LES MISÉRABLES (2012)

As a huge fan of musical movies, I had been waiting for thiz. It’s one of my most anticipated movies of the year. Soon after I walked out of the theater, I realized that thiz movie was very peculiar. Let me put it thiz way, as the musical, I can confidently say that the music is not at its best. If you listen to the song without seeing the movie, it will feel like half-baked. But if you see it as a movie experience as a whole, when you can see the Actors are singing with their expression and emotion, at that time, then you can feel that thiz is a very strong and breathtaking musical movie. In short, it fell hard as a musical but heartfelt as a movie. Tom Hooper is a film Director who is always able to capture his characters with totality without missing a single thing through his unique cinematography, as shown in “The Damned United” (2009) and "The King's Speech" (2010). In thiz famous classic tale, there are so many interesting characters to be explored. There is Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) an ex-convict who struggles to redeem his sin, Javert (Russel Crowe) who is a ruthless police inspector, Fantine (Anne Hathaway) a single mother who turned into streetwalker, Thénardier and his wife (Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter) who are sophisticated gang of thieves, Cosette (Amanda Seyfried) who is beautiful daughter of Fantine, Marius (Eddie Redmayne) who is a courageous revolutionary partisan, Éponine (Samantha Barks) who is spoiled daughter of Thénardier and everbody’s favorite the brave little boy Gavroche (Daniel Huttlestone). I notice what Tom Hooper has done as the Director in order to build a strong impression for each of his characters. He simply gives everyone at least one chance to deepen their characters by singing in a special close-up segment. Each character, major role or small role, has thiz particular segment. And guess who is taking thiz opportunity well? It’s Anne Hathaway who makes a convincing heartrending performance by giving up her pretty long hair and successfully bringing out all the emotions. The other Actor who surprises me is Hugh Jackman. Jackman also takes his role very seriously and it definitely pays off. His character as Jean Valjean has many up and down situations but he has no trouble at all playing it. And for the refreshing part (since the movie is extremely melancholy from the very beginning), the comical couple Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as Monsieur and Madame Thénardier have succeeded to cheer up the atmosphere by delivering some fresh humor. The first half of the movie is about suffering and the second half is more about love. Whatever it is, we finally come to the conclusion that suffering and love are the things that keep human learning. Anyway, I love the spirit! It’s all about the spirit of a minority, the spirit of change and the resistance against absolute monarchy and oppression. In the end, I have to admit that thiz movie is not for everyone, particularly if you are not a fan of musicals. Nevertheless, thiz movie still conclude with a very good ending indeed. There is a gratifying feeling after watching the ending. In fact, if you are in the right mood, you might end up with a happy tear. Vive la France!

Stars : 8/10
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Jonny Fendi

" ♪ Do you hear the people sing? Lost in the valley of the night. ♪ It is the music of a people who are climbing to the light. ♪"

THE MUPPETS (2011)

No, it’s not Sunday morning, but “it's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights.” Here they are! Kermit and the whole gang are back! The Muppets are carrying one last show to raise money. In order to maintain their studio before the evil oil tycoon shatters it down. There is only one problem. Have they been forgotten? With the real world reflects just like the story in thiz movie, since the very first stage of movie-making process, thiz movie was way underrated. People kept asking, would thiz movie actually work? Anyway, look how well the movie is doing now. The stars sparkle all over the place. The famous frog Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Scooter, Animal and other members of The Muppets, can bring the hilarious atmosphere instantly, including the new introduced character Walter. Jason Segel proves out to be surprisingly talented with his energetic singing and dancing. “Enchanted” (2007) princess Amy Adams is a brilliant choice for her role, she is an unarguable Disney princess figure in human form. The bad guy looks cynical and funny at the same time, played very very well by Chris Cooper. Not to mention, it’s featuring endless celebrity guests such as Jack Black, Emily Blunt, Zach Galifianakis, Whoopi Goldberg, Selena Gomez, Ken Jeong, Sarah Silverman, Neil Patrick Harris, John Krasinski and even Dave Grohl from the rock band “Foo Fighters”. James Bobin makes his directorial debut through thiz movie. The songs are part of thiz musical extravaganza. The singles like “Life’s a Happy Song”, “Me Party” or “Man or Muppet” are one of the best moments. The ending scene is effective (Spoiler Alert!). When is told that they have finally got the appreciation and applause from millions of people outside the studio. It’s simply to say, we could have happy tears together. It’s not just about The Muppets anymore. But it’s also about every one of us who have grown up with these guys. Whether we realize it or not, in that very moment, we had a sort of feeling, it’s like we looked back the years we had been through and we suddenly realized how much we had already changed. The innocent world that we once had does exist. The creator Jim Henson must be proud of what they have done. Thanks, guys. Thanks for bringing us the third greatest gift of all, which is the laughter! When they do, they’ve got the whole wide world in the palm of their hand.

Stars : 7,5/10
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Jonny Fendi



"Am I a Muppet, or am I a man? If I'm a man, that makes me a Muppet of a man."

BURLESQUE (2010)

Raise the curtain! Before heading to watch thiz movie, I already had my own imagination about how the story would look like, I thought maybe it revolved around a countryside girl who was about to try her luck to chase her dream in a big city (eventually the city is Los Angeles and the girl’s name is Ali which is played by Christina Aguilera), maybe she would start from a cloistered but extraordinary nite club (apparently it named Burlesque), maybe she would have a tough beginning for her career and there would be such a mentor for her (I talk about Cher), maybe she was going to meet her love interest, a pretty boy with an attitude (I talk about Cam Gigandet), or maybe she would be forced to quarrel with her envious evil colleague as well (I talk about Kristen Bell). And for the ending I don’t have to explain, I give it to you to figure it out yourself, I am pretty sure that you have already know the ending as well, and you are right! In the tradition of “Coyote Ugly” (2000) and Rob Marshall’s movies such as “Chicago” (2002) and ”Nine” (2009), here it comes a new breed of the genre. The movie is second directing effort after “Glass House: The Good Mother” (2006) by former child star of “The Goonies” (1985), Steve Antin. Thiz Ali’s character is obviously made for Aguilera, it’s like let a fish swims freely into the sea. It flows naturally. Cher is a legendary music icon who makes one dimensional impression, there is no specific chemistry with other Cast members, she seems to be talking to herself. Cam Gigandet, after seeing his macho performance previously in “Never Back Down” (2008), thiz time he plays more easy-going and fun role. But the worst of the worst is Kristen Bell who delivers a horrible nightmare performance, it’s not convincing at all as Ali’s competitor. Better performances come from Stanley Tucci, Eric Dane and Allan Cumming. Forget about the Actors, the film once again is an Aguilera’s playground. Her powerful voice covers up all the flaws. The opening song “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” is my favorite with gratifying 1970s Rock ‘n’ Roll tune. With all those fabulous songs, it comes to my mind why there isn’t one single duet song from these two world class performers. Anyway, the dancing and cabaret performances are splendid. Aguilera’s performance is very hypnotic and spectacular. In fact, who doesn’t want to pay small nite club’s cheap ticket that there is a performance from Christina Aguilera. Hello? It is Christina Aguilera on the stage! The story is predictable and the conflict is cliché. It doesn’t look like a movie after all. By the way, I didn’t come home from a movie. I had just come home from Christina Aguilera’s concert. And I am happy! ^_^

Stars : 6,5/10
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Jonny Fendi



"Alice, hmm? Well, welcome to Wonderland."

STEP UP 3D (2010)

I feel like I have just got home from a live concert, a good one! It gives you non-stop dance actions since the opening credits roll. There are three important things that make thiz movie looks awesome, brilliant choreography, explosive music and terrific funky costume. About the predecessor itself, the rising star Channing Tatum took the first step on “Step Up” in 2006 which was kind of conservative and boring. In 2008, Briana Evigan made a remarkable and memorable presence through “Step Up 2: The Streets”. The character of the previous movie, the skinny and curly kid Robert Alexander III or we can simply call him as Moose swings back into action with Luke (Rick Malambri) and Briana Evigan’s look-alike named Natalie (Sharni Vinson). Together, they team up with other passionate dancers, including the robotic dance master, Vladd (Chadd Smith) along with the incredible harmonious freestylers The Santiago Twins (Martin and Facundo Lombard) and many more. They called themselves Pirates, in order to compete in World Dance Jam contest. The Director is John M. Chu who also directed the 2nd movie. Let me summarize it for you, the storyline and conflicts are zero but the dance experience is top notch! I feel like I have been watching music video, we actually put aside the story and just enjoy the visual delight and great music, that’s it! That’s how we take advantage from thiz kind of genre. The dance scenes look wonderful, not just the choreography but also the camera movements and additional effects like splashing water, powder mist, neon outfits and many more. They try to push beyond the boundaries to a new creativity of dance revolution. I never talked about 3D aspect on my review before, but I have to say that thiz one could be the best 3D experience I have ever had since ”Avatar” (2009). I couldn’t help myself to watch over and over again, we can almost think that they’re not coming from thiz planet! They are totally “BFAB”! Simply Born From a Boombox!

Stars : 6,5/10
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Jonny Fendi



"Some people learn to dance... Others are born to."

STREETDANCE (2010)

I always love musical movies, but what I never realized before is that there is one other category that I may love it as well as musical movies, it is dance movies! “StreetDance” is a perfect example of today’s dance movie. The story just seems to be another repetition from other similar movies. It’s all about rebellion against establishment of formal institutions and it’s also about how to express yourself. It’s the whole elements that have been occurring since “Footloose” (1984) to the modern breathtaking flick like “Step Up 2: The Streets” (2008), in which I think that it is still the best presentation of our time. The modern dance movie is also always about traditional art-school dancer Vs. freestyle street dancer, where on thiz movie is street dancers vs. ballet dancers. It is about Carly (Nichola Burley) and her dance crew which later named Breaking Point. They have to mix together with several ballet dancers from The Royal Dance School in exchange for rehearsal place. Nichola Burley can deliver her character smooth enough to take us into energizing mood with her unique British accent and some enthralling dancing moves as well. Thiz movie really put Burley into the spotlight since last time I saw her in psychological thriller “Donkey Punch” in 2008. Other Cast members are Charlotte Rampling, Richard Winsor and real life professional dancer like George Sampson. Thiz movie is also featuring “Britain’s Got Talent” stars, Diversity and Flawless. It is very exciting to observe how the recent street dance style has evolved outside of dance studios. The movie is surprisingly directed by first-time Directors, Max Giwa and Dania Pasquini. It is delightful and enjoyable movie. It’s filled with fascinating choreography and heart-throbbing hip hop music. The pop group N-Dubz said, “We Dance On.”

Stars : 5,5/10
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Jonny Fendi



"We are goin’ to do something different."

THE BOAT THAT ROCKED (2009)

A tremendous Rock ‘n’ Roll atmosphere I’ve ever seen since “Almost Famous” (2000). It feels like breaking free all rules and doing what we always desire to do. The power of thiz movie is on its Soundtracks, entire movie is filled with great passion and vintage Rock ‘n’ Roll music entirely. In 1960s, Rock ‘n’ Roll music was limited to play. BBC played less than 45 minutes rock and pop music every day. But 25 million people (almost half of Britain) were still listening silently to the Pirate Radio which its station is in a boat anchored in North Sea. There are a lot of unique and powerful characters played by talented Cast members. Personally for me, there are three important characters in thiz movie, fun and exhilarating Dave (Philip Seymour Hoffman), easy-going and free-minded boss Quentin (Bill Nighy) along with cool and charismatic Gavin (Rhys Ifans). The other Cast members also deliver some fantastic performances like Kenneth Branagh, Tom Sturridge, Chris O’Dowd and many more, plus guest star performances by Gemma Arterton and Emma Thompson. Recently, KennethBranagh is appointed to direct the upcoming Superhero movie“Thor” (2011). The involvement of different characters in thiz movie is effective and succesfully balanced, which is one of the specialties of Richard Curtis as the Director. Even though Curtis is only known as the Director of a romantic comedy “Love Actually” in 2003, his writing credits are actually superb like we have seen it in “Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994), “Notting Hill” (1999), “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001) and several of “Mr. Beans” TV series (1990-1995). My favorite scene in thiz movie is when Carl (Tom Sturridge) saves his father Bob (Ralph Brown) in a sinking ship. It’s beautifully described with exquisite underwater scene and Steven Cat’s song “The Father and Son”. The comedy, the drama, the setting and even the outfits are astounding. It really reflects how that era occurred. If I know there was so much fun in that period of time, I would simply go there and had some great time. Long live Rock ‘n’ Roll music!

Stars : 8/10
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Jonny Fendi



"To all our listeners, thiz is what I have to say - God bless you all. And as for you bastards in charge, don't dream it's over."

NINE (2009)

“Page one… Page one…” Thiz movie is simply a beautiful girl exhibition. The story is centered on Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis), the movie director who experiences mystification between his profession and love affairs among all women he has ever known in his life. The movie is directed by Rob Marshall who is well-known for his musical filmography like “Chicago” (2002). The Cast members are filled with various Actresses such as Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Stacy Ferguson (from the pop group “Black Eyed Peas”) and even the senior ones like Judi Dench and Sophia Loren. But I think that the best performance belongs to Marion Cotillard as Guido’s wife. Like I thought before, thiz movie would be sort of Broadway parade. The dance choreography shows nothing new, we have already seen it in “Chicago”. The stage setting is also a minus, almost in entire movie we see at the same stage setting. The story is rare of conflict. Marshall brings character introductions all over the movie from beginning to the end. We are about to see some kind of “American Idol” contest on every Actress. If thiz is how we play the game, I think the winner would be Kate Hudson who successfully performs a joyful and glamour segment. It comes to my mind, thiz movie is only a form of Marshall’s narcissism. It’s very obvious to me that the movie intends to uncover the mysterious world of women. We could friend with her, kiss her, dance with her or even marry her, but no matter what we do, the middle name of every woman will always be known as mystery.

Stars : 6,5/10
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Jonny Fendi



"You're a world class liar, darling. Go out there and lie for Italy. Lie for Italia."

MAMMA MIA! (2008)

It’s another musical movie. Thiz movie is a tribute to the 1970s famous disco sensation, ABBA. It’s a simple story about a girl who wishes his father presence on her wedding day. The problem is she doesn’t actually know who her father is. She has been raised by her mother alone. According to her mother diary, there are three possibilities that are represented with three persons that could be her father. The things become complicated when she finally decides to invite them all. You just can’t imagine what will happen next. The movie is starred by a lot of senior Actors such as Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgård and Colin Firth. Apparently, the surprise comes from a promising rising Amanda Seyfried. She delivers her role with easy-going and lovable character. The ABBA’s hits like “Honey”, “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia!” are performed well by the Actors and Actresses themselves. In my opinion, the songs are successfully refreshed. On top of that, I think today's musical movies become more acceptable. It begins to sound familiar because the music is more likely to base on pop rock trends. It’s very different from musical movies that made from 1950-1960s which were mostly based on classic orchestra. The movie is surprisingly directed by first-time Director Phyllida Llyod. In overall, the movie is so fresh and full of joys. Before I went to watch thiz movie, I thought it would be another teen movie. But after I have seen it, I come to the conclusion that thiz movie is simply enjoyable and fun for all ages.

Stars : 6,5/10
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Jonny Fendi



"We danced on the beach, kissed on the beach and dot, dot, dot."

AUGUST RUSH (2007)

When I first went to watch “August Rush”, I thought I had to check thiz out just because it’s one of the musical movies (Recently, I have seen many and I’m kind of enamored of those musical movies). At the end of the movie, I realize thiz movie is so full-hearted. The story is very simple but strong, I always appreciate simple movie that can express a lot. It’s a story about a boy who’s eager to find his origin and meaning of his presence. Thiz boy is natural born talent in music, just like his father and mother who are talented musicians. It’s all about music. It’s told beautifully, the plot has some flashback moments. But don’t worry you will not be confused by its method of storytelling. It's directed by woman Director, Kirsten Sheridan. The wonder boy Freddie Highmore performs impressively with his innocent charisma. I think Highmore is definitely lucky to always get involved in some memorable movies. Another Actor who performs a significant role in thiz movie is Jonathan Rhys Myers. He is very lovable, his role as a rock star makes him looks cool. About the ending (Spoiler Alert!), the movie ends with the scene when his father and mother has finally met after many years. And not long after that, they find their boy in a concert stage as well, performs as conductor in an orchestra. The boy doesn’t even know his parents have been watching him. And the movie just ends that way. I very much understand that is the perfect ending, that scene describes with beautiful and elegant way. It shows the meaning of hope could be better from now on. It’s a very strong description. Superb.

Stars : 8/10
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Jonny Fendi



"The music is all around us, all you have to do is listen."