Movie Review: Dolphin Tale

Synopsis:

Alcon Entertainment’s “Dolphin Tale” is inspired by the amazing true story of a brave dolphin and the compassionate strangers who banded together to save her life.

Swimming free, a young dolphin is caught in a crab trap, severely damaging her tail. She is rescued and transported to the Clearwater Marine Hospital, where she is named Winter. But her fight for survival has just begun.

Without a tail, Winter’s prognosis is dire. It will take the expertise of a dedicated marine biologist, the ingenuity of a brilliant prosthetics doctor, and the unwavering devotion of a young boy to bring about a groundbreaking miracle—a miracle that might not only save Winter but could also help scores of people around the world.

The real Winter, who plays herself in “Dolphin Tale,” today serves as a symbol of courage, perseverance and hope to millions of people—both able and disabled—who have been touched by her remarkable story of recovery and rehabilitation.

The film stars Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”) as Dr. Ken McCarthy, who is given the seemingly impossible task of crafting a new prosthetic tail for Winter; Harry Connick, Jr. as Dr. Clay Haskett, who runs the Clearwater Marine Hospital; Ashley Judd as Lorraine, a single mother; Nathan Gamble as her son, Sawyer, who frees Winter from the trap and forms an instant connection with the dolphin; Cozi Zuehlsdorff as Hazel, Clay’s daughter, who befriends Sawyer; and Kris Kristofferson as Clay’s father, Reed.

“Dolphin Tale” was directed by Charles Martin Smith from a screenplay by Karen Janszen & Noam Dromi. The film is produced by Alcon Entertainment’s Broderick Johnson and Andrew A. Kosove (Oscar® nominees for “The Blind Side”) and Richard Ingber. Robert Engelman and Steven P. Wegner served as executive producers.

The behind-the-scenes team was led by director of photography Karl Walter Lindenlaub, production designer Michael Corenblith, editor Harvey Rosenstock, and costume designer Hope Hanafin. The music is composed by Mark Isham.

“Dolphin Tale” was filmed on location in Florida, including Winter’s home at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, whose motto is “Rescue, Rehabilitate and Return.”

 

Cast: Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick, Jr., Ashley Judd, Nathan Gamble, Cozi Zuehlsdorff, Kris Kristofferson 

Director: Charles Martin Smith

Language: English

Runtime: 113 mins

Singapore Rating: PG

(Taken from: http://www.cathaycineplexes.com.sg/movie_detail.aspx?movie_id=443)

My reviews/ take:

This show has touches many hearts worldwide. It got me to tears when catching the movie. Especially on "Family is forever".

In this film, it just taught me believe in the impossible. Many people will thought that how can a 11 year old boy save the Clearwater Marine Hospital by an event that is planned and organized by him. But it really does. 

And I not only learned about believing in the impossible. Something struck me as well. Maybe I'm a dolphin lover as well. Winter's will in living is strong. Many will wonder, how can a dolphin survived without her tail? But winter did. 

This show have a lot of emotions and kinship going on. It's a show that you will love the screenplay. It's a simple story. And I will even say that it's a simple love story.

Highly recommend for people with feelings. 

I will give it a 4.5 out of 5 popcorns.

Hurry go book your tickets now.

Here's a website to see winter: http://seewinter.com/

Hello Stranger

Synposis: A love story about two strangers who know nothing about each other and fall in love.

He is a football fanatic, videogame nerd, social butterfly, comic lover, tired of love stories and a cynic of love while she is Korean soap opera fan, beef lover, devout radio station listener, avid book reader, and homebody.

Together, they are perfect strangers who will travel, eat, share a room, and talk about anything and everything including each others top secrets.

Cast: Neungthida Sophon, Chantavit Dhanasevi

Director: Banjong Pisanthanakun

Genre: Romance/ Comedy

Language: Thai

Rating in Singapore: PG/Some Sexual References

(http://www.gv.com.sg/moviedetails/gv_moviedetails_2850.jsp)

My reviews/ Take:

Basically another romantic comedy for this christmas season. A good movie for this season I would say.

But personally I don't really like or dislike the show as it is just alright for me. A little humour that makes the whole movie lovely. And I am serious about the little humour, as it is not too much.

The little humour makes the whole falling in love feeling and all the sweetest moments so real.

The storyline is the usual drama of falling in love just that this one takes place in Korea. And how the character miss the times that they had in Korea. So nothing much to comment on the storyline issue.

Acting wise is kind of the usual. Slightly better than the mediacorp style. But in a way, the emotions from the artiste is not very strong. Just passable.

Oh ya, the editing of the film is not very good. The cuts is just not at the right moments.
And there's some continuity problem with the cuts. And it is very obvious.

But overall, I enjoyed myself in this film.
Had a great laugh and felt the sweetest of falling in love.

For this film, I shall give it a 3.25 out of 5 popcorns.

So, go watch it with your love and dearest ones. And have a romantic nite.
Treasure what's in front of you. Trust what's in your heart.
And that's real.

The Haunted House Project

Synopsis: Over the course of 42 years, 6 went missing, 8 had accidents and 11 were murdered. 3 haunted house club members and 3 camera crew decided to look into this infamously haunted house, known to be possessed by real ghosts. Ignoring all signs from the other world, they entered this haunted house and disappeared without a trace. A video footage of what they shot during their visit was since recovered, which may reveal why and how they disappeared.

Cast: Yoon E Na, Sin Kyeong Seon, Hyeon Tae Ho, Lee Hwa Jong, Jeon In Geol

My review/take:

A horror film that is pretty mind-fucking. I am dead serious about this.

The approach of this film is pretty similar to Haunted Changi and Blair Witch Project. But personally, I kind of like this.

The Haunted House Project is a mockumentary. Somehow I feel that these few months, there's quite a number of films that uses this approach in their films. Could this be the "in" thing during this moment? Hmmm... I wonder as well.

So it opens up with some interviews of the neighbourhood people and bits and pieces of the rumoured story gets in place. And the editing for this part is pretty eerie. There's like snapshot of the white in color dress lady (supposedly to be the ghost), and some random cutaways of the house/factory.

Audience will only know the backdrop of the whole story via the interviewees..

Then it cuts to the exploration scenes of the "filmmakers" and the team. Once again with the shaky camera techniques, audience actually feel more involved with the film.

I am not going to talk much about the film in this part as that's the juiciest part in the whole film. It's the part where I try to shift my focus to other areas in the cinema. But somehow or rather, I will still try to look at the screen.

This film is definitely a good film but not recommended for the weak hearted due to the suspense atmosphere. It's just amazing.

For this film, I shall give it a 3.5 out of 5 popcorns.

Another note is that due to the shaky camera technique, you might feel a little nauseous.

Hence, have fun watching this film and SCREAMMMMMM...

My Soul To Take

Synposis: In the sleepy town of Riverton, legend tells of a serial killer who swore he would return to murder the seven children born the night he died. Now, 15 years later, people are disappearing again. Has the psychopath been reincarnated as one of the seven teens, or did he survive the night he was left for dead? Only one of the kids knows the answer.

Adam “Bug” Heller (Max Thierot) was supposed to die on the bloody night his father went insane. Unaware of his dad’s terrifying crimes, he has been plagued by nightmares since he was a baby. But if Bug hopes to save his friends from the monster that’s returned, he must face an evil that won’t rest…until it finishes the job it began the day he was born.



Cast: Max Thierot, John Magaro, Emily Meade, Nick Lashaway, Denzel Whitaker, Shareeka Epps, Paulina Olszyinski, Raúl Esparza

Director: Wes Craven

Language: English

Opening: 02 Dec 2010

Runtime: 107 mins

Rating: NC 16 (Violence and Coarse Language)

(http://www.cathaycineplexes.com.sg/movie_detail.aspx?movie_id=170)

My Reviews/ takes:

Another film by Wes Craven.

But I am a little disappointed with this one thou. Could it be the expectation of a suspense thriller of mine is a little too high after watching Nightmare on Elm Street?

For this film, My Soul to Take, I love the whole story. The flow of the story. And the choice of talents for this film is pretty brilliant as well.

It's also pretty a lot of mind-fucking and as usual a thriller, u have to see blood. Hence for this film, there's lots of blood drenching dry just for you. okay. This sounded a little psychotic.

There's not much of a surprise moments. Instead, everything is like you are able to predict what will happen next. Hence, the suspense momentum is gone.

So to me, this a movie that you should not put too much of your expectation.

I will give it a 1.5 out of 5 popcorns.

Oh ya, it's NC 16. So it's only for 16 years old and above. I believe it's mainly due to the bloody scenes.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage Of The Dawn Treader *In 3D*

Another blockbuster film in cinemas now. And that is: The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage Of The Dawn Treader. Now in 3D.

Synposis:

This time around Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, along with their pesky cousin Eustace Scrubb find themselves swallowed into a painting and on to a fantastic Narnian ship headed for the very edges of the world.

Joining forces once again with their royal friend Prince Caspian and the warrior mouse Reepicheep, they are whisked away on a mysterious mission to the Lone Islands, and beyond. On this bewitching voyage that will test their hearts and spirits, the trio will face magical Dufflepuds, sinister slave traders, roaring dragons and enchanted merfolk. Only an entirely uncharted journey to Aslan's Country a voyage of destiny and transformation for each of those aboard the Dawn Treader can save Narnia, and all the astonishing creatures in it, from an unfathomable fate.

(http://www.gv.com.sg/moviedetails/gv_moviedetails_8233.jsp)

My reviews/ takes:

Everyone knows that The Chronicles of Narnia series is linked up with some biblical knowledge. But overall, I am just going to review it as much as I could as a layman.

I have to say Narnia series always surprises me with all the little nuggets hidden within the whole show. A show that I teared as well. (I am quite an emotional guy.)

It all started off with Edmund and Lucy spending their time with their cousin, Eustace. And they are all being brought into Narnia by the painting in the room.

The whole idea of it is pretty cool. And Eustace is kind of the character that I like. As it speaks a lot about human nature. Especially Singaporeans... Complain complain complain...

Doesn't that sounds awfully familiar. I sure it does. As I am a Singaporean that do complain quite a bit. *guilty*

Along the way, the film teaches me about reaching towards my own goal. Definitely there will be challenges and stuff that will bring you down. But it is the belief. Like they believe in themselves. Believe in the Narnia world. That is why they are able to reach their goals. No matter what.

It is really like if anyone throws lemon on u. Just say thank you and make lemonade.

Face it.

I don't have to comment much on the whole art direction, directing, acting and so on.

As it is just almost to perfect.

Oh ya, I watched it in 3D, and trust me I really love the little details that they pay attention to.

Instead of just the tables and chairs floating around... Usually people wil forgot the little bubbles that is supposedly to be there. And to be honest it is a too small little detail to focus on.

But they did it... There's little details in 3D.

This are the little things that I will pay attention to.

Well, of course, if you are looking into a full action film. I have to apologise this is not. But the story that lies within the film definitely worth your ticket money.

So I will give this a 4 out of 5 popcorns...

I am seriously loving this... So u guys should go and catch it...

Like seriously, GO N BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW...

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Synopsis: As Harry races against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes, he uncovers the existence of three most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows.

Director:

David Yates

Writers:

Steve Kloves (screenplay), J.K. Rowling (novel)

Stars:

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint

(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0926084/)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzfEH0UPEBo&hd=1

My take/ review: People are all dying to watch this, I believe. And for me, I have caught it twice....

And all the fans of Harry Potter are getting a little emotional, as it is final... The finale...

But of course the good news is there's part 1 and 2. Hence, I am so gonna catch it next year as well... *winks*

But this part 1 is kind of disappointing personally. I was expecting more but I guess I cannot comment much as there's still a part 2 to it. Hence, I am like kind of stuck somehow writing this review.

Hmmm.. Oh well, so let me first talk about the acting.

As usual it is like what you will expect. Brilliant. And damn good....

As for the direction of the flow of movie... It's kind of clear cut with little surprises.

But I have to say the mood of the movie is the one that gets me going. These all tons of emotions... And it is just kind of crazy.

Well, I have to say that it is exciting and thrilling. Dark, wonderful, smart, perfect. Slow paced but yet it works for this part 1.

So i am going to give it a 3.75 out of 5 popcorns.

Rapunzel: A Tangled Tale (3D)

Synopsis: "Rapunzel" is an action-packed, swashbuckling, animated musical comedy about the girl behind 70 feet of magical, golden hair. A princess stolen from her parents' castle as a baby, Rapunzel is locked in a hidden tower longing for adventure. Now an imaginative and determined teenager, she takes off on a hilarious, hair-raising escapade with the help of a dashing bandit. With the secret of her royal heritage hanging in the balance and her captor in pursuit, Rapunzel and her cohort find adventure, heart, humor, and hair... lots of hair.

Running Time: 100 mins

Genre: Animation, Fantasy

Rating: PG

Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures

Director: Byron Howard, Nathan Greno

Cast: Donna Murphy, Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi

(http://movies.insing.com/movie/rapunzel-a-tangled-tale/id-d5000000)

My take/ review: I am totally in love with this. My initial thoughts when watching this movie is really its going to be another kid show. But I have to swallow back those thoughts as I am really tangled by the whole plot.

Guess what: I laugh as if there's no one else in the cinema, I cried at scenes that touches my heart.

Yes it is like a usual fairy tale stories. But who doesn't love fairy tales. This movie really teaches me on looking things at a more simplier dimension. Life is just simple.. It is human who likes to complicate things.

Oh ya, no forgetting all the catchy songs that they managed to capture her audiences.

The whole flow of the show is simply perfect and engaging... I am surprise too as I will thought that there will be moments that are pretty draggy.. But noooo... Everything seems to be timed nicely in place...

The whole musical flow, pacing, and direction is clear cut.

I watched it in 3D. And it is awesome. As it's like 60 to 70% there's flying objects or little things like the leaves and bushes that will appear in 3D. And it is these little things that we always forget or never take notice of, but it builds the whole mood.

That is very thoughtful... =)

The story just keeps me thinking and reflecting as well.

So I believe this is a for the whole family type of movie. And perfect for lovers... XOXOXO

Overall I am going to give it 4 popcorns out of 5.

YAY... So this is a MUST WATCH movie...

For those who have not watch. Go book your tickets now at all cinemas...