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review on Monga 艋舺

joshuaongys — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:42:14 +0000

Little did i know about this film that it was actually out in Taiwan for quite some time already. With the headlines describing it as a Taiwanese Gangster movie that was set in the 1980s, it certainly attracts my attention. Interesting huh? Read on. =)

Well that definitely reminds me of those Hong Kong Gangster movies, the Young and Dangerous 古惑仔 series was the bomb a decade ago and well that was how i got interested in this Taiwan made film.

The whole story happens in one of the district in Taipei, one of the main crowded area back then in the 1980s where there were 2 main force which “enforce” the security and welfare of the place.

Mark Zhao 趙又廷 and Ethan Ruan 阮經天 were among 5 close friends together and they were brought into the movie from the start along with the other characters.

At 2 hours 22 minutes, the movie was quite long actually and it was filmed and edited to show the public almost every detail of lives of Taiwanese youngsters back in those days. The hardship of a single parent family, the difficulty to cope in school not because of homework but because of bullies. The cliques, clans and ultimately the triads & gangsters that rule the street day and night. The traditional mindset, friendship and betrayal.

To tell you the truth, i like this movie quite much. Maybe because i enjoy stuffs made by Taiwan people, but hey if you go watch it yourself, you’ll realize the details the director was trying to show in this film. The various meaning and message behind the movie.

“Guns are for the weak ones, the useless ones, true men uses knifes and swords and their own fist to fight for their lives” well that specific part, i think that the movie makers are condemning the Western force then.

The complicated relationship between a hooker and a gangster featuring a Walkman on infinite loop of the song “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” by Nicky Lee 李玖哲 (Originally by Air Supply). I didn’t really see it coming from this movie actually.

This is a story of a Teenage angst in Taiwan Triads, the typical type of Taiwan teenager back in the 1980s who joined the triad not because of other thing but just on friendship alone.

Movies often end in a happily-ever-after manner but this ain’t that kinda movie. It ends in a sad way which well i won’t be sharing it here of course. Go watch it yourself as it is set to be out in Malaysian Cinemas on the 29th of July 2010.

One of the best Chinese Gangster film in recent years!

Oh and this dude in the picture above is the director of the movie, Niu Cheng-ze 鈕承澤. Good stuff!

My Rating for this movie is 7.5/10
*thanks to United International Pictures Malaysia for the tickets!

review on Salt

joshuaongys — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:23:45 +0000

Last night, i was at Cineleisure to catch the premiere of Salt featuring an agent Evelyn Salt that was portrayed by Angelina Jolie. I actually like this movie where it’s easy to digest with a few unexpected twist as the movie was filled with non-stop actions.

I actually came out of the cinema thinking that what would happen if James Bond meets Evelyn Salt.

Nah, just crapping LOL!

Anyways, the movie was quite good i think. I like the build up with clear explanation on what is happening and the relationship between the characters. Story telling part happens at the beginning but it was pretty short, however it is good enough to bring you to the next scenes with non-stop action from one hair color to another.

Unlike James Bond the secret agent/spy who owns a whole series of customize weapons that was built specially, Evelyn Salt is that kind of agent that depends on close range combats most of the time and not relying on guns & etc.

Of course, the story weren’t as brilliant as Inception but i think that it is worth the money if you were to buy tickets and watch it in the cinemas.

Go catch Angelina Jolie in action! As Agent Salt.

My Rating for this movie is 7.5/10
*Thanks to HotMagazine for the tickets!

review on The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

joshuaongys — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 05:13:09 +0000

THIS is a Disney movie. So if you’re expecting an awesome movie such as Inception that would blow your mind, then well do not watch it.

With a magical world with magical spells in modern times, this movie actually displayed quite a few decent graphics in it.

Well, like the title itself, it’s about the story of a Sorcerer and er his Apprentice?? There’re only like 5 main characters in the whole movie with a really simple easy to digest storyline. So if you hate being like a 5 years old kid, do not watch this movie.

After watching this movie, i don’t think there is any point or message to the public in this movie where everything in the movie is like some classic childhood magical story. Purely for you to watch and go to bed after that.

One thing i recalled from this movie is the plasma balls or whatevertheycalledit, if it was use in DragonBall Evolution as Kamehameha (龟波气功, かめはめ波, “Turtle Devastation Wave”, “Turtle Destruction Wave”) or any similar qi/energy skill, it would be make DragonBall Evolution a better movie by 10%.

The dude shown on the right side in the picture above demonstrates how to be a successful idiotic person in life.

and this movie should show more of her!! =X

Ah cut the crap, watch this movie only if you’re a big Disney fan or you’re very in love with Nicholas Cage. That’s about it!

My Rating for this movie is 5.5/10
*Thanks to MixFM for the tickets

review on Inception

joshuaongys — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:20:10 +0000

YES i finally watched this movie!! Have been hearing all about it on how awesome it was and the film was brilliant and it’s pure genius blablabla where the list goes on and on bah!! Now that i know why this specific film made its way to the top in the box office last weekend.

The people around me weren’t telling lies and i’m not dreaming. It’s as good as what people say!

Well first and foremost, i must again highlight that Leonardo DiCaprio is really good but i think that somehow he’s better in Shutter Island. Hmmm.

Skip that anyways. This movie have a better storyline compared to Shutter Island i think. It makes you wonder about more stuffs and makes you think hard, something i won’t be fancy doing after working hours but i must say i was fascinated with how the movie was turning out from time to time.

Come to think of it, it’s actually not as mind screwing as it is like what most people said. Ok maybe there’re some parts that i haven fully digest it but ain’t that the best part of a movie? It makes you coming out of the cinema wondering about the truth..

Some movie goers might be annoyed with the fact that they have to go through all this complicated stuffs and don’t get a point at all about this movie but for me i love movies like this.

Of course if it goes far more complicated with theories beyond that 5th level going as deep as 18th level i’ll get freaking pissed off stomping out of the cinema.

Definitely one of the best movie in 2010!

Would love to give a 9 out of 10 but i still felt like something is missing. Couldn’t really tell what it is, maybe i haven fully digest the whole movie that is.

Anyone wants to watch this for the second time? I’m up for it! =)

My Rating for this movie is 8.5/10

Next Stop, Happiness 下一站，幸福

joshuaongys — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:54:45 +0000

Gawd its Monday again and as usual, weekend seems to fly past just like that. Bah, can weekends be like 6 days with just 1 working day? LOL!!

Anyway, i had quite a good time over the weekend! Spending time with me myself and i finishing up this Taiwan drama Next Stop, Happiness (下一站，幸福) that is.

It has been quite some time since i last watch a full set of Taiwan series, yes quite some time already.

Not only Taiwan drama, i use to be a TVB drama addict back in college days but now i just find myself too lazy to “layan” all these stuffs already. One thing is because the storyline gets more and more boring, another thing is i really do not have time for it already.

Anyhow, i managed to get myself sitting still finishing this specific one!

This very Taiwan series Next Stop, Happiness (下一站，幸福) which actually came out like 1 year ago was totally the bomb for me for the past few months. Yes i’ve been watching it in the span of a few months where i can actually finish it in days!

In fact, I was touched watching it and there’s not much series that could make me feeling so. I’m delighted that there isn’t much exaggerated stuffs in this specific series like what most Taiwan Drama usually have – 偶像剧.

The last Taiwan Drama i loved watching is The Hospital (白色巨塔) and that was like, back in 2005!! I loved it because it was pretty meaningful and the cast in it were pretty good in portraying the characters, of course, the storyline itself was the main factor.

任光晞 – Vanness Wu (吴建豪)
梁慕橙 – Ady (Audrey) An Yi Xuan (安以軒)
小樂 – Xiao Xiao Bin (小小彬)

and this series Next Stop, Happiness (下一站，幸福) is the same for me. The total timeline for the story in this series is around 6-7 years with a few flashbacks that go way back 20 years ago. But the whole story was mainly surrounding around the 3 person above.

The series comes with the main theme of Love & Relationship with sub themes like friendships and family issues, single parent as well as the poverty in rural village areas and etc.

Basically the 3 characters above is one family but then the relationship in between them as well as with the other characters in the series, it was a bit complicated. Usual drama stuffs that is.

Well if i were to talk about it from episode 1-21 then it will be a freaking long blog post already so i recommend that you go and watch it yourself!

However, i would love to highlight out that this specific kid is really good in the series! He must be one of the best kid around and he could really act in the series. Damn good skills he have. Xiao Xiao Bin (小小彬) as 小樂.

Loved the starting of this drama till the very end of it.

Seriously, you should go watch it!
Very nice Taiwan Series, one of the best in recent years.

Thumbs Up!
Taiwan TTV Official Website of Next Stop, Happiness 下一站，幸福

review on The Fantastic Water Babes 出水芙蓉

joshuaongys — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:11:16 +0000

This specific Hong Kong movie was suppose to be out 2 years back. Anyways, it finally made its way to the big screen and today is the first day this movie will be shown in Malaysia’s cinemas.

Watched it one week earlier thanks to GSC Cinemas and this movie is actually one of the many lame ones produced by the Hong Kong movie industry in recent years. There were lots of illogical scenes and storyline which might make you go huh x infinity if you’ve not watch any of these similar Hong Kong movies before.

and of course, humor is incorporated with the lameness in the movie where there were various parts in the movie that will make you laugh and enjoy yourself. It’s either that or you’ll feel like leaving the cinemas wondering why is it that lame and stupid, that’s if you don’t fancy the Hong Kong way of interpreting jokes in movies.

As for me, i am more interested in the actors/actress than the movie itself so it’s okay for me and i did enjoy watching this specific movie. Just thought that it could be further improve.

Alright basically, i just think that there is no need for the ending part of the swimming competition to be that exaggerated and the movie will be just nice.

Watch and you’ll know what i mean.
*fyi, this movie promotes forever love.

My Rating for this movie is 6.5/10

review on Predators

joshuaongys — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 10:08:24 +0000

Just came back from watching Predators at Tropicana City Mall. Missed the opening of the movie but kinda get the storyline after 20 minutes into the movie.

Seriously it ain’t impressive enough and i was expecting more. There were quite a lot of dull scenes which kinda have no point in it for me. Previous predators movies were much better i thought.

Keep an eye for this character above. His appearance in this movie itself is a joke to me. In fact i find it questionable of why do they want to bring him in anyways.

There’s an unexpected twist near to the end and i’ll have my hands clapped for that. and oh, the scene below is quite memorable, i think there’s a similar one in the first predator movie very very long ago. A man in mud that is. Haha.

In short, this movie does not really have a solid storyline and isn’t as interesting as previous Predator related movies but it is still watchable I THINK especially to those die hard fans of predators. That’s about it bah.

My Rating for this movie is 6/10

review on Despicable Me in 3D

joshuaongys — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:21:43 +0000

This is that kinda movie which will make you leaving the cinemas with a smile and it’s suitable for almost everyone!! Despicable Me in 3D is pretty wow for me as i love the roller coaster scene the most, want to know why? Read on! =D

Alright so, this is actually a very simple and straight forward movie. An evil villain wants to be the most evil of all villains but fails in every possible manner with a few good/funny twist.

The ever cute Minions and the 3 adorable orphans that is that made this movie entertaining with quite a few things to laugh about. With a failing plan in process, these characters helped made the plan looking not such a failure as it is whichidontknowwhatamitalkingabout.

Oh YES, THIS!

The best part of watching Despicable Me in 3D is this. THE ROLLER COASTER RIDE!!! The 3D scenes were pretty cool and awesome and for someone like me who is scared of going on a roller coaster ride, this is the best i could experience!!

YES, i’m that sad. =(

Ok lah, actually i didn’t want to reveal so much on the movie that’s why i mentioned just a few parts of it. To enjoy this movie, please do go to the cinema and do so. Would be a good decision if you bring your girlfriend along that is. =D

Now, can i have my bedtime story? I wan 3 little Octopus!

Paul1, Paul2, and Paul3!! Yay!

My Rating for this movie is 6.5/10
*thanks to United International Pictures Malaysia for the tickets!

review on She’s Out Of My League

joshuaongys — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:51:49 +0000

Thanks to United International Pictures Malaysia, i watched this movie 2 nights ago at 1 Utama. One movie that is rated 18SX here in Malaysia, quite an entertaining movie, one that made me laugh multiple times in the cinema!!

Quite the type of storyline that most guys would love to imagine. An average guy, perhaps worse getting a super hawt girl and there goes the story. In real life, it’s actually possible and i believe it happens where the guy doesn’t need to be rich but still can get into such a situation, but it’s rare.

Anyway anyhow, the story went on from there with a lot of humorous parts, most of them were dirty jokes and such. The movie pretty much evolved around the couple where things were moving quite fast. Not much personal growth/elaboration in each characters though but i thought it was entertaining.

Apart from that, the complicated relationships around in and out of the guy’s family is kind of quite an impossible thing that would happen out there, at least not in Malaysia i think, bad relation in between the characters there.

Though it isn’t a smooth and solid storyline in this movie that will make you saying “Wow, this movie is GOOD!” I think that this movie is averagely okay and pretty watchable as it’s quite entertaining.

That’s if you get the jokes and being able to accept it. =)

My Rating for this movie is 6.5/10

review on The A-Team

joshuaongys — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 12:36:17 +0000

Watching this movie reminds me of my childhood times where my dad would turn on the TV for this series back then with our whole family sitting together in front of the television watching it. Just like Airwolf, Macgyver, Knight Rider and other series back then.

and well. This movie, The A-Team is just as good as how it is from the looks of the trailer being showed before the movie was out. It was not only good, it was awesome!! A story of 4 individuals as the elite of the US military force, this movie has got a fair amount of action and violent scene in it with quality storyline base on a modern date time.

It was their craziness and over insane plans that is impossible in real life that made this movie going on with viewers going crazy with them as well. I remembered i laughed quite loudly a few times in the midst of the movie thanks to the humorous parts that was included in the action packed flow.

It’s a movie for guys, not like girls can’t watch it just that guys would appreciate and love this movie more than girls. It’s a movie not to be miss this month and if you haven watch it, YOU HAVE TO!!! Head to a nearby cinema and watch it.

Yes it’s awesome like that. A very straight forward movie with simple storyline filled with a lots of actions.

My Rating for this movie is 8/10