Day #59 - The Godfather Part 2

"Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer."

Movie #59

The Godfather Part II
Usually with sequels -- it's either bad or better than its predecessor. But that's not the case as The Godfather Part II is on par with Part I, most thanks to the brilliance of Robert De Niro who did a superb job playing a young up and coming Vito Corleone.

Also, Al Pacino was incredible, (although he was over shadowed by Marlon Brando in Part I), his character mature on-screen beautifully -- shame the Academy Awards had to pass on him for Best Actor.

Movie #58 - War Horse

Day #58

War Horse
Honestly the sole reason for me viewing this movie was its director -- Steven Spielberg!

For a movie about a horse (which am not a big fan of .. am more of a dog person), I am sure glad to experience such an amazing story. Fully old fashioned (down to the money -- guineas?), heart warming and above all its direction.

#57 - Spirited Away

Movie #57, Day #57

Spirited Away
I have a piece of history with this wonderful experience.

The best way to describe Hayao Miyazaki's fantasy adventure is found on it's poster - Beauty, Power, Mystery and above all Heart, and that's just what Spirited Away leaves you with.

Spirited Away's power is in its story and the characters that shape it. And Chihiro is one of the bravest and strongest characters ever!

This 2003 Oscar winner caused me to miss a test (high school) and .... it was totally worth (or was it?)

This isn't just a great animated movie ... but one of the best movies ever made!

PS - The closing song - Always With Me (いつも何度でも Itsumo Nando demo) by Youmi Kimura - is absolutely fantastic.

Movie #56 - Zodiac

Day #56

Zodiac
This is a movie about the hunt for a serial killer that focuses less on the killer and his victims; rather on the various characters that defined the investigation that ensued; which remains unsolved. Fantastic thriller.

This is one absorbing movie that sucks you in from the very beginning and it makes you think about the possibility of them actually catching the zodiac killer, making you forget that this one movie ends with the bad guy never being caught. And Harris Savides' cinematography is richly authentic deserves the most praise.

Finally director, David Fincher's mode of story telling here is quite wonderful especially where he used the construction of a skyscraper to explain time lapse. And as for the acting, Jake Gyllenhaal and Mark Ruffalo were really good, as Robert Downey Jr. was somewhat exhausting.

A fine mystery.

Movie #55 - Iron Man

Day #55

Iron Man
One thing you'll learn after watching this movie is -- Robert Downey Jr. is friggin awesome!!! He totally is Tony Stark!

Then acting as his nemesis Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stain was really really amazing, he totally sold the whole retribution theme that his character was about. Plus the beard just made him look super cool and mature.

The Jon Favreau approach -- his modern and realistic approach was really absorbing. Then the effects ... Superb!

Day #54 - The King's Speech

Bertie - No matter how this turns out, I don’t know how to thank you for what you’ve done.
Lionel - Knighthood?

Movie #54

The King's Speech
"Rich, Excellent and Fantastic" these are the words that best describe the best movie of 2010 -- It's got four Academy Awards, seven BAFTAs, two SAGs and a Golden Globe to prove it.

The biggest praise goes to Colin Firth for a grand performance as King George VI aka Bertie. He nailed the stutter and posture perfectly. And Geoffrey Rush was absolutely amazing as Lionel Logue, his witty and clever remarks shed a metaphorical light on the entire movie; really impressive acting. Then Helena Bonham Carter as Elizabeth (Bertie's wife) is quite a change from her usual roles; her demeanour was filled with grace, charm, warmth and love.

Complete list of Winners from the 69th Golden Globes Awards (Movies)

Picture, Drama: "The Descendants."

Picture, Musical or Comedy: "The Artist."

Actor, Drama: George Clooney, "The Descendants."

Actress, Drama: Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady."

Director: Martin Scorsese, "Hugo."

Actor, Musical or Comedy: Jean Dujardin, "The Artist."

Actress, Musical or Comedy: Michelle Williams, "My Week With Marilyn."

Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, "Beginners."

Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, "The Help."

Foreign Language: "A Separation."

Animated Film: "The Adventures of Tintin."

Screenplay: Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris."

Original Score: Ludovic Bource, "The Artist."

Original Song: "Masterpiece" (music and lyrics by Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry), "W.E."

Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award: Morgan Freeman.

Movie #53 - Unstoppable

Connie: Excuse me, can u help me?
Frank: Connie?
Connie: I can't decided which one of you I have to kiss first.
Frank: Me.

Day #53

Unstopppable
It's tense, thrilling, invigorating, noisy, cool action scenes and above all totally awesome!

The cast - Denzel Washington, Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson and 777 (the TRAIN) - were amazing! Tony Scott's direction was really engaging and as 777 got faster, the tension just kept rising.

Though not a great movie, Unstoppable is simply entertaining and it does this remarkably well.