My Own Private "Potato State"

I wanted to watch My Own Private Idaho badly because I’m like having a huge crush on River Phoenix. Turns out this Gus Van Sant’s film is a little bit confusing. He presented the introduction of each character too long and it was like watching a play rather than a movie. There were one set and the characters just talked to each other about something that I didn’t really understand at first, but then, I seemed like slowly getting what they really meant.

The first half of the movie, I was really trying to survive to continue watching this because of River. Then, the second half, I was finally getting the problem what the characters really wanted to solve. This movie needs every patience you have if you really wanted to finish it. In the second half, Gus Van Sant finally explained to us the relationship between Scott and Mike, and it was really sweet. River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves really had the chemistry to play two bestfriends that really care about each other. I really love how Gus Van Sant built the chemistry between them. And River’s performance at first might seemed kinda dull but if you kept watching you’re gonna be amazed! He was just so good and natural portraying any character.

I kinda disappointed about the ending, though. Gus Van Sant didn’t solve the problem that he threw to us. It was like a hit and run, you know. You’d better give me a complete solution or an open ending at least. This was like an open ending, but I just didn’t like how it just ended like there was nothing to answer anymore , meanwhile I still have a lot of questions about the movie and maybe he thought that it was okay for the viewers but it is not okay for me because most of my wish wasn't fulfilled. My rating for My Own Private Idaho is 3 out of 5!! This movie just makes me even sadder and wondering why River had to leave us that quick. 

Oh, one more, Keanu and River said Hi :p

It's a Heaven On Earth!

OH MY GOD! I just watched The Wolf Of Wallstreet and it was the three hours I most enjoy. Jordan Belfort was crazy to death! I’m glad Scorsese picked him and made this motion picture about this wolf from Wallstreet. I mean, Scorsese was brilliant for chosing George Melies two years ago and made a movie about him, I respect George Melies so much, but Belfort? He was amaze-balls! His life was a fucking dream, heaven on Earth!

Jordan Belfort really had an interesting life and it was fun watching a movie about his previous life, how he fought so hard to build a company on Wall Street and what he becomes now. The screenplay was written very carefully. Eventhough I spent 3 hours watching a movie about one man, I wasn’t bored. Terrence Winter, the screenwriter, successfully adapted the book. He gave the right time for the key turning point in every act. And Scorsese? He was the best! I love the style. I love how he just changed the aspect ratio when the fuck he wanted to change. But, no, I know he had reasons and you need to watch it to know.

Leo DiCaprio really did a great job. He was impressive. Seriously, he deserves an Oscar for this. He was really convincing and funny! He blended in with this Jordan Belfort character, eventhought he did a very bad deed, you’re just gonna rooting for him because he was so lovable! Jonah Hill also great picturing the sidekick. He was funny and very Jonah Hill, so he just fit in the character because it was just like picturing himself. The characters are funny and lovely and have unique characteristics.

My verdict: 4.5 out of 5! Yaaay! Congratulations The Wolf Of Wallstreet for the Academy Awards nominations (best picture, director, actor, supporting actor and adapted screenplay). This movie really deserves it! I wish Leo would win this time. But, for the director, supporting actor and adapted screenplay, I don’t know, their rivals are good too. So, just cross my fingers here.

A Typical Tarantino Movie

We knew that Tarantino has shelved The Hateful Eight and he won’t make any movie this year. So That’s why I want to talk about one of his finest work.

Inglourious Basterds probably my most favorite Quentin Tarantino’s movie of all time. This was the first time I saw Christoph Waltz. His acting was stunning and impressive. He played as Colonel Hans Landa and he might be the most frightening antagonist yet so charming I’ve ever seen in my life. Waltz succeed portraying the most fictionally feared person in Hitler era. He even gave me chill everytime he doubted any person on the screen, because you’re just gonna think “what will he do this time?!”. Also, Tarantino succeed to make Eli Roth to act again! Turns out this Hostel director’s performance stunned me. He was quite good.

Tarantino’s ideas are always fresh, new and extraordinary. Inglourious Basterds was a history fictional film but I won’t object anything that happened in this movie. I enjoyed my two and a half hours so much! It’s just typical Tarantino, witty but serious. As usual, he created those unimportant conversations that would make you laugh but suddenly, he created the suspense that you couldn’t bear because you know that infinite violence will be on the screen. Also, you gotta love Tarantino because he made all the actors spoke the language where the story took place. It's just amazing and not-so-Hollywood-typical.

I give this movie 5 out of 5!!! I just love Tarantino so much, it hurts when he told us that he postponed his upcoming project for God knows how long.

Tarantino Shelved His Upcoming Project

I was on my way to my office when I read the news that Tarantino has shelved his upcoming project The Hateful Eight. You know, I was spending my time in a bus longer than The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug's duration. This news just made everything worse. Tarantino said that somebody leaked the script to public (it was one of his actors) and he feels betrayed. It was the first draft and already leaked?! Oh, come on... I am really disappointed, I miss Tarantino so much and Christoph Waltz rumoured he was gonna play in that movie, also we were gonna see the reunion between Tarnatino and Tim Roth! (whole package, right?). Whoever leak that script fuck you!

Stand By Me

Touching. Maybe it’s the right word to describe Stand By Me. A 1986 comedy-drama movie directed by Rob Reiner. I don’t know what to say, you should just watch it yourself. This movie is a whole package. Rob Reiner gave you a good story, good characters, good talents and good enough style for a drama movie. What else do you need? You’re gonna cry like a little baby when this movie ends, you will. Rob Reiner is really an expert of making people cry!

I love how Rob Reiner made those little boys had their own characteristics. I love the chemistry between Gordy and Chris. If I’m gonna be a mother someday I wish my son had a best friend like Chris. He was just the best, his character was so lovable. Young River Phoenix was so talented! (I wish he was still alive now L ). Those little boys naturally fit the character and they threw some cute and witty jokes that made them so lovable, eventhough at first you thought they were just four brats. And I love how this movie slowly touched your soul without being so mellow. It just happened naturally without being forced. This movie is an example of a perfect drama movie.

Also, who could resist young Wil Wheaton and River Phoenix? And for those of you who making fun of John Cusack, just watch this movie, he was really cute. I don’t know what’s wrong with him now, He looks creepy. Oh, I forgot about Kiefer Sutherland. Yeah he was good looking and he is still now.

My verdict: 4.5 out of 5. Rob Reiner is just the best!

Trekkies Gonna Hate

I've been recieving a complain recently from my friend (Adi Dwianto, he's kinda snitch :p). He said that my blog is a complete spoiler. Okay, complain's accepted. I won't spoil anything anymore.

Now, I'm gonna comment on Star Trek Into Darkness. I don't care if most of Trekkies hate this movie, but I love it! It's interesting and very challenging choosing Benedict Cumberbatch as Kahn, one of the most evil villain in history. I think, JJ knew that there would be a riot between trekkies, so he kept it a secret for a while. But, JJ's decision is right, Cumberbatch didn't let you down! His performance was brilliant, he took his acting performance to a whole new level. I don't remember watching any villain as lovable as Kahn (other than Loki). There was a scene where you would say "holy shit!" after you saw it because of Cumberbatch's acting. Ricardo Montalban (the old Kahn) and Benedict Cumberbatch played Kahn differently. Both are great and have their own characteristic.

Star Trek Into Darkness is a reboot movie from Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Kahn. Why should anybody make a reboot movie with the same old same old formula. Different director means different narrative and style. But I'm gonna give 4.5 out of 5!! As long as Enterprise  still give me chill everytime I see her, I'm gonna rate it as high as I can. #subjectivetrekkie.

Live long and prosper from the new Spock who needed to glue his fingers when did this Vulcan salute :p

A Bizarre Love Story

I was really impressed when I saw Mood Indigo (L'écume des jours). It’s been a long time since Eternal Sunshine Of Sportless Mind, finally I watched Michel Gondry’s work again. The French director came up with a new movie, still about a kind-of strange love story.

Set in France. As usual, Gondry showed us a very impressive mise en scene that probably I couldn’t think of. I have to give like 4 thumbs up for the production designer, Stéphane Rosenbaum for designing those colorful yet so bizzare set. Also, Rosenbaum’s set design wouldn’t be real if the Art Director, Pierre Renson wasn’t there. They both are brilliant for making those set happened. I was having more than 5 minutes to adapt the set because I was so impressed by it yet it felt so strange.

Although Gondry tried to make this movie with unique style, I still don't like the story. I was confused where Gondry's gonna take me. Or maybe it's just me who don't like this kind of idea and his story telling. Still worth to watch, though. You're gonna be amazed with the set and the props. Enchanting!

I’d give 4 thumbs up for the mise en scene and impressed by it, but the story? No, I don’t like it. It' was confusing and gave me a light headache. As much as I love this movie mise en scene, I won’t watch it for the second time. It’s a good movie to watch once, because once is enough. My rating for this movie is 2.5 out of 5.

One Direction: This Is Us

Why the fuck One Direction made a movie about them that has no point at all. Why even made a movie in the first place? and it's in 3d?!... Gravity deserves 3D movie, Man Of Steel deserves 3D movie. But this? Like it's going to make an effect to the viewers? Why so hard trying?

Don't get me wrong, I like One Direction. They are attractive young men. But, why did they have to make a movie about them showing off to the world that they have million of fans? We all know that, they shouldn't make 1 and a half hours movie about it. Luckily, they call this a concert movie. If they called this a documentary, they should freaking apologize to Michael Moore.

Honestly, if I wrote a movie review, it means I've watched it. Yeah, I've watched this movie. and I hated wasting my time watching this but it was a guilty pleasure, you know. 5 attractive young men with sweet voices. I'm in between! FYI, Martin Scorsese is one of their fan, so I'm good, right? And my rating for this movie... Oh gosh, no. I don't even want to rate this movie. My suggestion, if you like crappy movies with attractive actors, you should probably watch Magic Mike. If you don't, you should watch Fight Club, it has a good storyline, Brad Pitt and Edward Norton (what could go wrong, huh?). If you are a directioner, maybe you should watch this movie, well I know you've already watched it.

Unrequited Love, Sycamore Tree and Eggs!

Rob Reiner came back with a story about children and their problems. Flipped may be one of my favorites young romantic movie. I always love children and love story theme, because of their innocence and honesty (like I told you in the previous post).

This movie has an unique story telling. Both of the main characters narrated the story, so the viewers could see this movie from two different point of views. I personally more relate when Juli Baker (the girl) narrated. As a girl, I could feel how she grew up through different experineces and processes. The main three things which changed Juli are her unrequited love with Bryce, The Sycamore Tree and The Eggs. Every little girl should watch this movie, because it has really good messages about love and life at young age.

Bryce's point of view was interesting too. Finally, Rob Reiner gave me a clear visual about a young boy's feeling when a girl had a crush on him. If he hated it, well, he really hate it! Girls are planted by their mother that if a boy didn't want to be near her, probably he was just shy. Well, it's not, that means he really doesn't like it! Bryce's grown up process is a little bit different than Juli. The main three things that changed his feeling about Juli are The Eggs, His insult to Juli about her garden and Sycamore Tree. You have to watch the movie to find out what's the link between them and those things.

I love this movie's narrative. It's simple and unique. Rob Reiner secretly gave you so many message about love and life. I give this movie 4 out of 5. Thank you Rob Reiner for making this movie, I am totally impressed. I even watched this movie for like 4 times :p

The F1 Rivalry

If I had to pick which the best movie in year 2013, I'd pick Rush. In fact, IT IS THE BEST MOVIE in 2013. Ron Howard really did a great job picturing this two F1 legends, Niki Lauda and James Hunt.

Everyone in the 80's knew about Niki Lauda and James Hunt's rivalry in the circuit. They are phenomenal. Ron Howard beautifully retell the story to us in the 2013 with amazing narrative and style. This movie was grey, you just can't choose side with one of them.

When I watch this movie, I kept guessing if one of them was going to have an accident and died in the circuit (I'm not an F1 fan) because Ron Howard took me to a new level of suspense. I really enjoyed it. Rush is not one of the movie you can guess the ending. And the atmosphere Ron built between Niki and James was fantastic. I know they hate each other but they respect each other, they compete fairly. This movie feels so humane because it's based on a real story.

Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl's performances are great. It's like I was watching Niki and James in real life. They both are convincing. I recall watched a YouTube video, the real Niki Lauda gave Daniel a hard time when they were in pre production but in the end Niki satisfied with Daniel's performance. Well so do I, this movie makes me fall in love with Daniel Bruhl!

I give 5 out of 5 to Rush! It's a recommended movie. You really have to see this and automatically you would love F1 and want to know what really is happening outside the circuit.

Enchanting In Every Way

A word that descibe The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty is magical. No, not magical, how do you describe a word that contains incredible, magical, fantastic and extraordinary? I am speechless, this is Ben Stiller’s finest work! I really love this movie, I’m so glad I opened this year with watching Walter Mitty.

As my lecturer said, a good movie is a movie that makes a big impact to the viewers. And this movie? Total big impact to the viewers! First, Ben Stiller opened this movie with a beatiful precision shot and some heroic action that Mitty daydreamed, then Ben twisted Mitty's character when the problem entered. This is what a protagonist should be! The change of a protagonist's behaviour has to be explained clearly and in a suitable amount of time, not too long but not too fast. Walter Mitty's character changing had the right amount of time. His character is solid, it moved the plot and the viewers are identified by his character by watching him going through his life and soul journey.

The cinematography is splendid! Ben coddled your eyes with beautiful scenery of Greenland, Iceland and Himalaya. It makes you want to go there and do what Mitty did (see, I am identified by him). The precision shots at the opening, the editing that will make you said "fuck, how did he do that?", the story that will really affect to your life after watching this movie, the beauty shots where Mitty had his adventure and the twist ending. Those are the aspects that make this movie is so powerful. You're gonna have a little bit of "me" time just to think how great this movie is! This movie really is enchanting in every way you see it. Hollywood should make this kind of movie more and that American heroic movie less.

My rating is 5 out of 5!!! This is a very very great movie to open your whole 2014 year and change your perpective about life. You really really should see it in a big screen!

The Cobbler, The Coffee & The Scotch

Based on a play by Yasmina Reza, Carnage is a talkish film. To solve their problem, the characters just talked, talked and talked to find the solution. You gotta trust Roman Polanski about talkish film, he's the expert! I remember watched The Ghost Writer, I slept for minutes because I think some of it was boring (sorry) but, Carnage, I enjoy my 1 and half hours of conversation of 4 parents who tried to solve their kids' problem.

Set in The Longstreet's house in New York, I think, this movie divided into three segments which I called: The Cobbler, The Coffee and The Scotch. There are three main problems they talked about in this movie. It's like secretly watching a play and divided into some acts. Each segment had different problems and you're gonna be surprise how Polanski just changed his charatcters' behaviour.

I gotta give standing ovation for the actors! They are great!! They moved the plot only with talk to each other and changing their characters easily. They have to play their roles right and make their characters interesting and believing. Jodie Foster, John C. Reilly, Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz really are Oscar Nominee Guarantees. They really know their characters and they give their best performance. This movie's main strength are the characters and the screenplay. both are outstanding!

If I'm gonna rate this movie, probably 4.5 out of 5. it is difficult to make a movie based on a play without making the same exact style as the play. I think Polanski succeed to adapt this play to a movie, it's not easy to make a movie when there are only 4 active characters and only have one set all along the movie.

Another American Heroic Movie

I watched Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit this weekend. My first reaction when I saw this movie in IMDB's coming soon, I was like.. yay I'm gonna see Chris Pine in the big screen again! (I'm a total Pine Nuts) but, sorry, even Chris Pine can't save this movie.

This movie is a total crap! Hollywood should reduce any kind of movie with this theme. It's about a hero who didn't care about his life, he just wanted to save the people from danger. I know, it is a protagonist's job to move the main plot. But, seriously, I am tired of this kind of protagonist. This movie has every stereotype of American heroic movie. Obviously, the main plot of other american heroic movie is the main character tried to save America from evil terrorists, usually it's Russia or some country in the Middle East who tried to bomb some building in Washington or New York (so predictable) and Jack Ryan has THE EXACT SAME PLOT. Once again, Russia had to be the evil terrorist who tried to bomb the whole Wall Street to drop the USD value. Yeah approximately. I didn't really notice because I was asleep halfway.

Another stereotype was there was a scene when Jack Ryan drove a super fast car to chase the terrorist. I mean, aren't you bored with this kind of scene? it's like this scene is a must for a heroic movie. They had to show that the protagonist could drive this car without looking anywhere and he got the direction from someone that wasn't there, they communicated via that little thing the protagonist wore in his right ear. Seriously, I'm exhausted with this kind of scene and Jack Ryan used this scene to show off that this protagonist is great, he's willing to sacrifice his life just to save people.

The character is dull. it's like Jack Ryan's back story didn't complete. The screenwriter should have a long list of Jack Ryan's back story, like what's he allergic to, what's his weakness. Because, the viewers can't indentify to the protagonist or Jack Ryan because his lack of back story. Everything just went too fast and suddenly he's the CIA who tried to save the world. I mean, come on, the movie title is Jack Ryan, at least the viewers has to know him a little bit more. I think the introduction or the opening is too fast, I still tried to connect with him but they've already entered the problem.

I rate for this movie 0.8 out of 5. I was about to give this 0.5 out of 5, but I'm still a Pine Nuts so I'm being kind now :)

The Sparkly Version Of Bonnie & Clyde

Unlike other movie reviewers, I quite like The Bling Ring. I mean, when will you have a chance staring at those beautifully branded and so sparkling clothes, dress and shoes? It's like Sex and The City and Bonnie&Clyde combined. Those kids (people gave their gang a name, The Bling Ring) really have the guts to stole those Orlando Bloom's Rolexes that worth a lot of money. It's insane!

Sofia Coppola shows us that it's pretty natural for a teenage girl wanting expensive stuffs that she can't buy. Katie Chang succeed potraying Rebecca, the mastermind of The Bling Ring Gang. She blend in with her character. Although, Rebecca's face always kinda flat but, you can see her passion, ambition and her fiery eyes of owning those super expensive stuffs. Also, she really got the chemistry with her sidekick, Marc. You will love these dynamic duo! They rob those houses but they always support and convince each other to remain calm like Bonnie and Gay Clyde.

I know Sofia Coppola is capable to make this movie better, because who doesn't love Lost In Translation? We really have a high expectation on you, Sof :p. Maybe she just lost her bling somewhere. But, she is still Sofia Coppola! This movie has its own style. The color of the film, for example, it's soft and shiny when the girls are out partying and robbing celeb's houses, then it changed into pastel colors when they were home with their parents. I love the color of the film, it's affected to the mood of this movie.

And for those who complain about the ending, GO MAKE YOUR OWN GODDAMN MOVIE! It's based on real event. How the hell she supposed to make the ending? She can't just make up the ending when Rebecca going to Harvard after 5 years in jail. It's pretty clear that The Bling Ring Gang are sentenced and no further explanation needed.

But my rating for this movie is only 1.5 out of 5. You can do better than this, Sof! :)

Bass Player Wanted

This season of How I Met Your Mother sucks. Especially, the story between Marshall, Marvin and that mean lady, total sucks. It's like Carter Bays & Craig Thomas wanted to bring new refreshments to the jokes but, sorry gentlemen, you failed. I agree, that HIMYM should stop at season 8, and if Ted and Victoria would've been married, they totally have my blessing! Apparently Bays & Craig added one more season because CBS begged them to. They add one new character who happens to be "The Mother" played by Cristin Millioti.

I love The Mother's character (we haven't know who her real name is) she is soft but strong and really really kind, she is the girl next door, she's what Ted has been picturing all along, or he would've called it "The One" and the most important thing, she is the combination of Ted's best friends!

This episode, Bass Player Wanted  might be my most favorite episode in this season so far. The appearance of the guest star, Darren who played as an antagonist, brought Ted and The Mother closer! In the end of this episode, The Mother bought Ted a double 35 years old Glen McKenna Scotch. That's what makes this episode is so powerful. After I watched this episode, I started asking myself so many questions and guessing many possible scenarios about how Ted and The Mother will finally met. This action of The Mother probably led us to a moment that we've been waiting for 8 years! I hope Bays & Craig have prepared the most amazing episode ever when they two finally met. Bays & Craig must have difficult job to end the mess they made. They have to responsible to the viewers and guarantee us there will be a killer episode because the viewers already planted by tiny actions that Ted or The Mysterious Mother made, but it is believed those actions would have a big impact later when Ted and The Mother met.

In This Season Bays & Craig already put Ted in his lowest point of life where he doesn't believe in falling in love anymore. Well, they better have surprises for the fans right? it's their job to impress the fans after waiting for 8 years just to find out how this end.

And my rating for this episode is 2.5 out of 5! Oh yeah, one more... I'm still curious about the pineapple! Is anybody realize that we still don't know how the pineapple ended up in Ted's room?! Don't ever forget about the pineapple!!!!!!