Wanted (2008)

Synopsis: Based upon Mark Millar’s explosive graphic novel series and helmed by stunning visualist director Timur Bekmambetov—creator of the most successful Russian film franchise in history, the Night Watch series—Wanted tells the tale of one apathetic nobody’s transformation into an... Based upon Mark Millar’s explosive graphic novel series and helmed by stunning visualist director Timur Bekmambetov—creator of the most successful Russian film franchise in history, the Night Watch series—Wanted tells the tale of one apathetic nobody’s transformation into an unparalleled enforcer of justice. In 2008, the world will be introduced to a hero for a new generation: Wesley Gibson. 25-year-old Wes (James McAvoy) was the most disaffected, cube-dwelling drone the planet had ever known. His boss chewed him out hourly, his girlfriend ignored him routinely and his life plodded on interminably. Everyone was certain this disengaged slacker would amount to nothing. There was little else for Wes to do but wile away the days and die in his slow, clock-punching rut. Until he met a woman named Fox (Angelina Jolie). After his estranged father is murdered, the deadly sexy Fox recruits Wes into the Fraternity, a secret society that trains Wes to avenge his dad’s death by unlocking his dormant powers. As she teaches him how to develop lightning-quick reflexes and phenomenal agility, Wes discovers this team lives by an ancient, unbreakable code: carry out the death orders given by fate itself. With wickedly brilliant tutors—including the Fraternity’s enigmatic leader, Sloan (Morgan Freeman)—Wes grows to enjoy all the strength he ever wanted. But, slowly, he begins to realize there is more to his dangerous associates than meets the eye. And as he wavers between newfound heroism and vengeance, Wes will come to learn what no one could ever teach him: he alone controls his destiny.

Genre: Action/Adventure

Starring: James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie, Thomas Kretschmann, Common

Director: Timbor Bekmambetov
Screenwriter: Michael Brandt, Derek Haas, Chris Morgan
Story: Michael Brandt, Derek Haas
Producer: Marc E. Platt, Jim Lemley, Jason Netter, Iain Smith
Composer: Danny Elfman

Sepi

This calls for a celebration for such an amazing contribution to the local film industry!

"Sepi" is another one of Khabir Batia's brainchild that spins three stories with the same theme in common, loneliness. It is a film about the story of a chef named Adam (Afdlin Shauki) stuck in the singledom trying to find a wife, a shoe factory owner, Sufi (Tony Eusoff) who runs to recover from the loss of his wife due to an unexpected car crash, and there's Imaan (Baizura Kahar), a college girl and script writer for the theater who carries a strong memory of her past that should be left behind.

The first thing you'll find amazing in this film is the dramatic camera angles that make you feel that you're actually in the movie! Khabir did a really good job with the camera and because of this, he makes everything in this movie appear more real. It is not the usual in-your-face camera shot, and we all have to admit that this comes from the director's renowned talent.

Having his own wife writing the script for this movie (and you know what happens when two great minds come together), it shows that the story is strong on its own, and such simple lines (if meaningful) can linger in your head for a very long time. There's no slow, dragging conversations that can leave the audience feeling exhausted in their seats. This film does not, in any way, contain the typical dialogue you usually experience in other Malay movies.

The cast? They are outstanding! You're probably familiar with Afdlin's loveable nature, and in this movie, you'll get the opportunity to see Nasha Aziz being zany and creepy and that helps to make the audience chuckle here and there. The cast really did a good job and the effort really shows throughout the entire film.

The feeling you'll get once you step out of the theatre is that you'll feel that its worth every penny and nanosecond you spent sitting in the comfortable seats of the cinema hall. You'll love the story line, the cast, the dreamy scenery, the soundtrack and you'll definitely love the director for doing such a good job that you will want to get out of the cinema and give him a pat in the back for making "Sepi" one of the best Malay movies ever, and most probably the best Malay movie of the year.

Kung Fu Panda

In theaters Friday, June 6th 2008,
Enthusiastic, big and a little clumsy, Po is the biggest fan of Kung Fu around...which doesn't exactly come in handy while working every day in his family's noodle shop. Unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy, Po's dreams become reality when he joins the world of Kung Fu and studies alongside his idols, the legendary Furious Five -- Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey -- under the leadership of their guru, Master Shifu.
But before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung is headed their way, and it's up to Po to defend everyone from the oncoming threat. Can he turn his dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master into reality? Po puts his heart - and his girth - into the task, and the unlikely hero ultimately finds that his greatest weaknesses turn out to be his greatest strengths.

Director: John Stevenson, Mark Osborne
Cast: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, Ian McShane, David Cross, Seth Rogen, Michael Clarke Duncan, James Hong, Randall Duk Kim, Dan Fogler