DARKEST HOUR

Malaysia Release Date: 31 Jan 2018
Genre: Drama
Running Length: 2:05
Cast: Gary Oldman, Lily James, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn, Stephen Dillane, Ronald Pickup
Director: Joe Wright
Screenplay: Anthony McCarten

DARKEST HOUR is a good companion piece to last year's excellent DUNKIRK. It gave me a more complete perspective on the evacuation at Dunkirk, France. While Christopher Nolan's masterpiece focuses on what happened at the battlefield, Joe Wright's Darkest Hour delves into the behind-the-scenes of what Winston Churchill had to go through to mobilize a civilian fleet to get the 300,000+ soldiers at Dunkirk back to England.

Although this movie doesn't feature any war scenes, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any "war". Churchill faces a different kind of war, as his battlefield is in the House of Commons. The newly elected PM's approach was "victory at all costs" but the majority instead favoured "peace at all costs" ie. the latter approach would force England to negotiate and make "peace" with the Nazis.   

I went into this movie wanting to know more about Churchill as a leader as I didn't know much of him in all honesty. And I got what I was looking for and more. It made me wanting to find out more about this part of history.

Of course the highlight of Darkest Hour is Gary Oldman's performance as Winston Churchill. Firstly, the make-up work is remarkable. It's so believable. But more importantly, it's the little things that Oldman expertly aced such as the man's mannerism, his mumbling, his worldview, sense of humour, power, doubts and vulnerability. Oldman is like a chameleon, he disappears into every role. But his performance here should go down as one of his best.

And there is this scene of Churchill engaging with the everyday citizens in the subway which I really like. Somehow it just got to me emotionally. 

However as a whole, I wished the movie was more compelling. I was hoping it would play out more like a thriller to amped-up the suspense (I remember this old movie Thirteen Days, about the real events of the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, which got me sitting at the edge of my seat eventhough I knew the outcome) but instead the filmmakers resorted to creative edits and camera shots to move the movie along. As a result, some scenes especially the ones in the middle were not as engaging.

RATING: 7.5/10

BATTLE OF THE SEXES

Malaysia Release Date: 25 Jan 2018

Genre: Drama

Running Length: 2:01

Cast: Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Andrea Riseborough, Natalie Morales, Sarah Silverman, Bill Pullman, Elisabeth Shue, Jessie McNamee, Austin Stowell

Director: Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris 

Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy

With what's happening with the #MeToo and Time's Up movement now, BATTLE OF THE SEXES should have been a compelling watch but instead it was flat.

This movie based on true events isn’t really focused on the so-called “Battle of the Sexes” - a 1973 made-for-TV exhibition tennis match between World number one Billie Jean King (Stone) and ex-champ and hustler Bobby Riggs (Carell). Instead, it’s more of bio-pic of King’s life between 1972-73; her struggle with her sexuality and her fight for gender equality in the game of tennis.

The plot on King's first lesbian relationship felt forced. It didn't feel organic as it lacks any sort of chemistry. Instead, it's Stowell's performance as King's husband which felt more real when he discovered his wife's sexual preference. Maybe it's Stone's portrayal as the lead. As an icon of the 70s and the first gay tennis player to come out of the closet, Stone's performance didn't carry any sort of aura at all. As for Carell, he looks eerily like Riggs (according to some reviews, everything about the way Carell moves and behaves resembles the real person). 

As for the central match, it was poorly re-enacted. It lacks tension and drama. The event which was watched by millions on TV felt surprisingly small. Battle of the Sexes lacks depth and is disappointingly superficial.

RATING: 5/10

MAZE RUNNER: THE DEATH CURE

Malaysia Release Date: 25 Jan 2018

Genre: Science Fiction/Adventure 

Running Length: 2:22

Cast: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Ki Hong Lee, Rosa Salazar, Will Poulter, Aidan Gillen, Giancarlo Esposito, Barry Pepper, Patricia Clarkson, Walton Goggins

Director: Wes Ball

Screenplay: T.S. Nowlin, based on the novel by James Dashner 

MAZE RUNNER: THE DEATH CURE is a good send-off to conclude the Maze Runner trilogy. To be fair, the bar wasn't set very high with the first and second one, so I was pleasantly surprise at the grand-ness of this third and final installment. 

What I liked about this film is its action set pieces. At get-go, it opens with a spectacular train rescue mission (felt like it was taken out from a scene in the later Fast and Furious movies) and the action doesn't stop there. It keeps piling up right to its fiery ending. In terms of performances, only one stood out - Dylan O'Brien. Together with the recent American Assassin, O'Brien is shaping up to be a potential action star. There's still room for improvement but I must say, he gives his all into every scene.  

What I didn't like? Way too much action scenes and unnecessary plots. This film is bloated. Clocking in at 2:22, it felt like a 4 hour movie. Some action scenes are so out there you just can't help but to chuckle a little. Although the filmmakers tried to balance it out with some Korean-drama-type emotional scenes, it just didn't really work for me. And what irritated me were the tropes (it came in spades) especially towards the end of the movie. There were so many moments I went, "Wait for it...this and that will happen" and BAM, it did! 

All in all, I must say the Maze Runner series is a much more consistent outing compared to the Hunger Games franchise. While the latter started off with a bang but spluttered to a halt by the time it came to its conclusion, the former kept chugging along.

RATING: 7/10

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

Malaysia Release Date: 28 Dec 2017
Genre: Musical / Drama
Running Length: 1:45
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Keala Settle, Sam Humphrey
Director: Michael Gracey
Screenplay: Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN is supposedly based on a true story of P.T. Barnum, the creator of the "circus" we all know today, yes...the trapeze, elephants, lions etc all under the signature red and white striped tent. Although the filmmakers featured characters and key events that actually happened, I highly doubt the motivations of P.T Barnum (Jackman) is truly represented in this movie. (I believe this article reported in The Daily Mail UK is more accurate of his colourful life)

Nevertheless, what really worked for me are the songs. To side track, I dislike musicals, even cartoons with characters singing about "no worries for the rest of your days" or "letting it go". (La La Land worked for me not because of the songs but because of its realistic ending). So you can imagine the feeling of dread as I sat uncomfortably on the cinema chair. But the moment the opening number kicked off the film, it got my attention!

I think what worked for me are the pop and hip-hop inspired tunes. It was written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the duo behind La La Land. It's upbeat, clappy and foot-stomping catchy good! (The soundtrack is currently the no. 1 album in US, UK and a few more countries). And the singing and high energy dancing are all very well choreographed. It just makes the audience feel happy.

As for the story of how the poor boy Barnum became the rich and famous P.T. Barnum, it's ok but not remarkable. In fact as mentioned earlier, the screenplay downplays the aspect that Barnum was actually exploiting the misfits of society for his personal gain. However, he is re-framed here as someone who provides equality, diversity and self-empowerment. As well-meaning as these elements are, it feels forced to fit today's context.   

Jackman, as always is reliable, charismatic and highly energetic. Overall, it’s an entertaining family friendly film packed with infectious and crowd-pleasing numbers. (The other highlight for me was this couple sitting next to me who was so into the movie the girl would exclaimed loudly during key moments; "Oh NO!" "SH T!" "Nonononono").

RATING: 8/10

KAUSERN REVIEWS TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2017

I watched 43 movies this year, short of 4 movies from 2016. First movie of the year, La La Land and last movie of the year, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.

As mentioned in my post for Top 10 Movies of 2016, it's a privileged to be living in Malaysia as our cinema tickets are very affordable. Beside movies released via the cinemas, added to my list this year are exclusive Netflix movies.

Also for this Top 10 list, I've excluded movies which are considered last year's releases (eventhough it was only released in local cinemas here early of 2017). These movies are:

• Arrival (9/10)
• La La Land (8.5/10)
• Hacksaw Ridge (8.5/10)
• Dangal (8/10)

You can read more on my commentary on the above list when I did a mid year stock take on the Top 10 list of 2017

Ok, now that I've put that all aside, let's get on with the Top 10 movies of 2017! All of these movies were chosen mainly because it connected with me emotionally. Some of these made me laugh out so loud, some made me bawl my eyes out and there are some here which kept me on the edge of the cinema seat. And there are a handful which are just fresh and clever.


NOTEWORTHY MOVIES OF 2017

MAD WORLD (8/10)

A Hong Kong film on the rare topic of mental illness, with powerful performances from the three leads.


WONDER WOMAN (8/10)

A superhero movie done right. And Gal Gadot... *deep sigh with a hint of infatuation*


WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES (8.5/10)

Somebody give Andy Serkis an Academy Award already!

BABY DRIVER (8.5/10)

Another Edgar Wright masterpiece: perfectly edited, amazing visuals and the SONGS!


THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (8.5/10)

Very entertaining, highly re-watchable with many LOL moments and surprisingly grounded in real life family issues.


...AND HERE ARE THE TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2017! 
(Click on the titles to read the full review)

#10 COCO (8.5/10)

That scene where little Miguel sings "Remember Me" to Mama Coco? T____T


#9 GIFTED (8.5/10)

Such a feel good movie with genuine performances especially from little McKenna Grace.


#8 STRONGER (8.5/10)

A true story of Jeff Bauman (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), a Boston Marathon bombing survivor who lost both of his legs. This movie plainly shows the good, the bad and the ugly of what he and his loved ones had to go through to rebuild his life. Very believable.


#7 COLOSSAL (8.5/10)

A quirky, funny, refreshing, clever and tragic story on undealt issues and its consequences. A high-concept movie.


#6 THOR: RAGNAROK (8.5/10)

I re-watched it recently and it was still as funny! A really ballsy, entertaining and fun Marvel movie, complete with the fist-pumping Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" memorable last act.


#5 OKJA (8.5/10)

This movie made me NOT EAT pork, beef, lamb and chicken for a month. I ate mainly vegetables and the occasional fish.


#4 GET OUT (8.5/10)

An exceptionally tight and clever movie which masterfully blends social commentary with the horror genre.


#3 BAD GENIUS (9/10)

A Thai movie which is brilliantly directed, edited and acted. What I love about this movie is the unpredictable plot. As soon as you think it would go a certain way, the dynamic changes. Who would have thought that watching a group of high school students cheat in their exams would be a nail-biting experience right to the very end!


#2 DUNKIRK (9.5/10)

A technical masterpiece filled with riveting moments which demands to be watched on the biggest screen possible and with the best sound system available. I watched it twice on IMAX.

  
#1 A GHOST STORY (9.5/10)

A haunting movie about unfinished business. A simple but yet a very high-concept film which was both intellectually and emotionally satisfying for me.


AND...that's a wrap for 2017! Here's looking forward to 2018!

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (2017)

Genre: Adventure / Comedy
Running Length: 1:59
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Jack Black, Bobby Cannavale, Nick Jonas, Alex Wolff, Ser’Darius Blain, Morgan Turner, Madison Iseman 
Director: Jake Kasdan
Screenplay: Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers and Scott Rosenberg & Jeff Pinkner, based on Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg

I suspect the reason I prefer JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE to the original Jumanji (starring the late Robin Williams) is because the 1995 version was really forgettable. I figuratively and literally mean it because I have no recollection of that movie experience.

It doesn't mean this movie is without faults for when a joke works, it works really well but when it doesn't, it's cringe worthy. What really worked for me is seeing Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Jack Black playing against type. And they seemed to be having a good time poking fun of themselves. Kevin Hart is well...Kevin Hart. He's always dependable to bring in the LOL moments for his shortcomings.

As for Nick Jonas' performance, I'm sorry but he really needs some acting lessons. Putting on an aviator sunglasses and acting cool is not...acting. That said, an unbilled cameo playing the adult version of Jonas' character was really effective. Eventhough his cameo was only for a few minutes and he comes in very late in the movie, his acting was really moving.

Perhaps that scene worked because we the audience, did feel the grave dangers and risk of what the characters had to go through to stay alive. You see, if they die in the game (see trailer for the plot synopsis), they die in real life. 

All in all, Welcome to the Jungle is easy to follow and entertaining. There is this nice "one life" quote which was uttered twice but it was the second time that had the most impact because of its context.

What I have learned from this movie?
"What makes someone really awesome is being comfortable in their own skin" 

RATING: 6.5/10

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI (2017)

Genre: Science Fiction/Adventure
Running Length: 2:32
Cast: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern, Benicio Del Toro
Director: Rian Johnson
Screenplay: Rian Johnson, based on characters created by George Lucas

I really struggled with this review. When the credits to STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI rolled, I spontaneously gave this a high rating but as the days went by, the more I thought about it, the ratings started to go downhill. Finally, after considering all angles and reading other perspectives online, I have settled to give this episode ie. Episode VIII, a shade below Episode VII, Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Let me get the negatives out of the way first. Firstly, I like my Star Wars to be serious. But there were just too many throw away gags in The Last Jedi which made some characters felt really off. Secondly, things are not always as it appears. Don't get me wrong, I do like my movies to be unpredictable but there were just way too many unexpected twists that disrupted the flow of the entire story. I felt the brief given to Rian Johnson (the writer and director) was to create a movie with many "everything you know is wrong and everything you care for is not important" moments.

Lastly, the other thing which really annoyed me was the shameless merchandise moments. There are two characters in there which I believe existed just to sell more toys to the masses.

As for the good stuff - this is a beautiful movie to watch. The red visuals are stunning. And there is a very exhilarating fight scene which I believe will be re-watched many times by viewers on YouTube in the future. In terms of character development, three people standout from the rest:
- the yin-yang relationship between Kylo Ren and Rey
- Poe Dameron's growth as a leader

The score was much better than The Force Awakens. One can distinctively hear popular themes from the original trilogy being mixed into this soundtrack.

If the objective of the filmmakers were to disrupt the entire Skywalker saga, then I think this episode did it. But what I would have preferred was for the filmmakers to pick a few twist, and super dramatize those moments instead, case in point: "Luke, I am your father".

RATING: 7/10