Premiere Screening of The Signal

The Signal (2014) is one of the recent Sci-fi movies that failed to keep the viewers amused. This 97 minute sci-fi thriller keeps you confused from beginning to the end. 

It is directed by William Eubank starring Laurence Fishburne, Brenton Thwaites and Olivia Cooke and was released in the United States on the 13th of June 2014. The story begins with three MIT students Nick, Johah and Haley going on a road trip, while following a hacker named NOMAD. They end up at a facility that looks like a laboratory compound that does human experiment (with white background). The rest of the movie is built on them trying to break out of that facility.

The Signal director tries to keep the plot too mysterious and too smart as the main character Nick and his friends are MIT students who runs after a powerful hacker leaving you to think that this will be hard for normal people to understand. And then the plot suddenly gets highly mysterious as no information is given on the location or the processes that have been taken place. That you can at least bear thinking the explanation will sort out all the doubts and confusion.

The viewers get more frustrated as nearing the end huge amount of information is thrown but rather than lessening the confusion it creates more questions ever. I guess the director failed to give the explanation in a artistic manner or the shocking experience that he wanted the viewers to feel.

The storyline is loosely connected and the performances of the actors are not justifying each character's personality. The romantic connection between Nick and Haley is given much importance yet they failed to prove that to the audience. Even if the girl's character is there or not it does not affect the main message the plot brings.

This movie seems spooky at times specially when Nick meets the lady stranger and what takes thereafter in the laboratory. I feel it deviates from the main story the director wants to represents because he tries to make it so mysterious in every sense. And the flashbacks from the past Nick running in the woods, happy moments with Haley, them trying to find this NOMAD hacker and the river that flows peacefully in front of him keeps the viewer so confused. I believe that certain scenes brings metaphorical perspective into a cinematic experience, but showing unrelated scenes just confuse people when taking this as a sci-fi movie.

The publicity that they yearn when the slogan saying ' Are You Agitated?' finally sounds like a bluff as nothing seems really related to the story. And similar like The Anomaly (2014), The Signal (2014) keeps reminding the viewers that its a very low budgeted movie. And not forgetting to mention that the only experienced actor in this movie is Laurence Fishburne, yet you could not expect such poor performances from him. 

Nevertheless I really do appreciate the Team KLIPS for providing me the movie premiere screening passes for The Signal (2014).

Director : William Eubank

Starring : Laurence Fishburne, Brenton Thwaites, Olivia Cooke

Running Time : 97 minutes

Rating: 4.5/10 

Premiere Location : GSC, One Utama

Premiere Screening of The Hundred Foot Journey

I have never been pleased watching a movie like The Hundred Foot Journey (2014). It's simply a dish to crave for. 

The story begins at the suburbs of India, by introducing a family that runs a small restaurant where the second son named Kadam Hassan (Manish Dayal) is taking his first steps in learning the world of taste. From the beginning it is revealed that Hassan is indeed a gifted child chef (who keeps telling that he is a cook) who found the ultimate happiness is making the gastronomical dishes. Hassan's father decides finding luck and a stable life for his family at a breathtaking village in France. The conflicts started happening between Hassan's father (only known as Papa) and Madame Mallory (Hellen Mirren) who are equally arrogant in their own ways. Hassan finds favor in Madame Mallory's eyes as she finds he is a gifted young person who needs a hand to reach the recognition he deserves in the world of culinary arts.

The Hundred Foot Journey is such a heartwarming movie which explores the depth human temperaments on compassion, arrogance, competition, respect, sympathy, pride and human understanding. It opens our eyes that regardless the culture every  one of us build our own walls so that our world seems smaller and rigid. This movie  gives a perspective that change is beautiful in a world that is so stagnant.

Madame Mallory as well as Papa both share the same principles that they cling on to dearly that anything that seem different to those principles are taken as threats. The character building of these two people are so hilarious as the rigidity of the personalities from the older generation is presented in a touching manner.

 

In contrast the blooming friendship between beautiful Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon) and Hassan shows the compassion and love they share. This irresistible Marguerite brings in the sweetness of human nature in to the movie that you will remember forever. It is a feel good movie that proves again and again a theme that is so simple and straightforward can bring so much of joy to the viewers.

And this delightful actor Manish Dayal indeed presents a remarkable delivery of the strong will young man who thrives in a world of endless competition. Manish Dayal indeed proves that he is ready for the bigger roles in the future.

 

Needless to say the performance of Helen Mirren as she could be the best person to present this aristocratic hard headed arrogant lady who sacrifices her life for the sake of culinary arts. 

Helen Mirren is no surprise for the viewers, but Om Puri (Papa) might not be so familiar to the Hollywood cinema. Nevertheless the Bollywood fans knows that Om Puri is capable of handling the hardest roles as his charisma and talent has proven that for many decades. This hysterically funny duo having the competition of their life until they find respect and mutual understanding that help them to break down the old walls to build up a beautiful friendship.

Even if you are not interested in culinary arts the scenes of exquisite dishes in this movie will tantalize your senses to give it a second thought.Combined it with the breathtaking scenery of a village in France is the luscious recipe you will experience this summer. 

 

The Hundred Foot Journey presents rather than going into competition between cultures, the combination gives a prominent result.It takes everyone to take few steps ahead from where they are born, raised and lived their entire life to see the beauty in other people's lives. Although its hard at the beginning they will have the taste of great achievements in touching each others souls. 

Have a feel good evening with the family watching this mouth watering scenes blended with heartwarming story. Guaranteed that you will have a wonderful time.

Finally I would like to thank Team KLIPS for providing me the screening passes for this remarkable movie 'The Hundred Foot Journey'.

Director : Lasse Hallström

Starring : Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayal, Charlotte Le Bon

Running Time : 155 minutes

Rating: 9.5/10 

Premiere Location : GSC, Paradigm Mall

Premiere Screening of Lucy

Lucy (2014) is undeniably one of the most awaited movies of this summer, simply because Scarlett Johansson is having the lead character and the trailer looks so ravishing making it too good to be missed. It is a French science fiction movie written and directed by Luc Besson, starring Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman and Amr Waked. It is a production of Europacorp and to be released in Malaysian cinema on the 21st of August 2014. 

The movie revolves around a character named Lucy (Scarlett Johansson), a 25 year old American girl who studies in Taipei. Her boyfriend tricks her into delivering a package (without knowing the content inside the silver briefcase) to a Korean mob leader named Mr. Jang whereby she is captured and the package of drugs is sewn inside her abdomen. The drug is introduced as CPH4, a synthetic drug that is high in value and their target is to transport it into the European market. During her captivity, one of the guards show sexual advance towards her leading into a physical fight and the guard  kicks her resulting a damage in the package in her abdomen. This releases a huge amount of CPH4 into her blood stream  making her gaining higher level of physical and mental capabilities. There are a range of abilities she gains such as telepathy, telekinetic power, resistance to physical pain, travel through time and higher level of intelligence. 

Along with her story, the movie reveals about the theoretical ideas of Professor Samuel Norman, who explains the possibilities that can be  achieved along with the increase of brain functioning. After assaulting Mr. Jang, Lucy finds that there are another three drug mules who carries this synthetic drug within themselves and starts following them. Lucy reveals about her capabilities to Professor Norman as she believes he can help her to overcome the destructive side-effects of the CPH4. She finds her way to Paris in search of the drug mules, where she encounter the meeting with the local police officer Pierre Del Rio (Amr Waked) who ends up helping her get through her way with the mob gangs. Professor Norman convinces her to share her knowledge with the world as he explains that the most important thing in human life is to pass the knowledge. Ending shows that she reaches the fullest (100%) brain capacity before an attack on her, and she disappears into space time continuum telling that everything is connected via time and existence can only be explained through time. 

Obviously Lucy (2014) takes a different theme altogether as it explores the possibilities a human could reach if they use the fullest brain capacity. The transformation of the naive girl into the human bomb is taken place along with the explanations that Professor Norman delivers so that the viewers get a complete idea on whats been taken place. But it does harm in a way because the movie almost started sound like a documentary. As expected Lucy (2014) keeps you entertained as anything in Morgan Freeman voice sounds authentic and believable as well as the ever gorgeous Scarlett Johansson has a very rare tendency to disappoint us. In giving those two talented actors these main roles the director has taken a wise decision.

 

While the story unfold, the famous neuroscientist Professor Norman, keeps representing his theoretical ideas of the increase in brain capacity along with the abilities a person gains so that Lucy's physical and mental abilities are been revealed to the viewers. Professor Norman's audience asks various questions related to the topic making the viewers more opened to the subject at hand. 

I like the plot, specially given that it is a science fiction. Hence the character building seems rather distant from each other raising many doubts. The police officer, Captain Pierre's character also is a notable one, although until the end scene what he does is following Lucy around. And again who wants to use their own authority in front of Lucy the supreme human being! 

Luc Besson has given the name Lucy for his protagonist by the influence of the famous fossilized skeleton Lucy. So it seems he is celebrating the evolution of the human kind in a  story that is based on a ultimate level of human intelligence.

But he fails to understand viewers point specially when he created a scene of Lucy killing a patient on the operation theater to do a surgery on herself. Because soon after the killing everything is back to normal that no one seems to be bothered about the killing which leaves viewers wondering other possibilities. 

The cinematography on this movie is rather interesting. Luc Besson uses many metaphors to show emotions through scenes such as stalking cheetah after an antelope to show nearing danger towards Lucy. May be he was trying to show that we all share the same instincts though they differ as species. I liked it because the topic not only should celebrate the human evolution alone, but to give a message that every living being is connected. 

Another thing to be noted here is that almost all the dialogues are by Lucy and Professor Normn, and very less amount of talking is done by the others. The mob leader apparently has no lines in English to say, leaving us thinking it is so fake specially as he is a businessman who does so much of foreign dealing. 

And one thing the director forgot to justify why the mob or the mob leader has no clue about the synthetic drug (he only knows its highly valuable) they plan to sell, not in the streets of Taipei but the entire market in Europe. Because of a small amount could give such power to an ordinary man, why wasn't it been used by the gang to increase their own powers.

Although it is a proven fact that Morgan and Johansson both are having unique and interesting voices, there should have been much consideration on the involvement of the other minor characters. Because it is almost sound like a two people narration at times.

Even the police officer itself has not given much dialogues, which I find as a drawback because there should have been authentic representation of the people involved in the story itself. And certain powers that she gains such as controlling of telephone and television from a distance and controlling the growth of her physical organs is not explained.  The viewers feel bombarded with lots of information but cannot digest all very fast as the theoretical explanation seems far behind.

If you ask me whether it is worth watching it, I can easily say 'yes'. The movie's interesting theme keeps you exploring on the information that is presented, and perceive the endless possibilities that are there for us yet to be opened. 

Head towards the cinema even if you are not a science fiction lover. It will give you a interesting subject area to dwell within on your free time while enjoying the Scarlett Johansson's company.  

Finally a great big thank you note to Nuffnang, for their gracious help in providing the premiere screening tickets. 

Director : Luc Besson 

Starring : Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, Amr Waked

Running Time : 89 minutes

Rating: 7/10 

Premiere Location : GSC, 1 Utama

Premiere Screening of The Expendables 3

Those who have watched The Expendables 1 and 2 got the good news earlier this year that its 3rd movie will be releasing during summer 2014. Directed by Patrick Hughes and starring Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Antonio Banderas, Jet Li, Wesley Snipes, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terry Crews, Randy Couture and Dolph Lundgren, obviously they look like teaming up like never before.

The Expendables 3 brings in new young faces into the picture. This union of both old and young generation actors will not disappoint you if you are looking for some action pack entertainment this weekend. But comparing to the other movies in this summer, Expendables 3 will not make a strong standout. Indeed this movie will give you some dramatic and compelling scenes with many familiar senior faces, but will not be exciting as expected.

The story begins with the Barney and the crew fighting a train full of soldiers to save Doctor Death (Wesley Snipes) who in prison for assassination. Doctor Death is introduced as a co-founder of Expendables team way back and as the most  skillful man in using knives (which obviously Lee Christmas is not in favor). Following their rescue mission they are on their way to stop a top drug and arms dealer, only to find that the man they search is another co-founder of Expendables go wrong. Barney believed Conrad Stonebanks (drug dealer) was killed by him years back, yet this surprise leaves him no choice but to believe his team is not capable of bringing Stonebanks down. Barney replaces his whole group of old friends with a young set of combat trained mercenaries, against his friends' will. Obviously as we all expect at the end, they all end up joining together to defeat Conrad Stonebanks.

One of the main things you will remember is that Bruce Willis is missing from this reunion. And Harrison Ford on the other hand is replacing him as a CIA Operations Officer who is after Conrad Stonebanks and orders Barney to bring him alive so he can be taken to the Hague. Although there are so many of the familiar faces keep turning up in the chase of Stonebanks, but the need for such number of people are not clearly justified. The final result could have easily be gained with the help of Barney's group than going for new recruitment. 

Jason Stathom was not given much of space or time to shine in this movie. Yet to his surprise he finds himself a worthy opponent (Doctor Death) who is talented in the same field as he is (which in the beginning he denies to agree with). Wesley Snipes again is having a comeback into Hollywood, but does not prove that the viewers really missed him much. Nevertheless he has been given some dashing dialogues in several scenes, clearly proving this is a Stallone movie.

Mel Gibson as Conrad Stonebanks is noteworthy, as he proves again he is not too old for the golden screen. Him as the villain is a great choice, and he is amazing as the ruthless criminal with blood lust. His final battle with Barney is pretty much overacting on Stallon's part but will leave you with some good memories of Mel Gibson. When comparing to the previous two movies, this third sequel carries loads of big guns and massive explosions although the quality of entertainment had gone down. 

The four young recruits sounds too fascinating in the beginning, hence apart from the chica named Luna (Ronda Rousey) and stubborn soldier John (Kellan Lutz) the others do not show any remarkable performance. All that new bee, the expertise hacker and mount climber does is saving himself from falling down into a unused lift, while the other nine people fight against an entire army.

In addition its good to see Antonio Banderas back in the game in a jolly good mood in Expendables 3. He brings much of humor into this enthralling movie. His sleek movements when he jump here and there with the Mexican music at the background will take back you to some memories of Once Upon a Time in Mexico.  But  Jet Li on the other hand has not given more than three lines to say (may be because Antonio Banderas is talkative the whole time), so you end up thinking what will happen to his character if there is any new Expendable movie to come in the future. 

Overall the movie is full of gun fights, killing, explosions and massive destruction more or less the same to previous movies, but they have taken it into whole new level by bringing in entire army against 10 people. You will enjoy the movie, if you are a person who loves action movies. But if there is ever another sequel coming in the future they must stop bringing in so many characters in. It clashes with the flow since the viewers are to remember who runs after who and why they need Expendables when they have so many government officials and youngsters involved to finish one man. 


Nevertheless you will have a good time because it has a happy ending as always, having zero losses in Expendables team (although Caesar was nearly killed). And it is quiet humorous than the previous one, so there is more room for you to enjoy The Expendables 3.    

As final note I would like to thank Nuffnang team for giving me a chance to catch up the premiere screening. And not forgetting to thank Lifestyle magazine for their exclusive merchandise giveaway that happened during the Expendable 3 premiere screening. Muchas gracias!

Director : Patrick Hughes

Starring : Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Antonio Banderas, Jet Li, Wesley Snipes, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Dolph Lundgren

Running Time : 126 minutes

Rating: 5/10 

Premiere Location : TGV, 1 Utama

Premiere Screening of In to the Storm

Some say the nature knows the time to control anything and everything on this earth. Proving that many natural disasters have taught us we are not the masters but merely another species that have taken the solace of mother nature. 

The recent movie 'In to the Storm' is based on the impact of a massive tornado and the destruction it creates in the small town of Oklahoma. It is directed by Steven Quale and starring Richard Armitage, Sarah Wayne Callies, Matt Walsh, Nathan Kress and Jon Reep.  "In to the Storm' revolves around two main groups of people and their pursuit for survival. 

This catastrophe brings several random people together who has nothing in common. The small town they live in is named as 'tornado alley' making it a hot spot in the tornado movement. A meteorologist (Sarah Wayne Callies,) who researches on the behaviors of tornadoes partner with another storm chaser named  Pete during the storm to gather information. They use a tornado proof vehicle named Titus (designed by Pete himself)  in their journey of creating a movie about tornadoes. Pete describes that Titus is capable of staying on the ground even when the wind is at 170 kilometers per hour and it is capable of protecting the people inside the vehicle. He believes if he can record this tornado, its going to be the biggest achievement of his life. 

Richard Armitage on the other hand is an assistant principal of a high school. He is on his way to find his son who is caught in between the tornado area. After the loss of his wife he started taking care of the two sons Donny (17) and Trey (15) although his busy life has made him distant from his children. The tornado started creating on the day he suppose to have the graduation at the high school. While the tornado hits, Donny is at a chemical plantation helping his long time crush without knowing a tornado is on the move. 

Both of the groups get together in saving the people who took refuge at the school building as well as Donny and the girl who are stuck in a pile of debris in the plantation. 

The use of visuals in presenting the impact of the tornadoes is at a remarkable level. The movie shows one main tornado which is 2 miles in length moving destroying everything on its way. And there are several small other tornadoes that moves in a higher speed than the larger one which are unpredictable in the roots they take. Making the situation worst there is a fire tornado that burns anything and everything on its way. The graphics looks so realistic that you will hold your breath when seeing the destruction it causes. 

The wind that blows in a high speed taking almost everything into the sky makes it look scarier and the way the buildings and planes disappear into the swirls will give you chills. It again and again reminds even though we live in a highly developed era, nature can become so unpredictable and devastating at times. 

Its a fresh and unique experience in this summer because 'In to the Storm' carries a different theme than all the movies that came out recently. I had my list of questions before viewing the movie as there is a higher tendency for it to appear as a average documentary. And surprisingly no one does overacting which happens in most disaster based movies. 

Nevertheless I do wish that there should have been some moments of rapport between the main characters to show the increasing level of trust and dependability. You won't feel it anyway as the amount of tornadoes that appear from no where seems too fascinating.

As the after impact there is no strong bond between the survivors is shown. And I find it bit unauthentic and hanging. Because it is known that after surviving a catastrophe most survivors tend to create a strong bond as they have shared a life threatening event together. I find that a drawback as the viewers expects more than that. Again it can be director's decision to give more importance to the tornado itself than looking into each and every characters' mindset before and after.

I think the crew took a great gamble on representing a natural disaster in a movie (as there's a higher chance to end up as a loosely connected distasteful documentary) and to keep people amused throughout the running time. And I put my money on it because they have proven that a movie based on a catastrophe also can be refreshing and informative as never before. 

May be why hell not watching this movie to get an idea on how to react at a moment like this. You might end up thanking for watching it. Just saying!

And I am going to leave you with a great big thank you note to Nuffnang for giving out a pair of premiere screening passes. 

Director :Steven Quale

Starring : Richard Armitage, Sarah Wayne Callies, Matt Walsh, Nathan Kress, Jon Reep

Running Time : 89 minutes

Rating: 8/10 

Premiere Location : TGV, 1 Utama