Friday, December 30, 2005

As film critics/reviewers/addicts/moderators, we had a problem this year. There were too many great movies to choose from and only 10 spots on our best-of lists. After much soul-searching and paring, here's what we came up with:

The complete list of movies in 2005 can be view in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:2005_films


Worst:
10. "Elektra"
09. "Fantastic Four"
08. "Deuce Bigalow:European Gigolo"
07. "War of the Worlds"
06. "Hitch"
05. "XXX:State of the Union"
04. "Danny the Dog/Unleashed"
03. "Must Love Dogs"
02. "Bewitched"
01. "The Island"
Best:
10. "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" ==> Steve Carell finally gets some, climbing to leading-man status with this hysterically funny, raunchy yet sweet-hearted tale of a middle-aged guy who's never done the deed.

09. "The Chronicles of Narnia:The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" ==> Heartwarming children's tale based on old books, finally it gets to be made as film. Stays true to the book and translates to the movie. I finally found out what Turkish Delight taste like.

08. "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" ==> The final prequel chapter is finished, and we can see the turn of the dark side with compelling soap opera style. My family and I watched this movie together, and we shed some tears.

07. "Wedding Crashers" ==> A funny comedy surprisingly about love, with witty dialogues and great chemistry among the cast. Really burst my gut. Not bad, finally we come back to basic goof-ball comedy. Hilarious.

06. "In Her Shoes" ==> A wonderful story about siblings rivalry and relationship between the people surrounds them. Almost too real to be true, not at all cheesy.

05. "King Kong" ==> A mind blowing adventure/horror/action/drama/sci-fi/fantasy movie. All in one. Just one big thrill ride from start to beginning.

04. "Serenity" ==> Just a good fast pace adventurous movie about people in space with hidden moral messages, great cast, and awesome storylines.

03. "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" ==> Darker and richer than earlier installments, and some are already calling it the best of the quartet, but that doesn't seem to mean much commercially. Action pack, straight to the point.

02. "Batman Begins" ==> It moves as far away as a superhero movie can be. It is a study of basic human instinct, of pain, of fear. So many layers of moral messages. Great acting and superb storyline.

01. "The Constant Gardener" ==> Should be nominated for Oscar. Great acting from all the actors. Great storylines. A human drama that grips you and left you haunted for the rest of the days and reminds you how cruel and real the world is.

http://hanitje.blogdrive.com ==> All the movie reviews you can get!
Happy New Year, everyone!

Saturday, December 10, 2005

filet mignon
You taste like filet mignon. You are the epitome
of fine taste and everyone knows it. You are
expensive, well aged, and in demand!

How do you taste?

Sunday, November 06, 2005

Here we go again with the casting call. Apparently a new James Bond has already been chosen. Please meet the new agent 007, Daniel Craig. After grueling three years of speculation whose gonna play the next Bond in the movie "Casino Royale" after Pierce Brosnan retired, this blonde Bond wins the part. Personally, I don't like it. I may judge him too quickly, 'cause we haven't seen the movie yet - only the Bond actor.

But as far as the casting call, I don't think he's right for the part. First of all; he's BLONDE. He would be the first blonde Bond in the movie. Hair color can easily be manipulated, just dye the hair black if they want too. But I doubt it. Secondly; I guess they're looking for the more tougher and harder Bond instead the usual suave ones. I am not sure whether that's the good decision, because Bond supposedly is a suave secret agent - not tough agent. Daniel Craig proven himself in movies such as "Tomb Raider" and "Layer Cake". Thirdly; I just don't feel it... Sometimes a certain actor is born for the part, you know like Harrison Ford as Han Solo, or Christopher Reeve as Superman (which is in the different subject - I'll post later). I don't feel him. I don't see him as James Bond. Fans already in uproar for this decision, making Daniel Craig as the new Bond. And that's not a good sign. Remember George Clooney as Batman? Yeah, exactly. But again....we have to wait and see. Maybe he's good, maybe he's not. Maybe we're judging him before we even see the performance. But I have a bad feeling about this. If we're gonna see a dark and tough James Bond with his nitty gritty and all, instead the usual suave, playboy persona and witty charm - I doubt fans will enjoy it. It might as well not James Bond, you know.

Pierce Brosnan was the last James Bond before Daniel Craig took over the mantle. I usually don't follow the mainstream, but I do agree that he was the perfect James Bond so far. Charming, suave, handsome, cold, witty, etc - those ingredients about James Bond, which Pierce Brosnan really have it. Ten years ago when he first appeared in "GoldenEye", I thought he was superb. He really delivered the character into the screen. I first saw him in "Remington Steele" tv series, about this charming con-man slash detective, and I thought (I was a little girl back then) he should be James Bond. But he's older now, and I understand that the role of agent 007 is suppose to be a British man in his 30s. He's done most of the movies, and he's retired. That's okay, really. But it would be hard to find another perfect Bond like he was. He really was born for this iconic character, especially in the 90s. I've seen his Bond movies, and I could see his age really catching up on him. No longer the young and vibrant Bond, but more like older version of Bond which was getting tiresome. He made a right decision to retired and made way to a new Bond of the 21st century.

I wasn't paying attention during the 80s when they introduced Timothy Dalton as James Bond. Apparently he was the perfect depiction of Bond according to Ian Flemming himself, as a cold calculated chauvinist agent 007. Fresh from cold war, he was suppose to be the perfect James Bond. I found him truly boring. Although he's handsome, his performance in this character did not bring the good quality whatsoever. I did not say he was bad James Bond. I'd say he was boring. And maybe the time wasn't right either. Maybe I was worn off from the whole glitters of James Bond at that time. His heroic effort was too much and too fierce, and apparently I found it just too blah. Pointless. Which was not his fault. Maybe he just wasn't right. On paper, he looked flawless. But reality is different, of course. I just wish they didn't waste his talent on this. But it was a good experience for him. I just didn't care enough.

Now, I'm going to get shot for saying this; I don't think Roger Moore was THAT good as James Bond. From all the actors who played this character, I found him the most fugliest of all. I'm not saying he's really fugly or anything... I just don't see him as James Bond. He was constantly grinning all the time, so chauvinist, too much spreading the love and charm meters, brainless, and he wasn't as handsome as the others. He was Daniel Craig from the 70s. Granted, I wasn't even born during his reign, or maybe too little to remember. But I did watched Bond old movies. And I just hated it. He always saying the most corniest dialogues, stupid action scenes, girls forcefully flocking around him. And I heard he was being a diva during the set. Of course, a lot of people will disagree with me. Wait until you read my next Bond casting review. Anyway, when I watched Roger Moore as James Bond, I didn't find him attractive at all. James Bond supposed to be attractive because he has charisma. Well, I didn't find Roger Moore charismatic at all. He was forcing his character to be charismatic, it hurts. And he wasn't in his 30s either back then, he was in his 40s but again - trying to be young and fantastic. Didn't working, yo. To add the insult, he had brown hair. So I'm being a jerk here nitpicking an actor's haircolor. But, yeah. Hideous.

Again, I'm the only one whose saying this; I liked George Lazenby. I'm the only one apparently who liked him as James Bond. I admit, he wasn't perfect as James Bond - but I didn't find anything that most people saying about him as the weakest Bond ever. Whadaya' mean?!? Weakest Bond? Granted, when he broke the 'fourth wall' during the ski-chasing, I was cringing a bit. But other than he was funny, charming, witty, a bit aloof sometimes, and all the Bond ingredients that supposed to work. But I know the reason most fans hated him was because he was James Bond after the original one. When fans were used to the original actor, a substitute or a new one usually didn't fit them properly - which is understandable. I mean, the situation is the same like in this 21st century as in the 60s. During the 90s, Pierce Brosnan was THE man. It was hard to actually having a replacement because the IMAGE of the previous actor who potrayed the character was so planted in our mind, it was hard to accept the new one. Same case with dear ole' poor George Lazenby. I didn't find anything that should make him a bad Bond. But then again, it was just me. His performance (the only performance as Bond) during "Her Majesty Secret Service" was unforgettable, 'cause I seen him as a truly rare human being. He fell in love and heart broken when his wife got killed. The only story beside "GoldenEye" that I actually really enjoyed. On physical appearance, I didn't find anything wrong with him. Tall, dark hair, handsome, young and vibrant in his 30s (he was actually in his 20s). Too bad it didn't work for him. I was hoping he would make a decent Bond, though.

Well, without Sean Connery there wouldn't be any James Bond. Just like THAT, he was born for this character. He's James Bond. I can't find anyone who says that he's not. Years later, he's still consider and recognized as the actor who played agent 007. That's a rare compliment. Kinda like Harrison Ford is Indiana Jones, Christopher Reeve is Superman, you can't see any other actors as James Bond. People will assume that he's the perfect cast for this role; which is funny because when he played the character, he didn't take it seriously. He usually just mumbling along his dialogue, he was soooo chauvinist back then and he still is now, but can't ignore the fact that he was so charming and suave...and maybe a bit drunk most of the time, whether on the set or even in the storyline, so cheesy, and his accent, I can't believe I bought his performance as Bond. In a 'perfect' world, I would have bash him silly, and called him the bumbling idiot. But no, I won't do that. Hell no. He's so wrong he's perfect. He's so weird he's cool. He really balanced the character, which was laughable 'cause you won't see that kind of performance in the modern world. He was the bad boy personafication of James Bond, the anti lead role. What am I saying? He was so relax and played the character in a cool way, makes him the coolest James Bond ever. If you watch his Bond movies, most of them are so cheesy and corny ala Austin Power. But it works! When he uttered his name, "Bond. James Bond."I could tell he was bored, drunk maybe - probably had to repeat the same line over and over again - but it worked. Well, sometimes perfection was made during imperfection...or accidently...or just naturally. Physically, he was dashing as young Bond in his 30s. But I can't believe that he's still nail it after all this year as old Bond. He's in his 70s now, and I still can see him as James Bond. Seriously. Even with his white/grey hair and wrinkles, he's still sexy and charming. Hah, how many actors can you possibly say about that? An aging James Bond? Even Pierce Brosnan had to bow out because he's older now! But Sean Connery can pulled it. Amazing.

This is Ian Flemming's depiction about James Bond; a character he wrote:

1. He is tall young man in his 30s.
2. He has dark hair.
3. He is very suave and charismatic and sophisticated.
4. He is cold and calculated but a bit aloof.
5. He is very good with weapons and women.
6. He is sarcastic.
7. He has license to kill.

Now personally, I see Sean Connery and Timothy Dalton have physical resemblence - but this drawing was made during the 40s, so maybe Sean Connery really 'drawn' into this character. Modernization of the character is inevitable, and of course there will be modifications. But mostly are the same.

Now, on to personal casting call. There were MANY actors that linked to whose gonna play the next James Bond. Before Daniel Craig won the part, many actors were rumored to played James Bond; like Clive Owen, Eric Bana, Hugh Jackman, Orlando Bloom, Ewan McGregor, Jude Law, Collin Farrell, Adrian Paul, Julian McMahon, Daniel Radcliffe *roll eyes*, Hugh Grant, Ioan Gruffudd, Colin Firth, Christian Bale and many more. As I can't review all of these actors whether they good or not as James Bond, I will only review who I think should be James Bond:

1. Clive Owen
Please tell me he's so PERFECT as James Bond. I am so dissapointed when he REFUSED to be cast as James Bond. This role could catapult his status into stratosphere, but instead he chose not to be type cast. I can't believe his bold decision, because on paper and majority fans were buzzing around that he would get the part; which I think maybe he apparently did, but turned it down instead. Major move or major blunder, I have no idea. I understand his reluctant to be typecast, just like Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan. Pierce Brosnan had to retire from this character and focus on other projects, but his image is so stuck in our mind. Now, Clive Owen is not even James Bond - but he's so perfect, I refuse to accept his refusal. Look at him! In the bizzaro world, Clive Owen is James Bond. Shame, really shame.
2. Eric Bana
He is deemed as too PRETTY to be James Bond. Good Lord, I don't see why that's a problem. It's better than too ugly. A curse of good looking actors that considers to be just a beef cake instead a serious actor? I've seen him in so many characters, he should be able to pull this off. He's so gritty and macho in "BlackHawk Down" and muscular in "Choppers", and so heroic in "Troy", I thought he could be the next James Bond. I guess I can't get anything I want...But hell, he could make a helluva suave, charming, sophisticated James Bond. I bet my farm that IF he's James Bond, my life would be complete. A girl can dream, can't I? He was a second strong candidate, I bet that most fans are dissapointed that he didn't get the role. Maybe he refused too, because Clive Owen was the numero uno candidate - and he refused. But we'll never know. I still think that he's a perfect James Bond - a pinch of modernization and young vibrant actor to portrayed it. Eric Bana... man, you need to find yourself a leading role character. And I don't mean superhero kind of way or action movies. Spread your wings to indie-movie.
3. Hugh Jackman
Very charming and very strong not to mention very calculated. Did I mention charming? After a rare discovery performance as Wolverine in "X-Men", I believe that this man should be the next James Bond. I don't have many reasons for saying that he's should be James Bond. He's very talented actor, a good Broadway singer (who would've thunk?)...I don't have anything else to say. An actor that playing James Bond should be able to pull off those charming meters and sophistication. Come on! 'Nuff said. But he's very busy with his Wolverine and other projects, maybe this is not the time to be James Bond...yet.
4. Julian McMahon
Egad, this man so fit as James Bond, I can't believe they didn't hire him on the spot! Yes, he has his own TV show, so he might be busy. But good role doesn't come often, and I always wondered if he's number fourth on the list according to internet poll, why he's not hired as James Bond, damn it! Instead of staying on TV spotlight, try juicy role like Bond or any other leading role on movies whether that's romantic, action, drama, etc. Just don't do another "Fantastic Four", please. What a waste of talent. Seriously. I can see him as this sophisticated secret agent 007. Charming, check. Suave, check. What else do you need?
==============
Other actors I considers to be James Bond: Gerard Butler and Matthew Goode (who refused the role - what the hell is wrong with these people?!).
Apparently they went under the radar. Gerard Butler mostly appeared in big movies, but as sidekicks like in "Reign of Fire" and "Tomb Raider" (I have a feeling Angelina Jolie might become a Bond girl). And then he appeared in "Phantom of the Opera"... maybe he should just stick with acting instead of singing... Yeah, please be James Bond. Don't sing. Matthew Goode on the other hand only have a one decent recognizition in "Chasing Liberty" with Mandy Moore. Not a good start. Teenage romantic movie rated PG13 is not a good way to in introduce yourself. Try R rated like Brad Pitt in "Thelma & Louise". If one of these guys could landed a role of James Bond, I think they would cemented their place in Hollywood as the leading men.

Friday, September 02, 2005

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.
In love, you feel the most alive when things are straight-forward, and you're told that you're loved.
You'd like to your lover to think you are stylish and alluring.
You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.
Your ideal relationship is open. Both of you can talk about everything... no secrets.
Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.
You think of marriage something you've always wanted... though you haven't really thought about it.
In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?
Being Batman/Bruce Wayne
Christian Bale

I think he is by far the most cool and true to the character of Bruce Wayne and Batman persona. Not many actors can actually divide the duality of this character, and Christian Bale nailed it. Fans really can see him as Bruce Wayne and Batman, so was the director. Bale is just right for this emerging version of Batman. He can balance the character very brilliantly and dare I say, sexy.

Tortured soul, full of anger, bitter, full of vengeance, and a womanizer at the same time, although he's pretending to be a playboy. Tall, dark, and handsome. Great casting *****

Michael Keaton

Apparently he became somehow the poster boy for Batman, because he did played the first movie charmingly. Although I do agree that he played a great Batman with his coldness and frightening aura, I don't see him as a charming Bruce Wayne. Maybe he was too old, or maybe he was too short, or he just plain...er, not too good looking. He could play the menacing and dark Batman, but as Bruce Wayne... Good casting though ***

Val Kilmer

Well, again this is one of those case where an actor cannot balance the duality of a character. MK was good as Batman but suck as Bruce Wayne, while Val Kilmer was good as Bruce Wayne but suck as Batman. I liked him when he was trying to find the meaning of his life, such as dreams of the past and how he was trying to create his life again. I think he was actually good potraying the character Bruce Wayne. Unfortunately, he couldn't let go the charisma for Batman. Somehow, Batman was a popular guy in this movie and less dramatic or dark. Okay, not to mention he was too short and had blonde hair, which I despised. Okay casting ***

George Clooney

I admit he's a good looking man...but I always wondered; what the fuck he was thinking? Sure, I could see he was having a good time. He played Bruce-Fucking-Wayne. But let's get real here, it was just a mismatched casting. He was too charismatic and seemed always smiling and grinning all the time, which I can't figure out where he's becoming Batman or Bruce Wayne, because he was smilling at both times. I can't bear to think that he was willing to lowered himself just to played the icon. He's a good actor, but I don't even want to watch him playing dark and menacing Batman. Lousy casting *

Adam West

I can surely say that he is the original Batman. Although he's been mocked for sure for his potrayal of the Dark Knight, somehow people accepted him as he was. He was being suave and sometimes could be funny as Bruce Wayne. Charming, no doubt. But as Batman, well... back then Batman was being potrayed as a Caped Crusader. Not as taken seriously. So he was okay. I don't think he could be modern Batman though. Nice casting **

Alec Baldwin, Linus Roache (Thomas Wayne)

Both of them are my candidates for Bruce Wayne, actually. Alec Baldwin would make a great Bruce Wayne, although I'm not sure as Batman. But he's too old now, back then he would make a cool Bruce Wayne. Linus Roache is just so cool, I think as both Batman and Bruce Wayne. But he is less famous. Then again, he's already nabbed the character of Thomas Wayne anyway. Good choices of casting.

Saturday, August 06, 2005

Your Ideal Relationship is Casual Dating

Maybe you're looking for love...
But mostly you're looking for fun.
You could get serious with the right person.
For now, though, you're enjoying playing the field.