I watched The Hangover again for the 5th time I think on DVD last Friday and it was still funny as the first time I saw it.The Hangover is directed by Todd Philips (Old School) and stars a comedic ensemble that consists of Bradley Cooper (Yes Man),Ed Helms (TV's The Office),Zach Galifianakis (It's Kind of a Funny Story),Justin Bartha (National Treasure),Heather Graham (Boogie Nights),Jeffrey Tambor (Hellboy), and Ken Jeong (Knocked Up).The Hangover is a Las Vegas set comedy that revolves around three groomsmen who lose their about-to-be-wed buddy during their drunken misadventures,then they must retrace their steps in order to find him.
At the time of its' release,The Hangover was admired for having a very original and exceptional storybecause of the Las Vegas setting (Which really isn't that original for a comedy) and the concept of "drinking too much alcohol,getting really drunk and forgot what happened last night" fiasco.And,the end credits in the end that shows the pics of the "night they forgot" was just a smart move to answer the questions about what happened during that night.That all said,the plot was executed in a proper wayandnever became too messy and out of place.Again,like what I said,The Hangover was praised by film critics for havinga well-scribed,clever and genuine storyline thanks to scribes Jon Lucas and Scott Moore.And like the critics,that's exactly also the way I praise the film's plot.This film was just one of the most creative comedy films I've seen in the recent years and also one of the funniest.
The Hangover's performances never lose thanks to its' great comedic ensemble that mainly consists of the trio of Bradley Cooper,Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis.Bradley Cooper plays the Wolfpack (That's what they call themselves,or at least Zach's character Alan) member that is all cool,loves the ladies and is just really the slickest of the pack.Cooper's character is the one who doesn't really make jokes,but when he does,it is just funny,even though he isn't the funniest one.Ed Helms' was just amazing in playing Stu.Stu was the one who is all clueless about everything that happen to them.And Ed Helms just nailed that part.Zach Galifianakis portays Alan,the child-minded of the bunch and the one who is just mentally retarded (no offense,but that's who he really is),but the thing is,he is very likeable and perhaps my favorite "wolf" in the Wolfpack.I just love his sometimes corny,cheesy jokes and also,the way he thinks about things.I forgot one actor who plays a "wolf" in The Wolfpack too,and that is Justin Bartha who plays the about-to-be-wed Doug.Justin was good,but he isn't in the film for too long 'cause (SPOILER ALERT) his character goes missing.Too bad.But his character is the one who helped made the story and Justin Bartha's character Doug was just the perfect one to go missing because he's just a small fry in the pack.No offense,but maybe that's also what the writers thought of.But the "Doug goes missing" part is a plus.Without Doug,the film wouldn't be all genuine and smart.It would just turn out to be another usual R-rated raunchy dumb comedy.I dunno.Maybe I just messed up on my thoughts.The Hangover's trio wins and so does the supporting cast.Ken Jeong was good in playing the cocaine-loving,wealthy Mr.Chow,who plays a part in the film's storyline as the film's sort of antagonist.And he was all diabolical,but funny needless to say.The Hangover has great comedic performances,credits to the film's charming trio.
Comedies usually don't have great cinematography,but when it does,it is just beautiful and pleasing to the eye and The Hangover just had exactly that.Those helicopter shots of Las Vegas was just marvelous,The images in the opening credits with the different Vegas backdrops are just so,I dunno.Elegant maybe.Yeah,that's the word for that.And also,the camera work on Stu's awakening and the way the camera moved as he was looking The film's score by Christophe Beck was wonky and silly as that is how I would like to describe.Nonetheless,it fit the film due to the plot's wackiness.The Hangover is directed by Todd Philips (Who also worked on comedy classics in the likes of Old School and Road Trip) and he directed the film really well.He executed the plot properly,writ down the dialogue well,and put together one of the best comedic ensembles in the history of comedy.
All in all,The Hangover is a well-made comedy that is really genuine and will really make you laugh.Also,like what I said above,this really is one of the funniest comedies I have seen in the recent years.If you wanna have a good time,do yourself a favor and feel The Hangover.Promise,you will not regret this fun,wacky and enticing film experience.
The Hangover gets 7.9 over 10 stars
*The Hangover is available on DVD & Blu-Ray distributed by Magnavision Home Video.It's sequel,The Hangover Part II is also available on said home video formats distributed by the same distributor,Magnavision Home Video.
Meanwhile,why not check out this clip from the film:
*Film clip courtesy of Movieclips.com & Warner Bros.Pictures.
Lies. Betrayal. Sacrifice. How far will you take it?
Finally watched The Departed earlier today on DVD and I was really very impressed with it.We'll talk about my insights about the film in a little while.The Departed is directed by master filmmaker Martin Scorsese (Taxi Driver/GoodFellas) and stars an all-star talented cast that consists of Leonardo DiCaprio (Titanic/Gangs of New York),Academy Award Winners Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting) & Jack Nicholson (The Shining/As Good As It Gets/Chinatown),Mark Wahlberg (Three Kings/Four Brothers),Martin Sheen (Apocalypse Now),Ray Winstone,Vera Farmiga and Alec Baldwin (The Hunt For Red October).The Departed tells the tale of An undercover state cop who infiltrated a Mafia clan and a mole in the
police force working for the same mob race to track down and identify
each other before being exposed to the enemy, after both sides realize
their outfit has a rat.And,the plot is exactly like that if you haven't seen it.But if you have seen it,you know there are more and more revelations.
As far as I'm concerned,The Departed is a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong crime-thriller,Infernal Affairs and The Departed's screenwriter William Monahan adapted it's screenplay from Infernal Affairs.Meaning The Departed is the American version of the Hong Kong hit thriller film,but added with Scorsese's twisted,smart direction.The Departed follows the question of "Who's working for who?" as the plot follows the story of an undercover state cop who infiltrated a Mafia clan and a mole in the
police force working for the same mob race to track down and identify
each other before being exposed to the enemy, after both sides realize
their outfit has a rat.The plot is simple,but in times a little complicated.But still,it was easy to understand.But the thing here is,the two main characters raise questions.Also,once you watch the film,you must need to focus clearly or else,you might definitely miss something important in the plot.The experience I had here wasn't same with my first viewing of Inception,but for me,it was still pretty hard to understand because of the twists and turns.Maybe a 2nd viewing is really necessary.But again,I understand the plot well.The great thing in my experience while watching this is,I was shocked when I found out that there was another mole when it was revealed in the end.And turns out,that other mole was Barrigan, (Played by James Badge Dale) Colin's (Played by Matt Damon) co-worker.I was like "WTF?!" during that scene.I really never suspected he was a mole and neither would you.I was really surprised during that scene,no kidding.Also,the film's plot heavily relies on the use of cellphones as it is one of the characters' ways of communicating.It was no hassle,no fuss.It didn't ruin the plot or anything in fact,it was very useful. Hoorah!.The Departed has a solid,clever thrilling storyline that is infused by Martin Scorsese's twisted methods in directing making it a film that will keep you guessing until the end.Also,The Departed's storytelling is Oscar worthy and it highly deserved the Best Picture achievement.
The Departed has a talented cast so no doubt that it has really great performances.Leonardo DiCaprio was really amazing as Billy Costigan,the undercover cop.He was just so bad-ass.I've never seen DiCaprio act like this before.Truly remarkable.I really don't know why the Academy snobs him.He's just a great actor,accept it.And he deserved the first in billing,'cause he was the true star in here.Second best performance here would be Jack Nicholson's as the mob boss Frank Costello.From his opening scene to his last,he was just awesome.He fit the gangster character archetype.He just felt so sinister but with dark wit.Every line he muttered was just so great and awesome.Third best performance for me would be Mark Wahlberg's.Wahlberg played Staff Sergeant Dignam who was the Capt's right hand man.And Marky Mark was the second bad-ass in here and served as one of the film's comic reliefs for his smart,funny but bad-ass lines.Here's an example of one of his bad-ass lines: "Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe fuck yourself.".Sounds bad-ass huh? That's because it really is.Specially with Marky Mark's wonky Bostonian accent.Matt Damon performed well too,but he didn't get my attention much because I was busy giving emphasis to those three actors mentioned above.But still,he was pretty good.The supporting cast was good too in case you're wondering.Martin Sheen,Ray Winstone,Vera Farmiga and Alec Baldwin all acted well also.The Departed has a great,awesome,bad-ass dialogue that are all well-written.It also had one of the best lines I heard in a film and one of those is that line said by Mark Wahlberg.Really superb.Two thumbs to the scriptwriter/s.
The Departed won 4 Oscars and one of those achievements is Best Film Editing (Thelma Schoonmaker) and no wonder it won.Those transitions from one scene to another are just rather amazing.Same with the cinematography.The score was great,it was thrilling and sometimes spine-chilling and that's because it was handled in the hands of Howard Shore.Who also scored Se7en.Even the soundtrack was bad-ass,the Irish rock-music that plays throughout the film fit the film's vibe and it added greatness to the film.The visuals of the film are spectacular and well shot,specially the final frame,the very last one before the credits rolled.All in all,The Departed was amazing in the technical department.The music was just unforgettable.
The Departed is directed by Martin Scorsese,so it's no doubt it was great.The guy is a veteran and is highly respected.And by far,this is the best film I've seen from him next to Taxi Driver.His direction and guidance in this was really masterful and because of that,the film has now become one of the American crime classic films.
The Departed is infused by great performances from the skilled roster of actors,brilliant storytelling that will keep you guessing and Scorsese's one of a kind direction.If you love crime-thrillers,this one is a must-not-miss.This is an instant classic.Worth re-watching again and again.
This brilliant crime thriller The Departed gets 8.7 out of 10 stars. That poster above is a great alternative artwork for the film as it signifies the film's iconic final frame with the rat scuttling around the window rails as the background is set with the Massachusetts State House's gold dome.Classy.
*This Scorsese classic,The Departed is available on DVD & Blu-Ray distributed by Magnavision Home Video.
Just finished watching the teen drama classic Rebel Without A Cause and it was a great film,hitting with big impact and moral lessons to its audience since its theatrical release up to it's audiences today.The film is directed by Nicholas Ray and stars James Dean (East of Eden),Natalie Wood (West Side Story),Sal Mineo,Jim Backus,Ann Doran,Corey Allen,Edward Platt and Dennis Hopper.Rebel Without A Cause is set in the backdrop of the glamorous,flashing 1950s and tells the story of a rebellious young man (Played by James Dean) who has a troubled past and has come to a new town,finding friends and enemies.
Rebel Without A Cause's strong powerful,well-told story strikes a valuable message that tells that even kids that live in the suburb could also take the wrong/delinquent path and not just street kids could take that path.And it also tells the tale of juvenile delinquency,which was something of a controversy at that time.The plot is strong and well-grounded.This film revolutionized the coming-of-age movies to come and James Dean's character Jim Stark is one of the most influential characters in film.He influenced a lot of character archetypes today.All the way round,the plot is exceptional at the time of it's release that's why it was highly praised despite the controversial issues.It was just really good.
Rebel Without A Cause doesn't only provide a well-written story but it also features superb,emotionally grounded acting from the likes of Hollywood star James Dean,glamorous vet. Natalie Wood and newcomer Sal Mineo.James Dean plays the lead role,Jim Stark and his portrayal was very well strong and emotional.He brought depth to the character.One of his best emotional scenes in the film for me was the part where he argues with his parents.He was really excellent in that one.You could feel the emotion inside him.West Side Story star Natalie Wood plays Judy,a female rebel and she played the part really well,she's not the typical teen female rebel in today's films.She was great in playing the part of Judy.Meanwhile,Sal Mineo plays Plato,a misfit rebel who has no friends but has made one with Jim and Judy later on.Besides from Jim,Plato was my 2nd favorite character in the film.The way Sal Mineo portrayed Plato was very emotional and some viewers would somehow relate to him because of his character's mental background.Even the supporting actors were good too.But this trio were the best ones and the memorable ones too.
The film had a nice cinematography,but I have to say,it was nothing special.But still,I appreciate the cinematographer's effort and he shot the film well.There was just nothing special that attracted my eye.Sorry to say.However,the music/score was the great part.Even though it didn't have the 1950s' classic rock n roll music,it had that triumphant score that sounded like a western film's music.And it was great.I loved its' triumphant,rebellious melody.
All in all,Rebel Without A Cause is a strong screen-drama that everyone shouldn't ignore because of it has a strong,emotional story,superb depth giving acting from the stars and it has a great emotional impact to its viewers.Everyone should see this landmark masterpiece specially those in their teens.Specifically,those misfitted teens.But remember,do not "rebel without a cause" unless you really want to just to look cool 'cause someday within 10 years,you might regret it.Just a little piece of advice.
Rebel Without A Cause gets 8.2 stars over 10.This comes in highly recommended.
This superbly acted teen-drama classic,Rebel Without A Cause is available on DVD distributed by Magnavision Home Video. Why not check out the trailer of the film...Trailer provided in the link below:
I just watched Les Miserables earlier today on DVD and wow! it was really good.Very amazing in fact.Anyway,those words I typed above is the film's tagline and It gave me more meaning and significance when I saw this wonderful,stunning film.Les Miserables is the film adaptation of the ever-famous broadway musical of the same title and is directed by Academy Award Winning director Tom Hooper (The King's Speech) and stars Hugh Jackman (The Prestige),Russell Crowe (Gladiator/A Beautiful Mind),Anne Hathaway (The Dark Knight Rises),Amanda Seyfried (Mama Mia!),Eddie Redmayne,Sacha Baron Cohen (Hugo) and Helena Bonham Carter (The King's Speech).The film is set in 19th Century France and follows Jean Valjean (Played by Hugh Jackman),who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert (Played by Russell Crowe) after he breaks parole and agrees to take care of factory worker Fantine's (Played by Anne Hathaway) daughter,Cosette.The fateful decision changes their lives forever.
Les Miserables' plot is briefly told in its iconic tagline and it is very powerful to me given the sense that it focuses on rising up/revolution,dreaming for a better life,hoping for a better future and loving a special person to one another.The storytelling is compelling,heartbreaking and touching because it executed those said themes very effectively,properly and beautifully.Seeing the stories of these person's lives and what they have gone through is what made this movie really good.After watching the film,I noticed that each character in this movie corresponds to that tagline."Fight" signifies Marius' and the students' revolution against the French Monarchy,"Dream" represents Fantine's character arc with her dreams of having a better life,"Hope" signifies Jean Valjean's desire in fulfilling abetter future and Love represents Cosette and Marius' fruitful love with one another.Something like that.Once I saw Les Miserables,I understood the tagline better 'cause it tells a story underneath it.And that powerful,rousing story is told beautifully in the film.
The performances in Les Miserables was brilliant thanks to its talented well-chosen cast.Hugh Jackman was outstanding in his portrayal of the lead role,Jean Valjean because of the way he adds grit to the character and also,because of the way he belts his heart out during his musical numbers.It was just outstanding.Anne Hathaway was breathtaking in her role of Fantine specifically because of her very breathtaking and emotional musical performance in "I Dreamed A Dream".It's just no wonder she won an Oscar for that.She definitely deserved it.If you don't believe me,go check it out for yourself.It will move you away,spiritually.Russell Crowe was strong in representing the role of Javert and his ruthless traits.He was a well-crafted villain for the film and his musical performance in the film was good too.Outstanding also,in fact.Amanda Seyfried and Eddie Redmayne were both great in playing the roles of Cosette and Marius.Because both of them sang really well,both were great in giving life to the characters and also because I liked the romantic chemistry between the two.The two supporting actor/actresses Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter were ever-spectacular since both of them play physically weird characters and that's the main thing they're both good at.Also,I liked both of their performances for they served as the film's comic relief.Their whimsical musical number was just a delight.Hell,even the background characters were great too,in terms of musical performance.They all did well.Actually,I was amazed,glad and dazzled with the cast.I really didn't have a clue that all of them could sing until I saw and heard them sing in this film.Bravo to them.
Les Miserables is a period piece film due to the fact that the story is set in 19th Century France,so of course they have to build up a set that looks exactly like that place in that era and Les Miserables didn't fail to do so.The set pieces of 19th Century France were just so gorgeous and dazzling.Specially the set piece during the revolution and the opening scene with the slaves pulling a big ship.It was just fantastic and well-built.They really must've done a lot of research and they did a good job at it.The cinematography of Les Miserables is one of the best and most beautiful I've ever seen in a film.The shots of France in the 19th Century were just so stunning and the film itself is really well-shot,specially the opening scene.Very attracting and pleasing to the eye.Kudos to Director of Photography,Danny Cohen for shooting the film so well and passionately.The music of Les Miserables is phenomenal and emotional,at times.Some of the songs are upbeat and jolly like The Thenardiers' Master of the House.Some are revolting like Look Down and Do You Hear The People Sing (Which is partly upbeat in terms of symphony,but still revolting) and most are downbeat,sad and heartbreaking.Perfect examples of that is "I Dreamed A Dream".Particularly,Anne Hathaway's rendition.During that song came on in the film,I actually really wanted to cry,but I forced myself not to due to the fact that I'm not the only one watching.I don't want other people to see me cry for a movie.But this movie was really worth crying for.Particularly the solemn,touching music.This is the first film I have seen from director Tom Hooper who previously worked on the Academy Award Winning film The King's Speech,and I must say he really did a great job in directing Les Miserables.I just really don't know why a lot of people are bashing on this film.It was well made and well-crafted actually,so I really wonder why it got so much hate.Well,everyone's a critic...
Les Miserables is a powerful film that will spiritually move you with its touching heartbreaking music,stellar performances from a star-powered talented cast,a beautiful moving plot and a powerful message that it sends to its' audiences.Truly wonderful.If you love spiritually moving films,then this comes in highly recommended.I just don't know if your spirit won't be touched by this.Les Miserables is a movie that everyone needs to see.Also,the film will make you shed a tear or two.
Les Miserables gets 8.6 stars over 10.I originally gave this film a rating of 8.1 but I decided to change it since I loved and enjoyed the movie so much.
*Tom Hooper's wonderful musical Les Miserables is available on DVD & Blu-Ray distributed by Magnavision Home Video.
Check out this ultimate musical trailer for the film in the meantime:
The newest trailer for The World's End has just debuted online two days ago and uh,here it is.By the way,the trailer itself looks awesome and funny.What more about the film? Anyway,check it out below:
The trailer shows an up-close and more detailed look at the film's antagonists which are robotic aliens who take human form,or something like that.Anyway,the new trailer also includes new footage and more jokes than the previously released trailer.
The film will be the third and final installment of the said "Cornetto Trilogy" and it will reunite director Edgar Wright with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost,whom he previously worked with in Shaun of the Dead (2004) and Hot Fuzz (2007).Besides Simon Pegg,Nick Frost and also Martin Freeman (Who all starred in the previous films of the said trilogy),the film will also star Rosamund Pike (Johnny English Reborn/Wrath of the Titans),Paddy Considine and Eddie Marsan (Sherlock Holmes).
The film will be about five friends who reunite in an attempt to top their epic pub crawl from 20 years earlier.But...they unwittingly become Earth's last hope for survival.
I have heard that the previous films from the trilogy are good,though I haven't seen them.But once I saw the trailer and poster for this film,I quickly became interested in this film and the said Trilogy this film belongs to.This year,two Apocalypse-themed comedies will collide and this British Sci-Fi/Comedy,The World's End will compete against the American ensemble comedy,This Is The End.If you're asking me which will be better against the two,I would say it's hard to decide since both look to be good comedies.The World's End will absolutely be great for its genuine British humor and definite comedic performances from Pegg and Frost whilst This Is The End looks good because of it's ensemble comedic cast and its rowdy,raunchy R-rated humor.Well,I can already assume that This Is The End might not be that good because it might have redundant jokes but I really won't know yet.Whereas The World's End doesn't only look good,but it will definitely be good judging from the talented cast and the trailer.But let's get back to the question,which will be the better film from the 2,well we will all know the answer to that question when both films are released.
The World's End is scheduled to open August 23,2013 in the US.Whilst,no news yet regarding it's theatrical release here in the Philippines,but if it will be released,it might have limited screenings.
Oh.By the way,I was scrolling around in Google about this film,and I found the newest poster for this movie.The poster looks awesome.I gotta love Pegg and Frost's angst-upped faces and also Paddy,Freeman,Rosamund Pike and Eddie Marsan's curious faces are just priceless.Here it is anyway:
I just love the poster's blue and red mixture.Really cool.
*Own the previous films of the Cornetto Trilogy: Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz on DVD distributed by Magnavision Home Video.
