REVIEW: Julie & Julia

Plot: Julie & Julia is a comedy-drama written and directed by Nora Ephron. The film depicts events in the life of chef Julia Child in the early years in her culinary career, contrasting her life with Julie Powell, who aspires to cook all 524 recipes from Child's cookbook during a single year.

Meryll Streep and Amy Adams do it again - this time in a less serious masterpiece. Previously this dynamic duo starred in Doubt, together with Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Viola Davis, forming one of the best casts of our time. Meryll Streep plays the role of the wonderfully lovable and delightfully eccentric Julia, while Amy Adams plays the very sincere and ambitious Julie. Both of them were made for this film. And once again, Alexandre Desplat, master musician, sprinkles his creative prowess all over with his 'signature sounds.' Julie & Julia is pleasurable and a delight to watch.

Rating: 4/5

REVIEW: Coco Before Chanel

Plot: She's both a seamstress for the performers and a singer, earning the nickname Coco from the song she sings nightly with her sister. A liaison with Baron Balsan gives her an entree into French society and a chance to develop her gift for designing increasingly popular hats. When she falls in love with English businessman Arthur Capel further opportunities open up, though life becomes ever more complicated.

This has to be at least nominated for an Oscar or two. This wonderful film brings you to France, during the time of fashion's revolution. It somehow shows how modern-day fashion first came about, from the roots of the creators. Special mentions: Anne Fontaine(brilliant directing), Audrey Tautou(who deserves an Oscar), the rest of the cast(for equally sterling performances) and Alexandre Desplat(who never fails to beautify an already beautiful work of art with his ingenious music). Coco Before Chanel is an underestimated French masterpiece that seems to me like the best film of the year so far. Oscar, take note.

Rating: 5/5

REVIEW: Up

Plot: By tying thousands of balloon to his home, 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America. Right after lifting off, however, he learns he isn't alone on his journey, since Russell, a wilderness explorer 70 years his junior, has inadvertently become a stowaway on the trip.

Bloody Beautiful. Up instantly became an all-time classic, complete with an out-of-this-world feeling attached. This is by far one of the most artistic animated features of our time, adding another medal to Pixar's extensive collection of gems. Up boasts a solid storyline, quirky and lovable characters, fancy visual effects that complemented the ingenious colour scheme and a memorable soundtrack.

Applause for visionary Pete Docter.

Rating: 4.5/5

REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Plot: As Harry Potter begins his 6th year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he discovers an old book marked mysteriously "This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince" and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort's dark past.

Breath-taking. For those of you who are not impressed because of the book to screen adaption, lighten up and think again. What more could they have done? Maybe they should have included that fight scene at the last part, but that's all. Any longer and it would have got messy. Watch it closely and you'll find that so much had gone into perfecting every scene, every character and every moment. A standing ovation for the crew - costume, directing, set design, visual effects, etc. - and the beautifully brilliant British cast. Stop frowning. This one's one of the best Potter films so far.

Rating: 4.5/5

REVIEW: Transformers Revenge of the Fallen

Plot: Decepticon forces return to Earth on a mission to take Sam Witwicky prisoner, after the young hero learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers. Joining the mission to protect humankind is Optimus Prime, who forms an alliance with international armies for a second epic battle.

I didn't manage to watch the first one, but i heard it was so much better than this one. I was not impressed by this sequel, it is an example of how sequels can go wrong. I didn't like the way and pace that the story was told. Nevertheless, the marvelous visual effects will stun you. Thank goodness for Hollywood.

Rating: 2.5/5

REVIEW: Ice Age 3: Dawn of inosaurs

Plot: When Sid's attempt to adopt three dinosaur eggs gets him abducted by their real mother to an underground lost world, his friends attempt to rescue him.

Yet another fun-filled adventure set in the Ice Age, this one, also, is intelligent and humorous at a moderate and balanced rate. Better than I'd expected. But then again, there is a limit to how great such a film can be.

Rating: 4/5

REVIEW: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Plot: A bachelor is haunted by the ghosts of his past girlfriends at his younger brother's wedding.

Sigh... I'm not impressed. In fact, i'm disappointed to have wasted my time and money. The storyline is so boring and the cast is not impressive at all. So sorry.

Rating: 1.5/5