GODZILLA (2014)

Genre: Adventure
Running Length: 2:03
Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston, Juliette Binoche, Ken Watanabe, Sally Hawkins, David Strathairn
Director: Gareth Edwards 

GODZILLA the movie clearly propagates an anti-nuclear message - play with fire and you will get burned. Godzilla is like the consequence of man's folly with power, a force of nature so unstoppable when it fights back, men can prepare all they can to execute search and rescue missions, but there's not a lot they can do to stop him. Two things I like about the movie's direction; (1) the movie offers a slow build-up and takes its time with the big reveal because when Godzilla finally appears in its full glory rampaging self, jaws will drop (Godzilla looks absolutely amazing and its deep "throaty" roar sent chills down my spine) and (2) although the movie is about Godzilla, the events that unfold are observed from the human perspective. But here is where the biggest problem lies - the human characters are absolutely wasted. I was totally not invested in them at all. I blame it on bad casting and perhaps a terrible script. The cast is so one-dimensional they barely exist (there were times when they became so dull I wish they were crushed by the monsters). Thankfully, the film makers nailed the last 30 minutes with the jump off the plane scene and the smackdown between Godzilla and other giant monsters.

Rating: 5.5/10

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (2014)

Genre: Action/Adventure
Running Length: 2:22
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan, Colm Feore, Paul Giamatti, Sally Field, Embeth Davidtz, Campbell Scott
Director: Marc Webb

Real-life couples do not usually translate well to the silver screen but in THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2, Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone white-hot chemistry are the real asset here. So much so that the climax of the film felt real and honest - it gave a good unexpected emotional punch in the gut. As for the rest of the film, it's terribly inconsistent; constantly veering from genuinely touching moments to serviceable action sequences to overexposed CGI (Spider-Man is still obviously the product of computer graphic artists as he swings from building to building). And the villains here are underwhelming and OTT (maybe comics turned movies should stop explaining the origins of its villains as no matter how "real" it's being told, it still ends up childish ie. man with chronic low-self esteem and anger issues being bitten by mutant eels = Electro! -___- And it doesn't help they go "I am Electro!" or "I am Rhino!"). As for Andrew Garfield, he still makes for a good webslinger especially when he does the smart-ass part.

Rating: 6.5/10

CHEF (2014)

Genre: Family/Comedy
Running Length: 1:55
Cast: Jon Favreau, Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Oliver Platt, Bobby Cannavale, Dustin Hoffman, Amy Sedaris, Robert Downey, Jr
Director: Jon Favreau

Although it's not, CHEF felt like an autobiographical movie of Jon Favreau; the writer, actor and director of this wonderful film. The story of a celebrity chef rediscovering his love for life, family and food do share some resemblance of Favreau's career; rediscovering  his indie roots after his recent big budget dud Cowboys & Aliens. CHEF is a small, intimate and light hearted movie that will guarantee to get you craving for Cuban sandwiches the second you walk out of the cinema. The wide range of music used, the road trip, the soul and culture of each locations and the food (the FOOD, OMG!) are infused so flavourful together to support the heart of the narrative - a father and son story. Emjay Anthony who plays the boy character has a very authentic and endearing chemistry with Favreau, especially the quieter moments between the two. A special shout out to John Leguizamo who plays the role of a loyal friend to Favreau's character, as he injects so much joy and energy into the film. The scenes with him, Favreau and Anthony on the road are so much fun to watch.  And thankfully the big cast of recognizable cameos was not a distraction ie. spot the cameo moments. In the end, the resolution was pretty simplistic but the spirit of passion still shines. Oprah Winfrey's quote expresses this appropriately, "Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you."

Rating: 8/10