Muppets Most Wanted (2014)

Muppets Most Wanted

Likable Kermie lacks punch in the sequel.

(Source: Collider)

Directed by: James Bobin
Genre: Comedy/Family
Running Time: 112 minutes
Stubs Rating: 3/5

As The Muppets Most Wanted begin, we see the lovable Muppets gang excited over the sequel and started singing the opening number “We’re Doing a Sequel”. As the song went through, Kermit the Frog sang that they are doing a sequel as that’s what Hollywood does and everybody knows that the sequel is never quite as good.

I hate to admit that, but I wholeheartedly agree with Kermit than the sequel is just not as good as the first film. Somehow, The Muppets Most Wanted is not as energetic, fun and gleefully entertaining as its predecessor. Nonetheless, the sequel is still everything you will get from a usual Mupppets movie. Breaking the fourth wall, outrageous humour, cameo appearances and more Muppets having fun.

"We're definitely doing a sequel" (Source: Collider)

In the sequel, the Muppets gang took off right after the end credits of the first film and they are planning on a global tour much to the suggestion from Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais). But little do the Muppets gang know that Badguy is an associate of the World’s Number One Criminal, Constantine, a Kermit lookalike. A switch happened and Constantine now became the decoy Kermit and Kermit somehow got thrown in a Russian prison guarded by Nadya (Tina Fey). Plus, Constantine and Badguy were using the Muppets tour as a cover to perform an international crime heist to steal the Imperial State Crown.

This time around, both Jason Segel and Amy Adams were replaced by both Ricky Gervais and Tina Fey. Gervais’ Badguy (pronounced Badgee) is entertaining to watch as he comes across as funny, cynical and sarcastic much like Gervais himself. On the other hand, Tina Fey’s presence in the sequel is not as bubbly and magnetic as Amy Adams in the first film. As for Ty Burrell’s Inspector Jean Pierre Napoleon, he is just your average clumsy and witty French inspector and Burrell’s Napoleon is just like a better version of Inspector Jacques Clouseau than Steve Martin.

"Meet Inspector Clouseau, bird" (Source: Collider)

As for the songs featured in the sequel, they are as funny and fun to listen such as “Stick With Me” or “Interrogation Song”. But do look out for a wonderful cameo appearance by Celine Dion herself in a duet with Miss Piggy. However, I do still think that “Man or Muppet” from the first film is (arguably) still the best song of the Muppets series so far.

Despite Kermit being the main character in the Muppets series, this time around he is pushed to a side character and overlooked by Gervais’ Badguy and Constantine. Plus, only a handful of Muppets are given much attention throughout the film, particularly crowd-favourite Miss Piggy, Walter and Animal. Let’s just hope that the third film will focus on other side characters of the Muppets gang.

The Muppets gang is back with a bang. (Source: Collider)

Like previous Muppets film, the best part of watching their films are spotting the cameo appearances of famous singers and actors. The sequel did not disappoint in this department with appearances from Lady Gaga, Tom Hiddleston, wrestler Hornswoggle (real name Dylan Postl), Salma Hayek, Christoph Waltz, Usher, Ray Liotta and more. But the best cameo in the sequel is undoubtedly Danny Trejo as a Gulag prisoner good in singing and dancing. Try picturing this Danny Trejo in the Machete films, you’ll get a chuckle or two.

Well, some might argue that the sequel is much better than the first one, but for me, the sequel is not as gripping and entertaining than it’s predecessor, nonetheless it is a good film for the family and to lose yourself. Now all I am hoping in the third film is Kermit singing “we’re doing a trilogy and it’s never as good as the previous two”, then my life is complete.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Captain America: The Winter Soldier Review

Double-O-Cap.

(Source: Collider)

Directed by: Anthony Russo & Joe Russo
Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi
Running Time: 136 minutes
Stubs Rating: 4/5

Hallelujah, Marvel Studios have finally presented quite possibly the best entry yet in the Marvel cinematic universe in the form of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Sure, many would argue that The Avengers to date is the best yet with tons of action and humour that made the billion-dollar blockbuster a smashing hit. However, this Captain America sequel truly shines with an enthralling storyline and mixing with great genre elements that The Avengers lacked.

A direct sequel to 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger and roughly two years after the events in The Avengers, The Winter Soldier sees Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans) is still not quite settling down in the modern era and has trouble trusting the people that he work for and with including S.H.I.E.L.D. and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson). At the same time, Cap has to face his past demons and also have to go head-to-head with a terrifying foe in the form of the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan).

The Dynamic Duo in The Winter Soldier. (Source: Collider)

While I was watching The Winter Soldier, I think I am the only geek who kept laughing on the little Easter eggs that frequently popped up that either links to its predecessor The First Avengers or The Avengers. With these Easter eggs popping up, it shows that the directors Anthony and Joe Russo truly respects and pay homage to the previous Marvel movies.

However, what truly stands out from this film compared to other Marvel cinematic entries is the depth of the film. Instead of just putting good ol’ Cap battling the bad guys and end scene, directors Anthony and Joe Russo integrated so many layers and genres into the film with political espionage, exciting action sequences, great character developments and also humour to the mix. The directors took something that was well-established in the first film and truly make the sequel both exciting and gripping.

"I wonder who is this Winter Soldier?" (Source: Collider)

Apart from Cap’s constant inner battle with integrity and dishonesty, the film focuses on the price of freedom in this modern world and how much of a sacrifice would you make to ensure freedom. I would not spoil you, but the Russos also constantly presented the question of the different sacrifices to maintain peace and order in the society.

Once again, Chris Evans proves that he truly fits the part of Captain America with his commanding figure while portraying the Cap’s inner vulnerability at the same time with ease. So far, Evans’ portrayal of Captain America is as subtle and relatable as Robert Downey Jr’s Tony Stark/Iron Man. Both Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson give a great performance as Black Widow and Director Nick Fury with their own personal vulnerabilities and wittiness while providing massive developments in their character. Emily VanCamp, Anthony Mackie and Cobie Smulders also give strong performances as the supporting characters.

The Terrifying One. (Source: Collider)

However, it is both Robert Redford and Sebastian Stan that brings the whole film to life with their gravitas. Redford’s Alexander Pierce is both a commanding and authoritative senator that makes us totally invested in his character. Meanwhile, Sebastian Stan is both terrifying and ruthless as the Winter Soldier and he truly holds his own against Evans’ Captain America including a spectacular hand-to-hand combat action scene. Gee, I even wonder that Sebastian Stan could possibly play as a ruthless and relentless Bane in the near future (fingers crossed).

With Marvel now in Phase Two, Captain America is by far the best entry compared to both Iron Man 3 and Thor: The Dark World with its gripping storyline and great characters along with its unique blending of several genres in the film that makes this year’s X-Men: Days of Future Past and the much-anticipated The Avengers 2 a tough act to follow. Oh, and do stay back after the movie ends as there are two post-credit scenes for you moviegoers.

After Earth (2013)

After Earth Review

All Jaden and no charisma and makes After Earth a dull movie.

(Source: Collider)

Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Genre: Sci-Fi/Action
Running Time: 100 minutes
Stubs Rating: 0.5/5

Pride always comes before a fall and there are many classic examples of great people who have suffer massive setbacks for their arrogance or overconfident. Great people like Napoleon, Julius Caesar, Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and so on and so forth. However, the name M. Night Shyamalan always instantly crosses my mind as he somehow miraculously fit the proverb perfectly. And he definitely took a big and deep fall since Signs.

Before those lousy movies produced and directed by Shyamalan, there were great movies such as The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable. Now, we have to deal with several atrocious entries to his repertoire like Lady in the Water, The Happening and the god-awful The Last Airbender.

And that son is how you should act. (Source: Collider)

Even moviegoers nowadays cannot seem to take his films seriously but rather treat his films as comedy gold. This writer is truly hoping that Mr. Shyamalan would revert back to his good ol’ glory days by producing and directing great films with amazing twists.

With his ‘proudest’ and latest entry, director M. Night Shyamalan proudly presents After Earth, the latest sci-fi mumbo-jumbo that features the Smiths that hopefully would revive his doom career. However, the latest flick is nowhere near The Sixth Sense and its multiple flaws just put Shyamalan more into the back seat.

Take a knee cadet even there is a volcano behind you. (Source: Collider)

This time around, After Earth mainly focuses on the unstable relationship between General Cypher Raige (Will Smith) and Kitai Raige (Jaden Smith) as dark pasts and miscommunication damages their father-son relationship. However, both father and son have to work together despite their differences as they crash landed on a much-evolved planet Earth and Kitai have to embark on a dangerous journey to call for help and save his dying father.

This is would be the second time Will and Jaden Smith collaborated as they have previously worked on the inspiring The Pursuit of Happyness. This time around, the Smiths could not work their magic and they did not have the great chemistry as they were bogged down with laughable dialogues and wooden acting along with uncharismatic characters.

"Why so emotionless? Is it because of me?" (Source: Collider)

Plus, the lack of solid action sequences for this oddly slow-paced movie will definitely bore the viewers and put them to dreamland. Instead, M. Night Shyamalan thought the ‘charismatic’ Jaden Smith would have the ability to lead the movie with minor action sequences. How dead wrong was he.

On a side note, even M. Night Shyamalan had a safety precaution as he probably knew it by now then that his name alone would not garnered much in the box office. He even excluded his own name in the promotional posters and trailer just not to spark negative buzz about the film.

Looking cool as the Son in Black. (Source: Collider)

Nonetheless, the only positive thing that salvaged this atrocious movie is the passable visual effects that at least make After Earth a watchable sci-fi movie.

Winner of several Razzie awards including Worst Actor (Jaden Smith), Worst Supporting Actor (Will Smith) and Worst Screen Combo, After Earth is just another boring and sad entry for M. Night Shyamalan’s filmography. After Earth is both dull and forgettable in many ways plus with uninspiring and uncharismatic performances from both Jaden and Will Smith. I just hope that M. Night Shyamalan could turn things around for his next big blockbuster, hopefully.

J. Edgar (2011)

J. Edgar Review

A mildly entertaining biopic on a controversial figure.

(Source: Collider)

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Genre: Biographical Film/Drama

Running Time: 137 minutes

Stubs Rating: 2.5/5

How much does mankind crave for the sake of fame and success? Will he or she go to great length to gain that prestigious fame and glory? Or will they use immoral and unscrupulous means to gain that sort of recognition and personal achievement.

Nonetheless, countless people have repeatedly said that fame and success will only be achieved through determination, perseverance and effort. But will you sacrifice your dignity and reputation in exchange for fame and adoration? And just like the character Mr. Irwin explained it best in the opening scene of J. Edgar that those who ought to seek adoration and fame without any restraint will ultimately lead to the path of villainy.

(Source: Collider)

Legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood’s take on the intelligent and visionary FBI director J. Edgar Hoover is straightforward and breathtaking but at times muddled with underdeveloped sub-plots that drag the story. The story of J. Edgar revolves around John Edgar Hoover’s years in the police force from his teen years until his demise in the year 1972, from his visionary on using fingerprints as a crucial database for criminal investigation to his well-kept secret of his sexuality.

(Source: Collider)

The film J. Edgar brilliantly presents the audience a classic example of a well-admired and glorious character with dark personalities that would eventually shattered his legacies and reputation. As always, Leonardo DiCaprio played J. Edgar Hoover with ease from portraying a passionate and determined FBI director determined to put the criminals behind bars, but at the same able to portray the selfish and dangerous side of the character.

Both Armie Hammer and Dame Judi Dench also played Agent Clyde Toulson and Anne Marie Hoover respectively without fault with Armie Hammer shining as the sidekick to DiCaprio’s J. Edgar Hoover. Armie portrayed Agent Toulson as a more composed and charming person compared to the selfish and brash Hoover. However, Naomi Watts’ take on Hoover’s secretary Helen Gandy was one-dimensional and did not add much depth to the character.

(Source: Collider)

Besides, with so many areas to focus on the central character John Edgar Hoover, the film at times loses its central focus and it does not help with occasional weak editing that somehow drags the movie at times. At times, the film tries to focus on his visionary and pioneering work in the FBI, and in another moment it overly focuses on his homosexuality and then another focused on his selfish and disregarding acts by blackmailing the President or firing other FBI agents.

Both Clint Eastwood and Leonardo DiCaprio tried their utter best to provide a compelling and wholesome story of John Edgar Hoover, but ultimately J. Edgar is a mediocre biopic that sheds little light on the subject itself and at times confuses the audience with poorly structured storytelling. 

The LEGO Movie (2014)

The LEGO Movie Review

Everything is brick-ly awesome.

(Source: Collider)

Directed by: Christopher Miller & Phil Lord
Genre: Animation
Running Time: 101 minutes
Stubs Rating: 4.5/5


Upon knowing 'The LEGO Movie' release last year, this LEGO fanatic was excited and shocked that a LEGO movie would be in theaters worldwide after disappointing LEGO animation series and the Bionicle movie. So, I was not expecting much from this movie, besides the awesome voice casts from Morgan Freeman to Liam Neeson.

But after sitting through a wild and fun ride of the LEGO universe, all I could say this LEGO film is simply awesome, technically, 'everything is awesome'.  The movie is simple to grasp for children alike and fun to watch even for adults, The LEGO Movie rarely has any dull moments and will keep you laughing throughout the movie.

There is no such thing as over-the-top in The LEGO Movie. (Source: Collider)

The story revolves around Emmet (Chris Pratt), an ordinary, average and instruction-abiding minifigure that was mistaken by Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks) as the Master Builder and having the Piece of Resistance to save the LEGO universe from Lord Business (Will Ferrell).

In terms of story wise, it is very cliche and straightforward but it's the amazing voice acting that steals the show. Morgan Freeman and Liam Neeson were hilarious as Vitruvius and Bad Cop/Good Cop respectively, but the best of the lot is definitely Will Arnett as the Caped Crusader himself, as he's awesome as the Batman. Oh, do look for several cameos including Jonah Hill as Green Lantern and Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian.

Smiles of joy, because he's the freakin' Batman. (Source: Collider)

Another aspect worth noting in the movie is the stunning visual effects and the realization of the LEGO universe, from the explosions to the wave of the ocean. Plus, everyone who have watched this movie would definitely know the lyrics to the addictive song 'Everything is Awesome', but do listen to the funny Batman song sung by the Dark Knight himself.

Overall, the story is a tad cliche, but the stunning visuals and cinematography plus great voice acting makes the first animation movie of 2014 fun to watch and enjoyable for all.

A Threshold of the Cinematic Universe

Well, since it's a blog, everything has to be short and sweet.

So enough said, I am a movie buff, fanatic and at times whiner that has been enjoying the art of movies since I was a fairly young boy. But compared to other movie critics, I am just a needle in a haystack, but that doesn't stop me from providing my own review of past and present movies that has captivated many globally.

Without further ado, I will just say that I am not only just reviewing the latest movies that the local cinemas are showing but also previous movies (even silent movies) that I had seen.

Oh ya, not to forget to follow me blog and comment on anything, Plus, maybe you need me to review some movies that you like or hate.

So, without any hesitation. To infinity and beyond (for movies, of course).