Friday, May 26, 2006

FEARLESS (2006)

Jet Lee is the FEARLESS

Catch this movie on DVD because I am not in Singapore during the period it was shown in local theatre.

I am not any KungFu movie's fan. But I am thrilled to see Jet Lee, the biggest name in Chinese kungfu's movie had chosen to portray the late Master Hou Yuan Jia, in his last action movie.

When I was very, very young, "Hou Yuan Jia" was Liang Jia Ren. As a little kid watching the movie, I am very impressed with the heroism of all the casts (including the villain). Though I do not really understand what was going on then, the images of Liang Jia Ren catching a fallen signboard and darting at the villains that his name is "HOU! YUAN! JIA!" still lingers. Yes! Those are too typical in KungFu's cinemas, but still it continue to works, even till now.

So what you could have expected for this 2006 version? Nothing. Not much innovation was injected into the film: A young and snobbish hero wanted to become the top of the KungFu's arena that he made many enemies along the way. Along came one enemy, who murdered his whole family and devastated the hero. He lost purpose of life, retreated into a village where coincidentally a gentle village girl would take care of him, motivates him with simple words and our hero makes a stronger come back to shake the martial art World with his skills and most importantly his wisdom.

Though the purpose of any bio-pic is to showcase how a legend had lived, unjustly for Master Hou Yuan Jia, it is the commercialised fighting sequences of Yuen Wo Ping that impressed. When you thought you had seen too many high-platform sparring and in-the-ring fights, Yuen continue to surprise bloodthirsty fans. In addition to those, I am particularly impressed with the showdown in an inn where Hou Yuan Jia and his nemesis effortlessly cross blows between narrow fleet of stairways.

Coming back to the plotline, whatever happens in Hou's life between his childhood and youth? Director Ronny Yu had snipped what could have been the most interesting and crucial part of Hou's life. The end result makes audience felt like traveling on a clueless time machine – one moment you saw the young Hou struggling to convince his father that he is fit for martial art training in spite of his fragile health, the next moment Hou is all grown up, with a daughter and a dead wife, and is almost the best fighter in his city - Head scratching presentation from the mind behind the thrilling Bride of Chucky, and Freddy Vs Jason.

Nevertheless. I believe many only care to watch Jet's kicks and punches. If you are in that camp, no matter how uncreative is the plot and the final editing, this is still one of Jet Lee commendable works. The finale of Jet Lee showing graceful "Tai-Ji" moves in the padi field would definitely become another memorable scene in KungFu cinema's history book.

All the best in your future endeavor, Master Lee!

Movie Rating: 4/5
Jet Lee's moves: 4/5
P.S: Now the descendents of Master Hou is pressing charges against this movie, for wrongfully portrayal of the life of Hou Yuan Jia. They are unhappy that the scriptwriter wrote Hou’s whole family was murdered, where in fact no members of the family were actually being murdered. Moreover, the Japanese fighter, who has been portrayed in the movie a honourable fighter, is in real life a despicable man, who befriends Hou and tricked him to consume poison, making the hero died a slow and painful death.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

The Da Vinci Code

First Contact with The Da Vinci Code





I must confess I have never read this Dan Brown’s controversial novel. Religious topics have always been sensitive to many people and as a non-believer, I rather stay out of any groundless religious debates.

What triggers me to buy ticket to watch this movie is all plain curiosity. However, after the 150 mins in the theatre, I must say that I am totally blown away by it. It is such a great movie and it sure going to be a strong contenders for my “Best Movie in 2006”.

Simply, the movie claims that Jesus is just a mortal with “blood line” been well protected, for centuries, by the Priory of Sion. On the other hand, the Opus Dei - a clandestine, Vatican-sanctioned Catholic organization long plotted to seize and destroy all evidence from the Priory, of Christ’s mortality. The process of unfolding the truth are intriguing and the conclusion equally mind-boggling and explosive.

To all my Christian friends out there: First, this movie is totally fictional. Dan Brown never claims what he written as religious theories so PLEASE be more open-minded and watch it as if you are watching THE MATRIX – you are not going to naively believe that you are living in the Matrix after watching the movie, right? So do the same for this one.

Secondly, contrary to what you guys told me about Dan Brown suggesting that Christianity is “wrong”, I begged to differ after watching the movie. No one (in the movie) is suggesting that Christianity is wrong. Whether Jesus is human or immortal does not mean that Christianity is not worth practicing! Confucius is teachings from a mortal, does that mean the religion is unworthy? In fact, my opinion is that there is nothing wrong in practicing any Religion, as long as it teaches one to be good.

I fully agreed with the movie’s lead character, Professor Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) statement in the near finale, “Human are in fact Immortal.” Think about the Great Gandhi, and Mother Theresa. Aren’t these humanly compassion and sacrifice towards mankind could also well classify them as modern days immortals?

Finally, no matter what, exercise tolerance towards each other and always strive to be good. Let’s make this World a better place, free of religious-linked terrorism.

4.5/5 for the Movie
4.5/5 for Tom Hanks
4/5 for other casts.

Saturday, May 20, 2006

Jasmine Women

JASMINE WOMEN - Another EVERLASTING REGRET?




Finally have a chance to watch this movie today. First impression, the story flows like Sammi Cheng’s EVERLASTING REGRET. Both movies have female lead, who are unfortunate (in relationship) in the fast changing China. Both movies attempt to showcase what an actress is capable of stretching.

Briefly, the movie tells a family with four generations, which seems destine to be single-mother. Where the third generation settled down with a decent husband, the conclusions are equally devastating. I shall not place any spoilers here. Watch it to find out.

Although the movie earns many awards, I can’t help but yawn throughout the un-climatic plots. Somehow, the emotional bits, which are the most critical elements of such movie, are very dull and tone down. Zhang Ziyi still did not shake herself off that “stubborn-girl” expression seen in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, House of Flying Daggers, and Memoirs of a Geisha. No surprise at all.


The saving grace of this movie could have been veteran actress, Joan Chen. She had comfortably pulled off two different roles, with three different temperaments in the movie: the struggled great Grandmother, the flirtatious mother, and a wise grandmother. In fact, I almost think that the movie is about her, rather than Zhang ZiYi!

Anyway, watching the movie is another everlasting Regret. Get the hint?


2.5/5 for movie
3/5 for Zhang ZiYi
4.5/5 for Joan Chen


Searching through my posters collection and found two original double-sided posters of Zhang ZiYi’s earlier movies: House of Flying Dagger and Memoirs of a Geisha.






Both posters are in good condition and going for $25 each (including Singapore postage). Interested? Email me for more details

Monday, May 15, 2006

06 June 2006 is the day HE returns

THE OMEN (2006)

“The prophecy is clear. The signs are unmistakable. On the 6th day of the 6th month in the year 2006 his day will come.”

Scary tagline and if it was telling the truth, then we only left with less than a month to enjoy life! This remake of the 1976 horror classic of the same name tells an American official, who realizes that his young son may literally be the devil incarnate. All right, it sure scare the wits out of me, I don’t need to say more.




This double-sided, original poster of THE OMEN must go! I am selling it for S$25 (including Singapore postage). Do I need to explain why the low price tag?

Take it IF you dare!
Once payment is received via enets, the poster would be send, rolled in a poster tube to you. Email me for more details.

GARFIELD 2 (2006)

Who's Afraid of the Big, Fat yellow Cat?

In a nutshell: Legendary comedian Bill Murray returns to voice the World's favourite cat, Garfield! This time Garfield travels to the United Kingdom and was mistaken for a loyalty cat. Garfield now rules over a castle, but soon his reign is jeopardized by the nefarious Lord Dargis, who has designs on the estate.
Impression: This fat cat should still be able to entice me to watch this movie. However, I don't expect much surprise from it though.

Anyone like to bring home the big, fat yellow cat? Original double-sided poster of GARFIELD I and II going for S$30 (includes Singapore postage). Email me for more details.




I am also selling the GARFIELD I's premium set comprises of a tube and cup. Going for S$15/set (postage included).


Sunday, May 14, 2006

X-Men 3: The Last Stand

This widely regarded final chapter of the “X-Men” motion picture trilogy tell a “cure” for mutancy that threatens to alter the course of history. The mutants now have to decide whether to retain their uniqueness, though it isolates and alienates them, or give up their powers and become human. The opposing viewpoints of mutant leaders Charles Xavier, who preaches tolerance, and Magneto, who believes in the survival of the fittest, are put to the ultimate test – triggering the war to end all wars. The movie opens in Singapore on 25 May 2006!