to work out a plan to rescue their blur friend before it is too late.

Finding Dory is a film for everyone, especially those who remember the lovable blue "keep swimming" fish. Anyone is able to understand how Dory felt and you could simply just pity her not only because of her short-term memory loss, but also how she just kept wandering in the ocean, figuring out who or what is so important to her (an impression). From the beginning of the film, we learnt that Dory has a good childhood with caring parents who despite their daughter having such disability, they are able to provide her with so much love and even taught her, so she could remember certain things like finding her way home.

Throughout Finding Dory, I can't help to think but to actually admit that Dory is somewhat brave enough to actually find her way out of a sticky situation. She still remained positive, despite knowing she could not remember certain details or happenings. Her being in the Life Marine Institute was the best part of the film, where lots of hilarious moments happened. We met Hank the "sevtopus", Destiny the somewhat short-sighted whale and the rest of the aquatic animals who are willing to help Dory in the purpose of getting to her parents.

In conclusion, I had good laughs over Finding Dory and maybe even more enthusiastic than any parents of children in the cinema (lol). If you haven't catch this Pixar animated favourite, then you surely missed out the fun that I actually had. Also, if you are bringing your children to watch Finding Dory, I suggest you to let he or she watch Finding Nemo before buying the tickets. I could swear some children in the cinema have no idea of what was happening in the film.

Ratings: 10/10 (This rating isn't doing any justice to this wonderful film. It is not enough actually.)

P.S. Totally out missed this portion: There is a post-credits scene. Unfortunately, I missed it because I have no idea. Don't make this mistake!