Resident Evil (2002)

Fight The Fright


THE PLOT (8 stars – Very Good)

I like how they treat this simple plot interesting from start to end.  From the sliced and diced laser encounter, elevator trap, to bloody creatures, they incorporate unforgettable elements, never seen before, even on today.  Whopping with horror and action!

THE PERFORMANCE (7 stars - Good)
This type of movie is what supermodel Milla Jovovich is good at.  Her usual role, her forté: kick-ass heroine in weird, apocalyptic era.  Together with rugged Michelle Rodriguez, they slaughter the undead.  Believable fighting stunts and acting chops - they deliver.


THE PRODUCTION (9 stars - Excellent)

Kudos to director Anderson in balancing this with fight and fright scenes.  Make-up and performances of zombies are effectively scary.  Nasty special effects on carnivorous canines and hybrid monster.  Lastly, great treatment on keeping the mystery surrounding the Umbrella Corporation.

OVERALL SCORE
(8 + 7 + 9) / 3 = 8.00
8/10 points = Very Good



OTHER CRITICS

1.  All Rovi
     = 1.5/5.0 stars (reviewed by Derek Armstrong)
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (based on 10 users)

2.  Amazon
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (based on 735 users)

3.  Box Office Mojo
     = C+ (based on 1,784 users)

4.  Film Critic
     = 2.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by Annette Cardwell)
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by users)

5.  IMDB
     = 6.4/10.0 stars (based on 79,838 users)

6.  Metacritic
     = 33/100 points (based on 24 critics)
     = 6.5/10.0 points (based on 119 users)

7.  MRQE
     = 51/100 points (based on critics)

8.  MSN Movies
     = 2.0/5.0 stars (based on critics)
     = 4.5/5.0 stars (based on 443 users)

9.  Rotten Tomatoes
     = 34/100 points (based on 122 critics)
     = 73/100 points (based on 411,128 users)

10.  Yahoo Movies
     = C (based on 8 critics)
     = B- (based on 31,071 users)


THE GIST

The only flick in whole “Resident Evil” series, that the plot does make sense.  It's entertaining and lots of surprises.  Did Milla save the day?  It's something to look forward to. :)

EXTRA STUFF

1.  CAUGHT QUOTE

"I don't take chance."

- Red Queen Child

2.  INTERESTING CHARACTER

"Toughy" Rain

3.  TEASER SCENE

- Bad doggy

4.  MOVIE TRAILER



5.  NUMBER TRACKER

Production Budget                   $33.0 M
----------------------------------------------
Domestic Gross          $40.1
Foreign Gross             $62.3
----------------------------------------------
Worldwide Gross                    $102.4 M
----------------------------------------------
Profit                                      $69.4 M

6.  ACCOLADES (BEST AND WORST)

Saturn Awards, USA
(Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films)
Nominated:                 - Best Actress (Milla Jovovich)
                                  - Best Horror Film

The Wedding Date (2005)

Failing In Love

THE PLOT (5 pts - Average)

Desperate bridesmaid hires an escort, just to show-off to her former fiancé, who happens to be the best man as well.  Sounds complicatedly promising and "My Best Friend's Wedding"-like.  Sadly, the supposed romantic comedy, turns out dull and flat.

THE PERFORMANCE (5 pts - Average)

Although they do ok in their individual parts as naive Kat for Messing and confident Nick for Mulroney, what obviously missing is chemistry between them.  They just don't gel together.  It's the other talented couple Adams and Davenport that sparks.

THE PRODUCTION (5 pts - Average)

I think what saves this movie are the great Michael Bublé soundtracks “Sway”, “Home” and “Save the Last Dance for Me”.  The music timing is good and sweet.  Then, the rest of the gimmicks are well..., uncomfortable to look at.

OVERALL SCORE
(5 + 5 + 5) / 3 = 5.00
5/10 points = Average



OTHER CRITICS

1.  All Rovi
     = 2.5 stars (reviewed by Mark Deming)
     = 3.5 stars (based on 2 users)  

2.  Amazon
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (based on 230 users)

3.  Box Office Mojo
     = C (based on 282 users)

4.  Film Critic
      = 1.0/5.0 star (reviewed by Sean O'Connell)
      = 3.0/5.0 stars (based on users)

5.  IMDB
      = 5.5/10.0 stars (based on 13,535 users)

6.  Metacritic
      = 32/100 points (based on 34 critics)
      = 5.4/10.0 points (based on 20 users)

7.  MRQE
      = 39/100 (based on critics)

8.  MSN Movies
     = 2.0/5.0 stars (based on critics)
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (based on 1,217 users)

9.  Rotten Tomatoes
     = 10/100 points (based on 137 critics)
     = 68/100 points (based on 184,867 users)

10.  Yahoo Movies
     = C- (based on 11 critics)
     = B (based on 10,383 users)


THE GIST

I like the moral lesson at the end.  When you allow forgiveness and selflessness, bad situations will turn out in your favor.  Still, this is just one simple cheesy film.  :|

EXTRA STUFF

1.  CAUGHT QUOTE

"I'd rather fight with you

than make love with anyone else."

- Nick Mercer

2.  INTERESTING CHARACTER

"Total Jerk" TJ

3.  TEASER SCENE

- Matchy matchy

4.  MOVIE TRAILER



5.  NUMBER TRACKER 

Production Budget                            $ 15 M
---------------------------------------------------
Domestic Gross           $31.7 M
Foreign Gross              $15.4 M
---------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Gross                            $47.1 M
---------------------------------------------------
Profit                                             $32.1 M



6.  ACCOLADES (BEST AND WORST)

- None

Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events (2004)

Unfortunately Fortunate


THE PLOT (6 stars - Above Average)
Riveting rendition to Snicket's children's book series.  It tells the grim misadventures of the Baudelaire orphans.  Sarcastic it may seem, I like the spoof of the introductory Happy Little Elf, then back to the sickening reality of the children's fate.


THE PERFORMANCE (8 stars - Very Good)
Carrey is perfect as Olaf, he gives a comic touch to the character.  Can't help laughing on his over-the-top performances.  Superb casting from the adorable Baudelaire children to the supporting cast of Streep, Connolly, to the brilliant voice of Law.


THE PRODUCTION (8 stars - Very Good)
Impressive artwork!  From standout sets, chic costumes, to Oscar-winning make-ups - overall aesthetics flaunt theatrical influence.  I enjoy Thomas Newman's original music - reminiscing of "Six Feet Under" theme.  Wonderful work on catching the "eerie" and “depressing” mood surrounding the Baudelaire siblings.



OVERALL SCORE
(6 + 8 + 8) / 3 = 7.33
7/10 points = Good



OTHER CRITICS

1.  All Rovi
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by Karl Williams)
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (based on 15 users)    

2.  Amazon
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (based on 384 users)

3.  Box Office Mojo
     = B (based on 1,542 users)

4.  Film Critic
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by Jules Brenner)
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (based on users)

5.  IMDB
     = 6.9/10.0 stars (based on 58,570 users)

6.  Metacritic
     = 62/100 points (based on 37 critics)
     = 6.7/10.0 points (based on 131 users)

7.  MRQE
     = 68/100 points (based on critics)

8.  MSN Movies
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (based on critics)
     = 4.5/5.0 stars (based on 3,988 users)

9.  Rotten Tomatoes
     = 71/100 points (based on 155 critics)
     = 61/100 points (based on 451,656 users)

10.  Yahoo Movies
     = B- (based on 12 critics)
     = B (based on 32,192 users)


THE GIST
Unfortunately for the evildoers, nothing can't stop the heart of the inventor, the mind of the reader, and the will of the biter... especially, when bounded by love of friends.  :)




EXTRA STUFF

1.  CAUGHT QUOTE

"There's always something."

- Violet

2.  INTERESTING CHARACTER

"Browless and Tatooless" Stefano

3.  TEASER SCENE

- Surviving the train

4.  MOVIE TRAILER



5.  NUMBER TRACKER

Production Budget                            $140 M
----------------------------------------------------
Domestic Gross              $118.6 M
Foreign Gross                   $90.4 M
----------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Gross                              $209 M
----------------------------------------------------
Profit                                                $69 M





6.  ACCOLADES (BEST AND WORST)

Academy Awards, USA (Oscars)
Winner:                   - Best Achievement in Make-up
Nominated:             - Best Achievement in Art Direction
                              - Best Achievement in Costume Design
                              - Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures,
                                Original Score

MTV Movie Awards, USA
Nominated:             - Best Villain (Jim Carrey)

Saturn Awards, USA
(Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films)
Nominated:             - Best DVD Special Edition Release
                              - Best Fantasy Film
                              - Best Make-Up

Teen Choice Awards, USA
Winner:                  - Choice Movie Bad Guy (Jim Carrey)
Nominated:            - Choice Movie Actor: Action Adventure/Thriller
                              - Choice Movie Liar (Jim Carrey)

300 (2006)

Prepare for IMAX Glory


THE PLOT (9 stars – Excellent)
Great adaptation!  Almost precise with Frank Miller's 1998 comic material.  Most illustrations are accurately translated in silver screen.  As Spartans strategically fight against Persians, this is one war epic that is truly unique, original and entertaining.  Well-edited, no dull moment.


THE PERFORMANCE (8 stars – Very Good)
Good cast - from the brave queen, crazy warriors, desperate Ephialtes, to eccentric Xerxes.  Traitor Theron is the most convincing.  Butler's Leonidas is effective on battles especially the dramatic ending.  Minor nuisance on bit “slur”, trying hard voice of narrator Wenham.


THE PRODUCTION (10 stars – Perfect)
Everything is perfect!  From visuals, lyrical lines, cinematography, to action sequences (enjoys the slo-mo effect - it gives more depth and drama to scenes).  Every image, every fiber is crisp and crystal clear.  Thanks to IMAX!  A feast to the eyes.



OVERALL SCORE
(9 + 8 + 10) / 3 = 9.00
9/10 points = Excellent



OTHER CRITICS

1.  All Rovi
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by Jeremy Wheeler)
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (based on 41 users)

2.  Amazon
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (based on 1,200 users)

3.  Box Office Mojo
     = B+ stars (based on 4,480 users)

4.  Film Critic
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by Sean O'Connell)
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (based on users)

5.  IMDB
     = 7.8/10.0 stars (based on 261,690 users)

6.  Metacritic
     = 51/100 points (based on 35 critics)
     = 7.0/10.0 points (based on 890 users)

7.  MRQE
     = 68/100 points (based on critics)

8.  MSN Movies
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (based on critics)
     = 4.5/5.0 stars (based on 2,545 users)

9.  Rotten Tomatoes
     = 60/100 points (based on 223 critics)
     = 90/100 points (based on 1,307,172 users)

10.  Yahoo Movies
     = B (based on 13 critics)
     = B (based on 97,908 users)



THE GIST
Without focusing on the gory part (of course, what would you expect in a war film?), this flick is an instant classic.  As if I'm watching a 100 year-old movie.  :)



EXTRA STUFF

1.  CAUGHT QUOTE

"Give them nothing...

but take from them everything."

- Leonides

2.  INTERESTING CHARACTER

"Exotic" Xerxes

3.  TEASER SCENE

 - "Come and get them!"

4.  MOVIE TRAILER



5.  NUMBER TRACKER

Production Budget                                $65.0 M
--------------------------------------------------------
Domestic Gross               $210.6 M
Foreign Gross                  $245.5 M
--------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Gross                                 $456.1 M
--------------------------------------------------------
Profit                                                  $391.1 M



6.  ACCOLADES (BEST AND WORST)

MTV Movie Awards, USA
Winner:                    - Best Fight
Nominated:              - Best Movie
                               - Best Performance (Gerard Butler)
                               - Best Villain (Rodrigo Santoro)
                               - Breakthrough Performance (Lena Headey)

People's Choice Awards, USA
Nominated:             - Favorite Action Movie

SAG Awards, USA (Screen Actors Guild)
Nominated:             - Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble
                                 in a Motion Picture

Saturn Awards, USA
(Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films)
Winner:                   - Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film
                              - Best Director (Zack Snyder)
Nominated:             - Best Actor (Gerard Butler)
                              - Best Costume
                              - Best Make-Up
                              - Best Music
                              - Best Special Effects
                              - Best Supporting Actor (David Wenham)
                              - Best Supporting Actress (Lena Headey)
                              - Best Writing

Teen Choice Awards, USA
Nominated:             - Choice Movie Actress:  Action Adventure (Lena Headsey)
                              - Choice Movie: Action Adventure
                              - Choice Movie:  Rumble (The Spartans Vs. The Immortals)

Selena (1997)

The Pursue Of Dreams


THE PLOT (9 stars – Excellent)

Purely inspiring!  Probably, one of the best biopic ever made.  Selena’s journey is a rollercoaster ride.  Then, it ends unexpectedly.  Even yet, I like how the film concentrates more on her talent and music, and on the pursue of dreams.

THE PERFORMANCE (9 stars - Excellent)

Applause to Edward James Olmos and Jennifer Lopez!  Olmos as the strict dad is very convincing.  Lopez's interpretations are natural, not forceful.  Her singing and dancing performances are entertaining and fun.  Their father-daughter relationship works well, full of emotions here.

THE PRODUCTION (7 stars - Good)

I like the gradual phasing of the movie.  Imitations in make-up and hair, wearing the original clothes are effective.  I like how the camera angle moves especially during the performances.  Fast segments, some close-ups and engaging shots are just right.

OVERALL SCORE
(9 + 9 + 7) / 3 = 8.33
8/10 points = Very Good



OTHER CRITICS

1.  All Rovi
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by Lisa Kropiewnicki)
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (based on 1 user)

2.  Amazon
     = 4.4/5.0 stars (based on 254 users)

3.  Box Office Mojo
     = B (based on 319 users)

4.  Film Critic
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (reviewed by Don Willmott)
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (based on users)

5.  IMDB
     = 6.3/10.0 stars (based on 8,584 users)

6.  Metacritic
     = 65/100 points (based on 16 critics)
     = 9.6/10.0 points (based on 5 users)

7.  MRQE
     = 66/100 points (based on critics)

8.  MSN Movies
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (based on critics)
     = 4.5/5.0 stars (based on 872 users)

9.  Rotten Tomatoes
     = 63/100 points (based on 38 critics)
     = 76/100 points (based on 149,641 users)

10.  Yahoo Movies
     = None
     = B+ (based on 6,850 users)


THE GIST

“Selena” is a story worth making.  In spite of tragedy, there is triumph.  And didn’t I mention the voice?  Oh, you sure gonna fall in love with that sultry voice.  :)

EXTRA STUFF

1.  CAUGHT QUOTE

"The hardest part is letting go."

- Bungee Jumping Crew

2.  INTERESTING CHARACTER

"Sneaky" Yolanda Saldivar

3.  TEASER SCENE

- Recording a hit song

4.  MOVIE TRAILER

5.  NUMBER TRACKER

Production Budget                      $20.0 M
-------------------------------------------------
Domestic Gross       $35.3 M
Foreign Gross          $45.0 M
-------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Gross                         $80.3M
-------------------------------------------------
Profit                                         $60.3M

6.  ACCOLADES (BEST AND WORST)

Golden Globe Awards, USA
Nominated:            - Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture
                                    Comedy / Musical (Jennifer Lopez)

Grammy Awards, USA
Nominated:            - Best Instrumental Composition Written in Motion Picture

MTV Movie Awards, USA
Nominated:             - Breakthrough Performance (Jennifer Lopez)

Transformers (2007)

Too Much Hurts The Eye

THE PLOT (5 pts – Average)
Alien robots hiding as vehicles, are battling over a powerful cube called "All Spark".  Clueless teen holds the key of finding the lost cube.  Film is consistently fun and entertaining but overall, shallow.  It focuses on many subplots and unnecessary antics.

THE PERFORMANCE (7 pts – Good)
Shia is good.  He's overly good, it becomes annoying and predictable.  Plus, it's irritating to hear his repetitive words especially “no no no” for the nth time.  Seeing hot babe Megan is one redeeming factor here.  Great dubbed voices though.

THE PRODUCTION (9 pts – Excellent)
No doubt the stunts, sound and visual effects are above par impressive.  I am just having a hard time seeing the droids' profile and transformation - some vehicle-body parts seem to be inconsistent.  Also, the faces are confusing to look at.

OVERALL SCORE
(5 + 7 + 9) / 3 = 7.00
7/10 points = Good



OTHER CRITICS

1.  All Movie
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (reviewed by Cammila Collar)
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (based on 336 users)

2.  Amazon
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (based on 1,177 users)

3.  Box Office Mojo
     = B (based on 6,043 users)

4.  Film Critic
     = 2.5/5.0 stars (reviewed by Sean O'Connell)
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (based on users)

5.  IMDB
     = 7.2/10.0 stars (based on 235,298 users)

6.  Metacritic
     = 61/100 points (based on 35 critics)
     = 7.0/10.0 points (based on 696 users)

7.  MRQE
     = 64/100 points (based on critics)

8.  MSN Movies
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (based on critics)
     = 4.5/5.0 stars (based on 5,017 users)

9.  Rotten Tomatoes
     = 57/100 points (based on 215 critics)
     = 89/100 points (based on 2,200,301 users)

10.  Yahoo Movies
     = B- (based on 13 critics)
     = A- (based on 99,588 users)

THE GIST
Don't get me wrong.  There are lots of funny and action moments I enjoyed here.  It's just that for a fan of this great 80's TV series, I'm expecting differently.  :(

EXTRA STUFF

1.  CAUGHT QUOTE

  "No sacrifice.  No victory."

- Archibald Witwicky

2.  INTERESTING CHARACTER

"Unfriendly" Frenzy

3.  TEASER SCENE

- Scorponok attacks

4.  MOVIE TRAILER

5.  NUMBER TRACKER

Production Budget                     $150.0 M
-------------------------------------------------
Domestic Gross       $319.2 M
Foreign Gross          $390.5 M
-------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Gross                        $709.7M
-------------------------------------------------
Profit                                        $559.7M



6.  ACCOLADES (BEST AND WORST)

Academy Awards, USA (Oscars)
Nominated:            - Best Achievement in Sound
                             - Best Achievement in Sound Editing
                             - Best Achievement in Visual Effects

MTV Movie Awards, USA
Winner:                  - Best Movie
Nominated:             - Best Male Performance (Shia LaBeouf)
                             - Breakthrough Performance (Megan Fox)

People's Choice Awards, USA
Nominated:             - Favorite Action Movie
                             - Favorite Movie
                             - Favorite Song from a Soundtrack

Razzie Awards, USA
Nominated:             - Worst Supporting Actor (Jon Voight)

Saturn Awards, USA
(Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films)
Winner:                  - Best Special Effects
Nominated:            - Best Science Fiction Film

Teen Choice Awards, USA
Winner:                  - Choice Movie:  Breakout Male
                                     (Shia LaBeouf)
Nominated:            - Choice Movie Actor:  Action Adventure
                                     (Shia LaBeouf)
                              - Choice Movie Actress:  Action Adventure
                                     (Megan Fox)
                              - Choice Movie:  Action Adventure
                              - Choice Movie:  Breakout Female
                                      (Megan Fox)
                              - Choice Movie:  Chemistry
                                      (Shia LaBeouf and Bubblebee)
                              - Choice Movie:  Liplock
                                      (Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf)
                              - Choice Movie:  Rumble
                                      (Josh Duhamel Vs. Blackout)
                              - Choice Movie:  Villain
                                      (Megatron)
                              - Choice Summer Movie:  Drama/Action  Adventure