IP MAN 3 (2015)

Genre: Action / Drama
Running Length: 1:45
Cast: Donnie Yen, Mike Tyson, Lynn Hung, Max Zhang, Patrick Tam, Kent Cheng, Danny Chan
Director: Wilson Yip
Screenplay: Edmond Wong

I was expecting IP MAN 3 to be another excuse of a film to showcase our grandmaster's patriotism but I was very surprised with the dramatic direction the film took. It explores more of Ip Man's family life than his reputation as the master of the martial art of Wing Chun. It is a bold move by Donnie Yen to move from his current superstardom as the go-to actor for all things kungfu and to focus more on his acting chops. And it paid off.

Blame the trailers for just highlighting the fight scenes and the hype surrounding "Mike Tyson vs Donnie Yen". The biggest highlight for me is the tender relationship between Yen's Ip Man and his wife, played once again by Lynn Hung. If there is one complain I had with the earlier Ip Man films is the underutilisation of Hung's character but in this film, her portrayal of the quiet, understanding and supportive spouse is finally fully developed. The best scene in the movie is a juxtaposition of Yen and Hung and a house full of martial artists (with a fun "Bruce Lee" cameo).

Ip Man 3 is set in 1959, where our grandmaster is settling into a low-profile life in Hong Kong after decades of struggling against the Japanese oppression (shown in the previous two instalments). It's a very different world now where Hong Kong is starting to rise as one of the best places to make money. And with money, comes extortion and criminal activities and the depreciation of values like innocence, purity, virtue and honour. And thus, that sets the canvass for Ip Man to face-off with a group of HK thugs, a corrupted American businessman (Tyson), a jealous Wing Chun proponent (Zhang) and a Thai fighter (??!). Frankly, it's just an excuse to showcase a collection of martial art battles.

So are the fight scenes any good? It's serviceable. In fact, it feels overly choreographed. But what about the Yen vs Tyson showdown? Well, that's probably the best hand-to-hand fight scene in recent years. It feels fresh and energising as it's a battle of different styles; the speed of Wing Chun vs the sheer brute force of boxing. The high impact punches from the burly frame Tyson looks deadly.

In the end, what stood out the most is Ip Man's closing message; that is to always put family first, ahead of the service and duties of the community.

Rating: 7.5/10

TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2015

Some stats: Watched 42 movies this year; 36 in the cinema and 6 on a long haul flight. Not bad at all. Do note that some of these films were released last year in the US but it only found its way here to our shores this year, especially the more non-blockbuster type of movies.

But it's the same every year as award worthy films are usually released during the Fall season in the States and it will only make its way to the big screen here the following year (or never at all). Case in point, films to look forward to in early 2016 includes: Creed, Steve Jobs, Spotlight, Room, The Danish Girl, The Hateful Eight, The Revenant, Joy, Concussion and so on and so forth.

So for now...here we go! Let the countdown begin! Click on the titles to read the full review.

#10. FOXCATCHER (8/10)
This is not a feel-good sports movie. The sports of professional wrestling is just a canvass to paint the story of the devastating effects of the absent father. Steve Carell is completely "unrecognisable" here as his pathetic character slowly descends into a deplorable state.

#9 TOMORROWLAND (8/10)

For the first time in a very long time, the studios dared to release an original story as a summer tentpole movie ie. not a sequel, not a superhero movie, not based on a book or even inspired by a TV series. The movie strongly promotes the need to continue dreaming and hoping for a brighter future despite the bleak current conditions. Unfortunately, this movie flopped in the box office. It seems that today's nation of zombies audience would rather devour mindless popcorn movies than sit through an entertaining but thought provoking film. Or maybe it was just bad marketing on Disney's part. 

#8 CRIMSON PEAK (8.5/10)
A twisted and tragic ghost story set in the 19th century Gothic era, but at the heart of this film is actually a love story which takes place in a once grand English mansion. The secrets and suspicions of its characters got me guessing right to the satisfying big reveal at the end.

#7 INSIDE OUT (8.5/10)
A complex concept but presented in an imaginative and easy to follow storyline. A magical experience reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli production. Be prepared to be moved with both joy and sadness.

#6 THE MARTIAN (8.5/10)
The Martian is nothing like Interstellar. Although the thought of being stuck all alone 225,000,000 km away from home (earth) is somewhat depressing, the film's tone and approach is actually very positive. A triumphant and feel good cinematic experience.

#5 SICARIO (8.5/10)
An intense, violent and uncompromising take on the drug cartel trade in Mexico. An action drama so thick with tension I felt I couldn't breathe at times. Benicio Del Toro owned every scene he's in as an unforgiving hitman,

#4 MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (9/10)
Mad, magnificent, mayhem. A modern action classic with real stunts and real danger. I felt like I was in a 2 hours theme park experience. The cinema halls should have installed safety belts to its chairs.

#3. BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN (9/10)
A road trip film that checked everything on the list and more. A rare experience that pushed all the right emotional buttons for me. The child actor is a revelation.

#2. WHIPLASH (9/10)
There are countless of films which explores the mentor/student relationship but nothing comes close to the approach this film took. It opened up a whole new perspective of mentoring for me. This is no Dead Poets Society - it's emotionally brutal.

#1. BOYHOOD (10/10)

Filmed over a 12 years span with the same cast, Boyhood was a meditative experience for me. No melodrama. Just a couple of adults and kids trying to figure out life. 

Enjoy a mash-up of 2015 movies. See you in 2016!

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS (2015)

Genre: Science Fiction / Adventure
Running Length: 2:15
Cast: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Peter Mayhew, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Andy Serkis
Director: J.J. Abrams

Screenplay: Lawrence Kasdan & J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt, based on characters created by George Lucas

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. After thinking for a long time on how to approach this review without going into spoilery territory, I figured the best way I know how is to use a metaphor.

Now imagine a popular band/artist who has been around for 30+ years (think U2, Bon Jovi, Jacky Cheung) and they are still releasing new music.  They are going to hold a concert tour. If you’re deciding to go for their concert, what would you be hoping to experience? To see them perform:

1. As many of their new songs as possible + a few of their greatest hits; or

2. As many of their greatest hits as possible + a few of their new songs; or

3. A nostalgia fest - only their greatest hits; or

4. 50/50 if possible; or

5. I don't care. I just want to be entertained.

What you want to get out from this concert is going to be determined by your expectations before you step into the concert venue.

Fortunately/Unfortunately, The Force Awakens was made for fans; pleasing them with familiar ingredients from the original trilogy (a homage of sorts with a pinch of new elements thrown in) rather than boldly go where no man has gone before.

Rating: 8/10

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 2 (2015)

Genre: Science Fiction / Action
Running Length: 2:16
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore, Sam Claflin, Mahershala Ali, Natalie Dormer
Director: Francis Lawrence

Screenplay: Peter Craig and Danny Strong, based on the novel “Mockingjay” by Suzanne Collins

Dramatic irony is a powerful tool in literature and films. When used correctly, it connects so deeply into the very core of the audience one literally feels like they were punched in the gut. MOCKINGJAY PART 2 had so much potential to do so but in order to attract a wider audience, the filmmakers compromised and never went "all in". There were at least two major ironies which they could have focused on to redeem the franchise (which started off with so much shock and promise) but instead, they chose the safe path of highlighting the characters running around in abandoned tunnels and buildings chased by zombie-like creatures aka Maze Runner or Divergent series.

The film begins exactly were Part 1 ended. Distressed about what happened to Hurtcherson's character, Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss decides to join the front line of the Resistance with a personal agenda of assassinating President Snow (Sutherland). And so begins her dangerous mission which she later learns that she could just be a pawn in a bigger game.

I think one of the key problems of the Mockingjay movies is dividing it into two movies. It could have been one epic satisfying major movie to conclude the series. But instead, to justify more box office money the need to develop more three dimensional characters and deeper plots, the results were counter intuitive. Both films felt bloated with uneven pacing. I didn't care enough when major characters were killed off.

There's no doubting that the Hunger Game series has high aspirations and is meant to provoke the irony of war, but it ended lukewarm - neither a satisfying sci-fi adventure movie nor a deeper exploration into the grim side of human nature.

Rating: 5.5/10

SPECTRE (2015)

Genre: Action / Thriller
Running Length: 2:28
Cast: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux, Ralph Fiennes, Monica Bellucci, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Dave Bautista, Andrew Scott
Director: Sam Mendes
Screenplay: John Logan and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and Jez Butterworth

SPECTRE is one technically accomplished and sleek Bond film. However, the screenplay pales in comparison to Skyfall, its immediate predecessor (also directed by Sam Mendes). The screenwriters tried to tie-in all the previous Daniel Craig's Bond into this film and as a result, it felt forced and patchy. Also, it gave me the vibe that Sam Mendes and team were not terribly motivated to make this film. To be fair, perhaps my expectations of Spectre was so high because Skyfall was just too good.

It starts off big with an engaging tracking shot of Bond working his way through a Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. But it goes downhill and bloated thereafter where Bond's agenda this round is to follow the cookie crumbs left behind by his former boss. It kinda picked up towards the end when the big baddie revealed his masterplan but unfortunately, it just didn't redeem the entire movie. And the last 20 minutes which involved M vs. C was unnecessary. (Side note: "C" played by Andrew Scott is extremely distracting here. Those who watched BBC's Sherlock will get what I mean).

To me, Daniel Craig's Bond has always been more gritty and real for eg. he uses more hand-to-hand and fist fights. In summary, he "bleeds". But this round, the filmmakers seem to go back to the classic Bond where he seems invincible, overly suave and can fly a plane (and two helicopters) without breaking a sweat. Yes, even the corny, "'So James, what should we do now?' whispers the girl seductively" is present in this movie. The dude sitting next to me in the cinema hall couldn't helped but chuckled when the obvious happened thereafter.

As the main villain, Christoph Waltz is criminally underused. He is menacing in a somewhat cool demeanour. But compared to Javier Bardem's Silva, Waltz's baddie seems tame. Thankfully, the action set pieces are very well executed and the cinematography is breathtaking. And the score is exhilarating (however, that can't be said of Sam Smith's theme song; it was only marginally improved when coupled with the credit sequence visual feast).

Although Spectre is flawed, it's still an above average 007-outing.

Rating: 6.5/10

THE WALK (2015)

Genre: Thriller/Drama

Running Length: 2:03

Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Charlotte Le Bon, Ben Kingsley, Clément Sibony, Cesar Domboy, Steve Valentine, James Badge Dale

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Screenplay: Robert Zemeckis & Christopher Browne

If you have a severe fear of heights, I would suggest you walk away from THE WALK. The exceptional CGI effects, 3D rendering and camera work of our lead character risking his life to high-wire walk across THE 110-story Twin Towers (of the World Trade Center in NYC) will guarantee to give audiences sweaty palms and dizziness. Every step he takes on that steel cable across the 140 ft gap between the towers is a heart stopper - no net and no harness, just death beneath him. 

Robert Zemeckis has done an impressive job of recreating Frenchman Philippe Petit walk, giving audiences today a taste of what happened in 1974. What's more impressive is the surprising amount of tension it still generates when you already know the outcome.  

However, that can't be said with the narrative leading to "the walk". The movie is clearly divided into three segments. The first provides a background of Petit and his early influences, which turned out to be boring and surprisingly cartoonish. Act Two picks up the pace a little and showcases Petit's preparation for his grand anarchist artistic act, which plays out like a heist film. This is no Ocean's Eleven but yet it plays out more realistically compared to Ocean films thanks to Murphy's Law. And of the course, the third segment is "the walk" itself. 

Although Joseph Gordon-Levitt is both energetic and entertaining portraying Philippe Petit, the one that deserves any award is the people from the technical department for its triumphant special effects wizardry. For those looking for a more intricate and factual representation of the daredevil's life leading to "the walk", go watch the award winning documentary Man On Wire. Those looking for a more cinematic and sheer spectacle experience, this movie is a better option. 

Rating: 8/10

CRIMSON PEAK (2015)

Genre: Horror
Running Length: 1:59

Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain,Charlie Hunnam

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Screenplay: Guillermo del Toro & Matthew Robbins

As one of the characters in CRIMSON PEAK quoted, this movie isn't so much a ghost story but more of a story with ghosts. In fact the sightings of apparitions are just red herrings to a tragic love story (not to say that the appearance of these "dead people" are Casper like because I actually had to close my eyes a few times and watched with my ears). 

I'm not sure if the filmmakers deliberately crafted this movie as a 100% homage to 19th century Gothic literature but everything from the dialogue to the production set somehow made me feel like I was watching a sweeping period piece. Strangely, there were moments I felt like I was watching a stage play but presented in a cinematic fashion. Perhaps it was the manner of the dialogue that was presented by the actors (at times, the dialogue sounds over-the-top silly), or perhaps it's because the majority of the film takes place in a lavish but run down English mansion set piece. No, it's not actually a bad thing because I was thoroughly engaged throughout. Although I must say, the occasional shocking violence and hardcore gore seemed a little out of place. 

As good as the lead actors are, they are somewhat interchangeable. Just like the Phantom of the Opera stage play, audiences are more invested in the characters rather than the actors playing these characters. So for example, Tom Hiddleston's character in this movie could have been played by say, Hugh Jackman (but Hugh Jackman wouldn't be able to play the character of Loki because Tom Hiddleston IS Loki). 

Lastly, from a technical standpoint, Crimson Peak is a spectacle. The set design is a treat for the eyes, the cinematography is breathtakingly beautiful and the score is perfect. The CGI is used very appropriately. Del Toro's distinctive style is very much evident here as demonstrated in his "creatures". His "monsters" are not just scary but they are usually soulful. And in this film, he doesn't really rely on boo moments to scare his audiences but prefers to allow dread and tension to build instead. 

This del Toro's dark and twisted fantasy is definitely worth the experience. 

Rating: 8.5/10