Sunday, May 28, 2006
Movie Review - 1. X-Men 3, 2. Da Vinci Code

X-men 3 - The Last Stand

I am not a X-men fan. In fact, I have never read any of the comics before. But, I have never missed any of the X-men trilogy. It has never failed or disappointed me so far, X-men 3 is no exception. I simply loved it!

It was more than i expected! I thought with the new director in charge wont be the same as the other two but hey it kept me locked in my seat and my eyes open wide not to lose any action! I never have much faith in trilogies...somehow the 2nd or 3rd sequel can never measure up (except for the Indiana Jones series!). Not for X-men...it just keeps getting better.




Brilliant special effects! The special effects came to a climax during a huge faceoff staged at Alcatraz with both the bad and good mutants pitting their powers against each other. Most important addition to the X-Men's ranks is the peaceable Dr. Hank McCoy, aka Beast (Kelsey Grammer), whose physical actions are as nimble as his intellect. New characters emerge as well, for example Angel (played by Ben Foster) whose body and wings are both equally beautiful and Jimmy (Cameron Bright), a boy with the ability to dispel mutant powers. Jean is also transformed into The Phoenix... Didn't really liked her though, she look nothing like a bright beautiful Phoenix...looked more like a monster. Arrgghh....











My only regret is probably that the movie seems rather short as compared to the previous 2 X-men series. Many of the characters are not given much screen time (many of Magneto's lackeys seem rather interesting) and the emotional discharge of the entire movie is rather choppy (scenes between Rogue and Bobby aka Ice-man).

I won't say more about the story now but let me me just give you a little tip - give the people behind this movie a little credit and stay through the entire movie. There is a little epilogue at the end which most people actually missed! ;-)

Hopefully there is gonna be a 4th in this trilogy! That would be fantastic! I rate this movie 8/10!

Da Vinci Code


Before I begin, I must admit that I am a fan of Dan Brown. I think he is absolutely brilliant. Don't get me wrong...I am not professing that I believe in his theories but I think he is brilliant to be able to spin such an exciting and controversial yarn. The way he pieces together his findings and subsequently coming up with all the riddles, codings and symbols really intrigued me. I wish to remind everyone that this book is listed under fiction, NOT theology, so it's pretty stupid to be upset by some of the questions it raises about Christ. Secondly, many hated the story because of its historical inaccuracy, again, READ MY LIPS.....FICTION! Alamak...so much fuss over this story...actually, it's probably just playing into Dan Brown's ploy...the more controversy...the better the book sells...*haaa* Yes, I am a fan of the Da Vinci Code. When I heard that they are making the Da Vinci Code into a movie, I was pretty excited. Tom Hanks and Ron Howard? 2 of the best in the movie world! I couldn't wait.

Alas, before going to see this movie, the reviews I read screamed at me "AWFUL! BORING! PUT ME TO SLEEP!" I went in with some misgivings. The truth is, most movies never measured up to the book.

After watching it yesterday, I thought it wasn't that bad. It was probably only the beginning of the movie which emerged rather murky with little explanation so it is a quite difficult to comprehend. I sorta pitied those who didn't read the book. Problem with making this movie is that there are just too many details to contend with. The rest of the movie was pretty enjoyable though but if you are expecting some hard core action, this is not the movie for you. This movie does not strive to swoon you with an epic love story either. It only makes you want to see the truth behind the story, it makes you wanna think a little harder....(which is not necessary a bad thing)

This movie also boasts of a star-studded cast and some of the performances are outstanding. Most notably, Sir Ian McKellan brought a real flair as the eccentric English historian, Sir Leigh Teabing. Paul Bettany as Silas, the deadly albino monk, was also skillfully performed. The only person who probably disappointed me in the acting was Hanks. I thought he lacks the dashing and charismatic qualities which Robert Langdon.

I would recommend that you watch the movie before reading the book. You will probably enjoy the suspense a little more.

I rate this movie 6.5/10.