12 hours later, after watching this flick, I realize, it's a reboot! I'll explain below. It's over, this is the film of the year! haha Well, I know there are still great films to show this year, not to mentioned Star Wars (not a fan anymore).
A little introduction, if you are indeed a movie fan, especially if you start watching films at the 80's... There was a trilogy you shouldn't miss, at least the 2 films or at least the one film, the Mad Max trilogy! First was Mad Max, second was the Road Warrior (one of the best action flicks) and then the longest title in the series, Mad Max: Beyond the Thunderdrome.. I just don't like that one. My oldest brother really likes until this day. Geez..
Well, for those who missed those films, after watching this new film, I advise, forget the first trilogy, you can watch that later! Or if you are tired watching those films, just watch Road Warrior.
If I'm going to do a full study about this film compare to the first trilogy, it will be a long post. I don't want to that, especially at this present state of mine. However, I'll make this short as possible. But definitely, an instant classic!
I ranked this film already at my top 10 best action flicks lists. I haven't fixed that list for now but I'll do it in the future once I watched all the films I could muster. Action flicks of course.. Let's say, if Road Warrior was like number 4, Fury Road is number 5. I can't separate them. hehe
There are only two reasons why I put Road Warrior better than Fury Road and mind you, it's not about the technical aspect. First of all, yes, despite the title and Tom Hardy is Max, well, he is not lead of the film. Of course, he did a great part for the film but his story was abrupt and Furiosa's plot kicks in until the end. It's not really a bad thing, actually it's a great thing that George Miller did, but when Max said his prelude, you are exited to see him what the hell is he doing. But, well, let's wait for the sequel.
Second factor which is the deal breaker, Mel Gibson as Max. I mean, when you watch Road Warrior, despite Max is only helping or the supporting character, his presence and his actions were the driving force of the story. Don't forget the great acting despite, few dialogues for him. He also showed that depth in his emotions in the film. There were the reasons I put this film better than Fury Road.
Everything else, well, even the technical side are going to this film. Fantastic! First thing I loved is the cinematography used. I mean, despite it's apocalyptic theme, I mean it lookg gorgeous and there are some scenes just I want to stare, like the first scene. It also helped showing the every detail of the film, from their home base, then the wide shots of the desert and car chases, even the cliffs and mountains.. Astonishing shots indeed! How about that storm scene? Despite it has CGI effects, wow, it is breath taking! I don't how in IMAX looks like.
Second, the cast! Charlize Theron never fails to suprise me. I mean in that film million ways to die in the west, she has comedic chops and she made Mad Max at the same time, turn into an action heroine! Wow, I mean Furiosa's character is simple actually. While I was watching, I am thinking other promising actresses can do that but when it comes to action fight scenes with deep emotion acting, few can do that and Charlize is really fit for this character. Physically and emotional aspect. Tom Hardy being Max is a great fit. Even not better on what Mel did, I mean it's because of the plot went... Despite being Bane at least for 15 mins, he is perfect for Max. He is shown as one Mad or crazy and at the same time, the stunts he did are insane and great. At last, there is a Tom Hardy film that showcases his physical prowess and at the same time, acting ability. I already saw some of his films and when it comes to acting, he delivers. Then the rest of the cast which mostly Australian, also delivers especially the Immortan Joe and the old ladies backup at the end. Don't forget the wives and even the odd looking henchmen. How about unrecognizable Nicholas Hoult? Wow, what a lovely performance! hehe Even, he met a sad end.
Third, sounds are top notch! Not only a visual treat but also the sound theme and the crashes and effects are just perfect cue! I'm in the edge of my seat because of the sounds and OST used. Don't forget the guitarist with flame thrower and the drum machine team. hehe Junkie XL indeed, I must say he can be like Trett Reznor. But we'll see if he can still do that in other types of films. Great DJ, I mean most DJ's now doing these music themes from Daft Punk, Chemical Brothers and others.. Great development!
Fourth and most importantly, the insane, crazy, shocking action scenes put in film! Over the top car chases which indeed surpassed the Road Warrior. Evidence? The first chase scene, I mean that alone is way better than the Road Warrior and it doesn't include yet Max! That's how great this film is. I haven't even discussed the rest of the action scenes. Wow.. Even that night scene, it has that suspense factor and that tough ending. I mean I want to see how Max defeated that car but well, cut short. I hope it shows in home release. Great job by George Miller who, made a great effort of using more practical effects and very minimal CGI. The 150 million budget is damn well spent. I hope he'll definitely finish the remaining two films, all the fans are waiting to have his done. Give credit to the costume designer of the film. I mean, great looking, neat and scary! hehe I love that white war boy theme and of course, reimagined Max.
So, let's go to say why it's Mad Max. It has all the recipes as being Mad Max. Well, at least at this Mad Max, you can say he is Mad. Seeing visions of people and his grown old daughter?! Yes, unlike in the original Mad Max, he has a kid and wife killed. Not a somewhat teenage daughter. Always running from bandits in his interceptor and every relying saw off shotgun. The dog is gone. How it became a reboot?
First, I already said the child thing. Second, it's not only gas that is running out, also water and there is already a Warlord or self proclaim God, which is Joe. Second, the looks of the people, it looks like there was a nuclear war or radiation.. Many deformaties and scary looks. Although Max still walks fast in one leg and still not sociable. Damn, when we will see a Mad Max film that he did use that shotgun. In this film, he already used the other guns, even that flare gun but not the shotgun and ended up broke! I hope in the next film, he can use one to blast off one head! hehe
Of course, his trademark interceptor! In all films, ah sorry, except for the first one which it did not end up in wreck. This film, it was not only wrecked but also exploded. Sorry for the spoiler! But I hope in the next film, we can see Max raming or racing his interceptor against those bad dudes. I don't know how to drive but it's just that interceptor has that aura. Darn, blame that Road Warrior shown in my early years..
Well, the next one I'll wait is Spectre, the new James Bond film. The other flicks even Star Wars, no thanks. I'll just wait this film in Blu Ray release.. Can't wait to see this in full glory! It made Fast and Furious films hmmmm for kids?
But great thing for George to reboot the story in more scary and interesting wasteland scenario.. Kudos to him.
By the way, if Mel Gibson did this in 2003, I mean if George indeed push this through way back then, witht he same set up of this film. That I can say, the best action film of all time. Epic indeed. But we have this, better than never.. Damn, I should have watched this in IMAX!
".... it is hard to know who is more crazy, me or everyone else.."
I written before that I do have like a dream of being a basketball player. Unfortunately, I was not able to harness or develop my talent. I end up just watching basketball games in TV or net, or sometimes betting through odds. I simply ended up a die hard basketball fan.
I also end up watching this great documentary because I’m curious with its rave reviews. I need to find it out. After almost 3 hours of footage, I can say, it’s one of the best documentaries ever! It’s also well one of the best or I can say the best basketball documentary! The documentary has a simple plot, it’s about 2 promising basketball players pursuing their dreams of being pro through going well NCAA division 1 school. It starts from freshman until they graduated high school. The two prospects namely William Gates and Arthur Agee. William is already a star point guard of St. Joseph’s high school, while Arthur is just entering St. Joseph’s as a freshman and making tryouts to be included at the varsity team.
The story goes from there and for 3 hours, it gave a real picture on how basketball recruitment works from HS to college. It also show the real stories behind these process and how it affects their families and friends.
Let’s go what I did not like or some flaws of the film. Actually, I can’t think of any. That’s how great of this film, but maybe one. Hmmm it’s maybe the unknown leads. I mean unknown HS basketball players lead this film. It’s not really a flaw but if you are only a simple basketball fan and looking for known star, you won’t find in this film. You’ll find great cameos but not really a known HS player at that time. That’s all I can think of.
First great thing about this film is the sheer realism of basketball story. I mean not only you’ll see a lot of basketball footages such as practices, and real games summary but also the process of recruiting, the family background of the players and of course, how basketball really embodied in the lives of the players. Real competitors and they risk everything just to play ball. There are scenes that you can’t believe they really prioritize basketball above family events or simple get together. How about even they are injured, they don’t think of rest but still want to play. Absurd but well, it’s the truth.
Another great factor in this film, is the drama showing in the film. Intense drama all through out. One scene there was the practice of William’s team. That coach is going nuts in just one mistake. Geez, how are you going to be motivated by that. Actually all the practices showing there is kinda intense and thought provoking. I’m thinking, I do have a lot of patience but when you have that kind of rigid practice, my patience will run out. Soon. I am sad with Arthur’s side of story, I mean, her Mom doing everything to survive with her kids, raising them alone at one point. Then, it shows how Arthur got affected from his dropping out from St. Joseph plus the suddenly arrest and separation of his dad, whom the one taught him basketball. It’s really a grim feeling at that point of the film. At William’s side, well, kinda sad that he went through 2 knee surgeries that kinda lower his game, especially as the movie comes along. But great thing, he’s lucky and still played going through pain and high pressure as he is a star player.
What surprised me in this film was the cameos. Michigan’s fab five was here, Bobby Knight, Coach K of Duke, then Isiah Thomas because of William’s coach. The summer camp part, and the NCAA recruitment process as well. I’m thinking that those things show, it really gave you a glimpse of how basketball players work up to being great recruit in college then going pro. I love the part when the coach of Marquette is explaining the player how the system works, plus his future goals such as if not NBA, the player might end up playing in Europe. It’s realistic and optimistic at the same time. I still love that summer camp which all the players staying at one room and it’s like camp. You go up early, warm up and play ball. Show the best what you got especially coaches from different universities are scouting for you. How lucky is William? Darn, every big NCAA college division 1 has sent him tryout, letters just to come to them. Wow.. That happened before he got injured.
What I really love in this film is the flow of it. I mean, this film was able to deliver great flow despite 2 main characters were moving at the same time. One was on the rise, then another falls first but redeemed at the end. One indeed was on the rise, fallen due to injuries but well, he still got the same result. I really love Arthur’s story as despite dropping out then father left him but returned, it was difficult for him. That also affects his playing ball, but great thing, through adversity, his team was not good.. But in the latter part, they became strong, underdogs and played great in their state championship. Despite losing in the final game, they played great. They won hearts of many as underdogs and unranked in their state.
Don’t forget the jazz musical score used in the film. I mean, it’s weird right? Basketball usually has hip hop/rap musical score but in this film, it’s sax and jazz. It worked actually. Great score.
Despite it ran for 3 hours, I wanted for more because you want to know their stories in college but with the effective epilogue, that’s fine. Enough fitting for an ending.
You see as you going through the film, no question, William has talent but his development was not right for him. I could say, I’ll blame the coach as he tried to pattern his star point guard to Isiah Thomas which I don’t think its right. William’s skill looks like he’s more of a SG, than PG. Arthur’s game was better, I mean despite little development, he never stopped improving and playing as a leader in both ends of the court which made him better in the end. He has also not only became better, but also stronger because he endured a lot while playing. Great thing, he was not injured.
Unfortunately, when you searched in wiki, both of them did not make it to NBA, even in Europe. But both of them became stars because of this documentary, and became successful in different endeavors. William became a pastor in his church but also graduated college. Arthur despite better chance of going pro, he became a successful businessman and motivational speaker now.
There were other stars of the film, simply the family members/friends shown in the film. William’s side has more upbringing and calm. Arthur side is more fun yet serious, well especially they were on the other side of financial slide. Film shows the diversity, in everything such as race, social and even schools.
Anyway, I want to watch this again sometime in the future. It gives you really thinking that all the basketball players on how they grow. Come to think of it, with a lot of players coming the NBA and NCAA not making it big or all star, what went wrong to them? Or what they do when dreams not reach or worse fade.. What is life after not reaching the dream?
In reaching hoop dreams, it’s not only talent/skill but also how to deal, working in a team and yes..
A bit of luck.
Keep being a playa!
Di ko sure kung 2006 yun. hehe Anyway, basta ang sigurado, we had a blast!
What's the best time na manood na first time sa UAAP kung hindi ang finals at ang nakakasopresa pa eh pasok ang UST!!!!
Nakalimutan ko na kung bakit nagkakayayaan noon kahit yun isa diyan eh taga DLSU. hehe Grabe, sa labas pa lang medyo chaotic na kasi kita mo lahat ng fans, from ADMU and UST. Shades of Blue and Palette of Yellow.
Paano ba nakapasok sa finals ang UST? After elims ata sa pagkakaalam ko, 3rd place sila, number 2 ang UE. Final Four bigla, expecting na makapasok ang UE kasi malakas ang line up, sabay ang Custodio at Paul Lee at Arellano pa ata. Kaso, game 1 nun kamada ang UST at sa Game 2 na biglang walang Custodio, dahil.. May chismax na.. hahaha Basta humabol USTe at ayun biglang nagfinals.
2006 was really unexpected for UST na magfinals. First year coach Pido tapos ang line up na mukhang di pang finals, lalo na ang center mo eh maliit, Jervy Cruz lang naman. Point Guard mo walang shooting, Japs Cuan. hehe
Anyway, so kahit chaotic ang labas ng big dome, akalain mo nakabili pa kami ng ticket! hahaha Upper B ata kami at unfortunately, SRO kami.
Game started around 6pm ata, grabe, pagpasok pa lang ng mga teams eh sigawan na.. Simula pa lang yun.. Mas nabingi na kami nung nagstart na ang laban. Grabe bawat play, lalo na pagshoot, kala mo wala nang bukas ang hiyawan at sigawan. Wala naman asaran. Wala kasing bad blood ang UST and ADMU unlike, ehem the Green and Blue games na hanggang fans eh nagaaway na.
Buti di naman ganun sa amin. hehe
Tight ballgame until siyempre sa 4th quarter. ADMU was surprised na sobrang basa na ng UST ang lahat ng games. Actually parang second round ata noon eh nanalo UST sa ADMU in OT, kaya medyo alam na ng UST ang gagawin.
Last possession ng ADMU, after time out ni Coach Norman eh lahat tahimik, grabe ang set up ginawa makita na libre si Kramer sa ilalim ayun malamang shoot. Bad trip! Tahimik ang UST lalo kaming apat.. Actually tumawa pa ata yun isa diyan na di taga UST. hahaha ADMU went bananas. 1 point win!
Umuwi kami sawi at nameet pa ata namin si Corps noon sa kaniyang carenderia pero malungkot kami. Nalalakad na pagod, drained at pathetic.
Well, all is not lost as alam naman natin nangyari, tinambakan ng UST yun ADMU sa game 2 at epic Game3 OT Win ng UST na sa sobrang underdog ng UST eh di naman lahat ng UST fans nakapasok ng Game3. Halos occupied na ng big dome ng ADMU. Igz ended up sa italliani's and a lot of UST Fans, ayun sulit naman ang stay nila. hahaha
Legacy naman ang napunta sa ADMU, despite the loss sa UST, they went winning 5 straight titles except last year na siyempre DLSU. UST final four appearances but went back to back finals kasama last year. Epic one as well.
All players and coaches come and gone. As I looked back, until now, nothing changed.. I still watch UST games now kahit pathetic na ang plays and diminishing line up with a dumbfounded coach. Still enjoying cheering despite you know na di na malakas ulit ang UST. It's like nung the first time I cheered for this team before..
Actually noong patungtong ko sa UST naging fan na ko kasi sa mga classmates and cheering stuff despite a line up that time, worst. All were ball hoggers at pasaway pa na di sumusunod sa pasigaw na coach. Naging class mate pa namin sa subjects. Ayun puro kopya ang ginagawa. hahaha
Despite ups and downs, or maybe a lifetime fan, besides I love the school, not my course.. hahaha
Go USTe!!!!!
As a rookie cop, doing everything to not only finish the mission but also to survive was already a harsh ordeal. What more if you discovered that all your efforts will go to waste and there is a bigger problem to deal with it. It's sad but that's how the story goes in this epic sequel of one of a hell action movie!!!
At first, the story is simple but as go into the end, it became complex and you'll ask, how this story will end?
Let's put it this way, hmmmmm I watched it twice and although it has some flaws or goofs but that's very forgivable. I have only one minor problem in the future, the director said Raid 3 will start and end 3 hours before this movie ends. I don't know how he will do it but simply this is the end. Of course, you want to see Rama going back to his family alive and all the goons are freaking dead but if the ending suggests cut scene, that's fine.
However, like I said it has many minor flaws and some weird factors in the film but that's forgivable due to the major assets of the film that cover the shortcomings.
Here in my country, the title is simply The Raid 2. If you are going to ask me, if you need to watch Raid Redemption or Raid 1, after watching this one, I don't think you need to watch the first one. Reason why? Well, first of the scenes of the film already discredit the first film. But of course, you need to watch the great first film, it's not bad but on how they made this film, I thought well, I don't think I need to watch it again.
Fantastic things for this flick that made it as a classic.. First thing camera used and photography are top notch. I mean, I don't know how they get close to such fight scenes, one great example. The toilet fight scene is kinda sick, how on earth they get such close shots of that fight. Another example is the taxi scene, which is short yet heart stopping, I don't know how they got the top shot of it. Those examples are only the small ones, better yet check the bigger scenes. Great use of the camera and yes, Red Camera used it perfectly.
Another great thing, the sound effects used in the film. I watched many martial arts or action films now and then, but I can't imagine how they got the perfect sound for every blow, bone crushes, the gore, guns blazing, the cars, the weapons used or even the musical score used. The sound is such perfectly done and it helped really give me thrills and shrieks, one great example.. The car chase scene! Until the last second of that scene, it's crazy and great. The fight chreography helped or the car racing but the sound really made it great.
One aspect also helped this film great is the actors. I mean most of the action films, few can really act and most of the actors fight. This one, has a great balance of ones who can act like the character Uco and Bangun and yeah the japanese actors. Mix it with great real martial artists but trained to act or the other way around. Iko Uwais I think already surpassed Tony Jaa and might be better if he start doing other kind of films. Then even the bosses, the old cop, Bejo is the rising crime lord which looks fashionable, Prakoso an unusual turn of having fighting and acting as the good henchman. Eka is also a surprise especially at the end. Actually all those characters you see in the poster done great job of acting for their roles. Don't forget which I'm surprised that they are siblings in the story, bat boy and hammer girl!
Second great part of the film, one of the sickiest, craziest, real fight scenes. I mean, it's usual for a martial arts film that some scenes where kinda planned or worse they put CGI already and sometimes they put it wrong. Here, I know it has choreo but I don't know how many times they practiced it but looks real to me. They said that to make real, they reduced speed and strength to really show the blows or pain in the film. Except of course for the knives, bat and the hammer. But seriously, from the first fight scene until the end, wow, kinda addictive. With the sound effects and other factors plus with great fight choreo, they show it in an awesome way. I think Silat martial arts are deadly than ours or it's the same level with other martial arts, but great thing arnis was used here. I'll put Silat maybe on top of Muay thai because of the punching and elbow techniques used, in close range, deadly sh*t. The second half of the film, simply martial arts epic madness. Kitchen is a great place to fight. Kidding. Oh I almost forgot, despite less gun use in the film, it's still great. I mean usual action flicks uses high grade guns, here they use simple ones, baretta and shot gun but it was used in a most practical and scary way. That car chase scene says it all.
Lastly, give credit to the screenplay and director which is one dude. Gareth Evans not the Godzilla guy, really made this film a classic. I mean, despite some flaws such as the snow scene, or the last factory scene which I'm surprised the dudes doesn't have guns. Or maybe the taxi chase which they can just use a gun to kill Rama but they did not use it for martial arts purposes. I don't know the reason but the director was able to create adrenaline to really forget those mistakes and just watch the film. I did not feel bore despite it has drama scenes and it's two and a half hours long! Wow.. Few films can do such feeling of forgetting the passage of time. He's damn great and I only hope two things like other upcoming directors should do. Do other genre or flicks with such style and another thing for this dude. If bourne is like this, that will be great! This director should do Bourne or James Bond or other action franchises. He can do it anyway in a small budget. It looks big budgeted film, but well it's small budget. Especially the first film which he admitted the reason he done the first film other than this one, due to budget constraints. Wow..
I wonder, when you look the scenary of the film, I thought it's in the Philippines, well with the same taxi cars or even eatery and the looks of the actors, we have more good looking actors or better acting but unfortunately, we don't have really martial artist actor that can somewhat do the same. Or even match what the Thais are doing. Geez, we are so behind.
But well, can't wait for the home release and I really love that fighting pose in the kitchen scene. Some what iconic.
I watched it despite poor dubbing, delayed release by 2 weeks and more cuts than the director did already. It means the true cut is epic!
Simply this film made some of the classic martial arts and action flicks became basic or forgotten, crappy, whatever.. Or even most recent flicks.
Oh don't forget Rama is kinda lucky and strong. Iconic character. Will do everything for his family. One undercover cop against everyone, The Raid indeed..
By the way, just got the real copy, can't believe from start to finish, it has a lot of cuts!!!! Dubbing is correct, sync with subs and with the cuts.. Instant classic!!! It's like Mad Max 2, you'll forget there was a first one!
Well, as I monitor all corporate or financial happenings for these past years, it boils down to one attitude that really ruined everything the financial foundation we put up.. That is Greed. I was greedy before, but not that business/worker/salesman time, but it was those early times when I have my credit cards. I was greedy to buy whatever that entice me, or spend it all.. I end up broke for the quite long time.
That what happened to almost all the big financial or even multinational companies in this earth. Now, countries are experiencing such catastrophe from Europe, USA and soon, please God forsake us.. Asia and the other continents.
Before this ripple or domino effect happened, everybody was earning great.. Those time, Greed indeed is good. I'm just curious in this film with Charlie Sheen, Michael Douglas, surprising all star cast and its theme.. Money! How Money works for these people.
The biggest letdown of the film, it's not technicalities or plot, script or even the catchy song at the end which was not quite fit for an end credits.. Or even the director or the complex transaction in stock market.. Its the two eye catching female leads. One was Darryl Hannah who I was surprised that she just looks good at the film but when she spoke her script, I thought I'm watching a soft porn flick! Crap dialogue for her and sad to say acting. Sean Young, as much I love her in blade runner, I hate her in this flick, I was even surprised that I knew she's there at the end credits. I looked which scene she were and yeah, few lines, glimpse of her beauty then that's it. Wasted time and eye candy. Those two actresses by the way were great at blade runner, but for this one, I hope other actresses were cast. Especially at that year? Come on, there were a lot of available, better actresses than them, for this film. Forgivable, anyway, with or without them.. Movie is still a classic.
First thing I love for this film, as a business graduate, used the real business environment, especially the stock market into film. As much the film wants to explain it simpler, but it can't. That's why a lot of fraudsters, schemers, or even networkers or yeah, business leaders, tycoons, watched this film due to strategies used, whether it's legal or illegal and most glaring way or earning quiet. Money laundering. Very visual and auditory at this film. You'll get a lot of ideas here, it is still applicable especially at these digital times. Inside trading indeed magnified as its best for this film. Depiction at it's finest, especially the stock trading.
Second the dialogue, despite that complex thing of earning money or talking about money and stocks all the time, the script/screenplay focused on human emotions at such in a simple way. Like that scene, when Charlie has everything with a beautiful girl, he asked himself, who am I? Then, how about Charlie's boss who dignifies hard work and right strategy than fast buck, inside info strategy.. Well, as much there is goodness for other characters.. You can't beat, or even forget all of those good things when Gordon Gekko speaks. Michael Douglas enigmatic character. As he preaches the best way to enjoy life, as long you have the best info in the world. Business info, anyway as possible of getting one. Every scene that Gordon Gekko pops, he's damn good. I love a lot scenes he's with it but one particular scene I love, which that scene encouraging investors to believe in him running the company despite of course, hiding his best scheme. Destroying the company and run away big which I think a lot of CEO's have done that already. Gordon Gekko is like an idol to these capitalist, as Scarface to mafia or hip hop artist. Geez, great role model. Then don't forget the father and son relationship of Charlie and Martin Sheen, in that film. Wow, that's kinda touching for such complex story.
Third great factor is the cast, except to those 2 chicks.. Ah from Bud's friend, to his bosses, then Gordon's team ah yeah Bud Fox and his pop. Wow, all star cast.. They delivered what it needed. Despite Charlie Sheen's kinda not encouraging performance, I like his character, and maybe it's just a very short time to really show he should be the lead for this film. But well, you can't disregard Gordon, his prescence and angst personality towards earning money, just keeps you wondering, great thing he's not real. Why? What if Bud did not care about Bluestar and both of them, just earning they way out without conscience, they won't be caught. Even at these days? Nah, they just laughing hard that deception works to all. Great thing, Bud kinda realized he's doing the wrong thing. By the way, I love that role of Terrence Stamp, especially in that scene he faced off Gordon, try to buy him off at a very low price. But well, it did not work but he played great, I thought he's a real damn billionaire. I wish I'm like that.
Speaking of that, I wish I'm not like Gordon, a whole of him. Some of his strategies yeah but not to be like him. Brash, arrogant, and doesn't care who he hurts especially when it comes to money.
Last thing I love with this film, the pace of the film. Despite I want more scenes how Bud and Gordon relationship flourished into more dealings, I like how after that scene of Bud giving info to Gordon go straight to bluestar. It was not that very long or very short. It's the right logic at the right time. Then, how Bud progresses in the film and how Gordon manupulate Bud as day goes by. Great thing that Bud realized it right away how that success ruined him and a lot of people, especially his lovely Dad. I love that dialouge in the scene were bluestar planned to be liquidated which Bud did not know at the first place. He almost became the fastest CEO to be brought down in the company due to liquidation. He won't even reach like 30 days like that first Pope got poisoned. Geez, scary corporate culture.
This film, should be an eye opener not only for those businessmen or stock traders but all of us, how money really never sleeps that it disturbs a man's soul.
It is really hard when you're earning big and thinking that you can buy anything even human dignity. Well, it's a harsh reality but at these times.. It's real.. Whether here, or even in my workplace or any place in the world.
Money can be good if its used for the proper good. Money can be bad when you use it only for yourself and yours only. It eats you into a brim..
Greed is good? Well, Gordon says yeah, greed for life, greed for love, greed for money.. It enriches our evolving spirit..
Look at it now. Due to that dogma, every financial foundation falters..
I'm just waiting which country is next to file a bailout.
I hope it's not us.. Unless those greedy men and women never stops.
They believe Money never sleeps. It never stops.
I hope I have that kind of Money.
Money that can bring me in...
this must be the place!
I love that song, I'll play that if I have all the money. =)
One of the films that I thought it will be pure gore or thriller horror film, changed me. Changed my perspective of the horror genre. No one could do it like my favorite director, Stanley Kubrick!
While transferring a lot of files, I mean a lot, I want to watch a film while doing this boring transfer. I just picked a random film, and I picked this. Despite watched the second half already before, meaning I did not start the film.. After watching the whole flick, I was still shocked, kinda chilled my nerves and I slept right away!
Great thing I did not get any please, sleepless nights. One thing that bothered me a bit or well, let's just forgive Kubrick for it was a scene involving those twins or sisters killed. I mean it shows blood or those twins but it's just flashes of it. I'm interested what really happened to that family who also done the same job and ended in a bad way, but well.. No trace of them. But that's fine, it added the complexity of this epic horror flick. Another thing, well that's the worst opening letters or graphics used in his films. I mean colored letters? Come on, with that great musical score and tracking shot in that opening credits, he can just simply used ah black and white opening. Not that one. But well, forgivable, forget it!
I watched the documentary of the making of this film, I was simply amazed how Kubrick really want a perfect shot every scene, even the simpliest of scenes. He's really a perfectionist.
I love first, the screenplay for this film.. I don't know how much influence of the Stephen King's book used for this film but I thought it's a total adaptation, I am surprised that it was not. Great screenplay, dialogue which was fit for each character. Even those scenes that only involve dialogue, I love it like how the chef talking to Danny. Or even the bartender talking to Jack.. How about that scene which Jack is frustrated while talking to Wendy for the progress of writing? That is kinda dramatic. A lot of emotions involved. Of course, can you believe that the huff puff script which Jack said before smashing the door was adlib? That is sheer talent.
Another thing, great actors, even those extras really fit their parts. Well, the film focuses on 3 main characters, Wendy the very simpliest of moms you see on screen and quite unlucky but loving wife as well. Danny, a weird kid with a crazy imaginary friend but loving kid. Jack, a hard working Dad but at the same time or we don't know, a psychotic dude who just got disturbed. I think late Heath patterned his joker role not only with Alex Delarge but I see more into Jack Torrance psychotic state. But anyhow, damn Jack this role indeed seems iconic for Jack Nicholson. Second best? Shelley Duvall as Wendy, I really pity her character and she delivered it great. Sad thing at the first, you can just feel sorry for her but great thing, she's alive. Danny, wow, that kid is talented at any way, I can't believe he was 9 at that time or I don't know how old but wow.. I thought, the sixth sense kid done better, but gotta watch what this kid done in the film. All the characters done a marvelous job, like Dick and Lloyd, who well my guess is right, doctor Tyrell in Blade Runner. hehe
Great element in this film, music! Sound as well! I can't forget that scene that Jack was transforming into someone mad then the music gives you the chills then cuts out! Wow, I was kinda scared even there is no like ghost or gore or scary look.. Damn.. There were a lot of the same scenes. I love that old scene in the bar, very cozy scene, with little use of music. The pulsating climax at the end, won't be that thrilling without the great score. I can't believe that Kubrick was inspired by David Lynch through Eraserhead.. I thought it's vice versa but oh well, it's still Kubrick has ears for great music and sound score.
Lastly, I've give the big chunk of credit to Stanley.. He not only made this film looked great as he was a photographer/cinematographer already, but also how he paced this film. How he generate an experience getting you involve in this madness, and left you out still thinking about the film. The spillage of blood, the tracking shots, the effects, and everything he did for this film simply not only worked but it fit perfectly. Which until now, I haven't seen a horror movie like this, there were some but that was still old school. Nothing yet in new school of film. I hope Stanley was able to do more this kind of horror flick.
After watching this film, I kept on wondering.. I loved this film like other Kubrick's films, a lot of open questions running in your head with a lot of possible reasons or logic can happened or already happened. Like Jack's psycho alter ego might be existed since 1920's. Or we know the hotel is haunted but does it really affected Jack or even Danny. Does Tony, Danny's imaginary friend, a ghost in the hotel? Danny, have psycho powers but does he really have one? Did Jack really die? A lot of fun questions can be put in this film but unfortunately, we can all do is guess.
But for me, one question is answered for sure, the title has a meaning in the film. I hope I also have Shining.
Please not seeing the dead people. =)
Here's Johnny!!!!!!!!!!
Wayback, around I'm 10 years old... Kuya Allan went back from US and brought a lot of VHS tapes, with some stuff. He has some VHS tapes that are really original released, like Indiana Jones, or Robotech, others I forgot. Another title that surprised me, is AKIRA. Nice cover and I'm curious about it. I watched it that time, as a 10 year old kid, obviously I did not understand a bit but I like the action, and of course that "red bike".
Around 20 years later, I watched it again and this time, instantly! I can say this is indeed a classic!
Story? Ok, hmmmmmmm I already placed some words of it but I deleted it. Maybe it's better you gotta watch it by yourself. The reason by it is I can say simple as it is but what it makes me difficult to tell is the background of the story, especially as the plot goes... It is a complex story as you move along.
Simple as that.
The only thing bothered me, but not really bothered me a lot, it's a minor flaw which is forgiven indeed.. See at those statements I made about the plot? That's it. Although you can forgive it especially it's a sci-fi anime masterpiece, a lot questions arises as you coming near the end of the film. Well, although it may explain in a some way, but one question I want to know, how the heck Tetsuo got his power awakened? I tried to search it in the film, but no clear answer. Maybe in the manga perhaps which it came from but nah.. I won't have time and money to really find that answer or answers for the other questions I have.
But forget about it.
What struck me in this film, first is the music. Surprisingly I don't know why the music soundtrack perfectly fit in this film, add to the fact that they've done the music first before looking at the flick! That's what you call sheer talent. If you're the music producer and you don't know what the film shows, and you only have this manga as a source, I don't know how they pulled it off. It's just insane and perfect for this film. Definitely, a great fit for the film. I love the theme song from the start and the end credits. I should find that track..
Another factor I love in this film, voice talent. Can you believe, that they recorded the voice talent first before making the animation? For me, it's easier or logical, draw first then put the voices, but in this one.. It's a reverse! It's more difficult, and yes, I don't know why they think of that. But I love the voice talents placed in this film, from each character, from Colonel, the doctor, then the old kids, supporting characters, then of course, Tetsuo and Kaneda.
The story, I love the plot of how that same author compressed it into a 2 and a half hour flick, although of course, there were holes.. But when I watched it, I did not mind that much of the holes, the plot was made perfectly for him. I had that experience of getting into the story especially as you coming in the end parts, wow.. Action packed yet with a touch of zen experience. That is an action flick, a great sci-fi sequences which few films until today can really match. I mean, a great experiences.
Animation design is really something legendary in this film... Although of course, except for character design because they drawn it as humane as it should be, but look around of it. Wow, I don't know which anime until now I can think of can match that very detailed design. The scale of the city, the bikes, the action pack sequences, even the sewers and yes, that next half of the film, mind blowing sequences that I can that's better than DBZ or any anime that involves earth shattering action.
What gave me that thrilling experience, or really floored me was the second half of the film. I mean when Tetsuo realized his full potential, all hell breaks loose.. This is where inspiration came from the makers of Looper, Chronicle, Matrix or even DBZ, I mean a massive action sequence that until now, I place this one of the greatest. I never stops and I felt not only scared but enjoyed at the same time. Timeless classic. Of course, I'm still waiting if those bikes shown in this flick will be commercially made. I mean, that's the time I'll drive a motorcycle, especially that Kaneda's bike.
This film also, as much it is animated, I can put this in any sci fi greats list. I mean with it's plot about we all have that kind of power, it's just a matter of waking it up or simply how we really want or need this power for the benefit of many.. And with it's future oriented setting, the visualization, only few films can do it with such detail and perfection. Name a few like Metropolis, or Blade Runner, or even 2001. Brazil is another one. So, this is indeed a timeless classic.
I wonder, after watching this flick, especially that second half, I don't know... Even with all the CGI or 3D effects we have now for cinema, I don't know how will you translate this to film. I mean, yeah it's possible but without that feeling it's CGI or special effects. That's why films like Looper, or Chronicle, like spill.com crew says, that's it. That's Akira! Don't need to really translate this film to another remake. It will be very very difficult. I'm thinking as well that last part where Tetsuo transforming into a big monster. I'm thinking that Watchmen Sequence, the last one when they transported that bomb to new york.. That's kinda the same effect. So, for me, I don't know how they will pull this off. Cleanly executed and no ill effects. I don't care even DiCarpio still attached for this one or Warner still wants to do it.
For me, the best decision is...
Just don't touch this magnificent anime film. Stay as it is.
Oh, another great thing about this film, I think this is the only or one of the anime flicks that all the big anime studios, or even big Japan companies produced this film way back them. Meaning the manga is really good.
I think I should the manga by myself. I mean, those studios or companies won't invest into something not worth doing it right?
Where can I find one?
What if we do have that power? Hmmmmm I'll obliterate everything!!!!
Kidding...
Have you thought of being in someone's body in 5 minutes and see, feel of that person?
Me? Nah, because I am contented in what I am or so, but if it's for fun... Why not?
This film well, it caught my attention from the title itself. I mean, you can be Being Tom Cruise, or Being Julia Roberts or Being whatever celebrity they can think of, but they ended up with John Malkovich. I want to know as well at that time, does John Malkovich really show in this film?
Story goes that Craig a puppeteer, well trying to make ends meet buy doing puppeteering in the streets but ran out of luck. He decided to work with a legal company to sort files thanks to his fast hands. As he doing the job one day, he accidentally discovered a secret room and he went in. He was surprised that it's a portal going to the body of John Malkovich, one of the great character actors in film, then seeing what he's doing or even thinking. He informed this discovery first to one of Craig's acquaintances Maxine, a seductive office worker near at Craig's office. They thought of making this discovery a money making business. After some occassions, Craig said this to Lotte, his wife, and became addicted in going to the portal. One of her visits to the portal, she became in love with Maxine then Maxine also felt the same way with Lotte. As much I want to say the plot, after this, all bizarre, confusion broke lose between Craig, Maxine, Lotte and yes, don't forget John Malkovich.
The only flaw, but it's a minor flaw that easily can look over with is the relationship between Lotte and Maxine. A casual moviegoer may get confused or turned off with that relationship in the movie but for me, it was well written and really helped how the movie going until the end. Of course, in the end they really end up together, suprisingly with a child.
First I commend the actors who played in this film. Starting with Cameron Diaz, that I hope if she wants a growth in her career, she needs to do a lot of this kind of indie films. I haven't seen a film that she done this kind of roles recently so I hope she can do more. In this film, you can sense that she has a knack for weird or deep roles so I hope she does more. John Cusack, damn... He's previous roles were good but I don't know why in his recent films were kinda lost already. He's great in this film, not only because of his weird puppeteer role but also his feeling towards on what's happening around him. I just hope he can back on track on doing this films. He really took a back seat in his recent films.
Catherine Keener, wow.. I discovered her in 40 year old virgin as that hot mom dating Steve Carell's character.. Here, damn hot. =) She's one of the 2 main culprits or reasons that made this film memorable to me. I mean, she got an Oscar nomination for this role of seductive, vulnerable and lovely lady who doesn't care what others say. I love the scenes where she was able to seduce John and she was thinking that Lotte is in John's being, so that is quite hard to act. Damn, at the end she got what she wanted. At that film, she doesn't look 40.
John Malkovich! Of course, why if you love him as an actor these times, then you gotta love him in this flick. He's well, 80% percent of the time he's real John Malkovich, then the remaining 20% was how he reacted in the flow in the story. You can say he's quite submissive in this film because 90% of the time, he doesn't know the portal inside of his body. I love his first scenes where he is a casual guy, very calm and thankful what he is. This is the best film for him. Sad to say, yeah, he did not win any award for his role. Geez.
Give kudos to the supporting cast, the old boss, even some interesting cameos as well, it's a gem that those supporting characters done their parts in an effective way.
Direction by Spike Jonze should have a credit here, despite the bizarre, crazy idea of the film, he was able to pull it off because of his demand maybe to make the film simple to digest. Even with a lot of things happening, he did not like go into deeper for each character of situation in the film. I loved how he arrange the sequence of the events, well give that credit to editing too, that the viewer is not lost after one thing to another. For instance, how Craig dominated John Malkovich for sometime then shifted until the end.
Writer Charlie Kaufman made this film a great one. Well, I just watched Adapation, althought it's also a great one, but this one is better. It is also way better than Confessions of a Dangerous mind, he even dissed it because George Clooney made changes of the script. But yeah, this one I don't think any other film tried to really copy or at least imitate what he did in this film. I love the script he done for this film, deep yet simplified. You can hear in his films, he loves poetry and he always put that poetry fit for a film. The only difference of this film to Eternal Sunshine is why Eternal Sunshine is the best film written by him, that film focuses to love, unlike this one, there is love but it shows more of the consequences of being somebody else. But anything else, I can't take away anything what he done for this film, but it's more how he was able to pull off a beautiful bizarre idea into something interesting to watch.
It's worth for keeps in this film, I wondered if I have that discovery, I wish I could be someone like me with better attributes.
I'm not into dreaming of somebody else famous. Geez, I don't really like that. =)
