"Knight and Day" features Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz - A charming couple yet the movie is not charming at all. There are only two reason I went for this movie. The first reason - because of Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. The second reason - it has good ratings so far. Eventually I found, it's really weird for such movie to receive good ratings.

The script is illogic and not making sense. If it was not because of Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, I would definitely regret for watching this movie. Totally not suitable to be called "Summer action-comedy" flick. I never laughed throughout the movie and neither does anyone in the cinema hall.

Regarding action sequences, there are some but they were ridiculous. Most probably "Knight and Day" should have been classified "action-fantasy" instead of "action-comedy."

I felt the same as I watched "Sherlock Holmes." I thought about leaving the cinema hall. Lucky me, at least the second half got better. I do not think anyone would love this movie unless they loved "Mr and Mrs Smith" (of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie). The only reason these movies does sell is for having two popular leading stars being couples.

Anyway, there's one thing that I really love in this movie. It's filming locations that were set at some places in Austria and Spain. For few minutes, I was focused on the environments rather than what's going on. It's more worth it. :D

Rating: 2/10

I don't believe in fate but I believe in luck. - Roy Miller

The billionaire superhero, Tony Stark now returns in "Iron Man 2!" Another marvelous production by Marvel Studios. I was not expecting much because I know sequel often screws up, like "Transformers 2." However, "Iron Man 2" is totally worth waiting, paying and watching. Haha. It is not more thrilling compared to the first one (premiered in 2008) yet it is still awesome.

Back then, we just wanted to say hello, to introduce ourselves. This time around, we want to say thank you. - Jon Favreau (Director)

There are plenty of talking scenes but not crappy like "Transformers 2" had. The fun starts after Tony Stark gets on the racing track. Furthermore, "Iron Man 2" have actions, explosions and with that both, comes great visual effects.

"Iron Man 2" opens 2010 summer movie season in an exciting way for me. Hehe. Anyway, I'm not having any movies to watch in May so I might watch it again. I regret for not watching "Iron Man (2008)" more than once!

Besides just enjoying actions in this movie, there are lessons to be learned too. Always keep your secrets hidden even from your best friend, Haha! I felt sorry for Tony Stark after James Rhodes took the Iron Man suit, caused some destructions and then flies off to give the suit to the military.

Another lesson is no matter how successful you are, always remain humble and just because you are the best today, it does not mean no one can come close to you in the next day.

Tony Stark (casting by Robert Downey Jr) and his relationship with Pepper Potts (casting by Gwyneth Paltrow) have grown deeper. James Rhodes had been replaced by another actor and then, there are few new characters.

The story line is okay but the ending was not satisfying. Whiplash (wearing powerful armor suit) comes for final battle with Iron Man, I thought it's going to be the most epic part of the whole movie but it ends "simple."

Just about two weeks after release, Marvel Studio president (Kevin Feige) happy with the results of "Iron Man 2" and decided to make the next sequel. Currently scheduled for 2013 release and there's already contract with Robert Downey Jr.

Rating: 8/10

Don't be too attached to things. Learn to let go. - Justin Hammer (repeated back to him by Ivan Vanko)

I stepped into cinema after two months did not went for any movies. I have been watching at least one movie per month for about two years. I have not exceeded more than two movies unless it was summer movie season.

For March, besides "Alice In Wonderland" and "Green Zone," there are not much choices. I'm not into fantasy movies to watch "Alice In Wonderland" and neither into war movies to watch "Green Zone." Anyway, I watched "Green Zone" without expecting much from it.

However, it turns out to be quite impressive. "Green Zone" was fast paced with high energy thrills for almost 2 hours. Being fiction movie based on non fiction book and real people; it delivers interesting story line.

"Green Zone" involves political and military elements. I'm not an expert in both of these issues and so, I thought not to write review regarding this movie. Somehow I end up writing for the sake of keeping the blog fresh, LOL. There are arguments going on regarding the politics in this movie.

It seems this movie can be compared with "The Hurt Locker," based on the audience opinions I read. I have not seen that movie yet, still wondering what made it special until it won more Oscar Awards compared to "Avatar." If I got the chance to watch "The Hurt Locker," maybe I will add comparison between "The Hurt Locker" and "Green Zone."

"Green Zone" reminds me of experience I had by watching previous Matt Damon movies, especially the Bournes. If I'm correct, the last two Bourne movies was directed by the same director of "Green Zone."

"Green Zone" have great actions and actings. However, there are hand held camera shots and made certain scenes to be shaky. It's the feature that I'm hoping the film making industry will stop using.

Rating: 7/10

Soldier: Chief, we're here to do the job. The reason doesn't matter.
Roy Miller: It matter to me!

In 1984, "The Terminator" hit the box office. In 1991, "Terminator 2" made box office record. In 1997, there was "Titanic" - the most expensive movie during that time. Titanic grossed 1.8 billion dollars and became the highest grossing movie. Who wrote and directed those movies? It's James Cameron. Now it has been more than one decade since "Titanic." What was happening with James Cameron? The answer - he was developing "Avatar."

As the first decade of the 2nd millennium reaches the end, "Avatar" has been the best movie I've seen for the decade. It's released on perfect time, "Avatar" closes the decade by being the best film and opens the new decade by being the revolutionary of Hollywood.

"Avatar" contains 60 percent Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI). By watching "Avatar," the audience cinematic experience will be taken to whole new level. Okay, maybe I said that because it's the first time I watched movie in 3D. However, watching "Avatar" brought me to new mystical world; it's beyond imagination. I hate fantasy movies but the imaginary in this movie is too fantastic. The moment you see Pandora, you will love the atmosphere and it will keep charming you until the movie ends. By the way, 3D glass are not comfortable for me. I must get used to it.

The development of "Avatar" is groundbreaking. I saw the "Making Of" on Star World Channel, weeks ago. The CGIs are absolutely realistic and the only reason you can say they're fake is for not existing in our world. Just forget about "Terminator Salvation," "Transformers 2" and even "2012." Avatar is different and better than any other movies made to impress audience with CGIs. This movie delivers what those movie promised.

James Cameron maintained his way of making films. You can watch never seen effects, are almost everywhere in the entire movie. The movie was inspired by science fiction books James Cameron had read since his childhood. Pandora is his own imaginary world and he touches every essence of it. The details are sharp and you will keep your eyes on the landscapes. I believe he constantly improved Pandora over the years during development.

"Avatar" is an epic adventure that drives the audience visually and emotionally. It's very rare to have beautiful movies like "Avatar" (and previously, we had Pixar's Up) because they have the ability to touch our heart. Besides being love story, "Avatar" contains brilliantly crafted action sequences. The climax battle scenes are totally mind blowing. While the war between human and Navi rages, you will be supporting the Navis. I guess "Avatar" will be remembered for the next decade for the breathtaking action sequences. Furthermore, "Avatar" has great musical scores and matches each scene it's made for. I'm looking forward to get the tracks.

Most critics said "Avatar" story has been copied from variety other works. I agree but that doesn't matter for me. Almost every movie that comes out have similarity with other movies. "Pocahontas" is one of the adaption for this movie. Though you might find same old thing in "Avatar" story but the way it's presented to us will make you praise the movie. James Cameron blended different movies into one. While Pandora can be the creative creation, the rest of the movie is total innovation.

Personally, I love the story line. It's simple yet keeps the audience entertained for 2 hours 40 minutes. Everything is easy to understand and the movie holds your attention from start until the end. I love every minute of this movie and that resulted in feeling time went too fast.

James Cameron first wrote the script in 1994 and it had leaked on the internet. You can guess the outcomes then. He said the movie was not produced earlier because the technology needs to catch up to allow him use Performance Capture and film them in 3D. Performance Capture is using real cast movement to make the CGI version of them. It's not only copies the physical movement but the facial expression as well. The Navis in "Avatar" are casted by real human but in the camera, it shows CGIs. This technology was available earlier but not good enough to make this movie and at the same time, it was too expensive.

Jake (casting by Sam Worthington) takes us on adventurous roller-coaster ride while Neytiri takes us on emotional roller-coaster ride. Neytiri (casting by Zoe Saldana) is the best character in the movie. Her expressions and movements resonates her emotion. Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana has signed for possible sequels. Other great supporting casts are Sigourney Weaver, Joel Moore, Michelle Rodriguez and more. I love the part Michelle Rodriguez said, "I didn't sign up for this shit." Some critics says the dialogues in "Avatar" are cheesy. However, I'm okay with it.

Everyone should watch "Avatar." The movie gives the audience more than the trailer had to offer. Watch it in 3D (or at least 2D) while it's still in cinema. I don't think DVD will deliver any better experience than I had in cinema. Besides that, DVD might have contents not suitable for children. James Cameron said there might be certain edition of DVD will arrive with scene of Navi making love. Most probably it will be Jake and Neytiri.

"Avatar" is good choice of movie to watch with anyone. It's the tale that captures the mind and heart of every age. "Avatar" makes you feel good, joy and sorrow. The humors will make you laugh out loud. "Avatar" gives you the opportunity to witness the turning point of film making technology. If you're young, "Avatar" will be memorable for you and if you're old, you'll thank James Cameron. ;)

Rating: 10/10

Everything is backwards now, like out there is the true world and in here is the dream. - Jake Sully

Now, for some personal post relating to Avatar movie. I've been using the name Avatar in Internet Relay Chat (IRC) for years. Some IRC chatters I chat with are too attracted to Navi and Pandora. Here are lines from some of the conversations I had.

Anonymous: Do you know Pandora?
Avatar: Yes, it's my new hometown.
Anonymous: I love Pandora. Can you take me there?
Avatar: I'm sorry. Pandora doesn't exist.
Avatar: Even if it exist, it would've been destroyed by now.
Anonymous: ... That's true.

Here's another transcript, conversation with someone who really loves Pandora.

Anonymous: Pandora!
Anonymous: Any beautiful creature there?
Avatar: Not any but MANY!!!
Anonymous: Can you speak Navi language?
Anonymous: Can you speak some?
Avatar: If I speak, you won't understand.
Avatar: I'm still learning.

Here's Live Messenger conversation with another friend. I saw her Personal Message said "I love Avatar." So I sent her IM:

Avatar: Who? Me?
Friend: No! The movie!

LOL.

Update: Avatar won Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture (Drama) and James Cameron won the award for Best Director.

Update: The 82nd Academy Awards (The Oscars) was held in Hollywood on March 7, 2010. Avatar won three awards - Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography.

Update: The movie surpasses worldwide number one Box Office record James Cameron had from 1997's Titanic. Now, Avatar's worldwide gross reached US $2.7 Billion. It's huge success for James Cameron.

Most of us knows the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. He's well known for his ability solving mystery by observing small details.

The movie had an attractive trailer and I thought the movie will be great because the early reviews was too positive. So I went to watch it with high expectation. While I was watching, I realize I was wrong. There's too much talking and barely anything else to be enjoyed.

"Sherlock Holmes" was created around 1890 and this movie looks classical with modern filming technology. It can be seen from the trailer itself, I do like this kind of movies. However, "Sherlock Holmes" did not deliver to the expectation. I personally think "The Legend Of Zorro," "Shanghai Knights" and "Public Enemies" have better visuals to display previous century. "Sherlock Holmes" sets in old London and I believe they should have worked more on the visuals.

I felt sleepy and the only reason I was awake was because of the humors. There aren't many but they have it all in right places. Maybe to keep people to be awake, LOL. Watching this movie felt like reading plain novel for the sake of reading.

"Sherlock Holmes" has adventure, mystery and some action. All these different elements mixed up without balance in one detective movie and runs for two hours. I would classify this movie nothing but drama. I could not find anything to admire about this movie except for the acting and humors.

Rating: 2/10

Dr. John Watson: Get that out of my face.
Sherlock Holmes: It's not in your face, it's in my hand.
Dr. John Watson: Get what's in your hand out of my face.

The poster does not look cool, neither does the trailer. I decided to watch this movie after I saw "Behind The Scenes" footages on Sony's AXN Channel. Well this movie does give everything promised on the footage. The tough training the cast (especially Rain) went through is totally worth it.

The introduction part contains too much flashbacks. It shifts frequently between Raizo's past and present time. This movie is easy to understand and the story line seems to be written in simple way. The original script was not good enough and they decided to make new draft, six weeks before the production. The total writing hours of the new script was only 53 hours. The whole movie runs for about 100 minutes with some predictable points.

This movie is extremely violent. The blood splits everywhere. The ninjas in this movie are heartless killer and they kill brutally, with or without sword. There's line "I have no heart" by Raizo, before Kiriko proves we all do have heart and his heart is looking for him. Hmm...

This movie does not have good story line and acting. However, "Ninja Assassin" deserves high rating because of the action flicks and stunts. Most probably they spent too much concern on the ninjas scenes and not the casting. Bloody battles are largely included. It's fast paced too, so I should say fast and furious, LOL. But this time, it's about ninja and their martial arts.

This movie is about revenge, most action movies these days are about the same thing. There are two sides seeking revenge. One caused by love and another caused by betrayal. Both collides and the movie has an excellent cinematography. Fast motion and slow motion are all used in right timing.

Rating: 7/10

Wherever you are, wherever you may go, you must never forget who you are and how you came to be. - Ozunu