The Day Of Movie Reviews

After weeks of movie-fasting, I have finally gone on a movie rampage! I've caught not one but two movies within a short span of two days! Two movies! One cost $9.50 (stupid of me to catch it on the eve of a public holiday), the other cost $9.00 (weekend price). I am so broke. But to tell the truth, both movies were worth their respective ticket prices.


~ AFTERSHOW REVIEW ~

Movie #1: Lions For Lambs



Director: Robert Redford

Starring: Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise, Andrew Garfield

Synopsis & Review:
Set in the post-911 climate, the movie explores media responsibilities on political agendas as well as the human sentiments and costs of the "War on Terror". Streep is outstanding as usual in her portrayal of a revered but weary journalist, while Cruise plays the role of an ambitious senator with much charisma and conviction. Redford himself takes on the role of a professor of Political Science who tries to reinspire an apathetic star pupil (Garfield) who has lost confidence in the American political system.

The tone of the movie is obviously anti-Republican and is overly talky and disjointed. It is very heavy on its political agenda and gets too preachy as the show progresses. The outstanding performances of Reford, Streep, Cruise and newcomer Garfield are overshadowed by its choppy intercut sequences. However, it is a very good movie as a prelude to discussions.

Rating: 3/5

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Movie #2: Stardust



Director: Matthew Vaughn

Starring: Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Rebert De Niro, Sienna Miller, Mark Strong

Synopsis & Review:
Based on the novel by renowned author Neil Gaiman (Sandman, Anansi Boys), the story revolves around a young man named Tristan (Cox) who wants to win the heart of Victoria (Sienna Miller), his beautiful but cold object of unreciprocated love by going on a journey to retrieve a fallen star, personified as Yvaine (Danes). Also in search of the star are Lamia (Pfeiffer) and Septimus (Strong), for by consuming a heart of a star can guarantee immortality. Along the way, Tristan and Yvaine encounter and ally themselves with the eccentric Captain Shakespeare (De Niro) and encounter various interesting and unforgettable characters.

The show is well balanced with light and intense moments. It provides the awe-inspiring fantasy that usually attracts children, but also contains elements of more adult nature like murder, black-magic and adult jokes. After a couple of months of clichéd summer blockbusters targeted at testosterone-charged male teens, Stardust is a breath of fresh air. Grown-ups and children alike will enjoy this magical tale that will definitely stay on their hearts and minds for a long time to come.

Rating: 4.5/5