The Guardian (2006)

"So Others Will Live" - summit10

A story about heroism, sacrifice and knowing when to let go!

Legendary Rescue Swimmer Ben Randall (Kevin Costner), in a not your typical job film, where you can find it a bit perplexing that your job description is to save lives and your office desk is the whole freaking ocean!

Moments of desperation comes and goes just like a McDonald meal served for the whole day! Nothing can shake the nerves of this hero of the high seas, until one tragic mission...

There were fishermen who were found floating already and seeing that one was presumed alive, Ben came to the rescue but without sacrifice, a tidal wave hurled a massive container and the helicopter comes crashing down pulling the lone survivor into his deathly grave!

Wanting to save his partner Carl, they were sent a lifeboat before extraction and is was a little too late for his best friend and partner!

This trauma and a troubled marriage had brought more complications to his life. Ironic, he saves lives and yet he cannot save his own from his personal concerns. So, Coast Guard Captain William Hadley (Clancy Brown) offered 2 options is either walk out of here or take the desk job at A Point to school some new Coast Guards and to get back on his feet from all his emotional stress.

Enter hotshot Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher), show off, cocky but hilarious. A guy you just want to shut up. Goes into training camp and trying to beat every single record that Ben accomplished. Bar fights, casual dating and tremendous work out from the veteran himself gave him some epiphany in his life.

Though, there were few insights that Jake made him king of the hill, he never got point from wasting time. Soon all began to unravel when Ben understood what was bothering him and what tragic accident happened that left Jake wanting attention and some direction in his life.

Ben sees Jake as a potential not just in his class but for the rescue team his going to be assigned to, he can be the best of the best if he wanted to, he just need to understand how important his gift was and what reasons are left uncertain for his survival in the car accident with his friends.

That goes without saying how Ben kept him on the team for obvious reasons of having that opportunity to be alive and so others may live!

It was a story that inspires and shows people to never give up and make the best out of their lives no matter how bad is it!

To the US Coast Guard, truly the unsung heroes!

The Family Man (2000)

"I choose us and that's all that matters." - summit10

I watched this film back in 2000 after graduating from college, I just could not remember if I was alone... maybe I was! Longing for someone and be part of something special.

Didn't paid attention that time on how the film related to my dreams and aspirations and progress in life, my focus was to continue my job, support my family and be successful.

Funny thing happened...

Fast forward 10 years, been transferred from different companies, unsettled and working. I'm currently abroad, engaged for almost 2 years. I saw this film again on TV and it made me realize how important life is, the person I'm going to marry and what life is to offer me in the coming years ahead!

I work and I study and yet there is no fulfilment with these luxuries without her being at my side. I’ve grown weary to the false pretences of what I could achieve with these sacrifices, I do it because I am wanting to make sure that I get the chance to have a better life...not with what I’m doing right now but because someone is out there waiting for me to come home and marry her, have kids with her and make her proud of me!

At first I was too eager, about accomplishment, being financially stable, having this lucrative opportunity to become better in my field. But not without her, not for the one I love!

This film made me realize my glimpse of the future and brought tears in eyes knowing that I won't compromise my wife to be and our future kids with all the money in the world, because they are my everything, my gifts from above and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

To Nic and Tea and the cast, your movie is awe inspiring and it brought me to my senses even after a decade! My sincerest thanks!

Avatar (2009)

" ”I'm the King of the world" (oh, sorry wrong movie!)" - summit10

15 years for this story to skyrocket on top of the earth, pretty impressive you could say and well worth the wait!

I will not make a review out of this film the traditional way; it seems that it would be appropriate to give it more of a different approach and impression!

I could only tell that the film was very fascinating on how it was able to jumpstart something long forgotten and that is to our appreciation of life and the planet we live in.

This was only the concept I was able to divulge myself into watching the film. Seeing that it has its share of mixed criticisms and reviews from the people who've seen it has given me the same insight. For some could compare and say that this was a rip off of Ferngully, Princess Mononoke, Dances with Wolves and so on!

James Cameron made it clear that his story was going to be made in the right time, when technology is available to be used. I couldn't agree more, in fact it was the CGI combined with real screen shots of people that has given it fluidity and clear scope of what James had imagined in his mind!

Though, this over eagerness conceived by making films that raked millions (not to mention his Titanic), has become the target of insightful viewership.

To be honest, the story was so simple, we as humans by nature don't give a damn when it comes to sharing, we are made into territorial beings without any consideration for others. We have ransacked every possible resource in our own planet and we will need to look beyond our jurisdictions.

In this case, back story states that Earth is in peril and do need a certain mineral called unobtanium in order for us to survive ergo we have to explore new worlds, I repeat explore new worlds and colonize it (history does repeat itself) and let alone a moon called Pandora to taste our expressive salutations...how do aliens say it? "We come in peace" (or go in pieces)!!!

Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) together with Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver) were the people responsible to go and retrieve Intel on how the RDA can get the mineral supply they need. Until one mission gone hay wired with Jake missing in action. Enter, Princess Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), finds and saves him from peril. Jake wanted to be part of them and so was trained in their ways until they fell in love. To cut it short, the deal was compromised and RDA military personnel attacks the home of the Omaticaya Clan (tribe of Neytiri), this is where the battle lines are drawn from both factions (I even saw it as Starcraft’s Terrans versus Warcraft's Night Elves, what a riot!!!)

But the story also tells on how ironic that we are being given this type of treatment and yet we are still confounded to the spirit inside of us! I believe in that too, for many has given up on what we are and what we are capable of doing and still, we are bounded to our rights, to survive but not without any sacrifice or for that matter to respect and love what is given to us, not just the people we belong with but to the gifts that God provided us!

The film connotes heroism, courage, selflessness and to do what is right! That is enough for people to know and for James as well. It's clichéd and overrated...true but you can never keep a good man down for even if he is awake or asleep, he will keep his dreams alive!

The Dark Knight (2008)

"Let's put a smile on that face!!!" - summit10

“And here we go!”

The Dark Knight (Christian Bale), made more emphasis on how he places himself at the forefront and do everything to save Gotham City from tyranny and corruption. The idea of being able to sacrifice one’s life and yet not to be taken as a hero would be an understatement for the Batman... and still he does what needs to be done to protect his city! As stated, Bruce Wayne is the real mask of the character wherein it only gives him more instigation to have a personality that keeps him sane!

The Joker (Heath Ledger), he provided a pivotal role not just for being a character that is already well known but, also took villainy into his own likeness. The delivery of his character proves that it takes all the strength you can muster to conceive his insanity and menacing wickedness!

Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), took a big bite out of the mob and can’t chew it no longer (not with that jaw!) pun intended. He was the White Knight, a shining beacon for Gotham City but it was too much for him even combined with Commissioner Gordon and Batman. Every little thing is made clearer to him than what he knows and how he perceives it. As the Joker said “it’s all part of the plan”!

James Gordon (Gary Oldman), from Sergeant, as head of a special task force and now Commissioner not because he was the only option in a corrupted police force but knows where he is going and help clean up the city from its rotting core. As Commissioner Loeb was poisoned by the Joker, the city’s Mayor promoted him from his valued work and to help maintain control to all the chaos in Gotham.

Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), the ever supportive friend and logistics person for the Batman. He is one of the few people that know Batman’s true identity and has been helping him in coordinating targets and supplying armaments, weaponry and the latest technological advancements available! One thing had left me questioning though, will his last assignment be the end of their partnership?

Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal), returning as city prosecutor in the crossroads with her affection for Bruce and her intimacy with hotshot Lawyer Harvey Dent have been proven fatal not just for her but for her suitors as well!

Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Caine), the Butler who stood by Bruce Wayne even if it meant more than his life, he condones and yet provides the right direction into which Bruce will learn to know how much more pain he can endure and embrace it not just with his mind but also with his heart!

This film made history and considered brilliantly made ranked one of the highest grossing films not just in the comic book genre but of all time!

The Dark Knight was a film that invigorated the populace with intrigue, smart storytelling and a whole lot of lip service! Shot in IMAX cameras, (a very lucrative decision indeed), Director Christopher Nolan was able to execute fantastic angles and capture elements of the film that gave it more horizon and depth. 

The performance was phenomenal, a cast to reckon with! It even made more significant undertakings on how the story was able to evolve into something more transparent, more disturbing and malevolent backdrop of the film!

The only downturn for me was Batman’s voice... which I believe can be somewhat irritating and slurred. Overall, the film was brilliantly made and fluid storytelling that takes you to different heights of suspense and excitement!

To the cast and crew, a job well done! To Heath Ledger, reimagining the Joker will always be etched in our minds! Rest in peace!

The Expendables (2010)

"The Expendables (aka Rambo's Ravens)!!!" - summit10

The film in a general perspective is very nicely done, the plot and story line was a bit easy to play with. But important thing is, Sylvester Stallone ensembled a cast that is truly daring, applaudable and amazing!

In retrospect, Stallone has made very convincing and iconic portrayals in his Rocky and Rambo films. He knows his field very well and explores more on how he can improve and make films that are worth seeing!

The story he co-wrote was about mercenaries who does Black-Ops when their country can't or won't do anything about these specific missions.

So it begins...

Somalia, a boat was captured by pirates and demands $5 M for the hostages, Ross (Sly Stallone) with his team has given $3 M to free them, but Jensen (Dolph Lundgren) just got a little bit trigger happy! Then people started to become smear on the wall! Restrained, Jensen was ordered by Ross to leave the team for being a loose cannon and for his psychological instability.

This was the part the audience applauded the trio. Enter CIA Agent Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) and Trench (Arnold Schwarzenegger), together they were discussing on who was going to take the mission, a little verbal exchanges with Ross and Trench since they were rivals from past missions, with everything said Ross got the deal from Mr. Church, but not without a warning!

Ross together with Lee (Jason Statham), did a reconnaissance in Vilena as World Wildlife Conservatory agents. They met a freedom fighter woman which made it more difficult for them since it was the dictator General Garza's daughter. Trying to save her, she willfully stayed instead to fight for her country.

They left with a lot of casualties and Ross is now feeling the guilt of leaving the woman behind. He wanted to come back alone but not without company.

As action heroes, fighting is their forte already, I was expecting that there would be a showdown with either Yin (Jet LI) or Lee with The Brit (Gary Daniels) who was one of the best kick boxers of his time but unfortunately he was tag teamed and got kicked in the ass! (in the head as well).

While taking down soldiers with Toll (Randy Couture), Ross was wrestling with Dan Paine (Steve Austin) on the other side. Now, here comes their weapon specialist Hale Caesar (Terry Crews) with his tank of a gun, who blows up everyone and everything in its path.

Running for his life together with the daughter ex-CIA James Monroe (Eric Roberts) was gunned down and knifed by both Ross and Lee at the end.

Going back to LA, Tools (Mickey Rourke) is having a knife throwing contest with Lee, while Yin and Jensen having reconciled regarding their past arguments (and some!)

People got curious on how the film and cast was planned out, actually giving emphasis on more action heroes that should have been added into the line up. Now here they are:

1. Steven Seagal - was offered but had past issues with the film producer.

2. Jean Claude Van Damme - was offered but didn't see any importance to his role.

3. Wesley Snipes - was offered the role for Hale Caesar, but declined, he has his own reasons for not joining the bandwagon.

4. Kurt Russell - should be doing the part of Mr. Church but later was offered to Bruce Willis (which many would agree to be the better of the two).

People can have mixed reviews for this film, but I understand how Sly was able to bring this together, his work ethic is over the top! And with the casts reputation and camaraderie these past 30 years, all was done well!

It was a simple story but very entertaining indeed, with all the characters having a good time and having that respect for each other. It's all in a day's work for the Expendables!

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

"This is Michael Bay at his finest... (can I get a bag I need to throw up!)" - summit10

Its summer time once more, all eyes on block buster films, another reason to unwind and buy some pop corn and venture the cinemas!

A sequel being anticipated, Transformers was an undertaking in CGI film making and with Michael Bay calling the shots and Steven Spielberg Producing, people are going to fill in theatres in a blink of an eye!

The story started with a brief history on how The Fallen has been a part of human history, including our constant struggle to survive with these alien robotic life forms trampling our ways and means of living. Flash forward to modern day China, a group of military operatives together with the Autobots are hunting down remaining Decepticons all over the globe. A fight ensued, from a construction site and down to the highways of Shanghai, the leader Optimus Prime heard in the final words of a Decepticon, the Fallen shall rise again!

Next stop United States! Where the main human protagonist Sam Witwicky is getting ready to go to college dealing with his parents, his love life and a “little” more of robots blasting his home to rubble not to mention with the help of his robot ally Bumblebee. Things are starting to fall into place!

Sam soon realizes that the last remaining fragment of the all spark has been absorbed in his mind creating images of places and symbols that is vital to both factions and robots at war.

This is where the story gives its meaning and intention! The objective of the Autobots were to eradicate all remaining Decepticons in the planet and save it from their war that started in Cybertron. While the Decepticons focuses on raising their leader Megatron from the depths of the ocean and seek out a way to defeat the Autobots in this new world and bring back their descendant and powerful Master called the Fallen. With new robots from both sides things got a little more ugly this time since more characters need to have screen time as well.

For instance, there were 10 Autobots and more than a dozen Decepticons in the limelight. I mean seriously, the robots have no way of doing their part due to this massive cast; I’m talking about the involvement of too many human characters.

The parents were over acting (especially the Mom), constant sex perversions of robots towards Mikaela (for example the robot humping), another was the girl who follows Sam was actually a Decepticon in which were based on Transformers: God Master Force and The Pretenders in the animated series, how do you perceive something that was highly evolved wherein the main antagonists are still not in that same level of adapting or assimilating the humans? It was like Species in Terminator nanotech! And the balls of Devastator underneath John Turturro at the Pyramids was not even close to being funny or entertaining for that matter!

Also, the Twins were a horrible addition to the line up, of all characterizations that the Production Team would be able to incorporate to these robots it would be 2 buck toothed Hill Billy’s? Come on! And to think that one of them can bring down Devastator, that was really over the top!!! As I’ve said in my comments, you could have at least placed Cliff Jumper, Gears or even Brawn in the line up! I think people will agree that Brawn does have the guts and strength to bring down the Constructicons! On another note, why on earth did you made Sky Fire that old, you could have used the animation background of the character and made him more of a force to reckon with even helping in fighting off Devastator!

Too much hype ruined the interest of the movie goers and it failed them in watching the film. It also showed how was Michael Bay able to do a press conference in Japan when in fact he was not done yet with the film, it was stated as well that the film was rushed in the final scenes and takes.

Michael even stated that the film was a success in spite mixed reviews and criticisms; it earned more than $300 M domestically. Well, you can say that is all about the money and to make your point that it was something just being based on a one sided prerogative!

On the other side, the CGI was good and to think they added formidable Decepticon main characters like Sound Wave and Ravage was amazing! Sideswipe and Jolt was great even if they had a few minutes of time share! (more than I can say for Iron Hide and Ratchet)

Transformers 3 begins its filming and more robots are expected to show up. I just hope that in my opinion, there are no dumber Autobots included, more time for the robot characters to actualize their plans and the story and no more perverted jokes which really was below the belt in this film!

The Wrestler (2008)

It's not Robin!!! It's Randy The Ram! - summit10

The real life does hurt and it does hurt more when no one cares about you!

This is how Randy "The Ram" Robinson survives in his world, played by Mickey Rourke, a big time wrestler in his time, people idolized him and praised him not just in the arena...but the question is who does love him?

Battling long time injuries and his age, life took the toll on him. Now, working as a  third class wrestler for small gatherings or just given a chance to earn more, he will fight as long as he need to survive, how ironic he has to do all of theses things when in fact it is the one that will kill him literally.

Managing to get by on a daily basis, working on part time jobs, trying to get the affection of a stripper, getting the chance to renew his relationship with his daughter, playing with kids and having them for company just to spend time with is all part of his daily routine.

The film depicts on how life comes into full circle, with a powerful performance by Mickey and Marissa Tomei who also in part deals with a life that does not makes sense anymore! Hiding away from who they truly are let's them realize what is more important in their lives, the love of another person!

In the end, it was tragic while Cass (later known as Pam) turned her back on her job and was looking for Ram, he too made that decision, that nobody cares about him, even for the moment that Cass told him that she was there for him... all was too late!

He was looking for a way out, a new life and a chance to be happy but that's life, it kicks you in the gut even if you are down! It  was a melancholic film even for the time he reached out for his daughter, he thought that it can better but all was in vain and he ended up on the ropes literally until his final breathe.

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

"The Misunderstood Monster!!!" - summit10

A ret conned continuation with a new cast and Director!

This film gave more emphasis on Dr. Bruce Banner on the run from the military specifically with Gen. Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross which happens to be a witness and supporter of the Gamma Radiation Project that Bruce and his daughter Betty was working on.

On the run, in Guatamela he works temporarily in a soda factory while finding a cure for his condition. Fending for himself and with the help of Mr. Blue, he must stay off track and lie low from any contact and from some meddlesome bullying!

The good part was the Bruce wants to give purpose of what he is and what he is destined to be, he wants to get rid of the monster inside him but there are consequences in the process.

Enter pesky nemesis Emil Blonsky a veteran soldier from Russia who is determined to bring down the Hulk and acquire his superhuman strength. Upon understanding how this operation all started, he had discussed his eagerness to take down the monster with Gen. Ross and was given a dosage of The Serum which started the Super Soldier Program in World War II.

After brief encounters with the Jaded Giant, Emil was seriously injured and was left crippled...but there is more to him than meets the eye!

Bruce is again in hiding with Betty Ross on his side, they were able to find Mr. Blue which turns out to be Samuel Sterns who helped Bruce to contain the Hulk with the blood sample given to him earlier in the film. Not aware that they are being tracked, Emil stormed the lab and captured Bruce, along with Betty.

Emil's persistence and unstable personality forced Sterns to give him Bruce's blood and the villain was made... enter the Abomination! Pushing Sterns aside, another thorn, another headache will soon arise!

So all hell breaks loose, we do have Abomination on one side and dropping off from the sky the Hulk on the other. Battling in the city landscape, muscle per muscle both behemoths wrecked the city in a climactic conclusion... Hulk Smash!!!

Hulk was able to beat the Abomination and left the premises and Betty's broken heart. It will soon be found if Bruce can contain the monster or will it be forever his curse!

The story was definitely Incredible, Director Louis Letterier did bring back the franchise and the fans as well. Edward Norton

and the cast was so genuine to give this film a new start and they were accepted with open arms!

Only hoped that he was able to continue his duties for the coming films, since Marvel had to let him go!!!

Ghost Rider (2007)

"Legends can be Heroes as well (if you try harder!)" - summit10

I have been a fan of comic book films, especially with those grittier and dark characters. The Ghost Rider is definitely one of them!

The story is all about a deal made by a young man to save his father and so a contract was made in exchange for his soul.

Choices... Tick tock tick tock!!!

I've watched the film thrice already since way back in my country and it never gave me that sense of enthusiasm until now!

I was able to watch it's extended cut and delved more into the story on how on earth Johnny Blaze became the Spirit of Vengeance. This is an amazing character with a decent following of fans and yet somehow the film has given not much justice to the comic book.

To think that maybe Marvel has not given much credit for Mark Steven Johnson to step up the plate in order to scriptwrite and direct the film, the budget definitely goes beyond the grave with props that can be compared with a high school stage presentation.

The verbal quips, cheesy liners, poor dialogue from every cast, fight scenes that our laughable, even Blackheart not changing into his demon form to name a few... don't forget the constant finger pointing of the man himself!(maybe it was part of the Guilty or Innocent platform).

On the other side, I'm psyched up everytime he screams with rage when someone pisses him off!!! What a riot!

But the essence is there and it was how Johnny wants to be redeemed and have another chance for salvation as well. With the help of another Ghost Rider who have done the same mistake in the past, gives more conclusive interaction between the characters and the main plot of the story.

Mark Steven Johnson has made movies that really not blended well with the audience it might be more emphasis on how the characters are represented in the big screen and give that rapport on not just the viewers but the Producers as well making them understand that the film has proper direction and financing.

Everybody deserves a second chance (but I'm not expecting you to touch on a comic book film again, maybe in other genres!)

Thirst (2009)

"Not for your average teen vampire movie!" - summit10

This is not your typical vampire movie!

A Priest yearning to discover a cure for the patients wants to be a part of an experiment that will heal Leprosy. He volunteered for this missionary work that will make him as one with the community of Lepers. Unknowingly, he doesn't realize the horror this will bring upon him!

Months passed, his condition worsened and on a fateful day, he was declared dead by the hospital staff...or so it seems!

Searching for an answer, he left the community with more questions to his predicament. He came back to the monastery as a Saint, people declaring that he was the only person who survived this ordeal.

He soon left the monastery and found solace in a village continuing his work. As he was performing parlor tricks for a sick child, a woman was tapping the window who is in need of a priest to heal her son.

The Priest meets the family and soon falls for the son's wife, she was not hard to please since she yearns for a man unlike his pathetic, loser of a husband.

This is where the fun part comes in...

Soon the two are coveting, meeting night after night when they finally realized a shared goal... to be together and dispose the son. A fishing trip, a murder scene and to make it worse, the mother got into a stroke due to the pain of losing her son.

The Priest took refuge in their home, a cabinet for a coffin, a desperate, pathetic ghost and a trip to the watering hole... i meant blood bar just to wet his whistle.

The Priest (not by virtue) and his paramour would soon find themselves into ackward situations like looking for blood and trying to kill each other, but to no avail. The passive Priest and the aggresiveness of the woman he loves got in the way most of the time while giving her the benefit of the doubt that they need to survive. Feeling lost, he cannot condone this kind of life anymore, he decided to end it the best way he knows how.

He drove to a place where the sun shines and end this pain for both their sakes. Together with the Mother, they had this comedic run on things which the woman tried her best to not experience the heat of the sun rising, hiding in the trunk, tugging the trunk door and slipping underneath the car but she soon realizes that the end was near and the only thing that is waiting for them both is the light of their redemption.

The ending scene was touching and even though she cried so much they found themselves in each others arms even at death... even putting emphasis on the shoes he gave her the first time he shown compassion for the woman who had blisters on her feet.

A forbidden love story!!!

Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

"Someone should pay attention and fix the flawed justice system!!!" - summit10

No matter how hard we try to live our life there is always something that will tore you apart, especially when it comes to your family!!!

That is when Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) witnessed the brutality and the horror of his wife being raped and killed as well as his daughter's murder.

After a time of reviewing the trial, enter Philadelphia hot shot prosecutor Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) to find the best solution to the case in which he will give a lighter sentence to the convict in return for a testimony to his accomplice.

Clyde could not understand the said solution in which Nick perceives is the best way to get both of the criminals turned in. To add insult, Clyde saw the misunderstood handshake after the Press!

So it stands, the next thing that happened was the other convict was overdosed or which killed him is not in the process. After speculation, the police together with the Prosecutors Office are on track of the other convict.

While on the chase, cornered, the convict was assisted by an unknown stranger which leads them to an abandoned warehouse, Clyde disguising himself as a Police Officer shows his true identity with only one purpose...

The next thing that happened was the convict was found in pieces, brutally amputated, beheaded in the warehouse. Then all hell breaks loose!!!

Wanting to prove a point, Clyde was jailed, in trial and testified that he was indeed the one who killed both the convicts. It further aggravated him when he was set free by the Judge specifying the testimony was sincere and in genuine honesty. Knowing how the justice system works, he will soon make sure everyone understands that people and accomplices in this trial will die if the flawed justice system will not be fixed!

A brilliant film, smart and at the edge of your seat experience!!! Gerard and Jamie's performance was remarkable, outwitting each other in this thriller of a ride!

I enjoyed Gerard's portrayal of a family man, a good guy gone bad!!! And to think he is the best in what he does, but all roads come to an end even if it is stated to be the lesser of both evils.

The moral of the story is: the ends doesn't justify the means!!!

Star Trek XI (2009)

"Unmissable! On to the Next frontier!!!" - summit10

I have watched the series a couple of times when I was young, thinking of what is it like to be in space and explore new worlds to share knowledge and culture with other beings would be gratifying to the human race.

Star Trek was one of the first sci-fi series that made me interested in this genre. The only thing was, in my opinion it lacked the intensity, the whole experience that was culminated in these series.

I even didn't paid attention to the Star Trek films that came a long way...

Then came Star Trek XI!!!

JJ Abrams, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman collaborated to make this film nostalgic, as I recall the Writers viewed Star Trek an opera while Star Wars was more of Rock & Roll, they just need to put a little more kick in the film to definitely go beyond where no one has gone before!!!

The opening of the film was mind blowing, a great story and characters that made the universe of Star Trek worth seeing!

Everyone was amazing Chris Pine bantering with Zachary, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Karl Urban and the rest of the crew and cast outdid themselves. Don't forget Eric Bana's portrayal of a villain, it was more than I can say very immense and unforgettable!

Lastly, the pioneer of the series and the pivotal character of Leonard Nimoy who brought in hope and spark in the movie marking the greatest comebacks of the character, the Vulcan-Human Spock!

A Sequel is in waiting...

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

"No imaginary Claws here!!!" - summit10

This should have been the pinnacle for the X-Men franchise since they have a very good concept on making films which were based on the team and let Origins be the backdrop of every mutant character that can be established to be stand alone films.

Hugh Jackman and Liev Scrieber made a commendable performance and thats it!!! The supporting cast was terrible (majority of them by the way). People are expecting more from the these guys who should have turned the table in X-Men films.

To add insult, Gavin Hood didn't even have that proclivities to do what's best for the film. Even compromising the CGI, especially the claws!!!

Another thing was, how on earth did Gambit able to scale walls with his bo staff? include the fast paced clawing of Wolverine in the alley fight scene. To add, where the hell did they get the idea of putting a "Superman", Kent farm and two elderlies which gave him the hospitality he needed!?!?!

I believe in good films, I believe in a good script! This was done without any gratification to the icon, to the mutant who made a great following from fans and not just in comics!

I hope that the installment will be better and with another Director to helm the Canuckle Head... or else someone's gonna have claw marks, no pun intended!

Robin Hood (2010)

"The Hero rose until he became a Legend!" - summit10

The story revolved on how the man became the hero and how the legend began!

The beginning of the film was quite dragging and fast paced on what is happening simultaneously on France's battleground and London's infidelities. But, I can say that it was entertaining, fun to watch, less gritty from the other films that Sir Ridley Scott made in the past especially Kingdom of Heaven.

Most of the cast made a commendable performance including Mark Strong's stoic character. Other characters are a bit stereotyped and dull like Danny Huston's which I always find him not interesting. Cate Blanchett is likewise the same, as a strong woman, she has given a more decent portrayal for the two.

Other concerns are the children of Sherwood Forest which gives a good backdrop on how they came to be since London's men has been fighting in the Crusades for the last ten years which I easily find that it gave more meaning to the whole story, although was quite ironic when they started as a nuisance for the Loxsley estate then turned into Marion's rescuers at the near end of the story.

The fight scene at the shores was a bit inadequate and superficial. The climax of Robin shooting the arrow at Godfrey was the only moment that astounded me. Why would there be a need for Marion to be in the fight? And more so, the children who rode on smaller horses seemed farfetched considering they will be in a fight with French knights with armour and battle training.

Overall, it was a wonderful film, it even got me thinking of the connection with Balian of Kingdom of Heaven end of the story which showed King Richard the Lionheart going to Jerusalem to bring it back to Christians from the Muslims, then out of money, plunders every Kingdom he could set upon before going back to London.

Truly, Sir Ridley Scott is a Master of Epic films!

Pandorum (2009)

"Tanis Population: 1214 (count me in!)"

An astronaut named Cpl. Bower awoke from a deep slumber with no clue on when or where he is. He is soon assisted by an officer named Lt. Payton.

Together they find themselves in a ship without power, they must help each other to see what happened before they were in hibernation and unlock the secrets of their mission...

Bower initiated to take the vents to access the other side of the ship as Payton guides him through the available system in the control bay. Inadvertedly, Bower starts to unravel what's inside the ship and found additional survivors to help him activate the Nuclear reactor.

Though Payton seemingly looks in the other side of the fence, he finds himself hallucinating and the effects of Pandorum is starting to take over him. This is where all hell breaks loose, to add more to the paranoia, mutated humans take their stand to survive of what was left of the ships survivors.

The film is sci-fi at its pinnacle, mixed with horror and space exploration, it is something that humanity would be in the next century, discovering new worlds would not only delve into finding life but also what is unknown, what is out there can be more than meets the eye!

Dennis Quaid gave a remarkable performance, was elated that he outdid himself from the military movie that was mediocre. He is more of the protagonist in films but here, I was able to foresee the villain in him once the younger self wore the uniform.

Ben Foster on the other hand has been one of my favourites in portraying a villain in films and being a good guy once in a while can go a long way. This actor will go places with his performance, all that emotion and starkness in his persona makes him an actor of his generation.

The supporting cast did their part well, especially with Antje Traue, she hails from Germany in which the film was shot as well.

These kinds of films are stereotyped, like the zombies, the vampire films but it did not matter to me, this was done with lucidity and brilliant choreography!

The plot is great! not knowing what’s happening makes the film more interesting to watch, the production team did a great atmosphere on the set, with great visual effects and Director Christian Alvart, all did a wonderful job!

The Shinjuku Incident (2010)

"Outstanding performance by Jackie Chan!" - summit10

This is the film that brought me back to Asian Cinema!

The film tells a story of a poor man from China who longs for his love and a better life.

Set adrift on the shores of Japan, he took the chance to go to the place where his lost love was last heard off... but only for a price!

Taking part time crap jobs just to get by, he was able to start his life a day at a time. Only to find out that his love was involved with the Mafia.

A day came when he was on a run from the police, he was able to save a drowning Officer from a tunnel to which led frequent encounters, only the Officer let him go just to repay his good deed!

But life got worse when his brother was beaten twice by the Japanese Mafia and the Taiwan Gang. He took to the streets all his anger and with his friends, they stood up against the oppression and discrimination they got everyday!

Out of pity and determined to be a somebody, he took the life of a criminal with his so called friends and made money out of illegal means. From stealing goods, racket profiteering and gambling.

At one pint he even overheard an assasination attempt of the husband of his love only to save him from these people. Soon, he was tasked to kill people as well, specifically the leaders of the Mafia and got his part of the deal... to be a valid citizen and run his own business, all went well (so it seems)!

They got places and put up their businesses, soon they were able to control a large part of the district. Setting an example to his peers that this thing they have should be done now with honest intentions and forget their sinful ways of the past.

But as time went on, all of his friends became greedy and and somene really got worse... his brother Jie became uncontrollable and a heated argument came over before reaching it's climax.

All the Mafia's members went to one of the Chinese's establishments with bushido blades, while Steelhead (Jackie) together with the Officer sets things right with his friends. An argument ensues and all hell breaks lose!

Many got killed including the Mafia's current head, even Jie died. While running from the chaos, Steelhead was ambushed, stabbed, shot and beaten up, he runs for the train station to make a getaway only to be followed by the Officer inside the tunnels where they first met, redeeming himself he was able to give the last thing the Mafia's head gave him earlier to the Officer to put an end to this civil war!

Where in the tunnels sewage water drifted him away from the Officer whom he saved at the same place!

A very remarkable performance by Jackie Chan, this film even boasts his acting prowess and even not providing his usual martial arts moves and a love scene which really gives your usual hero Jackie to take it to another level and direction!

One of his best films!!!

Iron Man 2 (2010)

"It's good to be back and someone got his!" - summit10

Sequels have a knack of being better for most films and in Iron Man 2, it definitely is an eye candy!

Story is fast paced but still maintaining the right tone of the plot and the characters to meld in with their objectives for the film's climactic end.

It had a little back story and coming from Tony himself, it is not about you, or him, it is about the Legacy we leave for the people and the future. The film gave direction on how or why the antagonist Ivan Vanko lived and hated the Starks though ironically, it was not deserved for them to be acknowledged regarding his father's contribution with the technology shared with Howard Stark.

The film is ambitious, commendable, funny with all Tony's banters with Pepper Pots, Happy, Nick, Natasha, James and even with Justin Hammer. The character is there, the audience knew him and appreciated more the wittiness and most of the time egotistic, self-righteous, condescending attitude of Tony that we all love or love to hate. The good thing about it is he still saves everyone and gives that sense of responsibility and burden to prove that his armor is for him only to use because simply he is the only one who understands it and its repercussions being used in the wrong way.

All of the characters did their jobs well, I can easily applaud Natasha Romanova played by Scarlett Johanssen, James Rhodes the new armor owner Don Cheadle, Nick Fury did more talk time and more distinctness for his role in the film and the coming films ahead. Everyone did bring their part and that's why it worked, everyone should be able to have enough time to relay what they need to bring for the audience to understand what part they are in a given film or performance.

I was watching every easter egg that I can to give justice to the epic movie to follow and as the ending credits is done, this new information will give more expansion for these stories to be married into one single assemblage.

Everything will fall into place in time and the hammer did fell in the right place...

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009)

"GI "Mediocre" JOE" - summit10

For the fact that millions of kids watched this animated series in the '80s, I think it would be fair enough to say that the film deserved better representation and character to deliver it on the big screen.

So many have anticipated these types of films and all would be really worth waiting and paying for. But unfortunately, it was a film built in CGI, lousy acting and directing!

How can someone bulid a set of characters wherein even the leaders of both factions has no charisma and character awareness or whatever it is they are doing?

I mean let's look for instance Cobra Commander who was represented by Joseph Gordon Levitt was really underrated, to think that he will be building his army of one of the most elite soldiers in animation history.

Destro carried much more of the load here with the help of Baroness and Storm Shadow, which I find more acting appreciation from these three.

On the other hand, Duke played by Channing Tatum and Gen. Hawk which Dennis Quaid really hit rock bottom.

To start, Channing Tatum really needs to go to an acting class, his stiff, boring, poker faced actor I have watched in my entire life. Duke should be the head strong, quick witted, strategist of the team, I really won 't even bother why they made that into script, stating that this guy should be one of the rookies.

Dennis Quaid's character in the film was a pompous prick who was always putting his arms on his waist and give orders, you gotta be kidding me? Gen. Hawk was a straightforward, tactical commander who started as a ballistics and heavy artilllery soldier, known for his courage and determination to stop the enemy forces. Don't get me wrong, I'm not here to lecture, you would know better how to deliver these characters.

Ripcord, was the comedy relief at least he was there to save the day, Scarlett was in love with him? Where did that come from? You didn't give even ample respect to Road Block and put in Heavy Duty instead! You could have casted Terry Crews and have the comedic one liners for him to do.

Gung-ho was there and everyone knows it, he was cast as Brendan Frasier... I will not comment further on this!

Really good thing was, the Snake-Eyes is there and truly is the heart and soul of GIJOE, the pivotal role that was meant to be! Ray Park has done a great job! (except for the mouth in his face)

The plot is ok, but the film relied heavy on CGI and less on talent fees!

They say history repeats itself... go figure!

Clash of the Titans (2010)

"definitely clashed with the Titans" - summit10

The film started with an opening on how the gods were able to overthrow their creators, the Titans. 

The film first suggested fast paced story telling for the audience to understand what has come about the myth of Perseus, how he came to be and what was his destiny. A good start but had fallen short of its intention to meld and capture the story, bring it into life through the power of CGI. 


The cast was good it even had Ralph and Liam in it to bring more star power, Sam and Gemma is starting to rise as one of today's promising stars. But the delivery and presence of their characters are really mediocre. There were scenes that Gemma started to look like a stalker for Sam, in the forest, the thrown room of Argos, the prison cell. Also, I really didnt get the flirting, short training scene they have under the boat going to Medusa's lair. Sam was just seen going down the boat then suddenly Gemma is attacking him, ending in holding his chest and saying to "calm your storm" emphasizing on what, his heart beating faster when a storm is brewing or is it his feelings for her? 

 

Liam's and Ralph's performance as gods was really under the sink, with Ralph's voice like a constipated man or even the arch backed, dragging of his feet movement, come on he is a god you could have at least made him vicous, sinister looking! For a god of the underworld he looks like a god who is sick or having an ailment. Liam had statutory power, confidence and yet his character delivery was stale and boring. 

 

What I do like was the family of Sam when he was a fisherman. I also liked the CGI of the winged demons (which was also Hades), Pegasus and the Kraken. The giant scorpions was alright except for the part the soldiers were going down from them and have their claws really look like props. Another thing was the ferry boat of the underworld was like a pile of wood extracted from the Trojan horse, the creature who ferries the boat was really a "dead give away", how can that be so animatronic and robot looking? 

 

I really love films like this and I still hand it to Louis, the cast and the production team but really was expecting the acting can keep up and marry both its great story of the myth and the techonology that was available today. 

 

It can be better!