Swingers

1996-Comedy
Vince Vaughn

Yes, it took me a while to view this film. I had received this film from a friend for my birthday (August 22) and its been collecting dust since. I didn't have much expectations about this film, i though this would be another 'New Yorker in Los Angeles' movie.

Synopsis:
This is a story about Mike, a guy who left his girl in New York when he came to LA to be a star. It's been six months since his girlfriend left him and he's not doing so good. So, his pal and some other friends try and get him back in the social scene and forget about his 6 year relationship.

All-in-All:
This is a hard film to classify. A classic Comedy with witty banter with an actual plot. Reminds me of the Comedies of Dean Martins era, stylish, misogynistic, and simple. I especially enjoy the Las Vegas scene in which we get a 'REAL' Vegas and not the Vegas that Vegas Sells to us. A bunch of old people, and wannabes.

Riko's Rating: C+

Pathfinder

2007-Action/Epic
Staring:
Moon Bloodgood & Karl Urban

Viking Vs. Native American Warriors!
That enough for you? How about mix in Rambo 1st Blood? Now that should definitely guarantee an awesome and Manly Viewing... right?

Synopsis:
Story of a child abandoned by his Viking father in the new land (America) and raised by the Native Americans. An outcast by both his Nationality and Adopted Family he struggled in finding his purpose. Then one day the Vikings arrived to pillage and destroy the village. The 'Pathfinder' must now fend of his Past and protect the family that does not accept him.

All-in-All:
The question is posed, is this film Great? Vikings Vs. Native American Warriors, and mix "Rambo first Blood". The ingredients of a perfect Action Epic in the vein of "Gladiator" and "300". The visuals are beautiful, the costumes are amazing and terrifying, and the soundtrack perfectly used to amplify the effects. But what about the actual film? The film itself has minimal lines, you can view 20min. of footage without one solid word spoken. I have no problem with this, due to the average acting/performances, and the pacing of the film is horrible. In the end, the trailer gives you this idea of all action and brutality, but what you get is Zen like stillness and random shots of 'Stylish' brutality.

Riko's Rating: C-

Hak Kuen: Fatal Contact

2006- Chinese- Martial Arts
Jacky Wu

Ive been hearing a lot about this martial artist/actor. Every generation it is believed there is a 'Bruce Lee' of Asian cinema. After Bruce Lee, we had Jackie Chan, then Jet Li, and now, possibly Jacky Wu.
I've always considered him as China's response to Thailand's 'Tony Jaa' and to show that Chinese Nationalism.

Synopsis:
Jacky plays as a mainland china simpleton trying to get by making a living as an acrobatic performer using his martial arts. Being showed the need to make a better living with his companions, he is then exposed to the secret underground 'Fight Club' were people bet on fights and fighters receive a considerable purse. Jacky's friendships, romantic interests and personal beliefs is put to the test as he tries to make sense of all this that is around him.

All-in-All:
This film lives up to the hype of a great new Martial Artist and its brutal fight scenes, and showcasing this new contender in the Kung Fu genre. The story though takes a back seat as the characters are not relatable, and to some point frustrating. Can it be cultural differences? What ever the case may be the ending was logical, predictable, and to the point. It feels like the film didn't have an ending, and that when the time came, they just picked the simplest one, then instead of sticking with the statement, backs down and makes it 'Happy'.

Riko's Rating: B-

Shadow: Dead Riot

2006-Action/Horror

This film was made known to my group by a horrible trailer played before a horrible movie... possibly 3 months ago. We decided to hold of on the film due to our themed months. Now that Prison month is here, this is what we really dedicated this month for. So you can see the Hype we had going into this film, and the expectations of our "Man Movie" nights hold to standard.

Synopsis:
Shadow (Tony Todd) is a powerful/mystical mass murderer put to death. His body buried underneath the prison with his minions of mind controlled zombies. 20 years later this prison has re-opened as a Women's Correctional Facilities. Solitaire, a woman with a mysterious past, transferred to this prison fending off tough inmates (Tatianna Butler), and seeing visions of Shadow and his upcoming Resurrection.

All-in-All:
This film is a homage of "Riki-Oh: The story of Ricky". The writers and director wanted to originally update the story with a twist. In the end, this came out, and i must say... It was worth the rental. Fight choreography was exceptional (the choreography, not the actors) the all out ridiculousness, and the random shots of "Female Prison" experiences. Funny movie to watch and its always nice to see Candyman (Tony Todd) back to work.

Riko's Rating: B-

The Great Raid

2005- War/Drama

Its funny that the tag line is "A story that has Never Been Told" cuz this film was originally made in 2003, and due to the Disney-Miramax split this film was going to be lost in archive. 2 points in my book; #1 move was almost never released, #2 its about the Philippines war effort and as a Filipino i believe we should know more about what our grandparents/relatives went through during this time.

Synopsis:
Taking place towards the end of WWII, 500 American Soldiers have been entrapped in a camp for 3 years. Beginning to give up hope they will ever be rescued, a group of Rangers goes on a dangerous mission to try and save them.

All-in-All:
Is there such a thing as a High Budget B-Movie? Actually i know there is, its just that this movie amazes me for the whole B-Movie War Epic. Now as a viewer, ignore the historical inaccuracies like Margaret Utinsky was actually long gone by the time of this event occurs, she did not have a 'lover' caught in the POW camps and the list goes on and on. What this film is, is that it tells the story of what happened in Philippines during this time, war atrocities, and what the civilians/resistance do to help the successful 'Island Jumping Campaign. Acting was shallow, directing was below the standard and made horrible use of lighting (too dark) and pacing.

Riko's Rating: C

Letters from Iwo Jima

2007-Drama/War
Ken Watanabe

In every war film there is always some sort of bias, and an unfair narration of what side is 'Good' and 'Evil'. This film was filmed back to back with "Flags of our Fathers" both films directed by Clint Eastwood. This was an amazing idea, "Flags" for the American side, and "Iwo Jima" the Japanese side. The problem was that most American Viewers only sat through 1 ( i mean, c'mon! over $20 per person for the same movie/event?). In the end, "Iwo Jima" suffered he box office sales.

Synopsis:
The story of the battle of Iwo Jima between the United States and Imperial Japan during World War II, as told from the perspective of the Japanese who fought it.

All-in-All:
I have to say that this film is the closest to properly show both sides of the war, both noble and twisted in all its glory. In the end of any war, what is the difference? Both sides sends letters to loved ones, sharing hopes, fears, encouragement, both human, differences lie in loyalties, and blind faith on the sides in belief of their sides being 'Good'. This film wow's me and brings relevance in a genre filled with non-stop action and propaganda.

Riko's Rating: A+

The Slayers

1995- Fantasy/Japanese Animation

O-Nostalgia, how great is your sting.

I remembered watching this series in 1997 and it blowing my young mind with the quality of story, characters, and zainny antics. 11 years later, it is difficult to not get back into my old skin and imagine myself back into my old dark room that was formally a closet, and wet myself with yoohoo.

Synopsis:

In a fantasy world filled with dragons, wizards, goblins, and orcs we have our hero, Lina Inverse, known as a treasure hunter and bandit slayer (among other things). In her persute for riches and happiness (resulting in riches) she is met by traveling companions and a mysterious figure pulling her strings unknowing of this villains master plan of resurrecting the Demon God of Darkness.

All-in-All:
This series did not age well through the years. The animation was at best 'standard' for its time but standard back then translates to a little bit better than 'Bad' today. The art direction can be said the same, nothing amazing. If anything, this was a time when anime wasn't big money and people that directed and worked on this genre did it mostly for fun and labor of love. With all the nasty part said and done, the Characters are still funny, the jokes are relevant, and the life and spirit of Lina and company is by far something that today's industry lacks, charm and a real relationship between several drawn characters.

Riko's Series Rating: B+

Heat Guy J

2003--- Sci-Fi/Japanese Animation

Lost in the sauces of over stylized animated films (i'm looking at you Afro-Samurai) its usually one of 2 extremes. Too stylish with no substance/vague, or Too childish, and hints of perversion (Umm, Every recent anime). This film suffered a lot in its American ports due to its irregular shipping dates, and delayed final few DVD's. It was fortunate of my brother (Boy) to find this film in a local 'Suncoast' as a special box set of both Seasons 1 and 2 in a deal, other wise i would have never given this series the time of day.

Synopsis:

Dice and his partner Jay is the Cities top Detective in the Special Crimes unit, specializing on unusual and crime prevention. Jay is the cities officially sanctioned Cyborg allowed to be in service. As the story progresses Dice is torn between the tough choices of Family, Friendship, and the future of the City he is sworn to protect.

All-in-All:

This 26 episode series proves the point that you dont need 8+ seasons to be a good anime. The beginning of the series was average at best, focusing more on the dynamic of Dice and Jay, as well as showcasing the City and its society/economy/and people. It was almost a task to get past the first 2 DVDs, then the fun really kicks in. When the standards or the "Head Guy J" universe changes and people die/fired/lost you see the characters really put to the test.

This film is a great Buddy Cop story of loyalty, being a Man and owning up to who you are. The music is haunting and perfectly sets the mood of the series, the art directing is perfect and attempts to keep away from localized generalizations (typical anime reactions like the sweat bead on the forehead) and makes one forget that this animation is made in Japan.

Riko's Series Rating: B

The Marine

2006-Action
John Cena

This was a dead give in when it comes to "Man Movie" titles. First off it is a statement of who it is, "THE Marine" not simply "A" or even "One of...", No, this is the physical Embodiment of what a Marine is. This is "THE MARINE".

Synopsis:
John (Cena... hehehe playing himself) rescues a hand full of POW's breaking direct orders to hold his position. Because of this he is Discharged and forced to live a menial life as a regular civilian and a hot, sexy, beautiful wife. Things go wrong as he tries to adapt to 'Real' life but then in an act of God (or plot line sake) his wife is kidnapped (babenapped) by a gang of comedic evil geniuses. Can John (Cena) save the day? luckily his Marine training is put to use as he does everything in The Marine hand book like driving a flying car for cover, or rightly timing a Jump before something explodes to ride the shock wave to safety.

All-in-All:
Awesome overblown action. Ridicules plot, with no lovable characters to relate to. Hints of Homo/Child rape, and everyone knowing that this is a joke film except for John Cena, were he attempts to act his way out of a sack of angry Squirrels.

Riko's Rating: C+

Shooter

2007-Action
Mark Walberg/Danny Glubber

Do you remember a time when Motorola's "Razr" just came out? It was different, unique, and actually rocked with its innovations, then a few months later EVERYONE owns one, its hard to identify one Razr to another. Much like the way of the over abundant Mobile phone, this movie should be the same.
Shooter had all the right equipment to be a hit, but due to this generations obsession with 'Military Action' films it is lost in the dust as an after thought.

Synopsis:
After a successful mission gone wrong, Swagger (Walberg) gave up the military life and disappear into the mountains. 3 years pass by and the government needs his expertise, as the wolds greatest Sniper, to plan an Assassination attempt of our nations president to prevent an actual threat. Things go wrong as this simple Job, turns into a conspiracy and a game of cat vs. mouse.

All-in-All:
This film was defiantly worth a rental.
It showed in great detail of what a sniper needs to account for the actual field, and the performance of Mark Walberg was.... the same Mark Walberg in Italian Job, 3 Kings, and the rest of his movies. Well crafted action scenes, but the real applaud for this film is the use of panoramic camera use, and placing a constant build up for the audience, the execution itself takes 1/2 a second, but the planning and how to is gripping.

Riko's Rating: B-

Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky

1991-Action-Kung Fu
China

The first time I saw a small clip of this movie on the original 'Daily Show' with Craig Killborn, in his 10 questions segment, i knew i needed to see this film. That was back in 1996. The first time I viewed this film was June of last year, and it changed my life... FOREVER!

Synopsis:
Ricky goes to prison for a crime of murdering a TON of people. Upon going to prison he befriends a bunch of meek and strange group of people, which has a pension of dying in his arms at the right time. Ricky unfurls a secret in this prison that need IMMEDIATE VENGEFUL ACTION.

All-in-All:
This is an adaptation of a Manga written around the same time 'Fist of the North Star' and 'The Crying Freedman' was the standard as opposed to today's standards of 'Naruto' and 'Bleach', and turning that ridiculous standard into a 90 min live action film... well, to put it bluntly... is like describing Boiling Meat and the aroma of 2 strangers catching a half second glance. That amazing! I know.
You MUST view this film.

Riko's Review: A (freakin) +

That's the Way I Like It

1998-Romantic Comedy
Singapore

This film intrigued me due to the fact that I have never seen a film from Singapore and wanted to see how their doing in the Asian Cinema. Given, sure this film is 10 years old, and haven't heard from them since.... but there must be a reason why this made critical world notice.

Synopsis:
A boy named Hock is stuck helping his family get by, overshadowed by his younger brothers success in the 'medical' field and stuck in a dead end job at a grocery store. His dream of owning a Motorcycle, and a life mimicking his hero Bruce Lee seems further and further away, till one day he accidentally watches 'Saturday Night Fever' with friends creating a whole new world of 'Disco' and romance.

All-in-All:
This film has lots of charm.
The characters are simple, the plot has holes all over the place, especially concerning his younger brothers conviction of wanting to be a woman. This film of course is a time peace and it is very interesting on how the movie 'Saturday Night Fever' change pop culture in Singapore. I enjoyed this film for what it was, cute, innocent, and simple.

Riko's Rating: C

No Country For Old Men

2007-Drama-Manly

The more I think of this film, the more I miss the "Manly Year of '07" and to top it off, one of the most manliest dramas, 'No Country for Old Men' won the Oscars for Best Movie.

I cant believe I have never seen the film on theatre, and waited this long to view such masterpiece. I feel like the kid that was the last to be picked on the team.

Synopsis:

On of the greatest Cat and Mouse, Hunter and Prey movie to ever graze the silver screen. A man wondering the desserts found what would be the remains of a bad Drug Trade, finding a brief case full of money he is now the target of a twisted contract murderer. But the murderer has a lot more coming to him than expected.

All-in-All:

If you haven't seen this film then you must still be a child suckling on your mothers tit for nourishment. If so then who am I to force feed you solid food and vinegar. But if you are just lazy and or twisted enough to commence the suckling this film will have you grow chest hair in the most unlikely areas (non-chest). Poof! now your a man.

Riko's Rating: A+

Skin Walkers

2006-Horror

Always to throw something in the mix, I cant deny my attraction toward cheesy Horror films. No matter how vile, and waist of times they are. Much like viewing ones own fecal matter going down the drain and you cant help but observe thinking 'that came out of me'

Synopsis:
A 'Skin walker' is a native American legend about people possessed with a wolf spirit. They took that legend and created a Werewolf movie. The legend has it that a 13 year old boy will Finlay stop the curse of feeding on human flesh/blood. Not all Skin Walkers believe having this body is a curse, and others want the curse to end. it all boils down to the little boy.

All-in-All:
I was already half way through the movie when i decided to write this review. For legitimacy's sake i waited for the ending to complete this film in case if there were any actual saving graces before damn this film.
OK, damn was too harsh.
Its just that everything in this film was predictable, characterization is forced and motives/consistency of characteres were undefined outside of the "I'm bad... look how bad i am".
This film almost mimics the Russian film 'Night watch' without the awesome visual flair, and even that film was average at best.

Riko's Rating: C+

Assault on Precinct 13

2005-Action
Prison Month is at Hand!

The first film we started the month off with we decided to go legitimate. I thought that this film would be the 'Standard' film on which we base other films this month on. Unfortunately it was only Tomsovic and I (Tomsovic only viewed the 1st half leaving me with the rest to witness on my own).

Synopsis:
Precinct #13 is going to close down at midnight new years eve. Unfortunately a Hardened Criminal (Lawrence Fishburne) is in transport to the county jail awaiting for trial for a possible plea-bargain for and easier sentence. Due to weather conditions, the Criminal and other convicts are forced to hole up in the soon to be closed down Precinct. But the police and the outside world would like to silence Fishburne before he can testify on trial blowing one of the hottest Police Scandals ever.

All-in-All:
This film was difficult to watch, seriously. Once the plot twist is made known, the rest of the film was a survival till morning situation. Throw in 'i cant trust you' syndrome and that's what you get. The acting was horrible, and forced, directing was standard at best, and the pacing was extremely questionable giving you random scenes that didn't lead to anywhere.

Riko's Rating: D+

The Royal Tenenbaums

2002-Comedy

A star studded cast of actors, and directed by the same guy that did 'Life Aquatic'.
My room mate (Allen) swears by this movie being the funniest film of all time. After years of constant badgering, I've Finally submitted and decided to check it out for myself.

Synopsis:
The Tenenbaums is a family of Geniuses. The eldest a whiz with money, the daughter imaginative and 'deep',and the youngest a sports star. The family is possibly the most dysfunctional family ever to grace the silver screen, with its Father, Mr. Royal Tenenbaum leading the insensitive hateful bunch. But once the status quo is possibly changing, can Royal cope with this and can the rest of the family unite and finally see eye to eye?

All-in-All:
Lets just say the i wont be questioning Allen Tomsovice movie choices for a while. This film amazed me and kept me wanting for more. The script, perfect, witty, and great development on the characters. The Directing: Top Notch. what can i say? each scene is filled with vibrant colors, perfectly timed yet subtle effects, and pacing made me forget how long this film truly is. Acting: Amazing. The actors owned the characters, as if they were made to play the parts. Its amazing that Comedies haven't yet taken a hint from this amazing film. This Film Evolved the Genre, and shows that Comedic films arn't just for morons waiting for the next T&A scene.

Riko's Review: A+

Super Bad

2007-Comedy

In my search of the "Funniest Movie of '07" it boiled down to several films that was constantly mentioned. "Super Bad" was on top of that list. Although I already stated that "Hot Rod" was the funniest, it so far is the Standard of films that i view my reviews, so to put my money where my mouth is, to claim the Best, i have to see the competition.

Synopsis:
2 boys about to graduate High School, and in the top of their minds is but one thing, getting laid.
On this pursuit of that goal, they run into several problems with the law, drunks, and life experiences that challenge the 2 boys friendships, and loyalty.

All-in-All:
I found this film accomplishing its goal, it is funny, Witty, and charming. You get a sense of relating with the characters, and you actually root for their success. The character developments, and range of great supporting casts, its just that the plot, and general theme is done and tiring. I do love the ad-libbing by the 'regular' cast (40year old virgin, Knocked Up).

Riko's Rating: A

Downfall

2004-Drama/War/History

I rented this film with a false idea of what this film was. I was wrongly informed that the film was about an alternate future where Hitler wins the war, but ultimately fails in his own doing. Well, I don't know were i got that false info, but once i find out, I'll burn her/his children's genitalia.

Synopsis:
Its the last leg of the 2nd World War, Hitler takes to his last strong hold in Berlin in a last stand off. The film shows in detail how the last few weeks of Hitler and the 3rd Reich power spiral out of control in the perspective of a Doctor, Hitlers Secretary, Close Generals, and a Child. How a once proud strong country puts all their Faith on their 'Savior' to pull them through, and how their 'Savior' breaks down in the pressure of keeping his cool and living up to his countries Faith in his Larger than life Responsibilities.

All-in-All:
It is an amazing thing to have a film focused on the 'Other Side' of the War, especialy withough looking sympathetic/Hitler Lover, or a Comedic pathetic Joke. This film shows Hitler as a human being making decisions in his belief would be for the better of not just Germany but for all mankind. It also portraise Aldof as a man torn in 2 identities, Aldof, caring man obsessed with love for his people, caring the burden of the future of Germany, and Fuhrer, a heartless/ruthless man that demand order, dicipline, and burning rage toward the Communists/Jews. This film was a great visual treat in showing an actual Aldof Hitler and the Germans pure faith in an idealistic man. Amazing film, a must see for anyone who is a into History.

Riko's Rating: A+

The Constant Gardener

2005- Drama

Another 'Forced' film that i was constantly bugged with. All the Supposed 'Film' Geniuses tell me to watch this because if i dont then i may not actually have a 'soul' (or if i was atheist i dont have 'life energy').

Synopsis:
Story of a man and wife going to Africa being Diplomats for the U.K. The wife then discover a dirty secret between the Pharmaceutical companies and the illegal testing of un-safe products on the natives. The wife is stopped and its up to the husband to pick up the peaces, and see the truth all the way through.

All-in-All:
At first thought, this film is nothing more that guilting those 'white mans burden' and supposed showing how good we have it here in America and shocking the viewers into wanting to make a difference. That is were the Film was in the beginning then the actual plot sinks in. You get great performances from both lead actors, and a feeling that you are discovering the clues with the leads. This film tugs on all the heart strings but fails with a real sense of character depth. You get everything in the surface, nothing deeper.

Riko's Rating: B+

Southland Tales

2007-Action/Sci-Fi???

Have you ever been a victim of an 'inside joke'?
Not about you, but a joke that everyone thinks its laugh out loud funny, but you?

Synopsis:
"This is how the world Ends. Not with a Whisper, but with a Bang"
What if a terrorist attempt in 2005, to nuke Texas did go through? (actual event in our time, was stopped not by our countries Counter Terrorist skills, but do to Al-Quedas idiocy).
The World is in Disarray, the upcoming election holds everything, war, economy, and all of this is in the lap of a few people. The Rock, and Stiffler.

All-in-All:
why the vague Synopsis? Well, any more info may ruin the movie for you. But then again, the Therese on real movie in the first place. Back to the intro of 'not getting the inside joke', this film is actually a Satire of every single genre. You have the 'Deep' Sci-Fi, Action, Suspense, drama.... everything, but yet nothing.
The film has no progression outside of its Odd (albet on purpose) Castings of The Rock (wuss/nerd) Stiffler (deep, silent cop) Jon Lovitz (hard boiled Killer) and among many more missed matched characters like Justine Timberlake as a former war correspondence/sniper.
If this film was supposed to be a joke, then to who is the joke aimed at? To the actors, duped to make fun of themselves? the Audience who are tricked to think this movie was 'deep' and 'insightful', to what it really is?
I think it accomplished the goal of disappointing the audience in all manner but yet is charming enough to warrant a viewing.

Riko's Review: C+