WEEKEND PIC June 29 - July 1

Your Guide To The Weekend Viewing:

1. TRANSFORMERS (sci-fi action with Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Jon Voight and Megan Fox) Rated: * * * (out of 4): It's 'Bayhem' time and those who grew up on Transformers toys and the TV series would definitely relive their fantasies in this testosterone-fueled actioner that also transforms from one genre to another.

2. SURF'S UP (animated comedy with voices of Shia LaBeouf, Jeff Bridges, Zooey Deschanel and Jon Heder) Rated * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): Masquerading as a 'mockumentary', this story about a young penguin's quest to be champion surfer offers a few laughs and references to real-life celebs. But not enough oomph, though.

3. DIVA (local drama with Ning Baizura (pic, left), Jeremy Thomas and AC Mizal) Rated * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): This drama, about the personal and professional challenges faced by a singer (Ning), gets a Bollywood touch with India's director Sharad Saran at the helm.

4. ALONE (Thai horror thriller with Masha Wattanapanich, Namo Tongkumnerd, Vittaya Wasukraipaisan and Ratchanoo Bunchootwong) Rated * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): We get the requisite jolts and plot twists in this mystery about a separated Siamese twin haunted by her past. Okay if you don't expect too much.

5. FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER (sci-fi thriller with Michael Chiklis, Ioan Gruffudd, Chris Evans and Jessica Alba) Rated * * (2 stars): After the initial chase scene with the Silver Surfer, everything seems to go downhill with this disappointing sequel - with lame dialogue and prolonged build-up and little in terms of pay-off.

TRANSFORMERS: It's Pure 'Bayhem'

TRANSFORMERS (sci-fi action)
Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Travis Van Winkle, Josh Duhamel, Jon Voight and Megan Fox
Directors: Michael Bay
Time: 125 mins
Rating: * * * (out of 4)

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? Michael Bay's "Transformers" showcases alien robots that masquerade as ordinary vehicles like cars, jets and trucks, and thereby 'hide in plain sight' from us. The movie, however, also transforms from one genre to another and another - apparently to update and revitalise the franchise (which originated from a line of toys by Hasbro) for today's viewers and fans.
The Transformers toy line, for the benefit of the uninitiated, was launched in 1984, and was promoted through both the comic books by Marvel and a cartoon TV series. Although the comics outlived the animated series, it was the TV series that captured the hearts and minds of children worldwide more than any other piece of Transformers media from its 23-year history. Since then, there have been two animated movie versions - in 1984 and 1986. This live-action CGI-enhanced version looks set to take the franchise much further both in terms of sequels, spin-offs and merchandise.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? The movie starts like a modern-day desert war drama, with US soldiers in Qatar being attacked by a helicopter that changes into a gun-toting robot. That, ladies and gentlemen, introduces viewers to the robotic Transformers - and we get a taste of Michael's 'Bayhem' of machine-gun splatter, commotions and explosions!
Next, Bay takes us into Pentagon war-game territory where we find Secretary of Defence John Keller (Jon Voight, probably impersonating Donald Rumsfeld) seeking help from civilian experts to try and make sense of the data from Qatar. Of course, nothing is supposed to make sense - yet.

Cut again, and we move into "American Pie" high school comedy, with 11th grader Sam Witwicky (Shia LeBeouf) telling his class about his explorer grandpa and buying a beat-up yellow Camaro so that he can impress school mate Mikaela (Megan Fox) into going out with him. Sorry folks, no prizes for guessing that Grandpa Witwicky had stumbled onto an energy-giving cube from outer space, and that the Camaro is actually an Autobot named Bumble Bee.

There is more comic relief before we get to the main action pieces. This comes in the form of a cute little robot that causes havoc on Air Force One in the same way that prehistoric 'squirrel' Scrat cracks us up in the "Ice Age" films.

When Bay gets down to the real business of unravelling the war between the protective Autobots, led by Optimus Prime (voice of Peter Cullen), and the evil Decepticons (led by Megatron), the awe-factor comes in huge and loud doses, and these are spiced with dollops of humour as well. Optimus Prime and his Autobots are not just awesome to behold, they possess human qualities like courage, compassion and wit as well. And yes, their actions will make you cheer, laugh and even shed a tear or two.

HIGHLIGHTS AND LOWLIGHTS: Additional humour is provided by John Turturro, who goes way over the top as Agent Simmons from a top secret government agency called Section 7. However, diehard movie fans will probably see references to "King Kong", "The Love Bug", "E.T." and "Black Hawk Down" - in addition to the aforementioned "Ice Age" and "War Games". Sure, plot-holes and logic lapses are plenty in this testosterone-fueled fantasy that reflects America's love of cars, and the prolonged street battle scenes involving the robots and humans can be rather confusing. Well, that's just Michael Bay for you.

With the computer-generated robot sequences blending so seamlessly with live-action, the human cast seem almost redundant. Nevertheless LaBeouf and Fox hold their own as young leads whom the audience will certainly root for - and as supporting stars to the CGI creations. There is a message somewhere about Earthlings being essentially good, but it is easily overwhelmed by the mayhem.

THE LOWDOWN: If you grew up in the Eighties with Transformers toys, you are going to relive your childhood fantasies with this one. Go on, knock yourself out.

DIE HARD 4.0: It's Franchise Reboot

DIE HARD 4.0 aka LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD (action thriller)
Cast: Bruce Willis, Timothy Olyphant, Maggie Q, Jeffrey Wright and Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Directors: Lens Wiseman
Time: 121 mins
Rating: * * * ½ (Out of 4)

Long and Willis in Die Hard 4.0

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL? In Die Hard 4.0, Bruce Willis shows no sign of fatigue or slowing down in his action scenes. On the contrary, his advancing age, 52, makes the audience root for him even more as he runs around all over America, dodging bullets, punches and explosion debris – and setting up the sequences for some of the most spectacular stunts you will ever see on film.
"Dude, you killed a chopper with a car!" a young guy comments after a mind-blowing crash explosion. Whereupon Willis’ character, John McClane, replies: "I ran out of bullets!" Now, here’s a Die Hard sequel with wit, humour and gusto!

WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Willis reprises his role as the New York police detective who is assigned to pick up computer hacker Matt Farrell (Justin Long) for questioning by the FBI. However, before McClane can hand Matt over to the authorities, the bad guys, led by a disgruntled former government official (Timothy Olyphant as Thomas Gabriel), arrive and start gunning them down.
Reason? Matt is involved in a plot to shut down the whole computer infrastructure of the US, rendering the country in chaos. Now, Gabriel wants to cover his tracks by killing Matt and all the other hackers involved. Of course, the cyber-terrorist has not reckoned that the computer-illiterate McClane would team up with Matt and foul up his plans.
Why, McClane even finds a way to deal with Gabriel’s right-hand gal and lover, the kungfu-kicking Mai (Maggie Q). Soon, Gabriel is forced to use his last bargaining chip – McClane’s daughter Lucy (Mary Elizabeth Winstead).

HIGHLIGHTS & LOWLIGHTS: In the last instalment, Die Hard With A Vengeance, Willis teamed up with the volatile Samuel L. Jackson (as Harlem shop-owner Zeus) in a bid to find a bomb. Jackson proved to be just the foil for McClane. Here, the casting department has also risen to the occasion with Long as the helpless computer nerd who needs to be rescued every now and then before he can help to save America from ruin. The youngsters in the audience would certainly buy this type of partnership.
Like a well-written computer programme, Die Hard 4.0 is fast-paced and action-packed. Its linear plot – about an ‘odd pair’ teaming up against a bunch of well-organised baddies – works like a video game set-up and is easy to get involved in. The dialogue, kept to a minimum, is funny and apt, and even the secondary cast get proper build-up. Maggie Q, for instance, offers more than just a pretty face with a hot bod. She can kick ass and provides one of the most gripping fights in the movie. Even Winstead holds her own as McClane’s gutsy, smart-mouthed daughter. (Willis’ real-life daughter, Rumer, 18, who was born the same year that the original Die Hard was released, was rumoured to play Lucy, but the deal fell through).

THE LOWDOWN? Director Lens Wiseman, best known for Underworld and Underworld: Evolution, has obviously given the Die Hard franchise a new lease of life. Even if Willis is unable to play McClane in the next instalment, it is good to know that our hero is going out with a bang - a series of big bangs, to be exact.

Homer's 'Home at Last' after Kidnap Ordeal

21 June – "How did the kidnappers treat ya, Dad?" This is probably what young Bart would have asked his dad, Homer Simpson, upon his return to his favourite couch after an ordeal with two Malaysian kidnappers that started early last Monday.

Homer's reply would probably go like this: "Well son. It was horrible. They carried me off to their car and when they found that I could not fit into the back seat, they tried to put me in the trunk. So there I was, with my butt sticking out as they drove out of the parking lot into the night. Luckily the Malaysian police managed to trace the licence plate of the car from the CCTV and found the kidnappers. All through the ordeal, I didn't even get to have a beer or watch TV!"

CCTV image of the theft last Monday

Petaling Jaya Central police chief Mazlan Mansor was reported as saying that the case has been solved. The theft of the Homer Simpson figure was first reported on Cinema Online last Monday (18 June 2007). The two students, who were believed to be over-exuberant fans of The Simpsons, returned the fibre-glass figure to police today, ending a caper that might as well have been an episode of the popular TV series.

The 15-kg replica of Homer holding a candy box is part of a promotional display at a local cinema in 1 Utama for the upcoming movie, The Simpsons. The theft in the early hours of last Monday was recorded on close-circuit camera and reported to the police by the cinema management.

Ms. Moo Hon Mei of 20th Century Fox said the RM1,000 reward offered earlier is not valid now as the case was solved by police. It is learnt that the entire kidnap was recorded on the shopping complex's CCTV. The cameras also caught the car's registration number which led police to the culprits, said to be "passionate fans who want to own a piece of The Simpsons before the movie opens."

Police have released the suspects on bail, pending charges.

WEEKEND PIC June 22 - 24

Your Guide To The Weekend Viewing:

1. SURF'S UP (animated comedy with voices of Shia LaBeouf, Jeff Bridges, Zooey Deschanel and Jon Heder) Rated * * 1/2 (out of 4): Masquerading as a 'mockumentary', this story about a young penguin's quest to be champion surfer offers a few laughs and references to real-life celebs. But not enough oomph, though.
2. ALONE (Thai horror thriller with Masha Wattanapanich, Namo Tongkumnerd, Vittaya Wasukraipaisan and Ratchanoo Bunchootwong) Rated * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): We get the requisite jolts and plot twists in this mystery about a separated Siamese twin. Okay if you don't expect too much out of this team that made "Shutter".

3. OCEAN'S THIRTEEN (crime drama with George Clooney, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt) Rated * * * (out of 4): Ocean's gang are out for revenge against a crafty casino owner in this 'trequel' that simmers a lot but lacks sizzle.

4. FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER (sci-fi thriller with Michael Chiklis, Ioan Gruffudd, Chris Evans and Jessica Alba) Rated * * (2 stars): After the initial chase scene with the Silver Surfer, everything seems to go downhill with this disappointing sequel - with lame dialogue and prolonged build-up and little in terms of pay-off.

5. SHREK 3 (animated comedy with the voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas and Justin Timberlake) Rated: * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): This third instalment continues the saga of the green Ogre who discovers that he is now heir to the throne and that he is gonna be a dad! Despite repetitious gags, it is still a fun movie.

TRANSFORMERS Fans, Take Note: There is an exhibition of Transformers characters and toys, including a giant Optimus Prime, at the Transformers Robotcon 2007 at Cineleisure Damansara this weekend, from 10am to 10pm. Details, check out the news section at cinema.com.my

SURF'S UP: Hang 10 There, Dudes!

SURF'S UP (animated comedy)
Cast (voices): Shia LaBeouf, Jeff Bridges, Zooey Deschanel, Jon Heder, James Woods, Diedrich Bader
Directors: Ash Bannon and Chris Buck
Time: 85 mins
Rating: * * 1/2 (out of 4)

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? Penguins have been making their presence felt in the cinema over the past few years. They stole the show in "Madagascar" (2005), stole our hearts in "March Of The Penguins" (2005) and got our feet tapping last year in "Happy Feet". This time around, they are taking to the waves on surf-boards in this animated feature that masquerades as a ‘mockumentary’. Oh yes, did I mention that it is the conceit of this movie that penguins invented surfing? Why, they even have cave drawings to prove it!

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? "Surf’s Up" is the story of young Cody Maverick (voice of Shia LaBeouf) whose ambition is to be a champion surfer, just like his mentor and all-time hero Big Z (Jeff Bridges). When Cody is ‘discovered’ in his native Shiverpool in the Antarctica and ‘whisked’ off to Pen Gu island for the Big Z Memorial Surf-off tournament, he entertains hopes that he would follow in the footsteps of Big Z and make a name for himself.
He makes friends with fellow competitor Chicken Joe (Jon Heder) and a coy life-guard named Lani (Zooey Deschanel). However, an encounter with Tank Evans (Diedrich Bader), the defending champ and nine-time winner of the surf-off, seemingly puts an end to his dreams of surfing grandeur. What remains is Cody’s new relationship with Lani’s uncle, Geek, a laid-back former surfing champ who reluctantly tutors Cody the way Mr Miyagi did in "The Karate Kid".

HIGHLIGHTS & LOWLIGHTS: The mock-documentary style of story-telling may not work well with young children at whom this comedy is targeted. However, the reality TV approach allows the scripters to weave some character-parodies into the plot fabric. The most notable of these is the spiky-haired otter, Reggie Belafonte (voiced by the gruff James Woods), an animated version of fight-promoter Don King.

Another plus for the movie is the chemistry between LaBeouf and Bridges, both on-screen and in the soundtrack. Their Karate Kid-styled relationship is credible and engaging enough to make us root for them. And then there is the comic relief subplot involving Chicken Joe who steals the show whenever he appears, especially in his encounters with a tribe of chicken-loving critters. On the technical side, there are some ups and downs in this effort by directors Bannon and Buck who had formerly worked with Disney Studios. The water and waves visuals look very real while the animation of some minor characters fall below par, especially when compared to those of "Shrek The Third". Also, the relationship between Cody and Lani could have been further developed, especially for the romantics in the audience.

THE LOWDOWN: To round up, let me state that "Surf’s Up" is not a story about penguins. It is about having fun and playing the game, which is more important than winning. So if you feel like taking the plunge, hit the waves and hang ten there, dudes!

Coliseum KL Reopens with 'Sivaji The Boss'

15 June 2007 - The venerable Coliseum Cinema in Kuala Lumpur reopened with a bang yesterday after a two-week closure for renovations. With long queues seen at the premises yesterday afternoon, the cinema management told this blogger that all tickets for the Tamil blockbuster "Sivaji The Boss" were sold out early in the evening.

Cinema Manager Sofie Babu said yesterday that the Coliseum was closed on May 29 for maintenance and repairs to its seats, toilets and other facilities. "We reopened for the blockbuster "Sivaji" tonight and I am glad that both the 9pm and midnight shows were sold out."

Sofie said "Sivaji" will be shown in the regular 35mm format and as such there was no need for any digital system installations to be done to their projectors. This was the second time in two years that the Coliseum closed its doors for repairs. On 2 October last year, it closed for renovations to its air-conditioning system and reopened in time for the Deepa-Raya holidays on 21 October, showing the blockbuster "Godfather" (or "Varalaru"). This time around, it reopened in time for what is arguably the biggest Tamil movie of the year – "Sivaji The Boss".

Since the early Sixties, the Coliseum KL had been a premier location for Indian movies. Today, it is still living up to its reputation.

WEEKEND PIC June 15 - 17

Your guide to the weekend viewing:

1. OCEAN'S THIRTEEN (crime drama with George Clooney, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt) Rated * * * (out of 4): Ocean's gang are out for revenge against a crafty casino owner in this 'trequel' that simmers a lot but lacks sizzle.

2. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END (fantasy adventure with Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley) Rated * * * (out of 4): This 'trequel' of the POTC franchise is, as expected, full of thrills and spills. With so many subplots and twists in its 168-minute footage, however, it is a bit tough on our butts.

3. FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER (sci-fi thriller with Michael Chiklis, Ioan Gruffudd, Chris Evans and Jessica Alba) Rated * * (2 stars): After the initial chase scene with the Silver Surfer, everything seems to go downhill with this disappointing sequel - with lame dialogue and prolonged build-up and little in terms of pay-off.

4. SHREK 3 (animated comedy with the voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas and Justin Timberlake) Rated: * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): This third instalment continues the saga of the green Ogre who discovers that he is now heir to the throne and that he is gonna be a dad! Despite repetitious gags, it is still a fun movie.

5. THE NAMESAKE (drama with Kal Penn and Zuleika Robinson) Rated * * * (3 stars): A tender, touching drama by director Mira Nair about an Indian-American lad named Gogol who grows up in New York, torn between two traditions.

FANTASTIC FOUR: Rise Of The Silver Surfer - Another Letdown

FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER (sci-fi thriller)
Cast: Michael Chiklis, Ioan Gruffudd, Chris Evans and Jessica Alba
Director: Tim Story
Time: 95 mins
Rating: * * (out of 4)

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? The Fantastic Four comic book-turned-movie franchise has never been a big deal especially after the disappointing 2005 'original'. Fans who have waited for that movie went back to rummaging their Marvel comics to revive their interest and to find out what went wrong. This sequel is just as bad...

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? After the 'death' of Dr Doom, the Fantastic Four are getting used to their superpowers. Reed Richards and Sue Storm (Ioan Gruffudd and Jessica Alba) plan their wedding but are interrupted when the Silver Surfer and Galactus show up, trying to destroy the earth and it's up to the Fantastic foursome to deal with them, as well as with the return of Dr Doom. Galactus has decided that Earth is his next target, sending his henchman, The Silver Surfer (Norrin Radd) to prepare the invasion.

HIGHLIGHTS & LOWLIGHTS: For the first few minutes when the Silver Surfer is introduced, sci-fi fans would probably go 'wow' at the mid-air chase and battle between the new villain and the Human Torch (Chris Evans as Johnny Storm). After that, it is all downhill with incessant build-up and little in terms of payoff. Comic book fans who are waiting for the entry of Galactus will be sorely disappointed.
Galactus doesn’t have a single line of dialogue here and he appears at the end of the movie as a giant dust storm. Not only do the film-makers downplay the character from what he was in the comics, but the Silver Surfer so easily defeats Galactus that it is disgraceful. Character development is lame, with the usual kiddie-type jokes and lots of techno-babble. The film-makers have tried to exploit Jessica Alba's role here, emphasising on her assets but this only serves to make her look like a hooker. Watch out for creator Stan Lee who has his customary cameo at Reed and Sue's wedding.

THE LOWDOWN: There is nothing fantastic here, just another attempt that reeks of mediocrity and exploitation.

WEEKEND PIC June 8 - 10

Your Guide To The Weekend Viewing:

1. OCEAN'S THIRTEEN (crime drama with George Clooney, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt) Rated * * * (out of 4): Ocean's gang are out for revenge against a crafty casino owner (Al Pacino) in this 'trequel' that simmers a lot but lacks sizzle.

2. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END (fantasy adventure with Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley) Rated * * * (out of 4): This 'trequel' of the POTC franchise is, as expected, full of thrills and spills. With so many subplots and twists in its 168-minute footage, however, it is a bit tough on our butts.

3. THE NAMESAKE (drama with Kal Penn and Zuleika Robinson) Rated * * * (3 stars): A tender, touching drama by director Mira Nair about an Indian-American lad named Gogol who grows up in New York, torn between two traditions.

4. SHREK 3 (animated comedy with the voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas and Justin Timberlake) Rated: * * 1/2 (2.5 stars): This third instalment continues the saga of the green Ogre who discovers that he is now heir to the throne and that he is gonna be a dad! Despite repetitious gags, it is still a fun movie for the kids.

5. THE LAST MIMZY (fantasy flick with Rhiannon Leigh Wryn, Rainn Wilson and Joely Richardson) Rated * * (2 stars): This story about two kids with extra-terrestrial toys that give the super powers is very childish and flimsy, with many product- placement scenes.

OCEAN'S 13: Simmers but no sizzle

OCEAN'S THIRTEEN (drama)
Cast: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Andy Garcia
Director: Steven Soderberg
Time: 123 mins
Rating: * * * (out of 4)
WHAT'S IT ABOUT? The wily Willy Banks (Al Pacino) has cheated Rueben Tishkoff (Elliot Gould) out of a big casino deal, causing Reuben to have a heart attack. Of course, Ocean (George Clooney) and his gang would not stand for it and they plan revenge. Not just good ole fashion revenge, mind you, but to bust Bank for good. This comes at a time when Bank is launching his biggest casino ever in Vegas and is aiming for the Five Diamond Award.

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? This time around, Ocean's gang are aiming for a Mission: Impossible-type, earth-shaking climax. It succeeds in its mission, of course, but we can't help feeling that there should be more to keep our adrenaline and testosterone pumping.

HIGHLIGHTS & LOWLIGHTS: Again, this third instalment of the Ocean's franchise is dogged by high expectations. Fans of sting movies would get the nostalgia of Ocean's exploits, especially when the film-makers return the action to Vegas after after the 2004 "Ocean's 12" detour to Europe that disappointed some fans. The narrative moves along like clockwork, but there is not enough sizzle (as in romance and eye candy) to excite and to get us involved.

The cast of big names and veterans deliver what they set out to do and it is especially a godsend to have Al Pacino as the villain here. Ellen Barkin is lacklustre in her role as Bank's right-hand gal. She is supposed to turn up the 'heat' in this sequel but age seems to be a damper. We need someone like Catherine Zeta-Jones...

THE LOWDOWN: A passable outing for Ocean's fans, with a proper build-up and predictable outcome. Not for those who expect more.