The Grand Budapest Hotel

I'm a big fan of Wes Anderson's style, so suffice to say that this was one of my most-awaited films this year. It was worth the wait, as the film didn't disappoint despite having a few reservations about it. Anderson has basically bested himself, delivering a film that is the epitome of his work, the Wes Anderson of all his films. While it doesn't dethrone my ultimate favorite film of his, he definitely pushes his limits with this one, bringing another story and setting to life.

Rango

Johnny Depp has played a slew of characters, some remarkable while some are not. Rango falls in the middle. Despite winning the Oscars for Best Animated Film, Rango hasn't exactly made it to the ranks of timeless animation, nor has it gotten the acclaim similar to Dreamworks' How To Train Your Dragon. While it doesn't have the whimsical/magical/hopeful feel other animation movies do, Rango brings in an entertaining Western with interesting characters to go along with it.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

When I first read the novel by Stieg Larsson, I didn't know exactly what to expect. To say that the novel is surprising is an understatement. It's quite thrilling, and despite the horrible things on print, you can't pry it away from your eyes. It was weaved very well, without loopholes, managing to keep the readers at bay. It wasn't hard to imagine films coming out from the books. It was written in a way that it can be adapted, and to watch the adaptation will certainly be entertaining. Well…I've strayed away from the adaptations, primarily because the book was so great, and there were scenes that were so graphic in the novel that I didn't want to see a reenactment of it. Basically it's time to man up and see the film. 

Trailer: Gone Girl

I love the route the trailer took, placing such a beautiful song in images of a not so happy marriage. The source novel sounds interesting (I have yet to read it before watching the movie), but the premise seems interesting. So far, Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike look perfectly cast for the role, and I can't wait to see how David Fincher handles the material. He's a great director - this movie is pretty much pegged for a success.

The Last Temptation of Christ

I think it would be a long time before I attempt to watch another dramatic biblical epic; they're not my bread and butter when it comes to movies. My initial reaction is that this may not be a film for religious people who are not open to other interpretations, even if the film explicitly states that it was not based on the gospels, but on another controversial novel of the same name. On second note, if biblical epics are not your film forte, you might not want to sit through this one on account of its length. If you are interested in it, I advice to view it in caution, as we might not be on the same wavelength when it comes to faith. I discuss some specific scenes in detail, so there are spoilers.

Blindspot: Pan's Labyrinth

I think I found a suitable family film. Not only does it introduce children to a different, darker fairy tale, but it's set in a war period, so there's guns, violence and drama for the adults. Also, despite the bloodshed (and areas of bloodshed and ample slashing), I find myself wanting to watch the film over again - primarily due to the tale that's embedded in the fight. While I'm not quite versed with Guillermo del Toro's work, Pan's Labyrinth make a great recommendation in finding out more from the director, as it offers a fantastic tale that doesn't go short of getting you fascinated.

Trailer: The Angriest Man in Brooklyn


Is it enough to want a movie to be legit funny just so it's actually entertaining (and hopefully not crappy)? A great cast with a somewhat surreal premise, this can go either way. It can be entertaining, or funny enough not to warrant horrible cliches (though the trailer pretty much says it all) - or it can be horrible, and a good cast wasted.  What do you think? 

Chicago

Murder, conspiracy, and extravagant musical numbers - these are some of the factors that make the film take off, garnering enough interest to earn itself an Academy Award. While it took a couple of years for me to actually sit this one through (it's just because I'm not so much into musicals - I don't think I can stress that enough in my life), the film does deliver its pizzazz, allowing the movement of the music to incorporate itself to the film. While this was based on the Broadway musical, the film literally takes the concept of Broadway when it came to the productions.

Trailer: Lucy


It's very rare that a woman is the front liner for thrillers like this. This has the potential to match up with thriller spy franchises (albeit this isn't a spy movie - but the momentum it gives is similar). With Johansson's exposure in action franchises, as well as her acting ability, it's no doubt that she seems to be a perfect choice for the title character. The trailer shows that the film has promise, and this is one that I'm definitely excited to see. I've like Johansson's work by far, and I don't think she will disappoint in this one. 

Thoughts On : The Bling Ring

The Bling Ring is a film directed by Sofia Coppola, depicting the crime scenes of the infamous Bling Ring gang that had been burglarizing Hollywood homes for their benefit (side note: since when was burglarizing not for the suspects' benefit?). The film was based on an article that appeared on Vanity Fair that discussed the incidents. I would write my review in paragraph form, but at the risk of sounding incoherent, I'd thought I'd list them down instead.

Trailer: Edge of Tomorrow


Another sci-fi movie of Tom Cruise that shows big promise. Groundhog Day meets every war movie, Cruise's characters continues to go back in time, changing the outcome of the future bit by bit. The trailer spells out the movie pretty clearly, so we'd know to expect a lot of explosions, Blunt's character dying probably multiple number of times and a lot of war action. I probably have the same expectations with this as I had with Oblivion. I just might catch it when it comes out on DVD (or will depend on the week's theatrical release - I don't mind watching explosive, blockbuster-y movies in cinemas, whether they deliver or not). 

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Of all the members of The Avengers, Captain America can be considered the most patriotic of them all. He was always concerned about serving his people, and it was a mission he kept through and through. He led soldiers into victorious fights, and even came to a point of sacrificing his own life for the sake of the better good. In his third movie, he was no different - willing to go the extra mile for the protection of mankind. While the first movie divulged in his history and origin, the second one brings us up to date with his work as a member of SHIELD, and how his past has somewhat caught up with him.

3/14: Jets, Explosions and Every Flying Scene in Between

So...the blog's been a bit quiet. The final awards night started this month - and was the only awards show I watched. The show went a bit predictable, with people and works securing their wins way before the coveted night. Gravity might not have won best picture, but they scored the most awards, including Best Director. I was very happy for Spike Jonze's screenplay win, and Lupita Nyong'o winning over Lawrence. Despite the slow blog activity, my movie viewing's up by numbers, instead of my usual TV focus (hence the backlog of shows I get into). I managed to catch a couple of new releases this month, including the much awaited Captain America! With the end of the month comes another new and busy month...so here's this month's recap.