Review Time!
Having nothing better to do at this time, I'll write a bit about films that I've watched lately. Unfortunately, I've sat through some very average or VERY CRAP films. So what better thing to do than share the crap with you all.
But before you read, please note that on my scale of 0-10, 5 means average, rather than the sub-par connotation that seems to be the norm these days.
공동경비구역 JSA (Joint Security Area) - 2000
This film basically revolves around an investigation into the deaths of two Commie North soldiers in the Korean DMZ, for which a Puppet South soldier has been apprehended. The English dialogue is annoying as it consists of supposed members of the neutral Swiss military speaking heavily accented English, while they carry out the investigation. Though there never really is a great big mysterious conspiracy, the story is overall quite solid regardless, though still not that far above average fare.
Verdict: 6.0/10
This film makes guarding the DMZ seem somewhat fun. If only it were so... :/
感染 (Kansen: Infection) - 2004
The first of six films in the J-Horror Theatre series, this film is more about gore (which is admittedly tame and lame anyway) than true horror. It is set in only the worst hospital ever, where patient neglect is rampant and all the doctors and nurses are deranged. Anyway, the story totally makes no sense, either because the director never reveals the true secret behind the story, or even they had no clue WTF was going on themselves, so they just decided to make a WTF film. Which is annoying for a horror film because I like learning of the twists at the end.
Verdict: 3.5/10
So, like, WTF is going on dude?!
무영검 (Shadowless Sword) - 2005
I never quite fully understood why things were the way they were in this film. Like, why did the enemies want to kill the Prince for? Or why the Prince disappeared into hiding in the first place. It doesn't help that I fell asleep for 15 minutes midway through the film. Not really because I found it boring, but more because I was incredibly tired. Anway, this thing is set in the year 926 and something about the kingdom of Balhae. Whatever. It feels like it's trying to imitate recent martial arts hits like Hero and Flying Daggers. But at least it does a hell of a better job at it than crap like The Promise. Some of the fight scenes are good too.
Verdict: 6.5/10
Derivative, but enjoyable.
Marie Antoinette - 2006
Holy shit, THIS FILM IS UTTER CRAP. Fuck. FUCK. It's most redeeming point is the elaborately sissy French costumes.
FUCK.
Verdict: 0.5/10
Oh, Pope Palpatine, teach me how to learn the power to Unsee! :( :( :(
Happy Feet - 2006
I was never very enthusiastic about this movie. It looked dumb. It is dumb. The baby penguins are super cute, those midget penguins, whatever species they are, really put life into the film. But that was about it. The film seemed to be built on the concept of a dancing penguin - the much clichéd "misfit" who is eventually accepted as a hero, no less. As such, the ending feels heavily rushed and not very well thought out at all. Kudos to Animal Logic for the top notch animation though.
Verdict: 4.0/10
OMG this looks shit! Oh wait, super cute baby penguins, yay! ... ... ... YAAAAWN!
Oh well, this post looks ugly without pictures, so I'll chuck some in while I'm at it :P (click for larger pictures)
Crazy fog during a storm on the way from Wollongong back to Sydney on Christmas Eve afternoon. The phone's tiny lens means things look farther than they really are, but you literally couldn't see 5m in front of you! :0
Aftermath of a car accident near Newcastle on Christmas Day. The occupants are acquaintances of my dad, so I volunteered to accompany them by train from Broadmeadow (the station most convenient from the crash site) to Newcastle...
Broadmeadow and Newcastle stations, respectively. Both places are as much of a hole as the other. Waiting 50 minute wait for a train? No thanks. Newcastle seriously sucks, lol.
But I had a great Christmas Day anyway. I mean, it's Christmas! :)