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)

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)

Zathura (2005)

A Journey In Space

THE PLOT (8 stars - Very Good)

Zathura is a unique two-player board game.  A dangerous one.  Once you've started it, there's no turning back.  To survive, you have no choice but to finish the race.  Watch, join and learn from the out-of-this-world adventure of our two scrappy brothers.

THE PERFORMANCE (6 stars - Above Average)

Yes, Jonah and Josh beat others in auditions yet they show no emotions in some scenes even surroundings are with explosions and awe.  Screams are just mechanical.  It's those seasoned actors, Tim, Kristen and funnyman Dax save the talent portion.

THE PRODUCTION (9 stars - Excellent)

Impressive work!  The house in outer space is an eye-popping encounter.  Not to mention the plausible  meteor shower, the destructions from alien attacks, the gravity pull, the exuberant solar systems and wishing stars.  Director Jon Favreau did a great job.

OVERALL SCORE
(8 + 6 + 9) / 3 = 7.66
8/10 points = Very Good


OTHER CRITICS

1.  All Rovi
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (reviewed by Jeremy Wheeler)

2.  Amazon
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (based on 121 users

3.  Box Office Mojo
     = B (based on 501 users)

4.  Film Critic
     = 1.5/5.0 stars (reviewed by David Levine
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by users)

5.  IMDB
     = 6.2/10.0 stars (based on 16,638 users)

6.  Metacritic
     = 67/100 points (based on 30 critics)
     = 6.3/10.0 points (based on 27 users)

7.  MRQE
     = 65/100 (based on 139 critics)

8.  MSN Movies
     = 3.5/10.0 stars (based) critics     = 3.8/5.0 stars (based on 390 users)

9.  RottenTomatoes
     = 75/100 points (based on 157 critics)
     = 54/100 points (based on 23,630 users)

10.  Yahoo Movies
     = C+ (based on 13 critics)
     = B- (based on 8,167 users)



THE GIST

Intended as sequel for Jumanji, Zathura takes you to a far better journey.  This is an enjoyable experience for family and kids, with non-stop actions, some funny and inspiring moments.  :)

EXTRA STUFF

1.  CAUGHT QUOTE

 "There are some games

you can't play alone."

- Astronaut

2.  INTERESTING CHARACTER

"Alien" Goat

3.  TEASER SCENE

- Spit testing

4.  MOVIE TRAILER



5.  NUMBER TRACKER 

Production Budget                          $65.0 M
---------------------------------------------------
Domestic Gross           $29.3 M
Foreign Gross              $35.0 M
---------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Gross                            $64.3 M
---------------------------------------------------
Loss                                                $1.7 M



6.  ACCOLADES (BEST AND WORST)

Saturn Awards, USA
(Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films)
Nominated:                - Best Fantasy Film
                                 - Best Performance by A Younger Actor
                                      (Josh Hutcherson)

King Kong (1976)

Beauty And The Giant

THE PLOT (8 stars - Very Good)

This version have major changes on the story yet it doesn't hurt that much.  Oil expedition team discovers King Kong in unchartered island is more likely credible.  The odd relationship between the beauty and the beast remains the main highlight.

THE PERFORMANCE (7 stars - Good)

Cast is great!  Young Jeff Bridges acts on the dot.  He knows when to hold and when to exert.  Charles Gordin as the demanding owner is half-baked.  And of course, sexy newcomer Jessica Lange delivers physical and emotional all-out performance.

THE PRODUCTION (8 stars - Very Good)

For a film produced in the 70's, this is one daring and dedicated workmanship.  The puppet / mechanical monster helps display different believable expressions.  Such grand settings and cinematography.  The locations are stunningly beautiful and lush especially the isolated paradise.

OVERALL SCORE
(8 + 7 + 8) / 3 = 7.66
8/10 points = Above Average



OTHER CRITICS

1.  All Movie
     = 2.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by Michael Costello)

2.  Amazon
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (based on 211 users)

3.  Box Office Mojo
     = C (based on 351 users)

4.  Film Critic
     = 1.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by Christopher Null)
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (reviewed by users)

5.  IMDB
     = 5.6/10.0 stars (based on 10,584 users)

6.  Metacritic
     = None
    
7.  MRQE
     = 56/100 (based on 27 critics)

8.  MSN Movies
     = 3.5/10.0 stars (based critics)
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (based on 38 users)

9.  RottenTomatoes
     = 46/100 points (based on 24 critics)
     = 42/100 points (based on 10,610 users)

10.  Yahoo Movies
     = None
     = C+ (based on 985 users)



THE GIST

Recently, we had King Kong's 2005 modern version.  Curiosity triggers me to watch this 1976 classic.  I saw this when I was a kid and surprisingly, I still enjoyed it.  :)

EXTRA STUFF

1.  CAUGHT QUOTE

"Maybe my luck is changed."

- Dwan

2.  INTERESTING CHARACTER

"Hungry" Giant Snake

3.  TEASER SCENE

- Nice catch

4.  MOVIE TRAILER



5.  NUMBER TRACKER 

Production Budget                          $24.0 M
---------------------------------------------------
Domestic Gross           $52.6 M
Foreign Gross              $38.0 M
---------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Gross                            $90.6 M
---------------------------------------------------
Profit                                             $66.6 M



6.  ACCOLADES (BEST AND WORST)

Academy Awards, USA (Oscars)
Winner:                       - Spcial Achievement Award
Nominated:                 - Best Cinematography
                                  - Best Sound


Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror, USA
Winner:                      - Special Award


BAFTA Awards, UK (British Academy of Fim and Television Arts)
Nominated:                - Best Production Design / Art Direction


Golden Globes, USA
Winner:                   - Best Acting Debut in a Motion Picture
                                      (Jessica Lange)