There goes April, the month where this blog celebrated its 3rd birthday this year. But aside from taking some of my friends to a viewing room, I also posted 40 Things I Love About Up in The Air (2009) for the blog’s anniversary.
We’re now waiting for the results of LAMMY 2013. My FYC (For Your Consideration) Banner actually made it to Quarter Finals! Thank you sooo much for everyone who have voted for me. Apparently the FYC Banner I hoped to win, And So it Begins, lost to Life vs Film (I lost from him too, well played!). It was fun being part of the finals (and the LAMMYs). I guess we’re now just waiting for the big result. I hope the best one wins!
In the end of April, I’m anticipating for Europe on Screen 2013. They are earlier this year to match Europe’s big day also. I’m currently preparing some stuff to see the event. And I’ll share the films I’m hoping to see in the next post.
I think this month’s big movie is Iron Man 3. I did catch up Iron Man and Iron Man 2 (yes, I just saw both this month, apparently I can keep up, a little proud there). But no, I haven’t seen the latest Tony Stark movie. I’m hoping to see it soon.
Thankfully, I have no internet last weekend, so I managed to create Inspired Ground’s new logo. Let’s pray I have time to change the theme. But if not, I’ll only change the header and background, and of course the logo.
This is the reviews we’ve posted this month :
- The Sapphires (2012)
- Heathers (1988)
- Funny Games (1997)
- Oblivion (2013)
Other features posted this month :
- Fashion > ’80′s High School : Breakfast Club (1989)
- Soundtrack Pick : Oblivion (2013)
- Inspired By #2 : Iconic Movie Scenes, Charlie Chaplin & Links
This is the top movies I’ve seen this April :
The Sapphires, Funny Games & Heathers Oddly, half of the best movies I’ve seen in April was rather violent, unlike my regular taste. But I have to say the style of these movies are refreshing and irregular, so they just stand out.
The Sapphires is a heartwarming story about sisters and singing, they are in my top 2012 movies. All of them have the same score. Though I love
The Third Man, but the detective theme isn’t my favorite. But that doesn’t mean the movie is bad, it is unique definitely! Read my mini review below.
And here’s the mini reviews of the movies I’ve seen first time this April :
The Croods (2013)
The Croods surprisingly is a delightful adventure family movie. It has its suspense on living in a transitional Earth era. The way the dad tries to protect the family is heartwarming, thus understandable the way Eep, the lead character, have a big curiosity to the outside cave world. Aside from the breathtaking nature scenery and excellent animation, this latest Dream Works movie also have a big moral message on living and getting out from your shell. I didn’t noticed that it was Emma Stone’s voice as Eep, there’s also Nicolas Cage as Grug and Ryan Reynolds as Guy, Eep’s crush. Did I mention how beautiful the animation is (the texture, the depth, the movement)? A good family movie, funny and engaging.
Movie Score : 4 Stars | Recommended
Stoker (2013)
With a regular mind-playing on thriller movies, it lead us to such conclusion that Charlie the uncle is a mysterious and dangerous man.
Stoker is actually a simple thriller for its genre and didn’t have many surprises. What made it different is the cinematography and the editing. They aren’t really linear, but it carefully inserted another scene in the present scene, but it somehow worked. It’s hard to edit and combine those for sure. But Mia Wasikowska actually nailed it as the odd teen girl, cold and in the age of finding her own identity. Her chemistry with Matthew Goode is excellent. This is also a stylish movie, loving the outfits!
Movie Score : 3,5 Stars
The Third Man (1949)
There’s always a reason why a movie made it to IMDB Top 250. I was fooled by the DVD cover, thinking that it’s a heavy thriller movies or perhaps horror. It’s not. It’s actually more cheerful than I thought. Thanks to the humorous music, this detective movie felt more hilarious. I haven’t seen much of a film-noir, but it’s definitely neat and stylish; the way they dress, the plot and the dialogues and of course the gorgeous looking lead actor and actress. Quite a cinematic experience. Thankfully it doesn’t have a cliched ending, which makes it far more memorable.
Movie Score : 4 Stars | Recommended
The Master (2012)
Contains great performances of Joaquin Phoenix, especially Phillip Seymour Hoffman, but nothing much else sticks in mind. There’s a lot of stories left hanging and unclear, I think it’s more of telling someone’s life story rather than making a message. I think Amy Adams was good, but it’s not her best performance. It’s the best Hoffman’s performance I’ve ever seen.
Movie Score : 3,5 Stars
Frankenweenie (2012)
Such gothic animated movie Burton style, pretty sweet how a boy couldn’t get passed on the fact that his loving dog is dead. I’m not too fond of the fantasy plot turned out, but it’s an okay teen movie for Halloween.
Movie Score : 3,5 Stars | Recommended
Iron Man (2008)
Entertaining and have its depth, thanks to Robert Downey Jr. and his chemistry with the lovely Gwyneth Paltrow. It has proven that it’s not only great in action and visuals, but also Stark’s background as a rich and genius man. I think part of why Tony Stark is loved is because he’s a multi-talented guy and he knows it, sometimes being self-centered and perhaps spoiled makes him not-so-perfect superhero. Of course, all in addition of Downey’s humorous spontaneous lines.
Movie Score : 3,5 Stars | Recommended
Iron Man 2 (2010)
It’s nice seeing Scarlett Johannsen on action and tough, Samuel Jackson and Gwyneth Paltrow as the woman in charge. It was not as good as the first, but better on the visual effects and action. Mickey Rourke was really good as the villain, very much ‘cooked’ as the fearful mysterious man.
Movie Score : 3 Stars | Recommended for action/superhero lovers
Holy Motors (2012)
Most of the movie I spent trying to figure Oscar’s profession. But in the end, I still was not sure I figure it out. But what made it interesting, I did not stop watching.
Holy Motors was intriguing and have a beautiful engaging visual. If in 2011 I was puzzled by
Tree of Life, then
Holy Motors is the 2012 version. Denis Lavant as Oscar was like a chameleon, he can be anything, quite a tremendous actor. It was interesting to see Eva Mendes there, as the kidnapped supermodel, she wasn’t bad (as I thought, sorry). And Kylie Minogue was there, singing a song, and she was a delight addition.
Movie Score : 3,5 Stars
Rewatch
Easy A (2010) and
Castaway on the Moon (2009), one is hilarious and the other is just beautiful film. I still loved
Castaway, but seeing Emma Stone in
Easy A just made me remember her performance in
The Help (2011). Let’s hope she improves in Cameron Crowe’s latest film! Go, Emma.
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So, readers, what’s the best movie you’ve seen in April? And the worst? Have you watched enough good movies in 2013 yet?
