English Movie Green Lantern Watch Online Movie Trailer Reviews Cast And Crew

Green Lantern English Movie 2009

Cast And Crew

Starring: Christopher Meloni, Victor Garber, Tricia Helfer, Michael Madsen, John Larroquette, Kurtwood Smith, William Schallert, Larry Drake
Director: Lauren Montgomery
Genre: CG Animation
Rating: NC-16 (Some Violence)
Year Made: 2009
Languages: English
Subtitles: English/French
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1/2.0
Running Time: 1 hr 17 mins
Region Code: 3
Distributor: Alliance Entertainment

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SYNOPSIS:

When pilot Hal Jordan accepts a mysterious , powerful ring from a dying alien creature, it transforms him into a Green Lantern, one of an elite force of heroes who patrol the universe to ensure peace and justice under the leadership of the Guardians of the Universe. Unsure of their newest recruit, the Guardians assign Hal to their most-honored Green Lantern Sinestro for training, unaware that Sinestro wants to overthrow the Guardians and create a new order he'll control. It's a battle of might and willpower as Hal must prove his worth by defeating Sinestro to save the Green Lantern Corps.

Online Movie Review

As one of the seven core members that make up the Justice League of DC comics, Green Lantern is one of the more prominent characters but yet not as well explored as Batman and Superman. How did Hal Jordan (the most popular human bearer of the Green Lantern ring) become Green Lantern? What the Green Lantern’s power and weakness? Who are the members of the Green Lantern Corps? Lastly who is his archenemy (Batman has his Joker and Superman has his Lex Luthor) and what’s his origin?

Green Lantern First Flight presents a good opportunity to catch up on the Green Lantern mythos. This animation gave a scan through of how Hal Jordan was chosen and after which focus on his induction and first mission with the Green Lantern Corps.

For someone who’s aware of Hal Jordan’s preeminent status in the corps and Sinestro’s villainy in the DC universe, it was surprising and intriguing discovery of how things were during the first mission. Even as a green horn, Hal Jordan’s heroic sensibilities and might revealed itself in time of need. It defines that it’s not super power that define a person but his and sense of righteousness. Sinestro on the other hand, was given a chance to explain how he became Hal Jordan’s archenemy. It’s a path paved with good intention but the flaw in his character made him take a path that’s the direct opposite from Hal Jordan.

Beside the origin of the hero and the anti hero, the rookie mission also delved into the unexpected discomfort of Hal Jordan working with the Guardians of the Universe (the creator of the corps) and Kilowog (the primary trainer of the Corps' newest recruits). First Flight was also filled with unexpected tinge of romance and ultimately unexpected betrayal which made the latter half of this animation quite intriguing to sit through.

The First Flight story was however marred by the manner that it was told. This origin story was told felt like a weird blend of children Sunday cartoon and serious adult animation. On one hand, the story telling felt like it’s been drum down to cater to the kids, making it rather juvenile and predictable. Then there are a fair amount of violence and brutality that parents might not want their kids to watch. Online Green Lantern Trailer

Nevertheless, Green Lantern First Flight is a good and easy introduction to Hal Jordan’s start as a Green Lantern member without the hassle of digging up all those comic back issues. It also helps build the anticipation for the upcoming live action Green Lantern movie that stars Ryan Reynolds.

Chinese Movie City Of Life And Death Watch Online Movie Trailer Reviews Cast And Crew

City Of Life and Death Chinese Movie 2009

Cast And Crew

Cast: Liu Ye, Fan Wei, Hideo Nakaizumi,
Gao Yuan Yuan, Jiang Yiyan, John Paisley
Director: Lu Chuan
RunTime: 2 hrs 11 mins
Genre: Drama/War
Rating: M18 (Some Sexual Scenes)
Opening Day: 8 October 2009

Synopsis:

Set in China 1937, the country is at war with Japan. The Chinese, lead by charismatic general Liu Ye are determined to repel the enemy and defend their home, but only to face Japanese army with little ammunition. Amidst the brutality, a Japanese soldier Hideo Nakaizumi observed the many pain and tortures the war brought. Hell is gradually consuming Nanking, now a place whereby death is easier than life.

Online Movie Review:

There are many movies and documentaries out there on the Sino-Japanese war of the 1930s, but few which have taken quite the stance that Chinese director Lu Chuan had opted for in making a film about the Rape of Nanking, which is a broadly even examination into the propensity of madness in humankind, with viewpoints adopted from both sides. Some are already up in arms about having a sympathetic Japanese soldier in the lead, but I feel that they are missing the point. To this effect, Lu Chuan has shrewdly encapsulated what we normally have a tendency to do when we see injustice committed by the majority we keep quiet, and fear to take affirmative action.

To not demonize everyone in broad strokes is what Lu Chuan had expertly treaded in this powerful, emotionally charged film. For the Japanese sergeant Kadokawa (Hideo Nakaizumi), we follow his point of view on the atrocities committed, and share in his horror that his countrymen are capable of such inhumane, barbaric acts that we read about in history texts the bayoneting, machine-gunning in cold blood, and the burning and burying alive the POWs captured, acts which he visibly disapproves of, but is powerless to do anything. On the flip side, there s the Japanese interpreter Mr Tang (Fan Wei) which history would ostracize as being a traitor for seeking favours from the Japanese, but again balanced by the human story of personal survival behind him, where concessions were made on the trust that his family would be taken care of.

I ve been impressed by Lu Chuan s earlier film Kekexili (Mountain Patrol), and he just upped the ante and showcased to the world that he s capable of pulling off a film of such an epic scale, being conferred the best film award at the recent San Sabastian International Film Festival. There's no need to look beyond the impact of the film's initial minutes, which set the tone and viewpoints that the film will take.

Shot in black and white to highlight the grimness of war, you'll be left gasping for breath as it's an extremely tense opening, where scenes of mass exodus, and the invasion of the Japanese troops, drip the entire film in fear, partly also because of hindsight knowledge on what's to come. But instead of demonizing everything from the onset, we see how the Japanese troops got apprehensive as they sieve through a torn, ghostly city looking for Chinese soldiers, until they chance upon a church full of refugees, amongst which the Chinese troops have been hiding. Every one on either side are just as confused and afraid, and this bewildering stand-off alone, sparks off the beginning of a series of descent into madness that will follow.

City of Life and Death is broadly split into two major acts. The first being the initial hours just as the invasion of the Japanese started, and the other taking place a week into the occupation, where the atrocities committed get systematically portrayed on screen. Fans of action packed war movies will be drawn to the film's first arc, featuring a final guerrilla resistance by the Chinese soldiers (starring Liu Ye in heroic mode) against incredible odds in attempts to dent the invasion. It's a finely crafted war sequence which will satisfy action junkies, and one which rivals those in Saving Private Ryan, and even Feng Xiaogang's The Assembly.

But it's the second act that proved to be the real deal. Highlighting the events that take place within the safety zone as set up by German John Rabe (the historical character here portrayed by John Paisley) and other Westerners, it's an area they try their best to shield refugees and injured soldiers, while constantly fending off Japanese troops who raid the camp to rape and plunder, no matter how futile it may all seem, with constant intimidation, and always on knife's edge. It is in this act that emotions run high, and you're left with the vivid, bitter after-taste about the living hell that the inhabitants had to endure, at times being put into catch-22 situations, or degrading ones such as being asked, for the welfare of the community, to be sacrificed as comfort women.

Those without knowledge of the past, will definitely have their eyes opened, and hopefully be induced to find out and read up more about these horrors of war and occupation, especially when the opposing camps have psychos like Kadokawa's counterpart Ida, played by Ryu Kohata with much nastiness. There are plenty of lingering facial close ups throughout the film of both the victors and the vanquished, with the ensemble cast putting in extremely fine performances, with so much being said with little nuances when the camera comes right up to them, making it feel very personal, and claustrophobic as well in situations where there is little room to maneuver.
Online Movie Trailer

The film did taper downwards as it reached the finale in a spin on redemption, and it provided an opportunity to decompress after having spent time witnessing the dramatic portrayal of the events in Nanking. If there's a minor gripe on the presentation of the film, that would be the inter-titles used, where near illegible cursive writing would make you squint in trying to figure out what's written. But that is just a minor technicality, which should not stand in the way of you making a beeline for the film. Don't miss this!

Japanese Movie Crows Zero 2 2009 Watch Free Online Review Trailer Cast And Crew

Crows Zero 2 Japanese movie 2009

AKA: Kurozu zero II

Cast And Crew

Cast: Shun Oguri, Takayuki Yamada, Kenta Kiritani, Meisa Kuroki,
Sousuke Takaoka, Kyosuke Yabe, Tsutomu Takahashi, Kaname Endo
Directed by: Takashi Miike
Writers: : Hiroshi Takahashi
Genre: Action
Runtime: 02:13
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: English
Opening Day: 16 October 2009

Synopsis

Takiya Genji and his newly formed gang, GPS, have successfully taken over Suzuran and overthrown their former leader, Serizawa. He soon realises however, that reaching the top is tough, but staying there is even tougher. Unity is fast deteriorating as inner turmoil begins to grow within the grounds and loyalty crumbles. Genji is soon beset by a malaise as he doubts his ability as a leader and fighter. Meanwhile, a certain rival school declares all-out war on Suzuran and this conflict will test Genji’s ability to rise up to the challenge.

Movie Review

Takeshi Miike returns to helm the second installment of Crows Zero, which is arguably amongst his more mainstream work, based upon the manga by Hiroshi Takahashi. Bringing back almost all the major cast from the first film, one should expect more of the same story of high school violence given the thuggish micro-society amongst the academic community, where it's sans teachers and books, replaced by life's experience though the school of hard knocks (at times literally), coupled with the opening of old wounds and settling them through some good 'ol fisticuffs.

This sequel essentially picked up from where we last left off from the first film, with a prologue that went back some 2 years to set up the introduction of the rival thugs in Hosen Academy, where their leader got gutted by Sho Kawanishi (Shinnosuke Abe) in a cowardly manner against the rules where a weapon was used. Upon Sho's release, he's hunted down by Hosen members, where his flight from punishment landed him onto Suzuran's turf. Given a truce between the two schools, it got quickly broken by a standoff, caused by de-facto current leader Genji Takaya (Shun Oguri). So begins the reason for more action, broken bones and bruised egos in whack-fest sequences.

For those who have not seen the first film, it's not really necessary as you'll be quickly primed into the scheme of things, though those who had will undoubtedly enjoy some more detailed insights as to who the characters are, and their respective motivations. For starters at least, one would have expected Genji to have united Suzuran under his banner, but the truth is far from it. As with most aspects of leadership, respect is earned, not a given, even though you've defeated the biggest bad-ass in school, Tamao Serizawa (Takayuki Yamada). Suzuran is still very fragmented amongst its various levels and cliques, and made worse because of the perceived ineptness of Genji to lead them.

In classic united we stand, divided we fall scenario, Hosen students, in their skin-head motif, bring about some fearful raw energy as they wage war against their rivals. Leading the pack are Taiga (Nobuaki Kaneko) who sports a mean-looking goatee (which for an Arsenal fan like myself, I can't help but to associate his resemblance to Robert Pires), and a Michael Jackson-like character in Ryo (Gou Ayano), with pasty white skin, soft spoken demeanour and an aversion to sunlight (hence the umbrella), but packs quite the wallop when allowed to do his own thing in unleashing mayhem against his opponents.

The fight scenes replicated what has been experienced in the earlier installment, and I suppose even those who are new to this may find it a little repetitive at times although the fights are more realistically designed sans impossible leaps and superhuman powers, save for some unbelievable endurance of the combatants. In the finale battle for instance, which lasted some more than 20 minutes of screen time, brought out an interesting, battle-to-the-top scenario as attacks come wave after wave, which is kinda smart as it gave the various characters ample opportunity to show off their moves and abilities to hold their own ground. Miike, for all his morbidity infused in various genre films in his filmography, again chose not to include unnecessary blood and gore,

Fans of Meisa Kuroki (like *ahem*, myself) may take some delight in having the idol appear in all but 3 different scenes, 2 of which are spent consoling Genji, and one performing on stage at the pub (like what she did in the first film), though this time round it's a rather tame and shortened version of Bad Girl (those of you who have seen that music video, will know what I mean). But hey, at least Miike brought her back, so no complaints I guess. The soundtrack is again amply peppered with pop-rock music, and the main theme just accentuates perfectly the proud swagger each time the characters band together to battle. You can't help but feel that it's arse-kicking time, each time the theme comes on, cliché as this technique may be in inducing you to swell with pride as if you too are wearing a Suzuran badge.

Crows Zero II may seem like a rehash of the first film, but under different circumstances. The key subplot here involved Sho's attempt to reintegrate back into the society he knows, which is very similar to ex-convicts seeking a second chance at forgiveness after a major wrong. Other than that, there's very little emoting by the characters, or what passed as emoting in Genji's moping of why he's still pretty much the loner despite being Suzuran's top dog, and Serizawa being very much a shadow of his first film self, waiting menacingly in the wings in threatening take over looks, but very much more like the fallen hero awaiting an opportunity for a comeback. I guess fame and power doesn't account for anything especially when you belong to the same house. While the first film was essentially an ego trip for the protagonists in gaining and holding onto turf and reputation, this one rang home the importance of banding together and putting aside differences and ego for the greater good and survivability.

Thankfully the action sequences get interspersed and are brutally solid throughout, which naturally is the draw of this fantasy film. It's surprising too that for all the simplicity in its storyline, it still managed to extend itself to more than two hours, which flew by especially when you're having fun as observers to major fights. The perfect antidote after a stressful day at work (besides hitting those kickboxing gym classes)

Chinese Movie The Message 2009 Watch Free Online Review Trailer Cast And Crew

Chinese Movie The Message 2009

Cast And Crew

Cast: Zhou Xun, Li Bingbing, Huang Xiaoming,
Alec Su, Zhang Hanyu, Wang Zhiwen, Ying Da
Directors: Chen Guo-fu & Gao Qunshu
RunTime: 2 hrs 4 mins
Genre: Thriller/Drama
Released By: GV & Scorpio East Pictures
Rating: NC-16
Release Date: 1st October 2009
Language: Mandarin
In Mandarin with English and Chinese subtitles
Running Time: 116 mins

Synopsis:

1942 Nanking, the then capital city of China has fallen into the hands of the Japanese Imperial Army, where they established and controlled the puppet government. After various deadly attacks and assassination attempts by underground guerillas, it became evident that there has been a leak of intelligence, and someone is working undercover within the Intelligence Bureau for the underground revolutionists. A group of unsuspecting key officials that had a hand in the circulation of a staged encoded message are captured and transported to a far off mansion in the middle of the night for interrogation. As they are each served with torture and counter-intelligence tactics, they soon realize that no one will be able to leave until the snitch is identified. The only way for them to survive through this, would be to turn on each other…

Movie Review:

There is something about movies which help people like this reviewer to learn more about history. The bombing of Pearl Harbour? Thank you, Michael Bay. The rise and fall of Eva Peron? Thank you, Alan Parker. And closer to home, the legacy of the Soong Sisters? Thank you, Mabel Cheung. And that is why, whenever a war espionage film like this one comes along, this reviewer would deem it the perfect opportunity to beef up his limited knowledge of what happened in the past. Fictional or not, pictures like this allow viewers to get a peek of what it was like to live in that era, where everyone seemed more patriotic and less self centered.

Directors Chen Kuo-fu (Double Vision) and Gao Qunshu (The Tokyo Trial) transport viewers back some 70 years back to Nanking during the terrible times of World War II. It was a time when dangerous spies lurk round every corner, and you had no idea who to trust. The film’s limelight falls on a group of suspects gathered in a mansion by a Japanese spy chief. One by one these suspects are eliminated, but the essential member of this patriotic group must send out a crucial message at all means while protecting his (or her?) true identity. What ensues is a drama which develops itself finely like a game of Cluedo, where the mastermind of the game must hide his (or her?) true intentions behind the torturous proceedings in the grand captive ground.

Based on a novel, Chen wrote the screenplay for this “cat and mouse” game which engagingly provides a glimpse for today’s audiences of what it means to feel nationalistic pride in the past. It does evoke that sense of devotion and loyalty, and makes you wonder whether a local film can stir up the same feeling? While this doubt’s answers lies in the vast differences in culture and history, one cannot overlook the impressive production values of this film boasting Feng Xiaogang’s (If You Are The One) name as its executive producer.
The two hour movie manages to bring together some credible names to create an authentic look for the movie. Jake Pollock (Yang Yang)’s lush cinematography enhances the intricate costume design by Tim Yip (Red Cliff). The comfortable pacing of the editing, the well executed soundscape and the entrancing production design will mesmerize viewers from beginning to end.

And thankfully, the storytelling does not disappoint too. The gradual build up of the plot culminates in a finale which may be arguably predictable, but works well for a film of this genre. Credit goes to the spot on cast, all of whom shine in their own character. There is Zhang Hanyu (Assembly) as a long suffering militarist, Huang Xiaoming (Sniper) as the Japanese soldier, Alec Su (L-O-V-E) as a lieutenant and Li Bingbing (The Forbidden Kingdom). Zhang and Huang exudes charisma in their pain inflicted roles, Su creates quite a show with his portrayal of an effeminate officer and Li makes viewers feel her agony with a unique aura of quietness. There is nothing to fault with the acting, as it is with Zhou Xun’s (Perhaps Love) code breaker character. Effortlessly moving through the film with her distinctive allure, she is no doubt one of the greatest movie actresses of our time.

There is something about movies which help people like this reviewer to learn more about history. And despite being a fictional thriller, this finely made production has left this reviewer wondering what it was like to live in a time when you lived for your country

English Movie Confessions Of A Shopaholic 2009 Watch Free Online Review Trailer Cast And Crew

English Movie CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC 2009

Cast And Crew

Cast: Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Joan Cusack, John Goodman, John Lithgow, Kristin Scott Thomas, Leslie Bibb, Fred Armisen, Julie Hagerty, Krysten Ritter, Robert Stanton, Christine Ebersole, Clea Lewis, Wendie Malick, Stephanie March
Director: P.J. Hogan
Genre: Comedy/Romance
Rating: PG
Languages: English/Spanish/ Portuguese/Thai
Subtitles: English/Spanish/ Portuguese/Thai/Chinese/Bahasa/ Malay/Korean/Hindi
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Sound: Dolby Digital
Running Time: 1 hr 45 mins
Distributor: Scorpio East

SYNOPSIS:

Get ready to fall in love with the adorable Becky Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) in the hilarious romantic comedy Confessions Of A Shopaholic. Living in glamorous New York, Becky desperately wants a job writing for a high-fasion magazine. She gets her stilettos in the door when she gets a job writing a personal finance column at a sister publication. Much to her surprise, her column not only becomes a hit, but she falls head over high heels for her overworked yet handsome boss (Hugh Dancy). But Becky has a secret that leads to some hilarious high jinks that could unravel it all. From the best-selling novel, and featuring the perfect comedic cast, it's the feel-good must-have romantic comedy you'll fall in love with over and over again.


MOVIE REVIEW:

“Confessions of a Shopaholic” couldn’t arrive at a more inopportune time, a time when the American economy is flailing and the rest of the world economies are reeling. Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher), its lead character, espouses what is wrong with consumers nowadays-the lure of the plastic is so great that people are tempted to spend beyond their means.

But if you believe P.J. Hogan’s film, the worst that can come from this excessiveness is capturing the heart of a charming Englishman (played by Hugh Dancy) or landing a plum job for which one is grossly unqualified. Can you blame “Confessions of a Shopaholic” for spreading such irresponsible messages at a time when caution is probably what is most needed? Can you fault it for being so hopelessly unrealistic that it almost lives in its own fantasy world?

Probably not, after all, we all need a little bit of escapism every now and then, even if it means indulging ourselves in the most ill-advised manner. But if you’re going to have some irresponsible fun, at least make sure that it actually is enjoyable. “Confessions of a Shopaholic” entices you with such irreverent possibilities- what with its Prada, Gucci, Macy’s, Barneys and Saks splurges- but doesn’t quite deliver what it promises.

As a satire on women’s obsession with brands and shopping, Tracey Jackson’s script isn’t clever enough to truly amuse. Indeed its most inspired bit is to show how the mannequins in the shop window gesture to Miss Shopaholic, Rebecca, with their latest expensive branded wares- probably the closest thing to what it means when girls talk about how store displays are calling out to them. Nowhere does the movie explain how or why such obsessions develop or why it’s such a hard habit to break.

As a rom-com, P.J. Hogan’s film isn’t spontaneous or hilarious enough to elicit more than a smile or two. The romance between Rebecca and Hugh Dancy’s business magazine editor Luke Brandon fizzles more than sizzles thanks to a limp story and some clichéd setups. Yes, this is predictable to a fault and even the stars’ chemistry fail to redeem the lazy material.

The best thing that “Confessions of a Shopaholic” has going for it is its lead star, Isla Fisher. The role is her first as a leading actress after many supporting turns in romantic comedies such as “Wedding Crashers” and “Definitely, Maybe” and she proves to be a beguiling star with an exuberance that is simply irrepressible and irresistible. Sadly, her on-screen energy is misplaced in a film that has little of the same vigor.

It’s hard to believe that “Confessions of a Shopaholic” is in fact produced by action-meister Jerry Bruckheimer, the maestro at movies that are most adept at blowing things up in the most wildly fascinating ways. This is his first attempt at producing a rom-com/ chick flick and Bruckheimer shows he knows little of what makes the genre work. Worse still, its subject matter encourages the negligence and recklessness that is the root cause of our economic woes today. Since it offers nothing by way of escapist fun, this Confession is one you best avoid.

Taiwan Movie Invitation Only Watch Free Online Trailer Reviews Cast And Crew

Taiwan Movie Invitation Only 2009

Cast And Crew
Cast: Bryant Chang, Maria Ozawa, Jerry Huang, Julianne Chu,
Joseph Ma, Vivi Ho, Adrian Lin, Yang Li Si, Kao Yin-Hsuan, Kristian Brodie
Director: Kevin Ko
Genre: Thriller
RunTime: 1 hr 35 mins Released By: Shaw
Rating: R21 (Violence And Sexual Scenes)
Opening Day: 1 October 2009

Synopsis:

Ordinary young men and women often dream of the unreachable life of the world’s idle rich. Wade, Richard, Hitomi, Holly and Lin certainly do. They have all received an invitation to an exclusive party held by a group of rich & famous people, obviously addressed to them by mistake. But all the same, they attend.

It is the best party ever, a wishing game takes place where their deepest desires materialize. But when they find Richard’s body brutally killed, the wishing game turns into a killing game in which they are the tortured victims and a rich audience the sadistic spectators. To escape from the party and survive is now their only dream.
Movie Review:

Whoever would have thought that the Taiwanese can be just as sick and depraved as the Eastern Europeans? As far as “Invitation Only” goes, torture porn is as much a form of entertainment in their territory as it is in places like Slovak. And worse still- it is high society, the rich and wealthy, who are the ones partaking in torture porn as their preferred entertainment choice.

Such is the premise of what has been touted to be Taiwan’s first slasher film. Five ordinary working class people receive invitations to what is apparently a party for high society, with the promise that they will have their wishes come true written at the back of their cards. But true to the adage that nothing comes free in life, the five of them- a chauffeur, a nurse, a beautician, a wanna-be politician and a piano teacher- are no more than bait for a sick, sick party where the who’s who of high society come and watch them get butchered on stage.

Just a sampling of what is the night’s entertainment- the wanna-be politician is first strapped down, stripped to his knickers, and then electrocuted via two crocodile clips attached to a car battery on one end and pinched onto his genitals on the other. All this happens while the audience, dressed to their nines, sits at their tables sipping their glasses of wine, watches in fascination and applauds while the victim is writhing in pain in front of them.

Yes, if torture porn a la “Hostel” ain’t your sort of thing, you’re not likely to find this pleasurable at all. Clearly inspired, even enamoured by Hollywood’s recent lure for the genre, director Kevin Ko has preserved the former’s love for blood and guts in his debut feature to satisfy audiences thirsting for such forms of vicarious distractions. And in between the various graphic portrayals of gore and violence, Ko has fashioned a fairly effective suspense piece that will keep you on tenterhooks (pun intended).

“Invitation Only’s” visceral appeal is also enhanced by the cast of pretty young things. There’s “Eternal Summer’s” boyish-looking Bryant Cheng as eye candy for the girls, and sweet, cutie-pie Julianne for the guys. Not forgetting of course Japanese AV actress Maria Ozawa in a bit role, with the bulk of her screen time spent doing what she does best on-screen.

But certainly, in order to justify the depravity in the movie, “Invitation Only” tries to explain just how this sadistic means of entertainment came to be. Here, writers Chang Chia-Cheng and Carolyn Lin play on the growing unease between the have and the have-nots in society, an issue that became particularly heated in Taiwan back in the year 2007. Be that as it may, the notion of the wealthy striking back at the frustration and distrust directed towards them in such a twisted manner just seems a tad far-fetched.

Indeed, what hints that “Invitation Only” may be some sort of social commentary should be best forgotten. This is through and through a film meant to gratify those looking for some primitive thrills by way of graphic scenes of torture and violence. On that account, “Invitation Only” is an impressive first effort for director Kevin Ko as well as for Taiwanese cinema, and just goes to show that whether in Europe or this side of the globe, certain primal pleasures are universal.

English Movie 12 Rounds 2009 Watch Free Online Review Trailer Cast And Crew

English Movie 12 Rounds 2009

Cast And Crew

Starring: John Cena, Steve Harris, Ashley Scott, Aidan Gillen,
Brian White, Gonzalo Menendez, Taylor Cole, Kyle Russell
Director: Renny Harlin
Rating: PG (Violence)
Genre: Action
Clements, Peter Navy Tuiasosopo
Languages: English
Subtitles: English/Chinese/Malay
Aspect Ratio: 16x9
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Running Time: 1 hr 49 mins
Distributor: Alliance Entertainment

SPECIAL FEATURES

- A Crash Course: John Cena Stunts - Never-before-seen Cena gag reel - Alternate endings with commentary by Writer Daniel Kunka and Actor John Cera


SYNOPSIS:

When New Orleans Police Detective Danny Fisher (John Cena) stops a brilliant thief from getting away with a multimillion-dollar heist, the thief's girlfriend is accidentally killed. After escaping from prison, the criminal mastermind enacts his revenge, taunting Danny with 12 rounds of near-impossible puzzles and tasks that he must somehow complete to save the life of the woman he loves.

MOVIE REVIEW:

Cruel as it may sound, Renny Harlin may always be regarded as a poor cousin to Michael Bay and Tony Scott. Despite having done more than respectable action movies like “Die Hard 2”, “Cliffhanger”, “The Long Kiss Goodnight” and even the much underrated “Mindhunters”, Harlin has never been considered in the same league as Bay or Scott. But watch his latest “12 Rounds” and it’s immediately clear that when it comes to mayhem and destruction, Harlin is just as adept at blowing stuff up.

Shot in post-Katrina’s New Orleans, Harlin makes the best use of his location (and his budget) to stage some genuinely thrilling action sequences. There’s a race-against-time drive through the narrow streets of New Orleans on a fire truck, another race against time to stop a careening streetcar and a final climatic midair helicopter fight above the city’s night sky. And in between, a whole stretch of streetwalk cafes gets smashed up, an innumerable number of parked or moving vehicles get crashed into, a couple of buildings get blown up and an entire power grid gets taken out.

Whew- by the time “12 Rounds” is done, you’d think New Orleans just went through Katrina Round Two. And all that destruction is for a good purpose apparently- a certain Detective Danny Fisher (John Cena) has to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend (Ashley Scott) from the hands of a megalomaniac terrorist Miles Jackson (Aiden Gillen) so he plays said terrorist’s 12 challenges, or “12 Rounds”, as the movie is titled.

Whatever. Like any of Bay or Scott’s films, this throwaway plot is simply an excuse to get from one ridiculous and ridiculously exciting action set piece to another- despite writer Daniel Kunka’s best efforts at convincing you otherwise. Yes, “12 Rounds” is almost predictable to a fault and you’d probably already have figured out its twist ending by the time that rolls around. Nevertheless, it’s unlikely action junkies will mind- Harlin’s flair for action and devastation is what propels “12 Rounds” and this is right up there with “Die Hard 2”.

But what “12 Rounds” lacks is a likeable and memorable hero a la John McClane. “12 Rounds’” Detective Danny Fisher doesn’t have the signature personality or attitude that made McClane the hero you rooted for. Indeed, right until the very last round, Fisher finds himself consistently being outsmarted by Miles- how’s that for a smart hero? Of course, part of the fault also lies with Harlin’s frenetic direction- in choosing to keep the action fast and furious, he’s relegated his hero to a mere cardboard figure.

The same can also be said of John Cena. Unlike his fellow WWE superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Cena doesn’t have the charisma or the acting chops to take on a leading role. Indeed, Cena is hardly as expressive as Johnson- in fact, he more often looks and acts like a block of wood onscreen. His only saving grace, however, is his athletic ability and thankfully it shows up amply in the movie.

“12 Rounds” is also a movie quite unfortunately behind its time. Had it been made in the ‘90s, it surely would have found more love with an audience that was simpler and easier to please. But coming after countless other such movies like “Point Break”, “Speed” and even “Die Hard with a Vengeance”, “12 Rounds” is hardly likely to change the fortunes of Renny Harlin’s flagging career. He’s made a solid action movie- pity the timing and the acting.

English Movie Where The Wild Things Are 2009 Watch Free Online Review Trailer Cast And Crew

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE Hollywood Movie 2009

Cast & Crew

Director: Spike Jonze
Producer: Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, Maurice Sendak, John B. Carls, Vincent Landay
Music Director: Karen O, Carter Burwell
Release Date: 16 Oct 2009
Genre: Adventure
Language: English
Cast: Catherine Keener Mark Ruffalo
Max Records

The Story :

Where the Wild Things Are film combines live action, suitmation, animatronics, and CGI. Innovative director Spike Jonze collaborates with celebrated author Maurice Sendak to bring one of the most beloved books of all time to the big screen in “Where the Wild Things Are,” a classic story about childhood and the places we go to figure out the world we live in.
The film tells the story of Max, a rambunctious and sensitive boy who feels misunderstood at home and escapes to where the Wild Things are. Max lands on an island where he meets mysterious and strange...
Where the Wild Things Are Synopsis
The film follows the imaginary adventures of a young boy named Max (Max Records), who is angry when his mother, Connie (Catherine Keener), invites her boyfriend (Mark Ruffalo) over. After he causes one mischievous antic after another, his mother tries to send him to his room. He ends up biting her and running away, feeling angry and unloved. He runs outside at night, through a fence until he stumbles upon a boat. He sails away to an island inhabited by seven imaginary monsters called the Wild Things, where they crown him as the ruler.

Maurice Sendak’s classic book comes to the big screen in an adventure tale for every generation. “Where the Wild Things Are” follows the adventure of Max (Max Records), a mischievous young boy who is sent to his room after rebelling against his mother (Catherine Keener). Max’s imagination is free to roam, and it soon transports him to a thriving forest bordering a vast sea. Delighted, he sets sail for the land of the Wild Things, where mischief reigns and Max rules. In bringing this imaginative fantasy to life, Jonze leads a team of filmmakers incorporating the most dynamic elements of voice performance, live-action puppetry and computer animation.”Where the Wild Things Are” follows the adventures of Max, a head-strong young boy who leaves home after having a fight with his mother — only to find himself in a mysterious forest bordering a vast sea. Misunderstood and rebellious, Max sets sail to the land of the Wild Things, where mischief reigns.
The adventure film will use a unique process to bring the story to life, incorporating the most dynamic elements of voice performance, live-action puppetry and computer animation.
Where the Wild Things Are Hollywood Movie Review:::
Adventure. Innovative director Spike Jonze collaborates with celebrated author Maurice Sendak to bring one of the most beloved books of all time to the big screen in Where the Wild Things Are, a classic story about childhood and the places we go to figure out the world we live in. The film tells the story of Max, a rambunctious and sensitive boy who feels misunderstood at home and escapes to where the Wild Things are. Max lands on an island where he meets mysterious and strange creatures whose emotions are as wild and unpredictable as their actions. The Wild Things desperately long for a leader to guide them, just as Max longs for a kingdom to rule. When Max is crowned king, he promises to create a place where everyone will be happy. Max soon finds, though, that ruling his kingdom is not so easy and his relationships there prove to be more complicated than he originally thought.

ngs AreWhat really got me hooked on Maurice Senak’s classic book Where the Wild Things Are was Levar Burton. After he did an episode of ‘Reading Rainbow’ on it, I grabbed my Belton Public Library card and dragged my Mom out to the car. I had to have it! For a lot of kids, “Where the Wild Things Are” was and hopefully still is a special experience. Now it’s being made into a movie, and though I’m no longer exactly in the story’s target age bracket, it’s hard not to be a little bit excited.