Kick-Ass

"Shut up. Kick-Ass." Interesting tagline from the independently budgeted superhero film taken from the comic with the same title (what a long introduction). The comic itself has just ended around 2 months before the US premiere of the movie. Guess what, it's a Marvel comics! Maybe it's not in the A-team rooster, but yeah Kick-ass definitely kick some ass with "unique" form of presentation. With Matthew Vaughn as the director, also with Brad Pitt as the producer.

A narration open and we can see a so-called superhero preparing to jump over a skyscraper. Then it turns to the life of Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) who is not a popular guy, average academic score, not a hardcore gamer, and has no girl. His love of comic books makes him thinks why there isn't anyone who try becoming a superhero. So he tries to put on a mask and scuba suit, naming his superhero, Kick-Ass. He's fell in love with Katie Deauxma (Lindsay Fonseca) who thinks he's gay, and when she complain about a drug dealer, he tries to serve the justice himself. Nearly getting killed, he's safe by Hit-Girl (Chloe Grace Moretz) with her father, Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage). Big Daddy himself was once a hero cop who gets framed by Frank D'Amico (Mark Strong) who become the main antagonist. His wife died, and he intended to do vengeance his style together with his daughter.

Hmm, it's sounds pretty superhero? Wait until you hear this part, there is no-one who have a superhero power. Yup, no superhuman strength, no invisibility, time warp, and so-called power who is given to a refugee from a doomed alien planet (quoting from Dave, you know who is it right?). So the superheroes are so human, just like Bruce Wayne minus his fancy tools.

Did I mention that is the most interesting part? No, it's not. You know what makes Kick-Ass kick ass? Gore. Yes, total violence, decapitation, blood, bones-breaking, immolation, you named it. That's why Matthew Vaughn funded the movie himself, every studio want to reduce the level of the violence. Good thing, he didn't. This thing makes both the comic and the movie rocks! Even it's not a prime Marvel heroes.

Last, "This film is not suitable for children, or any person who is against violence. And tells your anti-violence group also not to watch this. Blood and human parts are everywhere." 

You have been warned. Any personal mental injuries occurred after watching the movie is not the responsibility of Republic of Movie.

Robin Hood

"Rise, and rise again. Until lambs become lions." The inscription Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe) found on a sword. Robin Longstride is also known as Robin Hood who once again adapted into the big screen. Directed by the man behind Gladiator, Ridley Scott, who also directed many of epic movie, there is no doubt about this movie. Also, rejoining with him is Russell Crowe who perform magnificently in Gladiator as Maximus Decimus Meridius. Also, Cate Blanchett is casted on this movie to plays as Marion Loxley, the love interest of Robin Hood.

The film opens with a somekind of error, which the narration said "... the turn of the 12th century" which we'll see that the story take place at the 1200s so it should be 13th century. It followed back to France where Richard the Lionheart (Danny Huston) is returning from the Crusade, and on the way raiding the French castle. On his ranks there is a longbowman, Robin Longstride, who is wishing to return to England with some of his comrades. On the middle of a siege, King Richard got struck by a bolt and died soon after. Seeing opportunity, Robin and his friends escape through the forest. As later on they met a band of English knights carrying King Richard's crown ambushed by French legionnaire. A dying knight, Sir Robert Loxley (Douglas Hodge) asking Robin to bring back his father's sword to Nottingham, England. To cut the story short, they returned to England and went to Nottingham where Robin meets Robert Loxley's wife, Marion Loxley. After informing the news, soon spread the words that the barons from the North raises an army to oppose King John (Oscar Isaac) while from the South, the French troops arriving fast. Robin then realized his father's works and managed to unite the British man and also save Nottingham. Then they come face to face with the French and finally drive them back to the sea.

What? Confuse with the synopsis? Where's robbing from the rich, giving to the poor part? Well, as the movie poster said, Untold story behind the legend. So, it some kind of prequel before Robin Hood journeys as an outlaw with his fellow Merry Men.

Ridley Scott showed us his superiority in terms of directing a movie, the story was solid, although to some of us who read or learn about the fact get disappointed. Their missing some, or maybe many of the historical accuracies. One example, how could the French already invented the landing boat that was used on World War II in the 13th century (or maybe 12th century as the narrator said)? Or if Robin Hood is already at that age before being an outlaw, how long he can lead his Merry Men in the woods?

Besides all of the inaccuracies, or the lack of character development, Ridley Scott still did a good job. If you're okay with the strange history, or maybe just want to enjoy the epic works of Ridley Scott, this movie still serves you well.

Iron Man 2

"I'm Iron Man." That dialogue continues from the ending of the first Iron Man movie, where at that time Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) announced to the press that he is the Iron Man. That line is also repeated as the beginning for the sequel, Iron Man 2. Still with Jon Favreau as the director, and also with many casts from the original Iron Man except Terrence Howard who got replaced by Don Cheadle.


In Moscow, Anton Vanko is dying and he gave his son, Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke) the blueprint of the arc reactor which turned out to be invented together by Anton Vanko and Howard Stark (John Slattery), Tony Stark's (Robert Downey Jr.) father. Then Ivan Vanko built a weapon utilizing the arc reactor, in purpose to revenge on Stark, who he think has stolen his father's idea. In the United States, Stark is enjoying his popularity because of his Iron Man suit. And in the mean time, the government tries to take the suit from Stark's hands. And the one who is being tasked to take the suit is Tony Stark's friend, Lt. Colonel James Rhodes (Don Cheadle). Stark himself is holding the annual Stark Expo, and Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) being the competitor, tries to overthrown Stark out of business. As the story goes, Justin Hammer also turned out to be the primary antagonist. In Stark Industries, also come a new character, Natalie Rushman (Scarlett Johansson) who later on the story gave a significant roles. And Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) also back with more prominent role as he tries to make the "Avengers Initiative".

The movie will serve as a basis for many upcoming Marvel movies, since over here we've been introduce not only with Iron Man's friend, War Machine. But also, the other superheroes of Marvel which one by one will coming to the cinema. Who is it? Well I suggest you to watch Iron Man 2 and try to catch who is hinted in the movie. As from the rumors I read, somewhere around 2012, the Avengers movie will be true. Avengers itself is a group of Marvel superheroes, so expect the movie to have a pretty badass casts.

One more thing, Jon Favreau also make his appearance back in his movie. He plays Happy Hogan, Stark's personal bodyguard. Anyways, for closing words, Iron Man 2 maybe not as much of the action that Iron Man gave. But, Iron Man 2 serves you a lot more emotional part of being superheroes. And also this will be the bridge to many Marvel superheroes movies. A hint from me, don't leave the cinemas until the credits ends, an interesting scene. Also DJ AM aka Adam Goldstein making his final appearance on this movie, as he died at August 28, 2009. Rest in Peace!

Clash of the Titans

"The Clash Begins in 3D; Titan will clash." That are the tagline for Clash of the Titans, which is a remake of the 1981 film. Starring Jake Sully of the Avatar. I mean, the guy who play Jake Sully, Sam Worthington. And also Ralph Fiennes, Liam Neeson, and bond girl Gemma Arterton. There is also an actor who involved in another Bond's film, Mads Mikkelsen. The stars list sounds pretty convincing right?

A narration about the overthrowing of the Titans by their sons, Zeus (Liam Neeson), Hades (Ralph Fiennes), and Poseidon (Danny Huston), opens the movie. Then, the scene shifted to a fisherman, Spyros (Pete Postlethwaite), who rescued a coffin containing a baby and his dead mother. He adopt him, as the time pass by Perseus (Sam Worthington) grows as a strong man helping his adoptive father at the sea. Then he and his family see the Zeus statue being destroyed by the soldier of Argos. Suddenly, a group of devilish-faced harpies rises up from the sea and massacre the soldier. Then form a black cloud, which is Hades, who strikes Perseus's boat. His family was killed, and he's rescued by the surviving Argos. Then in the city palace, the king of Argos declared war with the Olympians. Hades comes and threat them to sacrifice Andromeda (Alexa Davalos) to the Kraken, or else the Kraken will destroy Argos. Perseus, who is a demi-god then sets forth on a quest to takes Medusa's head to defeat the Kraken. He is accompanied by a small group of soldier, led by Draco (Mads Mikkelsen) and also guided by Io (Gemma Arterton).

The CGI effects on the battles looks cool, some of them are the Medusa fight, and Pegasus flight scene. Sadly, the script only developed a small portion of the character development. Likes the Olympians, who almost do nothing except sitting in throne on their shiny armor. Also the Argos soldier, who has the potential to grow, lacks of character depth. And a spoiler for you, but I must tell you as this is pretty important, there is no Titans at all. Why they named it Clash of the Titans?

One pretty good thing, Louis Letterier, the director managed to optimized Gemma Arterton, both in her beauty and her acting skill. She looks magnificent in every angle shot. If you really wish to see Clash of the Titans in 3D, I suggest you not. Gemma Arterton's beauty can still be enjoyed in 2D.

How to Train Your Dragon

"Every creatures deserve to live. Even the scary-looking one." Well, I'm pretty confused in choosing what to use for opening line. So, I write one of the lessons I got after getting out of the cinema. After hit the big screen with Monster vs. Alien last year, DreamWorks Animation returns with How to Train Your Dragon, a computer-animated film. Based on the 2003 book, and directed by the guys behind Lilo and Stitch, Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois. Jay Baruchel, who hit the big screen with Tropic Thunder leads the cast together with Gerard Butler and Ugly Betty's America Ferrara.

The story takes place in a Viking village, who periodically raided by dragons. All of the villagers, men and women, are trained to kill dragons. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is the son of Stoic (Gerard Butler), who is the village chief, he always wanted to become a dragon hunter just like the others. But, he never made it. He always ruins the dragon hunting event. So, his father places him under the surveillance of the village's blacksmith and veteran warrior, Gobber the Belch (Craig Ferguson). In one raid, Hiccup tries to shot a dragon with a cannon and apparently did it. Nobody in the village trust him. And he ran off to the forest searching the dragon he apparently shot. Later, he found a dragon trapped with his shot, and identified the dragon as the Night Fury. A dragon which no one has ever faced, a very powerful dragon. Hiccup felt pity on the Night Fury, and let it go. Curious, he followed the dragon, and slowly become friend. On his quest, he also always tried to hook on a beatiful, yet powerful dragon-hunter girl named Astrid (America Ferrara).

The story flows so smoothly, the emotional moments also delivered in a brilliant way. Nice voice-over acting by the cast, and a really beautiful animation. It proves that animation film is still a giant powerhouse on the industry. And not like the other animation, you'll get a surprise at the end of the movie. The 2D version is already a big blow, and if you have a 3D cinema near your neighbors, you should definitely watch the 3D version, it will pack a huge blow for you.

Daybreakers

"2009, a virus carried by bats slowly turns human population into vampires." You can now enjoy your beer, as it is not really happens. Because if it is really happened, you'll be craving for blood right now, as you reading my post. Anyway, back to the case. That sentence become the background of the Spierig Brothers' Daybreakers, a science fiction with a touch of horror. Ethan Hawke sits as the main cast. Yes, you already seen him at the 1997 film, Gattaca. So at least he got a background to the the stuff.

Edward Nelton (Ethan Hawke) is a vampire-hematologist who works for Bromley Marks, a pharmaceutical company who supplies the United States needs for bloods. It is 2019 and the virus almost turned every living people on earth into a blood-drinker vampire.The blood came from a facility that serves like a big farm, with the human as their sheep. As the human numbers goes dwindling, Nelton believe that there is a blood substitute that can be use for replacing human blood. On his ways home, he saves a group of human led by Audrey (Claudia Karvan) from getting caught. It turned out that the last living people who hasn't turned into vampire, gathered up. Audrey then invited Nelton, as he seems not a blood-lover, to meets the rest of the group. Their being led by Elvis (Willem Defoe), a former vampire who return into his former human-self. And then the quest for the blood-substitute, or maybe even the cure starts.

Daybreakers gave us a fresh air into the sci-fi horror genre, as we haven't see a lot of them around lately. A well performance delivered by Ethan Hawke, and not forget to mention the solid performance of Willem Defoe, combine with the Spierig Brothers equal a worth-to-watch movie. The story is also good, original as far as I know. And it gave us a glimpse of future, if somehow there is a virus carried out by bats. We all gonna work at the night, and driving using eye-cam at the morning. So maybe you can start to search for a protective sunglasses, who knows? Maybe there are already vampires, right behind you.

Up in the Air

"Men got such hardons from putting their names on things. You guys don't grow up. It's like you need to pee on everything." A memorable quote from one of the most memorable movie, Up in the Air. Directed by Jason Reitman who also delivered the award-winning Juno. And here comes the greatest George Clooney's performance so far. Up in the Air is based on a novel with the same name, written by Walter Kirn in 2001.

Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) is a corporate downsizer expert who fly around United States to fire peoples. He rarely found himself at home, for him the lounge, the cheap sushi, and the light at the edge of the airplane wings tells him he's home. He also finds his time to deliver motivational speech, telling people how relationships are dragging their life. On his way, he met a middle-aged woman, Alex (Vera Farmiga) who turned out to be a frequent flyer just like him. They started to do a relationship everytime their schedule come across. Then come a young bright girl, Natalie (Anna Kendrick) who want to cut company expense by doing the downsizing online. Her boss, Craig (Jason Bateman) tells her to stick with Ryan as his pupil. On their trip, Natalie found out that Ryan's personal goal is to achieve ten million frequent flyer miles. She gets confused to the way Ryan think about relationship, as he really doesn't want one. As the time goes on, Ryan found out that he can't live on like that. He said, "If you think about it, your favorite memories, the most important moments in your life... were you alone? Life's better with company."

Up in the Air really tells us how important relationship is. We just cannot enjoy our lives alone. There are a lot of things to share. And Jason Reitman successfully deliver the message. In a very brilliant way. And in this movie also we saw how important the roles of family in the hard times, even it is only shown in such a little time it still done the job.

This is the movie that you want to watch, or even collect the DVD or Blu-ray. You won't be disappointed with it, especially with George Clooney's performance. And remember to watch it with someone, cause life's better with company.