The Tattooist (2007)

The Tattooist is a decent movie revolving on tattoos (obviously) and the tattooist. A pinch of pride came to me when a scene showed an Iban tattoo, which is very popular in Sarawak, but maybe not around the globe.

While the movie itself is heavily linked to the Samoan tattoo traditions, the art of tattooing itself is very much unique. Anyway, the movie is presentable, and sexy in a way (since I do think that tattoos at certain areas are kind of sexy and hot, although I do not want my g or myself to have one).

The good part is that the movie is easy to understand, and does not have much twist to confuse you, but that proves to be the problem with the movie which is too simple and largely ordinary without any particular effects.

Nonetheless, the movie is decent enough to watch, and it is interesting to see how tattoos are made.

Surrogates (2009)

I’ve never been more disappointed in a Bruce Willis movie ever, and this may be the first. Surrogate sound a tad too promising to even reach that node. 

Despite the good concept of the movie, I hugely felt it wasn’t as exciting as most people would imagine. In fact, the movie did feel rather flat throughout, with limited effects to keep you off the feet. Skip this movie if you have limited budget for a movie. It’s better to rent out this movie, or to download a free copy. It's really not worth your money.

The best conclusion would be that this movie didn't rock, and you'd be better off with other action movies featuring Bruce Willis.

The Notebook [2004]

The notebook is a slow-moving movie which revolves about love. Nothing else matters inside this movie, but love. The pace of the movie, and the background of the movie which revolves about the 8o's make this movie kind of less interesting at first, but once you really get into it, and listen to the dialogue, you will notice how heart felt and magnificent this movie is. The key to watching this movie is patience, and without it, you'd end up clicking the button 'stop' after a few minutes.

The climax of the movie is indeed the ending. Of all the movies I've seen, most particular romance type of movies, this just has to have the best ending. It ends in a very bizarre fashion, with both love birds dying together peacefully side by side, in each others arms. I mean, how more romantic can that be?

A movie I highly recommend, but remember... the key is PATIENCE.

District 9 (2009)

With huge rave reviews on this movie, I was really excited to watch it. Nonetheless, upon its first few scenes, I realized it was done in a documentary way, which was kind of cool. The storyline was good, and the movie itself was decent. Throughout the whole movie, the word ‘discrimination’ was lurking in my mind because it the movie does portray how bad humans can become in difficult situations. Nonetheless, this isn’t a must watch movie, and I have my reservations on how it ends. Apart from that, I just felt that it was kind of gross to know that some humans believe absurd things like eating alien flesh can give you super human power. Not a must watch, but a fine movie at the very least.

Congkak (2008) - Malay

Congkak actually starts decently by playing on the better side of the Asian supernatural side. However, as the movie goes on to the end, it changed from a horror movie to some what a comedy with huge elements of 'Goku' and illogical scenes.

The effort put in Congkak is indeed decent, but I felt it was rather sad that the plot was loose. Altough I do not know much about the Malay culture, but it does seem rather surreal that it only needs a single man to do exorcism, and to defeat 'bad spirits'. Even more interesting is that the movie fails do actually picture a realistic Malaysian background, hence indirectly bringing up the 'fake' feel in the movie.

The acting wasn't that great either with lack of expression found on all the actors, which immediately killing the 'feel' of the movie. I have to say, Jangan Tegur would be a much better choice to this movie.

G-Force (2009)

Hamsters are such cute animals, and there is no surprise that when the tag line of G-force reads "The world needs bigger super heros", I was looking forward to a cute, comedic movie fearuting hamsters which would make me laugh till I cired.

But sadly, that didn't happen. Watching this movie in 3D was indeed an experience because you could see them really close, but sadly.. this didn't help. Despite having some of 'its moments', the movie wasn't a 'that good', and will easily falter behind movies like Shrek and the Lion King. Even Toy Story 2 would beat the crap out of this movie.

Despite the turn of events, the movie lacks it sentimental touch, and the comedic scenes of the movie felt flat. Not a movie I'd whole recommend, unless you are a true blue fan of these tiny, cute creatures we call 'hamsters'.

Up (2009)

Up is a typical family oriented animation movie by Disney and Pixar which is great for anyone, regardless of their age. Altough it may seem illogical to transport a house using balloons filled with helium, but since this is a animated cartoon, it can be forgiven. The movie generally gives us a lesson on how priorities do change as we go on through life, and I see this movie as a good way to teach selfish people whom always figure that their priorities are the utmost important.

Although this movie is still a far cry from my all time favorite, The Lion King, it is indeed good enough to watch, and I have been asked to consider watching it in cinema's to get the full feel of the movie itself which to me, means "Its a movie which is worth to catch and enjoy without disturbance", and therefore, I'd suggest you watch it with your hand phone turned off, and your door clearly marking the "Do Not Disturb" sign.

Push (2009)

I've tried watching Push for over 5 times, and each time, I end up unable completing to finish it. It maybe due to the story line, or I was kind of occupied, but Push is in fact not one of the best movies I've actually watched. The start looked promising with people having extra ordinary powers, but after that.. there is a lot of chasing and unwanted turn of events which makes the movie less interesting.

My humble opinion would for you to go for some other action flick, because this movie just doesn't cut it as a good action movie. The only plus point is that I liked looking at Camilla Belle whom looks really innocent and sweet in this movie. I'd say it is just not worth to watch, adding to the fact why I slept half-way through the whole movie several times.

Final Destination 4 (2009)

Final Destination 4 ain't the best of its family. Despite having resounding gore and blood, it isn't as good as Final Destination 2. Maybe it's because of it's predictability or lack of creativity, or maybe because you can memorize how the next chain of events would lead to the demise of someone. The introduction itself was quite lame if compared to the other Final Destinations.

Despite that, the movie is still worth a watch, but I honestly felt it would suit better for a home video. For fans of Final Destination, be ready to be dissapointed with this sequel, but if it's your first time.. I am very sure that you'd enjoy watching people die. One particular thing which bothered me was the lack of truth in the movie, like how bones could be crushed flat. Gory scenes, are best when they are realistic. Finally, Final Destination 4 is not a full waste of a movie, but not really the best. Hopefully, the next Final Destination movie would be better.

Aliens In The Attic (2009)

When you know a movie is about aliens, and it involves animation, you must think, "Gosh... this must be a movie which would be full of laughter", and this is the case in this movie. It's a typical 'kids animated' movie. You have the good aliens, and the bad ones, with the bad human and the good ones. You also have the ignorant sister, and her boyfriend which in frequent cases or movies are a huge bully, and kids, running around doing 'their stuff'

While the movie itself may have a decent and predictable plot, but the comedic elements are worth to mention. There is nothing much to say about the movie, but for what's it worth... you would find it interesting. The only problem was.. it was just so predictable.

Pelham 123

This action thriller is nothing short of fantastic to watch although it may seem to be anti-climax with certain things arguably illogical to be presented. The one thing I really enjoyed most is the big bike riders from the police force whom were entrusted to bring the hostage money to the Pelham 123. Err, actually, Pelham 123 is a train, which arrives at Pelham at 1:23 daily.

The effects in the movie are as usual, top notch, but I was dissatisfied with the lack of reality in the movie. As I said, somethings just don't make sense. Nonetheless, John Travolta and Danzel Washington provide excellent acting here, despite the predictable script line. There is really nothing to shout about in this movie, but I think it would do something to feel boredom perfectly.

He's Just Not That Into You (2009)

This movie was recommended by Dinang after I reviewed Definitely, Maybe. First off, I'd like to say that this movie shows how desperate women are in getting married. Well, it does seem that way in the first few scenes anyway. The story revolves around 3 couples which have issues of their own while highlighting issues such as trust, marrieage, love and passion.

Although the movie does seem rather slow, but this is a movie which grows on to you. Frankly speaking, I felt that the movie was going no where and it was just a typical romance comedy movie, until... well, the ending.

I have watched this movie twice and everytime, I get this overwhelming feeling which I'm uncertain off at the end of the movie. It is just beautiful, that it seems so unreal. The part I like best was the proposal made by Neil (Ben Affleck) to Beth (Jennifer Aniston), which was so darn romantic I wish it was me making such a move. My final verdict: A movie which would kill time, and worth to watch.

Charlie and Me (2009)

Charlie and Me is an enticing movie which everyone could see. It's about Charlie (Tom Bosley) which is the granfather of Casey (Jordy Bannater) and realizes that he is on the verge of death following a heart attack while going out for the movies.

With little time left to buy, Charlie embarks on a journey of living his life to the fullest with his grand daughter, and teaches her so many simple, yet meaningful along the way. With Charlie and Casey bonding very well together,Casey's dad (James Gallenders) felt outcast, and started confronting his father regarding his absence in his daughters life. With Charlie's life moving nearer to ending, things start to work out with Casey and her dad and you have to watch this movie to know what happened.

Anyway, the movie is one of the bet family oriented movies available, and I'd hugely recommend this movie to go with a box of tissue. I really love looking at Tom Bosley's acting here, and I have to admit that he puts the word 'grand' in granpa. A fantastic movie. Trust me.

Moulin Rouge [2001]

Moulin Rouge is an exemplary movie musical. It features Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, both singing about their love tale in an epic movie which I personally felt swept the globe. It tell a story about a dancer, whom wishes to be an actress, and a 'kampung boy' whom dreams to be a writer, but their paths cross along the way.

The movie itself is a blower, but for those whom can't appreciate song lyrics, they might think otherwise because the movie revolves a lot on music, and knowing what's what through the lyrics. In fact, the soundtrack of the Moulin Rouge is one of the best ever produced, and it is most certainly not overrated.

Both Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor sang their hearts out in this movie, and I have to say that this two actors sound really harmonious together. As for the plot of the movie, it does seem predictable, but for what's it worth... it has a sad and teary tale, and it is worth to bring a tissue box while watching it. In this 21st century, I guess that the closest thing which can breach the success of such a musical is teenage favorite, High School Musical.

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past [2009]

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past is a charming movie revolving around Corner Mead whom is a playboy and has so many past girlfriends. The story moves on with Corner being shown 3 life times in his life, namely his past, present and future, which initially makes him realize about what he has been loosing out on, and what his priorities should be. I know, the plot sound really familiar with that old Christmas story by Charles Dickens, which is 'A Christmas Carol', and yet... it is, but with a twist.

The whole movie is rather slow, but you should bear with it as the movie starts getting interesting when Corner finally meets up with his past girlfriends which come to him in the form of ghost. Nonetheless, the plot gets very clear once Corner is shown his past and present life with Jenny Perotti, in which he sees the anguish and sadness he has caused the one girl he has un-knowingly loved for his life time.

Honestly, this is not a 'wow' rated movie, nor it is one of the best romantic comedy movies which strikes the heart. The plot is easy to read once you are introduced to Corner's ghost of the past, and that kills off most of the excitement. Nonetheless, the build up of the movie is solid, and it is worth a watch. For what's it worth, I think the message of the movie is well in tact, and that this movie is a really good lesson for those whom don't believe in love, or take love for granted.

17 Again [2009]

17 Again isn't the best of all movies to be honest. The plot is very much predictable, and I felt that so much more could be done. Nonetheless, regardless of all that, it is a decent watch altough you will not find your eyes feeling teary or your tummy aching from laughter. In fact, most of the comedic scenes do not come from the main character which is played by Mike (Zac Efron), but rather by his best friend (Ned) whom continueously tries to impress Mike's new principal with huge and expensive gifts. Other stuff in the movie does seem rather ordinary to be honest.

Apart from that, the movie fails to make any decent impact as I couldn't fit myself into the shoes of the cast. Altough I do acknowledge that the movie is based on fantasies, sort of like Lindsay Lohan's Freaky Friday, but this movie doesn't make the cut, and is less impressive than Freaky Friday. Some segments of the movie felt too good to be true, while others were felt so fake that I thought "in real life, it wouldn't happen like that". In fact, I did feel that Zac was trying too hard in his acting.

Em, not all is lost with this movie as I really liked the ending, which I personally thought was romantic. The best moments in the movie must be when Mike expressed his feelings in the hallway of the gym, and also him reading a letter of his fond memories in court. Well, if you are a huge fan of Zac Efron, they maybe you would want to catch this flick, but if you are looking for something deeper, I'd suggest a good One Tree Hill series.

Last House On The Left [2009]

This movie is appropriately deemed at 18PL by the Malaysian government as it is perfectly brutal and sexual, but those thinking it has steamy scenes should think again. The movie is very brutal, and it is not suitable for children, but if you want to scare your child and avoid them from talking to or following strangers, then this is the movie to ask them to watch, although, I'd doubt they would understand what is going on.

I fully recommend this movie for teens tough, especially girls whom think they are 'invincible' and love to go out at night.

The movie describes what happens two two teenage girls (Mari and Paige) whom decide to follow and be-friend a total stranger (Justin), which then finds them being forced to follow a convicted man (Krug), while being sexually abused and molested during the whole course. After being raped by Krug, Mari motivated herself to swim back to her parents vacation house, while Paige was stabbed to death. The movie goes on highlighting how Krug and gang became instant house guest to Mari's parents due to an incoming storm, and how Krug's members were brutally murdered by Mari's parents upon knowing that Krug has raped his daughter.

Of all the movies this year, I think that this is a must watch movie. The cast of the movie played their roles to perfection, and the action looks nothing short of realistic. A reminder for the ladies tough, do watch this movie with companions or a companion as this is a movie which can do huge damage, emotionally.

Definitely, Maybe (2008)

Definitely, Maybe is a romantic comedy movie which is so subtle and gentle, that you will find it amazingly awesome. Despite being one of those movies which focus a lot on love and romance, the movie does not fail to impress with its turn of events making it a movie different from many. Frankly speaking, I found this movie fantastic, and I’d recommend it to many.

The fact that it does actually reflect what some of us are going through does make the movie feel so real and incredibly are touching. There are some important details left here and there, but it is not as significant as the theme of the movie, which I think should be “Love beats all odds”. In addition to that, I love the character brought up Isla Fisher a.k.a April in the movie. Yeah, the plot is a little predictable, but it is worth to watch. Definitely, Maybe is a definite recommendation.

If you have a girlfriend, and want to watch a movie at home, this is the best one to see... while cuddling at home.

Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen (2009)

I’m a huge fan of Transformers, and so my expectations on this movie is nothing but high. The first movie was satisfying, and I was hoping I wouldn’t get disappointed with the second sequel.

The final verdict? Well, the movie was awesome. The fact that Megan Fox was steaming hot in this movie just adds up to everything nice about it. Except for the very last part that is. I always disliked it when they asked Optimus Prime to say “We are sending a message to all Autobots… bla… bla...bla”

Anyway, what made the movie great? For starters, it was action packed. Secondly, it was filled with small but amusing funny jokes, and thirdly… it is Transformers for crying out loud!!

I wouldn’t want to give out many spoilers, but I have to warn you to expect the unexpected. There are so many things that the Deceptions could do this time, much more than I ever knew. Anyway, go catch the movie in cinema’s because it is just worth to watch.

Terminator Salvation [2009]

I honestly thought that this movie would seem weird without Arnold, but guess what?? He was in the movie after all! And he was NAKED!! Well, the movie is an awesome treat for those wanting action. You have all sorts of excitement within this movie, and it is definitely worth to watch it in the cinema if you want to enjoy the effects. Nonetheless, it is a typical action movie with the typical plot; “guy wants revenge and goes after who ever made him mad”, so do not expect much from the plot. The ending was anti-climax, as the rest of the world is said to be still controlled by terminators, yet their head(Skynet main base) base has been destroyed.

At the end, you’d be left guessing what happened to Marcus Wright and the Blair Williams. I was also a little entangled between logic as I couldn’t find the logic of releasing without conditions, a traitor (Lisa) whom has just released a prisoner. Other than that, the movie also made me hugely wonder on how Marcus was resurrected from the dead after his heart was punched until it burst in the first place. At the very list, I think the movie was illogic, but then again, what part of science fiction movies are? A movie I recommend if you have extra time, but not a must watch.

Paul Blart Mall Cop [2009]

Paul Blart Mall Cop is a nice family movie. Despite having trailer which may seem to give the impression the the movie is largely based on comedy, my observation generally differs. The story line is strong and easy to understand, but there are moments when I feel that the movie could be greater.

On a positve note, I did enjoy the movie, but I do not think it is worth to see in the cinema. One thing special in the movie is the moves and also stunts made by the robbers whom display fantastic if not awesome extreme sport jumps and moves.

The ending was mediaroce, and rather romantic, but it will not give you 'the feel'. Overall, a decent movie, but it will not score any box office any time soon.

The Fast and The Furious 4 (2009)

The fast, and the furious is a movie which revolves on cars. I’ve seen most of the sequels of this movie, but I can say I am largely disappointed with the latest installment. The movie basically starts off awesomely with stunning stunts, and fantastic driving. The climax would be when an oil tanker was rolling down a hill, moving fast towards Dominic Toretto and Letty, in which they avoided by merely a few inches. That scene not only stunned me, but glued me to the screen for about a minute or two. Sadly, that was also where the movie ended. The rest of the scenes were inconclusive, and boring.

In fact, it was so boring; I almost slept at the ending because the movie does nothing special. It’s the usual ‘revenge’ type of movie, and even worst… there was nothing to shout about in the driving skills of the drivers in the movie. I would prefer The Transporter 3 to this movie, and my recommendation is to skip this sequel.

X-MEN Origins: Wolverine (2009)

This movie has got to be the best comic adaptation ever turned into a movie for years to come. As far as I am concerned, the movie is better than the comic itself. The story line and the effects included into the movie are nothing short of awesome. To cut a long story short, The Origins of Wolverine revolves on how the character Wolverine became his nasty, grumpy, care-less self, and if you have been wondering how he got those sharp blades on his hands, you just ought to catch this movie. Amusingly, I do not recall some of the characters inside this movie in the comic, but that is just something insignificant.

Overall, this movie is worth every penny you’ve got. The only downside is the ending which I thought wasn’t really that cool with Prof. Xavier all of a sudden appearing to save the mutants.

The Transporter 3 (2009)

I’ll be honest; I didn’t know that The Transporter is one of the movies which had a sequel. I thought there was no Transporter 2 until I knew there was a Transporter 3. Anyway, if Too Fast Too Furious is about lavish sports cars, The Transporter highlights expensive, refined cars like BMWs, Mercedes, Lancer etc. You get what I mean. The movie is as usual, the Transporter is paid to transport something somewhere. No names, no questions, and always on time. The problem lies in how he is forced to do his job and how this time, he is practically ‘attached’ to his car.

The plot is simple as it goes something like this… Bad guys want something; they find someone suitable for the job. The person for the job gets into someone directly involved in the job, and the suitable guy seeks to save his new found interest. It’s sort of like Bangkok Dangerous. Nonetheless, the driving skills on display save this movie any further embarrassment, as I thought the skills on display were just fantastic. This is a movie worth to watch, but I’ll be honest to say it will get lame if Transporter 4 does something similar.

Jangan Tegur (Malay)

Caught it @ METROWEALTH CINEPLEX, KUCHING
Its 1 HOUR & 26 MINUTES of THE SUPERNATURAL!!
You should catch it because you WANT TO GET A HEART ATTACK.
You should not watch this movie if you DON'T HAVE MONEY TO SPARE.

Jangan tegur is one of the best Malay horror movies made in Malaysia. This is my personal opinion. Although there isn't much to say about the typical plot, but I love the way the director and the movie line which gives you the ultimate creeps.

In fact, the detail in every aspect of the movie pleases me although I did think that some parts of the movie are kind of ridiculous. For instance, the wife (Natasha) tried to wake her husband up from sleep with little attempt, knowing she is scared and having dreams of the ghostly Baizura. There are similar plots, but I think, I'd prefer not to give up spoilers here.

On a positive note, the movie highlights well the power of Islamic prayer, and the fact that evil can be defeated by good. There is also a little exorcism scenes in the movie, some looking similar to the movie "The Exorcism of Emily Rose". I was hugely disappointed that the exorcism seemed to simple and way too easy, and hoped for more temptation like other exorcism stories.

Nonetheless, this is a very good attempt, and I have no regrets watching this movie. A 5 out of 5 for a Malay movie.

Dragonball Evolution (English)

Caught it @ METROWEALTH CINEPLEX, KUCHING
Its 2 HOUR & 5o MINUTES of KAME HAME HA!!
You should catch it because you LOVE DRAGONBALL
You should not watch this movie if you ARE NOT A FAN OF GOKU.

Expected more from this movie to be honest. Was expecting something like X-men or at the very least Batman... but I got the typical DRAGONBALL. The storyline was just as written in the comic, but I found it very weird that Goku wasn't Chinese looking. It wasn't very weird, it was UBER weird!

The movie lacks explosives, and at some point it does seem a little close to a tight budget movie. Acting skills was adequate, but putting Dragonball in the hi-tech world seemed kind of weird too. I guess, that's where the word 'evolution' comes in. For those loving Dragonball, this is just something you should not miss, and for those not into it.. but want to know more, spend RM10 for a ticket. but be warned, I only rate this movie at a possible 3 out of 5, and even then, I feel it should be a little lower than that.