Talking Evilbean : Movie Reviews

[Movie Review] Spider-men died on Captain America: Civil War

It is the most anticipated summer blockbuster of the year. And also one of the most mind-boggling.

“Who is the villain in Captain America: Civil War?”

Eight years and 12 movies since the first Marvel film (Iron Man) that kickstarted the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this is the first time where we are not presented with a terrorist group, monsters or evil aliens. Instead, we see two of our most loved superheroes, Captain America and Iron Man, sling and hurl their words and weapons at each other.

via GIPHY

As if this does not pain us enough, fans of the universe were also told to pick a side: #TeamCap or #TeamIronman.

Roll call. #TeamCap https://t.co/oeC4UkUZ0v
— Captain America (@CaptainAmerica) April 18, 2016

Join #TeamIronMan! We have snacks!
— Robert Downey Jr (@RobertDowneyJr) February 7, 2016

Just like that crazy ex that came back to haunt you for your past decisions, Civil War is the culmination of all of the choices that have been made by these superheroes for the past eight years. The clash between Captain America and Iron Man is a fate brought about due to the implications of unilateral actions—good and bad—by the Avengers and each individual member. The film stood out in many ways, but I am just going to highlight four of them.

Firstly, Civil War brilliantly shows us how Steve Rogers and Tony Stark have changed over the years. Through all the events that they have encountered, the good soldier that follows order because he trusts the ones in command, and the billionaire playboy that does not play by the rules, are now long gone. These characters have matured in their way of thinking and, interestingly, switched with each other their views and position as a superhero. Steve no longer trusts the government and agencies, and Tony, weighed down by his conscience (due to the events that happened in Avengers: Age of Ultron), no longer trusts himself in making judgement calls for the world. The captain that corrects people for their language is gone, and the Iron Man that went before Congress to privatize world peace is now an agent for the government.

Secondly, the plot in Civil War is brilliantly written, serving as a strong tensile web that bounded all the bits and pieces from the past films. It is gratifying to see that continuity in this MCU, to watch the events unfold because of their actions from the past. If you have been to every film in the MCU, you would find yourself so fully immersed in the familiar characters and so emotionally invested in the story, the ending would have seem to come too soon, when in fact, you would have already sat for 147 minutes.

Thirdly, the surprises and plot twists just keep coming at you. One of the highly anticipated surprise is of course, the appearance of the wall crawler: Spider-man.

via GIPHY

After a slew of memes online depicting him not being in any Avengers movie, he is finally part of the MCU. What a good year this must be, with Leonardo DiCaprio finally winning the oscars and Spider-Man finally making his appearance together with the big guys.

Everyone was psyched and curious as to what dynamics this younger-looking Spider-Man can introduce to the team. And damn, after watching Tom Holland’s performance in Civil War, all the previous versions of Spider-Man are now dead in my heart. Previous movies have had issues balancing the youthful banter and scientific confidence, but Holland nailed the role. Just like how you would associate Chris Evans to Captain America and Ryan Reynolds to Deadpool, Tom Holland will now be associated as Peter Parker after his portrayal in Civil War.

Lastly, the fight sequences. They are some of the finest action choreography I have seen. Instead of just shooting CGI-ed energy beams at each other, you will get a spectacle of car-chase scenes, bombs, and a lot of hand-to-hand combat that might just rival the likes of Donnie Yen. The epic battle sequence between #TeamCap and #TeamIronMan is hands-down, one of the most mind-blowing fight that has happened in superhero movies. You will remember this scene for the rest of your life. You will likely read other reviews raving about the epic fight, but trust me when I say that it is not hype. It is that good. And hilarious. Hilariously good.

via GIPHY

Directors Anthony and Joe Russo have set the bar to almost “Asgard-level” with Captain America: Civil War. It was entertaining, the visual effects were stunning, and the performances by the actors were shining as bright as infinity stones. Definitely deserves the critical acclaim of being the best Marvel film yet.

Movie Tip #1: Look out for “Aunt May”.

Movie Tip #2: There is a mid-credits scene. There is no end-credits scene.

WIN OFFICIAL MARVEL MERCHANDISE: migme is running a contest on its platform, where users stand to win official Marvel merchandise just by picking a side. Click here to find out more!

This movie review on Captain America: Civil War appeared first on migme.

1 comments

, by Evilbean

4evilbeans

[Movie Review] - The Bodyguard (特工爷爷)

The Bodyguard (特工爷爷) Movie Poster - Sammo Hung

It's Sammo Hung. 洪金宝! Any movie with him in it is surely a must-watch for action fans!

"Ah Gong this is that Llaollao yogurt we all pay $6.95 for lor. Nice????"

Movie Title - The Bodyguard (特工爷爷)

Genre:

(You think it's action but actually it's more of a melodrama)

Synopsis: Retired army personnel Lao Ding (Sammo Hung) was someone who aced his martial arts when he was still serving. After his retirement, he lived a simple life.

One time, while taking his granddaughter out to a park to play, he lost his granddaughter, causing him to be berated by his own family. His own daughter severed ties with him, and because of this incident, he constantly lived in the shadow of self-blame, which also caused him to lose his memory gradually.

A little girl in his neighbourhood, Xiao Chun Hua (Jacqueline Chan), appeared in his life while he was living alone in the city. Jolting memories of his own granddaughter, the two shared happy moments together, until her dad had a run-in with the mafia and caused Xiao Chun Hua to be abducted.

Review: Although this movie is starred and directed by Sammo Hung, undoubtedly one of the top action director in HK, The Bodyguard is not an action movie, and you shouldn't go into the theatres expecting blood, sweat and "我要打十个“ action sequences every few minutes. You might be sorely disappointed by the relatively lack of action scenes of this film.

The Bodyguard is a drama.

A drama about a very sad, fat and lonely old man suffering from dementia... who still knows how to fight.

Unlike most other action movies where the lead actor usually has a sound mind, agile body and of tip-top finesse, Lao Ding (played by Sammo Hung) has none of the above. The movie spent almost half the screen time developing Lao Ding's character, not on him fighting, but on his background and his interactions (or rather, the lack of them) with other characters.

His character was really well-developed. I could feel his sense of loneliness and the "what-should-I-do-with-my-life" outlook.

I was genuinely overwhelmed when Lao Ding finally decided to snap out of his 'loser, self-blaming life' and took up the responsibility of the little girl.

Besides Sammo Hung, there were three other characters who really stood out for me in the film.

1. Andy Lau

The Bodyguard (特工爷爷) Movie Stills - Andy Lau

This guy doesn't age. After so many years, he still retains his charm. I heard a few girls gushing when he first appeared on the screen.

This was also my first time seeing him play as a 'bad' character. He plays a really sucky dad in the film, and I thought he portrayed his character really well, especially his love for his daughter. He is a character you would both hate and love... just like your annoying husband/wife/girlfriend/boyfriend.

2. Li Qin Qin

HAHAHA she is the one that provides the many comedic relief in this film. You will laugh whenever she comes on screen!

3. Jacqueline Chan

The Bodyguard (特工爷爷) Movie Stills - Jacqueline Chan and Sammo Hung

The chemistry between Lao Ding and Xiao Chun Hua (Jacqueline Chan) can give you those little warm, joyous feelings in your heart, akin to those you would feel when your grandma makes you her signature kueh.

And conversely, you would feel as if a cold hand has entered and snuffed those warmth in your heart when these two were separated. That sense of longing when Lao Ding looks at his empty room...

The movie would have been even better if it wasn't dubbed. I feel that dubbing takes away a huge part of realism to the movie. I seriously wonder why they still think dubbing is a good idea, China market or not.

Another #evilbean rating was taken away because of the choice of scores used in the film. I thought that the scores were at times, too loud and in other times, too inappropriate. There was this one scene where it was just drums and bass playing, and I thought they were gonna reveal someone practising on those drums in another room or something.

Turns out, it was their score. WHAT? THAT FELT SO OUT OF PLACE.

Overall, the movie was still pretty enjoyable. I enjoyed the uncensored gore, the action and the characters. After 17 years of hiatus, Sammo Hung returns as a director for this film, because he was attracted by the script, and you will see the reason why he was so captivated on the story after you have caught this film.

Stay back for: Don't stay back already, go back home and show some care and concern for your grandparents. Treasure your loved ones before they are gone mentally... and physically.

Fun fact: Andy Lau is not only one of the film's producers, he also sings for the movie OST: 原谅我.

Movie Rating (out of 5 Evilbeans):

(4)

The Bodyguard (特工爷爷) (NC16)

Running Time: 99 minutes

Release Date: 07/04/2016

Thank you Clover Films for the invite!

No comments

, by Evilbean

4.5evilbeans

[Korean Movie] The Beauty Inside - The Movie You Don't Know who the Male Lead is

You know those quarrels you have had with your other half, the ones where they got so heated up, he/she start to scream this line in your face:

"YOU WERE SUCH A DIFFERENT PERSON BEFORE WE GOT TOGETHER!"

Well, for Yi-soo (played by Han Hyo Joo), she literally experiences a different person every single day.

And on her worst days, she might be sleeping beside a old, fat, ugly man.

[Korean Movie] The Beauty Inside - Movie Still

"Fat, ugly old man? Man, that's hurtful Evilbean"

Movie Title - The Beauty Inside

Genre:

The Beauty Inside Genre - Identity Crisis

(Because this is exactly what the male lead feels like every single day)

Synopsis: Woo-jin (played by 123 actors), wakes up every day as a different person. And he is not limited to just "he". He can wake up as a man, a child, a woman, or even a foreigner. Identity-crisis gets a new meaning with his weird condition.

On his good days, he can wake up to a young, handsome body... which he will try to take advantage of by sleeping with other girls.

And then, of course, there are the bad days, like waking up as an ugly man.

His WORST days, however, are probably those when he wake up as a she, and a hot one at that. Hilarity ensues as his best friend begs to sleep with him when he is in a woman's body.

One day, as Woo-jin was visiting his regular furniture store, he met Yi-soo and fell for her at the very first sight. Can the love of his life accept someone who changes every day? Can Yi-soo see the beauty inside?

Review: I am a sucker for interesting story plots. Movies easily earn +2evilbeans from me as long as the plot is fresh and creative. And if it's Korean? +1evilbeans. SORRY, I AM THAT BIASED TOWARDS ANYTHING KOREAN.

But seriously, the theme of this movie is really captivating. How are you supposed to feel when you wake up as a different person everyday? Misunderstood? Angry? Lonely?

You can sense the frustration of Woo-jin when he desperately needs to wake up as a handsome guy to confess to the girl he likes. Even though the idea seems ridiculous in real life, the brilliant directing of commercials turned movie director, Baek Jong-yul, made us forget the absurdity and immersed us in the characters.

At first, it might all seem confusing: Who is the male lead? What is happening? Why are there so many actors? WHY?

After awhile, as I start to grasp the plot better, every day becomes a surprise. "Who am I going to see next? Is it going to be Park Shin Hye today? Or Lee Dong Wook? WHO?

Besides the surprise factor, there is also the very lovable female lead Yi-soo (played by Han Hyo Joo).

You can feel the torment and sacrifices she made for this unusual relationship. At times, I didn't know whose view I should support? Woo-jin or Yi-soo? That was how good the movie was able to make us feel; we were emotionally attached to the characters.

The whole theatre was screaming, laughing and crying along with the story plot. There is no other movie that has had such great reactions.

Not even Our Times (我的少女時代).

Grab your loved ones and catch this movie with them this festive season!

Stay back for: Don't stay back already. Better start checking on your boyfriend/girlfriend, make sure he/she doesn't change to another person.

Fun fact: The movie was based on the social film of the same title produced by Intel and Toshiba. You can watch the film here:

Movie Rating (out of 5 Evilbeans):

(4.5)

[Korean Movie] The Beauty Inside - Movie Poster

The Beauty Inside (PG13)

Running Time: 126 minutes

Release Date: 17/12/2015

3 comments

, by Evilbean

Clover Films

To The Fore (破风) - Exciting Sports Movie with Siwon and Eddie in Tight Suits!

Honestly, when I saw the movie title, I had zero interest in catching this. I mean, a bunch of guys on a bicycle with a name "破风" isn't very exciting. I would probably be more intrigued if the title was "破手" (break a hand) or "破口大骂“ (break out in vulgarities).

The factor that drew me to catch this movie was solely because CHOI SIWON IS IN TOWN!

Thanks to Clover Films, we were able to catch Si Won up close when he was here in Singapore for the GALA premiere!

To The Fore (破风) GALA Premiere - Singapore with Si Won

"The wrist tag that gave us entry to the VIP area"

"The amount of screaming girls was CRAZY"

Here's a video snippet of what went down (luckily the tent didn't go down with all the screams) when Si Won appeared:

"What's up SINGAPORE?"

2 lucky girls were invited on stage to play a game with Si Won, and both of them broke down in tears after the game. WHY?

They were supposed to PK each other to see who could cycle the most on the bicycle machine. One of the girl, luckily, was wearing a skirt.

"Oi Evilbean you pervert, what do you mean luckily?"

I am sure the girl would agree with me, that she was lucky to wear a skirt to the GALA premiere, because guess what the gentleman Si Won did?

HE STRIPPED FOR HER.

Yeap, he took off his blazer (cue the thundering screams) and covered for her while she was cycling. The girl was so touched, she broke down in tears.

SO NOW GIRLS, you now know what to do if you were to attend events like these. WEAR SKIRTS/DRESSES.

"Si Won with director Dante Lam"

"WE GOT SPRAYED BY CHAMPAGNE"

"All of us at the front row were just screaming while being showered by the champagne"

With our mood at a high after the event, we proceeded to the theatre halls where the excitement continues.

"Do you even lift bicycles bro?"

Movie Title - To The Fore (破风)

Genre:

(Isn't this cycling icon strangely cute? Can I get this printed as a sticker?)

Synopsis: The movie title "破风" comes from a particular role in a bicycle racing game. Called the "破风手", the role of this person is to provide a wind "shield" for the team's sprinter (冲线手), allowing the sprinter to conserve his/her energy for the final burst.

There are a lot of strategies that can be put in use in a game, and this movie will introduce you to this world of bicycle racing and show you some of the tactics that a team would employ during a game. With the 3 male leads Eddie Peng, Shawn Dou and Choi Siwon, you will be taken for a whirlwind spin into the world of competitive cycling.

Review: I am not really into sports, much less bicycles. However, you would be genuinely surprised at the thrill and excitement you will get from this film! It was an intense ACTION film that opened my eyes about the world of bicycle racing. I am not kidding when I say you can feel the same kind of adrenaline rush watching this film as you would watching F1 or Fast and Furious!

However, plot-wise, aside from the 3 male leads, the other characters fall flat and have zero chemistry with each other. I found the triangle love story to be the most excruciating and quite painful to watch. I was simply looking forward to the action/racing scenes.

Eddie Peng (playing as Qiu Ming) is undoubtedly the star in this film, with his boyish charms and solid acting. Shawn Dou plays the supporting role and the typical good-guy-but-never-get-the-girl. Screentime for Siwon was very little - I felt that he was more like an extended cameo role in this movie.

In terms of art direction, I felt that Director Dante Lam brilliantly captured the intensity of bicycle racing with various filming techniques.

The cinematography was gorgeous and there were a lot of wide angle shots that showcased the scenery of the different cities.

There were also sufficient narration to introduce total noobs like me to some of the terminology and tactics used in the world of bicycles. I must also praise the music scores used in this film. Using dramatic orchestra music during the racing segments, I could feel the loud bass pulsating in my blood!

Overall, this movie was still a blast to watch and exceeded my expectations. Even if you are not into sports like me, you would still enjoy this movie thoroughly for the interesting bicycle racing concept.

Stay back for: Some of the NG and behind-the-scenes during the credits!

Fun fact: Director Dante Lam actually demanded the actors to SHAVE THEIR LEGS. LOL! Siwon even commented: "My legs got so smooth that they didn't seem to belong to a man. I felt apologetic to my mom."

Movie Rating (out of 5 Evilbeans):

(4)

To The Fore (破风) (PG13)

Running Time: 126 minutes

Release Date: 06/08/2015

No comments

, by Evilbean

Older
Stories

Pages

[Movie Review] Spider-men died on Captain America: Civil War

[Movie Review] - The Bodyguard (特工爷爷)

[Korean Movie] The Beauty Inside - The Movie You Don't Know who the Male Lead is

To The Fore (破风) - Exciting Sports Movie with Siwon and Eddie in Tight Suits!

Featured post

Gift Ideas - Wireless earphones from Sudio Sweden

About Evilbean

Follow Evilbean

Labels

Popular Posts

Blog Archive

Popular Posts

Like Evilbean on Facebook