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2008
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WALL-E
Is it dystopic, post-apocalyptic, SciFi? Or is it sentimental, feel-good, family fare? Strangely enough, it’s both,
or rather, all things to all people. Young children will enjoy WALL-E’s charming antics;
older ones will marvel at the well-drawn technology of robots and spaceships, planets and space stations;
grown-ups will appreciate the tongue-in-cheek depiction of a sedentary and aimless life-style and its associated depredations.
Part cautionary tale, part timely parable, WALL-E is a musing on loneliness and connection.
Deeply moving, gently humorous, ambitious in scale and scope, WALL-E is yet another gem to add to
Pixar's crown.
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Kung Fu Panda
A rollicking riot of a movie that will appeal to children and adults alike. With astonishing and exciting action sequences,
painstakingly choreographed martial arts, mesmerizing sets, Kung Fu Panda delivers
an all-out spectacle tempered with beautifully-rendered images that beg a second viewing.
And while the story--that of a downtrodden hero who overcomes all odds to fulfil his destiny--may not be the most original,
Kung Fu Panda’s success with this theme lies in its characters, all of whom appeal to the audience all the more
for the humour infused into and deriving from their excellent characterization.
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2007
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The Kite Runner
Inspired casting, outstanding acting from very young, first-time actors, soaring cinematography--all combine
to re-create unforgettable characters who hurt each other and fight their own demons in a Kabul that no longer exists.
Faithful to the novel on which it is based, lovingly and meticulously produced, The Kite Runner is
an immersive experience that will give any reader of the novel a second, perhaps better, chance
at appreciating a well-told tale.
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Atonement
Great casting, acting, cinematography and score, and still the adaptation does not begin to hold a candle to the original.
One of Ian McEwan's masterpieces, the novel will blow you away, while the movie will give you but a glimpse of the genius of
this writers' writer. As for the much-vaunted ending? Do yourself a favour and read the novel first!
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Enchanted
That Enchanted is predictable and formulaic is a given, but there is much to enjoy in this gentle spoofing of Disney classics.
More than anything else, the casting of Amy Adams in the role of Giselle is a stroke of genius upon which the success
of the whole movie is predicated. Adams is Giselle, or any other Disney princess, personified. With her wide-eyed beauty,
her endearing smile and mannerisms, and the charming innocence she portrays with seeming effortlessness,
Adams evokes the sense of wonder that, more than anything else, distinguishes and marks fairy-tale heroines.
A fun film that the whole family can enjoy, Enchanted will appeal particularly to girly girls.
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The Water Horse
Based on the novel by Dick King-Smith, The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep is a well-told tale that blends recent history
with ancient lore, giving the audience an intimate look at one boy's rite-of-passage.
A wholesome family movie that will appeal to all ages, The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep is about the bond that can develop
between a youngster and his animal friend, and how we can overcome our fears if we want to or need to badly enough,
and how sometimes we have to let go of something...or someone...we love very, very much. Highly recommended for all ages.
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The Golden Compass
Subversive it ain't, and Narnia it isn't, but it will still appeal to younger members of the audience
(though not much younger than 8 or 9, as there are some violent and some scary scenes). Parents of all persuasions
will find nothing offensive or remotely subversive in the movie, merely a tale of adventure that celebrates free will
and the human spirit in a determinedly non-controversial manner.
Sure, the computer effects (especially the bears and daemons) are astounding, and there are wonderful, almost throwaway, props
(a strangely-beautiful carriage, the stunning interior of a dirigible), but for a budget of $180 million, you'd think there'd be
more spectacle and less dependence on green screen.
But eye-candy is just that, and while the eyes are dazzled by the magic happening onscreen, the mind is seldom challenged
and the heart, alas, is not engaged.
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Stardust
The movie may not be as nuanced, charming and magical as the book on which it
is based, but the transformation to
the screen does bring to life some spectacular sequences that will knock your
socks off.
The special effects are marvellous, from spectacular visions of exploding stars
to a lightning-harnessing dirigible, to the instances of magic that include
the creation of a well-appointed inn, to my favourite sequence:
a voodoo-doll-inspired bout of fencing.
But do spectacular CGA-enhanced sequences a good movie make? I’ll leave that
for you to mull over. Meanwhile, if you haven’t already, read the book.
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Ratatouille
Eschewing the derivative storylines and pop American culture references that have plagued productions such as Shrek
and its sequels, Pixar's director Brad Bird has come up with a refreshing tale set in the City of Lights.
With a great original story, beautiful and stunningly realistic sets, eye-popping 3-D animation, and
characters incredibly nuanced in speech and expression, Ratatouille is an exceptional animated feature that will appeal
to grown-ups as much as children.
Excellent story-telling and superb animation will captivate you from beginning to end.
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Pan's Labyrinth
Director Guillermo del Toro has out-grimmed the Brothers Grimm in this fairy tale where
once-upon-a-time and happy-ever-after do not necessarily frame the story.
Conceived as a fairy-tale that would appeal to adults and blessed with a great script,
perfectly cast and highly-talented
actors, seamless special-effects, inspired cinematography and production design sets that
capture the realism of bloody battle in the real world as well as the otherworldliness
of Ofelia’s magical encounters, Pan's Labyrinth is at once grounded in realism and
soaring with the splendors of that most fantastical aspect of the human mind—imagination.
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2006
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Curse of the Golden Flower
Chow Yun-Fat cast against type as a cruel emperor, Gong Li as the disdainful and imperious empress,
three sons each with his own agenda--this is the most dysfunctional royal family of them all. But
this promising movie is cursed with a long list of excesses, so much so that high drama devolves into
melodrama and even, on occasion, into farce. Director Zhang Yimou went all out for every aspect-
drama, emotion, colour, action-and ended up losing control of the big picture for
the individual set pieces. It may not be among Zhang's best, but it's still eye-candy for those
who enjoy period dramas, and is good enough
in parts (especially the battle scenes and the martial arts action sequences) to satisfy die-hard fans
of the genre.
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The Painted Veil
Adapted from Somerset Maugham’s 1925 novel, this compelling marital drama is played out against the picturesque
and exotic backdrop of 1920’s China. Excellent lead actors (Naomi Watts and Edward Norton)
give polished, convincing performances of a mismatched couple who marry in haste only to repent at leisure.
Almost a decade in the making, lovingly and painstakingly produced, The Painted Veil
is one of those under-viewed and under-appreciated movies that ought to garner awards too often wasted
on their more flashy counterparts. Highly recommended.
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Night at the Museum
Great premise--museum exhibits come to life at night at the New York Museum of Natural History.
Entertaining family movie that the kids will enjoy and adults will find that the seamless CGI effects
and the humor are enough to make up for the blatant sentimentality and the fact that Stiller is present
in almost every scene. Light-hearted, fun to watch, it’s the perfect way to entertain the kids
for a couple of hours over the holidays. Plus, they might even learn the lesson—history’s not boring at all,
quite the contrary. It’s alive with magic and mayhem, and the people who shaped the world
as we know it now, live and breathe in its hallowed pages.
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Eragon
Highly derivative, cursed with bland and stilted acting as well as inane and risible dialogue,
Eragon does have one redeeming feature. It boasts some of the best special/CGI
effects ever seen on the big screen. The dragon Saphira comes magnificently to life onscreen,
a creature created by Industrial Light and Magic (Star Wars) and WETA Digital (Lord of the Rings) and
the undisputed star of the show. Even at rest, she is stunning, and in motion, she is astounding.
Despite it being geared towards young adolescents, there is a darkness and violence in Eragon
that makes it unsuitable for the more sensitive youngsters. For the junior fantasy enthusiasts,
around 10-12 or so,
if they haven’t already started on Lord of the Rings, in which case even they would find it a
lite and considerably less satisfying version of the real thing.
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Casino Royale
In this prequel to all the Bond movies of yesteryear, Daniel Craig gives an intense, sexy
and brooding portrayal of Bond.
From the shocking opening sequence that establishes Bond’s newly-established 007 status, to the
vertigo-inducing foot chase sequence, the audience is treated to a
new persona—tough, brutal and with attitude to rival your surliest teen.
That’s not to say the usual formula’s been abandoned—far from it. There are the usual lush and exotic
locales, the beautiful and exotic women, plus chases, fistfights and explosions aplenty—
more testosterone than you can shake a clenched fist at.
Giving the most realistic portrayal of the iconic 007 ever to grace the silver screen, Daniel Craig is
rightfully Bond, James Bond.
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The Departed
Whoever's responsible for The Departed ripped out the heart and soul of the original Hong Kong screenplay Infernal Affairs
and over-stuffed it with the worst excesses of Hollywood. All the subtlety, pacing and tension as well as the absolutely top-notch
acting of the original is gone, replaced with violence, inflated acting, a score that’s heavy-handed at times and the most
expletive-riddled dialogue I have ever had the misfortune to listen to. One can only infer that Scorcese was rewarded
for an undeserving movie because he had been passed over for more deserving ones before.
We’re talking the Academy Awards after all. Logic has never applied.
Go watch the original instead.
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Scoop
An American journalism student holidaying in London
attends a magic show hosted by the Great Splendini. Picked from the audience for a
disappearing act, she finds herself in an empty box and confronted by the ghost of a freshly-deceased investigative
journalist who offers her this scoop: the aristocrat Peter Lyman may well be the Tarot Card
Serial Killer. What are the chances that she will fall for Lyman?
Not the most cerebral of Woody Allen's films, but with its amusing one-liners and Scarlett Johanssen
showcasing her comic chops, Scoop is both engaging and diverting.
A light-hearted, undemanding bit of cinematic fluff.
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Nanny McPhee
Emma Thompson, a scene-stealing baby, magic and mayhem--what's not to like?
A charming and delightful movie, with its eye-candy sets and timeless storyline,
Nanny McPhee is an enchanting fairy tale for both young and old.
Production designer Michael Howells is to be commended for the wonderful sets,
full of vibrant colours and a sense of enchantment—essential ingredients in this fairy tale for children
that will appeal just as much to grown-ups who still retain a sense of wonder.
Perfect for the whole family, best for pre-teens, and will entertain boys and girls,
both naughty and nice, from as young as 5.
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Monster House
A great cast of voice talents, motion-capture technology to give fluid, life-like movements to the
wonderfully believable animated characters, Monster House is scary and fun.
A wonderful animated horror-action-adventure-mystery movie aimed squarely at the prepubescent crowd
(definitely not suitable for the younger ones, only for children aged around 10 and up),
yet will appeal to teenagers and adults as well. A must-watch for Hallowe'en or any time of the year!
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2005
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Paradise Now
Filmed on location in some of the world’s most dangerous places, Paradise Now is an extraordinary achievement
in the history of filmmaking. A deserving winner of the 2005 Amnesty International award for Best Film,
Paradise Now is both gripping and enlightening, offering insights into the minds of would-be terrorists in
an attempt to understand (but not to justify) the circumstances and thought processes that culminate in the
decision to carry out a monstrous act. Courageous, insightful, with no glorification/demonizing of either
side, this is a study in objective treatment of a highly volatile issue
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Tsotsi
In the crime-ridden ghetto townships of Johannesburg where abject poverty create youngsters hell-bent on
survival, one young thug journeys unexpectedly from violence and despair to hope and redemption.
Gritty realism, exceptional acting by talented (and in some cases, novice) actors, plus a pounding musical
score helped win Tsotsi the Best Foreign Film Oscar at the Academy Awards. Like all good movies, Tsotsi is
a thoughtful exploration of the human condition.
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Good Night and Good Luck
Cunningly shot in black and white to instantly date the film to the 50s and to merge seamlessly
with the considerable amount of archival footage used, Good Night and Good Luck is a stylish,
crisp and incisive account of a defining moment in television broadcasting history.
It is a deliberate and provocative 90-minute docudrama that focuses on the integrity of one man
and his determination to utilize the power of television broadcasting to take down a malevolent demagogue.
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Munich
Tense, controversial and extremely violent political thriller, based
on events that happened at the Summer Olympics at Munich in 1972.
Spielberg tackles a controversial subject matter (the ongoing conflict in the Middle East),
extrapolating from an inflammatory incident (the Munich massacre) and its aftermath,
and asks awkward questions that cry out for answers. Eric Bana gives an intense performance as
Avner, leader of the Israeli hit team deployed to assassinate the Palestinians responsible.
Strong supporting actors and timely messages about the
vicious cycle of violence (terrorism vs counter-terrorism) make this a must-watch.
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Memoirs of A Geisha
Fine adaptation of Arthur Golden's novel which chronicles, in meticulous detail,
the life and times of a young geisha in pre- and post-WWII Japan.
Stunning cinematography, superb casting and acting, and a screenplay that's mostly faithful to
the original story bring to life young Chiyo/Sayuri and her one abiding love.
This is a poignant tale whose heart miraculously survived the risky transposition
to the big screen.
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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
This stunning movie adaptation of C.S. Lewis' classic children's story
boasts seamless CGI effects and an astounding battle-sequence that has to
be seen to be believed.
This is a treat for the whole family, and while the Christians might like to
claim it as their own by virtue of Lewis’ allegorical imagery, people of all
faiths (or none, for that matter) should enjoy the wonderful imaginative story.
A visual splendour. Highly recommended.
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The latest instalment of the HP saga centres around the dangerous Tri-Wizard Tournament
held during Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts. The Goblet of Fire selects three champions,
one from each participating school. But then the Goblet spits out one more name--Harry's.
Who put Harry's name into the Goblet? Are they trying to kill him?
One thing's for sure, Harry's no longer safe at Hogwarts.
He's intent on surviving the three parts of the Tri-Wizard Tournament,
but even if he did, would Voldermort and his Death Eaters leave him alone?
Stunning CGI effects make this the best, most action-packed and darkest in the HP canon.
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Crash
Rarely have I encountered such a powerful and thought-provoking movie. Multi-faceted characters,
realistic situations and interactions, poignant storylines,
powerful acting and directing--Crash has it all.
An unflinching, starkly realistic portrayal of
racial prejudice in all its many, ugly, forms; addresses a problem few care to acknowledge,
with intelligence, insight, humour and compassion.
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Constantine
Based on characters from the DC Comics/Vertigo Hellblazer Graphic Novels, Constantine stars the inimitable
Keanu Reeves as the title character, 'gifted' with the ability to see the 'half-breed' demons and angels who
walk the earth. Hilarious one-liners, good premise, great acting and special effects--this is
one stylish supernatural noir thriller that's action-packed
from beginning to end. Grab your holy relics and stay put for the unholiest ride to Hell and back!
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Flightplan
Every now and again there comes along a movie that not only insults your
intelligence but slaps it in the face and then spits in its eye for good measure.
Such a movie is Flightplan.
Crater-sized plot-holes, loose ends that nobody bothered to tie up, a far-fetched and convoluted premise
that not even a dim-witted python could swallow--this movie has it all.
Suspend all disbelief, put your brain on auto-pilot, and you may well end up enjoying Flightplan.
Buckle up. You have been warned.
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Mad Hot Ballroom
You haven’t seen merengue and rumba until you’ve seen Wilson and Elsamelys sway their way
through their routines. It’s a joy to see the smiles on their faces as they dance.
Even if you have absolutely no interest in ballroom dancing, you can’t help
but be mesmerized by these smart and very lovable kids who will dance their way into your heart.
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2004
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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Interesting premise, smart and witty script, plus Jim Carey giving the most understated,
sensitive and layered performance of his career. Sure, the non-linearity of the movie might be confusing
at first, but when you get it, this well-conceived, thought-provoking movie will draw you in
and challenge the way you look at relationships and the very nature of memory.
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The Year Of The Yao
Chosen by the Houston Rockets as the first pick in the NBA 2002 draft, Yao Ming’s towering frame of
7 foot 6 inches guaranteed him instant recognition wherever he went. The Year of the Yao follows
the young rookie as he feels his way through his first season with the Rockets.
Eminently watchable, with its central character extremely easy to root for--
anyone with more than a passing interest in basketball will find this an interesting documentary of a
rookie's first season in the NBA.
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Unleashed
Talents have been wasted here, and major talents at that. Now don’t get me wrong—this is not a movie
completely without redeeming qualities. Quite the contrary.
This movie has heart—it is the execution that totally destroys the theme and the high ideals that were meant
to be conveyed.
Nowhere near what a Jet Li or a Morgan Freeman movie should be. Cannot recommend except to an enemy.
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Bride and Prejudice
Joyous bhangra beat, colourful spectacles of mass spontaneous dancing, the stunning Aishwarya Rai,
hilarious supporting characters--what's not to like? Well, the travesty of casting Martin
Henderson (who?) as Darcy, for one. But watch it for a taste of Bollywood magic.
It's a joyous romp that's uplifting and will have you tapping your toes to the bhangra beat.
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Kung Fu Hustle
This exuberant, no-holds-barred, cross-genre martial arts action comedy took 3 years in the making,
an unprecedented span in Hong Kong film-making where movies are churned out a dime a dozen. Stephen
Chow assumed the mantle of actor-director-script-writer-casting-director,
and his dedication to his baby shows. Watch it for the laugh-out-loud hilarious scenes,
the eye-popping CGI effects,
the amazing fight scene choreography and the martial art masters doing it like it's meant to be done
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Nobody Knows
Bolstered by the remarkable performances of a quartet of youngsters, this stark protrayal of
the breakdown of family structure is disturbing and harrowing, but worth watching for the wonderfully
natural performances of the children and the meaningful messages subtly told.
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Modern Classics
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Water
8-year-old Chuyia
is banished to an ashram for widows where a beautiful young woman is prostituted out to support
the others. When she falls in love and tries to defy the other widows and leave the ashram, tradition and
modernism come to a head.
The third and last instalment in Deepa Mehta's 'Elemental Trilogy', Water is visually stunning, though
perhaps less emotionally engaging than Earth and Fire.
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Earth
Based upon the novel 'Cracking India' by Bapsi Sidhwa, Earth is the second instalment in Deepa Mehta’s
‘Elemental Trilogy’. Set against the backdrop
of the 1947 partition of India, as seen through the eyes of 8-year-old Lenny and her beloved nanny
Shanta, Earth is a powerful story set in turbulent times. As the partition of India
throws the country into chaos, pitting friends and neighbours against one another,
Shanta, a Hindu, must choose between her two Muslim suitors, with devastating consequences.
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Fire
Daring and controversial, Fire is an intimate study of choice and desire, where two very different women
flout the oppressive traditions of their strict Hindu upbringing and discover in each other the strenth
to throw off the yoke of age-old tradition, choosing to live with desire
rather than survive a loveless existence.
Producer/director/screenplay writer Deepa Mehta, is to be applauded for her courage in tackling
what is essentially a taboo subject, and doing so with intelligence, sensitivity and style.
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Mr & Mrs Iyer
Director and writer Aparna Sen's understated indictment of violence, prejudice and intolerance.
With superb all-round performances, Mr & Mrs Iyer is a realistic portrayal of real-life tensions
among Indians of different castes, religions and background.
If you’re at all interested in the real India, as opposed to that shown in Bollywood movies,
then this is one movie you cannot afford to miss.
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Grave Of The Fireflies
15-year-old Seita and his 4-year-old little sister Setsuko find themselves orphaned as WW II comes to an end.
With no-one to look after them and war rationing in force, how are they to survive?
A tribute to the human spirit and a tale of innocence lost, this is
one of the finest anti-war films ever made--a modern classic
that everyone should watch. There's no pontification, no sermonizing, no taking sides, just a simple story
with a timeless message poignantly told. Be prepared to cry your eyes out.
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