TOY STORY 4

Release Date: Malaysia, 20 June 2019

Genre: Animated

Running Length: 1:40

Cast (Voices): Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, Tony Hale, Keegan-Michael Key, Madeleine McGraw, Christina Hendricks, Jordan Peele, Keanu Reeves

Director: Josh Cooley

Screenplay: Andrew Stanton & Stephany Folsom

A couple of years ago when Pixar announced they are going to do another Toy Story, the first words that dropped into my mind were, "cash grab". And when the trailer to TOY STORY 4 was released, I wasn't impressed. The plot macam same-same with the rest of the other Toy Story episodes and it kinda looked...boring.

I had a similar feeling towards Finding Dory, the sequel to Finding Nemo. But I still watched it then because it's Pixar yo. Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed with Dory because it felt the same.

So with all these precedents, I walked into Toy Story 4 with my bar set very low.

And I'm glad to say I really enjoyed this movie! Here's why

In terms of the plot for all the Toy Story movies, I never really could remember much of it. It all somewhat blend into one because it usually involves Woody (Hanks) and Buzz (Allen) fighting for their owner's attention. And somehow a toy or two will get stranded and the whole gang will go on a rescue mission.

However, what I do care about this series is its characters, especially Woody and Buzz. And in this movie, eventhough it involves another rescue mission, something more happens to a major character. And because I care for this character, the heart-wrenching conclusion ripped me to shreds.

And speaking of characters, there are some new ones introduced in this installment and I absolutely love them especially Forky, Ducky and Bunny and Duke Caboom (voiced by the ever reliable Keanu "Woah" Reeves). They are super funny!

Oh, and don't forget to stay till the end after the final end-credits involving Duke Caboom and a G.I. Joe-like action figure.

And finally, as for the themes explored here, it's beautifully bleak. More mature kids watching this may be affected by real-world themes such as being unlovable, losing one's purpose and making a difficult decision to follow your heart. (There are some horror elements too, so those bringing kids, you've been warned)

In conclusion, I'm glad Toy Story 4 wasn't a cash grab. Even if it was, I felt a sense of relief that the filmmakers put in so much care in these characters and the superior photo-realistic animation.

RATING: 8.5/10

THE PREDATOR (Malaysia, 13 Sep 2018)

Genre: Science Fiction / Action

Running Length: 1:47

Cast: Boyd Holbrook, Olivia Munn, Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay, Keegan-Michael Key, Sterling K. Brown, Thomas Jane, Alfie Allen, Augusto Aguilera, Jake Busey, Yvonne Strahovski

Director: Shane Black

Screenplay: Fred Dekker & Shane Black

What's this movie about?

THE PREDATOR is essentially the same plot as the 1987 original classic Predator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger: a squad of "jantan" (manly man) soldiers go against the galaxy's greatest killing machine. 

But this time, the Predator(s) are much stronger and the reason they keep coming back to earth is just...baffling.  

Highlights!

• Some "markah kesian" (pity points) for the filmmakers for trying something different. Some of the dialogue and banter is witty for example the running gag involving the name "Predator".
• The 80s style of movie making where it's profane, bloody and gory.   

Lowlights

• I don't even know where to start but all in all, this movie is a complete mess and it's just not worth my brain power to write anything here. 

In summary

Who the hell is Shane Black? Why does he have keys to big production budgets but yet keeps churning out subpar to terrible movies?? 

THE PREDATOR is just a series of moments told by a 10-year old boy who doesn't understand narrative logic and flow. It's terrible.  

Space dogs? Really??!

RATING: 1/10

STORKS (2016)

Genre: Animated
Running Length: 1:27
Cast (Voices): Andy Samberg, Katie Crown, Kelsey Grammer, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Jennifer Aniston, Ty Burrell, Danny Trejo, Stephen Kramer Glickman
Director: Nicholas Stoller, Doug Sweetland
Screenplay: Nicholas Stoller

I've never laughed our loud so much recently in the cinema but STORKS brand of humour did it for me - it just hit me in all the right spots. From the same studio that gave us the very clever, fun and touching The Lego Movie, Storks is not as deep but it is equally enjoyable with its over-the-top random and ridiculous visual gags.

But it's not all just comedy as the themes explored here work for both adults and kids. There are hints of corporate culture (not as direct as The Lego Movie) and finding one's roots (similiar as Finding Dory), but in the end, this movie is really about parenthood.

Young parents will fully understand the situations presented in the movie; A male stork bickering with a human girl on who should get some sleep while the other stays up with the baby, an alpha and beta wolf fight each other for the custody of the baby and a scene involving our heroes fighting off evil penguins silently in order not to wake the baby.
 
Yes, it sounds very absurd but this is one hilarious and yet emotionally satisfying 90 minutes film thanks to its well written script and manic energy it brings to the screen.

Rating: 8.5/10