The Wing Kong Exchange (feat. Inferno)

[Fuji Vice]

Re: The Wing Kong Exchange

Okay, I'll get to it shortly.

 

[Fuji Vice]

Re: The Wing Kong Exchange

The Secret World of Arrietty

The Clock family are "Borrowers", tiny people who live in the home of normal human beings. They survive by taking small things they need that big people wouldn't notice were missing, such as pins and sugar. They also do their best to never be seen by the humans they co-exist with, for fear of being captured. This all changes when the Clock child Arrietty comes into contact with a boy who is visiting the house.

Japan's Studio Ghibli has long been one of my favourite animation studios and I can honestly say they've never made a bad film. There's just something really special about how their art, story and themes come together during the creative process and it always leads to magical results. That is the case with their latest effort, The Secret World of Arrietty, originally released in Japan in 2010 and finally making its US debut earlier this month. Arrietty is the first Ghibli film to be based on previous materials, though that doesn't do anything to hinder its ability to entertain in the classic Ghibli way. Indeed they couldn't have chosen a better story to base their film on, as the source material is a long-standing classic in its own right and the inspiration for several other series of books and films. Studio Ghibli exists to make emotionally challenging and artistically broad films, and while this one isn't quite their best work, it still exists as a great example. Certainly a film to be enjoyed by people of all ages, The Secret World of Arrietty is one world I'm glad to have been allowed access to.

"Apparently the secret's out."​

The film is directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi (formerly the key animator on several Ghibli films including Howl's Moving Castle and Ponyo), marking one of the rare times that Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki assigned those duties to someone other than himself. Though I can imagine it would have been better with Miyazaki at the helm (simply because he's arguably the greatest animation director of all time) the job done by Yonebayashi is excellent and he really understands the basic principles of the Ghibli film. Miyazaki did however write the screenplay, along with Keiko Niwa, basing it on the classic children's novel "The Borrowers" by Mary Norton. Having not read the source material for some time, I had to do so once I'd seen the film, and while they certainly took liberties with the original story, the best parts are represented in the script. As well, they manage to work in some of that typically bittersweet sentiment that populates the majority of Ghibli films, which works very well in the context. What Miyazaki and Niwa excel at is creating believable characters in unbelievable circumstances and keep a sense of realism. This is not an easy thing to do, so they should certainly be commended for their efforts here.

"You'd better hope its vision is based on movement or you're one dead Borrower"​

As I watched the film in Japanese, I don't want to spend a lot of time on the voice actors. Suffice to say, if you understand the language, they all do a great job with their characters and help to give each their own unique sound and style. One funny thing about the film is the usual subtitle error involving the confusion of the term "human bean" for "human being", which happens a lot in Japanese works. I do find that funny and considering its used so often in this film it really served to make me laugh. Luckily I understand the Japanese dialogue, though I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to hear Carol Burnett tackle the grandmother role in the US release. There's a great scene where her character slowly starts to lose her mind and the Japanese voice-over actress is great. I can only imagine how good one of the all time greats would be in the role. The other characters in the film all have an important part to play in its outcome and each are given opportunity to shine. Perhaps my favourite is the rogue Borrower character, Spiller, as he's just a pretty cool little guy with a bow and arrow and hey, he likes to eat cricket legs! What's not to love about this guy? I also enjoyed the relationships between the characters and their interactions. This is a fairly outlandish concept but it never seems like it while watching the film, a staple of the Ghibli style.

"So THAT'S where my miniature hair clip got off to!"​

Like all the Ghibli films that came before it, The Secret World of Arrietty is beautiful to look at, with rich colours and wonderfully drawn sets. Each of their films has its own special "feel" to it, and this one is no different. I particularly loved the Borrowers home, as it was layered with plants and tiny utensils. There is also a doll house that is rendered really well and is just another treat in a film full of them. I was instantly engrossed in the story of these little people and their struggle to deal with the giant world they occupy. It's very easy to get behind them and support them along their journey, as the creators make them true underdogs. After all, they're only four inches tall, how could you not root for them to survive? As I mentioned earlier, there is also a touch of the bittersweet here, in this case the revelation of the human boy that he is ill, but its handled perfectly and doesn't distract from the story at all. Rather it enhances the emotional experience for the viewer and allows the story to come full circle at its conclusion. It's a particularly strong talent of Studio Ghibli and once again they utilize it to its fullest extent here. The Secret World of Arrietty has something for everyone, make no mistake, and I can easily see it being mentioned in the same breath as other Ghibli classics in the future.

"I found you...now what the hell do I do about it?"​

The Secret World of Arrietty has grossed over $14 million in the US since its release but its real numbers come from its previous worldwide distribution, where it has earned over $126 million. Those are more great numbers for a studio that truly deserves more widespread attention from American audiences. I hope that many of you choose to check this film out while you still have the chance, as I can imagine it being a great theatrical experience and a reminder of just why movies are so much fun. It's not Spirited Away or Howl's Moving Castle, but it is nevertheless a strong addition to the Ghibli legacy and a film that's sure to put a smile on your face. 7.5/10.

"Something tells me that's not what the Borrower wanted you to do Grandma!"​

 

[TroyTheAverage]

Re: The Wing Kong Exchange

The movie looks great but I have et to see it. I want to watch it as I think it is a movie that Zoey would enjoy as well. I don't think it is playing anywhere to close around here though. When it is released on Blu Ray I will end up picking it up.

 

[Fuji Vice]

Re: The Wing Kong Exchange

Point Break

In the coastal town of Los Angeles, a gang of bank robbers known as the ex-presidents have been running amok, knocking off every bank they can. Grizzled FBI agent Angelo Pappas believes that the members of the gang could be surfers. He tells this theory to his new partner, young hotshot agent Johnny Utah, and Utah agrees to go undercover as a surfer to gather information. He soon meets a surfer named Bodhi and his gang and becomes drawn into their lifestyle, until he realizes that they are the ex-presidents and he must put aside his friendships to stop them.

From time to time, certain films come along that defy the odds. On paper, they shouldn't work, for whatever reason you can think of. Yet at the end of the day, they manage to rise above whatever problems they may have had and become truly great works. Point Break is one of those films. Taking a relatively basic premise, a rag tag bunch of actors, a director who had spent most of her career working in music videos and a script from an unproven writer, the film could have easily become a total disaster. That it didn't is not so much a miracle as it is a testament to the theory that when everyone brings their all to a project, it will succeed regardless of its faults. Perhaps no greater example exists than this film, which does its level best to blow its audience away from beginning to end and, for the most part, succeeds. While Point Break doesn't really offer anything new to the action genre, it certainly does its best to inject that genre with the 100% pure adrenaline that its promotional tagline promises.

"Don't worry, its not really a porno."​

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow (who was formerly married to James Cameron and would go on to win an Oscar for Best Director for The Hurt Locker) and written by W. Peter Iliff from a story by him and Rick King, it seems an ambitious project for them considering their lack of experience. Ok, so Bigelow had directed Jamie Lee Curtis vehicle Blue Steel a couple of years before, but that film was pretty bad and in no way showed she was ready to tackle a full blown action piece such as this. Regardless of how that film turned out, Bigelow's direction here is absolutely stellar, as she keeps a frantic pace throughout and rarely gives the audience a chance to catch their breath. Perhaps she was trying to top her husband's film Terminator 2, which was released the same year, or perhaps she just realized the film needed to move at a breakneck pace to avoid the audience detecting the plot holes in Iliff's screenplay. Regardless, it certainly works, and provides us with ample amounts of action, intrigue and some wild surfing and skydiving scenes as well.

"This is my serious face, I use it so people can forget that I'll always be Ted to them."​

Keanu Reeves is cast as the young agent Johnny Utah and does a decent job considering his obvious limitations as an actor. It's not like he was ever going to set the world on fire with his work, but I found him totally believable in the role and actually consider this one of his best overall performances. It helps that he has the great character actor Gary "Cocaine" Busey to act off of, and indeed the two have perfect chemistry. Busey is perfect as the veteran FBI guy and really brings it in several scenes including one where he verbally undresses his boss in front before knocking him flat on his ass. Speaking of the boss, he's played by veteran douchebag actor John C. McGinley, who definitely brings the douche here. In fact, he's responsible for one of the hands down funniest scenes in the film, as seen below, where he flips out on Reeves and Busey for not delivering results. Support comes from the very cute Lori Petty, though she becomes more of a prop towards the end of the film and even Anthony Kiedis from Red Hot Chili Peppers gets in on the action as a surfer thug who eventually shoots himself in the foot. Ouch! However the true star of this film is none other than Patrick Swayze as Bodhi, the leader of the ex-presidents and one hell of a dreamy dude. Ok, my personal feelings aside, Swayze owns this role and, as with Reeves, I feel he gives one of his best performances here.

[video=youtube;Fh0KcpYeMVQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh0KcpYeMVQ[/video]

"SQUAT...SQUAT!!!!!!"​

John C. McGinley is definitely my hero after busting out that hilarious dialogue and somehow making it seem like he's serious! All joking aside though, this film is just one hell of a wild ride from start to finish and indeed it makes the viewer feel like they're on a roller coaster of sorts. From the opening bank robbery sequence to the awesome chase where Reeves pursues Swayze through backyards, houses and eventually blows his knee out, creating a classic moment of cinema, everything here works really well. When they aren't robbing banks, the ex-president's are surfing their little hearts out and these sequences are also really well shot. It's nice to see Bigelow took the time to understand the art of shooting surfing properly, because I've seen it done quite poorly in the past. At times I felt I was watching a rehash of The Endless Summer, though to be fair that's a good comparison considering its one of the all time great surfing films. She also manages to get some skydiving into the mix, and once again shoots it well. In fact, Donald Peterman, the cinematographer here, definitely deserves some of the credit, as he certainly went above and beyond the call of duty on several occasions. Quite simply put, if you want well shot action and excellent scenery as well, you can look no further than this film as it offers both in spades.

"Damn cocaine dealers are after me again, oh well this'll stop 'em!"​

There are some issues with the script though, as I mentioned above, and they do lead to me sitting back and wondering exactly what kind of drugs Iliff was taking when he wrote it. First and foremost, I find it hard to believe that Bodhi would so quickly allow Utah into his inner circle, particularly considering what he had to hide. Second, and even crazier, there is a scene in the middle of the film where the FBI raids who they think are the ex-presidents only to find that they are just normal drug dealers. In fact, these drug dealers had been on DEA watch and even had an undercover agent (played hilariously by Tom Sizemore) infiltrating them. Are we really to believe that the FBI and the DEA don't cross reference names in their computers? Seriously, it made for an awesome scene, but the logic behind it was insane. However, these plot holes don't really detract from the film because, as I said earlier, it rips along like a speeding bullet and more than satisfies at its eventual conclusion. In fact, the closing moments of the film are among my favourite in any action movie and really bring things to a proper finish. Point Break could have, maybe even should have failed, but it didn't, because everyone wanted it to succeed. That's a strong enough reason to check it out; the action, adventure and high tension are just a bonus.

"He's like the wind...."​

Point Break was shot on a budget of $24 million and earned over $97 million at the box office, very good numbers considering it was up against Terminator 2 among others. It didn't really get a lot of critical acclaim but over time it has been looked at in a much greater light and been referenced in several popular films. As I said before, it doesn't change the action genre, but it sure as hell does a good job with it and turns what could have been a dud into a thermonuclear warhead full of nothing more than entertainment and excitement. Definitely a film for the action junkie, Point Break will satisfy your needs while providing you with some top notch intensity. What more can you ask for than that? 8/10.

"I wonder if he's flying around up there with the rest of the angels?"​

 

[TroyTheAverage]

Re: The Wing Kong Exchange

Awesome movie. Glad you did the review of this one. I've been meaning to buy this one on Blu Ray for awhile. It was one of those movies that caught me completely by surprise considering Keanu was the lead along with Swayze. I couldn't help but be enthralled with the movie. I forgot it was up against T2 when it came out. For some reason I keep thinking it came out just before The Matrix. This is definitely the movie to watch if you want a good fast paced action movie.

Now I want to go buy the Blu Ray and watch it. Maybe I will do that tomorrow if my back is feeling better.

 

[Fuji Vice]

Re: The Wing Kong Exchange

Awesome movie. Glad you did the review of this one. I've been meaning to buy this one on Blu Ray for awhile. It was one of those movies that caught me completely by surprise considering Keanu was the lead along with Swayze. I couldn't help but be enthralled with the movie. I forgot it was up against T2 when it came out. For some reason I keep thinking it came out just before The Matrix. This is definitely the movie to watch if you want a good fast paced action movie.

Now I want to go buy the Blu Ray and watch it. Maybe I will do that tomorrow if my back is feeling better.

You should dude, I just got the Blu Ray the other day (hence the review) and it looks awesome! The transfer really came across well and yeah, the movie rocks. Glad you liked the review.

 

[Fuji Vice]

Re: The Wing Kong Exchange

Platoon

Chris Taylor is a young, naive American who gives up college and volunteers for combat in Vietnam. Upon arrival, he quickly discovers that his presence is quite nonessential, and is considered insignificant to the other soldiers, as he has not fought for as long as the rest of them and felt the effects of combat. As the war continues, Chris himself draws towards psychological meltdown. And as he struggles for survival, he soon realizes he is fighting two battles, the conflict with the enemy and the conflict between the men within his platoon.

The first casualty of war is innocence. That line adorns the promotional materials for the film Platoon and has become synonymous with it. For good reason too, as never before or since has one single sentence so accurately summed up the film it applies to. Platoon, released in 1986, is one of those rare films that manages to educate and inform its viewers while also leaving them with many questions at its conclusion. At the same time, it paints a starkly disturbing portrait of the life of an average American soldier during a tumultuous war and the effect it has on them. Finally, it tells a tale of questionable conscience and allows the audience to peek inside a world they shouldn't have access to, all the while pulling no punches in showing the duality of man and inhumanity in its lowest forms. There have been many films made on the subject of the Vietnam war, but none hold the power that Platoon does, and none tell as realistic a story in such a depressing yet thought-provoking way.

"The review's this way boys!"​

Written and directed by Oliver Stone, the film is actually based on his own real life experiences in Vietnam and the main character of Taylor is loosely based on him as well. Stone was clearly affected by his tour of duty (as if anyone wouldn't have been) and so sought to tell a morality tale that did its level best to teach people exactly what the war was all about. While its not always easy to watch, it nevertheless comes across as completely realistic at all times, and Stone's direction is superb. He chooses to spend a lot of the film shooting at ground level or just slightly higher, allowing the viewer to become part of the action. At the same time, he keeps things moving along very rapidly (particularly in the action sequences) in an attempt to disorient the viewer. This effect works quite well and gives the impression of literally being stuck in the middle of a firefight and its one that I've only ever seen done properly one more time since (Saving Private Ryan in case you were wondering). While his direction is impeccable, his story is even more so. The complex morality play that Stone tells is engrossing and never fails to captivate the viewer. Truly this is the finest achievement of his career, which says a lot considering some of the other films he's made.

"He doesn't look like he's winning anything here."​

Charlie Sheen (pre-winning) stars as Taylor, the main character and the one who's innocence becomes the casualty in question. Sheen has always been a solid actor but he shows a real range here that one doesn't normally see from him. It's easy to see why he was cast in the lead role, he perfectly portrays the young and impressionable type and shows a lot of emotional change as the film progresses. He's joined by many great character actors like Keith David, Forrest Whittaker, Johnny Depp and John C. McGinley (playing a douche as usual) and each bring a lot to their small but vital roles. However, the film is truly made exceptional by the performances of Tom Berenger as Sgt. Barnes and Willem Dafoe as Sgt. Elias. These two, who fight a "war for possession of Taylor's soul" are simply mesmerizing and its easy to see why both were nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards in the year of the films release. The two act as perfect "good" and "bad" sides of Taylor's imaginary conscience and are nothing less than captivating in every single moment they appear on screen. Berenger has one incredible monologue about killing and why its so simple while Dafoe basically gets the scene of the film with the following; one that has always stuck with me for how subtly brilliant it is.

[video=youtube;9HzIVc2vwVE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HzIVc2vwVE[/video]​

That's certainly some powerful stuff and its only enhanced by the effective use of Samuel Barber's excellent composition "Adagio for Strings", which is used several times in the film. I've often found that it is one of the most haunting compositions I've ever heard and it is certainly fitting to find it featured so prominently in a film that is equally as haunting. Before we get into all of that though, I'd like to quickly point out the work of Captain Dale Dye as the advisor on this film. Dye is a legitimate badass Marine (go check out his list of medals if you don't believe me) who founded a company called Warriors Inc. in order to train actors to give realistic portrayals as soldiers. This was a smart move on Stone's part, as all the actors here really do come across like real life soldiers, so much that at times I forgot who they really were and just looked at them as the "grunts" they are portrayed to be. This strong realism cannot be overstated as it makes the film that much more gripping, intense and, at times, horrific. I can't even begin to cover all the inhumanity that occurs on screen nor do I really want to. You simply have to see it for yourself to understand the emotional impact it can have on you. I will say this, there is one scene with Berenger where you so quickly turn on him that I consider it the greatest (and quickest) heel turn in the history of cinema. Those that have seen the film know what I'm talking about, those that haven't will understand immediately upon viewing it.

"This isn't a spoiler, the kid lives."​

However the film is only partially about the actual horror of the war itself. More than anything else its about the age old theme of man vs. man and, at times, man vs. self. Taylor is the perfect avatar for the viewer, as we are just as innocent as he is at the beginning of the film. As it progresses and alliances are formed and change, we find ourselves going through the same emotional turmoil that he is. It's an uncomfortable feeling at times, but then again this is a film about the harsh reality of war and that should never be something that's told with kid gloves on. At the end of it all, we are taken away from this horrible place and, along with Taylor, are left to try and make some sort of sense of it all. Though we may never find purpose or meaning behind the events that occur in the film or the real war itself, we must endeavour to try, as doing so could prove to make us all better people. I realize that may be going a little deep, but that's the type of thoughts this film provokes in you, and though its not for the faint hearted it should certainly be required viewing for everyone. If we do not understand history we are doomed to repeat it. That may sound like an old and tired cliche but its true nonetheless. Oliver Stone challenges us to observe these events as if we were intimately involved in them, and in doing so forces us to open our eyes to just how horrible things can really get. Not many films can even hope to come close to that and his efforts here are not lost on myself and hopefully not on others.

"Now that's what I call a campfire."​

Platoon was shot on a budget of $6 million (I cannot believe it was that cheap considering the scope of the production) and earned over $137 million at the box office. Along with that it won Oscar's for Best Sound, Best Editing, Best Director and Best Picture. This doesn't surprise me in the slightest, as the film is immensely powerful and truly a modern masterpiece. There isn't much else to say that I haven't said already but I will mention that if you haven't seen Platoon you should do yourself a favour and watch it soon. It's not easy to get through and you'll probably feel more than a little dirty and disturbed when its over, but nothing can diminish the impact it will have on you. I leave you with the final moments of the film, as Taylor's words can close this out better than I, but I will also say that Platoon is an easy 10/10 for me and I hope you take the time to watch it if you haven't already.

[video=youtube;OzVKG4b7EjU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzVKG4b7EjU[/video]​

 

[TroyTheAverage]

Re: The Wing Kong Exchange

Another excellent review that you knocked out of the park, or in this case, jungle.

My all time favorite war movie. This edges out Saving Private Ryan for me. It is in my mind one of the best Vietnam movies to come out and I think one that resembles what happened to our soldiers over there. Oliver Stone created something special with this movie and it is a movie that I think everyone should see. Sheen gave the performance of his career in this movie and he has never topped it. After seeing it for the first time, I became a huge Berenger and Dafoe fan. They played the good guy/bad guy roles to perfection as well. This along with Full Metal Jacket made me want to join the Marines. This is easily a 10/10 for me as well. I can't see any war movie ever topping it.

 

[Fuji Vice]

Re: The Wing Kong Exchange

Another excellent review that you knocked out of the park, or in this case, jungle.

My all time favorite war movie. This edges out Saving Private Ryan for me. It is in my mind one of the best Vietnam movies to come out and I think one that resembles what happened to our soldiers over there. Oliver Stone created something special with this movie and it is a movie that I think everyone should see. Sheen gave the performance of his career in this movie and he has never topped it. After seeing it for the first time, I became a huge Berenger and Dafoe fan. They played the good guy/bad guy roles to perfection as well. This along with Full Metal Jacket made me want to join the Marines. This is easily a 10/10 for me as well. I can't see any war movie ever topping it.

Thanks buddy, glad you agree, its definitely the best of the bunch. I too became a big fan of Berenger and Dafoe after watching it and pretty much love everything they've appeared in. I also agree that its Sheen's best performance, he really captured the character well and held his own while working with actors that were way above his level.

And as you say, I don't see any war movie topping it either. It says so much and leaves a lasting impression, even more so than Full Metal Jacket (which I also love).

 

[TroyTheAverage]

Re: The Wing Kong Exchange

Yeah it is one of the movies that stick with you and the characters stick with you as well. It is hard not to get behind any of the characters and feel for them and what they are doing. The same can be said about Saving Private Ryan and Full Metal Jacket and I would agree with that as well, but Stone really captured the essence of war so much better than anyone had before or since.

 

[Fuji Vice]

Re: The Wing Kong Exchange

Yeah it is one of the movies that stick with you and the characters stick with you as well. It is hard not to get behind any of the characters and feel for them and what they are doing. The same can be said about Saving Private Ryan and Full Metal Jacket and I would agree with that as well, but Stone really captured the essence of war so much better than anyone had before or since.

And its impossible to say he embellished anything since he was actually in the war. It must have been an intensely personal experience for Stone, both being in the war and making the film. He did a good thing though, he made a strong statement without being overly preachy...the perfect way to educate people.

 

[TroyTheAverage]

Re: The Wing Kong Exchange

Until you just mentioned, I never noticed that it wasn't preachy, but you're right, he didn't get preachy at all except maybe in a couple of voice overs by Chris and even then it wasn't enough to have you notice.

Man, I forgot about how many stars that movie had in it. And it wasn't even in the midst of their careers either, most were unknown or just starting out.

 

[Fuji Vice]

Re: The Wing Kong Exchange

Until you just mentioned, I never noticed that it wasn't preachy, but you're right, he didn't get preachy at all except maybe in a couple of voice overs by Chris and even then it wasn't enough to have you notice.

Man, I forgot about how many stars that movie had in it. And it wasn't even in the midst of their careers either, most were unknown or just starting out.

Yeah, it was a great springboard for a lot of talent. Here's a good question, but a tough one. Given that both Berenger and Dafoe were nominated for Best Supporting Actor, who do you think should have won between the two? I loved Dafoe's performance and the character of Elias was my favourite in the whole film, but I think I would give it to Berenger just for the "you wanna' talk about killing" speech. He frightens me more than any horror film character in that scene.

 

[Wang Chung]

Re: The Wing Kong Exchange

Platoon is a great flick. Loved that movie and Sheen was actually serious in that movie too.

I love point break too, but I can't get Hot Fuzz out of my head when watching it now.

 

[TroyTheAverage]

Re: The Wing Kong Exchange

Berenger hands down.

What is my reasoning you may ask. Well it is simple. I don't think there is anyone that could have pulled off that role as well as he did. It is easy to write a good guy role and have anyone play the role believable. But Berenger as Sgt. Barnes, incredible. It was easy to buy into him being a bad ass and just an almost evil person. I think had I had someone like him as a drill instructor, I would have shit my pants. Or even being around someone like him. As much as Dafoe rocked as Elias, I think almost anyone could have played that role and been believable.