Marvel Studios' Eternals

 

Synopsis: The Eternals, a race of immortal beings with superhuman powers who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years, reunite to battle the evil Deviants. [Source: Cathay Cineplexes]

Marvel continue their storyline after Avengers with the first introduction of Eternals, which are entirely made up of new casts and new characters. Good effort by the producers trying to develop each characters storyline, which ends up with limitless possibilities where the sequel can be develop next. It was nice stepping into a cinema again after 22 months, and a big thanks to Grab for the 2 free tickets to the show. Fighting scenes wise are typically Marvel, lots of CGI, not too intense but well a good show nonetheless. 

Rate: 7/10

Violet Evergarden: Eternity And The Auto Memory Doll

Synopsis: I sold my future in exchange for protecting what is precious to me. A girls' academy that only girls from respectable families could attend. For Isabella York, who attends it under a "contract" with her father, this beautiful place where white camellias bloom is nothing more than a prison... Before Isabella, who had lost all hope and expectations for her future, Violet Evergarden, hired as her tutor, appears. [Source: Golden Village]

This is more like a short story spin off rather than a full fledged movie anime. It explored more of Violet's character as she is learning how to live as a normal human integrating back to society while serving her rather "difficult" client as a memory doll. A few touchy moment here and there. I guess you need to watch the main anime first before going for this movie as they don't really do background explanation. Overall, an ok movie to catch on any day.

Rate: 7/10

Ip Man 4: The Finale

Synopsis: Ip Man’s life remains unchanged after his wife’s death, but he and his son are slowly drifting apart. To seek a better future for his son, Ip Man decides to travel to the U.S. only to find the stable, peaceful life abroad is only skin deep. Underneath lies a deep rooted racial discrimination that is far worse than he has expected. Ip Man re-examines his position and ponders on the reason he took up martial arts in the beginning. [Source: Golden Village]

For those who are still in doubt, this is really it - the finale. Overall, the show is pretty intense and exciting with all the fight scenes. You will literally feel the pain with the movie characters getting beaten up, with all the bone fracturing sound effects. One theme that resonates throughout the film is the racism of the Americans. Not sure if it reflects the situation at that point in time or the movie director is trying to make a dig at the USA president, who is well known for his white supremacy view. Overall a good movie to catch though.

Rate: 7/10

Jumanji: The Next Level

Synopsis: In Jumanji: The Next Level, the gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to Jumanji to rescue one of their own, they discover that nothing is as they expect. The players will have to brave parts unknown and unexplored, from the arid deserts to the snowy mountains, in order to escape the world’s most dangerous game. [Source: Golden Village]

Continuing its light-hearted and funny tone, this movie once again brought laughter to the audiences in the cinema as the cast entered the dreaded game once again to explore the unknowns. Not a bad movie to unwind your tired mind after work as you journey to explore the dangerous nature and seeing past broken relationship restored.

Rate: 7.5/10

The Addams Family

Synopsis: Get ready to snap your fingers! The Addams Family is back on the big screen in the first animated comedy about the kookiest family on the block. Funny, outlandish, and completely iconic, the Addams Family redefines what it means to be a good neighbor. [Source: Golden Village]

I didn't have much expectation going into the theater and I was right. The whole movie was pretty average at most, with some funny moment that may draw your laughter. Pretty cliche plot with not much twist and turns. Well, at least this can keep the kids entertain.

Rate: 6/10

Hello World

Synopsis: In Kyoto in the year 2027, Naomi Katagaki, a male high school student encounters a person who claiming to be Naomi from 10 years in the future. Together, they must change the future and save a classmate, Ruri, whom the younger Naomi starts to date in three months. [Source: Golden Village]

A seemingly uninteresting synopsis transformed into an unexpected ending. That was the feeling I got after watching the anime film. Just which world is the character living in - the real world or the constructed world? This film does remind me of Inception though... Not a bad film to catch, the ending will be quite unexpected.

Rate: 7/10

Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil

Synopsis: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" is a fantasy adventure that picks up several years after Maleficent, in which audiences learned of the events that hardened the heart of Disney's most notorious villain and drove her to curse a baby Princess Aurora. The film continues to explore the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen as they form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within. [Source: Golden Village]

Definitely not as good as the first installment, but still passable. Movie is a little draggy at times but being Disney, it won't go wrong in the end. CGI of the mystical creatures are pretty good. A good show overall to bring your kid to watch.

Rate: 6/10

Weathering With You

Synopsis: Three years after Your Name, Makoto Shinkai returns with his latest film, Weathering With You. When small town high schooler Hodaka Morishima makes a go at living on his own in Tokyo for the first time, it isn’t long before he finds steady work writing for a local magazine focused on all things strange and supernatural -- but the most interesting thing happening in the boy’s life is the unusual weather. Rain’s common enough in the city that at first, no one makes much of the recent torrential showers that never seem to end, but unbeknownst to nearly everyone, a young girl named Hina Amano who has the ability to control the weather walks among them. [Source: Golden Village]

Another good anime film by Makoto Shinkai. Striking similar style as "Your Name", good music and at times, moving plot will keep the audience captivated on the screen. I must say the English translation of the movie title doesn't do the movie any justice. Perhaps, "Child of the Weather" would be a more fitting title compared to "Weathering with you". Good movie to catch in this season of anime film feast. On a side note, perhaps the author is trying to make a point on global warming?

Rate: 7.5/10

Rascal Does Not Dream Of A Dreaming Girl

Synopsis: Sakuta Azusagawa is a second-year high school student living in "Fujisawa", where the sky and sea shines. The exciting everyday life with his upperclassman and girlfriend, Mai Sakurajima, takes a turn at the appearance of his first love, Shoko Makinohara. For some reason, "two versions" of Shoko exists—a junior high student and an adult. Sakuta is made a fool by “Adult Shoko” as he somehow but reluctantly ends up living with her. His relationship with Mai becomes strained. Meanwhile, Sakuta learns that “Junior High Shoko” is diagnosed with a serious illness and his scar starts to hurt again. [Source: Golden Village]

If you have not watch the prequel anime "Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai", do not catch this movie at all cost or else, you will end up being confused, see stars, don't understand what is going on, wandering why people start clapping at the end of the show..... like me. So yup, the only thing I can understand is the characters keep trying to go back to the past to save people...sounds like Stein Gate....hmm

Rate: 5/10

Disney's The Lion King

Synopsis: Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother — and former heir to the throne — has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. [Source: Golden Village]

Well, after Aladdin, I have high expectation for Lion King, but unfortunately, this movie remake is just average. Singing is not really outstanding and the movie has nothing much to offer except the extremely life-like depiction of African scenes and animals. Kudos to that. Well, I think if you are here for the songs, the Lion King musical may be better. 

Rate: 6/10

Spider-Man: Far From Home

Synopsis: Peter Parker returns in Spider-Man: Far From Home, the next chapter of the Spider-Man: Homecoming series! Our friendly neighborhood Super Hero decides to join his best friends Ned, MJ, and the rest of the gang on a European vacation. However, Peter’s plan to leave super heroics behind for a few weeks are quickly scrapped when he begrudgingly agrees to help Nick Fury uncover the mystery of several elemental creature attacks, creating havoc across the continent! [Source: Golden Village]

Not the typical Spider-man you are expecting, but this version is totally on its own, creating its own story and path. While it is quite refreshing to see a younger Spider-man in his teenage days, it is totally interesting to see a Spider-man with his identity compromised at the end of the show. Movie No 3 is definitely coming up, cant wait for it to be released. Action wise, it is doing pretty ok with the expectation of a Marvel film.

Rate: 8/10

Detective Conan: The Fist Of Blue Sapphire

Synopsis: In a series first, the movie will see Conan travel overseas to Singapore where he and Kaitou Kid become embroiled in a conspiracy involving a murder in Marina Bay Sands and the mysterious Blue Sapphire. [Source: Golden Village]

First time ever, a Conan animation movie based entirely on Singapore. Really interesting to see how our iconic MBS and Marina Barrage got destroyed in the animation during the criminal acts. There are also funny moments though, such as our Merlion throwing out blood. Haha, I am not sure if PAP is going to stomach that well. Nonetheless, a great movie once again! First time ever too, seeing Kaitou Kid walking openly into a trap.

Rate: 7.5/10

X-Men: Dark Phoenix

Synopsis: In DARK PHOENIX, the X-MEN face their most formidable and powerful foe: one of their own, Jean Grey. During a rescue mission in space, Jean is nearly killed when she is hit by a mysterious cosmic force. Once she returns home, this force not only makes her infinitely more powerful, but far more unstable. Wrestling with this entity inside her, Jean unleashes her powers in ways she can neither comprehend nor contain. With Jean spiraling out of control, and hurting the ones she loves most, she begins to unravel the very fabric that holds the X-Men together. Now, with this family falling apart, they must find a way to unite -- not only to save Jean's soul, but to save our very planet from aliens who wish to weaponize this force and rule the galaxy. [Source: Golden Village]

Well, I kind of understand why they called it a flop at the US Box Office. First of all, this is the least epic X-men movie you will ever seen. There are no major fight scene or destruction that will give you a wow factor. Plus, if you have seen the previous movie about Jean Grey on X-men: The Last Stand, this will pale in comparison. Don't bother to stay till the end though, as there are no ending scenes. 

Rate: 6/10

Disney's Aladdin

Synopsis: A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. [Source: Golden Village]

It's really a magical ride from the beginning till the end, immersing the audience into a seemingly Broadway spectacular with beautiful songs after songs. The movie is well made and the genie played by Will Smith is simply hilarious. Cant wait for the Lion King next month.

Rate: 8/10

Pokemon Detective Pikachu

Synopsis: The story begins when ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son Tim to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, Detective Pikachu: a hilariously wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth who is a puzzlement even to himself. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to communicate with one another, Tim and Pikachu join forces on a thrilling adventure to unravel the tangled mystery. Chasing clues together through the neon-lit streets of Ryme City—a sprawling, modern metropolis where humans and Pokémon live side by side in a hyper-realistic live-action world—they encounter a diverse cast of Pokémon characters and uncover a shocking plot that could destroy this peaceful co-existence and threaten the whole Pokémon universe. [Source: Golden Village]

For the Pokemon fans out there, you probably will not miss this movie. Enough said. For the others, lets just say this Hollywood version of Pokemon is funny, light-hearted and the live action Pokemon surprisingly are cute! Plot is not that bad, the only downside is.... why there is no Chansey!! Well have fun watching the movie! Pika Pika!

Rate: 7/10

Marvel Studio's Avengers: Endgame

Synopsis: The grave course of events set in motion by Thanos that wiped out half the universe and fractured the Avengers ranks compels the remaining Avengers to take one final stand in Marvel Studios’ grand conclusion to twenty-two films, “Avengers: Endgame.” [Source: Golden Village]

By order of Thanos, no spoilers allowed, or risk being cast off by the snap! But really, wow, what a surprise ending. No regrets watching the 3 hours movie! Now, the below quote from Avengers: Infinity War really do have such a heavy weight.

Dr. Strange says to Tony Stark: "I looked forward in time. I saw 14,000,605 futures."

Tony Stark: "How many did we win?"

Dr. Strange: "One".

Rate: 9.5/10

Shazam!

Synopsis: We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson’s case, by shouting out one word—SHAZAM!—this streetwise 14-year-old foster kid can turn into the adult Super Hero Shazam, courtesy of an ancient wizard. Still a kid at heart—inside a ripped, godlike body—Shazam revels in this adult version of himself by doing what any teen would do with superpowers: have fun with them! Can he fly? Does he have X-ray vision? Can he shoot lightning out of his hands? Can he skip his social studies test? Shazam sets out to test the limits of his abilities with the joyful recklessness of a child. But he’ll need to master these powers quickly in order to fight the deadly forces of evil controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana. [Source: Golden Village]

Not exactly the kind of super superhero movie you expect but it still met the passing grade to entertain you while waiting for the Avengers "End Game" crowd to subside. It does feels like this Shazam! character was created somehow to fill in a void as the producers are getting their acts to decide what happens next to the main stream heroes. Shazam! for once doesn't seems all powerful but still have traits of other superheroes somehow combined into one. Well, nonetheless, an average movie to catch.

Rate: 6.5/10

Marvel Studios' Captain Marvel

Synopsis: Set in the 1990s, Marvel Studios Captain Marvel is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that follows the journey of Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universes most powerful heroes. While a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom. [Source: Golden Village]

Overall, a well made Marvel thriller that provides the back drop to the upcoming Avengers: Endgame that is premiering on 26-Apr-19 and follows through the introduction of the new character (Captain Marvel) at the end of Avengers: Infinity War. It was interesting to see how Avengers started and how Nick Fury obtained the scar on his left eye. A must watch before Avengers: Endgame!

Rate: 8/10

Aquaman

Synopsis: Once home to the most advanced civilization on Earth, the city of Atlantis is now an underwater kingdom ruled by the power-hungry King Orm. With a vast army at his disposal, Orm plans to conquer the remaining oceanic people -- and then the surface world. Standing in his way is Aquaman, Orm's half-human, half-Atlantean brother and true heir to the throne. With help from royal counselor Vulko, Aquaman must retrieve the legendary Trident of Atlan and embrace his destiny as protector of the deep. [Source: Internet]

Not a bad DC movie. Fantastic effect with the way these characters interact with the ocean and animals, it just seems all the sea creatures are their friends! And not forgetting throwing in environmental messages and making a point with the way we human pollute our Mother Earth (Are they making a dig at Donald Trump conviction that Global Warming is Fake news?) Overall, a good movie not to be miss!

Rate: 8/10

Bohemian Rhapsody

Synopsis: Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Freddie defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound. They reach unparalleled success, but in an unexpected turn Freddie, surrounded by darker influences, shuns Queen in pursuit of his solo career. Having suffered greatly without the collaboration of Queen, Freddie manages to reunite with his bandmates just in time for Live Aid. While bravely facing a recent AIDS diagnosis, Freddie leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music. Queen cements a legacy that continues to inspire outsiders, dreamers and music lovers to this day. [Source: Golden Village]

Before this movie, I have never knew that so many famous rock songs was actually first produced by Queen, such as "We will rock you", "We are the Champions", which are still sang today at many sports arena. Truly, this band is a legend. This movie is a emotional musical depicting the rise and fall of Freddie Mercury. Enjoy the showtime!

Rate: 8/10