Fast-Forward

Titanic: The Ultimate Blockbuster Lovestory

2011-11-04T13:14:00.004+11:00

Titanic (1997)
Director: James Cameron
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet & Billy Zane
Trailer: http://youtu.be/zCy5WQ9S4c0

Kung Fu Panda: An impressive animated film

2011-10-14T08:28:00.001+11:00

Kung Fu Panda (PG)
Director: Mark Osborne and John Stevenson
Starring: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane and Dustin Hoffman
Trailer: http://youtu.be/zW-s9A9lcdA

Osbourne and Stevenson explore the story of a lazy panda, named Po, who is obsessed about the art of Kung Fu. He holds a Kung Fu dream while working every day in his family's noodle shop. Po's dreams soon become reality when he gets the chance to study alongside his idols, the legendary Furious Five -- Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey -- under the leadership of their guru, Master Shifu. But before they know it, the vengeful Tai Lung is headed their way, and it's up to Po to defend everyone. Po puts his heart into the task, and the unlikely hero ultimately finds that his greatest weaknesses turn out to be his greatest strengths.

The film presents the audience with the inspirational message that you have the power to make your dreams reality. While the directors choice of voice- over's Po ( Jack Black), Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Tai Lung (Ian McShane) and Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) were well- thought and perfect in bringing the characters alive; the script was also equally as good and entertaining.

The directors have overall been successful in bringing together colourful animation, action and humour to the our screen, that not only the kids will enjoy but parents too. Unlike many children animated film's, Kung Fu Panda reaches out to the whole family with its witty and tasteful humour.

Verdict: A MUST watch family film, that takes animated films to a whole new level

7.6 out 10 stars

Real Steel： A REAL man

2011-10-13T15:29:00.001+11:00

Real Steel (PG-13)
Director: Shawn Levy
Stars: Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lily and Dakota Goyo
Trailer: http://youtu.be/3S8a180uYBM

A futuristic film where robot boxing is a popular sport and centered on a struggling promoter (Hugh Jackman) who thinks he's found a champion in a discarded robot. During his hopeful rise to the top, he also discovers he has an 11-year-old son who wants to know his father. The film also brings to our screen the theme of romance through the lives of the robots, overall giving the audience a mixed bag of emotions.

The scenes that acknowledge Jackman's emotional attachment with his family members, in particular his son are the most expressive and touching in the film. He become a real father and real man, who can afford the deep love.Hugh Jackman has once again outdone himself, he has executed his role as struggling promoter ever so convincingly. The child actor, Dakota Goya has to also be commended for his role as Max Kenton (the son of Hugh Jackman in the film). After his role in this film, I can definitely say he is an actor that we should look out for in the near future.

Verdict: The film is overall aesthetically pleasing, with acting of high caliber (quite obvious with the star cast compromising of the one and only Hugh Jackman). "Robo" down to your nearest cinema and check it out this family entertainer.

7.5 out of 10 stars.

"You Again" - Two Words: Chick Flick

2011-10-13T14:38:00.004+11:00

You Again (2010)

Director: Andy Fickman

Cast: Kristen Bell, Jaime Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Odette Annable, Kristin Chenoweth, Victor Garber and Betty White

Trailer: http://youtu.be/S1-UMzt9e34

"You Again" is a film directed by Andy Fickman which focuses on the lives of four women, all of whom coincidentally happen to know each other from their high school years and are now brought together by default over a wedding. The film begins with Marni (Kristen Bell) a successful Public Relations manager who recently gets a promotion to manage the New York office of her PR firm. She then flies back home for her brother's wedding, not knowing exactly the woman he's marrying. Upon her flight back to Los Angeles, her mother informs her of her brother's fiance's name, which doesn't ring a bell at first, however she recollects her high school past and suddenly, flashbacks of being bullied in high school by none-other than her new sister-in-law to be, Joanna, her high school bully and arch nemesis. Soon after meeting the bride to be, Joanna (Odette Annable) introduces her newly acquired family to her jet-setting, ridiculously rich aunt, Ramona (Sigourney Weaver) of whom she is her sole relative existing after her parents had past away when she was young. The claws come out when upon her aunt's arrival Marni's mother, Gail, (Jaime Lee Curtis) remembers this particular aunt isn't just anybody, she was her high school best friend - turned frenemy - after the fallout over a guy they both were interested in had occurred, back in their high school years.

The film is an hilarious and entertaining piece however, I feel some elements are too cliched which I presume is the prerequisite for chick-flick comedies these days. Joanna's role is typically the popular, flawless and ambitious high school cheer leading captain that ultimately ruins high school life for all the nerds that existed in her school, particularly Marni's. The movie revolves around the memories each had of their typical American high school, with the popular and the not-so-popular clashing even until the present day.

Verdict:

I found this movie enjoyable and humorous, however I would most definitely warn others, particularly males in seeing this film as you can't get more cliched and chick-flicky than this!

4.5 out of 10 stars

'It's A Wonderful Afterlife' : Doesn't come close to 'Bend it Like Beckham'

2011-10-11T12:47:00.000+11:00

Its A Wonderful Afterlife (PG- 13)
Director: Gurinder Chadha
Starring:Shabana Azmi, Goldy Notay and Sendhil Ramamurthy
Trailer: http://youtu.be/Gef7fzMjO5M

Gurinder Chadha who brought to our lives the heart-warming comedy ' Bend it Like Beckham' has failed to weave her magic in ''Its a Wonderful Afterlife'. The film lacks entertainment and creativity as it explores the idea of arranged marriages with a ghostly twist.
Had the script been more innovative the movie could have potentially reached a high point, like Chadha's earlier film 'Bend it Like Beckham'. As a comedy, the film has a few scenes that leave you laughing but a majority of the scenes are too cliched to be appreciated for their underlying humour.

Goldy Notay, who had actually gained 30 pounds to take the role of Roopi (a protagonist) in the film, carried her character of the good daughter who has a weight problem exceptionally well.Senthil Ramamurthy, known for his role in the television series 'Heroes', took on the character of a dashing detective suitor, but unfortunately his script in this film did not bring out the best in his acting.

Among the many flaws the film does however bring the audience a relevant message that people in today's society are too preoccupied about the way they look but it is really a person's self confidence that gets through in the end.
I'm sure there would be many Bollywood flicks out there that would definitely outperform this cliched British- Indian comedy.

Verdict: Not worth your time. If your interested in Bollywood, I recommend not watching this superficial movie and just rent a real Bollywood movie.
4 out of 10 stars

Love in space: Promote the actuation of falling in love

2011-10-07T11:40:00.005+11:00

Love In Space （PG）2011
Directer：Tony Chan and Wing Shya
Stars：Rene Liu,Aaron Kwok and Lunmei kwai
Trailer: http://youtu.be/iJQCmZRjZTQ

This movie entails three different love stories, one in China, one in Australia and one in outer space. The film involves a mother and three daughters who are looking for love. The misapprehension leads to the failure of the eldest sister’s last relationship regardless of the love she still has for her partner. This particular romantic love story was set in outer space. The eldest sister develops a serious obsessive compulsive disorder of constantly cleaning due to the hurt she suffered before. She then falls in love with Eason, a cleaner, however her cleaning disorder creates a problem in their relationship. In addition, the third daughter, a celebrity, decides to work in a café club where she falls in love with a commoner. However, as a star, she cannot fall in love and expose her love to the public.

In my opinion, the film is a really good love story. In reality, many factors influence real and meaningful love. Many people fail to believe that real love still exists. This movie involves three love stories displaying that life is simple and pure, its encompasses the good feeling between people. Believe in real love and your live will be better.

Verdict: Fortunately, the film is still screening in cinemas. I recommend seeing this with your boyfriend or girlfriend. Feeling the love between you and your partner will enhance your experience of this lovely movie.

7.2 out of 10 stars

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ is NOT worth the long journey

2011-10-05T12:35:00.001+11:00

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG- 13)
Director: Rob Marshall
Starring: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane and Geoffrey Rush
Trailer: http://youtu.be/t5AqJww06bw

After watching all four of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movies I can’t help but conclude that there has been a drop in the franchise after the 2nd film.

Although the director manages to uphold the humour in Pirates of the Caribbean 4, the overall script however has lost the spark it once had. What was Rob Marshall thinking when he introduced the concept of Zombie Pirates and other clichés. There were however a few entertaining scenes including the entrances of the characters, in particular Johnny Depp ‘s (Jack Sparrow) and the scene of the mermaids attack.

I have always been a fan of Johnny Depp’s versatility. Johnny Depp’s comic relief and strong character was really the only aspect of the film that forced me to watch the whole 136 minutes. Penelope Cruz (Angelica Teach) a new face to the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ series held her role just as good as the protagonist, Johnny Depp. Individually these two characters held their part but their overall chemistry was not powerful. Ian McShane needs to be commended for his bold role as the villain (Captain Blackbeard), he held true to his character up till the very end of the film, not once holding back.

Verdict: I would only recommend this film to the diehard fans of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ series, who could sit through the entire film regardless of what critics believe.
4.5 out of 10 stars

Reference: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1298650/

The Roommate: The Teenage Interpretation of "Psychological Thriller"

2011-10-04T13:58:00.003+11:00

The Roommate (MA 15+)

Director: Christian E. Christiansen

Cast: Minka Kelly, Leighton Meester.

Trailer: http://youtu.be/8mUDIohiK2I

The Roommate is a psychological thriller starring Minka Kelly as Sara who moves into her college dormitory and finds herself sharing a room to an initially charming and helpful young roommate, Rebecca, played by Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester. The obvious conclusion one can gather even prior to viewing the film is this particular roommate is like no other . Meester plays the psychopath roommate who constantly stalks and threatens anyone and everyone that attempts to come in between her friendship with Sara (Kelly) or perhaps troubles Sara in any way. Rebecca finds herself going through extreme lengths in order to ensure such a friendship isn’t hindered.

The film presents itself as a thriller to borderline horror like no other, however, there is no presence of bloody or gruesome images throughout. Most is left to the imagination. The film plays on one’s mind and emotions, for example, there's a scene depicting Rebecca attempting to compellingly remove a friend’s belly ring, creating a cringe-worthy moment, without the actual scene of her carrying out the task being shown.

Personally, i found this film slightly thrilling and entertaining with many exhilarating moments left open to the imagination.

Verdict: If you're a die-hard fan of the Final Destination and Scream franchise, then I guarantee you will thoroughly enjoy this film. Frankly, this film falls short in comparison to pioneering horror flicks, rather the film is more accustomed to purely being a psychological thriller, with added celebrity status.

6.5 out of 10 stars.

Bridesmaids: Not Your Average Chick-Flick

2011-09-29T19:34:00.003+10:00

Bridesmaids (MA 15+) 2011
Director: Paul Feig
Cast: Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Jon Hamm
Bridesmaids Trailer

Bridesmaids is certainly not your average chick-flick. The film concentrates on Annie (Kristen Wiig) as she assumes the position of maid of honour to her best friend's wedding. Her role however is slowly over-shadowed by none other than the bride's newest best friend, Helen (Rose Byrne). The film is hilarious, and the comedy exceeds relatively mediocre expectations that are shown in the trailer.

Personally, I found the film to encompass an unexpected depth that most comedies fail to incorporate, not to mention a real insight into the minds of women and how women are naturally inclined to think and act without the presence of men. Such diversion sets the film apart from most chick-flick comedies as the typical romantic comedy is left at the door, bringing the brilliant script writing skills of Kristen Wiig into play.

Verdict: I thoroughly recommend this film if your in for a decent laugh and believe the romantic comedy is long overdue for retirement.
7.5 out 10 stars

X-Men First Class is " first class"

2011-09-22T19:46:00.000+10:00

X-Men First Class (PG-13)
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, January Jones, Rose Byrne, Kevin Bacon, Nicholas Hoult, Lucas Till and Oliver Platt.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/UrbHykKUfTM

A epic prequel to the X-Men Saga, Matthew Vaughn has brought our Marvel comics "alive" with his exceptional direction. The dramatic Cuban missile crisis backdrop was important in highlighting the film's themes of conflict between mutants and humans (race), coming of age and relationships, which we can all relate to in our own lives.

All the actors do justice to the characters in the Marvel comics. Michael Fassbender, in particular made an evident statement in his
role as Magneto. This being one of Fassbender's first blockbuster films, he would have surely turned the heads of many directors with his powerful performance. The best scenes were definitely with James McAvoy (Professor Charles Xavier) and Michael Fassbender (Magneto) exploring their complicated relationship,

Other than the acting, X-Men First Class has some great action sequences that have to be commended, the special effects used in the climax battle scene was undoubtedly visually impressive.

The word, is out that a potential sequel plans to hit our screens.... what could be more exciting??

Verdict: If you haven't already seen it, I recommend getting off your seat and go and see it now!! it's definitely one of those super-hero movie's that you don't want to miss.

8.5 out 10 stars

Welcome to 'Fast Forward'

2011-09-20T21:23:00.001+10:00

This will be the first of many posts where we will focus on bringing to you
juicy reviews, previews and lots more movie tit-bits

So Stay Tuned!!! :D

Storyboard for future blog

2011-09-16T11:22:00.000+10:00

Layout:We aim to create a systematic blog layout that will be user friendly.
By following the traditional blog layout template with a heading and a subtitle (to tell the public what the blog plans to discuss) at the top of the page and having all the 'gadgets' on the right hand side of the blog, we believe we will assist the user's navigation throughout the blog.
We also plan to incorporate tags on the side of the blog as well to allow quick access to information under a certain topic/word
Logo:We have decided to incorporate a logo (which is a picture of a slate and our blog's name on it)
Background/colours: Black and white