Project Twenty One: Batch Two

Seven more of Ghibli's twenty one movies had done.

I really enjoyed the watching, but not so much the ranking because seriously, it's difficult! Sometimes just several minutes into the start of the movie I'd be like, "okay, I know where to put this one on the list".

And then when the movie's over I'd be like, "fudge, that ranking is not just enough -- but then I don't want to reorder the other ranks because I'm sure the other movies deserve that spot!" lol see how I tasted my own medicine...

Anyways, let's have a little review on the recently-watched seven pieces.

Porco Rosso | 1992

When I watched a glimpse of its random cut in Netflix's preview, I thought this was going to be a weird, old-like, full fantasy thing that I wouldn't enjoy -- well I was given the scene of a pig dressed like a pilot, living in a normal world of human, of course my first impression was going that way!? But apparently Porco Rosso exceeded my initial expectation and turned out to be surprisingly light and bright! I really love the European vibe - although setting wise it looked more like Ventimiglia than other lovely European cities - but even love more the Mediterranean coastal scenes! Its touch of historical World War setting also helped enriching the story, and that hidden cove where the pig resides, well, that really was my favorite part.

From Up on Poppy Hill | 2011

I'm not sure where to start because... I really REALLY enjoyed this movie! Although it didn't boast Ghibli's signature magical element, it really stole my all with its heartwarming teenage school-and-family story and incredible up-and-down-making twists. And don't get me started with the movie's amazing atmosphere of old 60s Japan, Tokyo during Olympics 1964 euphoria, and typical Japanese school life. Argh, there's just nothing going wrong with this one!

And I'm not trying to be corny here - but I guess I am - but I must say I really ship Umi and Shun's relationship I mean... I'm obviously no longer a teenager like, I'm around 12 years older than a high school teenager, but somehow the thing that these two had felt super relatable, and the whole plot was not-too-much romantic with freaking cute gimmicks here and there making me feel like a teenage girl! Overall you won't be getting actions and/or supernatural stuff like Ghibli's other pieces, but I guess that's the beauty of this movie.

Castle in the Sky | 1986

Out of Ghibli’s three, famous and most-loved old epic-fantasy films, "Laputa" is personally bearable and surprisingly enjoyable to me. You know how I always got eerie vibes from watching dark, creepy old films like "Princess Mononoke" and "Nausicaa"? Well, I didn't feel it here. I loved it, in fact. The fights was great, the floating castle was magical, and the short life in Dola’s ship was probably the best part. Overall setting was still relatable, and the music, though equally eerie, was of a moderate level. And I guess, it’s also the side characters that made this movie fun. You know, those "villains" which started as foes then turned out to become allies.

The Cat Returns | 2002

First of all, this movie is about cats. So I knew anything wouldn't go wrong with this one. Then the rest is just perfection: a combo of real Japan life and Ghibli’s magical touch, light plot but comes with some actions as well. I also enjoyed the warm twists, which honestly I could guess way before it was revealed because, again, this movie has a light plot. One downfall though: duration's not long enough!

My Neighbor Totoro | 1988

Well, should I actually make a review of "My Neighbor Totoro"? We all love this Ghibli's iconic masterpiece. It's heartwarming, it's whimsical in a beautiful way, it has Ghibli's top-ranked favorite characters so of course we can't look down on it, and when you really really realize, there's just nothing dark and heavy about this movie: everything's child-friendly, fun and games, even the conflicts seemed mood-lifting instead of emotion-destructing, and watching this made me feel like a kid again! Although the first time I watched this movie was when I was 20-ish.

Pom Poko | 1994

Along with "My Neighbor Totoro", this was among five Ghibli films I had watched before. In fact, Pom Poko was the third one, just several days after "Ponyo". So yea perhaps I was like... ten? I remember back then I wasn't quiet enjoying the film because I thought it was boring. Now that I watched this again with more mature perspective, it turns out that the reason why I didn't enjoy "Pom Poko" as a kid was because the cause highlighted in this movie was quiet "heavy" in a way. It showed another issue of human exploiting nature, but through animals’ perspective so it hits a bit harder than "Princess Mononoke" or "Nausicaa" to me. Plus it seemed much more bearable than those Ghibli human/nature type of movies because the setting is of actual Japan. Overall, actually, with such deep message and ironic reflection of what's really happening in the real world that "Pom Poko" conveyed, I'd really rank this movie higher than "My Neighbor Totoro".

What held me back from doing so is how this film, though seemingly fun and light and kid-friendly with cartoonish characters, is actually really dark. And I just don’t like how human eventually won and the raccoons had to give in, to move away or settle in sewers, or opted to live a fake, non-desirable life as human; while some of them who couldn't transform and failed to find a new place to live even had to DIE!? A realistic situation, actually, but I just don’t fancy it. I wish the ending was just not so depressing. Well it doesn't change the fact that racoons and other woodland creatures are actually losing their homes thanks to fucking human's greed but, at least... well... ugh I hate this :(

The Wind Rises | 2013

Another dark story covered in bright and light vibe - Ghibli's just so good at it! When enjoyed just from its setting of old 1930s Japan, summer feeling with cheerful scores, greeneries and breezes, and overall “I have to achieve my dream” mood, it’s a very pleasing film. The over-detailed aeronautical stuff isn’t quiet enjoyable for me, though, obviously it's a fetish to Miyazaki. But I didn't find it too annoying that it ruined my whole impression of the movie. Well, so, what's so dark about it?

The fact that the aircraft designs Jiro and his comrades were fighting to create was to be used in wars, and how none of the planes return home, well, that's really dark, isn't it? That's just not about it. On top of those "professional problems", the movie's "personal problem" which highlights this dying lover who patiently wait for the protagonist to fulfill his dream, and the fact that she left home so she could die without her family having to deal with the fuss - fudgeee that ending was so crazy!!! - made this film just so devastatingly heart-breaking. But I guess that’s simply the beauty of it.

Well.

It's fourteen already, in addition to the first batch of rank I made weeks ago. and I'm seriously having a hard time putting my preferences haha well let's just say it goes like this for now:

1. Howl’s Moving Castle
2. Arrietty
3. The Tale of Princess Kaguya
4. Spirited Away*
5. From Up On Poppy Hill
6. The Wind Rises
7. Castle In The Sky
8. Grave of the Fireflies*
9. My Neighbor Totoro
10. The Cat Returns
11. Pom Poko
12. Princess Mononoke
13. Porco Rosso
14. Ponyo*
15. Ocean Waves
16. My Neighbors the Yamadas
17. Nausicaa

Again, it's temporary. I still have seven to go, including "Spirited Away" and "Ponyo" I've yet to rewatch to see if this rank still fits. I haven't rewatched "Grave of the Fireflies" yet either but I think I'm gonna skip that one because the traumatic imagery still actually stay vividly in my head.

Woof! Can't wait to finish this thing and wrap up my list!

But actually, I wish it doesn't have to end.

I can't get enough of Ghibli's magic

Project Twenty One: Batch One

So I finished my first seven movies of Studio Ghibli available in Netflix.

Damn how I forgot how amazing this animation studio is, given the last time I watched a Ghibli movie was... I think... "My Neighbor Totoro" in... 20... 17...? Fudge yea, it's been a while. TOO while.

I won't be giving too much intro, so here's my short review on the first seven Ghibli movies sort in the order of the one I watched first.

Howl’s Moving Castle | 2004

I don't wanna wait until I reveal my ranking update to say this: "Howl's Moving Castle" is by far the number one Studio Ghibli movie on my personal list. And I watched it on my first attempt! How could not that be a good sign for this project??

I love everything about this movie. The animation, the story, the magical element it bears, the characters, the fact that the "villain" is actually not someone else, EVERYTHING! But what I enjoyed the most from this is actually the setting. Sophie's hometown has this nostalgic Square Enix vibe, which reminded me a lot to Final Fantasy and my FFX2 or Kingdom Hearts days which I really cherished. And Howl's castle too! Oh how I liked the inside of the castle, its door that leads to many places, its before and its after renovation I just. Loved. It!

Can I still keep ranting on this movie? Of course I can, it's my blog! Well one thing that perhaps made me love this movie the most is that because, I see a close imagery of Howl as... myself. No, not because I can do magic. But because of his personality. That seems okay and all groovy from the outside, but has this deep fear on the inside. I just feel I relate a lot to him.

My Neighbors the Yamadas | 1999

The second movie I watched for this project. Overall, it was enjoyable. Easy to watch, no fantasies, just slices of daily lives of simple Japan. Its animation is a bit off typical Studio Ghibli style, even seems too lazy for the studio standard, but still, the details are uncanny! One weakness though: sometimes it gets a bit boring because of no plot/conflict, and the duration’s just too long.

Ocean Waves | 1993

I'm not a big fan of way-too-old movies. You know, movies that are actually made decades ago. Including animation. But "Ocean Waves" was a different one. Yes it looked so retro, but that became an aesthetic to the movie. Overall vibe of this one was light, and even nostalgic, as if I watched it already in 1993 and rewatched it just recently. Story was a bit too simple though, but I think that's the beauty of it. P.S.: Rikako, the female lead, was honestly a bit annoying.

Arrietty | 2010

This is the type of Studio Ghibli work that I always know, and always like. Animation-wise, no flaws, at all. Beautiful, warm, detailed, you know, all Ghibli qualities were in it. Then came the story, and it instantly put "Arrietty" on top of the list.

The world of tiny people is always a treat to me, just how I really enjoyed "Doraemon Adventure No.6" comic. The perspective of human world through tiny people's eyes, the way they use human's small items like doll houses and unnecessary trinkets as their own household stuff, it's just so pleasing to experience. This one though, is added with heartwarming story of a curious teen sprite and a helpful human, amazing serene setting of a cozy villa, and... this one is so important to enhance the overall mood: occasional rains.

If this movie was, or is, going to be made a series, I swear I'd be the number one fan and would never skip a single episode.

Nausicaa | 1984

I would always root for stories that promote nature harmony. The concept of human live side by side with nature told in this movie was something to be admired about. However, "Nausicaa" is the actual embodiment of my dislike-ness towards way-too-old movies. Somehow the animation, the plot, and its elements made me anxious. Its setting - and the fact that it's a sci-fi movie - and music gave such eerie feel of old 80s Nintendo games. I guess such vibe just doesn't go well with me...

The Tale of Princess Kaguya | 2013

Another work of Studio Ghibli which animation style is not so Studio Ghibli. Which I don't mind because it was equally beautiful and well executed with all the amazing drawings and realistic smooth movements. Plus, this one was created with the modern Studio Ghibli touch so there were a lot of progress. But the best part is, unlike "My Neighbor The Yamadas", this movie came with perfect everything.

"The Tale of Princess Kaguya" served such perfect depiction of old traditional and royal Japanese culture,  which felt so... sincere. The plot was unpredictable from the beginning until the end, which really made me stay to watch the whole 2 hrs+ film. Sadly - or maybe not? - it bears a non-happy ending — the most whimsical yet goosebumps-making ending, when the celestial troops from the moon came to fetch the princess. I couldn't even describe the feeling because plot-wise it was devastating, and visually it was horrifying, but throughout the event, the music was weirdly cheerful, creating this uber eerie horror sensation that even until now I'm typing this very paragraph, I'm still having goosebumps... crazy movie.

Princess Mononoke | 1997

Another amazing story of how human and nature should live side by side and how you’ll get the loss if you mess with nature. This time it's less science fiction, so I got to enjoy the movie better! The overall setting of "Princess Mononoke" still adopted Japanese culture, so even though it was full of mythical creatures, I could get to see the old rural life of Japan, rice paddies, samurai wars, and what not.

Now on to the downfall: none of the antagonist humans died. It really, REALLY annoyed me. I mean, they were the one who started all these mess but what did we get? Moro the mother of wolf, Ottokko the boar clan head, and even the Forest Spirit itself died instead! It's just so unacceptable. Also, and this what mattered the most. There were just too much blood and gore stuff it wasn’t so nice to my soft soul...

Alright!

That was all seven of them! Funny how I got to see which I thought was the best and worst of Studio Ghibli in just one batch. But who am I kidding, it wasn't all yet. So I'll come back claiming about the fixed list when I finish all twenty one but for now, here's my current ranking:

1. Howl's Moving Castle
2. Arrietty
3. The Tale of Princess Kaguya
4. Spirited Away*
5. Grave of the Fireflies*
6. My Neighbor Totoro*
7. Princess Mononoke
8. Ponyo*
9. Ocean Waves
10. My Neighbor The Yamadas
11. Pom Poko*
12. Nausicaa

Again, it's just temporary. And the fact that my views on "Spirited Away", "Grave of the Fireflies", "My Neighbor Totoro", "Ponyo" and "Pom Poko" was based on the time I watched them like decades ago would only mean that I need to rewatch all of them - except "Grave of the Fireflies" I guess, because the trauma of watching that cursed yet beautiful film was real - to fix my thoughts on each movie.

This is fun.

Can't wait to finish Batch Two and see how the list goes.
Ghibli's magic is not yet finished

Power Rangers

Late.

Late, late late late late, sssuper late. I hate how I've always had the intentions to write, but I kept holding myself back from starting that the next thing I know, poof, I lost the momentum. Like this one I'm going to talk about. Although, for this case's sake, I cannot NOT talk about it.

You know how I've always pointed out things I like from my childhood in this blog, eh? Do you remember that once I mentioned that there is one childhood stuff which, I claimed, "made me what I am today"? Yep, Digimon. It did play an important role of my early life, really, but, here's the part where I want to admit something, I lied a little.

Because there was something else.
That actually made me what I am today.

Something that lasted from my preschool ages,

All the way to the early junior high school stage.

You know from the title, it's

The Power Rangers

Pic's from here.

They were the core of my life—I was all about Power Rangers, thoroughly. The casts became my idols. The figures and zords became my toys. And don't forget about the characters distribution: I had always been red. My brother had always been blue, my two older boy cousins had always been black and white, and my two girl cousins had always be pink and yellow -I didn't make this thing up. Before my youngest brother was born, there were the six of us: four boys, two girls, WHAT ARE THE ODDS??? These colors then became my favorites, even for daily life, non-Power-Ranger things.

Then when it comes to the watching routines, those binge-watching years, oh, Lord, I'd kill to go back in time and pat myself for being such a maniac. I remember how I always stick to the TV screen every Sunday morning, waiting for the Mighty Morphins to come. And how I always finish my homework earlier after school, so I could catch the Turbos to shift. All my life, once again, was all about them.

And then there were the movie version. Covering the squad I adored the most. I went head over heels for this. Had the laser disk -OMG I'm so proud of being awesomely retro, got the script memorized, bought the zords and reenact the storyline, imitated all the catchy poses with my brothers and friends, fvck, I was a weirdo!

Teenage-hood and all its endless activities separated me from the franchise, but when internet broke out and YouTube ruled, I began to relive my memories. The episodes, the opening credits, the morphing scenes and of course, the movie. From then on up til today, I slowly regained the excitement I always felt when I was younger. Until finally, a big news hit us about last year.

Yep, the reason why I'm writing this: the remake.

Pic's from here.

With all the trends of movie remakes and how people got disappointed at any of those things, at first I didn't expect much about this movie. Because, well, to begin with, these new five are not the ones I grew up with. Then Billy is black instead of white, Trini is Latina instead of Asian, and Zach is Asian instead of black. Plus, and this instantly became the major turnoff for me: the suits and the zords, plus Zordon and Alpha, all of those things I really loved most from the original version of Power Rangers, appeared to be much too absurd. Like the Iron Man. Or Transformers. Whatever it is, I hate it. So much.

But then, as the worshiper of Power Rangers, I wouldn't miss this for life. So I went to cinema with some coworkers, whom apparently were fans of Power Rangers too -although I'm sure they're not as freaks as I am, to see if the classic childhood chills would still rush into my vein.

And it did, rush into my vein.

No, not because it was good. But because once the new movie played before my eyes, I had the original version playing in the back of my mind.

I saw the old Jason I had this mancrush on, and the old Kimberly I had the real crush on. I saw the original toy-like, non-DI zords, I saw the original low-quality, bald-headed Zordon, the fat Alpha, the clown-like Rita Repulsa and birdy Goldar—I saw the retro side of Power Rangers instead of the high tech ones. And when it reached the part where the zords were out, and that original "Go Go Power Rangers" anthem played, God Almighty, I cried.

Because no matter how much they ruined the essence,
How much they altered what once was called "classic"

Still,

It bears the name Power Rangers,
And as I said, I wouldn't miss the thing that
Made me who I am today

Time's Up

So I've watched Moana.

And I really loved it.

I adored how she's so tough and independent, how she's not a crybaby about being forbidden to follow her dream -well Disney Princesses won't easily get what they want, eh?- and how she finally break the rules anyway -yes, it's not a Disney Princess if they're not being a rebel. And her adventure is a badass one. Wandering the ocean all by herself when she doesn't even know how to sail? That's sick! In short:

"Moana is flawless. But remember, the ocean's got its dark side too."

Hm. Sounds like a contrast summary to something I clearly said I was so in love with, don't you think? Well, no, it's not about the film. The film's good, too good, if I may say.

It's about something else.

Vicky Amin presents

I used to take Disney Princesses for granted. I mean, I adored each and every single of them, but that's all, nothing special. It's not until my high school years when I realized that this franchise is more than just featuring ladies with their beauty and moral of story—there's also history in it, sense of timeline, science facts, legends, and -here's what I like the most- nationality. And ever since I realized about this, I've always hoped that there'll be at least one coming from Indonesia.

I know, I know, we got China with Mulan, and Arabic with Jasmine—Asia's pretty much represented already. Plus, Japan and India haven't got their spots and I think they are more likely to be featured if there'll ever be more Princesses from Asia. So, if Indonesia can make it, I think it will happen like, in 20 years?

Then Moana came.

With her ocean spirit and maritime way of living, with her voyager ancestors and sea myths and mother nature—oh Lord, I swear, it was an indigenous Indonesian woman and culture that I saw.

Of course, Polynesia shares culture with us. We're just separated with the ocean, and our old men used to sail a lot so, it's no wonder that they look just like our people from eastern Indonesia.

But it's just too similar. Their physical appearance, their outfit, their houses, their boats, their value about coconut which all elements can be benefited—OMG IT'S WHAT I'VE ALWAYS LEARNED IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. Along the film all I did was gasping and whispering to myself, oh my God it is obviously Indonesia! or oh my God, it is what my people do! and in the end, I was just sitting there in silent, stressed, because that was it for my country to step up.

They will never create something so similar just to feature some new Princess from Indonesia. They will never use the ocean's approach again for their next Princesses, and guess what, ocean is Indonesia's best asset...

Well actually, if I should see things from the positive side, there's not even once in the film that they clearly stated where this Moana universe took place. So we Indonesians can actually claim that this one will be ours.

But let's not be shallow here. We all know that this lady is more like Hawaiian than Moluccan. And we know that the combination of ocean and lava is identically related to Hawaii.

So no matter how persistent and stubborn I want to be,

I know that I won't win it. Time's up for Indonesia.

However.

We also know that Indonesia possesses more culture than any other nations in this world. We know that ocean is the best asset, yes, but there are others we can highlight.

I think I'm just being too much here.

We can still make it into the Princess lineup.

So it's time, Indonesia.

To show the world what else we got

As for slacking off and goofing around,

Time's up

Kingsman: The Secret Service

After Lancelot's death by parties unknown to the Kingsmen, Arthur assembled his agents to find candidates for a replacement. Galahad, while in search of who's responsible for Lancelot's death, came with Eggsy, a bright distracted young man with potential, as his choice for the vacant position. As the journey to find the best successor takes place, Lancelot's true killer Richmond Valentine is scheming a destructive mind-blowing plan for mankind.

What did I feel right after? Well, before I start, I'd like to make a slightly little change. Usually, the review section of a movie I just watched will be written in Indonesian. Starting from this post, it'll be all in English so please, be fancy.

OKAY.

What did I feel right after? Mixed. It was entertaining, yet also gore. I hated how human bodies are easily chopped off in this cheerful world of Kingsman. But then again, it's brought with a happy approach so I was amused anyway. Three brief highlights; Samuel L. Jackson. I've always liked him because to me, he's always been a good man in a movie. Now that in this one he's the asshole, I hate him. Hats off to the man tho, because he can turn a fan to a hater. Then Colin Firth. I'm in love with him. Since Nanny McPhee. Yea, because of his British accent. And here in this movie, with all the suit and umbrella, damn, marry me! Last and the best, Sofia Boutella. From the first second of her scene, I, fell, in an instant love, with her. She's so fvcking gorgeous! And flexible, if you know what I mean. She's like the version of Rachel Berry I'd love to adore, rather than slap. Think I have a new idol.

After all, the whole story was great. It was not a typical action movie with typical villain motives. Trust me, Valentine's plan for the world, it's smart, it's out of the box, and I'm 100% sure that there's a little voice deep in your heart saying that you actually agree with him, and hope that his plan could someday be realized in our world :)

I'm kidding.

But not.

image soure: here

Mockingjay Part One

Katniss destroyed the 75th Hunger Games arena and was instantly rescued by District 13. Leaving Peeta who eventually got captured by The Capitol--wait, de javu, de javu... Think I've done this before... Oh ya! I did, but for the book. But I think it's the same so, I might wanna skip it.

So...

What did I feel right after? Actually, not "right after". More like, "during". And the answer to that is, I cried. During the movie, yes. Well I knew the story pretty well. As I re-read the book several weeks before the movie was released. I cried because I got carried away. Katniss' rebellion, I never thought it was that touching, before I saw J.Law on screen. She played the role beyond perfection. Her gesture, her face, her trembling body... I never completely agree that she suits well with Katniss Everdeen, before this movie. Then we have Alma Coin. Oh President Coin. I was more than grateful when they picked Julianne Moore for the role. Well I didn't expect her to play really well as what I inferred from the book, Coin is a cold-hearted bastard I couldn't even guessed how she actually is in real life. But Moore's versatility was really relieving to me and I was right! She played damn good.

And the whole movie was, I don't know, maybe I'm a little biased because I am a fan of the trilogy but, it was that mesmerizing. The terror, the pressure, it was just exactly what I felt when I read the book. Even more. Although some scenes from the book were removed but, with that kind of output, I don't even care if they kicked Gale out of the script.

But what trembled me the most, was something off the storyline. It's Philip Seymour Hoffman. Well to be honest I have no idea who he was until he appeared as Plutarch in Catching Fire. But then, maybe because I love character Plutarch itself, I felt like I really love this guy. Philip Seymour Hoffman. And seeing him all healthy, bright with positive smile all along the movie, it just broke my heart.

Well, well. Look at this.

In the world of Neverland blog I'm running, movie review should only consists one prologue paragprah in English, one review paragraph in Indonesian, and if necessary, a glimpse of closing statement in English. But look what I did today.

It just shows how much I love...

Katniss? J. Law? Plutarch? Philip?

No. Suzanne Collins

image source: here

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

A negative assets manager of Life Magazine Walter Mitty is requested to prepare negative 25 as the cover of the magazine's last issue. Worst thing comes when Walter and his man can't find the negative on the negroll. Seeing this as his responsibility, he plans to find Sean O'Connell, the never-actually-show-up photojournalist that sent him the roll, and collect negative 25 from him to soon be published.

What did I feel right after? Teary, and amazed. Teary. Karena, set tempat film ini adalah New York. Oke lotau apa masalah gue dengan kota yang satu itu -masih gabisa move on :'( Amazed. Karena, hmm, the movie's all about a journey. Literal journey. Greenland sampe Afghanistan, dan semuanya wisata alam. Gak mungkin sih, gue gabisa berenti bilang "wow" dengan mulut ternganga karena view nya sebagus itu. Semuanya tempat tempat yang sama sekali bukan travel wish list gue, namun satu hal yang pasti, setelah nonton film ini, soon kalo gue udah merupakan manusia yang senja dan udah jadi traveler pro -AMIN!- gue gabakalan gak datengin tempat tempat ini. Tapi kalo disuruh kesana sekarang... Yang ada gue malah nangis manggilin emak gue minta pulang -serem bro, sepi :(

image source: here

Get A Horse!

Mickey and Minnie went on a ride with their friends Horrace and Clarabelle. Clasically, big cruel antagonist Pete came to kidnap Minnie. Then there goes the rest of the story; Mickey attempted to rescue Minnie with the help of his friends, failed a little bit, came up with some good idea and poof! Pete's down and yes, I told you the whole story.

What did I feel right after? Thankful. It was only seven minutes long, and shown as the opening theatrical for Frozen but, I found it very, very appealing. Well why not? The scene was like the classic-est thing a Disney fan could ever enjoy the authentic piece of art of... Disney!

It simply brought me back to the first black and white episode of Mickey Mouse, the "Steamboat Willie". Similar plot, same exact characters. It was the first episode of a Mickey-and-friends cartoon compilation -I forgot the name of the CD- my dad bought me, then I watched it with my brothers, humming the tunes and mouthing the mini dialogues, laughing off the cliche jokes... Can I use some tissues here? I could cry now.

I enjoyed this one a lot. Feelin like an oldie when I was like the only one giggling along the classic humors -since every other audience inside the theater were like ten, fifteen years younger than me- but, umm to be honest, I'm proud.

Proud because I grew in such the best generation.

Proud because I could show those nowadays-children

The true essence of a cartoon

Image source: here

Catching Fire (Again)

After winning the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Ever--okay you know what, I've done this before. Please just read here if you want, it's not what I'm eager to talk about.

So...

What did I feel right after? Superior. Gue udah baca bukunya duluan kan, bahkan sampe buku ketiganya pun udah ludes. Jadi pas keluar dari bioskop, yang gue lakukan adalah melangkah angkuh dengan dagu yang naik. Sumpah ya, orang orang keluar studio pada diem kayak rombongan pelayat, trus berdiri gerombol sambil nanya nanya "itu tadi kok gitu sih?" ada juga yang komen "ah gue paling gasuka ending kayak gitu..." sementara gue udah tau kalo nanti President Snow bakal... Oke gue bisa mati dipanah kalo spoiler disini. Tapi gimanapun juga ya namanya udah ngefans, walopun sepanjang nonton gue selalu mendikte di dalam hati apa yang selanjutnya terjadi, gue tetep ngerasa terhibur. Hats off to the actors, bow to the director and his crew, but all credit goes to Suzanne Collins of course.

Tapi yang paling oke adalah deg degannya sih. Ngena parah, mulai dari sebelum, selama, sampe sesudah filmnya selesai. Gatau ya deg degan karena filmnya, plotnya, sinematografi, musik atau emang murni deg degan karena akhirnya setelah penantian satu setengah taun gue bisa nonton ini film juga -kayaknya sih deg degan karena alesan terakhir.

Dan sekarang mesti nunggu setaun lagi buat nonton Mockingjay. Okay that's fine. Setaun lagi gue udah kerja. Gatau sih yang pasti kehidupan gue baru karena bukan lagi mahasiswa.

Yaa I don't know. Anything's possible.

Like maybe, hopefully... I get to watch the movie

Straight down in Los Angeles?

Image Source: here

G.I. Joe: Retaliation

With the help of his remaining henchman Storm Shadow, the captured Cobra Commander had finally been released. Now with Zartan impostering the President, both of them will first terminate the G.I. unit by the name of the US government, and soon will rule the world.

What did I feel right after? Awalnya boring, menurut gue. Gue emang bukan penikmat film action tema tentara semacem ini. Tokohnya banyak, tapi monoton. Udah gitu ternyata di film itu, pangkat Chaning Tatum  -which I personally dislike- lebih tinggi daripada Dwayne Johnson. Ehm, halo? Masa iya The Rock dikalahin Dear John?! Tapi semua berubah setelah Tatum mati. Dwayne jadi komandan dan ceritanya tambah seru. Satu per satu tokoh cool nan unik muncul. Mulai dari unit Joe nya, maupun musuhnya. Trus yang paling seru lagi tuh pas presiden 8 negara nuklir diundang konferensi. Di bagian situ gue kayak ngebayangin gimana ya kalo nanti negara-negara ini beneran ngeluncurin nuklirnya trus perang lagi. Uuuu seru gasih???

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The Dark Night Rises

Despite his tarnished reputation after the events of The Dark Knight, in which he took the rap for Dent's crimes, Batman feels compelled to intervene to assist the city and its police force which is struggling to cope with Bane's plans to destroy the city.

What did I feel right after? Kusut parah!! So here's the deal. Gue nonton di PI sepulang kerja, sepulang buka puasa bersama Mpi Dindut Iedo Nisa Bulet Bajay Nikon. Karena gamau ngebebanin bokap, akhirnya ayahanda gue suruh pulang duluan aja dan helm gue pegang sendiri. Jam 8 malem, gue masuk studio. Sepuluh menit setelah menikmati empuknya bangku bioskop, dengan excitement luar biasa karena menurut semua orang yang udah nonton bilang kalo film ini epic parah, tiba-tiba dengan indahnya bokap nyuruh gue supaya sampe rumah sebelum jam 10 karena satu dan lain hal. Gue udah terlalu capek buat ngelawan, terlalu kecewa buat ngebantah. Yaudah, setelah Bruce Wayne ciuman sama Selina Kyle, gue nyelinep keluar seperti angin lalu.

Rough, eh?

So well, now you do know why I wrote that title.

Tonight's just darker than dark

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synopsis source: here

Men in Black III

After Boris the Animal succeeded releasing himself, he went back to the past and killed young K to avoid his arrest. This affected to the change of history afterwards and yet erasing K from the post 60's timeline. Agent J, which had partnered with K for 14 years is the only one noticing the disappearance of K. He then traveled back to the past and prevented the murder of his partner.

What did I feel right after? Tricked. Gausah nontonnya dulu deh, baca resensinya di atas aja udah bingung kan lo? Haha. Mikir sih emang filmnya tapi jujur, keren abiz. Yaiyalah, kalo gak keren ya gabakal gue post juga. Pokoknya segala yang berbau time traveling itu, menurut gue, selalu menarik. Karena sepanjang jalan pasti satu per satu semua keanehan yang muncul di awal film bakal kejawab. Dan satu lagi yang seru adalah ngikutin pertumbuhan tokohnya. Siapa yang nyangka, misalnya, agent K yang dingin dan pendiem itu ternyata dulunya banyak omong? Atau agent O, si pengganti Zed ternyata dulunya punya lover? Atau agent J ternyata dulunya makmur? Mau tau banget keselanjutannya? Nonton sendiri, jangan banyak nanya.

Because some wise men once said,

"Don't ask questions you don't want to know the answer to."

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Dark Shadows

Had love rejected, evil witch Angelique Bouchard cursed Barnabas Collins to be a vampire and trapped him inside a box for 200 years. After released, Barnabas searched for the remaining family members of his and reunited with the brand new Angelique. He also met a girl named Victoria Winters, whose figure was way too similar to his lover back then named Josette. To be able to win Barnabas' heart, Angie will cast all the spells and curses she has and do anything she desires, including destroys the Collins.

What did I feel right after? Entertained. Jujur plotnya, bagi gue, agak berantakan tapi kayaknya justru disitu seninya. Tim Burton gituloh. Pokoknya banyak kejutan dan kekocakan sepanjang film deh. Plus, I guess I've told you before, movies that consist lots of characters and family members could really win me. Dan satu lagi yang bikin gue sampe ngepost film ini di blog adalah karena main actornya itu Johnny Depp dan salah satu actressnya itu ada si Helena Bonham Carter. For me, those two are the god and goddess of casting art. Johnny Depp tau sendiri kan, segala macem jenis peran udah pernah dia lakuin. Nah Helena Bonham Carter ini menurut gue, adalah versi cewek si Depp. Sayangnya, peran doi disini cuma minor jadi gak muncul banyak. Padahal mantep tuh kalo dua duanya jadi jagoan. But still, I love the whole story.

"This was where a vampire made love to a witch
This was where the hero slept with the villain.
This was un-guess-able"

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New Year's Eve

By the end of the last day of 2011, Claire is in charge of the countdown ball and Brandon helps her. Ingrid wants to fulfill her resolutions and Paul is accompanying her. Hailey is stuck with her mom Kim, and tries to run away. Randy and Elise are trapped inside their apartment elevator. Jensen is trying to persuade his heart-broken ex-girlfriend Laura to join him on his tour. Seth is facing his last times before his death and Nurse Aimee stays by his side. At the same place there are Griffin and Tess, waiting for the born of their child yet on the same time competing with James for the first child bonus. And Sam, is in a rush to reach New York as soon as possible to be able to meet his lover. All these people have goals to be done before midnight. But clock can't wait.

What did I feel right after? Terharu. Gak nyangka aja bakalan sebagus itu. Konsepnya kan sejenis He's Just Not That Into You sama Valentine's Day, dan dua film itu biasa aja menurut gue. Nah gataunya yang satu ini oke banget. Soalnya momennya taun baru dan gak muluk muluk isinya cinta cintaan doang. Jadi yaa gak ngebosenin dan jatohnya malah merinding pas nonton hahaha. Apalagi ini film multiplot gitu kan. Jadi berkelit kelit dan rumit gimanaa gitu. Kita disuruh mikir juga, dan ada bagian bagian tertentu yang semacem "oooh, ternyata begini..." atau "oooh, ternyata dia itu anunya si ini..." dan gue suka yang kayak begini. Satu hal lagi, castnya banyak dan oke oke. Ah mantep lah pokoknya, gue suka!

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Ironclad

On the year of 1215, King John was forced by the rebel barons to sign the freedom right statement of Magna Carta. But as a king who is always thirst of throne and power, King John break his pledge and gather people to help him get back his power. He and his men then approach the castle of Rochester which place is strategic to occupy the southern England. But there, a Templar knight named Marshall and baron Albany with their men are ready to defend the castle and the freedom of the country.

What did I feel right after? Kaco haha. Jadi gue nonton sama Kidung dan Eda. Bukannya serius, yang ada malah lawak mulu. Padahal ini film isinya darah, tangan lepas, kepala potek, bla bla bla tapi lucu aja. Apalagi ada tuh si jabs Lady Isabel ya Allah udah ditolak ratusan milyar kali sama si Marshall tapi teteeeeeeeep aja teguh pendirian. Mana ada adegan bakar babi segala lagi yaelah gimana gamau tambah ngakak? Tapi overall, bagus kok filmnya. Sedih seneng seru marah semua ada dimari. Endingnya juga happy dan gak gantung. Dan plis, cermati penyebab kematian si bangsat King John. Dijamin terharu. Oke?

Faster

Driver was a driver of a bankrobber gang of his brother. After they succeeded robbing a bank, a gang ambushed them and killed all of them. Fortunately, Driver was saved from the death but due to his bankrobbing crime, he was sent to the prison. 10 years after, he's finally free. Now he's on his own mission to look for the gang members that murdered his brother and kill them all. But that's not that easy. There's a cop named Cop who chase after Driver's case, and there's also an assassin called Killer whose client wants Driver killed.

What did I feel right after? Puas. Haha entah kenapa perasaan ini selalu muncul kalo gue nontonin film tentang bales dendam. Ya iyalah, seru jir. Tapi emang rumit banget ceritanya. Nulis sinopsisnya aja ampe ribet sendiri gue. Dan si Driver, Cop sama Killer tuh emang itu nama mereka. Gue juga baru ngeh abis selesai nonton. Tapi brilian deh ide ceritanya. Banyak scene scene sama fact fact yang bikin penonton bilang, "Oooh, ternyata begini!" atau "Ya ampun! Ternyata dia orangnya!?" haha agak lebay sih gak segitunya juga, tapi begitu deh. Pokoknya oke deh nih film. Sadis-sadis menggigit gimanaaaaa gitu. Buruan ditonton!

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The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Sorcerer Merlin had three apprentices named Balthazar, Veronica and Horvath. Their villain Morgana, wanted to rise the dead armies and ruled the world. Horvath bethrayed his friends and with Morgana, he killed Merlin. Balthazar was about to fight, but Morgana was stronger. Veronica then sacrificed her body to had Morgana trapped inside and so Balthazar could keep them inside the doll of Grimhold. Once merlin said that he had a successor called Prime Merlinean and so, Balthazar began his journey to look for that kid; David Stutler.

What did I feel right after? Tertegun. Yah, ceritanya sih emang sedikit mudah buat ditebak tapi seru banget loh gatau kenapa. Sihir sihirnya oke, efeknya oke, ide ceritanya oke, pokoknya semuanya top deh. Dan entah kenapa gue ngeliat si David Stutler ini agak mirip gue. Bukan mukanya loh, tapi figur sama kesoktauannya aja sih yang agak mirip. Jadi sepanjang cerita gue ngerasa kalo tuh orang bener bener gue, jadinya yaaa gue kebawa cerita hahay. Yaa itu sih menurut gue haha. Pokoknya ini film super duper highly recommended deh. Buruan ditonton sebelom pada mulai kuliah!

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Transformers : Revenge of The Fallen

Sam Witwicky found a splinter of the destroyed AllSpark, which showed him the Cybertronian symbols when he touched it. These symbols led him to a place where the Primes buried a key named The Matrix of Leadership. On the other part of the galaxy, The Fallen, who had became stronger after the death of Optimus Prime, planned to get the key so he could be able to harvest the sun and destroy the human race. This forced Sam, with the help of Mikaela Banes, Agent Seymour Simmons, new friend Leo Spitz and the rest of the Autobots to get the key and resurrect Optimus before The Fallen.

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What did I feel right after? I really thank God that I still have a chance to see this film even it's been released for more than 2 weeks ago. Untung masih ada di bioskop. Kalo nggak, gw harus repot nyari DVD nya, trus nonton di rumah yang sound nya sudah pasti jauh lebih asik kalo nonton di bioskop. About the story? Well, it's interesting because there are new Autobots and Decepticons appeared. But after all, the thing I admired most of this movie was the graphic. Wow! I've always loved to see the transformations! Another two thumbs up for this week's movie then.

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Ice Age 3 : Dawn of The Dinosaurs

Manny and Ellie, were waiting for the birth of their first baby. Seeing this made Sid wanted to have his own babies. Then he found three dinosaur eggs and struggled to hatch them. Soon after the babies arrived, the real mother of theirs came after them and brought them all to their own world, the dinosaur's. This made Manny, Ellie, Diego, Eddie, Crash and Buck the 'tour leader' had to do a journey to save their friend.

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What did I feel right after? Laugh myself to death (lebay)! Serius konyol banget. Kalo udah mumet dan butuh hiburan, tongkrongin aja ni film. Yaa, emang gak semua bagian lucu sih, tapi kalo emang bener-bener kepepet pengen ketawa, langsung skip aja ke scene where Manny and friends trapped in the toxic vumes. Gilaaaaa, ngakak abis-abisan gw ampe air mata gw kering. Lucu parah parah parah. Tapi emang semua part of the movie menghibur kok. Great casts, smooth designs and amazing sceneries! Two thumbs up deh.

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