Movie Reviews with halochief996: Fast & Furious 6 and The Hangover Part 3

I think I should start making it a habit to write my blogs during the summer.  I have so much free time, and not as much work.  Anyway biggest thing happened in gaming, the new xbox was announced.  Yes the Xbox One.  I have to say, I'm both excited yet doubtful about this console.  I mean it looks good, and looks like its going to be a great machine, but during that press conference they overemphasized too much on being an entertainment hub, and on top of that, they were very unclear about how used games and always online will work on the new Xbox.  I mean I love Xbox and microsoft, but they need to get their shit together and start answering the questions that matter to gamers like me.  Oh well hopefully they don't talk about this stuff again at E3, which means when I see E3, all I want to see are new games, and how gamers can benefit from buying the new Xbox.  Well enough gaming talk, lets talk movies.

Fast & Furious 6 

The Fast & Furious series has been a very interesting series to me.  Fast cars, hot chicks, and big heists.  I remember watching the first one and enjoying it.  The second was OK.  Ludacris was funny.  The third really went off track, but in a good way.  I like drifting.  The fourth went back to the original characters and was descent.  The fifth though really impressed me.  A really big heist.  All the characters from the previous 3 films including an awesome addition, Dwayne Johnson.  And really nice fast cars.  It was no surprise at the end of the fifth film, that a sixth one was coming.  And honestly after seeing all five films, I was really excited for the sixth film.  I have to say its definitely fast and furious.

Plot: The film takes place after the events of the fifth film.  Brian (Paul Walker) is becoming a father, and Toretto is enjoying his life of retirement from being a criminal.  Then Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) comes in asking for Toretto's help.  Apparently Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) is alive, and part of a bad crew of professional vehicle-warfare drivers led by Shaw (Luke Evans).  Toretto's mission: bring back Letty to the "family," with the help of his crew (family).  Also help Hobbs catch Shaw.  Its no doubt that all the previous movies led to this point.  What I like is they make references to previous films, so the movie really honors its fanbase, and follows the story.  Even by the end, there is a connection between this film, and Tokyo Drift.  Recommendation watch after the credits.  Its a good story, that is told well.  If you haven't seen the previous films, you may be a little lost.

Genre: Like the previous films, the sixth one is an action film.  And they do not hold back.  From nice luxurious fast cars to tanks and to big planes, there is a lot of cool stunts and action scenes.  There definitely was a big budget for this film because there are so many awesome things that happen in this film.  The driving and racing looks awesome and cool.  From drifting in a crowded London city to dodging traffic while getting chased by a tank.  The fight scenes, well you are in for a treat.  If you know Gina Carano, from Haywire, (she is actually a fighter in real life), she pulls off some nice fight moves.  She is really a badass.  Her catfight with Rodriguez was pretty awesome.  Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesal also pull of some nice fight moves as well.  The acting is good as well.  All the characters in the sixth film are a little bit more mature than previous films (especially the first 2), but still the acting looks natural.  Basically every actor knows his/her character well that the audience is able to connect with the characters.  To be honest in every fast and furious film, there was never a problem with acting.  And with each new film, the characters grow a lot.  The sixth one doesn't fail in this department.

Overall: I'm starting to fall in love with the Fast & Furious series.  They are solid action films with good morals about family and life.  If you haven't seen the previous films, watching this film may make you confused.  But for the most part if anything its a solid action film.  If you are a fan of the Fast & Furious series then you will definitely like this film.  And I have to say its as good as the fifth film, maybe even a little better.

9.5 out of 10

Hangover Part 3

 

The first Hangover film was hilarious.  It was one of my favorite films of 2009.  The second was basically the first one all over again, only in a different city, and they did even more crazier stuff.  In fact some stuff that you probably want to forget about.  Either way it seems we can't get enough of the wolfpack.  But at least its coming to an end (hopefully).

Plot:  The Hangover: Part 3 takes place after the events of the second film.  Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong) just escaped from prison.  Also Alan's (Zach Galifianakis) dad just died.  Along with that the rest of the wolfpack is planning an intervention for Alan, so that way he can be a "normal" person.  However the plan takes a detour, when Marshall (John Goodman), mentioned in the first film briefly, stops them, kidnaps Doug (Justin Bartha), and demands that the wolfpack bring him Chow, so that he can get the money owed to him.  Basically the story is like "Revenge of the Hangovers."  All the stuff that they did in parts 1 and 2, led them to this situation, and now the wolfpack has to pay for it.  Its a decent story.  I'm glad they didn't just repeat the same formula, and tried to do something new.  However this shift is not the best thing in the world.  I mean basically its not like the previous 2 Hangover movies where the wolfpack gets drunk, does some crazy things, something bad happens, and they have to fix it.  Instead the wolfpack is sober, something bad happens to them (because of all the stuff they did in the previous films), and they basically try to fix it.  Fans of the previous 2 films will probably be upset with the change in formula for this film.

Genre: Its a comedy film like the previous 2 films.  There are some hilarious jokes, and some of the situations that the wolfpack gets in with Chow is hilarious.  I mean I laughed through the entire film.  There were so many funny jokes, scenes, and stunts.  All the actors did a great job.  They all have a great sense of humor and they really stuck to portraying their characters well.  Zach still plays the retarded 40 year old.  Cooper still plays the fun, party-going Phil, and Helms still plays the overprotective, oversensitive, and crazy doctor...I mean dentist lol.  If you want a good laugh this film has plenty of them.  I will warn though, there are some parts that may gross some people out.

Overall:  The Hangover Part 3 is a funny film.  A solid ending to the trilogy.  Its not really a great film, and definitely not the funniest film (especially compared to the first two), but its still funny.  The change in the story formula is great, but its just not a Hangover movie.  Its a "The Revenge of the Hangovers" movie.  If you are fan of the first two, don't go into this film expecting a lot.  Just have a good laugh and then probably forget about this film.

6.8 out of 10 

Asian Star of the Week

Im Soo Yeon 임수연

Dam she is cute.  Her name is pretty funny too (Im Soo Yeon = I'm So Young).  Well I have to admit she looks really young and cute.

Images from redflava.com.  Definitely check out their site if you want to see more pictures.  Thanks for reading!!!! :)

Movie Reviews with halochief996: Star Trek: Into Darkness plus This is the End

I know its been a while.  Where have I been.  Well I've been working.  A lot.  In fact, I've been busy with work and school, that its hard for me to sit down and start writing my blogs.  Most of the time I lose focus and start playing a video game on my computer.  Shame on me.  Yes I have seen a lot of movies, but I have yet to write reviews about them.  But I try.  Well sit back, relax, and enjoy this blog because I got a lot of movies to review today.  One especially that I got a first look at, before its release in June.

Star Trek Into Darkness

The first Star Trek by J.J. Abrams was amazing.  It was my number one film of 2009.  J.J. Abrams has my respect, and he certainly knows how to make good science fiction films (I'm pretty confident that him and Disney can make a good star wars film).  Anyway with the success of the first Star Trek film, it was no surprise to me that he would make another Star Trek film.  He definitely knows how to treat and handle the story and world of Star Trek really well.

Plot: The story takes place after the events of the first film.  Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) of the USS Enterprise is exploring worlds, and helping out wherever he can (such as preventing an indigenous population from getting wiped out, and making them worship a giant spacecraft as a god).  Anyway his rule breaking antics are really starting to get on the Starfleet's nerves, and so he is demoted until he can prove that he can follow orders.  Things take a turn for the worse when a Starfleet commander named John Harrison, defects and declares war with Starfleet.  Its up to Kirk to find him, and bring him to justice, however there is more to Harrison that meets the eye.  The story is interesting.  If you saw the trailers, I will say there is nothing ruined.  The story is fresh.  Its a different take on the Star Trek universe.

Genre: A great science fiction action film.  J.J. Abrams knows how to make a great film.  The special effects are amazing, and the set designs are awesome.  I will say though there are some really unnecessary lens flares in some scenes that don't seem like they should have any lens flares at all.  Reminds me of Battlefield 3, and staring at the sun.  Thank god I watched in 2D, I can't imagine how it may look in 3D.  The action is pretty awesome.  There are some big phaser battles, and starship battles.  The acting is also top notch.  Most of the actors from the first film are reprising their roles.  Chris Pine makes a good Captain Kirk, and Zachary Quinto is an awesome Spock.  Along with that, new faces.  Benedict Cumberbatch makes a good bad guy. His voice is very dark and mysterious.  Either way, all actors are portray nicely.

Overall: An amazing film for the summer.  J.J. Abrams has done it again.  A well made movie that is entertaining and fun.  If you like the first film, you will definitely like this one.  The action, acting, and special effects are all amazing.  Again the only complaint I have are the random lens flares.  But that should not stop you from watching this film.  Better than the video game.

10 out of 10

The next review is a movie that comes out publicly on June 12, 2013.

This is the End

So last week I got to see a private screening of this film.  We were special because it was the first screening of the film.  I saw some of this film a while back, and I thought it looked funny.  All these actors playing themselves trying to survive the apocalypse.  After seeing this film, I definitely got a good laugh out of it.

Plot: The story is really simple.  All these comedy actors are living the life.  Partying, getting high, getting drunk, and being crazy.  Until the world ends.  Now they are stuck in hell/earth with other crazy survivors (actors like Emma Watson and a few other actors, which I don't want to spoil for you), and the devil's monsters.  These actors learn to adapt, survive, and trust in each other.  Because when the world ends, you need to have your friends.  The story is really simple and funny.  A movie making fun of other end of the world movies.

Genre: Its a comedy, and I have to say its funny.  The film makes fun of so many things.  It makes fun of actors, Hollywood (where Argo praised Hollywood, this film insults Hollywood), and religion.  I had a good laugh.  There were so many hilarious jokes.  I couldn't stop laughing.  The acting, well I can't tell if they are acting or just being themselves.  Either way its funny and stupid.  I will say though after you watch the film, you will realize, you didn't really learn anything besides laugh at a bunch of stupid jokes and saw a bunch of actors try to survive the end of the world (or actors faking to survive the end of the world).  Either way you will get a good laugh.

Overall: Its a funny film that has a lot of good jokes.  I especially like how the actors are playing themselves (fake or real it doesn't matter).  However the whole film is basically one big joke about the Hollywood, actors, religion, and the end of the world.  Its funny, but just don't expect so much out of this film.  Go in watching this film with no brain.

7.5 out of 10

These next few films are going to be quick reviews.  

Iron Man 3

Ever since Robert Downey Jr. started acting for these films, Iron Man has become one of my top 5 favorite super heroes.  I mean Robert Downey Jr.  knows how to play Tony Stark really well.  He is Iron Man.  Anyway Iron Man 3 takes place after the events of The Avengers.  Tony Stark is dealing with PTSD, and worries so much about his girlfriend Pepper (Gwyneth Paltrow).  Anyway a new villain has emerged, The Mandarin, and he is tearing the world apart piece by piece.  Its up to Iron Man (not the Avengers) to stop the mandarin before he sets the world on fire with his destructive bombs.  The story is interesting, but there is a surprise in the film that to me was a big letdown, especially for the villain.  The action and special effects are amazing (which is why I wanted to see this film besides listening to Tony Stark troll bad guys), but the story I believed could've been written better, and the villain could've been even better than what I saw in this film.  Overall its a good summer action film, but I can't forgive them for how they developed the villain in this film.  It could've been so much better.  Well we will see what happens in Avengers 2.  

8 out of 10  

The Great Gatsby

I remembered reading this book in high school.  I even saw the Robert Redford version of this film.  When I first saw the trailer of this film, I thought to myself this may turn out to be a good remake.  It is a pretty good remake for this generation.  Basically if you have not read the book, the story is about a guy named Gatsby that tries to win back a girl by impressing her with his wealth.  But as he tries to win her back, things get complicated.  Its a good classic story.  If you have not read the book, well that's OK.  I didn't like it that much.  Compared to the old film, this film is more modern and more accessible to this generation.  There is some mix of classic rock, slow pop jazz, and hip hop.  I feel like the film could've benefited with music from the 1920's but for the most part the music fits fine in this film.  The acting is really superb.  I'm glad they casted Leonardo Dicaprio as Gatsby.  He makes a really good Gatsby.  Tobey Maguire though.  I mean he does a good job, but I pictured Nick to be a little bit more mature looking.  Overall its a good adaptation of the classic novel.  Definitely worth watching.  However if you have a school assignment, I would recommend reading the book, over watching this film.  

8.2 out of 10  

Oblivion

There is more to this movie, than the trailers are revealing.   Basically aliens invaded Earth, we won, but Earth is basically destroyed.  Tom Cruise is part of a cleanup crew sent in to retrieve some resources then leave.  However things are not as it seem, when a pod carrying humans is found and immediately destroyed by the drones.  Like I said there is a lot of mystery, and suspense in this movie.  The action and special effects are really amazing as well.  If you want a good science fiction film, you need to see this film.  

8.5 out o f 10

G.I Joe Retaliation

This film.  All that I will say is, its better than the first in so many different ways.  If you didn't like the first film, this one is better.  If you liked the first film, well this film is way better (you'll like this film over the first).  The action is way better.  The acting is better.  And there are a few good jokes made by The Rock.  A good solid action film.

8.5 out of 10 

Now at this point I would probably be doing our Asian Star of the Week, but as much as I love to do one, this blog post is a little bit long.  But don't worry I'm not getting rid of this section just yet.  I'm also planning on writing another section for this blog called "Call of Duty Emblems of the Week." My friend suggested it to me and wants to work with me on that, so I'm in the process of trying to figure out how this will work.  So if you are a Call of Duty player show your best emblem, and you may be featured on this blog.  I'll let you know when I start to do it.  Until next time, thanks for reading.  

Movie Reviews with halochief996: A Good Day to DIE HARD

Well its been 3 weeks since I made another blog.  Lets just say I've been busy with Dead Space 3



and some other games.  Along with that school work.  I did see movies, just didn't have time to write blog posts of them (also I was a little lazy).  But I'm trying to keep this blog alive, so enough of me talking lets get to it.

A Good Day to DIE HARD

Remember those old action films with Bruce Willis where he kicked ass, killed bad guys, and didn't give a $%!# about what everybody said.  Yes it was the DIE HARD series.  Those were some great films, and some of my favorite action films (all of them 1, 2, 3, and even the PG-13 movie number 4).  They were awesome and enjoyable.  Bruce Willis had hair back in those days (except for number 4).  Anyway when I heard they were going make a 5th Die Hard film, I was super excited.  I was really hyped up for this film.  I couldn't wait to go tell my friends the next day, that I saw Die Hard 5 opening night.  After wasting 11 bucks, and coming home at 2 AM, knowing I am going to wake up the next day at 7 AM, I have to say (as a Die Hard fan) I'm disappointed with number 5.

Plot: The story is a simple mess.  John McClane goes to Russia because he finds out that his son is in a Russian prison.  As he tries to go see his son in a Russian courthouse, an attack occurs.  McClane just happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time again basically.  However he find out his son is in the CIA.  The 007 from New Jersey.  Anyway there are bad guys that are dealing with Uranium from Chernobyl and selling it to bad people.  Yeah its up to the McClane's to stop them by killing every single bad guy and blowing stuff up.  Now this story would've been good, if it was told properly.  Unlike the previous four films, you may get confused about the story in this film.  Parts of the story are just rushed, and not well told.  Script writing could've been better.  Also characters aren't really fully developed especially the villains.

Genre: Its supposed to be an awesome action film with cursing, violence, and John McClane being a badass.  Here we get a below average action film.  I mean seriously there are not that many good action scenes.  Yeah sure there are a few gun fights and a car scene involving a utility van, Mercedes SUV, and a Armored Truck.  But that's it.  No big brawls.  McClane has a few one liners but mostly his son is taking on the lead role.  I mean in Die Hard 3 and 4, McClane had a sidekick, but they didn't overshadow John McClane.  They had enough of an important role to be there but not take the lead.  McClane shouts out a few funny one liners and does some crazy and funny stuff.  Other than that (as a Die Hard fan), Die Hard 4 had more action this Die Hard.  Now I checked the plot summary, and it says that McClane says his signature cowboy line, Yippee Ki-yay Motha$%&*#@.  However when I watched the movie, I don't remember him saying it.  And I was mad when I left the theater when he didn't say it. When I buy I will check.  But if I find out that McClane didn't say his signature line.  Well somebody is going to get my Yippe Ki Yay.

Overall: This is the most disappointing movie of 2013 for me.  I had high hopes for this one, but in the end it failed.  From the messy unorganized story, to the average action.  This film really is a disappointment to all Die Hard fans.  If you are a Die Hard fan, don't watch this film (or don't pay money to watch this film; torrent it).  If you have never seen any of the Die Hard films.  Watch the first four, and skip number 5.  Because trust me, Die Hards 1-4 are so much better than number 5.  Heck I don't know why they put an R rating on it.  Its really not as violent as its predecessors and there is not as much cussing as its predecessors.

4.5 out of 10


These next films will be short.

A good take on the old fairy tale.  Imaginative and pretty cool.  A little bloody, so don't bring your kids, and the action is a little average.  But it was still entertaining, special effects were cool, and its a good take on the fairy tale.

7 out of 10


After Schwarzenegger, comes Stallone.  This action film is full of violence, and Stallone acting like a tough guy.  Interesting story full of mystery and twists.  Action is not bad.  About the same as The Last Stand (kind of like this one more than The Last Stand) .

7  out of 10

Aliens: Colonial Marines

I know this is a video game, but according to Gearbox and SEGA, this video game is supposed to be a true sequel to the movie Aliens.  Also I really need to rant about this game.  First off as you know I'm a big fan of video games.  In fact this blog series started in a video game website.  Heck I even share my video game experience within this blog.  Now I love the Alien franchise/series.  Those movies are one of the best sci-fi horror films out there.  Aliens is one my favorite out of all the movies because of the COLONIAL MARINES!!!! When I heard Gearbox was making a game based off the franchise, I was excited.  I really had high hopes for this game.  I saw the E3 footage, and I was amazed at what they had done.  It seemed they really put a lot of thought into the game.  See link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBIpUEjFFHA

Instead we have a game that is crap. Basically Call of Duty with Aliens.  I mean what the hell happened?  First Die Hard now this.  I mean come on enough of the disappointments for god sake.  I haven't played really deep into the game yet, but so far I'm pretty disappointed.  First off the graphics aren't that great (not like the E3 demo), second the AI is stupid, third the story is confusing so far.  I haven't finished it yet, but I hope it really makes sense in the end.  I don't know what happened, but after seeing this game, I think Gearbox needs to stick with Borderlands 2, or perhaps do something to appease the Alien fans that they disappointed.  Because I'm not paying 40 bucks for the season pass of DLC.  I'll save my money thank you.  I really hope somebody can make a good Aliens game.  I really do.  As a gamer and movie/franchise lover of the Alien series, I want a better a game.  Hopefully next time there will be a good Aliens game.  Hopefully, but after seeing this game, I don't know what the future hold for the Alien franchise.

Asian Star of the Week

Zhang Jing You, 张瀞尤

DAMMMM!  A beautiful and cute girl from China.  She is known as Miss U from China.  Either way she is hot.








Images from RedFlava.com.  Check out their website if you want to see more pictures.  Thank you for reading, and I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day.