Reviews

Everyone who watched Little Miss Sunshine (2006) must be having a high expectation when they are seeing the trailer or poster of Ruby Sparks. We all know how fun was made through the movie and indeed what a lovely movie it was. But comparing it with Ruby Sparks maybe a little bit miscued. Ruby Sparks convey a romantic fantasy story with less comedy but still carries a lovely input of feelings in it. Jonathan Dayton is once again directed a good display of a story.

This movie brings you to an induced feeling of how someone is given a grace to see a miracle in his life but somehow moved his feet on a wrong step, but eventually find his way back. There are a lot to learn from its story, about relationships. A real love story may be a little bit more exciting to watch but this is not bad at all. You do not really expect a magical love story these days, do you? I must say agree to Karen Durbin that it was a magical, modern day love story. Other thing, I always admire the imagination a writer has to create a story about a writer. You see, creating a writer in a story is like a layered idea. A created imagination inside imagination.

Paul Dano is simply the star of this movie. Having him again after Little Miss Sunshine was not a mistake at all. His role as a genius writer is solid and genuine. He put his best performance as a lonesome yet a brilliant tank of idea. Zoe Kazan played his role as a created girl in Calvin's life well. Interesting how they combine the character of these two casts. Not to mention the supporting roles of Chris, Annette and Antonio which give refreshing set of the story. It may not be the best love story of all but it surely is a good one.

One might expect a little bit better than Little Miss Sunshine but I must say this one is not even less in most aspects.

This is a unique action movie. The story indeed presents nothing special. The idea of soldier's family life and partners has already widely spread and made in movies since the war ended. But for me, AoV has something unique that I think most people like. It's not boring or exaggerative. One doesn't simply understand the narration since the beginning but soon it'll be understandable that this whole movie is like a letter. I'm not expecting to be moved by it but somehow I felt moved a little.

I love the camera view in combat especially the first person shooter view. It looks like games I usually play, but this time really drew me into its combat. Act of Valor are giving the typical US Navy SEAL stealth way which I think so elegant and neat. No big explosion? I thought it was very rare condition for an action movie. I guess it's because they shows stealth team and explosions are not that important.

The weak side of this movie is the dialogue. I think the dialogue scenes unfortunately made this movie less enjoyable. For example when some sudden dangerous things were about to happen, the soldiers actors were so calm and not like there is some emergency thing happens. The background music also failed to support the scene condition. That's too bad. I think this movie could have been greater.

Overall, I enjoy it and slightly recommend it.

For an action movie, it shows poor action. In fact, I don't think there was any good action part in it. The story is easily predictable even though with a mystery in it. It is awkward because they made this movie stand on the blur grey line. It's not an action but I think it's not drama either and I doubt if this is a comedy. You don't find any action sensation in it for it has so few action part which was not good at all. You also can't feel the drama because it didn't draw you to one. You may laugh for some part in this movie but not good enough, just okay. Every part of this movie was made nearly half of being good. It's like climbing a mountain but stop just in the middle and then go back. We don't even have the chance to reach the top.

Dwayne Johnson, Terry Gene and John Cena are several wrestler that I know also played in movies too. They played not bad at all especially Dwayne and I think Edge too. He maybe not acted so well but he still made his part okay. If you ever saw him wrestle, then you will notice that he surely can hide his character in the ring and show up in different character in this movie. Jamie played in many comedy movies or absurd character. He shows his experience in this movie and I think it's too bad that the story is so poor.

Such a poor ending also ruined the whole movie. The only good part of this movie is the relationship of Theo and his father. Not that well but at least gave a glimpse of color in this plain movie.

It's a little bit different than usual love drama like this. It's about special agents and ordinary woman. The most interesting about the story is the 'stalking' facilities they used. Look how a man can be crazy just because of a woman and not just a competition. They are agents so they used their hi-tech facilities to conduct several breach. That's cool.

It's a funny movie with ordinary action and drama. But it was a good casts choice. I saw Tom Hardy played on Warrior (2011) and he was totally different with Tuck in this movie. He played a real agent part so well. Reese, I don't know, but I liked how she played her part in this movie and I think she's a great choice. Til Schweiger played a very small part of this movie and didn't do anything particularly attractive which I think it's a waste. A little more fight with Heinrich I think would add something positive to this movie.

It could have been a great movie but so many unrealistic and bad details inside especially in action part. Agents ordered by their superior with weird orders but doesn't have any complain for that. I'm just confused. Well, that's a lame story. I thought they eventually get caught by their captain but they're not. For me, the ending was bad and too predictable. It could have been better but end up just ordinary.

Twelve angry men was built with a simple idea and was developed entirely attractive during the show till the end. Needed no many rooms and sets and even the casts didn't have their own name. I watched this film in the midnight and for a long-conversation movie, it didn't make me drowsy at all. I follow the story well and attracted to find it till the end.

It may be a drama movie but the crime story catch me a lot. The way the director presented the development of the story is top of the class. The story flows constantly. Every details was included neatly. I had my eyes all over the room every time the camera move around and I tried to find errors such as misplaced sets after different take, bad expression from the walking around jurors or anything. But, I couldn't find any. Every part of it looked natural and I admired it. Splendid.

Its story shows us how impact and self-influence is not only about power and authority. Look how Henry Fonda in this movie influenced the other 11 jurors and made them all agree with him. That's fascinating. This movie teaches us that in order to influence others or to make people listen to us, we have to listen first and then speak with noble way and rationally accepted argument. This is a very perfect portrait to be presented in an Influence-Training seminar.

There are so many valuable thoughts inserted here and inspired me in so many ways. A lot of things such as humanity, leadership, courteousness, manner etc. I've already added this movie in my favorite list. If you haven't watched it, make sure you'll do.

I'm not really impressed with this movie. I thought the ship combat would be more attractive but it's not. Most of the combat action is genuinely looked so unrealistic. I almost fall asleep in cinema because the story is too slow in the beginning. Good movies flows naturally and has a good movement from down to climax till ending but this movie just doesn't have it.

Simple story, nothing really particularly interesting about the story. This movie rely on the using of technology shown in the combat and disappointingly used the sexy woman to make an attraction in the beginning. I mean, if you pay attention to the camera and the scene taken, you will notice that it expose Sam's body a lot. So desperate, I think. Other thing is I think it's too noisy. I felt disturbed with so much bad noise in most part.

The thing that I regards most is how they present the use of technology and team work in this movie and the action may look unrealistic but the casts act well. Good actors. The effects also were made constantly stunning.

The first time I saw The Grey poster, I said this must be a good movie. I said that because there's Liam Neeson. I've watched many of him and I like them. A man at his age probably difficult to do action scene but Neeson did the best he can.

The Grey is a thrilling survival story. At first, I didn't know what the story about but slowly it became clearer. Being survived from a plane crash is a miracle but those people don't even know that bunch of wolves felt disturbed. Nothing but bare hand and wood stick are the only weapon they have to protect themselves. Even a skilled huntsman can't survive wolves with no weapon, that I can say for sure.

Several part of the movie maybe looks like unrealistic and that made this movie looks bad. I didn't talk about how they travel without proper food and drink. That part is common in survival movie. I talk about the wolves. I think how the wolves hunt seemed unrealistic. But, I think the action part is still good. If they pay more attention to several details maybe they can make this movie better.

The best thing about the story is that the story flows and increased steadily until it reaches its climax at the end. A mystery conclusion can be found too at the end of the credit. So unpredictable.

As for a movie with kids in it, this movie brings bad affection to kids. With all those bad words, scene and more violence, it's totally bad movie for kids. I understand the story it brings about super irresponsible babysitter but still I don't like why they'd make a story like this.

This movie is flat. It's a waste that this movie couldn't develop the story well whereas it has conflicts in it. Maybe, the director just try so hard to put full comedy in it. Yeah, with here and there. I like the moments when Jonah still has time to do heart talking to each kids.

Jonah Hill is a good actor, I think and I enjoy his role in this movie. He played it naturally and put some comedy touch in it. Although, I don't like the involvement of kids in this movie, I still like those kids performance. They look like pro actor. Great talent , I guess.

I enjoy this movie and I wasn't feel bored. The best thing I liked from this movie is the social value it incepted. People were changed beyond their imagination. So many ways will bring you to that but you'll never know which. The other thing is about openness of heart. Rodrigo showed us that only with opening your heart, you won't feel regret again.

overall, 5/10

This is the sequel of Elite Squad and both are outstanding. The first time I watch Elite Squad, I was a little bit annoyed by the brutality and the thriller but then I felt like these movies bring it like it really happened and the story make it better.

I like whatever movie that has so many twists and both these movies have it. Honestly, the story isn't as complicated as inception but it shows the high complexity when you have a corrupt government and police. You have gang wars, government-police wars, gang-police wars and wars. This sequel includes additional character that speaks about human rights which is so in contradiction with wars and killing people. The story when more complex than the first movie.

Not only wars, this movie also has drama in it. You can see it when Nascimiento got divorced, conflict between Nascimiento and Mathias, and more. I don't like too much drama in an action movie and this movie just perfectly fit it.

These movies may tells us story about wars in Rio and a life of a BOPE commander, but it also tells us that wars may never ends happy. Fortunately, there'll always be people who want to make it better. People who want to make peace out of it and it's delightful. :)

This story wasn't the best romance i've ever watched but this movie surely inserted various value and things to be learned in relationship especially for mens. Many good things can be learned from Ethan and bad things to avoid from Dex. The story isn't one of teenage story because its complexity. But, I don't really like the idea of heading forward for the past which was done by Rachel and reflectly done by Dex in this movie. This story is romanticly and dramatically served but not so good in the end.

I'd like to frame my point in Dex figure. Dex is a gorgeous man but not so good in personality. I know it's very hard to choose between marrying Darcy and turning to Rachel. But, that didn't mean he can hang those two girls like in this movie. Mens have to decide. Girls don't like being hung by mens, right? Lessons we could learn from Dex' story is mens must have the courage to decide and ready to accept the consequences. Don't be greedy or you'll just fail yourself. Why would he take Darcy since the beginning if he had a crush on Rachel. Err..nonsense.

The second thing that we should learn is "don't make too many assumptions". Dex and Rachel were making assumptions each other that end their 6 months relationship. They liked each other but assumed the opposite each other. Well, that was another lesson to learn from Dex. Mens probably should have the courage and initiative first.

On the other hand, Ethan was a perfect mate for Rachel though she doesn't wonder him at all. Ethan has a good personality that mens eventually should have. Ethan is my favorite character in this story. :)

Love may come emotionally but it has to flow both logically and emotionally.

A true crime story that dragged yourself to its investigation. Mixed plot at the beginning of the story has made you confused already. You need a lot of and consistent concentration while watching this movie because so many names, places, details are provided in the story. Though eventually you don't need all of them and that makes this movie great. It's a mystery to find the truth. At the beginning you'll have your own conclusion but minutes later you'll change your mind and you will only find the truth at the end of the movie. This movie tricked me. haha.

This movie has all the ingredients to make a great movie. Directors, screenplay, cinematography, plays and all the actors made this movie too good to be missed. Kevin spacey is a true crime actor, i think. Just like he did in se7en, too. Wow, he's a great one. I'm not surprised he was awarded an Oscar for his play in this movie. For you who likes thriller, mystery and crime story, this movie must be on your top list.

Another old time movie that i watched. I'm interested in watching this movie because i was looking for a most recommended 'based-on-true-story movie'. I found this movie on the list and i intended to watch it. I'm not disappointed at all about the recommendation i got. :)

Goodfellas tells a story about how a man became a gangster ever since he was a child, how's the life of a gangster and what a dramatic ending. Henry Hill played by Ray liotta was taking me to a real life gangster life. It left no space for fiction. It's all real. No excessive scene and very smooth rhythm. I can follow every step in the story and not being confused. It was great.

I don't like too much shooting fight and that makes this movie my favorite. Even though it's a gangster movie, it shows perfectly enough shooting scene without reducing the story value. Neither the shooting nor the killing scene is making the movie bad.

And i like Joe Pesci role in this movie. :D I saw some of his movie and i like this role best. He plays a real gangster, not the quiet one but the blabbermouth one. He speaks a lot and dare like a real criminal. Some scene i found out that he jokes too. lol. Honestly, i laugh every time he makes jokes. It's funny man. No doubt he got the Oscar for the supporting role.

The thing that i learn from this true story movie is that your neighborhood has a great role in what one is going to be when one grown up. You see, in this movie, Henry hill wanted to become a gangster because he saw the life of gangster everyday in his neighborhood. He was influenced and ironically his parents didn't do the right to avoid this. Being harsh isn't the best way to teach, i think. The second thing is about greed. You get greed and you'll be all done. Greedy is such a disease that everyone ever tempted for. But, we must know that it leads to one end. FAILURE!

I don't know why it just got low rating in IMDb. For me, this movie is a quite interesting and tells us about getting-married story. It tells us that getting married isn't easy but when you love someone and love will help you stand in every problem ahead.

Luci and Marcus are 2 persons who will get married. Their marriage isn't an usual one. They came from two different race and that makes both of their father don't like that. Furthermore, their fathers just had a problem each other on the street and that makes the condition worse. Luci and Marcus tried so many ways to convince their fathers that they are really want to get married. There were so much problem happening that made both of them finally face a crucial condition that made them wants to stop the marriage plan.

This movie tells me the real thing that really happens often in life. People who are getting married often feel not ready just before the wedding day. There are so many pressure that happens. That's not weird. It's very human being. But the thing is how you and your couple can face it together... When you love someone, you'll know how to do it and when you love someone , you'll always know that every little problem that come and will-come will strengthen your relationship. :)

I was wondering if my wedding plan will be like this. +_+ So many problem, nearly fail or maybe don't get permission from parents. lol That will be interesting and i've to prepare myself from now. ^_^

First of all, there's nothing special in the story because there're so many movies pictured this kind of war story. The difference is this about french military. But, still war movie, also this movie, brings value about humanity and how we supposed live in peace instead.

I admit that this movie doesn't bring any adrenalin rush as action movie usually do. That's okay. I think the director just want or maybe get bored of usual screenplay. But, still I think this is not that action but more dramatic. They put more drama that take more control in the movie than the action.

I don't recognize most of the movie casts. I'm familiar with Diane Kruger, Denis Menochet and Djimon Hounsou from movies I've watched but not the rest of them. I don't understand about acting really well but I think they played their role really good and for me, they put this movie out of the comment of being unreal/fake.

As usual, I always try to find and wait for twists in movie which I like very much but I didn't find or aware any of it in this movie. Some may think that Lucas survive but I've already know that won't happen. Sad or unfair but that's part of the drama.

6/10

High Rating and Awards? People may be tricked for the first time because this movie comes from a very unusual country, Indonesia. It's not often we see action movie comes from this country. Furthermore, the casts also aren't well-known at all in the world but guess what, they're really giving a great show in this movie. Gareth Evans, a Welsh born writer/director/editor repeat his success creating action movie after several years ago releasing another action movie also made in Indonesia.

For me, the real superstar in this movie is Rama (Iko Uwais), who was introduced as a newbie special force in the team. Fantastic martial art movements, which is traditional martial art called Pencak Silat from Indonesia truly filled this movie with wowing watcher's experience. Fast moves, intense close combat and his knife play in combat successfully increased my adrenalin. The best part of Iko was when He's about to face several people alone in a hallway. That was obviously cool. I think Iko plays the part like Jason Statham (fighting) and Steven Seagal (with his knife) but only better. The Raid was rained with bloodbath. So it's wise to avoid bringing children to watch this movie.

The other character that stole my attention was this man called Mad Dog (Yayan Ruhian). In my opinion, it'll be difficult to find this kind of man in this world. His expression and fighting style was stunning.

When I watch movies, I always intensely wait for the twists. The Raid doesn't give so many twists but it still has enough twist that improve the story. Still this is a nicely written story. Simple idea but creatively developed.

At first, I thought it'll be a one man show where Rama played the whole part of fighting till the end. But I was wrong. The Raid gives fair proportion to fighters in this movie. Rama isn't the only one that showed a great fight against the enemy in this movie. There're the sarge, Andi, the last cop in control room. The only thing that disturbed me a little bit is the original dialog which is Indonesian. I don't know but it's kinda awkward for me to hear the conversation in Indonesian although it's my native language. As I imagine, it may sounds better in English. Never mind, it's just me.

With only 1.1 million spent on this action movie, surprisingly give me such a great experience in cinema. Great movie. Great job!

9/10