Andrew's Film Review

The Host

2006-09-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

Comming soon

Lemming

2006-09-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

Comming Soon

Snakes On A Plane

2006-08-27T06:07:00.000-07:00

If you ask me I think the success of this film is in the title! It is a silly title I know but it got people talking and that is the best kind of publicity any film can have. I am sure this will be a huge hit.

I am drawn to the title and was talking to my good mate DA the other day about it and we both agreed that this will be a fun film to watch and we were not disappointed.

Snakes On A Plane directed by David R. Ellis starring Samuel L. Jackson the only A lister on this film (the rest are either C or even D list actors) I am a little surprised he actually would consider and star in this film. This is the kind of film that will go either way, without the completely silly title I think this film will go straight into video release.

You will be also surprise to know that there is actually a plot in this film something I was not expecting. To cut the long story short a bunch of people were on board a red eye flight from Hawaii to LA. Little do they know that on board were also thousands of venomous snakes all thirsty for blood. You can more or less figure out the rest of the film.

A bad but highly entertaining film best seen with your crazy over the top best buddy. Remember to stay for the closing credit where you will be treated to the tacky and corny MTV by a made up band Cobra Starship.

3 stars out of 5

Hard Candy

2006-08-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

Hard Candy is a slang on the internet for an underage girls.

Knowing that you can roughly figure out what this film is all about . I have to be careful here and not revealed too much about the plot and twist in this film.

This amazing film is directed by David Slade and stars Ellen Page and Patrick Wilson. The film explores the danger of internet dating and pedophilia. By looking at the movie poster you might be mistaken it for a modern day spoof of The Little Red Riding Hood

My advise to you if you are thinking about watching this film - Do not read any reviews ( If you are reading this, you might be reading too much already) you will enjoy it more if you know nothing about the film and let it speaks for itself.

I love this film, it may not be everybody's cup of tea (2 walked out of the cinema) as it is not a "easy" film to watch.

Terrific performance by the 2 leads and a special mentioned to Patrick Wilson he is truly one talented actor we don't see enough of.

This is a relatively low budget production and I read that it was shot in 18 days! I love the colour use in the film. The colours changes in every shot, I thought that was really clever. I also like the opening credits, this is a very well thought of film production wise.

Sandra Oh of the Grey Anatomy's fame made a brief appearance.

I noticed a goof! It was not real ice in the ice pack as there were no condensation, if real ice were used the whole area would have been wet and dripping with water.

Go see the film I think you will enjoy it as much as I did. You just need to be patient and a strong stomach especially if you are a guy.

4 stars out of 5

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

2006-08-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

It is almost impossible to not like this film. It has everything, Johnny Depp in drag, Orlando Bloom picture perfect in every shot and Keira Knightley trying her very best to hold her own with her 2 very well established male leads. If you enjoyed part 1 you will most likely enjoy Dead Man's Chest.

This time around I thought the plot was a little more complicated. As the title suggest it is all about the Dead Man's Chest, in it instead of gold/treasure contains the heart of Davy Jones. Captain Sparrow played by Johnny Depp wants it really badly and so does the villain of the film. Correct me if I am wrong but aren't pirates supposed to be ruthless villains that are only interested in gold and other valuable treasure? I never really got it why he needed the heart? Is it because he was infected and need to destroy it before he becomes one of those half human and sea creatures? And what up with the dice game? Anyone know?

Complicated plot aside this is a highly enjoyable film. I was watching with my sister and cousin and the latter did not see part 1 and she came out of the cinema proclaiming she now want to watch part 1. Johnny Depp also had a lot to do with the success of the film, he have a very strange effect on woman the more eccentric he gets the ladies seem to like him even more my 2 lovely movie date included. I think they both will sell off their off spring to have a date with him. Ha Ha

The film ended with a cliff hanger! Captain Sparrow been eaten by a giant Sotong and it is up to the rest of the crew to rescue him with the help of a character from the first installment. Pirates of the Caribbean part 3 will be out in 2007.

Once again Singapore got mentioned, In the scene where Will played by Orlando Bloom is on Tortuga asking for Jack Sparrow, someone replies to Will, "I think he went to Singapore." Singapore wasn't established until 1819. I wonder if we will be mentioned again in part 3.

Good film but please pay attention to the plot and if you got it please let me know. 3 stars out of 5.

Lady In The Water

2006-07-31T10:26:00.000-07:00

I first saw this poster in JB some months ago and it got me rather excited and could not wait to see it.

This will be a very bias review of the film because I am a fan of Night Shyamalan . I loved The Sixth Sense and The Village and I am killing myself for missing Signs and Unbreakable.

The film is base on a fairy tale he wrote for his children. I am not too sure how old his children were when he wrote it, I sure hope they were not young toddlers or they might be traumatized for the rest of their life.

As mentioned this is base on a fairy tale and he meant it literally. The whole tale was acted out in great details. The story teller of the film came in the form of an old Korean woman (she no speak English) translated by her crazy and wild daughter played by Cindy Cheung (some says she stole the show)

A strange lady by the name of Story played by Bryce Dallas Howard came from the water world or the blue world to rescue the "future" of mankind by inspiring a young writer played unconvincingly by the director himself Night Shyamalan to write a book that will in turn inspire a young boy from the future generation. This boy will be propelled from his writings to do good in this world and stop all violent and ugliness.

No fairy tale is complete without monsters and ugly beasts and to keep the lady in the water safe, ordinary people who possessed unknown special powers came to the rescue.

I like the film, because it is written for children there was a certain innocence about it. If you are expecting a twist in the end you will be disappointed.

I say Yes go see Lady In The Water, it will rekindle the child in you and be ready to take a roller coaster ride in the mythical and magical world

4 stars out of 5

The Da Vinci Code

2006-05-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

Before I get into how bad this film is, let me tell me you why (in monterary term) I think this film made it from a best selling novel to film.

1) The Da Vinci Code a book by Dan Brown sold over 60 million copies so far (am sure a few millions will fly off the shelf after the release of this film)
2) Let's just assumed that only 10% book reader forked out S$9.50 to watch this film
3) 10% of 60 million is 6 million
4) 6000000 X S$9.50 = S$57 million in box office takings
5) With all the publicity and hype, I am sure 60-80% of Dan Brown's and Tom Hank's fans will watch this film.
6) So 60% of 60 million is 36 million
7) 36000000 X S$9.50 = S$342 million in box office takings
8) We are not not even going to talk about the franchise and the DVD release!

So what if they had to pay Tom Hank $20 million for the film? This is a sure fire hit! I am sure the producers are counting all their dollar bills as we speak!

I am one of the 60 million people who bought and loved the book. I was sad when I reached the end of the book. I liked it so much I went out and bought all his other titles Demons and Angels, Digital Forest and Deception Point. I am very sure they will be adapted to films for the same reason why the Da Vinci Code was made.

This film opened the Cannes film festival and it is reported that Wong Kar Wai one of the jury walked out of the film half way heading straight to the bar. I did not walked out of the theatre but I sure wished I had a gin and tonic with me, I might enjoyed it more if intoxicated.

Directed by Ron Howard starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tatu (both totally miscasted) and with an A list supporting cast who were equally boring, good actors but all failed to shine in this film.

I thought the film was way too mechanical, it was like sitting through an university lecture on Piroy of Sion and the holy Grail and add in the bad acting from the A list casts you have yourself a film that is a strong contender for this year *Razzie award for the worst film of the year.

Ron Howard managed to sieve out all the interesting bits of the book out of the film. Takes talent if you ask me.

My recommendation is to take your S$9.50 and head straight to Far East Plaza and rent/buy the book from one of the the 2nd book stores there. The book is far more entertaining and unlike the film will not leave you with a sour after taste. After getting the book you can head straight to 4th floor and have the yummy chicken rice.

* "The Razzie Awards," saluting the worst that Hollywood has to offer each year.

1.5 stars out of 5

Poseidon

2006-05-10T23:55:00.000-07:00

This is a remake of the old classic The Poseidon Adventure (1972) I seen the original and I thought it was fabulous and was expecting to see an updated and polished version of it. Poseidon directed by Wolfgang Petersen who gave us the other water disaster movie The Perfect Storm in 2000. I have this thing about films set in water thus I am all ready to sit back and enjoy this film.

This is a big US summer huge blockbuster release and I was expecting to see out of this world and state of the art visuals and special effects but instead I was treated to effects that will not look out of place in any B rate film. The opening scene which shows the exterior of the ship looked completely fake! I am not an expert but I am quite sure it is either super imposed on to a blue screen or a bad computer generated image. The interior of the ship was not any better. It was very clear that it was shot in a studio that was made to look like a cruise liner. When the storm hit and the boat capsized it did not affect me in anyway because I know it is all fake. Even the drowning scene looked totally unrealistic! I even spotted a few dummy "humans" being swept away by the water (yes was that bad) and the end scene it looked like they filmed in a huge giant bath tub, very laughable.

The actors casted were rather B rated too, well there is Richard Dreyfuss who used to be an A lister but lately also lost his spark. Kurt Russell a guy who is more known as Goldie Hawn's not married husband than anything else lead the cast. This is not the type of film one can show off their acting skills but having said that they all did an ok job. Wolfgang Petersen keep the pace rather high and there were a few "feet up your seat" moments but in general this film been let down by the bad production. It is still worth the movie ticket but don't expect to be "blown" away by it. 2 stars out of 5.

Mission Impossible 3

2006-05-03T21:20:00.000-07:00

This is another offering from Tom Cruise I say that because he not only starred but produced the film and he is not letting the audience forget that fact because he is in almost every frame of the movie. This is a movie that needs no introduction. Having said that M:I: will not be the same without Tom Cruise. I thinks he will have 2 more M:I in him before he gets too old to play special agent Ethan Hunt. I can just hear my sister saying in about 5-6 years time "what?? 50 years old still playing the hero, cannot make it"

This is directed by J.J. Abrams the guy that gave us the fabulous series Lost and Alias on TV. Apparently Tom Cruise saw the latter on DVD and he was so impressed that he ask him on board to direct this non stop action thriller. I think this is his first time directing a movie, am sure it will not be his last either.

I have enjoyed all M.I series so far and this one is equally good. I hate to admit this but I actually quite like Tom Cruise not so much now as he is just completely loco these days with this whole scientology thingy and how his poor wife Katie have to give birth with no drugs and in total silence, I think that is just completely mad and is losing his marbles!

The plot is sort of believable and the timing and pace of the film is perfect! Tom Cruise returns as agent Ethan Hunt about to get married to the love of life but the question is, can he marry a commoner in his line of job? Is he putting the love of her life in danger?

Another notable actress is Maggie Q a Pan Asian beauty from Hong Kong. She plays Zhen one of the talented side kicks helping Tom Cruise to accomplish his mission. She is just completely glamorous perfect figure and face! 10 out of 10. With this exposure I am sure her career sky rocked! There is just one word to describe her red gown and diamond strap shoes she wore in the film-Stunning! At age 27 she might just be the next Maggie Cheung

Philip Seymour Hoffman fresh from his best actor win in the Oscar this year plays the villain. He is just fabulous, completely under use in the film (guess Mr Tom Cruise did not want any one to out shine him) but he made every scene he is in counts, he is so evil at times it is hard to watch!

This is a highly charged and entertaining film, I am usually not really into the big Hollywood fair but have to rate this 3.5 stars out of 5.

Go watch it.

16 Blocks

2006-04-27T10:14:00.001-07:00

16 Blocks a film by Richard Donner starring one of my favorite actor Bruce Willis. I have been a fan since his Moonlighting days with Cybill Shepherd.

I had a hard time convincing my sister and cousin to watch this film. My sister said "What you want me to go see an old man fighting? Cannot make it! No old man please" her sentiments was shared by my cousin who had a bad day at work and was looking for a light hearted comedy but we all agreed that Aqua Marine as too fluffy of a movie to watch even if it is after a bad work day. So in the void of other watchable films I engineered them towards 16 Blocks. They are such easy targets! Ha Ha

Bruce Willis plays a down and out cop in New York city, once a great member of the New York Police Department (NYPD) now reduced to being a watch dog and errand boy to the department. His life made a drastic turn when he was given an assignment to ferry Mos Def a small time crook- his task is to ferry him 16 blocks from the police department to the court house, sound simple enough right? To complicate matter further, Mos Def is an eye witness to a crime that will bring down 6 elite policemen if he made it to the court house to testify. To make sure that Mos Def don't get to the court house that day, New York finest policemen lead by one of the best "villain" actors around David Morse They were given orders to stop Mos Def at all cost!

As usual Bruce Willis save the day in a day(the the only way he know how) There is an interesting twist in the end so you just have to stick with it. This film is not without its flaws,

1) Bruce Willis's unrealistic hair piece
2) Mos Def's nasal whining voice,
3) NYPD seem to have license to kill, randomly shooting on streets and apartment blocks
4) The unbelievable Hollywood plot

It is not perfect but it was highly entertaining. I give it 1 star for the plot and story line, 2 stars for Bruce Willis, -1 star for Mos Def annoying voice, and 1 extra bonus star for making my cousin and sister cry (priceless). Total 3 stars out of 5.

Invisible Waves

2006-04-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

Invisible Waves the latest offering from Thai director Pen-Ek Ratanaruang In 2003 he gave us the quirky Last Life in the Universe also starring Japanese's actor Tadanobu Asano

I am not too sure if I was really tired that day or this film bored me to slumber land! I actually fell asleep half way thru hence missing about 10 minutes of the film.

I think I can sum up the plot in 1 sentence.
Asano is a man who is on the run after having an affair and killing his boss's wife, by boat he slowly sail to Phuket to start a new life as a chief.

During his journey and in Phuket he met a series of strange characters that were totally un related to the plot. (If there were any connection between them than I really had lost the plot) The one I thought was really weird was the ship bartender who was punishing himself by working on the ship because he had been a bad boy when he was younger? He reckon by doing something he don't enjoy and had to serve people his sins will be washed away.... I told you it is strange

As mentioned I fell asleep and that is definitely not a good sign. Tadanobu Asano putted up a good performance and I thought was perfectly casted (not too sure about his long hair) but he alone cannot save this film. Watch out for special guest stars Eric Tsang and Maria Cordero

1 star out of 5

Showing at The Picturehouse.

Fischer Und Eeine Frau, Der

2006-04-23T08:54:00.000-07:00

Questions: What happens when you have an union of an ambitious young woman Ida, who dreams about building a fashion empire and Otto the carefree vet who just want to live and enjoy life basking in the fountain of love?

Answer: A sweet and almost innocent film The Fisherman And His Wife

As you can tell from the title, this is a German film directed by Doris Dorrie starring Alexander Maria Laura as the Ida and Christian Ulmen as Otto, inspired by the fairy tale by the Grimm Brothers

I just read the tale and it is quite good

The Fisherman and His Wife
by the Grimm Brothers

There was once upon a time a fisherman who lived with his wife in a pig-stye close by the sea, and every day he went out fishing. And he fished, and he fished. And once he was sitting with his rod, looking at the clear water, and he sat and he sat. Then his line suddenly went down, far down below, and when he drew it up again, he brought out a large flounder.
Then the flounder said to him, "Hark, you fisherman, I pray you, let me live, I am no flounder really, but an enchanted prince. What good will it do you to kill me. I should not be good to eat, put me in the water again, and let me go."

"Come," said the fisherman, "there is no need for so many words about it - a fish that can talk I should certainly let go, anyhow."

And with that he put him back again into the clear water, and the flounder went to the bottom, leaving a long streak of blood behind him. Then the fisherman got up and went home to his wife in the pig-stye.

"Husband," said the woman, "have you caught nothing to-day."

"No," said the man, "I did catch a flounder, who said he was an enchanted prince, so I let him go again."

"Did you not wish for anything first?" said the woman.

"No," said the man, "what should I wish for?"

"Ah," said the woman, "it is surely hard to have to live always in this pig-stye which stinks and is so disgusting. You might have wished for a little hut for us. Go back and call him. Tell him we want to have a little hut, he will certainly give us that."

"Ah," said the man, "why should I go there again?"

"Why?" said the woman, "you did catch him, and you let him go again. He is sure to do it. Go at once."

The man still did not quite like to go, but did not like to oppose his wife either, and went to the sea. When he got there the sea was all green and yellow, and no longer so smooth, so he stood still and said,

"Flounder, flounder in the sea,Come, I pray thee, here to me.For my wife, good ilsabil,Wills not as I'd have her will."

Then the flounder came swimming to him and said,

"Well what does she want, then."

"Ah," said the man, "I did catch you, and my wife says I really ought to have wished for something. She does not like to live in a pig-stye any longer. She would like to have a hut."

"Go, then," said the flounder, "she has it already."

When the man went home, his wife was no longer in the stye, but instead of it there stood a hut, and she was sitting on a bench before the door. Then she took him by the hand and said to him,

"Just come inside. Look, now isn't this a great deal better?"

So they went in, and there was a small porch, and a pretty little parlor and bedroom, and a kitchen and pantry, with the best of furniture, and fitted up with the most beautiful things made of tin and brass, whatsoever was wanted. And behind the hut there was a small yard, with hens and ducks, and a little garden with flowers and fruit.

"Look," said the wife, "is not that nice?"

"Yes," said the husband, "and so it shall remain - now we will live quite contented."

"We will think about that," said the wife. With that they ate something and went to bed.
Everything went well for a week or a fortnight, and then the woman said,

"Hark you, husband, this hut is far too small for us, and the garden and yard are little. The flounder might just as well have given us a larger house. I should like to live in a great stone castle. Go to the flounder, and tell him to give us a castle."

"Ah, wife," said the man, "the hut is quite good enough. Why would we live in a castle?"

"What?" said the woman. "Just go there, the flounder can always do that."

"No, wife," said the man, "the flounder has just given us the hut, I do not like to go back so soon, it might make him angry."

"Go," said the woman, "he can do it quite easily, and will be glad to do it. Just you go to him."

The man's heart grew heavy, and he would not go. He said to himself, it is not right, and yet he went. And when he came to the sea the water was quite purple and dark-blue, and grey and thick, and no longer so green and yellow, but it was still quiet. And he stood there and said,

"Flounder, flounder in the sea,Come, I pray thee, here to me.For my wife, good ilsabil,Wills not as I'd have her will."

"Well, what does she want, now?" said the flounder.

"Alas, said the man, half scared, "she wants to live in a great stone castle."

"Go to it, then, she is standing before the door," said the flounder.

Then the man went away, intending to go home, but when he got there, he found a great stone palace, and his wife was just standing on the steps going in, and she took him by the hand and said,

"Come in."

So he went in with her, and in the castle was a great hall paved with marble, and many servants, who flung wide the doors. And the walls were all bright with beautiful hangings, and in the rooms were chairs and tables of pure gold, and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and all the rooms and bedrooms had carpets, and food and wine of the very best were standing on all the tables, so that they nearly broke down beneath it. Behind the house, too, there was a great court-yard, with stables for horses and cows, and the very best of carriages. There was a magnificent large garden, too, with the most beautiful flowers and fruit-trees, and a park quite half a mile long, in which were stags, deer, and hares, and everything that could be desired.

"Come," said the woman, "isn't that beautiful?"

"Yes, indeed," said the man, "now let it be, and we will live in this beautiful castle and be content."

"We will consider about that," said the woman, "and sleep upon it." Thereupon they went to bed.

Next morning the wife awoke first, and it was just daybreak, and from her bed she saw the beautiful country lying before her. Her husband was still stretching himself, so she poked him in the side with her elbow, and said,

"Get up, husband, and just peep out of the window. Look you, couldn't we be the king over all that land. Go to the flounder, we will be the king."

"Ah, wife," said the man, "why should we be king? I do not want to be king."

"Well," said the wife, "if you won't be king, I will. Go to the flounder, for I will be king."

"Ah, wife," said the man, "why do you want to be king? I do not like to say that to him."

"Why not?" said the woman. "Go to him this instant. I must be king."

So the man went, and was quite unhappy because his wife wished to be king. It is not right, it is not right, thought he. He did not wish to go, but yet he went. And when he came to the sea, it was quite dark-grey, and the water heaved up from below, and smelt putrid. Then he went and stood by it, and said,

"Flounder, flounder in the sea,Come, I pray thee, here to me.For my wife, good ilsabil,Wills not as I'd have her will."

"Well, what does she want, now?" said the flounder.

"Alas, said the man, she wants to be king."

"Go to her. She is king already."

So the man went, and when he came to the palace, the castle had become much larger, and had a great tower and magnificent ornaments, and the sentinel was standing before the door, and there were numbers of soldiers with kettle-drums and trumpets. And when he went inside the house, everything was of real marble and gold, with velvet covers and great golden tassels. Then the doors of the hall were opened, and there was the court in all its splendor, and his wife was sitting on a high throne of gold and diamonds, with a great crown of gold on her head, and a sceptre of pure gold and jewels in her hand, and on both sides of her stood her maids-in-waiting in a row, each of them always one head shorter than the last.
Then he went and stood before her, and said,

"Ah, wife, and now you are king."

"Yes," said the woman, "now I am king."

So he stood and looked at her, and when he had looked at her thus for some time, he said, "And now that you are king, let all else be, now we will wish for nothing more."

"No, husband," said the woman, quite anxiously, "I find time passes very heavily, I can bear it no longer. Go to the flounder - I am king, but I must be emperor, too."

"Oh, wife, why do you wish to be emperor?"

"Husband," said she, "go to the flounder. I will be emperor."

"Alas, wife," said the man, "he cannot make you emperor. I may not say that to the fish. There is only one emperor in the land. An emperor the flounder cannot make you. I assure you he cannot."

"What?" said the woman, "I am the king, and you are nothing but my husband. Will you go this moment? Go at once. If he can make a king he can make an emperor. I will be emperor. Go instantly."

So he was forced to go. As the man went, however, he was troubled in mind, and thought to himself, it will not end well. It will not end well. Emperor is too shameless. The flounder will at last be tired out. With that he reached the sea, and the sea was quite black and thick, and began to boil up from below, so that it threw up bubbles, and such a sharp wind blew over it that it curdled, and the man was afraid. Then he went and stood by it, and said,

"Flounder, flounder in the sea,Come, I pray thee, here to me.For my wife, good ilsabil,Wills not as I'd have her will."

"Well, what does she want, now?" said the flounder.

"Alas, flounder," said he, "my wife wants to be emperor."

"Go to her," said the flounder. "She is emperor already."

So the man went, and when he got there the whole palace was made of polished marble with alabaster figures and golden ornaments, and soldiers were marching before the door blowing trumpets, and beating cymbals and drums. And in the house, barons, and counts, and dukes were going about as servants. Then they opened the doors to him, which were of pure gold. And when he entered, there sat his wife on a throne, which was made of one piece of gold, and was quite two miles high. And she wore a great golden crown that was three yards high, and set with diamonds and carbuncles, and in one hand she had the sceptre, and in the other the imperial orb. And on both sides of her stood the yeomen of the guard in two rows, each being smaller than the one before him, from the biggest giant, who was two miles high, to the very smallest dwarf, just as big as my little finger. And before it stood a number of princes and dukes.
Then the man went and stood among them, and said,

"Wife, are you emperor now."

"Yes," said she, now I am emperor.

Then he stood and looked at her well, and when he had looked at her thus for some time, he said,

"Ah, wife, be content, now that you are emperor."

"Husband," said she, "why are you standing there? Now, I am emperor, but I will be pope too.

Go to the flounder."

"Oh, wife, said the man, what will you not wish for?

You cannot be pope. There is but one in Christendom. He cannot make you pope."

"Husband, said she, I will be pope. Go immediately, I must be pope this very day."

"No, wife," said the man, "I do not like to say that to him. That would not do, it is too much. The flounder can't make you pope."

"Husband," said she, "what nonsense! If he can make an emperor he can make a pope. Go to him directly. I am emperor, and you are nothing but my husband.

Will you go at once."
Then he was afraid and went, but he was quite faint, and shivered and shook, and his knees and legs trembled. And a high wind blew over the land, and the clouds flew, and towards evening all grew dark, and the leaves fell from the trees, and the water rose and roared as if it were boiling, and splashed upon the shore. And in the distance he saw ships which were firing guns in their sore need, pitching and tossing on the waves. And yet in the midst of the sky there was still a small patch of blue, though on every side it was as red as in a heavy storm. So, full of despair, he went and stood in much fear and said,

"Flounder, flounder in the sea,Come, I pray thee, here to me.For my wife, good ilsabil,Wills not as I'd have her will."

"Well, what does she want, now?" said the flounder.

"Alas," said the man, "she wants to be pope."

"Go to her then," said the flounder, "she is pope already."

So he went, and when he got there, he saw what seemed to be a large church surrounded by palaces. He pushed his way through the crowd. Inside, however, everything was lighted up with thousands and thousands of candles, and his wife was clad in gold, and she was sitting on a much higher throne, and had three great golden crowns on, and round about her there was much ecclesiastical splendor. And on both sides of her was a row of candles the largest of which was as tall as the very tallest tower, down to the very smallest kitchen candle, and all the emperors and kings were on their knees before her, kissing her shoe. Wife, said the man, and looked attentively at her, are you now pope. Yes, said she, I am pope. So he stood and looked at her, and it was just as if he was looking at the bright sun.
When he had stood looking at her thus for a short time, he said,

"Ah, wife, if you are pope, do let well alone."

But she looked as stiff as a post, and did not move or show any signs of life.
Then said he,

"Wife, now that you are pope, be satisfied, you cannot become anything greater now."

"I will consider about that," said the woman. Thereupon they both went to bed, but she was not satisfied, and greediness let her have no sleep, for she was continually thinking what there was left for her to be. The man slept well and soundly, for he had run about a great deal during the day. But the woman could not fall asleep at all, and flung herself from one side to the other the whole night through, thinking always what more was left for her to be, but unable to call to mind anything else. At length the sun began to rise, and when the woman saw the red of dawn, she sat up in bed and looked at it. And when, through the window, she saw the sun thus rising, she said,

"Cannot I, too, order the sun and moon to rise?"

"Husband," she said, poking him in the ribs with her elbows, "wake up. Go to the flounder, for I wish to be even as God is."

The man was still half asleep, but he was so horrified that he fell out of bed. He thought he must have heard amiss, and rubbed his eyes, and said,

"Wife, what are you saying?"

"Husband," said she, "if I can't order the sun and moon to rise, and have to look on and see the sun and moon rising, I can't bear it. I shall not know what it is to have another happy hour, unless I can make them rise myself."

Then she looked at him so terribly that a shudder ran over him, and said,

"Go at once. I wish to be like unto God."

"Alas, wife," said the man, falling on his knees before her, "the flounder cannot do that. He can make an emperor and a pope. I beseech you, go on as you are, and be pope."

Then she fell into a rage, and her hair flew wildly about her head, she tore open her bodice, kicked him with her foot, and screamed,

"I can't stand it, I can't stand it any longer. Will you go this instant.?"

Then he put on his trousers and ran away like a madman. But outside a great storm was raging, and blowing so hard that he could scarcely keep his feet. Houses and trees toppled over, the mountains trembled, rocks rolled into the sea, the sky was pitch black, and it thundered and lightened, and the sea came in with black waves as high as church-towers and mountains, and all with crests of white foam at the top. Then he cried, but could not hear his own words,

"Flounder, flounder in the sea,Come, I pray thee, here to me.For my wife, good ilsabil,Wills not as I'd have her will."

"Well, what does she want, now?" said the flounder.

"Alas," said he, "she wants to be like unto God."

"Go to her, and you will find her back again in the pig-stye."

And there they are still living to this day.

Ida met Otts in Japan, when they first met they were poor and still trying to make it in the world. They fell in love and immediately a quirky marriage in a Shino temple follows. The film explores how marriages have a "3 year grace" period. After the honeymood problems and arguments will start to sink into the marriage and in the extreme case will most likely end up in a divorce. Especially in this marriage where Ida the go-getter is sick and tired of his carefree non ambitious husband who really just want to live in a trailer for the rest of his life with the woman he loves.

Can love conquer all?

Do we need fame, power and money to lead a happy life?

Leaving the cinema one cannot help but pause for a moment and take stock of one's life! Are we leading it the way that we want to? I like films that makes me think, thus this film will get a 3 stars out of 5.

50 Ways Of Saying Fabulous

2006-04-22T06:35:00.000-07:00

50 Ways Of Saying Fabulous a sweet film directed by Stewart Main.

When I say sweet I meant it in every sense of the word, most of the "sweetness" were dished out by the very young and fabulous cast.

The main character is a 12 year old boy named Roy played by Jay Collins a kid growing up in what seem to be in the middle of nowhere, a desert in outbacks of New Zealand. His best friend is his tomboy cousin Lou played by Harriet Beattie together they spend hours munching on popcorn and watch B rate sci fi film on TV and going to their secret hideout where they will talk about their inner most feelings up some rocks on a stony mountain.

(Do look out for the fabulous opening sequence)

Roy wants to be a girl and fantasise about having a pony tail and that wish was granted by Lou who one day gave him detachable blond pony tail something he wore it religiously to school and play everyday. Lou on the other hand is a true blue tomboy that binds her small young developing breast so that she could play football with the boys.

The film takes a rather freaky turn when Billy played by Andrew Patterson another 12 year old old moved into town. He is the school freak because he has a very soft and a very grown up sounding voice and he hates football. He gives me the chills each time he open his mouth, Billy immediately falls in "love" with Roy and very innocently they would meet in some small abandon hut and masturbate.

Than came Jamie played by Michael Dorman, a farm boy hired by Roy's father to help out in the farm. Being the town red blooded hunk, everyone wanted a piece of him including Lou and Roy. Jamie's arrival completely changes the lives of everyone especially Billy's.

A beautiful film, I especially like all the night scene where the sky are illuminated by the stars.

2.5 stars out of 5. Light entertainment with a few good laughs.

C.R.A.Z.Y

2006-04-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

C.R.A.Z.Y is a French Canadian film directed by Jean Marc Vallee. The film centered around a family of 5 boys. You can call it the trial and tribulation of bring up children in a small town state.

You be asking why is the film called C.R.A.Z.Y than? Well the film does clue you in at the end, but I am going to give you a hint

As I mentioned this film centered around the Beaulieu family and their 5 sons.

Christian Beaulieu
Raymond Beaulieu
Antonie Beaulieu
Zachary Beaulieu
Yvan Beaulieu

Christian is the nerd of the family that reads anything that he can get his hands on be it ketchup bottles over dinner or cereal box over breakfast. He grew up to be a responsible adult married a nice blond girl and lived happily ever after.

Raymond is the oldest in the family. He the rebel of the family. He is useless in school and always causing problem, he later became a drug addict and a drunk. He is what we will call the black sheep in the family.

Antoine is the jock in the family. He is active and into sport.

Zachary is the sensitive one in the family, he is very much into music and idolise David Bowie, he is also not too sure about his sexuality much to the dismay of his very macho father. Zachary's mother insist that he is special and gifted as he have the power to heal just by thinking about a suffering person. A skill he is not too sure he possess but he went along with it to please her doting mother.

Yvan is the youngest son.

Zhachary is the main focus in this film. How he struggled with his sexuality and how his father cannot accept the fact that one of his son could be or might be gay and to complicate matter even more they are all brought up in a very strict catholic family and attending mass especially Christmas mass is almost as religious as the religion itself.

Music are heavily featured in the movie, Patsy Cline, David Bowie just to name a few. I am sure they had to pay a lot of money just to get all the rights to the songs. This film also got me listening to Patsy Cline she is actually quite good, accidentally the song Crazy is also the favorite song of the father played by Michel Cote. (got the hint yet?)

I did not like this film very much because it was just too bloody long! All 127 minutes of it and it is not engaging me enough thus the film felt like a drag! I remember thinking to myself "is this film ever going to end?" and when that happens you know the film is somehow flawed.

2 stars out of 5, watchable but you will not be blown away by it.

Nordkraft-Angels In Fast Motion

2006-04-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

I don't speak Danish but I am sure Nordkraft does not translate to Angels in Fast Motion, if it does I will really be surprise. This is a modern drug film set in Denmark, directed by Ole Christian Madsen

According to my trusty 19th Singapore International Film Festival program booklet this is the Asian Premiere. Meaning I am one of the few people in Asia who have seen it! Way cool!

I don't know why but I do like film that deals with drugs. I am not a user myself but I do get the kick out of seeing others getting high and at times get rather turned on by how glamorous and shiok it is. Than again when they show the dark side of drug abuse I am always double glad that I don't have a compulsive and addictive personality.

This film is about 3 characters, first stop we have Maria played by Signe Egholm Olsen a pot head who drug traffic for her equally pot out boyfriend Asger played by Thomas L Corneliussen. Maria being her early 20s wants more out of life and suffers from low self esteem and she see no future with Asger and at the same time feels trapped.

Steso played by Thure Lindhardt is a junkie in the true sense of the word. He will snort, inject, swallow or insert anything into his body as long as it is an illegal substance. He is also totally in love with his childhood sweetheart Tilde played by Pernille Vallentin Brandt. When the latter dumps him to get out of the whole drug scene, Steso could not accept it and went on yet another drug binge. When he realized that he could not live without Tilde, he decided that he will do anything even quit drugs just to have her back.

Allan played by Claus Riis Ostergaard, a recovering junkie who got disfigured in a ship accident. He tried his best to get a normal life, got an apartment, a job and even a girlfriend. His "normal" lifestyle of course did not last very long. His past caught up with him and he starts to abuse drugs and trafficking again.

This is an intense, realistic and unflinching tale of Maria, Allan and Steso, who are struggling for survival in urban life, about drugs. So is there life after drugs? This is certainly not a feel good movie.

It is an OK film, the film did not break any new grounds, good but rather forgettable.

There was a scene that touched me. Steso desperate for his next fix went home to his parents to ask for money. His mother seem to have losted all hope for her son but his dad still looked at him with love in his eyes. On his way out I saw a old framed picture of Steso when he was a boy all blond, cute and happy and I thought to myself how did he went from that cute little boy to the way he is today? The parents were well to do and they had a nice home so what went wrong?

The casts all gave their best in this film and it shows, especially Thure Lindhardt and Claus Riis Ostergaard, 2.5 stars out of 5.

p/s I think Danish names are so cool!

Manderlay

2006-04-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

Of all the 5 films I have seen from the film festival Manderlay by Lars Von Trier must be my favorite one of them all. This is of course a very bias opinion as I LOVE all Lars Von Trier's films thus I am already in 'love' with it even before I step foot in the cinema

If you miss this during the festival, fret not as I am sure this will be picked up for a general release as I am sure there are a lot of hard core fans of Lars Von Trier like me here in Singapore.

Manderlay the second film in Lars Von Trier's third trilogy series entitled "USA - Land of Opportunities". The first being Dogville with Nicole Kidman and the 3rd installment Washington which will be released in 2007. I am still kicking myself for missing Dogville must go make an effort to buy the DVD.

Nicole Kidman, who played Grace in Dogvile was intended to star in this film and the third trilogy installment, but pulled out of the project due to conflicting schedules. Might as well as I really cannot picture her in Manderlay, she is just too Hollywood.

Let me start with the set (and I use the term set loosely) The film was filmed in an open bare studio with minimal pros. All the houses have no roof, walls or doors, just a wooden frame to roughly indicate a house and pictures of bushes drawn on the floor to indicate forest. When they walked thru doors, it was all implied and aided by sound effects. It is almost like watching a low budget play on a big screen. I love the concept and I think Lars Von Trier is a genius.

The subject matter was a little heavy on the political side. It is set in 1930s, Grace played by Bryce Dallas Howard (I have never seen or heard of her before) chanced upon a place called Manderlay (hence the title of the film) and she was shocked to learn that slavery still exist and she was determined to do her bit to liberate the slaves, so she decided to stay behind much to the dismay of her gangster father played by William Dafoe

The film explore the aftermath, what happens when you free the slave, are they able to fend for themselves? Will they be exploited again? Will there be a new regulator? Someone to maintain law and order? Grace did her mighty best to introduce new laws, taught them about democracy, equal rights and the capitalist system which she was so accustomed to. She was confident that her system would work in Manderlay and she will be thanked for all her effort.

Questions that ran thru my head when I saw the film.
1) Maybe the slaves were perfectly happy as salves?
2) Who gave Grace the right to stick her nose in to free the slaves?
3) Maybe the slaves don't want to be liberated
4) And if you go come in and liberate the slaves and introduce a new system, who will stay behind and pick up the pieces and regulate the country?
5) By taking over Manderlay in a way also made her the new dictator, Grace might have good intentions but it is still very "dictatorial" no matter how you look at it.

If anything else I think this film is a clever reference to the US policy in Iraq right now. The US invaded Iraq in the name of liberation but now ended up being a 'dictator' of another form.

This is the reason why I think this film is totally fabulous and I am so glad I caught it. But be warned this film will not please the masses, if you have never seen any Lars Von Trier's film before you might need some getting used to and I don't think this is a good film to start either. But if you are in the mood for something different and thought provoking than this is a must see. I am already waiting with bated breath for the 3rd installment.

4 stars out of 5, I would have awarded it a full 5 stars if Jean Marc Barr my all time favorite actor had bigger role.

Naboer - Next Door

2006-04-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

Naboer also know as Next Door a Norwegian film I caught off the 19th Singapore Film Festival. This is the reason why I enjoy the festival because you get to see hidden gems like this film. Directed by Pal Sletaune and he gave us a very Alfred Hitchcock inspired film.

This thriller stars Kristoffer Joner who plays John. His girlfriend just dumped him for another man in what seems like a bitter and unpleasant break up (than again are there pleasant break up?) on the surface things seems to be all right, he got on with life and went to work the next day as per normal, all hell broke loose when he met this 2 strange and mysterious woman living next door to him.

He met Anne played by Cecilie A Mosli in the lift and on their way out she asked him to help her to move some furniture in her flat. There he met strange woman number 2, Kim played by Julia Schacht who was enticing and seducing him with her bewitching eyes. The plot thickens when the 2 women seems to know everything there is to know about him. They knew his girlfriend left him and also his sexual fantasy and his fetish for abusive sex, we know because there was a rather violent and disturbing sex scene (Let's just say there was a lot of blood and punching)

I don't want to give too much away but at some point you will start to wonder
1) It is all a dream?
2) Did his girlfriend really leave him?
3) Who are the 2 women living next door?
4) When did they appear? How come he had never seen them before?
5) Is he going crazy?

There was an interesting twist in the end, but the director might have left too many obvious hints along the way, I "got it" half way into the film but having said that I still think most people will be surprised at the cleverness of the film in the end.

Interesting film I like it but I don't think this film have enough appeal to get picked up for a general release here. I award it 3 stars out of 5 if you get the chance go catch it, see if you can get the twist half way thru the film.

The Producers

2006-04-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

Definition of a film/musical producer

"The chief of staff of a movie production in all matters save the creative efforts of the director, who is head of the line. A producer is responsible for raising funding, hiring key personnel, and arranging for distributors"

The definition above sort of sums up the whole film which is an remake of Mel Brooks's 1968 film of the same name.

This updated version stars Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick and the fabulous Uma Thurman. The Producers tells the story of a down on his luck producer (Nathan Lane) and his accountant (Matthew Broderick) and their get rich quick plan. Due to some clever accounting they figured that they will make more money producing a flop show rather than a successful one. With that on their mind they went on a hunt to look for the worst play, director and actors. They were determined to produce the world worst show ever, make lots of money and move to Rio and live the high life. Of course it is not to be despite all their efforts the musical turned out to be a surprise hit putting the both of them in trouble with the law.

It is a fun film I really enjoyed it. I thought it lack a certain flow but in general it was a good production. It is kind of tricky to produce a musical on film, if not done well it will be like watching a very long MTV. I love the
1) Set. They managed to capture how New York looked like in the 50s (like as if I know how New York look like in 1950)
2) Costumes (thought the showgirls pearl outfit was fabulous)
3) Singing
4) Choreography

I love most of the songs, not too sure if they edited some of the original songs out but I the ones I heard on the film they were all good. My favorite track Betrayed, I am even thinking of buying the soundtrack.

Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick both did a fabulous job as Max and Leo respectively. Guess they both got lot of practice as they were the original cast on Broadway (I think) one more show to catch if I am ever in NYC. Uma Thurman has what we Asian call a 'flower vase' role, her main task was to look pretty and stunning throughout the whole film which was not a difficult thing for her as she was stunning! She was so statuesque and have legs that goes on forever. Cannot be that easy to have Matthew Broderick who is 1 head shorter than her to play the love interest, she sure got backache from bending down every so often, so poor thing hor?

I am sure I am not the only one to 'get' the gay sub text of the film. I am talking about the gay relationship between Max and Leo if you think of it makes a lot of sense
1) They were both middle age and not married and no girlfriends to speak of
2) Leo is a Broadway producer (need I say anymore?)
3) Max is an accountant that have dreams to be a Broadway producer (need I say anymore?)
4) They both wanted to move to Rio together
5) In the end they they both ended the scene together holding hands dancing happily towards the sunset. (wink wink)

Am I reading too much into it?

Go see it! Very enjoyable and it will be a sin if you don't. 3 stars out of 5

The 19th Singapore Film Festival

2006-04-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

The 19th Singapore Film Festival is here again! This year it will run from 13-29 April.

When I was younger (late teens) this is the event I look forward to the most, I remember studying the program book really closely and will systematically marked out all the interesting movies and the ones I would like to watch.

Do check it out if you can, and support the festival. You can buy tickets and check all the movie listing here http://www.filmfest.org.sg/

I will be watching (in random order)

1) 50 ways of saying fabulous (New Zealand)
2) Angles in fast motion (Denmark)
3) Next door (Norway)
4) Crazy (Canada)
5) Manderlay (Denmark)

As you can see quite a selection there I am looking forward to watch them. There are still tickets so log on and book now.

Three Times by Hou Hsiao Hsien

2006-04-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

This is the latest offering from the great master film maker Hou Hsiao Hsien from Taiwan the same director that gave us the fabulous Flowers Of Shanghai.

The English title of this films says it all. Three Times, 3 stories set in 3 different times, 1966, 1911 and 2005.

The film stars the totally bootylicious Shu Qi and the equally handsome and sexy (he needs to work on his biceps, a little too thin) Chang Chen. Their on screen chemistry really sizzles and I can understand now why Shu Qi won the Golden Horse Award for best actress for this role, than again winning a Golden Horse Award these days is hardly anything to shout about, with all the heavy weight actresses like Maggie Cheung, Zhang Ziyi and Gong Li all venturing to greener pastures it is not that tough to win anymore.

I am not too sure if the 3 stories were supposed to inter link with each other, to me the only thing linking the 3 stories were the 2 highly watchable lead actor and actress.

The film starts with the year;

Year 1966
Shu Qi plays a pool/snooker hall girl, hired for their looks in order to attract the male customers. Chang Chen who was still enlisted in the army met Shu Qi in the hall and a romance slowly started between the two lonely souls. It was a sweet and innocent time, where couples still go on dates and wrote love letters to each other. After their first official date of midnight supper Chang Chen summoned all his courage and held Shu Qi's hand which indicate a start of a lovely and wonderful relationship.

Year 1911
(This is a silent story, the characters talks but we don't get to hear what they are saying but instead we were made to read subtitles like back in the days of old Charlie Chaplin's movies. I thought this was a very refreshing 'twist' and it was at this point I fell in love with the film)

This time around Shu Qi is a courtesan in a brothel and Chang Chen a rich client that often seeks the pleasure of Shu Qi. She was secretly hoping that Chang Chen will make a decent woman out of her by buying her off from the brothel and marry her but much to her dismay Chang Chen seem to be more interested in fighting for the freedom of the country.

Year 2005
Shu Qi plays a lesbian lounge singer who is having a secret affair behind her girlfriend's back with Chang Chen who is also cheating on his girlfriend by sleeping with Shu Qi. They communicate by text messages and computer messages with no emotions attachment whatsoever.

There you have it all 3 stories in 1 film. It shows the way love have changed throughout the years. I think the film is trying to tell us that love in the modern day is dead! We don't communicate, nor express our feelings. Sex on the first date and one night stands are the norm. Sex is free and easy and they are not bound even by gender. In short we are completely messed up.

I like the film, I think Shu Qi is the Asian answer to Angelina Jolie and Chang Chun have all the makings to be the next Tony Leong. He is definitely one actor to watch. I give this film 4 stars out of 5. Go watch it if you are in the mood for something different, now showing at The Picture House.

A Language Of Their Own

2006-04-03T00:23:00.000-07:00

I know this is a film review page, but I saw the play A Language Of Their Own last Friday at the Esplanade Theatre Studio and it totally blew my mind away for a number of reasons and felt that it deserved a mention here and I think from now on I will extend this blogs to plays, dance, musicals and etc. (There is just this much movie a boy can watch)

The playwright is Chay Yew and he has written a play set in a decade ago at the height of the HIV scare and the social prejudices that usually comes with the dreaded virus. It is about 4 gay men played by Koey Foo as Oscar, Phin Wong as Ming, Mark Waite as Robert and Peter Sau as Daniel.

I hate to say this but this is yet another 'gay drama' that deals with HIV and AIDS, I think enough is enough. If this trend continues people will start to think that all gay people are either flaming queens (Film- Priscilla The Queen of The Desert), transvestite (Film-Transamerica) and they all have HIV and they are all condemn to die.

The play is about Oscar and Ming, both gay Asian men living in America (not really sure which city) They met in a party and it was love at first sight. They fell in love and made mad passionate love on their first date and subsequently sank into a comfortable relationship. It was a picture perfect union of two people in love.

Trouble started when Oscar got infected with the virus, Ming got tested too and he came out negative. Ming did not know how to deal with a boyfriend with HIV and started to withdraw from the relationship and Oscar not wanting to 'burden' Ming with the illness thought it will be best they end their relationship. It reminds me of a song by Sting "If you love somebody set them free"

Time goes by, Ming found a new American boyfriend Robert and Oscar found Daniel (a flaming Asian 'queen' that is addicted to Ikea and home decor) On paper they both found the perfect boyfriends/life partners someone they can spend the rest of their life with but they both cannot fully commit because deep down inside they were still yearning for their first love, they never really could get each other out of their heads. I guess the first is the one that cuts the deepest and most likely to leave scars for the rest your life if not resolved.

All the characters were gay but this is not a silly fluffy 'gay play' this one deals with love and you need not be gay to understand or appreciate it. It is about love, the importance of safe sex and the pain of being away from the one that you love the most. If I have to sum this play up in 3 words it will be Yearning, Pain and Loss.

The actors really gave their best in this production, having said that I think there is a very thin line between good acting and over acting. All of them I thought did very well (I am not too sure about Peter Sau's diction and command of the English language, he came across as an Ah Beng speeka de Englishh in Geylang Road) there were times I thought they were a bit over the top in their speeches and gestures which in turn made my skin crawled. I was with SJ and he insisted that was good acting but I am still not convinced.

Things that blew (no pun intended) my mind away
1) The actors ability to cry on command on more than 1 occasion
2) The actor's dictions and their strong command of English and for not sounding like Ang Mo when they speak
3) The simplicity of the play, good acting and a script against a white super imposed backdrop
4) The Esplanade Theatre Studio, the perfect setting for a play like this, a nice small cozy theatre where mikes are not needed. (I even forgave them making us sit on highly uncomfortable stadium like benches)

This is certainly not a happy play instead very heavy and intense. I am so glad that I caught it and I am going to rate this 3.5 stars out of 5. Fine acting and a wonderful play. Go catch it if you can the play runs from March 30 to April 9 2006.

Rent

2006-03-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday on my way to the Alliance Francaise to see yet another film, I called my sister to see if she wants to join me. She was shocked that I am off to see yet another film and told me that I watched far too many movies for my own good. She suggested that I should start a movie page on the internet, a place where I can publish my thoughts. A place where thousands will log on each day to read what I have to say about films which I may or may not see. A site so popular that it is attracting the attention of advertisters and this very site will make us so much money that we both can quit our job and retire......ha ha (dream the impossible dream I say)

I did not really take her seriouly at first, brushing it off as a casual silly remark, but after some thought I had an eureka moment and said to myself 'Why Not' She might be on to something here, I love movies and like to talk about it even more! So in a way to have a movie blog actually makes sense.

So here it is my very first movie review blog and I delicate it to my sister Ms Helen N who inspired it.

I cannot think of a better film to kick start this blog than the film version of the highly sucessful musical Rent by the late Jonathan Larson. I must confess, I have a secret love affair with this musical. I first saw Rent in London in the mid 90s and it blew my mind away. Late last year it was staged here in Singapore at Kallang theatre, even though I did not care for the production I enjoyed it because it is just impossible not to, (Karen Mok totally mis cast as Mimi) and I hate to admit it but I like it even more the 2nd time around.

Tonight I watched Rent for the 3rd time, this is a film I have been dying to see, when I first read that they went into production I was delighted. It is now official Rent is now my all time favorite musical (and I have seen quite a few) and I dare say the best musical in the world!

It is a very strange feeling to watch a film where I already know all the songs and every single spoken lines. It is times like this I wished I had a power house vocals so that I could sing along with the wonderful cast. I wonder if we are ever going to have Rent-The Singalong version in the near future, I think that will be a hit.

The director Chris Columbus stayed close to the original book and the stage production only made few changes leading most of the original broadway cast of Rent which I guess is handy as each of them by now should know their respective roles inside out.

The film had me at the opening scene, the entire cast stood in front of an empty theatre belting out Season of Love and I immidately fell in love with the musical all over again! The cast were great but being typical Singaporean that I am, have to complain for the sake of complaining.

1) The cast all could sing, act and dance very well but very sayang, all in general like not very attractive (guess good looking and talented actors are hard to find)
2) Angel's Today For You Tomorrow For Me routine seem a bit messy. That poor girl was all over the place even the camera had a hard time following her.
3) Mimi's Let's Go Out Tonight' sound a little muffed and lack punch.
4) The Joanne and Maureen's 'wedding' totally unecessary (not even in the original) and to do Take Me Or Leave Me during the wedding was just plain silly. Don't people first resloved their martial problems first before they say I do?

This is truly a fabulous film, I did not want the film to end and it reduced me to tears when....(don't want to give anything away) ! I have no choice but to award this film 5 out of 5 stars. If you are just going to watch 1 musical this year this is the one to catch.

The actor that stood out is Jesse L Martin who played Tom Collins. You can really see the love he had for Angle in the film, the way his face lighted up when he looked at Angel. His loving smiles were priceless, I'll Cover You (reprise) reduced me to tears. For some very strange reason he reminded me of our Asian actor Chow Yun Fatt.