BEGIN AGAIN

I always held back when I wanted to watch Begin Again. I think it's just some romantic drama, that would make me remember all of the bad luck love I ever had. Then, I was working with my closest friend, yesterday, and he said "you should really watch Begin Again". He told me that because he really loved this movie and I thought that, he's a hopeless romantic, of course he loves it. I didn't think I'd love Begin Again as much as he does.

Then, because he kept telling me that I HAVE TO watch it, so I watched it. My first reaction when I saw the opening scene, I was like... this movie is different. As the movie went by, I began to love this movie scene by scene. It's a beautiful movie, really. It's a light musical, without hard-set and numerous dancing numbers, but just light and a bit indie movie.

There were this two main characters. The relationship between them was a bit weird, but lovely. You'll keep guessing would they ever be together, but half part of you just don't want them to be together. Because I think they had perfect life before they meet each other. I didn't want to keep guessing because it'd take all the fun and the faith I had in John Carney.

And, I knew John Carney would give me the best ending. The ending that fulfilled all the viewer's needs. I don't want to talk about the ending much further, you'd have to find out yourself.

Begin Again has a very common drama movie's idea. But, John Carney is just good at wrapping this movie so it's different. I mean, he threw us lovely songs, and sung by the lovely miss Keira Knightley. If you watched Begin Again, you'd automatically in love with its soundtrack.

This movie really is a Lost Star. Because I haven't watched this kind of movie in a long time. and it's nice to have this movie around. I think I'll watch this movie everytime I had a bad relationship with someone, because this movie is so inspiring.

I have this quotes that really match with this movie.

"When God closed a door, and you try to re-open it. Somehow, you'll understand why that door was closed in the first place" :)

Oh yeah, one more... I hate Adam Levine's performance here. Like is he trying to be a British? Really? Please Adam, you're smoking hot. So please, just don't ever try that again. Well, after all, he's a really good singer :)

So... that's pretty much about Begin Again. 4 out of 5.

Very Inspiring!

Just Suck My Eyeballs Out

Okay, Hi everybody (like there's somebody reading my blog) I'm back.
Now I just want to write about a sucky movie, which I sometimes really love wasting my time watching sucky, cheesy and pathetic movie.

Vampire Academy.

Your question, why?

I don't even know. I just like watching any movie with attractive characters (so they said).
my opininion about it waaaas.... horrible.
the movie was super horrible, like you wanna make an epic movie about vampire and breaking any Twilight rules, and you just got slump. The movie itself so pathetic. The director wanted to make sooo many suspense but, yeah... I just didn't feel it. The suspense was forced. too forced. the script was even more horrible, I really just didnt get what they were trying to tell the viewers. Story was all fucked up. It's like I just want to suck my both eyeballs out. And it had too many kinds of vampire. I mean, Twilight one is enough. Don't add anything, please.

And still, I watched that movie (maybe because I love Sarah Hyland, she was pretty though)

So, that's my opinion. I don't wanna give my ratings in that movie. too pathetic.

Grave of the Fireflies

If my friend didn’t tell me that Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru No Haka) is one of the best movies Studio Ghibli ever made, I wouldn’t have the heart to watch it until the end. I mean, how come any person could sit through the animation movie about a little girl left by her mother during World War II. Seriously, I didn’t have the heart to watch it, but I was just sitting through it and fight my uncomfortable feeling. And yeah, my friend is right… big time.

I was having a real sobfest the whole movie. It was both ironic and tragic, but somehow really sweet and beautiful. The little girl, Setsuko bonded with her brother, Seita since her mother died. Their relationship was priceless. I wish I had an elder sibling like Seita. This Seita figure officialy makes me failed in being an elder sibling to my younger sibling.

For the animation technique, well, you never doubt Studio Ghibli. They have great resumes and every year it gets even better. What makes this movie interesting is the story. At the first minutes, you’d love this Setsuko’s character because she was so cute and you’d do anything for her. Then, when the conflict arose, she became a little bit annoying but her brother always tried to cheer her up. That what makes their relationship is priceless. Both of the protagonists were lovable, and you wish you could see them together forever. You could feel Seita’s affection to Setsuko like he realized that he had to protect his little sister no matter what. Also, the scoring supported the story very much. Placed in the right scene and the right time. I’m not gonna lie to you, but I had those sobfest pretty much because of the scoring. And well, mostly because of Setsuko’s dialogue and her innocence, but the scoring was one of the big aspect that affected to the mood of the viewers, though.

After watching this movie, I probably should check other Isao Takahata’s movies. I always thought that Miyazaki was the brightest of Studio Ghibli and never check any movie directed by other director in Studio Ghibili. But, once again, I’m so freaking-deadly wrong. Yeah, since The Secret World of Arrietty, I probably should watch another movie that wasn’t directed by Miyazaki. And for the last, I give this movie 5 out of 5!!! Seriously, you have to watch this movie if you want to test whether you’re sensitive enough… or not.

A Non-Stop Suspense

I might be a little late to write a review about Non-Stop. I never interested in watching Liam Neeson’s movies before; turns out I’m so deadly wrong about this one. If it’s Liam Neeson then you know that you’re gonna have a big amount of action stuff in the screen. Well I never liked his kinda action movie with a lot of crash cars and planes, but Non-Stop brought me to a whole new level of suspense.

Joume Collet-Serra really cares about his viewers. I mean, he built a super fun suspense about an airplane hijacking. You know, there are a lot of movies quite like this one, but this one’s different. You don’t know who hijack the plane, you don’t know who terorize the protagonist, and you’re gonna suspect everyone because it could’ve been anyone. And Liam Neeson played the protagonist beautifully, he’s the one who moved the plot and made everything interesting. He played a hero without any of those stereotype heroic moves. It was naturally portrayed by him and you’re gonna rooting for him big time! Also when you watch this movie, you won’t get bored. There are some action-mystery movies that you wish that it’d end quickly because you tired of the suspense they gave and you just want to know who the bad guy is, but Non-Stop is different. You’re gonna enjoy your one and a half hour so much. You will enjoy the suspense and carried by the story Joume Collet-Sera made.

But, you know, nobody’s perfect. This movie’s weakness was the lack of back story of the antagonist and the reason behind this hijacking. You’d wish it was because of something very big and have a lot of impact in anybody. No, don’t expect that kinda back story because you won’t get it. Well, just enjoy the suspense and Liam Neeson’s acting. After all, I love this movie, entertain me so much, though.  I’ll give this movie 4 out of 5. 

The Secret World Of Arrietty

I’ve always been a huge fan of Hayao Miyazaki since Spirited Away became a hit. He always thinks outside the box and his animation movies are unique and I don’t know I just love it eventhough most of them are strange and very imaginative. The Secret World of Arrietty probably  the most “normal” movie among any Miyazaki's movies. Well not really “normal” but anyone could sit through the movie until the end. It even made the top list of my Miyazaki’s favorite movies. I’ve seen quite a few movies with an idea like this, but to me, Miyazaki’s is the most lovely, heart-warming and awesome movie with this kind of idea.

Every Miyazaki’s movie always left something to its viewers. Although, he only wrote this movie's screenplay but still a deep message secretly told through his animations. Eventhough it’s always presented in a strangely kinda way but you always have something to remember after watching it. So was The Secret World of Arrietty, it secretly left a deep message to the viewers without forcing it. It’s just lovely because kids these days need to watch this kind of animation movie.

The strong-willing of the main protagonist is the most powerful thing this movie had. I really love Arrietty’s character. She was willing to learn anything new, she struggled and tried hard to protect her family and she was pretty courageous. This is one of a hell protagonist because her body size is little and she was willing to do everything to protect her family. I also love her chemistry and Sho, it’s confusing althought you really wish they could be together no matter their how big and how small they were.

So, I give The Secret World Of Arrierty 4.5 out of 5! I really wish Miyazaki could make any other great animation movies, because as a fan I feel loss when he announced that he’s retiring after his latest movie, The Wind Rises. It means, he’s retiring now because it’s already released. No matter where you are, you’ll always be loved, Hayao Miyazaki. Thank you for making those imaginations came true. 

Three Dysfunctional Brothers & A Spiritual Journey

How many times I told you that I’m a big fan of Wes Anderson and The Darjeeling Limited only makes me love him more and more. Set in India, three dysfunctional brothers tried to have a spiritual journey to meet their mother. As usual, the characters are very unique. They have unsual characteristic that would make you chuckle because it wouldn’t happen in real life. Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman succeed brought the life out of those brothers. They really won my heart because they were so lovable.

The cinematography and mise en scene is very typical Wes Anderson. Something that really caught my eyes on is the luggages those brothers have. It was cute and very important props. Apparently, those luggages designed by Louis Vuitton. Well no wonder it had everyone eyes on, it was so cathcy yet so bizarre. Really looked like designer bags because the design was unique and I've never see one like that before. I'd kill to have those bags! seriously. Wes Anderson also always coddled my eyes through his cinematography. Through Wes’ cinematography India could looked majesticly beautiful. Every color he used in his movie is in harmony. It just naturally fit the screen and you’ll just love it.

So, I give this movie 4 out of 5. I just love Wes very much. I might not be able to rate his movie below 3, because he always gave the best in his movies. At least, if you didn’t like the story, you’d just love his shots and his sets & props. Yeah, those are the things Wes best at.

Short Term 12: A Flawless Movie

My first reaction when I halfway watched Short Term 12 was… damnit, this movie is so powerful and stylish. To me Short Term 12 was a simple movie which had an ordinary theme but somehow Destin Cretton managed to make this movie so beautiful and interesting. Mr. Cretton also wrote the screenplay amazingly. The dialogues he threw to us were witty and ironic but somehow super beautiful. The main character, Grace played by Brie Larson was a tough protagonist. You’d love her guts and you’d always root for her. I even amazed by Kaitlyn Dever, turns out this Last Man Standing star is capable of portraying a troubled teenager who struggled with child abuse.

I don’t know what to say about this movie other than flawless and perfectly beautiful. You would find the shots and the compositions in this movie were pretty amazing too. I also love the soft color Mr. Cretton made in this movie. It’s like he was talking about child abuse in this movie but he gave the viewers a bright pastel color just to kept the viewers warm. Also, you gotta love the slow motion ending shot. Damn it was perfect! I’m glad Mr. Cretton ended this movie with slow motion shot because the moment he made in the ending was priceless. This movie is perfect, both the narrative and the style. The actors are trained too. You wouldn’t be disappointed, even though they are not some Hollywood superstars like Meryl Streep.

I give this movie 5 out 5!!! Seriously I don’t outrank this movie. You really should watch it because it's great, flawless and powerful. I have like more than 10 reasons why you have to watch this movie. It’s very recommended and it has John Gallagher Jr. in it (fangirl alert).

Hi there Johnny!

River's First And Last Oscar Nomination

So I decided to continue watching Running On Empty after I paused it for weeks. It was the time that I felt regret because how could I be such a fool and paused a movie that good for weeks. Running On Empty might seem a little bit slow and boring at first, also I sort of thought that the story was too fictional to happened in real life. Like how the hell a fugitive family could survive and was on the run for years? And we're talking about American FBI on the hunt. But, please if you had the same thought as me, hold on a second and keep watching because good thing happens for those who wait (in this case). Sidney Lumet gave you the most touching and beautiful ending ever. You’re gonna have a sobfest. It was just like, I was glad I watched this movie until the end.

And I have to be honest with you, I watched this movie because I’m madly in love with River Phoenix (yeah, again). Running On Empty was the one which made River nominated for Best Supporting Actor in the Academy Awards (he was 19 back then). It was his first and last Academy Awards nomination, eventhough it was sad but I was glad that The Academy reconigzed his acting performance in his early age. His performance in Running On Empty might seemed kinda ordinary at first, but it would be spectacular when we reached to the ending. I don’t know, he seemed so powerful and he just being Danny Pope. He just blended in like he was the real Danny Pope, and that was when I get a real sobfest. I was in an awestruck with River at the last minute of the movie. He did a really good job, no wonder he was a teen heartrob back then.

Another most interesting part in this movie was the scoring, I mean the piano scoring. It was so peaceful and made you went with the mood Sidney Lumet intended to make. The piano scoring was always there and it made your ears used to it and automatically fell in love with it. If anynone knew where I could download it, please tell me. And for the last, I give Running On Empty 3.5 out of 5. I don’t know, I like the movie, but it made me pause the movie for weeks because it was boring at first. It was recommended, though if you are looking for a family drama-sobfest kinda movie.

One last thing...

Look how cute they were as a family (Martha Plimpton was River's Girlfriend both in the movie and real life that time. They were so cute together!)

What's Eating Gilbert Grape?

I know the answer to the question What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. It’s Arnie Grape! Portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, Arnie Grape was the one that made people wouldn’t pause this movie in the first place. Young Leonardo DiCaprio (he was 18 back then) showed us that he was a real deal (and he still is). He succeeded big time portraying Arnie, an 18 year old boy with autism. He was enchanting. I even forget that Johnny Depp was the main character in this movie. Arnie really stole the spotlight, everybody just wanted to watch more Arnie’s scene than following the movie storyline. I remember Lesse Hallstrom didn't want to go with Leo in the first place because he was too good looking for a boy with autism. I'm glad he changed his decision! He deserved an Oscar nomination for his Arnie portrayal because he was amazing. Leo is the answer to River Phoenix’s replacement (sorry for comparing).

The story was fine, it was just about the slice of life of Gilbert Grape. We won’t focus on Gilbert, though because he was eaten by Arnie. Johnny Depp’s acting performance not really impressive like usual. Maybe it was because Gilbert’s characteristic was just an ordinary young man who struggled with his tough life. He was fine, though. But I love his chemistry with Arnie. You could really see his soft side when he dealt with Arnie. The chemistry between them was uncomfortable but so lovely, you know? You should just see it to feel that chemistry.

I’m gonna give this movie 4 out of 5!!! It’s all because of Leo’s performance that made me fall in love with him in the first place and kept watching this movie. He’s an impressive actor who deserves an Oscar. Well, let’s cross our fingers for him, okay? :)

And say hello to young Leo DiCaprio & young Johnny Depp!

I really love that photograph!

Stunning Jared Leto's Performance After A Long Hiatus

I’m catching up with the movies which has nominated for 2014 Academy Awards. One of the movies I’ve watched is Dallas Buyers Club. At first, I was a little bit surprised that Jared Leto was in this movie. I mean, didn’t he tell the media that he was retiring on acting and wanted to focus on his band, 30 seconds to mars. Apparently, he came back after a long hiatus with Dallas Buyers Club and damnit Jared, you still got the vibe. I’ve always been a big fan of him. His acting performance always enchant me, like in Requiem For A Dream or Mr. Nobody (my favorite) and in Dallas Buyers Club, he didn’t disappoint me at all.

He portrayed Rayon, a drag queen who had AIDS. Have you ever imagined Jared Leto wearing dresses and stockings tighter than mine? It was hilarious! He succesfully portrayed Rayon! I think this is his finest work. He didn’t look like Jared Leto at all. His voice and his gesture are very convincing. I probably wouldn’t notice it was Jared Leto if I hadn’t read the news. He really deserves the Golden Globe! And I really wish he would get the Oscar, though. He’s such a lucky bastard… after a long hiatus now he’s nominated for Oscar.

Other than the amazing performance of Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club had an interesting story about a hustler who tried to change the world and a very tough protagonist, Ron Woodroof portrayed by Matthew McConaughey. You could see the determination of the protagonist to move the plot. I won’t say that he was lovable, he was such a jerk. You kinda hate his character but you’d just love his guts. I mean the story based on Ron Woodroof’s effort when he tried to find the right medicine for people with HIV virus and Jean-Marc Vallee’s decision going for Matthew McConaughey was right. This movie’s strenght was the actors who portrayed those characters. The casting seemed right and you just can’t doubt that.

For the story, I had a moment when I paused it because it was too slow and too boring but I kept continue because I was curious how the protagonist would solve those problems that he had. I mean it’s fine if you wanted to watch what kind of movie that deserves to nominated for Oscar. I give this movie 3.5 out of 5, though! I was amazed by Jared & Matthew’s performances and I kinda like the story too. You should watch it if you had like 2 hours of free time.

A Major Failure Of Spy-Agent Movie

As much as I love River Phoenix, to me Little Nikita was drab. The story was complicated and presented in a fucked up way. I didn’t get the suspense that the director intended to make. This movie is ugly and woeful. And what the fuck the name Nikita means anyway? It made River sounds like a drag queen.  The only thing that kept me watching is totally River Phoenix. This movie was a waste of his talent. I also think that the key selling point of this movie was River, since he was a teen heartrob and Sidney Poitier (he was famous back then, and everybody loved him).

The story? Ugh… Richard Benjamin wanted to force us to get the suspense and we just couldn’t feel it. It had every typical of a failed spy-action movie. And all the characters were dull and not really useful. The links between the characters were forced, so it seemed unnatural that those characters apparently connected to each other. The entire movie was flat. You couldn’t feel the key turning point in every act. Mr. Benjamin even gave us an unnecessary twist ending that we’ve been suspect all along. Major failure!

No, it’s not recommended although you are a drop-dead spy-agent or action movies lover. This movie only wastes your time. But if you love River Phoenix so much and probably have a strong attachment to him (like me) yeah, you should check it out, in case you miss seeing him in a wide screen. Oh god, time to give my verdict, huh? I guess, 1 out of 5. Well okay, 1.5 out of 5 because I appreciate River's hardwork and I'm being kind because this movie had River Phoenix.

one more thing, River said hello...

Damnit, he's hot! (not using past tense because he still lives in my heart -> total drama queen)

Blue Jasmine

Blue Jasmine might have an ordinary story. I mean, everyone could come up with that idea (I’m sorry Woody Allen) but what makes this movie’s powerful was Cate Blanchett’s performance. Being a New York socialite who went bankrupt and really tried hard to get back on her feet was a challenge, but Cate Blanchett succeed portraying this character, Jasmine. I could really feel how she tried hardly to survive and adapt her new life in San Fransisco. Eventhought she suffered but she was still well-dressed. You know, she could be the new icon for women that we could still be cute eventhought in the inside we just want to kill ourselves because of the problems we have. It’s an ecouragement for many women out there. I adore Woody Allen though because he came up with an idea like this.

Also, you just can’t doubt Cate Blanchett’s performance. She was convincing! You could really connect with her character and it moved the story, since the story centered in her life. She deserves those Golden Globe for best actress this year, because she is! And I love how Woody Allen being Woody Allen, this movie is so typical Woody Allen. The classic opening theme and the classic music background that made you feel you were watching a classic movie in this era is priceless. Please don’t stop doing this, Woody Allen because nothing beats the classic!!

I give this movie like 3 out of 5. But for the Jasmine’s wardrobe I could give 100 out of 100. I just love it so much how well-dressed she is. She really got class!

Not So Entertaining Combination of Robot and Cop

So I went to watch The 2014 RoboCop yesterday and it was different than I expected. I mean Joel Kinnaman was hot as hell (no doubt) but I kinda expect I’d be watching a lot of action and awesome visual effect in Robocop, because I thought this was suppose to be an entertaining movie, like Marvel heroes. Well, it’s not. This movie filled with a lot of drama. I didn’t really get a lot of action moves in this movie. I thought when someone combined Robot and a cop, I would at least get a non-stop action stuffs and heroic story like superhero movies but I was wrong. I also slept like twice when I was watching this because it was super boring. The long introduction wasn’t necessary. I didn’t even get the point, I mean Jose Padhila brought me everywhere and he seemed like he was missing the point in the middle of the movie, eventhought he brought me back to the main problem again in the end but it was very disturbing and I didn't enjoy it.

So, Robocop is not recommended for you who expect some action moves and heroic storyline. It doesn’t have any of that stuff. And my verdict? Ugh, I don’t know. 2 out of 5, maybe? I appreciate the hardwork on making those robot suit and the visual effects, though. Oh, and no, don't see it in imax. Not worth it!

Broadway Idiot!

I had mixed feelings when watching Broadway Idiot. A documentary film focusing on Broadway’s American Idiot behind the play. I was really hooked form the start. I don’t know whether I love the documentary or the Broadway play, but I think this is a very powerful work. You mixed rock music and brought it to Broadway, that’s a challenge. You got a whole new different audience and it sure was thrilling. As a Broadway fan myself, I find this play is unique and honest. Eventhough, I haven’t seen the play (I will), I could have these mixed feelings when watching this documentary because it showed a little bit sneak peek about the play. It’s either you want to cry so badly because it’s too awesome or you get lots of goosebumps because you just want to see it live!

Other than that, you could see the true Billie Joe Armstrong through this documentary, well a little bit. He’s a genius. I don’t know how he could come up with those lyrics that both are mean and cynical but also freaking poetic. He told us a little bit about himself in this movie, you just won’t believe that he could have such passion into Broadway which usually full of fairy-tale and tragedy theme. I’d prefer to think that was an anomaly.

Through this documentary we could watch the process of the play like when the director developed the story from a song, the making of the characters, arranged some music that has to be “more Broadway, but not too Broadway”.  You’re gonna adore all of those people behind the play, they are genius. Also the actors and actresses in this play were wonderful. This movie exposes the greatness of the play, and makes you want to book the next flight to New York City, hang around Theatre district and just wait until they have an opening night again. That’s how badly you want to watch the play after seeing this documentary.

I'd give this movie 3.5 out of 5. The movie itself was fine, well a little bit mediocre. But, it was the play that makes it powerful! *certified Broadway geek*