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