DAY NINE: INCEPTION WHAT?

It's Day Nine on the Blogathon Word Count.

Today, I am going to feature one movie that has been in my must-watch list since last August. I mean, it's a full year of wait - the movie will only be released this mid of July and the wait seems forever.

The movie is none other than Inception, a high concept science fiction plus heist thriller that will certainly make you on the edge of your seats. Back when the day when nothing about it been detailed off, one cannot guess what on earth this movie is all about. But it was supremely majestic and mysterious. One cannot discount what Christopher Nolan, the director for breathtaking and mind-blowing stories like Memento, The Prestige, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight; has done over the years. Nor one should discount his ability to chalk up something different, something original that has never been attempted before.

Here is the trailer of the movie that has made me continuously eager to watch and I want it badly. Go for the mind-twisting and recreation of dream now:

DAY TWO: SOME THOUGHTS ON IRON MAN 2

This is going to be a long review. Do bear with me and remember that this post may contain spoilers!

IRON MAN 2 (English/PG13)

Genre: Action/Adventure

Release Date: 30 April 2010

Distributor: Paramount Pictures

Running Time: 124 mins.

Director: Jon Favreau

Producers: Kevin Feige, Avi Arad, Susan Downey

Writers: Justin Theroux

Casts: Robert Downey Jr, Don Cheadle, Mickey Rourke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Samuel L Jackson

Plot: The world is aware that billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is the armoured superhero Iron Man. Under pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military, Tony is unwilling to divulge the secrets behind the Iron Man armour because he fears the information will slip into the wrong hands. Inevitably, Stark is pitted against his Russian arch nemesis, Whiplash (Mickey Rourke), and corporate rival Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell). Also making their Marvel debuts are Scarlett Johansson as the sexy Russian spy Black Widow, and Don Cheadle, who takes over the role of Colonel James Rhodes from Terrence Howard.

THE VERDICT

There are lots of talks around the town with the arrival of Iron Man 2. It arrives a week earlier here than in Stateside. Never mind, the next million dollar question would be how good is Iron Man 2? Could it be better than the predecessor? For me, it is not as good as the first can have, but it remains some of the high value in terms of story-telling and enjoyment for the wacky Tony Stark. Highly enjoyable and there are many product placements that really makes the whole thing about The Avenger looks highly anticipated. Personally, it did not disappoint me at all.

NEW CLASSIFICATION FOR MOVIES SHOWN IN MALAYSIA

In the latest development, the Malaysia's authority board for film censorship and rating, LPF (Lembaga Penapisan Filem or National Censorship Board) has introduced the new film rating system that will effectively replaces the current system, as reported by our local cinema portal (Cinema Online). It was reported that the authority has already issued the new system to be dismissed to all particular movie studio and distribution and will take into effect immediately.

The Malaysian horror blockbuster Jangan Pandang Belakang carried a U-rating. Rationale? It is agreeable that this movie is not even suitable for children and faint-hearted.

In the current system which has been implemented since 1996, movies are categorized into U and 18+ depending on the subject genre. The 18+ rating resembles those used by the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) by giving a R-rating for certain movies deemed unsuitable for the minors. In Malaysia, 18SG was previously used to indicate strong violent and horror genre deemed inappropriate to minor. 18SX for profanity and sexuality contents, 18PA for political and religious sensitivity; and 18PL for combination of one or more categories. U meanwhile was used to indicate a general viewing and releases, similar to MPAA's G-rating.

Read more to learn about the new classification.

The PG13, was later added into the classification in 2008 to expand the scope of the uses of U. In the past, censorship board was criticized for giving a U-rated for some local horror flick which the public deemed too gore to be watched by the minor. Classic examples are Jangan Pandang Belakang and Congkak, two blockbuster local horror that have set the trend for introducing the PG13 rating. It is also worth to note that there are times when some irregularities occurred in the past while rating a movie. Street Kings, Legion and Rambo 4 did have many of its F-words when uncensored while been given 18+ rating.

The solution is simple. LPF will abolished the current system and to be replaced by a simpler version of rating. Below is the new classification:

U - For general viewing without age limit

PG13 - Parents guidance needed for audience under the age of 13

18 - For 18 and above only

So, tell me what do you think of this new system. Is it going to be effective at all?

SOURCES: Cinema Online

CLASH OF THE TITANS PREVIEW

8 more days and the clock is ticking near for the D-day. Warner Bros presents Louis Letterier-directed, from Kevin De La Noy and Richard D Zanuck production; comes a remake that brings the adventure of legendary Greek mythology of Perseus to life. Let us be assured, you will not be wasting your money nor any of your time thinking if this movie is good or what?

Everyone has already know the story by now. If you have by any chance catch the original 1981's Clash Of The Titans, this is just a remake and according to the production team, this movie will be loyal to original. So expect little alteration but given a modern touch.

As the story goes; Born of a god but raised as a man, Perseus (Sam Worthington) is helpless to save his family from Hades (Ralph Fiennes), vengeful god of the underworld. With nothing left to lose, Perseus volunteers to lead a dangerous mission to defeat Hades before he can seize power from Zeus (Liam Neeson) and unleash hell on earth. Leading a daring band of warriors, Perseus sets off on a perilous journey deep into forbidden worlds. Battling unholy demons and fearsome beasts, he will only survive if he can accept his power as a god, defy his fate and create his own destiny.

Thanks to TrailerAddict again, here we have exclusively clips from the movie itself. There you have it, the first look on the ten minutes of the movie itself. Enjoy!! You can view all of them on my other blog at http://greenteamovie.blogspot.com/2010/03/clash-of-titans-preview-part-two-scenes.html. Anyway, I have placed only three videos down here for you to catch some glimpse at.

CALIBOS BATTLE

This is the part where: Perseus battles the villain Calibos, the son of sea goddess Thetis.

HELPS YOU LIVE

This is the part where: Io tries to help Perseus to survive through a battle with Medusa.

SCORPIOCH BATTLE

This is the part where: Perseus and Solon do battle with the Scorpioch.

THE MAKING OF.....

CLASH OF THE TITANS will be released in Malaysia on April 1 (no kidding!!) in both 3D and 2D presentation.

THE OSCARS, DID THEY DESERVED WHAT THEY WON?

The just concluded 82nd Academy Awards has sparkled mostly a similar outcome like what many have predicted in the early buzz. Save for some categories that proved to be a bit shocking, it is not uncommon to hear some general outcry about the nominees and winners, I still think in the eyes of the Academy, these are the winners although in reality, it should not be that way.

It was a night for Team Bigelow when they snatched 6 wins against Team Cameron with 3. It was never easy for a movie with such little publicity, box office receipt nor glamorous 3D presentation can beat a movie that already has chalked up an unbelievable $2.5 billion worldwide. However, the story of how The Hurt Locker managed to nail the biggest prize over Avatar remains an inspiring story like what David did over Goliath.

So, did the results portrayed the much of my inner-senses?

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds)

I think this is a bull-eye performance that should have instead won, and what a relieve that he did walked away with the Oscar. That man was awesome on his Nazi outfit, killing Jews in a different parallel setting of the World War 2 under Quentin Taratino. He is in fact one of the most memorable villain over the years that will goes down the road in many years ahead.

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

Up

There is no surprise that this movie marks Pixar's fifth win in the category - Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Wall E and now Up. Despite some serious challenge from Coraline and Fantastic Mr Fox, there isn't much for me to compare between those two since I have not watched both of them yet. Up also won Best Original Score in which it deserves so, due to its effective score that plays along with the movie plot well, particularly in the first 15 minutes.

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

The Hurt Locker

I was not sure if this is the right choice. I love The Hurt Locker but I still think the award should have gone to Quentin Taratino's Inglourious Basterds for his originality and creativeness. The Hurt Locker is solid while it lacks in some attention, based on a real account while the Basterds is solid too but felt more original and entertaining. Otherwise, I'm still settle with a win for The Hurt Locker though.

GREEN TEA MOVIE 2009's BEST REVIEWED MOVIE PART 2

On the last post, we already countdown some of the BEST REVIEWED MOVIE of the year. A recap, we did countdown from #30 to #21. Continuing our very own TOP 30 2009's BEST REVIEWED MOVIE, the part two will feature another ten movies in the middle field. You can catch the Part One here while the rest will continue after this jump.

THE TOP THIRTY COUNTDOWN CONTINUES HERE....

PART TWO: #20 to #11

The Ron Howard's flick that took us back to the time when Richard Nixon was interviewed by a popular TV host David Frost, following his resignation from the White House and Watergate scandal. Those moments were made into a piece of brain-game between the two individuals, a word swashbuckling that are intriguing to watch. Some top notch performance that worth some Oscar consideration for Michael sheen and Frank Langella nevertheless. Indeed this 2008 movie has made it into number 20 of our list. Lengthy briefing and unfamiliar political setting in Malaysia has hinder it to go even higher.

Click here for OUR REVIEW:
ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 91% (Fresh)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 18,622,031

Another Ron Howard's movie landed in the top 20. This sequel to popular smash hit in 2007's Da Vinci Code proved to be much better in terms of hair-do, pace and storyline. Although Tom Hanks still run and explain, the story has been carefully created to tackle the book in better way. The original material is not as widely popular as the controversial Da Vinci Code. In the end, it was a decent action thriller film that deserves a place on Top 30

Click here for OUR REVIEW

ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 36% (Rotten)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 133,375,846

This is a surprise comedy hit that make a bulk of fortune on the Box Office. It is one of the highest grossing comedy of the year and one of the best as well. Solid performance by four bachelors who spend their night together at Las Vegas but only to realize the next morning that they ended up in a deep shit. It is one of the craziest and smartest script that plays around the dilemma so well that it causes laughable moments. Expect another raunchy sequel.

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 77% (Fresh)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 277,322,503

Liam Neeson is a brilliant actor. But the problem lies on the movie inability to ramp into something bigger while instead play to a normal satisfying action thriller. The movie is simple from the beginning to the end. This is particularly another version of Jason Bourne or James Bond, but skewed older. The family avenue has brought the movie to a spectacular search for his own daughter. Perhaps, it has one of the best memorable line of the year. Try to guess it and utter it out then?

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 57% (Rotten)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 145,000,989

Disney successfully launched its traditional hand-drawn cartoon back to the cinema. Thanks for serving at least one that does not require full eye vision to view those 3D or some digital form. Thank God, the story is simple to follow but the greatest strength in the film is that the ever lovable Frog Prince took a deep curve to another dimension where the American Black culture was brought in to spice the film up. Not only that, the music is another strength. Songs are enjoyable nevertheless. Care to kiss the frog next time?

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 83% (Fresh)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 66,750,505

It is not another bad day for Michael Mann. This time his Public Enemies grabbed everything that is formulaic fit to make one hella of the movie. John Dillinger is a dangerous man and was made even more by Johnny Depp, no doubt that his performance deserved some noting here. But the letdown is that its pace is a little bit slow. It is compellingly fit to be another mob drama and led with a charismatic performances. Again, no Great Depression as promised.

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 66% (Fresh)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 97,104,620

Muscular car, a Ford car model from the 70s made a great movie. Humorous, touching and inspiring, Clint Eastwood made a great movie of it last year which worth every penny of you to get through the difficult Oscar season last year. The movie can go higher if it does not emphasize too much of the value of anti-heroism it try to embody. No doubt, it is still a good movie to watch. In the end of the day, you will need to shout this out to Dirty Harry - Nice car!!

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 80% (Fresh)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 148,095,302

Sherlock Holmes as envisioned by Guy Ritchie is a contemporary attempt in making the beloved Arthur Conan Doyle's character a truly Bohemian by heart. Well, indeed it works although it does not fit in entirely. Nevertheless, the legendary detective get an elementary stylish appeal thanks to Robert Downey Jr. Taking in things too quick, the pace of the movie is speedy but nothing in the plot stone left untouched. Some more, the partnership between Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law is so interesting and fun to watch.

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 70% (Fresh)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 73,580,000

Zombie has never been this fun. Considering the pain watching Alice fighting those undead in Resident Evil films are quickly shut-off thanks to the solid combination of horror and comedy. The nemeses like Jennifer's Body also failed to do the formula right. Indeed, Zombieland is very funny, over-the-edge-of craziness and lives by a laughable rules that somehow make senses. In another advantage, we have Bill Murray's cameo role that is so strong that perhaps he did even better than 9 Garfield movies (if they exist).

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 89% (Fresh)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 75,590,286

Sam Raimi returned to what he had best in his resume - horror. This is one and only true horror that deserve such a high spot on the year-end Top 30. Drag Me To Hell comprises of a young woman who was cursed in anyway by a dying Gypsy woman. It is crazily fun, gross and terrifying but laughable. These are the true 8o's horror that embody these traits on a fashionable styles. The character of the movie is none other than Lorma Raver, the Gypsy woman herself.

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 92% (Fresh)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 42,100,625

There goes the second part of the three planned feature. Tomorrow, GREEN TEA MOVIE will continue to unveil the Top 30 by counting the movies at THE TOP TEN. Will The Hurt Locker truly lived it up to the expectation? Or James Cameron will return to the throne he once held? STAY TUNED!!!

GREEN TEA MOVIE 2009's BEST REVIEWED MOVIE PART 1

It is a custom that people will usually compiled their top ten favourites of the year in anything. For Green Tea Movie, there is nothing more grand than to award the favourite and best reviewed movies of the year 2009 with some recognitions and respects for bringing 2009 in as a year with a big bang. Here on this three-part post(s), Green Tea Movie will unveil the Top 30 2009's BEST REVIEWED MOVIE.

CRITERIA

(1) One, it must be reviewed and featured on Green Tea Movie for the period of between 30 December 2008 to 29 December 2009.

(2) Two, the list can includes any movie from 2008's Oscar Season titles that were released only on 2009.

P/S:However, acknowledging there are some movies that Green Tea Movie had yet to watch and review, we apologize for this shortcomings. Always remember, GREEN TEA MOVIE is a no-budget movie blog that serves you on the net! Those movies which I believed deserved more into the Top 30 include Up In The Air, (500) Days of Summer, An Education, Moon and so on.

THE TOP THIRTY COUNTDOWN BEGINS HERE....

PART ONE: #30 to #21...

Some people call it a crap and garbage, but thanks to its efforts on providing non-stop action and breathtaking effects where the giant robots clinging their balls and fists on each other, the giant robotic flick did not fare as well as the first Transformers which cracked into the Top Ten list back in 2007. Critics has generally panned the film but Green Tea Movie saved their asses because of the actions and effects, but not its crappy story line.The fans are not too well pleased. The plot is too childish but also too explicit at time and it is an obvious escapism entertainment that makes no sense at all. That is the typical type for any Michael Bay's films.

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 20% (Rotten)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 402,111,870

Robert Zemeckis know how to create a 3-D film that uses motion capture sensors. He did it twice before: The Polar Express and Beowulf. This time, he took the classical tales of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and turned it into a different and distinctive version that cannot be ignored. The Christmas spirit is however still lacking while the imaginative is soaring high. Generally mixed reviewed, been criticized for been taking things to hard and distractive. Jim Carrey in a multi-roles seems good for been a legendary Ghost of Christmas.

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 55% (Rotten)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 136,157,378

The canine pic was originally released on Christmas 2008 but arrived here earlier this year. The inspiring story about the troubled Labrador as adapted from a true-story and biography, the movie received a less stellar reviews but nevertheless still managed to grab our 28th grid here on Green Tea Movie. Thanks to its inspiring and emotional twist that really challenge the transformation of both Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, the movie works in every corner as a cute pedigree.

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 61% (Fresh)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 143,153,751

The true event behind the plot attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler as planned as the Valkyrie Operation attracted a relative performance that saw the return to form of Tom Cruise. The World War 2's Nazi-themed movie is one of the few that will be featured in the top 30. Certainly World War 2 Nazi is an interesting subject matter for the year. Tom Cruise did it well to execute the movie intensity well. Yet again, the film should have done better in many aspect despite its controversial theme that had annoyed the German.

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 60% (Fresh)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 83,077,833

Perhaps one of the under-rated political thriller of the year, Green Tea Movie loves the movie so much but somehow, it was not able to shine as bright as its progression story goes. Fueled with top notches like Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck and Helen Mirren, this movie projects the journalism field from a highly intuitive and curiosity to a new level. Based on a popular 6-hours British TV series, this movie can go higher if not of its ending.

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 84% (Fresh)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 37,017,955

Craving for food? Meet Flinch, the guy who brought you the food raining weather service. Bizzare yet unique. The animation joined the lines of the other form to sit prettily on the Top 30. It did not did well in term of story, where it is no Pixar and lack in human touch. But it managed to make people hungry. A smart film that gives Sony Animation arm a more prospective jobs in the future. The guys there should be able to continue more quirky humor and slapstick fun.

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 85% (Fresh)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 122,650,135

It is supposed to be drawn from the beloved graphic novel, most celebrated as well. The imaginary of Zack Sneider was very strong as always and as you have seen in 300. Less bloody and less decapitated limbs, the group of vigilante known as Watchmen need to co-operate to find the causes for the death of one of their friend. The story is brave but many complaint for its too draggy and boring pace, accounting for a lenghty 2 hours and 40 minutes on the clock. We love graphic novel that are made in such way and how I hope it can be more solidify.

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 64% (Fresh)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 107,509,799

The second Nazi-based movie of the year to make it on the list. Defiance act pays a heavy price for a group of European-Jewish survivors that made all their need to run from the Nazi SS troops. Daniel Craig headlined this 2008's movie for a great cause and it managed to captivate Green Tea Movie thanks to its strong and organized plot. Too bad, lack in accessory criterias (effects and cinematography) dampened the movie from going any higher. Also, it did not get much attention from this year's Oscar.

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 56% (Rotten)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 28,644,813

Disaster picture has not been a real phenomenon this year. With 2012 (SPOILER) failed to make it into the final 30, we are lucky to have one substitute that worths better. Never been always the apocalypse benn merged well with extra-terrestrial and paranormal activities before. All three elements present but the only flaw is the purposeless ending. Knowing will also always be remembered for been the turning point for the greater career repo for Nicolas Cage's recent fine journey.

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 33% (Rotten)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 79,957,634

The sixth Harry Potter film in the almost decade old franchise has so far been working well compared to the paler fifth film, The Order of Phoenix. I never have the preference to any of those previous Harry Potter movies before but this one should make a little exception by the way. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is perhaps a little surprising for me, more standout and much better. Whether this movie is awesome, it depends on whether you are a fan or not.

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ROTTEN TOMATOES SCORE: 83% (Fresh)
US BOX OFFICE: $ 301,959,197

There goes the first part of the three planned feature. Tomorrow, GREEN TEA MOVIE will continue to unveil the Top 30 by counting the movies at number 20 to number 11. STAY TUNED!!!