TL's 2017 movie pick

I know this is kinda delayed post, being that we way past 2018 but being a movie junkie, I just wanna share some of pick for movies that made my 2017 awesome.


Maybe the harshest of critics would disagree with my picks but hey, different people have different taste, isn't it.

Without any particular order.. ten picks of 2017, here we go...

LOGAN
Albeit the violent, vulgarity and long storyline, a beautiful sendoff for Hugh Jackman in the role that make him who is he today.  

KONG
Another nice reboot of the original movie which sets up nicely for a big showdown with Godzilla. Watching the terror of Kong did satisfied me. 

WONDER WOMAN
This is THE movie of DCEU so far. Perhaps Aquaman would challenge this by end of this year?

SPIDERMAN:HOMECOMING
Finally, Spiderman came "home" to MCU and it was one of the better Spiderman movies I have seen. On MCU ranking, I rate this 2nd.

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES
Critical thinking movie which I enjoyed.





KINGSMAN
Yet another action-packed movie, more fun this time with its American counterpart.

THE FOREIGNER
Why this is on my list because it is really an enjoyable thriller. I never seen Jackie Chan this good.

THOR RAGNAROK
On MCU ranking for 2017 MCU movie, this is 1st for me in terms of fun. And yes, it was fun all the way. 

COCO
One of the better animation movies of 2017. Nearly put me to tears.

Star Wars : Last Jedi
What makes this stands out is that the director took everyone's expectation and prove them wrong. No wonder people were disappointed (hahaha) but subtle, Last Jedi worked well and it could setup for more intensive followup.

Some worthy mention :

POWER RANGERS
I actually enjoyed the direction of the movie. Nice reboot but some parts disappointed PR fans like me such as the "morphin" sequence and the megazord (WHY!!). Yes, it deserve some sequel, for goodness sake!
JUMANJI
Still making waves even after months of releasing. One of the better Dwayne Johnson movies that I really enjoyed.

Guardians of Galaxy vol 2
A fun followup from vol 1. So many post-credits to enjoy. That final story arch brings a different dimension to GoTG.

2018 gonna be interesting watch as well! Enjoy enjoy!!

TL2017moviewatch : Jumanji

The word Jumanji would probably stick in everyone's minds for childhood reasons and this movie unexpectedly is fun. Not like those average tribute or reboot movie, but this version has its own fresh story and take on the whole Jumanji game.

There were a few sensitive gags or jokes which I don't think it would be suitable for family viewing. Nevertheless, it's clear that the crew had fun making this movie.

Basically it's fun from start to the finish with a meaningful ending.

Rating : 8.5/10

TL2017moviewatch : Last Jedi

Of course, like any Star Wars movies, a lot of hype around this.

Here's my early reaction after catching the first showing : #LastJedi is that I wouldn’t want to place it next to chapter/episode 5 but I will agree it's among the better ones in the Skywalker saga. It did have its moments that played with your emotions. Yes, a lot of unexpected moments. So, brace yourself for a Millenium Falcon ride.

Critical side of me do have a few questions and issues but overall, I am happy with the movie and it’s a good setup for next chapter. It was a good followup from previous chapter, if you asked me too.

And please watch it without reading the spoilers or reviews, it will certainly do you good.


Star Wars fans would probably love it. I certainly did.

Rating : 8.8/10

#TL2017moviewatch : Coco

It’s been some time a movie nearly moved me to tears and Coco is another Pixar classic.

The writing is really good. I like the creativity in this movie especially the final act. Really well executed

 What caught my eye is how they matched the guitar playing animation to the music. It's tricky by any animation standards but they able to pull it off well.

The short before the movie was unnecessary. I won't call it a "short" even, because it took 20minutes that slightly testing your patience.

Rating : 9/10

#TL2017moviewatch : Thor Ragnarok

 

Here comes the God of Thunder.

I think because I have read Planet Hulk story before, so it took me some time to digest what turned out in Thor Ragnarok. That includes some characters as well, they are slightly different in terms of interpretations from the comics. I had a few expectations unmet but I guess Kevin Feige has his reasons to keep us fans waiting and questioning.

Nevertheless, after two serious tone of Thor movies, I guess the third outing wants to lighten the mood a bit. Probably one of Marvel’s most comedic outing, it feels like there’s always jokes here and there. Clearly the director and the actors enjoyed themselves while making this movie, which actually made this whole movie enjoyable. You won't be disappointed by the action sequence as well.

 
Hulk smashes his role in this movie. Stan Lee's cameos continue to entertain us. Also, a few interesting cameos, name drops and usual MCU easter eggs to spot. And oh, 2 post credit scenes btw.

Looking forward to next year’s MCU lineup. Could be intensive.. starting with Black Panther.

Rating : 8.5/10

TL2017moviewatch : The Foreigner

It was actually the trailer that got my attention.

And the movie didn't disappoint. I won't want to giveaway a lot, because that's the beauty of the movie. The plot twist that happens along the way. Besides the intense story-line and action sequences, it was interesting to see Jackie Chan in a different role.

Overall, I give it 8.8/10

TL2017moviewatch : Kingsman

One of the sequels I was looking forward to. Especially to find out what can they can followup with, basically wanting to know what's more from the cool ultimate spy.

It didn't disappoint, to be honest. But at some point, I beginning to feel that similar to the first movie. It's not to say that it stuck out as a sore thumb but it's point that perhaps divide some fans' thoughts.

Action didn't disappoint, the fun didn't disappoint as well. I will leave you to discover them. Some plots and sentences were cleverly put together. A few closures from first movie, and I like it ended as though we are not sure there's ever another one coming out.

Rating : 8.5/10

#TL2017moviewatch : Cars 3

It's one of those cartoon movies that not necessary.

There wasn't much adrenaline rush as its first two movie. I got bored halfway honestly.

Not the best from Pixar/Disney

In fact, even their short film before the movie is more memorable and meaningful than the whole Cars movie.

O well.

Rating : 6/10

#TL2017moviewatch : Emoji movie

When they first announced this movie, I wondered how they are gonna do it. Fine, they managed to bring Angry Birds to "live", so I guess they can try figure how to bring every social trend to live and in a fun way.

I tried very hard to understand why Rotten Tomatoes gave this thumbs down. Personally, it wasn't that bad for me. Even though plot is a bit thin, but it was actually fun and interesting. Interesting how they try to create a world out of the emojis or rather, social media and technology.

Overall, it's alright.

Rating : 7/10

#TL2017moviewatch : Baby Driver

It's a fun movie all in all. Typical of Edgar Wright's work.

I enjoyed the movie a lot, largely because of the soundtrack and music. To be honest, without the music, the story is just bland.


Rating : 8/10

#TL2017moviewatch : apes

Because the title is so long. yea, haha.

3rd planet of the apes movie is basically like watching Prince of Egypt, if I can put it that way. Ha!


I don't know how to sum it simply without giving away too much. Mmm. But yea, that's how I feel after watching it.


Andy Serkis' performance as Caesar is just gold.

Even though it's lengthy and slow pace, (which can be said for all of the three movies) , personally this is one of my favourite movie trilogy. It may not appeal to a lot of people but I like how this movie appeal to the critical thinking side of me. Thought-provoking stuff.

Just google about the movie and you will understand what I mean. Like this article here. 

Those who know the history side of this franchise will like how it links back to the classic one.

 Rate : 8.5/10

#TL2017moviewatch : Homecoming

 

It's Spidey's homecoming.

Very appropriate, after development problems with Sony and it needed Marvel Studios' help to boost its silver screen outing.

And yes, Marvel studios got it right. Not surprisingly.

Straight to the point, the movie hits the home run. All the right notes were reached.

Spidey is one of my favourite Marvel character and for me to see they finally got the character spot-on brings joy to me. Tom Holland is spot-on as Peter Parker.

Not saying the other Spiderman movies were bad. They were good, then as the journey unwind, it lost its identity.

Anyway, homecoming was fun. I had plenty of laughs, the whole cinema really cracked up by the jokes. Loved how it fits in the MCU picture. There was concern if the other MCU characters would overshadow Spidey but somehow it didn't. There were still some space for Peter Parker/Spiderman to grow as a character.

Some of the surprises, man, they put it out well.

my rating : 9/10

I am not bias but I really loved this movie.

As usual, as per Marvel movies, there's 2 post-credits scenes which you shouldn't miss out.

#TL2017moviewatch : Transformers 5

Each time Michael Bay comes out and say there's more to the movie franchise, I cringed. It's like my childhood memories is being ruined by some selfish agenda. It's like watching your childhood friend growing into an angry adult that you cannot recognize anymore.

More spin-off and sequels are on the way. I am not sure why Hasbro still comes out with more Tf-movie-related toys, they looked terrible. Their other Transformers toy line is way better. Even I think their animated ones are not bad.

Okay, enough of my rant about the franchise.. back to the movie.


Somehow, I find myself enjoying the movie. Okay, honestly I went in without expectation or rather, I thought it's gonna be a disaster but they managed salvage something out of it. I personally rate it better than the terrible 2,3,4. Of course, the first one is still the bomb.

Has its flaws like the continuity editing is terrible. It's like some amateur kid lazily editing some scenes together. It's hard to make sense like how some scenes flow and move.

Besides that, what annoys me is some direction they have for the robots in this franchise...

1) I hated how they slowly turning Optimus Prime into a hot-headed leader. No no, that's not in his system. What happened that wise and calm leader from G1 cartoon? Yea, times changed.
2) (SPOILERS ALERT) He only appears at the beginning and at the end. I am like... what...
3) I know they are trying to sell Bumblebee but I beginning to feel he is meaningless here. Some scenes he looked out of place like what does he need to be there?
4) The new robots that they try to introduce just doesn't resonate with me.
5) Some weapon/droid designs.. erm... I am not sure why they are copying from other franchise (robocop and star wars). It's just plain lazy, a typical B-grade movie habit.

At least, there weren't annoying robots like Skids and Mudflap (from 2nd movie)

Cogman was entertaining somehow. When I first saw him in the trailer, I was annoyed. But somehow he was good. They dropped hint that he is a Headmaster. Well, that's interesting... would they bring in that storyline for next few movies? Only Michael Bay and his writers know.

I did drop hints and used names that any hardcore TF fans would relate to. However, how they are gonna to make sense in the Michael Bay world, well, we can hope it would be a disaster.

Action-wise.. you know Michael Bay, expect explosions, slow-mo and destruction. It's a crazy spectacle but I guess that's what Bay and Transformers (especially) is all about. O yea, the Michael Bay trait in this movie is just too strong.. you will figure it out though..

What probably keep you entertained is the one liner puns or digs.

Overall, it's yet another alien invasion/world at its end-kind of feel but not the best so I will just give it B- for effort. Okay, their so-called writers' session together worked somehow... there's some improvement in the story writing.

Of course, there's a few plot holes which doesn't make sense somehow. Like how can Optimus and Bumblebee can't recognize Lennox?? And this explanation about whereabouts of Sam Witwicky (HUGE SPOILERS) which left me baffled.

While critics probably shelved this as 2017's disaster flick, I wouldn't put it there but I wouldn't put it in the category of the best or great stuff. Probably one of those guilty pleasure stuff. Maybe everyone forgot how terrible was its predecessors were. I cringed at some plots and stories. I only can pick few good moments from those predecessors. Okay, I cringed at some as well in this movie.

But still, please don't ruin my childhood friend any further.

If you all need help, please hired me as scriptwriter.

If it's exam, B minus grade from me or 6.8/10

#TL2017moviewatch : Baywatch

 

Well, I delayed watching this because I wasn't that interested or desperate to watch it. It's like those movie that you don't mind watching online or download once it's available.

Thanks to GSC for the free birthday ticket and it's one of the movie available to claim, so why not?

I was expecting it to be comedic and yea it was. Just that it's full of adult jokes, which also think about it, not surprising.

Jokes aside, it's just alright movie. I guess the focus is all on the bods etc. To quote some comments I read online, it's Scoody Doo adult version.

6.7/10

#TL2017moviewatch : Despicable Me 3

Well, Universal/Illumination studios just wanna milk more money from this franchise, isn't it?

I mean how can you not love the naive and crazy yet adorable Minions? Perhaps this can go till Despicable Me 20 or Minions 22.

Whatever the future holds, well, back to DM3...

It was as entertaining as its previous predecessors. Minions were much fun and entertaining than their own solo movie last year.

I didn't like the ending actually. It narrows back to first few paragraphs I wrote. It annoys me somehow. I guess that somehow affects the story flow in 2nd half of the movie where you feel somehow it builds towards anti-climax-like ending.

Nevertheless, one of the better cartoon movies in the cinema lately but again, the thoughts of how long this franchise is going tires me.

RATING : 7/10

#2017moviewatch : Wonder Woman

One of the most anticipated movie of 2017.

So much stakes for this movie, especially what happen in the past for DCEU.

However, I would say this is the best entry of DCEU, hands down.

Testified by early reviews, I think it's fair to say the movie hit the right tone. This movie somehow improved on the mistakes of Suicide Squad and BvS.

Although the producer and director said they brought some tone from other DC movies (kinda obvious with a few parts) but they managed to balance (or mask) it well to make this movie their own. And they somehow managed to avoid being compared to the first Captain America movie (of MCU) or even Thor. HAHA.

Gal Gadot was spot-on as Wonder Woman. There were doubters whether she can hold a solo movie herself. These days, hard to imagine someone else doing that job now. Bringing a comic icon to live is no easy task especially Wonder Woman projects which failed to lift off on many occasion. You may remember the failed TV series pilot. Probably the 70s version sticks out in many people's memories.

Back to the movie, let's go with the pros.
- Action sequence were great. Coupled with wonderful soundtrack, man, it brought out the feel.
- They did well to hid the villain. Maybe the impact of the villain wasn't so obvious but like any other DC movies, somehow the villain showed up at the final arc of the movie.
- Establishing Themyscira in the DCEU
- Little nods to the DCEU, not allowing the other DCEU characters to interfere. This gives space for the Wonder Woman story to develop.

The cons though are..
- First part of the movie was slow paced, but it picked up the pace once the conflict starts.
- somehow I feel some special effects in certain scenes are too obvious as it, they could have tidy up the effects better.
- they spend too much time establishing how Diana Prince can be like "a fish out of the water" at times.

Maybe I am heavily influenced by what I watched in Justice League cartoon so the ending was unexpected.

No post-credit if you are asking.

Overall, I give it 8.8/10

Well, it takes a woman to save DCEU though...

Best thing is she will appear again in Justice League. And yes, the movie just raised the expectation and stakes for Justice League to do well.

A post shared by Tim Lim (@timlim12) on May 31, 2017 at 5:09am PDT

#TL2017moviewatch : Dead men tells no tales

In some places, it is also known as Salazar's Revenge.

Mmm.. can't they decide which title they want?

Anyway, "Pirates" franchise should just end already. I still think they should have ended by third movie.

Johnny Depp has his moments as Jack Sparrow, but the more they extend the stories, the lamer it gets.

Latest movie rides on nostalgic feels/connections while besides that, nothing else to shout about.

Btw, like their other 'sibling' studio production, they have post-credit scene.

RATING : 6.5/10

#GoTGvol2

 

While it may not hit the heights of the first but certainly one of very entertaining MCU entry and one of the fun movie of 2017‬.

Well.. why vol 1 was good is that their story was able how these a-holes (sorry, I was just borrowing their tagline) come together, to protect what turned out to be one of the Infinity stones, which raise the stakes higher. Coupled in with some serious villain like Ronan and Thanos (looming at the background), vol 1 was one of MCU's best.

So come to vol 2. Wouldn't make it as my top 5 MCU movie but like I said earlier, if there's rating for its entertaining side, this movie would be among the top. The jokes and the randomness they pulled off is really spot-on at times, especially Drax. Anyway, Vol 2 is more like explaining what GoTG have been up to for the past few years (while everything that's happening on Earth such as Civil War and Dr Strange).

First half of the movie was all fun fun (again all thanks to the randomness of the GoTG), but it was only the second half that the real plot came into play. It may comes like draggy and too late for you to connect which I guess it's down to a lot of subplots to cover but I guess the first half side which showcase the comical side of the universe masked away that shortcomings. Villain honestly didn't came in strong and bad@$$ as Ronan but overall, the conflicts this movie have centered on family. Yea.. sounds so F&F right...

Lots of Marvel fan service stuff (subtle and obvious) which is fun too. Especially that Stan Lee cameo, which actually based on a fan theory and was happy they took it, made it into reality.

There's Ego too. Kinda interesting for me to see how they pull off this character since I am familiar with it in the comics/cartoons. 

And yea, there's 5 post-credit scenes. One of it could play an important part in vol 3.


Eventually it just open up the possibilities of more MCU galactic adventure.

A post shared by Tim Lim (@timlim12) on Apr 27, 2017 at 8:30am PDT

Enjoyed it all in all, probably something that I needed.

Interesting note that before the movie started, Disney attached a preview for a certain movie.That should give you reasons to go in early (or on time)

RATING : 8/10

#TL2017moviewatch : Fate of the Furious

Entertaining and action-packed as usual but doesn't hit the heights of some of the past few F&F movies.

The Rock's lines feel as though he just recycled all his WWE scripts. But his interaction with Jason Statham was fun though.

There's a child actor who is too unbelievable in his acting. Man, how they cast that kid?

Hoping the next one picks up some pace or else, it's getting too draggy.

Yea.. when you plan to hit 10. So 2 more to go?

RATING : 7.5/10

Ghost in the Shell

Okay, I been seeing a lot of parodies of this...

Yes, perhaps some are familiar with its original source.. a Manga series.. so perhaps this appeals to some people. Then again, you have Scarlett Johansson, who gives you enough reasons to go and watch her? hahaha.

I know there's lots of criticism on white-washing but there are times, I feel these critics are unnecessary.

Now back to this movie, it has really cool visuals and direction. ScarJo clearly carries the movie a lot, in fact these days, she acts in a lot of such movies. No doubt, a strong performance from her.

But what's lacking is the strong storyline and the pacing is draggy. I had a long day, so when I watched it so at some point of the movie, I got restless.

Very matrix-like feel but it's just okay for me.

RATING : 6.5/10

PS : it's cool to see Pete Teo on Hollywood screen. Yup, our own Malaysian face there.