- Saturday, December 12, 2015
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Top 10 Hollywood Films (2005-2015)
#1: WALL-E (2008)
Film Name: Wall-E
Year Released: 2008
Year Released: 2008
Director: Andrew Stanton
Main Cast: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Pixar
Worldwide Box-Office Gross: US$521,311,860
Brief synopsis (in 50 - 100 words max):
WALL-E was short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-class. He was the last robot left on earth and he spends his day tidying and cleaning up the planet. But during 700 years, he spots EVE after developing a personality and he was no longer a little lonely. Eve was a sleek and shapely probe sent back to Earth on a scanning mission. Wall-E has started his greatest adventure as he follows EVE across the galaxy.
Why this movie rocks (describe in 100 words):
This movie is more than a kids’ movie! Every pixar film has been widely known for being primarily for kids but Wall-E is a bit different in this aspect. This movie has deal a message widely against humanity and the simple story of a lonely robot. It has geared towards every audiences not just kids. There is a lot of heart and feeling that older audiences will pick up on. The story is so simple at the core that you immediately get what the film is trying to tell you from the first watch and no analysis is needed while there are some movies that handle the core very well but it can become a bit of a chore.
Best scene:
The best scene of this movie would be when Wall-E go back the truck he lives in and he’s still by himself. You don’t really know what’s going on when there is no other character showing up but you’ve had some clue about what may happened next and the fact that he is watching Hello Dolly and dancing a little bit with it. You suddenly learnt his personality from watching it that he’s charming but it’s so lonely and desolate at the same time. This scene really captures a lot of different things that the movie is about.
#2: Life of Pi (2012)
#2: Life of Pi (2012)
Film name: Life of Pi
Year Released: 2012
Director: Ang Lee
Main Cast: Suraj Sharma (Pi Patel, age 16), Iffran Khan (Adult ver. Pi Patel), Ayush Tandon ( Pi, age 11), Gautam Belur (Pi, age 5)
Studio:Haishang Films, Dune Entertainment, Fox 2000 Pictures, Ingenious Media
Worldwide Box-Office Gross: US$609,016,565
Brief synopsis (in 50 - 100 words max):
After deciding to sell their zoo in India and move to Canada, board a freighter with their children and a couple remaining animals. A terrible storm sinks the ship and leaving his son Pi, as the only human survivor. However, a fearsome Bengal tiger has also found refuge aboard the lifeboat with Pi. As days turn into weeks and weeks drag into months, Pi and the tiger must learn to trust each other if both are to survive.
Why this movie rocks (describe in 100 words):
The reasons why this movie rocks is this movie it's more like a survival movie and it is not all about friendship. It is all about faith. It focus on the idea of survival and spirituality, which gratefully helps Pi keep hope and optimism during these gruelingly unforgiving days.The character in this movie was amazing and yet so important at the same time, it is so obvious that we are watching the same character for almost 2 hours but this great character has appeals to the audience feelings. This movie is undoubtedly a cinematic achievement in terms of visual effects and images. Some of the images were so beautiful that the audiences would gasped at many of them.
Best scene:
The best scene of this movie would be when Richard Parker is introduced to young Pi. Young Piscine urges his sibling Ravi to offer him some assistance with calling the tiger in their zoo. Ravi tries to persuade Pi that it is unsafe however he bravely takes a bit of crude meat in his grasp and shouts to Richard parker. The tiger walks towards Pi and just before anything else happens, Pi’s father comes rushing to save Pi. else obviously the tiger would have gnawed off his hand with the meat. At that point to show him the lesson that creatures are distinctive, he binds a goat to the bars and the tiger executes and drags off the prey. This scene has leave a lasting impression on us.
Film name: Inception
Year Released: 2010
Director: Christopher Nolan
Main Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Dileep Rao
Studio: Warner Bros.
Worldwide Box-Office Gross: US$825,532,764
Brief synopsis (in 50 - 100 words max):
In the dangerous world of dream extraction, Dom Cobb is the best in the business. He steals valuable information and secrets by entering the minds of the subconscious. But the world of extraction is an unforgiving place and Cobb ends up losing everything he cares about. However, he seizes a chance at redemption – to not steal ideas from the mind but to plant one. Gathering a team of specialists, they begin to prepare. But there is one thing Cobb never told his team – a shadow of Cobb’s that could just jeopardize it all.
Why this movie rocks (describe in 100 words):
Inception begs an interesting question – what will happen if people could access one another’s dreams? While the plot may seem simple, Inception is complex – challenging viewers to follow and providing elaborate information. The film is a thinker and not for the tired mind. Nolan succeeds in balancing the emotions and action, while also providing breath-taking visuals as a backdrop. The ensemble cast provides flawless performances in the film, the most noteworthy being by Leonardo DiCaprio. Overall, while Inception may be complex as a whole, it all comes together seamlessly and be on your mind for a while.
Best scene:
In the last several minutes of the film, Cobb returns home as a free man and to his family. Before meeting his children, he spins his top, his totem, an object that can differentiate dreams from reality. However, he leaves to greet his family, leaving the top to spin on its own before cutting to black. While many of the scenes in the film makes viewers question and analyse, it is the final and opened-ended scene that leaves the most important question – is the ending all a dream or is Cobb finally reunited with his family. The top is shown to wobble slightly, a sign that it could be real, before the film ends. If the top is to spin on, it is a dream. The top has been argued that it is not Cobb’s but his wife’s. His totem is his wedding ring, which is notably absent in the end. This simple scene is compelling enough to confuse, ignite debates and spark emotions among viewers all at the same time. Whether it is a dream or not, Cobb’s journey is over, having succeeded in his task. He can finally return to his children and live in peace. And it is all portrayed in such a beautiful way.
#4: Whiplash (2014)
#4: Whiplash (2014)
Film name: Whiplash
Year Released: 2014
Director: Damien Chazelle
Main Cast: Miles Teller, J. K. Simmons
Studio: Sony Pictures
Worldwide Box-Office Gross: US$48,982,041
Brief synopsis (in 50 - 100 words max):
All nineteen-year-old Andrew Neiman wanted is to be one of the greatest jazz drummers. Terence Fletcher is a famed and respected conductor in Shaffer Conservatory of Music, who invites Andrew to join his studio band one day. However, Andrew learns that Terence instils fear and intimidation in the hearts of his students by physically and mentally abusing them. Nevertheless, Andrew still strives to be the best, taking in every hit and insult hurled at him. But how much more can he take before he crumbles?
Why this movie rocks (describe in 100 words):
Intense and powerful, Whiplash portrays a toxic relationship between a teacher and his student, with the main theme being – how much is too much? Miles Teller impresses, portraying the downward spiral of the resilient and ambitious Andrew. However it is the terrifying J.K. Simmons as conductor Fletcher who steals the show, performing with such ferocity but also, vulnerability that makes audiences question whether he is a monster or just misunderstood. With a marvellous soundtrack, great screenplay and beautiful cinematography, Whiplash is controversial but yet, memorable.
Best scene:
In the final scene, Andrew is publicly humiliated by Fletcher for getting him fired. While embarrassed at first, Andrew returns and takes over the show. Furious at first, Fletcher reluctantly follows but changes his mind when Andrew enters an extravagant drum solo, giving him a nod of acceptance and approval. The scene ends abruptly with Andrew finishing his scene, finally acknowledged. The ending paints Andrew and Fletcher’s power play relationship in its climatic end, while also leaving the aftermath open-ended. It leaves the impression that Andrew has finally won the ‘game’, managing to prove Fletcher wrong while also giving the man a taste of his own medicine. However, it is also debatable that Andrew gave up his humanity to ‘win’. He resolves to stoop to Fletcher’s level after being humiliated, exacting his revenge the same way. Andrew went to the dark side and decidingly rather ‘die drunk, broke at thirty-four’ and remembered than ‘live to be rich and sober at ninety’ and forgotten. This scene is beautiful in its own way because it portrays a young man losing his sanity very subtly. This downward spiral is not blatant. It is disguised under his will to succeed.
#5: Up (2009)
Film name: Up
Year Released: 2009
Director: Pete Docter
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Pixar
Worldwide Box-Office Gross: US$293,004,164
Brief synopsis (in 50 - 100 words max):
Carl Fredricksen , a 78-year-old balloon salesman, is about to fulfill a lifelong dream. Tying thousands of balloons to his house, he flies away to the South American wilderness. But curmudgeonly Carl's worst nightmare comes true when he discovers a little boy named Russell is a stowaway aboard the balloon-powered house.
Why this movie rocks (describe in 100 words):
The reason why this movie rocks is that the emotional impact of the beautiful, wordless summation of Carl's life that opens the movie. There are a lot of scene that is breathtaking on just about every level, especially the tactile quality of all the characters and textures. What makes Up so well, is the focus on few character. Up spends its majority with Carl, Russell, a "bird" named Kevin and a talking dog named Dug. It does allow for more characters to enter in later on, but the focus never strays from these main characters.
Best scene:
The best scene of this movie is the Ellie and Carl’s relationship through times. It's amazing how much emotion you can make with fictional, animated characters in 4 minutes and 19 seconds with no dialogue! It's all in the music. This scene told us a better love story in 4 minutes than others movie.
#6: Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
#6: Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
Film name: Inside Llewyn Davis
Year Released: 2013
Director: Joel and Ethan Coen
Main Cast: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund, F. Murray Abraham
Studio: CBS Films
Worldwide Box-Office Gross: US$32,935,319
Brief synopsis (in 50 - 100 words max):
Down-on-luck folk singer Llewyn Davis is at a crossroads. With guitar in hand and no home to call his, he struggles against unconquerable hurdles while desperately trying to make it big in the music industry. Follow a week in the life of unfortunate Llewyn as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene in the hostile winter of 1961. From unpredictable cats to sudden pregnancies, Llewyn has his hands full – and it may just be the beginning.
Why this movie rocks (describe in 100 words):
Darkly humoured and sharply honest, Inside Llewyn Davis is a slice-of-life, regaling a week in the life of an unfortunate soul in a very humanistic way. The protagonist Llewyn Davis is multi-layered, a character viewers both sympathise and loathe. Lead actor Oscar Isaac portrays Llewyn with such brilliance, instilling a mix of bitterness and pride in him. Furthermore, the soundtrack that accompanies the film is beautiful and moving, sung with much emotion by the cast. The story itself is brutally forthright, moody and relentless but realistic. With stunning cinematography and a close-knitted script, this film is hard-hitting but nevertheless arresting.
Best scene:
Llewyn is invited to dinner by his old friends, the Gorfeins, after trying to return their pet cat who had escaped their apartment earlier in the day. He behaves ill-mannerly towards the Gorfeins’ guests and is later asked to play Fare Thee Well (Dink’s Song), a song he recorded with his old musical partner, Mike, who had committed suicide. Llewyn reluctantly plays. However, he becomes angered when Mrs Gorfeins begins to sing the harmony – Mike’s part. He snaps and insults the Gorfeins and their guests, causing Mrs Gorfeins to leave the dinner table crying. This scene is heartbreaking and powerful at the same time. Llewyn shows his unlikable side in this scene, portrayed as brusque and insensitive, tired with the hectic happenings that has occurred. He also seems to be high-strung over the subject of Mike, his previous musical partner who had previously committed suicide or anything related to him. In the film, Mike is hardly mentioned but he has a great impact in the film. Even if he was or referenced, Llewyn is shown to be impassive on the outside but is actually in pain. This shows that Llewyn has not come in terms of Mike’s death and is still grieving. Some people do not show their grief openly and instead hides it under bitterness and anger. When the subject is brought up, they would lash out, recoil or try to brush it off. This is what humans do. And that is what Llewyn has done. He is only human after all. While Llewyn may seem to be dislikable and narcissistic at times, he is actually just upset and tired. And this scene shows his more vulnerable side, which many do not see him as such.
#7: Skyfall 007 (2012)
Film name: Skyfall
Year Released: 2012
Director: Sam Mendes
Main Cast: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Bérénice Lim Marlohe , Albert Finney , Judi Dench
Studio: Eon Productions
Worldwide Box-Office Gross: US$1,109 million
Brief synopsis (in 50 - 100 words max):
007 becomes M's only ally as MI6 comes under attack, and a mysterious villain emerges with a diabolical plan. James Bond's latest mission has gone horribly awry, resulting in the exposure of several undercover agents, and attack on M16. Meanwhile, as M plans to relocate the agency, emerging Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee Mallory raises concerns about her competence while attempting to usurp her position, and Q becomes a crucial ally. Now the only person who can restore M's reputation is 007. Operating in the dark with only field agent Eve to guide him, the world's top secret agent works to root out an enigmatic criminal mastermind named Silva as a major storm brews on the horizon.
Why this movie rocks (describe in 100 words):
I think the reason of this movie rocks is Daniel Craig (James Bond) is visibly different from the secret agent who so memorably emerged from the sea in a pair of tight-fitting swimming trunks in Casino Royale. But Craig’s Bond is also prepared to visit some pretty dark places, who is a character who drinks too much, is physically out of shape and is haunted by his past. When he comes back from the dead and has to pass a series of tests to be declared fit again for active service, there is real doubt that he’s up to it.
Best scene:
One of the best scene in this film is, for as a desperate Bond throws open the doors of a dingy London lock-up garage, there is the iconic, metallic grey, A-reg Aston Martin DB5, the gadget-packed vehicle that goes right back to the Bond films’ origins in the early Sixties.
Look out, too, for the moment when Bond, who is survived bullets, grenades and crashing Tube trains, suddenly reaches breaking point.
He may be a top secret agent, but nobody touches his classic car, above.
#8: The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Film name: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Year Released: 2005
Director: Andrew Adamson
Main Cast: William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, Liam Neeson, Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent, Ray Winstone, Dawn French
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures, Walden Media
Worldwide Box-Office Gross: US$745million
Brief synopsis (in 50 - 100 words max):
During the World War II bombings of London, four English siblings, who are Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are sent to a country house where they will be safe. One day Lucy finds a wardrobe that transports her to a magical world called Narnia. After coming back, she soon returns to Narnia with her siblings. Then, they meet the people of Narnia and they join the magical Lion, Aslan, in the fight against the evil White Witch, Jadis.
Why this movie rocks (describe in 100 words):
The reason why this movie rocks is because of this is a great movie with great values based on a classic book. It is action-packed, funny, and all-around awesome. There is one extended battle scene like stabbing, swordplay, arrows and one brief bombing scene at the start. It is implied that Aslan, the magical lion attacks the White Witch and some creatures are turned to stone. Aslan is stabbed with a knife, but is soon resurrected. All of the violence is bloodless if compare with those action movies nowadays.
Best scene:
For me, The Battle of Beruna Begins is the best scene in this film. I really like the parts in it when the cats attack, Orieus and the rhino charge, Edmund gets stabbed, and when Peter fights the Witch. My heart always stopped when she stabs Edmund and when she's twirls the sword when Peter is looking up at her. Best scene:
#9: Tangled (2010)
Film name: Tangled
Year Released: 2010
Director: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard
Main Cast: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna
Murphy, Byron Howard, Nathan Greno
Studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Worldwide Box-Office Gross: US$586,581,936
Brief synopsis (in 50 - 100 words
max): The magically
longhaired Rapunzel, the missing daughter of Queen and King, has spent her
entire life in a tower. But now that a runaway thief, Flynn Rider has stumbled
upon her, she is about to discover the world for the first time. They run to
silly mishaps and engage in a sing-along adventure.
Why this movie rocks (describe in
100 words): First,
this movie is a family movie. Kids enjoy watching it as well as adults. The
characters in this movie are hilarious. Moreover, the animation of this movie
is cleanly and beautifully produced. The details of the animations are very
well made. Songs made for this movie are catchy that made the audiences want to
dance and sing along too. Well, this movie is a beautiful love story. The
chemistry and emotion that Rapunzel and Flynn have was truly amazing. Sadly,
the ending of the movie slightly depressing. The movie is very original.
Best scene: Best scene of this movie is when
Rapunzel and Flynn went on a boat and watch the lanterns float in the air on
Rapunzel’s 18th birthday. It was at night and everyone celebrated the long-lost
princess’ birthday by letting the lanterns go.
#10: The Vow (2012)
Film name: The Vow
Year Released: 2012
Director: Michael Sucsy
Main Cast: Rachel Adams, Channing Tatum, Sam
Neill, Jessica Lange
Studio: Spyglass Entertainment
Worldwide Box-Office Gross: US$196,114,570
Brief synopsis (in 50 - 100 words
max): A newlywed
couple, husband, Leo and wife, Paige comes out of a movie theater. On their way
home, they met into a horrible accident where a truck rams their car from
behind. Both of them are rushed to the emergency room. Leo was fine but Paige
has a memory lost. Paige does not remember her memories of the past few years.
She does not even remember her husband and why is she married to him. Despite
all these difficult obstacles, Leo determined to renew their bond and rebuild
their marriage.
Why this movie rocks (describe in
100 words): This
movie rocks because it is inspired based on a true story. This movie touched
the audiences’ heart and made some of them cried while watching it. Audiences
try to put themselves in Leo’s shoes and felt sorry for him. Leo, as a husband,
who is so in love with Paige, did not give up in trying to help his wife to
regain her memory back. Not all people will want to do this. Also, this movie
contains a lot of scenes where people who like to watch romantic movies enjoy
and felt the emotions. Furthermore, the places in this movie are very
beautiful.
Best scene: This whole movie is beautiful and
there are many scenes that caught my attention. The best scenes in this movie
are when Leo tries to do everything for Paige to regain her memory back, but
none of them worked. In the end, Leo still managed to win Paige’s heart and
they got back together and live happily.
Writers: Jasmine, Yin Wei, Sara, Daphne
References:
1. http://eve.ohmydarling.org/plantex.jpg
2. http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BNTg2OTY2ODg5OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODM5MTYxOA@@._V1_SX640_SY720_.jpg
3. http://www.chicagonow.com/hammervision/files/2013/05/Up-movie-picnic_610.jpg
4. http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMjAxNjcyNDQxM15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNzU2NDA0MDE@._V1_SX640_SY720_.jpg
5. http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTSNSk0M1z_CZ1UKTnfE2nHmk4Oxqh_gKO0dAHZHwrfLX6D9Y4s
6. http://amycblake.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe-profile.jpg
7. http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSukZhxL8HfXfR5r-yCxq6Ct4Er8yx6juL8P3lvuHn42XdxF7JH
8. http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS_IwW5-_mWA1PXiPG4qEhLC6Q3vntQd7Bzgs_YE7HHFifItn2T
9. http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRo9vfJCM6dzPkZHIHBVCtlJnAnew9Ai26kEdrli0-tfmatmciD
10. http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQgW23k2e4c0BEb-9ud-iQgN3mL04wZlaePgFm0RQ5bhNWH86Ak
Writers: Jasmine, Yin Wei, Sara, Daphne
Researchers: Jasmine, Yin Wei, Sara, Daphne
Editors: Jasmine, Yin Wei, Sara, Daphne
References:
1. http://eve.ohmydarling.org/plantex.jpg
2. http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BNTg2OTY2ODg5OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODM5MTYxOA@@._V1_SX640_SY720_.jpg
3. http://www.chicagonow.com/hammervision/files/2013/05/Up-movie-picnic_610.jpg
4. http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMjAxNjcyNDQxM15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNzU2NDA0MDE@._V1_SX640_SY720_.jpg
5. http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTSNSk0M1z_CZ1UKTnfE2nHmk4Oxqh_gKO0dAHZHwrfLX6D9Y4s
6. http://amycblake.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe-profile.jpg
7. http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSukZhxL8HfXfR5r-yCxq6Ct4Er8yx6juL8P3lvuHn42XdxF7JH
8. http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS_IwW5-_mWA1PXiPG4qEhLC6Q3vntQd7Bzgs_YE7HHFifItn2T
9. http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRo9vfJCM6dzPkZHIHBVCtlJnAnew9Ai26kEdrli0-tfmatmciD
10. http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQgW23k2e4c0BEb-9ud-iQgN3mL04wZlaePgFm0RQ5bhNWH86Ak
- Tuesday, November 24, 2015
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