Inception

Watched @ Eng Wah Suntec City

It's about dreams. It's actually like matrix. It's like a bridge that makes matrix seems much more realistic and possibly achievable. It's scary and yet so worth looking forward to. Paradox is apparent thru-out the movie. But it's a good show to watch. Make your brains think and think. Even though it's a movie that has a beginning and an end, somehow there's so many part of the movie which allows for speculation. So much areas left for imagination and interpretation.

Just think about it. Look at every detail of the movie from a different angle and you can find that the movie could have been telling a totally different story. I think that's what makes it magnificent!!! You know what's the best part? I only thought about this point NOW!!! almost 6hrs after watching the movie. How interesting is that!?

Spikefire ratings:
Story & Plot: 8 out of 10
Audio & Visual: 8 out of 10
Overall: 8 out of 10

Favourite Lines:


Cobb: What is the most resilient parasite in the world? An idea. Once an idea gets into your head, you can never get rid of it. A single idea from the human mind can build cities. An idea can transform the world and rewrite all rules.

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The Lovely Bones

Watched @ Funshion

This movie revolves around the death of 14 yr old gal, little susie. shot in first person view where she views life unfolding after her death. it's nicely shot in a way we follow little susie on a journey of self-realisation, even though it's after death; to see how her family reacts, how her killer reacts.

it's an interesting story to follow.

the main character susie is a relatively new actress, but she had put in a good performance. She's also supported by great actors around her.

But this is not a movie to watch if you are tired. it's kindda slow, so if you dun have the energy, you'll probably fall asleep.

Spikefire ratings:
Story & Plot: 6.5  out of 10
Audio & Visual: 7.5 out of 10
Overall: 7 out of 10

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Daybreakers

Watched @ Funshion

This is not the usual vampire story, vampires are immortals, but killable. They are still afraid of daylight and still feeds on human blood. The story begins in the future where most of the world's population are vampires and are facing a shortage of human blood to feed the vampires. Although the producers are the same ones as Matrix, I think the plot is kindda poor in that sense or maybe vampires are just not as smart as i thought.

Humans are captured and bleed dry for their blood, and when dried, they dispose the human. HOW DUMB IS THAT!!?? Even the Matrix from that long ago has the common sense to keep the humans alive for the extended shelf life. And the vampires in this movie simply used humans like disposables, dumb vamps!! It's probably cos the script was written so so long ago, perhaps way before the matrix and perhaps way before they heard of cloning.

Those are the worst loopholes that have left me utterly disappointed with the plot, otherwise it could have been a much better movie. oh yah, i think the producers also tried very hard to stereotype their vampires, in this movie, they are weak, they just dun age, but they can be killed quite easily.

However, I do like the twist in the vampire legends, vampires can turn back into humans, and man can return a plague of their own back onto the vampires. I liked that part.

Spikefire ratings:
Story & Plot: 6 out of 10
Audio & Visual: 7 out of 10
Overall: 6.5 out of 10

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Up in The Air

Watched @ Funshion

The story is basically about Ryan (George Clooney), a guy that flies about more than staying put; a guy who flies about just to fire people the company management are too chicken to. To me it's an interesting plot to begin with, hell I never knew you can have a job out of firing someone. Anyway, it's an interesting plot, Ryan is a loner, who is trying to deceive himself that he is alright being alone, and he even sidelines by going around teaching people how it is alright to be alone.

Natalie (Anna Kendrick), the understudy to Ryan, trying to learn the real meaning of firing someone while she tries to organise the whole process into some clockwork procedure. Ryan has a theory that firing someone is not just "firing" someone, it encompasses much more, and it's something very personal and have to be handled with care. Ain't that an irony with his "it's alright to be alone" attitude, once again, it's interesting.

A-list actors provided A-list acting, it's very believable at the end of the day. That's what makes movies good.
Spikefire ratings:
Story & Plot: 7 out of 10
Audio & Visual: 7 out of 10
Overall: 7 out of 10


Favourite Lines:
Ryan Bingham: [on getting through airport security] Never get behind old people. Their bodies are littered with hidden metal and they never seem to appreciate how little time they have left. Bingo, Asians. They pack light, travel efficiently, and they have a thing for slip on shoes. Gotta love 'em.

Natalie Keener: That's racist.
Ryan Bingham: I'm like my mother, I stereotype. It's faster.
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Alex Goran: What a weasly prick.
Natalie Keener: Yeah, but what does that make me? Someone who falls for a prick.
Alex Goran: We all fall for the prick. Pricks are spontaneous, they're unpredictable and they're fun. And then we're surprised when they turn out to be pricks.
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Ryan Bingham: You know why kids love athletes?
Bob: Because they screw lingerie models.
Ryan Bingham: No, that's why we love athletes. Kids love them because they follow their dreams.
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Invictus

Watched @ Funshion

Based on a true historical event, and how tru is it that great stories arise from the toughest of times. The story revolves around Nelson Mandela, the first elected president of South Africa after the fall of apartheid, and how he used rugby to unite his racially torned nation.

Acting is great, no questions. Matt Damon & Morgan Freeman put it a hell of a show for me. Despite Morgan Freeman looking much taller than Nelson Mandela, he really did a wonderful portrayal of the man. They have to work the expression and accent, it's one thing to act a character, it's another to totally mimick and be the character.

The story plot is not entirely true, cause I just found out that the Invictus poem was never used in truth. Nelson Mandela gave the Springboks captain a passage from Theodore Roosevelt to inspire him instead of the Invictus poem depicted by the movie. But that's just detail, I can overlook that, I can live with the Invictus.

This movie is very strong emotionally, it's a great era, great feelings. One can only wonder what the 2 men felt during those days. Just for interest sake, this is the Invictus poem

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.


In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.


Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.


It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

And the passage that Nelson Mandela gave to the Springboks Captain, I find it just as inspiring.

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

Spikefire ratings:
Story & Plot: 9 out of 10
Audio & Visual: 8 out of 10
Overall: 8.5 out of 10


Favourite Lines:

Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman):
I thank whatever gods may be,
For my unconquerable soul.
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
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Brenda Mazibuko (President's Aide): You're risking your political capital, you're risking your position in the party, you're risking your future as our leader.
Nelson Mandela: The day I am afraid to do that is the day I am no longer fit to lead.
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Nelson Mandela: I was thinking about a little wager.
New Zealand PM: How about, all your gold for all our sheep?
Nelson Mandela: I was thinking about a case of wine.


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Dear John

Watched @ GV Marina

A long story about a lightning fast love at first sight between 2 individuals. The story begins pre-Sept11, and when all seems to be flowing towards a happy ending, fate steps in and brings them Sept11. But that's not the end, fate seems to like to visit this ill-fated couple more than others.

The good thing about such romance flicks, it's not difficult to act it well, you just need to have experience in love, and nowadays, who doesnt?? especially people who looked like them!!

However, it's still a touching story, and I liked the final seemingly happy ending.

Spikefire ratings:
Story & Plot: 8 out of 10
Audio & Visual: 7 out of 10
Overall: 7.5 out of 10


Favourite Lines:

John Tyree: Our story has 3 parts a beginning, a middle and an end and although this is the way all stories unfold I still cant believe ours didnt go on forever.


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The Blind Side

Watched @ The Cathay

This is one of my favourite movies of recent times. The movie is based on the true story of NFL star Mike Oher. Although I know very little about NFL, I know that sports is one of the channels in USA that black people there can excel in and have more often than not be the catalyst to bring them out of poverty.

The story starts off with a clip of a play in NFL, depicting the importance of the blindside, the quarterback's blindside. That was a real footage and even though we do not see the extend of the damage in the tackle, the player's reaction says it all! And this is the story of NFL's recent greatest protector of the blindside, Mike Oher.

But this is not just about the player becoming a star. It's about the family that he met and learned to love. Sandra bullock, plays the mother, Leigh Anne, of this family, the Touhys. It was a Thanksgiving eve that started the threadings of Mike and the Touhys.

The story of Mike and the Touhys was told in a very touching fashion. Even though I believe much of the facts have be dramatise and idealised, it's still an amazing story to believe in. Watch it to experience it.

Spikefire ratings:
Story & Plot: 9 out of 10
Audio & Visual: 7 out of 10
Overall: 8 out of 10


Favourite Lines:
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In Mike's new room,
Michael Oher: This is mine?
Leigh Anne Touhy: Yes sir.
Michael Oher: I never had one before.
Leigh Anne Touhy: What, a room to yourself?
Michael Oher: ...A bed.
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Leigh Anne Touhy: If you so much as set foot downtown you will be sorry. I'm in a prayer group with the D.A., I'm a member of the NRA and I'm always packing.
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Michael Oher: [after pushing an opponent all the way off the field] Sorry coach, I stopped when I heard the whistle.
Coach Cotton: Where were you taking him?
Michael Oher: The bus, it was time for him to go home.
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Leigh Anne Touhy: Michael, I want you to have a good time but if you get a girl pregnant out of wedlock, I will crawl into the car, drive up to Oxford and cut off your penis.
S.J. Tuohy: She's not kidding.
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Sean Tuohy: Who would've thought we'd have a black son before we met a Democrat?
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Sean Tuohy: We were wondering if you would like to become a part of this family.
Michael Oher: I kinda thought I already was.
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Leigh Anne Touhy: You're right.
Sean Tuohy: Wow. How'd those words taste coming out of your mouth?
Leigh Anne Touhy: Like vinegar.

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Official Website


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Bodyguards & Assasins

Watched @ Cineleisure lvl 4

All star cast in this movie about 1 significant event in the revolutionary years of China. Bodyguards here are people who protect Sun Yat Sen in his crucial trip to Hong Kong to meet and liase with fellow revolutionaries. Interesting to know is that even though the bodyguards in this movie were almost wiped out, close to none actually knew who they were suppose to protect, nor why. They just did it.

It's pretty much based on historical events, not sure if the names and background behind each character is accurate, but it fulfills the purpose of bring forward the images of the unsung heroes in the long journey of China's revolution.

Oh, it also shows be it on purpose, how utterly useless and brainless the ailing qing dynasty was at that point in time.

However, I do find some of the protection strategy they were using were seriously DUMB!!!!! I would have totally done it in a different way.

Spikefire ratings:
Story & Plot: 7 out of 10
Audio & Visual: 6 out of 10
Overall: 6.5 out of 10

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Julia & Julie

Watched on 15 Oct @ Cineleisure lvl 9

This is my type of movie, cos it involves food!! and it praises the wonderful beauty of food. Lot's of delicious food on cameo, hahaa.. Yum!

This movie is actually an adaptation of 2 true stories, first one is an autobiography of Julia Child, played by Meryl Streep, "My Life in France". The other is a blog or memoir by Julie Powell, in which she challenges herself to finish all the Recipes in Julia Child's cookbook, 524 recipes in 365 days.

The stories basically revolves around these 2 unrelated ladies going thru tough times in their lives and somehow FOOD, just made everything better. And how they manage to turn their lives around with food. Interestingly, the 2 stories are set in 2 different time frames, about 2 different and unrelated people, yet they do have so much in common. It's nice I tell you.

Pay attention to the script, witty lines are of plenty.

Spikefire ratings:
Story & Plot: 9 out of 10
Audio & Visual: 7 out of 10
Overall: 8 out of 10

Official Website

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WhiteOut

Watched on 26 Sep @ The Cathay

This movie was supposed to be an adaptation from a graphic novel, but it does seem to have the captivating pace and intrigue of graphic novels, or maybe that's just my narrow understanding of graphic novels. :P

main selling point for this movie is actually Kate Beckinsale, and the producers make it SO SO obvious by have this scence at the beginning of the movie which shows her stripping and taking a shower. This scene has totally no value to the rest of the movie, ZERO!! but, for male viewers like myself, it aint bad.. hahaa.. you know what?? You can actually leave after the first 10mins. There's nothing too exciting from then on.

As you can tell, i'm kindda disappointed with the movie. The action was kindda slow due to the cold winter, everything gets sloppy, the mystery part was kindda lame, cos you dun really have to solve it. It just seems to keep unfolding and unfolding by itself, which means "I CAN SOLVE THAT TOO!!".

Spikefire ratings:
Story & Plot: 5 out of 10 (kindda slow, too slow!!)
Audio & Visual: 7 out of 10 (cool views of the antartic)
Overall: 6 out of 10 (you dun miss much, if u miss this one)

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Obsessed

Watched on 17th July 2009
@ Cineleisure lvl 9

What do you do when you suddenly get a pretty lady working in your office, and she seems to be hitting on you?

STAY AWAY!!!

Sometimes even when you try to stay away, some things you just can't control. No, it's not urges i'm talking abt. It's crazy bitches!!

This movie amplifies mine few lines above to the utmost realism. Beyonce plays the happy wife, Sharon while Ali Larter is, Lisa, well the crazy bitch. It's really amazing how crazy she can get, you can almost change the genre of this movie from dramatic thriller to horror. ALMOST...

However, I have to say Ali Larter did an amazing job making me shudder. Oh MAN she is scary!!!

Well done actors, go catch it. I think it will help couples prevent anything similar from ever happening.

Oh, sidenote, I love the way black women take care of the white women. Watch it and you'll know. :P


Spikefire ratings:
Story & Plot: 9 out of 10
Audio & Visual: 7 out of 10
Overall: 8 out of 10

Official Website

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