Top Ten Films of 2010

It has been quite some time since my last review (december 2010). I was kind of laid back and did not feel like to write up anything. There were so many many movies came up since then and of course i never intended to discuss most of them due to the fact that i am not a professional film reviewer or critic. But of course the segment "Top Ten film of the year" is a list that must not be missed every year. Usually people list up their top ten of the year in January or the latest february. But due to unfortunate circumstances that our cinemas were unable to show highly qualified Hollywood movies of 2010, I waited a bit longer for the DVD to came out and watch it before i can decide which can join my list of top ten best of the year. The following films in my list are those which are released theatrically from January 1st 2010 to December 31st 2010 in their country of origin. e.g. if a film is originated from China, it was released on the prescribred date above. And the same goes for movies from other countries.

10. Detective Dee and the Mystery of Phantom Flame (B)
Superstar Andy Lau again shows his supremacy in Hong Kong cinema along with some veteran performers make this film the Sherlock Holmes of Tang Dynasty with a mystery that keep me on the edge of my seat until the end credit rolled. Visual showcase with enjoyable plot deserves for recognition on Hong Kong Film award in which Tsui Hark won the prestigious top honor in directing and Carina Lau won best actress award. Starring: Andy Lau, Carina Lau, Tony Leung Kar Fai. Directed by: Tsui Hark

09. Afterschock (B+)
A story about separation, a long arduous separation of family due to natural disaster based on true events in Tang Shan China in 1976. Perhaps the several minutes earthquake scene will not be so staggering as the emotional drive in the aftermath. In movies like this, audiences mostly anticipate an immediate reconciliation, but director Feng Xiao Gang was able to prognosticate that (for a good reason) to ensure the audiences are emotionally drawn as well. The result is an uplifting human tragedy and how natural disaster changes life. Starring: Zhang Jing Chu. Directed By: Feng Xiao Gang

08. The Fighter (B+)
This is another boxing saga a reminiscent of Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull which is also based on real life boxer, Micky ward played here by Mark Wahlberg and his half brother Dicky Eungland played by oscar winner Christian Bale. The story might not be too engaging or particularly inspiring but the way the movie flow is entertaining from start to finish. A decent and well made sport movie Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale. Directed by David O'Russell.

07. Ghostwriter (B+)
As a thriller fans, I always loathe cheap thriller with some fake suspense shredded with mild (and yet cheap) action to distract the main show. When you are in theatre playing Roman Polanski film you can rest assured that would never happen. The seemingly simple plot and theme do not degrade the supremacy of this film. From start to finish you would keep guess what actually happen. The twist ending probably not a big surprise but the reel for reel journey reaching the ending is what i admire so much from a director who brought 1974's Chinatown and yet still as skillful as he was. Starring: Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan. Directed by: Roman Polanski.

06. Scott Pilgrim vs The World (A-)
One of the best stylistic teenager action movie. The plot or the story itself is actually stale by any Hollywood standard but the style of the movie was too mammoth not to include this film in this list. The whole chronicle surrounding fighting 7 evil Exes told in a visually stunning comical style, definitely one of the best this year. Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Directed by: Edgar Wright.

05. Toy Story 3 (A-)
15 years ago, Pixar released one of the pioneer of animation computer Toy Story. Now the third and final part of the film is released last year and I thought it would lost its charm after 11 years. To my surprise it was still as fresh as the original with the uplifting farewell scene and more dramatic tone for an animation movie. Not in the caliber of last year's Up and Wall-E, but still one of the best film of the year. Starring: Tom Hanks, Woody Allen, Joan Cusack. Directed By: Lee Unkrich.

04. Let The Bullet Fly (A-)
When the first time I saw this film, it does not look great, in fact i was perplexed by its convoluted plot and dialogue. The second time i saw it, i was totally blown away by its magnificent story telling and its plot. The movie tells about one local mafia and one fake governor (in reality he is a thief leader) waging war as to who take control the city and of course who are smarter and more cunning when it comes to destroying their nemesis. This does not feel like any interesting film at all, but how great this movie is cannot be described by any powerful review. You have to experience it yourself. Director Jiang Wen who also co stars in the movie have created a masterpiece that will turn the cinema of China in a way no other filmmaker in China ever had. Chow Yun-Fat also stars as the local bandit. His witty yet downright serious performance is a reminiscent of how great an actor he is when he is not in Hollywood movies that make him look like a clown. Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Jiang Wen, Ke You. Directed By: Jiang Wen

03. Inception (A-)
Inception is a film of ideas and concept. It tells the story of a man haunted by his mistake that taking its toll by the death of his significant others. All of this happen in a world when people can infiltrate to other people's dream and in a way control it accordingly. The man has to do one last job of incepting an idea into a powerful man's mind in his dream. The reward is that he will be reunited with his son and daughter. Christopher Nolan has created an unparalled masterpiece that ignited talks and discussion for people who already saw the movie. It was a smart script and only Nolan can execute his vision from his own pen to the screen when audiences experience the same gung ho for movies in the similar way Steven Spielberg wowed moviegoers in 1980s when he created a string of engaging blockbuster movies. As the leading actor, Dicaprio once again delve into dark roles regime, a comfort zone for him as the actor keep playing the similar roles again and again that i question his acting talent versatility. That said, when in his comfort zone (dark roles) he really delve deeply and shows a strong and enjoyable perfomance.
Starring: Leonardo Dicaprio, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Ken Watanabe, Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard. Directed By: Christopher Nolan

02. The King's Speech (A)
When King George III died, his son the duke must replace him. The elder son choose not to become a king due to his love for a foreign lady. So the younger must take the crown. The thing is he stutters and stammers when it comes to giving speech. As a king , he has to give speech on a regular basis, but his shortcoming put a big barrier to his job. His wife then asked for professional help from a quirky doctor immediately befriended the King as the two work hard to cure this disease. Colin Firth performance was magnificent, he truly embodied The King's physical as well as emotional persona and his chemistry with Geoffrey Rush was perfect and this become the main drive behind the succesful film that now is the runner up for my best picture of 2010. Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter. Directed By: Tom Hooper

01. The Social Network (A)
The story behind the phenomenal Facebook founding based on the non-fiction novel The accidental Billionaire and adapted with the gretest craftmanship by Aaron Sorkin has made The Social Network best picture of 2010. But it is the superb and brilliant directing of David Fincher working behind the camera has made this movie The Citizen Kane of this decade, and it is a major crime that he did not win oscar for best director which went so unfairly to a relatively new director Tom Hooper for The King's Speech. Dissed by the Oscar like Kane, the movie will be talked about for generations to come as one defining moment of motion picture phenomenon of our generation. Jesse Eisenberg not only has Mark Zuckerberg sign all over his face, but the actor managed to bring the character into a more dramatic and humane side. The Oscar might went to Colin Firth for Best Actor, but I think he is truly the best actor of 2010. Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Jsutin Timberlake. Directed By: David Fincher

Review The Social Network

When David Fincher, a filmmaker who indulges himself portraying anti social behavior as witnessed in his early body of work such as Se7en (1995), Fight Club (1999) or the recent serial killer in Zodiac (2007) was chosen to direct The Social Network, the film is at the top of my must-see list of 2010. The result is beyond my expectation. This is the best picture of 2010.

The Social Network was adapted by Aaron Sorkin based on successful Accidental Millionaire: The Tale of Money, Sex, and Betrayal. It tells the story behind the early founding of the most renowned social networking website, Facebook. From the story we know that the term was coined based on a simple webpage Mark Zuckerberg (played by the brilliant Jesse Eisenberg) built in fall of 2003 in Harvard University to ask the visitors to choose girls based on their look. He was upset having being dumped by his girlfriend due to his constantly obnoxious attitude. He was warned by the university board, but his act caught the attention of other Harvard students who planned to hire him building a social networking website. Instead of taking the job, he secretly built his own with the funding from his roommate, Eduardo Saverin (played by Andrew Garfield). The first launch of the website was restrictive only for some ivy league schools, but with the help of Sean Parker (played by Justin Timberlake), the website move forward to become one of the greatest social networking website: a multibillion company which make Zuckerberg the youngest billionaire in history, and he did it accidentally. The Gung ho surrounding the thriving company was even escalated with some people from earlier time suing Mark for stealing their idea, and even Saverin sued him due to cutting off his share. The prosecution and the deposition of Zuckerberg marks the third act of the picture.

The movie is all dialogue, but they are never tedious or tiresome. The reason is twofold. First the screenplay by Aaron Sorkin was so brilliant, that we as audiences were time-travelled to witness the history behind Facebook with all actors playing straight, all of whom has their smartest dialogue in cinema since Pulp Fiction (1994) or Good Will Hunting (1997). Second, director David Fincher was able to wrap up this potentially boring movie to move in a fast pace that even a seemingly simple premise like this feels like heart pumping thriller. For the sake of goodness, I think he should win his overdue Best Director award for this directorial effort. Jesse Eisenberg is my pick for the best actor this year. His fast talking persona and nerd looking quality along with great attitude made him the best choice to portray Zuckerberg. Justin Timberlake also plays a strong Sean Parker which according to some source, the real Sean Parker is exactly portrayed by Timberlake on screen. All and all, I think The Social Network should at least scores nomination for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay in the dawn of Oscar nomination announcement coming January 2011.

“The Social Network” a Columbia Pictures release is rated PG-13 for sexual content, drug and alcohol use and language. Four stars out of Four (A)

Short Verdict

Here are my verdicts to many movies from august to early december

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part I (B)
Unstoppable (B)
Due Date (B)
Going The Distance (B-)
Piranha (C)
Legend Of Chen Zhen (D)
The Other Guys (C)
Red (C-)
You Again (F)
Aftershock (B+)
Detective Dee: The Mystery of Phantom Flame (B+)
The Social Network (A)
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (A-)

Review Inception

In the year 1994, Quentin Tarantino rocked the world of cinema presenting his overly celebrated Pulp Fiction. He was considered a master genius filmmaker being able to pull off street crime thriller in a bravura of more than 150 minutes of joyful entertainment. In the year 2000, Christopher Nolan came on the map with Memento, a reverse backward psychological thriller that was a genuine first time idea of his. Of course, being an independent film with a rather laid back story, it did not enjoy the same kind of celebration Pulp Fiction had. Nevertheless, like said before, it put the dual citizenship writer-director Nolan on the map of Hollywood visionary filmmaker. With great resumes such as Insomnia, The Prestige and two batman movies rebooted from his vision of Batman with David S. Goyer, Nolan was able to convince Warner Brothers Studio to film one of his own penned original script over the past 8 years.

Inception, though being original, was heavily adapted from alternate-virtual reality films like The Matrix, Thirteen Floor, Dark City, and Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind. It is the notion that the reality surrounding us might not be real that drives Nolan to come up with a story about dream engineering. Leonardo Dicaprio plays Dom Cobb the master extractor in a heist whose target is to steal ideas instead of money or jewelries. He accepts a project from Saito (Ken Watanabe) to plan inception of ideas as opposed to steal one to Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy) to earn his leeway back home in The U.S. He then assemble a team for the operation consists of the point man Arthur (Joseph Gordon Levitt), the impersonator Eames (Tom Hardy), the architect Aridane (Ellen Page), and the chemist Yusuf (Dileep Rao). During the operation, Cobb was distracted by an enemy inside of his own subconscious that endangers the accomplishment of the task.

After I watch the movie, I was almost sure that no one short than a NASA system analyst will be able to articulate the plot with full detail. I did not even realized what actually going on until the second viewing. I always have this kind of consensus toward any Nolan’s films. The first time you see the film, you will be amazed by it, but the second time is paying attention to detail. This was also the case for Batman Begins, Memento, The Prestige and even The Dark Knight. The movie is 148 minutes long and it does not feel that long as the direction of the auteur will keep you glued to edge of your seat assuming you still maintain your interest to the plot structure rather than just explosive action sequence or any other jaw dropping and eyes popping visual images that the filmmaker is offering to the audiences. The movie also employ old-school movie making technique combined with modern process. This is movie making at its best. But of course the most important element should always be the screenplay which Nolan scores a big triumph this time. Having said that, I actually think that this is not a masterpiece in the same way as The Dark Knight was. Though it feels genuine (it actually isn’t 100%) with the grand, infinite, and massive scale combined with all elements necessary for a modern Hollywood summer blockbuster, it really lacked the attachment of the character to how the story flows that really a minor complaint I have for this movie. If you remember The Dark Knight, you remember how Heath Ledger embodies Joker like no one else could play him. I thought Leonardo Dicaprio’s performance could easily be replaced by say George Clooney or Brad Pitt. Still his performance is a good one but too often he is engaged with a dark role that the versatility of his true acting capability cannot be appropriately and fully measured anymore. When all is said and done, while Inception is not a masterpiece, it is still a very good science fiction thriller with a very good story which I very much hoped that Hollywood will embrace for years to come and trash away any Transformers-like junks.


“Inception” a Warner Brothers and Legendary Pictures releases is rated PG-13 for action violence. Three and a half stars out of four (A-)

Short Verdict

It has been a while since the last time i ran into summer run amok for movies. 2004 is the last time when i went to see just about any movies playing during the hectic summer blockbuster. Then it got stop since a lot of movies are just rotten bad. Since 2005 i just went to see only worthy ones. That is why i skipped a lot of popcorn movies like Angels and Demons, Terminator Salvation and of course Transformers last year. But this year, i feel like want inhabit the attitude of going to see many many summer blockbuster to see if any changes. It turns out that all haven't changed. Only 2-3 movies worth the money. The rest are junks. And as i predicted Toy Story 3 is the best so far this year. Can't wait for Inception and see if it really lives its buzz.


Here are my verdicts to many movies (most are junks) from may to early july


IP Man 2 (B)
IP Man: Legend is Born (D+)
Knight and Day (C-)
Prince of Persia (C)
A Team (D-)
Twilight Saga: Eclipse (B-)
Karate Kid (B-)
Toy Story 3 (A-)
Predators (C+)

Short Reviews

Nightmare on Elm Street

When a horror movie stops being scary, you know that it stops being entertaining as well. The case here is true for Nightmare on Elm Street, the remake of the notorious horror featuring Freddy Krueger as the maniac kid killer. The plot does not change at all and it is really just a template to display Freddy’s gory brutal murdering spree. The movie was directed by Samuel Bayer who is a first time film director albeit has some experience directing music video clip. He was asked by producer Michael Bay to helm the project. This remake is surprisingly flat, silly and does not really have any entertaining aspect at all. You might as well throw your money into ocean watching this garbage. I wonder why most if not all product of Michael Bay is huge giant garbage.
Zero star out of Four (F)



Kick Ass

Kick Ass is a new kind of movie. It is not really a superhero movie, albeit it revolves around the mythology of a superhero. It’s not movie for adults, as most of the content is juvenile. And yet it is most likely not a kid movie due to its ultra violent, potty mouthed and sexual content. It is a blend of genres mixed by producer to generate the greens in their pocket. Although it doesn’t really work, due to sickening violent content displayed by kids, it is a new breath to have something fresh though not quite original. It is about a high school boy inspired to become a superhero to save the day, and inspiring other people to become superhero too. But you know the plot is thin as is the character. Nicolas cage must be in a great fiduciary problem, that he is willing to take this unimportant role of his career just to cash some checks.
Two stars out of Four (C )



Iron Man 2

Two years ago, I was not impressed by the big giant advertisement of the new superhero movie Iron Man when it hit the theatres in may. Three months later when I relocated in to a small town of Hickory in North Carolina due to job placement, I found a small movie theatre with admission ticket of $2 that plays late released movies. Iron Man was one of the movies playing at that time. To my surprise, it was one of the best superhero movies in recent years, and certainly is on my list of top 10 films of 2008. Now when the sequel hit the theatre, I am not necessarily able to wait that long since now being in Jakarta, no such movie theatre shows late released movie available. The sequel is nearly twice as fun and fantastic. But I don’t know why it doesn’t have the same kind of energy the first one had. Maybe because I grew tired of sequel that does not expand, or maybe due to a very high standard The Dark Knight had set up on sequels. Having said that, I’m just glad there is at least one new release this may that quite kicks
Three Stars out of Four (B)

Review Future X-Cops

Andy Lau is a veteran in Hong Kong film and music industry for more than three decades. As a kid I always consider him a hero, when other children idolize super hero and comic character. With such great film resume which mostly comprises of various genres like crime gangster, comedy, gambling, and period martial art movies, he was considered the most mainstream actor his generation. One notable film which I consider cult is Savior of the souls 1991. I watched the movie 10 times at the time. Twice in theatre and the rest I saw it on home video and it even played on television. When I was young, I considered him, Chow yun-fat, and Stephen Chow the king of all kings of the world of cinema especially when Hong Kong cinema was at its peak in late 1980s. As time goes by, of course I began to peek at the Hollywood movies which were much more superior at that time and sort of ditch Hong Kong cinema which hit all time low during mid 1990s with ubiquitous exploitation movies. But those three actors I mentioned above survive and now when cinema of Hong Kong is reviving, they remain the kings of Hong Kong cinema but of course no longer the kings in my eye.

Future X-Cops is the first foray of Hong Kong cinema in science fiction picture. Although, the visual effect is a bit clumsy, I really respect the effort of the filmmakers to do something different and refuse to stick to regularities. What I can’t accept though, is the ridiculous and poor storyline that really is silly and immature. Lau plays Kidd, Hong Kong cops in the year 2080. In the wake of his wife death protecting one Dr. Masterson, he then travelled back into the year 2020 to stop the evil power killing young Dr. Masterson. Enough said, I can’t even express how ridiculously bad the plot really is. The film which is directed by Jing Wong, who specializes in mainstream and commercial movies, had directed one of the worst movies this year. It does not really make sense for all the stars to join in this garbage even if big paycheck is involved, I would suppose Lau does not really need additional load in his account for risking his career in this picture. But the nationalism spirit did kick him in due to the fact that it is really the first bid budget Hong Kong movie in Science Fiction genre. Too bad, it though I revere the technical aspect, I despise the plot.

"Future X-Cops" is unrated but contain comic violence. One Star out of Four (D). -Mulyadi Tjoa, MIS officer @ P.T. Freeport Indonesia-