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Reviews
Snakes on a Plane (2006)
SoaP is definitely a B movie but highly exceeding most of other movies in the same league
Snakes on a plane? I bet it must be a very frightening flight. And hilarious too! That's what I felt after watching the much talking prior-release Snakes On A Plane (SoaP). The movie indeed a fun roller-coaster that worth watching at the cinema near you.
Sean Jones (Nathan Phillips) is a reluctant witness for a crime of killing by a mafia boss, Eddie Kim (Byron Lawson). Since Eddie Kim is tremendous vicious-man, so Sean's life is in danger. Thus come the FBI Special Agent, Neville Flyn (Samuel L. Jackson) to protect him during a flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles where the court will be held. Little do they know, Eddi has set up a bunch of dangerous snakes on the plane. Afterwards, terror and mayhem occurs on the plane courtesy of those variety of snakes.
SoaP is definitely a B movie but highly exceeding most of other movies in the same league. It's not an inventive one, while actually it taking many elements from many similar movies such as, monster movie, horror movie, action movie and disaster movie. If you had watch those kind of movies you already known what is you are going to dealing with.
The positive aspect is David R. Ellis (Final Destination 2, Cellular) is masterfully blend it with some hilarious scenes and very gripping narrative. Off course there's some hole in the plot and some implausible issues too. This is thoroughly not a perfect movie, but David R. Ellis endeavor to bring equity to his audiences with delivers solid entertainment.
SoaP is not a bad movie that makes you blunt. It's kind of movie that bad that is actually you have to love it. SoaP is a brisk movie which is highly enjoyable, especially if you watch it a movie theater with some friends and popcorn. Yes, this is a kind of movie that you have to go to the cinema to experience it. And believe me the experience will be immensely fun!
Sin-de-rel-la (2006)
Cinderella is more melodramatic rather than a shock horror
After watching 'Cinderella', I feel very deceiving, where this is more melodramatic rather than a shock horror. Yes, there's some appearances of a-long-haired-ghost, but the whole issue monopolizes the screen is the drama about a mother-daughter's relationship that is very resemblance of Hideo Nakata's Dark Water.
Hyoon-su (Sin Se-kyeong) is raised by her single mother, a renowned plastic surgeon. She's living a very happy life, since her mother is caring her lovingly. But her life get a darker tone since one of her friend who's done a plastic surgery are found dead. Things get worse since she find a secret basement and her dark past is revealed. since then, her close relationship with her mother will never be the same.
The direction from Bong Man-dae has some subtle moments and it has some generic horror atmosphere. The act is never perfectly fits, since this is a horror movie. Peoples are privilege to act surreal. The movie it self somewhat never fail to delivers the drama since horror it self is minor content of the movie.
'Cinderella' has a unique issue, dealing with women and their obsession of beauty. The depiction of human selfishness is quite profound. Alas it never has a clear resolution through the ending, while it clear that the horror gimmick is use only for scare tactic. The real transcendence of 'Cinderella' is the turmoil between mother-daughter. I think 'Cinderella are try it best to portray how a human to gain happiness could victimized other people. It rather moving as drama, but not satisfying enough to-be a good horror movie.
Arang (2006)
Arang try it best being different, alas still fence in the very same old formula
Based on Korean folk tales, Arang is the latest variation in the tradition of long-haired-ghost that long plaguing Korean movies. Add some detective routine, Arang try it best being different, alas still fence in the very same old formula.
A veteran female detective with troubled past, So-young (Song Yoon-ah, Face), is investigating a series of homicide case. Assisted by a rookie cop, Hyun-gi (Lee Dong-wook), they try their best to reveal the killer. Soon they found that every victim is received email from the same sender before they died. They track the email from a website called 'Min-jung's Salt Storehouse'. As the plot progress and some appearing of a Kayako clone, the truth comes as over-the-top as a sappy Korean melodrama.
Yes, the director Ahn Sang-hoon, try to differ his works from the others Korean Horror with an attempt with a-whodunit-mystery. But, he seems neglecting to throw out the elements that now being the very lame formula for Asian horror. So, even the investigation routine somewhat interesting, the keep appearing of the ghost is irritating. He should try with more original effort or stick to the tale instead, rather than make Arang into another trashy horror movie.
I would not say Arang doesn't entertaining, because it does. But, it's not enough to be a fine watch, because it somewhat fail for satisfying either horror or thriller. If only it restraint to one objective and had more proper set-up and decent ending, I believe Arang will delivers.
Seuseung-ui eunhye (2006)
The genuine story does never exist while some genuine scares are building well enough
Korean horror movies are taking break from haunting-spirit-possessed-unanimated-object or long-haired-ghost. Instead, in To Sir, With Love (TSWL), director I'm Dae-wuong is revisited the 80's slasher intact with the very formula. Throw in some contemporary Korean thrill and drama, TSWL is surely to entertain and trust me, this nothing to do with Sidney Poitier's classic.
The story revolves around some twenty something people, groups for a reunion with their former teacher in a small countryside cottage. Most of the student obviously has a serious grudge against their teacher who's now is wheel-chair bound. As the event continues, the grudge slowly unfolded, even the teacher seems doesn't remember. When the night comes, someone wearing a paper cut rabbit mask start making bloody carnage, one by one, in a grisly body count. Anyway, you know the drill! If you watch a lot of horror movies, you will easily constructing the plot and even though there are hint of Jason Voorhees-like tale, where the teacher keeps his deformed child in the basement, you still able to figure out the killer is and it's including the twist the end.
Therein lies the problem with TSWL. The genuine story does never exist while some genuine scares are building well enough. Yes, the positive aspects are TSWL succeed in build the tension with some interesting set-ups. The gore it self is nicely done. Somehow we expect it just could be much better. The last Korean slasher I watched is 'Bloody Beach', which is fairly good. But it years ago. Now, comes the match, TSWL.
Despite the flaws, TSWL is definitely worth to watch, especially if you fans of Korean Horror. After some tired Sadako's clone invading the Korean cinema-scene, it's time for something new.
Apateu (2006)
Full with routines that this genre be familiar with.
Ahn Byeong-ki, the person who's brought us Nightmare, Phone and Bunshinsaba, is back in 2006 with A.P.T. Based on a comic by Gangfull, Mr. Ahn's A.P.T. is still rely on his previous effort and trick.
Sejin (Ko So-young) is a new tenant in an old apartment in a Seoul suburb. She befriend with a wheel-chair bound girl, Yu-yeon (Jang Hee-jin), an orphan who's take care by neighborhood volunteers. Sejin has a unique hobby, observing the apartment units on the other side. One day, she notice something, these apartments are turn off their light at the very same time, exactly on 9:56 PM. Next thing happen is someone is found dead. This thing keeps happening and Sejin start to suspect something weird is occurring. And then she' decide to start an investigation.
It seems Mr. Ahn still believe with the power of the long-haired-ghost, while nowadays it's kind of tired. We need a breath of new tale into the horror genre, especially the Asian Horror. But by watching this movie, I think Mr. Ahn is not that kind of innovative person. The movie is also full with routines that this genre be familiar with. Nothing new here. The good point is A.P.T. is more enjoyable than Bunshinsaba or even Phone. But due the release time, it's not appealing anymore.
It says that Ko So-young is a 4 year absent before return to movie scene with A.P.T. Alas, she more like a clone of Ha Ji-won (Nightmare, Phone) rather than a solid performance, while the débutant Jang Hee-jin, who's stunningly beautiful, is also act well.
So if you still fond by this kind of movie, A.P.T. could still amuse. But if you need something new or different, you better skip this.
The Jacket (2005)
A Fine Psychological Thriller With a Macabre Revelation in a Good Sense
Jack Stark (Adrien Brody) is a war veteran and on a journey to his hometown when he's been accused killed a police officer. Due his condition, the court decides to send him over an asylum rather than a prison. In the asylum, he must wear a strap and put in a body drawer, courtesy the program of Dr. Thomas Becker (Kris Kristofferson). Suddenly the scene jump into a view years later and he meet with Jackie (Kierra Nightley), the girl he ever helped before. The surprise is it happened in 1992 and when Jackie is only a little girl. From her he find that he already dead in 1993. So, what is really happened to Jack and how come he enduring this unpleasant situation?
Considering the plot, The Jacket is more a fine psychological thriller with a macabre revelation in a good sense. But sadly, it doesn't have a better attention than it should be. I must blame the promotional team of this movie when they decide to promote it as another brainless horror movie when it don't even close as one. Yes, it has thrills, suspense and mystery but it's actually really a dark and moody drama with some bleak or intense moments.
Whether it's good or bad is depend on different perspective of different people. The plot is quite simple actually, but John Maybury, the director, chooses not to do so in the execution. At first, I thought it going to be a puzzle-like plot, but I was wrong where it just run in a parallel pattern. The jump scenes are easy to follow so we can grips to the narration.
In the acting department, every cast plays their role decently. Adrien Brody is quite repetitive from his latest role but Kierra Nightley who's shining through. I never really thought that she could manage a good American accent.
The only minor problem here are some characters appears just as device for the plot not because they wholly integrated to the plot. So, whenever the script needs them, they appear. The plot is also fall in many implausible scenes. Nevertheless, The Jacket actually fairly good to delivers it purpose. Just don't expect it as a horror movie, because it will ruin your expectation and than this movie will goes flat.
Severance (2006)
Hillariously Entertaining
A small group of a high-profile international arms dealer's employees, led by their employer, takes a retreat to Eastern Europe Mountain as a reward for their hard work. But, when seemingly idyllic vacation turn into nightmare, they must rely on their very own survival instinct, before it's too late, because the deadly perpetrator have an ultimately goal, ensuring that no one gets out alive!
Severance absolutely no the best horror movie ever, but it has it own glorifying moments. The plot is basically slasher routine, where most of the characters are device for some gore scenes. During the finale, the plot changing into an action mode, make it like different movies merge altogether. Despite of those, Christopher Smith as the director has smart directional venture; atmospheric, stylistic visual, and many terrifying moments. Some scenes are hilarious, loosing up the tension a little bit. The gore itself is never a hard-core like that Eli Roth's movie Hostel (2005), but quite gruesome and disturbing. One thing for sure, Hostel and Severance are reference to not to go to the Eastern Europe, unless you want to meet your vicious end courtesy of maniacal killers. But, off course the veracity of it still under questioning.
Above all, in my opinion, Severance shares the same irony with Lord of War (2005), starred Nicholas Cage. This group of arm dealer is selling arms without really aware the nature of the arms it self, which is very lethal and dangerous and takes the consequences; die by the arms that they are selling. By this I think severance is never being a schlock movie. Severance is a horror movie bright by its moments and delivers enough chills, while morality is absorbing. Worth to watch!
Monster Man (2003)
Intense and Effective.
In the veins of Jeepers Creepers and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Monster Man surprisingly well-made--though mindless--little horror. Throw in a little buddy-comedy, nice gore and intense scare. It's hard no to say that Monster Man is really entertaining. The low budget seem pretty obvious, but it doesn't effected the presentation of the movie in general and put more big budget horror movies in shame.
Yes, the plot somewhat generic as possible. Pair of friend, Adam (Eric Jungman)and Harley (Justin Urich) are driving cross country to interrupt the wedding of a woman Adam has always loved. While Adam is more nerdy type, Harley is a self-proclaimed ladies man and very offensive loudmouth. Adding a bonus to the plot, then they picked up a sexy hitchhiker, Sarah (Aimee Brooks). Things turn into nightmare when a monster truck with scary face drive stalking them. When dead body starts counting, they must do the race against the time before their own life on risk.
The plot is obviously reminiscent of many prior famous horror movies, but Michael Davis as the writer and director succeed in keeping the tension. The scare is build well enough, where characterization is never be the best, but fairly okay. The script also littered with comedies that works for the funny moments and they quite enjoyable rather than annoying and also wait for the twist in the finale. It's hilarious and shocking in the same time, which is pretty amusing.
As conclusion, Monster Man surprisingly entertaining. It deserves more attention in the big screen. It proves that big budget doesn't make an effective horror movie, but skill does! Something that the director has shown and delivers.
I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006)
A recycle, yet still fun!
As the third series of Urban Legend, Urban Legend: Bloody Mary (2005), the latest installment of I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997), I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer, is a straight goes direct-to-video. Somewhat a poignant state, when the origins are considers as classic for the fans, as long as they predecessor, Scream (1996), back into the 90's.
Now in the early 21st century, most horror movies from USA are remake, whether from the classics or the J-Horror. Yet they are gory or atmospheric, but nothing is really original or breakthrough. So, I guess when the old player like these series need a breath of life, they must goes back to a home video.
I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (ILAKWYDLS) is a throwback to it origins. Plot is recycled. Images are re-used. No wonder it doesn't have a theatrical release. Surprisingly, not like the Urban Legend: Bloody Mary, ILAKWYDLS still delivers some chills and thrills that amusing to watch. Just not raise your expectation from this little movie, and you will get entertains.
ILAKWYDLS is telling story a bout a prank of a small group of teens that goes wrong and kept it as secret. A year later they start receiving menacing note that said know what they did last summer. Things are getting worse when a hook wielding fisherman start to make a killing spree. That's it. That's the bottom line. Nothing's new. But the direction from Sylvain White is thriving to keep the suspense and make us contemplated the plot and try to guessing who the real killer is. Yes, we know the formula and by adding the element from the original is making us wonder, whether this movie are connected to its priors or not. Alas, during the finale, the story goes unbelievable and running wild like it's merged from different movie altogether.
Acting is never expected the best from a movie of this genre, and ILAKWYDLS is no exception. But, at least they are not totally annoying that we wish the killer to kill them all. We still could relate to the characters even them somewhat unrealistic. It's also kind of nice when Brooke Nevin, who's played the main character Amber, is very resemblance to Sarah Michelle Gellar.
In the horror segment, there's also some nice gore, if you like it. The killing's scenes are some kind brief but are quite effective and the F/X is moderately good. As conclusion, ILAKWYDLS is not really a bad piece of work. It's surprisingly pretty good as a direct-to-video and could be much better with bigger budget and should get more attentions if get any theatrical release.
Silent Hill (2006)
Disturbing yet Beautiful
In his 'Silent Hil's review, Rober Ebert said "Perhaps those who have played the game will understand the movie, and enjoy it". Well, I never played the game and I understand the movie and I totally enjoy it. Frankly, Silent Hill is one of the finest horror movie that I ever watched recently! Silent Hill is based on a video game and thankfully Uwie Boll doesn't put his hand on this.
Sharon Da Silva (Jodelle Ferland) is suffering from night-walker and kept saying 'Silent Hill' in her dream. Despite the hesitation of her husband, Chris (Sean Bean), Sharon's mother, Rose (Radha Mitchell) take her to the site. Now deserted, Silent Hill is a ghastly looking town and full with secrets that Rose must reveal if she want to save her life and her daughter life.
Silent Hill is about mystery and maintain it with full of disturbing yet terrific visuals and scares. The mystery is so captivating and never let our attention wander around. Silent Hill also barely rely on just scare tactics. In my humble opinion, the horrors are not so scary, but Mr. Gans succeed to keep us as the audience to seat still. Yes, the story somewhat surreal and have some holes, but is hard for any horror movies without holes. And the holes this movie contains is not in the annoying rate, but still tolerable.
This is the third movie of Christophe Gans, after The Crying Freeman and Brotherhood of the Wolf. Once again he shows his ability in images and scenery, which is beautiful as visuals. He also could keep the atmospheric elements from the games and that I might say is also borrowing from the J-Horror style. I do not complaining about it since the result is good.
The acting is always could dependable form the cast, since Radha Mitchell, Sean Bean and Deborah Kara Unger is amongst of the finest actors that I ever know. They bring a solid performance that delivers the tension that the movie need.
As conclusion, Silent Hill is a first rate horror movie and must watch for the genre's fans or the video-gamers that love the game.
Eating Out (2004)
'And everybody happy'
Eating Out is a gay-themed romantic comedy, so the situation is about a man loving another man. But actually, it tells more than that.
Caleb (Scott Lunsford) is a straight man whose lives with his gay friend, Kyle (Jim Verraros)in a pure friend relation. Marc (Ryan Carnes) is a hunky gay lives with his best friend Gwen (Emily Brooke Hands). Caleb have a major crush with Gwen, but since Gwen only fond with gay guy, so Kyle set Caleb as a newly gay and it emerges a sudden attraction for both Gwen and Marc. So it begin a game with hearts and sexual orientation.
On paper, Eating Out looks a delight fun, well it is actually, but this movie really like a shoddy entertainment than a solid one. The plot's line and all the characters are so unbelievable that's so hard to be plausible. For example, it could be easy to Caleb to act straight but he never does. Some characters also suffers form lack of decent personality. Gwen for instance. I can't believe that Calev could fall for her, while in the real life that is almost impossible to love with a sassy girl like Gwen. She is so horrid and scream a lot that annoying much. Gwen is one of the horrid female characters that appears in this little movie, while all the male actors are eye candy.
Despite the plot and characters that are made in therapy, Eating Out is rather a fine entertainer because we could laugh occasionally. It has a happy ending and happy tone that guarantee that everybody's happy.
Red Eye (2005)
An edge-of-your-seat fun thriller
Surprise, surprise! Without a lot of news, suddenly Wes Craven attends to return in 2005 by 'Red Eye', after the less succeeds, 'Cursed' (2005).
Red Eye is a term to a late transportation journey, and this late night air transport is which must be conducted by Lisa Reisert (Rachel McAdams). Lisa is very afraid of flown with the plane, but the natural terror she's going to deal with is nothing to do with turbulence, but her seat mate, Jackson Ripner (Cillian Murphy). In the beginning, Jack come up as a charming man, but brief moment after the plane take of, the real agenda from Jack revealed, and now Lisa is a captive in the height of 30.000 feet while her father's life (Brian Cox) at risk. What is really motive of Jackson Ripner? The film started by showing how efficient is Lisa as a hotel manager; her relation with her father. Later her rendezvous with Jackson presented sweetly ala romantic comedy. But, the atmosphere of the film then turn into more psychological thriller by the moment of Lisa becomes the hostage of Jackson. In the airplane, which is not so big, Lisa play the game of cat-and-mouse along with Jackson? Its thrill attends with the high intensity, and making audiences sit to grasp. Hereinafter, when the airplane landed, the amount of tension switch into the a-guy-with-a-big-knife-chasing-you-thriller ala Wes Craven. In this point, the film changes again become a well-packed action-thriller.
The master returns to instruct a film thriller, but this time he is like to challenging his self to make the thriller in different type. 'Red Eye' is a cat-and-mouse-thriller with the strong psychological element. The scenes tend to more emphasized at situations with the claustrophobic sets and not on eeriness by bloods. Kudos to Mr. Craven, because succeeding to develop an interesting film. Wes Craven aptly known the fact of the thriller's genre he selected. Even when he change the style, like more psychological 'Red Eye', compared to more bloodier 'Scream' or ' Nightmare on Elm Street', he remain to able to gratify its audience. 'Cursed' possible a failure, but Wes Craven do not prolonging let the failure in its resume.
Rachel Mcadams and Cillian Murphy show the capacities which almost perfect and indication if them are starlets future. Rachel Mcadams progressively shine after 'The Notebook' and 'Mean Girl', meanwhile this is a second antagonist role from Cillian Murphy after 'Batman Begins', following becoming an impressive protagonist in '28 Days Later'. The chemical between both of them is so thick, that sometime we hope they play at in just romantic film. But, they are good so that we yield upon their dynamic game of act.
One thing that bothering me is the scenes in the airplane take place untimely, so that conflict that happened seen less is circumstantial. But, out side of that of 'Red Eye' is a made better, solid, gripping and definitively very amusing thriller without making audience feel like the fool, and that is vital!
Dead Birds (2004)
A scary movie with gripping narrative.
A group of confederate outlaws spend their night in a remote and deserted plantation house. As the night older, they start to find the terrifying secret that haunts the house and the wrath trapped alongside it. And this begin the nightmare that occurs to the group of the outlaws.
Being a period horror film is a plus point for Dead Birds because is not common these days to some directors to set their movie is period times. The civil war it self is more enough to be scary and that are benefit for Alex Turner, the director, to spine some chills in this feature.
I'm glad recently independent horror movies have tendency to shows a strong performance, when the bib-budget flick that somehow lose the spirit of the horror it self.
Dead Birds sure is a rare in the genre that try to become a griping horror movie that wasn't imply just on scare tactic. The atmosphere is build enough to scare have some jump-on-your-seat moments. All of these are works fairly well, especially in the first half, but somehow in the second half the plot is getting unclear and the movie became unbelievable. Afterwards, in the end, it return in the good sense.
To sum it up, Dead Birds is still delivers some good scare, and despite the flaw is worth watching.
Janji Joni (2005)
A cool comedy with an intention to entertains
What Joni could promise? An amusing entertainment or be a know-it-all adviser. As a tangible, Joni refer the first. Frankly, in it moral, Joni barely offers solid story's essence but as an amusing entertainment, luckily Joni kept his promise well.
Joni (Nicholas Saputra) is a professional film's roll deliver which is keen with his job. He's so determined in his job and make a pact to him self to make the delivery always on time. One day, his pact is on a test, when he promise to a beautiful movie viewer (Mariana Renata) to keep the accuracy of the delivery's time. And he do it just to know the woman's name. He has a strong will to keep his promise, despite he knows that woman has a high temper boyfriend (Surya Saputra). However, don't know why, suddenly everything goes wrong for him that day and seemly reverse against him. There's so many events that he must endured just to fulfill his promise! Despite the incoherent plot logic, Janji Joni appears with a good sense in quality and making. The vintage impression is well done with colors choosing and setting. Animation and narration in the beginning of the film is also put a plus point to this movie and just make it more unique and differs form other feature available in Indonesia. Kudos to Joko Anwar as the director. Eeventhough this is his pictorial debut, but he's seemingly really know what he wants, with the result that a good movie to watch.
This movie is also appears without almost no score because as the musical background it only performs the songs from it soundtrack album, which is featuring the Indonesian independent bands. This is new and quite a brave decision, but actually has a sufficient relevancy as the scores, even sometimes unmatched with the scene.
Nicholas Saputra is try to come out form his typical role and he adequately succeed with performing a comical act. Mariana Renata is absolutely gorgeous, but definitely need an intensive acting course. The rest of the casts, such us Rachel Maryam, Sudjiwo Tejo, Gito Rollies, Ria Irawan and appearance of many cameos is putting more luster in this feature. The shocking value in this movie is definitely the reappearance of the senior action star, Barry Prima and he willing to make a different role from his accustomed to act. What a comeback! Janji Joni obviously an interesting movie. Stand as an instant classic and genially entertainer. This feature won't be a boring moment, even we watching it again and again. Highly recommended!
Cursed (2005)
Better watch the Unrated Version
I always admiring for any Wes Craven movies because I found that he's very talented in making a horror movies. I came with a big expectation with Cursed, because of Wes and Kevin Williamson. The duo had a dynamic job when doing Scream, which is one of my favorite movies. Sadly, even though it fairly enjoyable, but absolutely lack of the spirit of the duo.
Cursed just a plain and simple movie with no logic whatsoever. I think Wes and Kevin could easyly replace by anybody, because this movie is so lack what fans expect from them. Well, actually a PG-13 horror movies ussualy are not so good and it proved it! Luckyly, the unrated version is out and it got more blood and gore, reminiscent Wes Craven classic. So, I just recommended you to watch the unrated version instead. It got a lot of fun!
The Forgotten (2004)
Entertaining, but a little bit silly
Telly Pareta (Julianne Moore) is suffering for a lost of her son which is she believe died in a plane crash. One day, suddenly all evidence of the existence of her son is vanishing. So Telly is goes for investigation, just to clear her conscience or she will think she is crazy.
The Forgotten is an entertaining thriller-suspense. The plot is actually quite silly. Just watch it to believe me. Especially the alternate ending that previewed in the DVD.Ms. Moore is good as always. The rest of the cast is playing the role as it is.Its a minor point for the movie.
Despite of that, The Forgotten has an enough amount of chill and thrill that could make us jump of our seat. The plot is making us to keep our interest in to the finale, even, like I said, the silly ending.
Mambo Italiano (2003)
nice flick
Mambo Italiano somewhat reminiscent of Ang Lee's The Wedding Banquet, where Chinesse community is replace with Italian community. But, actually Mambo Italiano has somewhat different perspective on the issue that matter.
Of course, this little flick can't compare to the Ang Lee fine film. But, Mambo Italiano has it own merit. There's a sufficient amount of comedic sequences, the drama's tension is fair and the homosexuality doesn't vulgarly shows.
Mambo Italiano is a fun drama/comedy to watch. The cast is great, the plot is not stereotypical. I mean, this is really fresh piece of film. watch it by your self. It's fun.
Hide and Seek (2005)
Fine little thriller and it's scary
Hide and Seek is came from the hand of the man whose directed Swimfan. Considering as a little thriller, Hide and Seek is a rare gem. Cast is dynamic, such as Robert DeNiro, Dakota Fanning, Famke Janssen and Elisabeth Shue. Every cast is playing their role respectively, especially Ms. Fanning, what a scary little girl. Meanwhile, Mr. DeNiro a bit stereotypical, but fine.
The plot can be so deceiving, is it a supernatural event occurs or what? Well, without spoiling the plot, it more like The Sixth Sense meet The Shining, but in a good cause. The atmosphere is well build. The tension is medium to high.
As a underrated flick, Hide and Seek is a fun ride. Watch it, and you won't disappointing.
Kung fu (2004)
One of Stephen's must-see
It's been a fun to watch how Stephen Chow evolved from a great comedian into a great director. After directing the impressive "Shaolin Soccer", Mr. CHow even shows more talent with his latest, "Kungfu Hustle".
After the great success of Shaolin Soccer, Mr. Chow realized that he has capability to make more international film. So he must take a three years to complete his latest flick. Still in a very way of Mr. Chow's style, but in more retro touch. This movie is more like a homage to the Kungfu movies from Shaw Bros era, and the taste is good. With breathtaking dueling scenes and surprising plot twist. The plot is quite simple actually but surpassing as a lame flick.
If you have a mood to watch kungfu movie, watch this flick. If you want to watch a decent comedy, watch this also. If you a die hard fans of Stephen Chow, so this is a must see. Guarantee to entertains.
8/10
Titik Hitam (2002)
Wrong in treatment
Titik Hitam (Black Spot) has an interesting premise in the paper. Reality check, this is one of boring movies that I ever watch in the big screen. I supposed, if you want to made a proper movie you must make the audiences glued to the screen because the movie should bring something spectacular or not something that they only can tolerate if they watching it on TV.
The treatment for Titik Hitam is more like TV Movie rather than a big screen. The directing, the scenes, camera used (digital video) etc. are more like sinetron (tv serial) and it prolonging by the ill-fitting plot. It's not scary as horror and not moving as a drama.
If only Sentot Sahid as the director make this just a plain entertainer, no doubt Titik Hitam will be a good flick. But by this treatment, Titik Hitam is neither a good drama nor horror. Had potential but waste it.
4/10
House of the Dead (2003)
AVOID and I mean it!
I usually recommended some movies even they're bad because it genuinely entertaining. But not with this case. This movie is so odd, neither a good action nor horror. I think this is a worse representation video game into a movie ever. Even Street Fighter and Mortal Combat is knock outed!
House of Dead suffering from a lot of plot holes, inconsistencies and bad acting. The direction is making it worse, when it lamely try to be hip by copycat other movies. He should be ban from any film making. Even the more amateurish director can make more proper film.
This movie is definitely a major joke. If you want to watch stalk movie watch Wrong Turn, if you want to watch zombie movie watch Dawn of the Dead and if you want to satisfy by big explode and kick-ass action watch The Matrix instead, because this wannabe is seriously sucks!
1/10 (and I'm being generous)
PS: Return of my money!
Scarecrow Gone Wild (2004)
ridiculous
I supposed 'Scarecrow Gone Wild' is a dull slasher flick. Yes, it have some good point, but it's a rehash from another flick. The acts is so awful nor the plot.
The story goes from a legend about a living scarecrow on the cornfield. When an initiation become a prank and cause the life a boy in jeopardy, the scarecrow comes alive and start a killing frenzy. Sound familiar, right? It's derived from Scream, Friday the13th, Jeepeer Creepers, Children of the Corn, you name it!
'Scarecrow Gone Wild' is so below average film. Barely have a scary moment. Even the final scene is laughable! Sadly, we still could enjoy it as our time killer. But I prefer you to watch something else instead. Unless you're a big fan bad and cheesy movies, off course.
4/10
Detour (2003)
Enjoyable little slasher.
After the tired self-mocking slasher that came around 90's, Hollywood seem back to it basic (in horror movie genre). From major to independent are making a rendezvous' to those yesteryears now. Luckily, most of them are good enough, such us Jeepers Creepers, Wrong Turn, Cabin Fever and many more.
In independent-straight-to-video side, there's Detour, a little slasher that reminiscent of Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Hill Have Eyes. It clear that the budget is very low, but doesn't mean Detour is a low package. It's totally an enjoyable thrill-ride, from start to the very end. The gore is sufficient and the comedic situation is fun. And you can't believe whose going to survive toward the end; the characters that usually will never survive in this kind of movies.
Yes, it cliché, and some scenes are dull, but it really your time-killer. Watch this when you are have nothing to do, ask some friends to join you and you all will have a very good time.
7/10
Cabin Fever (2002)
Scary, but not everyone cup of coffee
As we already known, Cabin Fever supposed to be a homage to 70/80's horror classic, so the atmosphere and style are very reminiscent of those. Watching Cabin Fever is as watching those prior flicks with a bit millennium touch. The result is a scary and intense gore-fest.
Cabin Fever told us about a bunch kids spend their weekend in a cabin deep in the wood. Little do they know, a deadly virus spread over the wood. When they realize that their life in danger, it's too late for them! The act for survive can be deadly it self.
There's a lot horror movies lately, but most of them could easily watch with our own entire family (they aren't scary). In this case, I think the director is well managed the tension and did a good amount between scary and funny moments. Despite the cliché character and plot (it's the homage, right?), this is a good movie, even I can say that it is a restless movie. I must warn those whose have weak-hearted, this is not your cup of coffee and avoid it like the virus it self, before you burst your intestines out.
If you miss those American Horror Movies that ever glory in the yesteryears, you should watch this. But if you dislike the sickening scenes and gore, avoid this!
7/10
Long Time Dead (2002)
Bad, but still an alternative for your choice...
British horror movies are rare (at least in my country) and a precious moment when we have one to watch. Sadly, Long Time Dead are more American than British. Very inspired by Scream, Wishmaster and Final Destination. If you ever watch those movies, you will know what you are gonna deal with.
Yes, there's some scare but mostly are not. The plot are so plain and so the actors portraying the characters. The characters it self is negative and you almost hoping that the Djin will kill them all.
Alas, Long Time Dead is still entertaining, even in a low level. Even though it's not frightening much, but you still can be amusing with your friend, because this is still can be an alternative for your choice when you go to your local rental store.
5/10