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

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)

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

Cliffhanger (1993)



At The Edge

THE PLOT (9 stars - Excellent)

Rescuers Gabe and Hal are forced by big-time thieves to search missing suitcases, full of money.  Also, who wouldn't forget the dramatic rescue of a couple stuck on the mountaintop?  Hang on!  This film will keep you at the edge.

THE PERFORMANCE (8 stars - Very Good)

Sylvester Stallone is not your typical “Rambo” hero here, but he quite performs well as the sympathetic and vulnerable one. On the other hand, supporting casts did a nice job too.  John Lithgow and Rex Linn are the best villains ever.

THE PRODUCTION (9 stars - Excellent)

The movie gives viewers the best real action.  From the fighting and explosion scenes, to the wild-ride airborne and cliffhanging stunts, to the bitter cold snow, ice and avalanche experience.  I enjoyed the breathtaking mountains, plus the matching beautiful soundtrack.

OVERALL SCORE
(9 + 8 + 9) / 3 = 8.66
9/10 points = Excellent

OTHER CRITICS

1.  All Movie
     = 2.5/5.0 stars (reviewed by Mike DiBella)

2.  Amazon
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (based on 80 users)

3.  Box Office Mojo
     = B (based on 757 users)

4.  Film Critic
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by Jason Morgan)
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by users)

5.  IMDB
     = 6.2/10.0 stars (based on 34,599 users

6.  Metacritic
     = 60/100 points (based on 16 critics)
     = 6.6/10.0 points (based on 5 users)

7.  MRQE
     = 63/100 (based on 70 critics)

8.  MSN Movies
     = 3.0/10.0 stars (based critics)
     = 3.8/5.0 stars (based on 42 users)

9.  RottenTomatoes
     = 82/100 points (based on 33 critics)
     = 47/100 points (based on 9,768 users)

10.  Yahoo Movies
     = none
     = B- (based on 1,896 users)

THE GIST

Death defying!  A lot of things going on, yet I like how everything is connected.  Be ready to see non-stop gripping scenes, escaping from the crooks and the harsh nature.  :)

EXTRA STUFF

1.  CAUGHT QUOTE

"Let me jar your memory."

- Eric Qualen

2.  INTERESTING CHARACTER

"Loudmouth" Richard Travers

3.  TEASER SCENE

- Reaching up

4.  MOVIE TRAILER



5.  NUMBER TRACKER 

Production Budget                          $70.0 M
---------------------------------------------------
Domestic Gross           $84.0 M
Foreign Gross            $171.0 M
---------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Gross                          $255.0 M
---------------------------------------------------
Profit                                           $185.0 M



6.  ACCOLADES (BEST AND WORST)

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

MTV Awards, USA
Nominated:                  - Best Opening Sequence

Razzie Awards, USA
Nominated:                  - Worst Picture
                                   - Worst Screenplay
                                   - Worst Supporting Actor
                                           (John Lithgow)
                                   - Worst Supporting Actress
                                           (Janine Turner)

Next (2007)

Fast Forward Rewind

THE PLOT (4 stars - Below Average)

Psychic Cris (Cage) is hunted by authorities to help track down terrorists.  This is an adaptation to Philip K. Dick's sci-fi story "The Golden Man".  Film goes shabby, probably because, it focuses more on the actor rather than the character.

THE PERFORMANCE (5 stars - Average)

Cage is too old for this but still manages to be on top and cool about it.  Talented co-stars Moore and Biel, tries to pull-off their parts but the lack of depth on their characters can’t able to save it.

THE PRODUCTION (4 stars - Below Average)

Props-wise, it looks constrained.  What's left eye-catching are the beautiful cinematic shots of San Bernardino Mountains, California.  The rest, like special effects and stunts are in moderate scale or less.  When I summarized it, film looks like a “B” movie.

OVERALL SCORE
(4 + 5 + 4) / 3 = 4.33
4/10 points = Below Average



OTHER CRITICS

1.  All Rovi
     = 2.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by Derek Armstrong)
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (based on 7 users)

2.  Amazon
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (based on 174 users)

3.  Box Office Mojo
     = C+ (based on 499 users)

4.  Film Critic
     = 2.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by David Dylan Thomas)
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (based on users)

5.  IMDB
     = 6.1/10.0 stars (based on 53,505 users)

6.  Metacritic
     = 42/100 points (based on 23 critics)
     = 5.3/10.0 points (based on 32 users)

7.  MRQE
     = 47/100 (based on critics)

8.  MSN Movies
     = 2.5/10.0 stars (based critics)
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (based on 133 users)

9.  RottenTomatoes
     = 28/100 points (based on 128 critics)
     = 59/100 points (based on 316,678 users)

10.  Yahoo Movies
     = C- (based on 9 critics)
     = B- (based on 6,748 users)



THE GIST

We’ve seen a lot of these sci-fi ideas and so far, there’s nothing new to offer here.  Plus, the ending is a bit disappointing, seems it has been cut short.  :(

EXTRA STUFF

1.  CAUGHT QUOTE

"Here's the thing about the future,

everytime you look at it,

it changes..."

- Cris Johnson

2.  INTERESTING CHARACTER

"Unnecessary" Boyfriend

3.  TEASER SCENE

- Saving the enemy

4.  MOVIE TRAILER



5.  NUMBER TRACKER 

Production Budget                          $70.0 M
---------------------------------------------------
Domestic Gross           $18.2 M
Foreign Gross              $57.9 M
---------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Gross                            $76.1 M
---------------------------------------------------
Profit                                              $6.1 M



6.  ACCOLADES (BEST AND WORST)

Razzie Awards, USA
Nominated:                  - Worst Actor (Nicolas Cage)
                                   - Worst Supporting Actress (Jessica Biel)

Teens Choice Awards, USA
Nominated:                  - Choice Movie Actress:  Horror/Thriller
                                      (Jessica Biel)

Batman (1989)

Of Shadows And Darkness

THE PLOT (7 stars - Good)

I like how the movie introduces Batman as a mysterious being.  How it interprets Joker's origin too - highlighting his mafia days, his hideous transformation, and his laughing mayhem.  Problem is, they stick long on awkward dance steps and annoying pranks.

THE PERFORMANCE (8 stars - Very Good)

Surprisingly, I'm impressed with Keaton's and Bassinger's acting.  At first, I have doubts with Keaton but hey, his underacting works.  You can sense they're both dedicated on their parts.  For Nicholson?  No questions asked, he's perfect as a sinister clown.

THE PRODUCTION (7 stars - Good)

Aside from the costume, everything here is black and shadows.  Burton's dark trademark is everywhere. Gotham resembles a chaotic New York.  Although, gadgets and vehicles are a treat, special effects are not at its best, not yet polished - infancy stage.

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



OTHER CRITICS

1.  All Rovi
     = 4.5/5.0 stars (reviewed by Matthew Doberman)
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (based on 57 users)

2.  Amazon
     = 4.5/5.0 stars (based on 480 users)

3.  Box Office Mojo
     = B (based on 4,649 users)

4.  Film Critic
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by James Brundage)
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (based on users)

5.  IMDB
     = 7.6/10.0 stars (based on 121,661 users)

6.  Metacritic
     = 66/100 points (based on 17 critics)
     = 8.1/10.0 points (based on 79 users)

7.  MRQE
     = 74/100 (based on critics)

8.  MSN Movies
     = 3.5/10.0 stars (based critics)
     = 4.5/5.0 stars (based on 425 users)

9.  RottenTomatoes
     = 71/100 points (based on 52 critics)
     = 78/100 points (based on 823,712 users)

10.  Yahoo Movies
     = B- (based on 5 critics)
     = B (based on 58,433 users)


THE GIST

Some parts I love, some parts I loathe it.  As fanboy, I don't imagine it to be theatrical and silly.  I am expecting dead serious and full of real action.  :|

EXTRA STUFF

1.  CAUGHT QUOTE

"I made you,

you made me first."

- Batman

2.  INTERESTING CHARACTER

"Poker Face" Joker

3.  TEASER SCENE

- Not Picasso

4.  MOVIE TRAILER



5.  NUMBER TRACKER 

Production Budget                        $ 35.0 M
---------------------------------------------------
Domestic Gross           $251.2 M
Foreign Gross              $160.1 M
---------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Gross                           $411.3 M
---------------------------------------------------
Profit                                           $376.3 M



6.  ACCOLADES (BEST AND WORST)

Academy Awards, USA (Oscars)
Winner:                         - Best Art Direction-Set Decoration

BAFTA Awards (British Academy of Film and Television Arts), UK
Nominated:                   - Best Actor in Supporting Role (Jack Nicholson)
                                    - Best Costume Design
                                    - Best Make-Up Artist
                                    - Best Production Design
                                    - Best Sound
                                    - Best Special Effects

Golden Globes Awards, USA
Nominated:                  - Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture
                                        - Comedy / Musical (Jack Nicholson)

Grammy Awards, USA
Nominated:                  - Best Album of Original Instrumental Background Score
                                         Written for a Motion Picture or Television
                                   - Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture
                                         or Television (for the song "Partyman" by Prince)

People's Choice Awards, USA
Winner:                        - Favorite Dramatic Motion Picture
                                   - Favorite Motion Picture  

Saturn Awards, USA
(Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films)
Winner:                       - President's Award
Nominated:                  - Best Actor (Jack Nicholson)
                                   - Best Costumes
                                   - Best Fantasy Film
                                   - Best Make-Up
                                   - Best Supporting Actress (Kim Basinger)