vinsond21 Reviews

Hao hao shuo zai jian (2024)

Refreshing take on living and death

[7/10 · 28 March 2024]

There are several stories in Good Goodbye, about cancer patients and their caregivers. The one that got me choking the most involved Yang Shi Bin (who was just as touching in Wet Season) as a sacrificial grandfather looking after an ex-drug addict. Julie Tan, with her wonderfully sweet smile, is also able to effectively be tearful during emotional scenes. Tosh Zhang, Shane Pow and Andie Chen add some star power to the cast. This may not be a sophisticated movie, but the effort by writer-director Daniel Yam is a sincere one that delivers enough chuckles and sniffles to make watching this worth your while.

Wonka (2023)

The fabulous Timothee Chalamet takes us along his magical journey

[9/10 · 8 December 2023]

Finally, we can close this unremarkable year with a magical dose of Wonka, which will hopefully wash away the bad memories of the plasticity of Barbie and dreariness of Oppenheimer from the summer.

Timothee Chalamet sings effortlessly the songs with clever lyrics by Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy. Give the Oscars to them both already.

The production design and art direction provide a dazzling visual feast, so just sit back and enjoy the ride.

For better or worse, Willy Wonka here is presented as sweet and warm and lovable although we know him as a much darker personality as played by Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp in the films based on Roald Dahl's book. This is the back story, so I guess he started off more innocently. But I still can't get over Timothee Chalamet's absolutely flawless performance. In this very challenging role which includes singing, his speech and demeanor are pitch perfect.

So happy to end this dismal year on such a fabulous note!

Oppenheimer (I) (2023)

A gem of a cast brings the Manhattan Project to life, but then....

[7/10 · 21 July 2023]

It is three hours long, but for a history buff like myself who knows his material, Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer is absorbing from the start. Most impressive is the star-studded cast who bring the characters to life. Cillian Murphy is perfect in the titular role; Matt Damon is a believable General Groves; Robert Downey, Jr inhabits the part of Lewis Strauss; Tom Conti is transformed into a genial Albert Einstein. The only disappointment is Gary Old man, who had been so excellent as Winston Churchill but here plays Harry Truman like a caricature. Besides the cast, the editing is also amazing. The whole movie plays like a jigsaw puzzle, with different parts being assembled as each piece is put in place at different parts of the puzzle, until the whole picture is finally complete.

Unfortunately, Oppenheimer the movie also left out important details for those too young to be aware of them. The problem with films like Oppenheimer is that they do history a disservice. The young people of today who watch Oppenheimer will go away with a warped view of the Second World War.

The Second World War started with the Japanese invasion of China in 1937, which was preceded by the invasion of Manchuria in 1931. In Europe, the Nazi invasion of Poland only took place in 1939, after the Chamberlain appeasement.

Among the many atrocities that were committed by the Japanese Army in China was the mass rape and massacre of innocent Chinese civilians in Nanking (numbering around 200,000), documented as the Rape of Nanking, in 1937-38.

After destroying the US Naval Base in Pearl Harbor in 1941, the Japanese proceeded to conquer territories in Southeast Asia. Many people in Penang and Singapore, homes of my parents, were tortured and killed. For nearly 10 years, Japanese soldiers were responsible for the Asian Holocaust which involved them raping, torturing and murdering their fellow Asian civilians.

After the War ended in Europe with the defeat of the Nazis, the USA and its Allies gave the Japanese government an ultimatum: unconditional surrender or meet the atom bomb. The Japanese refused to surrender, so the atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. If you thought that was enough to frighten the Japanese, well -- it didn't. Again, the Japanese government was told to surrender unconditionally or face a second atomic bomb. Obvious choice, right? Hell, no. More like, bring it on. Do they care about their people? So the second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. Ultimately, fearing a third, the Japanese surrendered unconditionally and World War Two came to an end.

In the movie, Oppenheimer felt guilty being responsible for the bomb. But it was the Japanese wartime government that allowed their own people to be killed by refusing to surrender when given the option. The movie also gave a warped portrayal of President Harry Truman, with Gary Oldman's acting coming across as caricaturish, which is jarring when compared to the rest of the cast. Truman understood the might of the atom bomb and its implications. During the Korean conflict, war hero General Douglas MacArthur wanted to drop an atomic bomb on communist China for its support of North Korea. Truman put his foot down and sacked MacArthur for insubordination. It was an unpopular move he took to fire a war hero, but if MacArthur had his way, the dropping of atomic bombs would not have stopped at two till this day. We need to thank Truman for his level-headedness and for acknowledging the implications of nuclear warfare.

And what if the Nazis or Soviets had been the first to develop an atomic bomb? I shudder to even think of such a scenario.

Triangle of Sadness (2022)

A bittersweet comedy with no shortage of surprises

[8/10 · 28 October 2022]

There is much to like about Triangle of Sadness. Its characters are interesting to watch and listen to, and the film's settings -- from swanky restaurant to luxury yacht to deserted island -- all engage the viewer. The acting is good all round, but i especially enjoy watching Dolly De Leon's Abigail. Writer-director Ruben Ostlund keeps the surprises coming throughout, and I really love the ending, but i won't reveal more to avoid spoilers. The most hilarious moments are when the cruise passengers get seasick during a turbulent dinner, especially because i did the same myself on a cruise once! The most tedious stretch is when the ship's captain and a wealthy passenger start exchanging famous quotes; if i ever watch this film again, that would be when i go for a toilet break.

Don't Look at the Demon (2022)

Welcome to the house with a sinister past

[5/10 · 12 October 2022]

There are horror movies, and there are horror movies, and this is just another horror movie. Been there, done that. Still, for a relatively unknown Malaysian filmmaker, it's an ambitious effort and features non-local actors in the lead roles. Writer-director Brando Lee throws in everything one might have seen in other horror movies, from ghost hunters to haunted houses, possessions and occult rituals to hidden rooms with conveniently working film projectors. The story, while entertaining, is lazily developed, indulging in too many cliches and coincidences, and allowing for too many gaps in the plot. On the plus side, however, the acting is above par with Harris Dickinson giving the best performance; the film is beautifully shot and the special effects are quite impressive. And i dig the surprise ending.

Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)

A visual feast marred by holes in storytelling

[7/10 · 1 October 2022]

This film is beautifully photographed and scored, a feast for the eyes and ears. However, the script leaves so many questions unanswered, Too many parts of the story are just not realistic, and many plot loopholes conveniently brushed aside. Not having read the book, I am not sure if the same problem exists for its readers. Nevertheless, the actors give engaging performances which help to make the movie watchable along with the breathtaking scenic shots. Ultimately, the movie's mix of feel-good romance and courtroom drama ensures that it will be able to find a wide-enough audience for its commercial success.

Get Out (I) (2017)

A disturbingly insidious movie

[7/10 · 29 August 2022]

I feel so conflicted watching this movie. On the one hand, the writing is clever and the acting superb. The dialogue feels natural and the actors are believable. All that is well and good on the surface. But then, there is more. Writer-director Jordan Peele makes insinuations that are disturbingly insidious. I don't remember seeing any movie that is so evil to its core. And despite the smart dialogue, the plot nevertheless contains loopholes and certain parts of the script come off as sloppy. But if one is prepared to overlook the insinuations and is just happy to be entertained, then this creepy tale will not disappoint.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Mindblown

[8/10 · 26 August 2022]

There is so much to take in from the plot of this movie, i decided not to be too overwhelmed even though it concerns something almost everyone can identify with. The script is very clever, but everything else is even better. The soundtrack works beautifully, and the editing is amazing to say the least. And as for the superb cast, Michelle Yeoh turns in a flawlessly perfect performance, while James Hong is delightful and Ke Huy Quan is top notch as well. Then there is Harry Shum who is a riot and the absolutely marvelous Jamie lee Curtis is spot on in her turn as different versions of Deirdre from different universes. Expect a lot of heart, a lot of soul and a lot of zaniness from this mindblowing film that you will benefit more and more from repeated viewings. Take it from someone who knows.

Elvis (2022)

What this movie means to me

[8/10 · 30 June 2022]

Back in the 1960s, Elvis, his songs and his sideburns, were both hugely iconic and i grew up listening to his songs and watching his movies. When i read that Baz Luhrmann was going to make a new biopic of this megastar, i was both excited and apprehensive. No doubt the movie would be a feast for the senses, but casting is everything and the wrong actor in the title role would just be a wasted opportunity. Thankfully, Baz did right by going with Austin Butler, and this young actor is now the main reason to catch this movie on the big screen. I've watched all of Baz's films, which are known more for style over substance. Except for his most acclaimed film, which remains Romeo+Juliet, where the substance is equal to the style, and that's only because it is a faithful adaptation of Shakespeare's masterpiece which is the substance. Baz's Elvis has two highlights for me: the first is when Austin sings Trouble early in the movie, and the second is when the real Elvis sings Unchained Melody right at the very end. Regarding Trouble, this was one Elvis song i was originally not familiar with despite having grown up with Elvis (but to be fair, his repertoire comprises hundreds of songs). So in 2004, when American Idol Season Four winner Carrie Underwood sang it on the way to victory, i was not wowed although the judges liked it. That was my first and only exposure to Trouble until.... Austin sang it, complete with smouldering eyes and pouty lips. Suddenly, that song came alive and it took my breath away. It was one of the many watershed moments in the movie. As for Unchained Melody, the live footage used after the funeral of Elvis in the movie was supposedly taken just two weeks prior to his death. Even though we could see his puffy face and sense his wearied soul, his eyes still twinkled and his voice was still rich and full. That clip reminded us of the supremely heartfelt singer that we lost when he was just aged 42. The King is dead, long live the King!

Mrs. Henderson Presents (2005)

The perfect movie for any occasion

[10/10 · 14 June 2022]

Whether one is feeling down and out or feeling on top of the moon, one can't help but be cheered by this movie which is inspired by true events. Thank you to Mrs Henderson and Vivian Van Damme for bringing light to a dark world. Judi Dench is delicious as the widow with a mission, she makes one root and cheer for her. Will Young sings All the Things You Are with such soulfulness, one can't help one's heart from aching. I award this movie a perfect 10 score because that's what it is: perfect!

Spencer (2021)

No happily-ever-after ending for this fable

[6/10 · 2 March 2022]

It took me a while to be ready to watch this, because I knew it wouldn't be easy. Quite painful to sit through, I had expected, so I made sure I was in the right frame of mind first. Kristen Stewart does a superb job channeling Princess Diana as a tormented soul, one who felt trapped by situations and circumstances. It's a very handsome production, a feast for the eyes and ears thanks to the fabulous costumes and great music score. Best to watch on the biggest screen available. My only quibble with an otherwise clever script is how, if she is being constantly watched by photographers, she is able to roam everywhere alone without encountering them.

The Courier (2020)

Cumberbatch chalks up yet another compelling characterization

[8/10 · 25 October 2021]

Benedict Cumberbatch has in the past shown us what a superb actor he is, and this film is added proof of his talent. He not only tells the amazing true story of ordinary businessman Greville Wynne, he fleshes out the character with warmth and idealistic passion. Set during the height of the Cold War, the world is on the brink of nuclear war, and the CIA needs the help of MI6 to get an inconspicuous Brit to be the courier for a Soviet officer willing to spill some beans for the sake of world peace. Reluctant at first, Wynne eventually takes on his secret-agent role with full conviction. Besides Cumberbatch, Rachel Brosnahan also impresses as CIA officer Emily Donovan. Unlike Bond movies, this one has no sexy romps and dazzling special effects. Still, to see how two men risked their lives to prevent nuclear annihilation from taking place is enough to make this film thrilling and worth watching.

Three Days and a Life (2019)

Antoine faces the ironies of life

[8/10 · 22 September 2021]

An engaging movie about the ironies of life, especially the life of one Antoine who lives in a northern French village. Antoine is the character whose life of predicaments holds this story together, and he is well-played by two actors, Jeremy Senez as the younger version and Pablo Pauly as the grown-up one. We feel for Antoine and want to be on his side, and the actors manage to make him sympathetic. The scenes that took place during the historic winter storm of 1999 were brilliantly shot.

Six Minutes to Midnight (2020)

That new teacher who turns up in a unique school....

[8/10 · 22 June 2021]

This is a very handsome-looking production set in 1939 and featuring a largely female cast. The story moves quite briskly and there is hardly a dull moment, although there are a number of plot holes that are conveniently overlooked. The movie is able to impressively recreate the look and feel of pre-war England, which is its strongest point. Also very welcome is having Dame Judi Dench as the headmistress; she is perfect for the role and we can be thankful that the producers were able to get her while she is still available. Entertainment aside, watching this movie will also help to enlighten the viewer who will be curious after watching and want to learn more about the unique school featured in the story and its students.

The Father (I) (2020)

Hallucinations and paranoia, resentment and despair

[9/10 · 15 April 2021]

Poor Anthony. He is confused. Who's taken his watch, what's happened to his daughter, and where the hell is he? He is confused, but defiant. He refuses help. He insists he will outlive those who are plotting against him. If you know someone with dementia, or even if you don't, this film will ultimately make you feel sympathy for the one who has it yet does not realize it. It's like being in a hostage situation, while being stuck in a time warp. Such a person, like Anthony, may be irritating but is ultimately to be pitied. You wouldn't want to be in his shoes. "Nobody tells me anything," he declares. "I'm not an idiot," he insists. These are statements someone with the condition would typically make. Anthony Hopkins plays Anthony brilliantly, and he is well-supported by a competent cast. Go watch this movie, and leave with eyes opened.

The Mauritanian (2021)

Thanks to Jodie Foster, The Mauritanian is not to be missed

[8/10 · 13 April 2021]

Okay, i'll have to admit that the reason i went to see this movie was Jodie Foster. This living legend can do no wrong in my book. And i enjoy watching her in anything. And in The Mauritanian, she delivers yet again, her tones and her glances on point always. But Ms Foster turned out to be not the only reason to see this film. The entire cast is superb, the writing is crisp and the editing ensures that the longish film remains gripping from beginning to end.

Guns Akimbo (2019)

Daniel Radcliffe scores in this full-action comedy

[7/10 · 20 March 2020]

I am not into violent movies and i went to see this only because of Daniel Radcliffe, who is one of today's most versatile actors. And he did not disappoint, giving his all in a badass yet endearing performance. Despite the violence, the story is gripping enough to keep one interested. Samara Weaving provides good support as a rival who becomes his sidekick. The pace is tight, and there are enough humorous lines to provide much-needed comic relief. Still, i don't think i would have liked this movie as much if Daniel Radcliffe wasn't the lead. For me, the movie scores because of him.

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)

From one cliffhanger to another

[9/10 · 2 January 2020]

What an ending for a finale of the final trilogy for the Star Wars saga! Here, we see the return of the original characters including Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, R2D2, C3PO, Lando Calrissian and Palpatine/Darth Sidious along with newer ones like Rey, Ben Solo/Kylo Ren, Finn and Poe. There is never a dull moment with so many twists, surprises and cliffhangers from start to finish. Everyone acted well, and the visual effects were impressive. What a ride this has been, and now there is compelling need to watch the entire saga starting with The Phantom Menace. Let's roll!

Cats (2019)

Feline good

[8/10 · 27 December 2019]

I am not a cat lover, but i love musical theater. In 1984, when Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical Cats opened in Washington, DC's National Theater, i went to see it for the first time not knowing what to expect. I was blown away by the music, the staging, the concept. Over the years, i went to see the musical on stage three more times. And i couldn't wait to see a big-screen version that can be enjoyed by one and all, and not just those who can afford theater tickets. Finally, my dream has been fulfilled and i can die in peace. Cats the movie is pretty much what i imagined the musical on celluloid would be, with its near-purrfect casting and excellent choreography. While everyone was good in their own way, some impressed more than others. My favorite number and performer is probably Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat featuring Steven McRae followed by Mr Mistoffelees with Laurie Davidson and original song Beautiful Ghosts sung by newcomer Francesca Hayward. Also delightful with their turns were James Cordern as Bustopher Jones, Rebel Wilson as Jennyanydots and Jason Derulo as Rum Tum Tugger. A lovely surprise was Taylor Swift who wowed as Bombalurina, proving her early doubters wrong that she could carry off that role. The part of Old Deuteronomy, played by male actors in the stage versions, was given to Dame Judi Dench; she who became the first female M in the Bond franchise also did justice to this dignified role. Haters who decided not to like or love this movie before or after viewing it will find any reason or excuse to hate it. As for me, watching this Cats on the big screen left me "feline good".

The Specials (2019)

I wish everyone gets to see this special movie

[8/10 · 12 December 2019]

It is a shame that a meaningful film like this one is not promoted to get more people to watch it, because it contains many hard truths that need to be told, but at least the filmmakers don't ram the message down the viewer's throat the way some movies do. Vincent Cassel, always a dependable actor, is at his career-best here. He is ably supported by a competent cast led by Reda Kateb. I really wish everyone gets to see this special movie, but it is especially recommended for those who are caregivers.

Made in China (I) (2019)

Delightful story but dreadful title

[7/10 · 30 November 2019]

I went to see this movie despite its horrible title. How it got this terrible title, i can't imagine. The leading character, Francois, was born in Vietnam but grew up in Paris, France. He is attached to Sophie, a Frenchwoman from Breton with whom he has a baby. The movie is about how Francois tries to reconcile with his estranged father so that they could celebrate the news of the baby together. Frederick Chau's Francois is very charming and likeable, and he plays his character with conviction. Enjoy this funny and heartwarming movie and just ignore its dreadful title.

Ilo Ilo (2013)

Story of an unexpected friendship that's worth telling and well-told

[8/10 · 20 November 2019]

By the time i saw this movie, it had already won several awards from the industry. But even though i knew it was going to be good, it still turned out to be better than expected. This first feature by writer-director Anthony Chen is unpretentious and honestly down to earth. Its characters are not crazy rich Singaporeans, but those living in the heartlands who are desperately trying to make ends meet. It is a fact that we enjoy having our breaths taken away by those whose lives are all glitz and glamor, and escape with them into their fabulous world, so why would we want to pay and watch simple folk with problems that remind us of our own? The beauty of this film is that nothing is exaggerated or rings a false note. Decisions that the husband and wife make include how much to give as a birthday present and also giving their son money for his birthday to be saved in the bank. The acting by the four leads is uniformly excellent. Yeo Yann Yann is compelling to watch because she does not come across as putting on an act; her Hwee Leng is the wife, mother and office worker that we all know and are familiar with. Chen Tianwen as Teck gains our sympathy as the hapless father who loses his job and at the stock market, yet does not over-indulge in self-pity. Angela Bayani as Terry the maid and Koh Jia Ler as Jiale the son are both delightful to watch together. Their relationship does not start off well but over the course of the movie, they slowly bonded, and their progressive friendship is believably developed. This simple and straightforward yet engaging movie is exactly what i have for years been hoping young filmmakers would make, in place of the usual derivative horror, slapstick comedy or tragic romance. With Ilo Ilo, Anthony Chen brings new hope to Singapore's film industry.

Ford v Ferrari (2019)

Riveting reenactment of a remarkable race

[9/10 · 14 November 2019]

Back in the 1960s, Ferrari's racing team was the one to beat on the track. This is the story of how Ford Motor Company took on Ferrari in 1966 and won, with the help of automotive designer Carroll Shelby and race driver Ken Miles. The Ford team constructed the formidable GT40 which emerged victorious at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Those who were previously unaware or oblivious of this juicy bit of history will find themselves captivated by its reenactment on celluloid. The film runs two and a half hours, yet it does not drag, thanks to a tight script and solid performances, superbly-edited racing sequences along with a music score that enhances the action onscreen. Matt Damon once again proves why he is one of the finest actors of his generation; he is absolutely spot-on in his portrayal of Shelby as a man with passion, confidence and determination. I love watching him in movies like this one and also Invictus. Christian Bale's performance as Ken Miles, while a little more mannered, still manages to beautifully capture the character's extremes of tenderness and cockiness. Also noteworthy is Tracy Letts as Henry Ford II; he shows that the magnate can have a commanding presence yet break down upon experiencing an epiphany. Ford v Ferrari brings a nugget of racing history to life through this well-assembled movie which is worth catching especially on the big screen.

Da hong zha (2018)

This highly-realistic war movie gets my salute

[8/10 · 11 November 2019]

This is one of the best war movies i have ever seen; there are times when you wonder whether you are watching actual footage of war scenes. It has both spectacular aerial combat in the air and an engaging story on the ground. The various characters, soldiers as well as civilians, are all well-acted and draw me into their struggles and also determination to play their individual parts during this conflict. Though i was never a fan of Bruce Willis, his solid performance here gains him my admiration. This production is top-notch in every department, from the photography to the visual effects, from the sets to the music score. I salute this movie for bringing to the big screen a compelling tale of the bombing of Chongqing, and telling it so well.

Doctor Sleep (2019)

Wake up... A new star is born!

[8/10 · 8 November 2019]

Oh. My. Goodness. Rarely have i been so excited over seeing a child actor making her debut. Kyleigh Curran is not just excellent in her craft as an actor, she has the X factor that differentiates those who can act from those who have star quality. The young Curran plays a girl with the shining, and she does not withhold her psychic powers which lead her to confrontation with a group of lifesuckers that calls itself the True Knot. Besides Curran, other members of the cast that impress include Rebecca Ferguson as a menacing Rose the Hat, Carl Lumbly in two scenes as Dick Hallorann and Ewan McGregor in top form as the adult Danny Torrance. Forget the nonsensical story and watch without overthinking or asking too many questions. The movie itself is entertaining because of the action, suspense, special effects and of course, superb cast. And for fans of Kubrick's original masterpiece, this sequel is at least a satisfying follow-up.