#TL2021moviewatch -- Spiderman:no way home

I’ve always been a Spidey fan since I was a kid, so to watch this gem of a movie really made me emotional. 

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Felt like a kid, emotional and lots of fan service. It’s like Avengers:Endgame. Felt it’s a best way to close this chapter of Spiderman’s “Home series”.

Of course, being a Marvel movie, there must be post-credit scenes.. notice the plural..

Meanwhile, please no spoilers for my other friends. We can chat about it privately OR on Sunday 10pm via Movie Geeks Discussions

 

Definitely worth watching at cinema.

 

#TL2021moviewatch : Eternals

MCU Phase 4 has truly shifted gears massively. If you have been following MCU since phase 1, you will love the fact that some movies since then have been written brilliantly and boldly.

And I do notice the recurring theme of phase 4 stories (be it movies or D+) is all about family.

That being said, I really enjoyed Eternals. Although it is among the longest MCU movie, it’s justifiable as the story is layered and complex.

 

Lots to takeaway, probably I need to digest some thoughts and maybe will share it via Movie Geeks Discussions live chat or blog.

 

Well.. it truly open a huge universe, in context of phase 4.

 

And of course, if you need any reminder, don’t leave the cinema early, because of 2 post-credit scenes

 

P.s - even in MCU, “Jon Snow” still doesn’t know.. hahaha

 

P.s.s - apparently MCU characters watch/read DC comics.. hahaha

#TL2021moviewatch : Shang Chi

Was at cinema just now and I witnessed a movie usher refused to let a person out of the hall, as he wanted leave straight after a MCU movie. HAHAHA. There are still people who doesn’t know that MCU movies has post credits scenes …

 

So yes, I watched Shang-Chi ... boy, it was worth the wait. Worth watching at the cinema, so yes, I'm glad to watch it at cinema after many months. 

 

Amazing action sequences, and Asian at its best. If you watched a lot of HK movies, it has that feel. Especially the first 10-15 minutes, it feels like watching a HK/Chinese movie instead of MCU. hahaha. 

 

The cast is just stellar. Tony Leung though. Wow. And that uncle, Yuen Wah. Legend. 

 

We have 2 Malaysians in there -- Michelle Yeoh and Ronnie Chieng. And yes, someone had "terima kasih" line there as well. 

 

Simu Liu nails it here. Honestly, approaching this movie and after binge-watching "Kim's convenience" , I was afraid that I can't get his "Jung" persona out of my mind. Thankfully, Simu managed to bring Shang-Chi to life brilliantly. 

 

Okay.. you may say that Jung and Shang-Chi have daddy issues but if you are an Asian, you will understand that such family upbringing issues are like that...  

Enjoyed it, all in all. Giving it 8/10

 

About those post-credit scenes.. love the fact that both sets up for exciting MCU future.

 

 

 

Dear Marvel Studio and Kevin Feige, we wanna watch a dance off between Shang-Chi and Star-Lord...

#TL2021moviewatch : Suicide Squad

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 Part of live chat discussion on Sunday's MGD

First impression : Bloody but brilliant. 

 

On bigger picture, it's indeed better than 2016 version because you can feel there's direction. My problem with 2016 version is that, on surface, is okay but not sure what is the direction. It felt messy and disconnected. Even from the trailers itself, you know that a lot of changes made.

 

Would you want to watch the proper Ayer version since it's trending these days? Well, I don't know. Lots of those info being released these days and it's always that WHAT IF game (ironically)

 

Now back to THIS version.

 

what worked for me :-

1) Story-telling 

Unlike the 2016 version, the way the story unfolds is much better. Each characters has their spot to shine. Those from 2016 version did better here (Harley Quinn and Amanda Weller)

Honestly, James Gunn knows how to tell amazing stories..

2) Emotions hit home
You do feel for each characters. That being said, Ratcatcher II and King Shark were stand-outs. Even, Peacemaker.. it feels John Cena had fun doing it.

3) James Gunn is a geek who understands comic characters. He handled each of the characters (including those who appeared for few minutes) well.

 

Yup, as they have warned, don't get too attached to characters. haha. 

 

Fair to share that it's among the better DCEU entry for its unique way of comedy with action. Overall, it did not disappoint as it delivers, based on the hype. 

Rate : 8.5/10

#TL2021moviewatch : Black Widow

 Little rewind on a movie that has been on the headlines, for many reasons...

I know I have discussed this on Movie Geeks Discussions live chat but here's some pointers on what I think about the movie..

- Not surprising that it's a typical spy espionage flick, but being coated with MCU "package/sugaring"

 

- Action packed, as obvious as the trailer and as you know her character..

- Glad that it's not totally an origin story as it's more about exploring some story gaps of her

- Personally, disappointed by how Taskmaster turned out. The scriptwriters have explained that Nat and Taskmaster need to have some reasons for their conflict.. so I am like, fine.. ok la. Still don't agree how the character is treated because (as a comic geek), the character itself can be intimidating and not someone you would wanna mess with

 

- I wouldn't say it's best Marvel movie but it's satisfying to watch, partly because you get to understand Natasha better.

 

- As grounded as Captain America 2 movie.

 

- post-credit -- ah, good setup towards the future.

 

- this movie speaks and explore the value of family better than F9

 

TL rates : 7/10

meanwhile.. I thought this song stands out in the movie and added some depth to the opening scene. Arguably one of those memorable opening scenes in any recent MCU movies

#TL2021moviewatch : Jungle Cruise

 

Another Disney theme park ride being turned into a movie, like Pirates of the Caribbean.

To put it simply, the movie does feel like Pirates. I didn't mean it in a bad way.. the vibes that the movie gives, in terms of the story and the fun. So yea, perhaps it does feel like a repeated (winning) formula when you begin listing down some details then start comparing them....mmmm....

But I won't say too much.. because I am at the borderline spoiler territory...

Coming back to the movie.. well, it surprised me honestly, as I thought it's just "another" Rock's gimmick movie but it turned out to be a solid movie, which is fun and enjoyable. Adventures, mystery and good story-telling. And oh, some good old punny jokes if you love some.

So yes, if you enjoyed those solid Disney outings like some of the good Pirates movies, chances are that you will enjoy this movie... and it won't surprise me if they wanna consider a sequel to it (then turn it into multi-sequel franchise like.. ahem.. Pirates) 

Okay, I've compared it to the Pirates too often. On serious note, it's good movie for weekend chill-down or with your family, or something to ease the stress, especially in such times that we are living.

Rate : 7.5/10

#TL2021moviewatch : F9

 

Finally got to watch F9, which spawns “DOMemes”..

 

Straight to the point la, I would say I was quite disappointed how the franchise has become. From a fun underground racing movie to crazy spy espionage, it has lost its magic.

 

All the stunts and action in this movie is overdoing it. I honestly laughed at how ridiculous it is.

 

To think that there's another 2 more movies to come is making me worry.

 

I felt it should have ended in F7, even f8 was pushing it.

 

The only thing that made me “connect” with the movie was the fact that I was at Edinburgh (with Audrey’s family) at the same time when they were shooting some scenes there. I remembered our taxi driver told us the day before there was some road blocks and I also read a news that a camera drone of theirs crashed into some building. I was actually secretly hoping to cross path with the stars but I couldn’t see them. I blame you John Cena aka “you can’t see me” .. hahaha

 

On serious note, disappointing F9

 

Rate : 5/10

#TL2021moviewatch : Mortal Kombat

 

I was quite hyped for Mortal Kombat but it fell short of some of my expectations. there were some good points but sadly a few disappointment outweighs them

I am glad with the casting (with characters being true to their ethnicity) and how they design the movie. 

But honestly was comparing it to the 20 years ago's movie at the back of mind a few times and there were a major disappointment in that perspective. of coz, for me it was better than that disastrous MK:Annihilation. Tbh too, i enjoyed last year's cartoon movie even more :(

 

TL rates : 6/10

 

for our next episode of #moviegeeksdiscussions at our IG this Sunday. We will be as honest as we can be.

#TL2021moviewatch : Godzilla v Kong

 

Serious monster mayhem, serious monster smackdown. Seriously, just go to watch their smackdown. Ignore the plot, especially if you watch enough tokusatsu / kaiju movies, you know it doesn’t matter.

To echo some news out there, yes, there’s a winner in the fight. For everyone’s sake, please don’t spoil it here 

 

On side note, it’s first time in a year plus that I stepped into a cinema. Feel glad to do so and what a movie to break that wait. YES, hearing their roars echoing the surround sound of the cinema.. worth it.

 

Rate : 8/10. Simply because it's truly a monster smackdown 

p.s. :- yes, episode 2 of Movie Geeks Discussion with Darren will happen on Sunday

MGD ep 1

Here's the pilot episode of Movie Geeks Discussions (with Darren C. Edward)

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It was really fun. Definitely there's things we are looking to improve and looking forward to our next discussion.. which will be Godzilla v Kong!

Stay tuned for it. Meanwhile, thanks all to have tuned in. 

 

Feel free to PM us your feedback and topics that we should discuss!

#TL2021moviewatch : JL SnyderCut

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It supposed to be 2017 movie but #snydercutjusticeleague is a spectacle viewing for 2021. If you want a straight answer, it has better depth and more action packed, the Justice League movie that we wanted.

My thoughts in bullet points :-
1) No movie director should go through what Zack went through, imo

2) Wonder Woman here is the WW that we all love.. honestly, way better than ww84

3) Honestly throughout the viewing, I was upset that we were shown the 2017 theater version aka "Josstice league" (as my friend, Darren bills it). If only they stick to Zack and his vision/direction, DCEU will be different.. in fact, the response to their cinematic universe would be too.

4) Glad that a certain character appeared and Darkseid is the main bad

5) On the point of better depth, I am glad that we get some proper character development, especially for Flash and Cyborg.

It's 4 hour movie btw... actually 1st hour might be draggy.. but once it hits the action scenes, it gets better...

 

I think everyone will be grateful that at least we get to see Zack Snyder's version. All in all, I very satisfied with this... so you can imagine part of me feels disappointed that we got that theater version, yea, I keep saying this..

Rate : 7.8/10

***

Lookout for my IG post :- I will be doing a IG live chat with my friend Darren about this

#TL2021moviewatch : Raya and the Last Dragon

 A movie that is inspired by this part of the world...

While it may not hit the heights of some of the amazing Disney movie like Moana, it's enjoyable to watch.. in terms of entertainment (thanks to Awkwafina), colour spectacle and culture spectacle (since it's inspired by South East Asia)

Props to the voice actors... brilliant work in bringing life to the characters.

Other than that, being part of this world... while we know it's not exactly what South East Asia is all about but the subtle nods and inspiration probably good enough to hit our hearts a little.

Rating : 8/10

#TL2021moviewatch : Tom and Jerry

 

Tom&Jerry has that fun concept of blending animation with live-action environment, which rarely been done for long time. Part of me glad that they decide to do this, instead of making it real (eg: sonic, garfield, the old Scooby movies)

not bad overall. just that the adult part of us have to be patience with never-ending habit of Tom and Jerry annoying each other out. 

 

TL Rating : 7/10