tainted_perfection

A haunted house can only repeat its shock value so much.The Woman in Black was a successful horror film based on a novel released two years ago starring Daniel Radcliffe. The story mixes an old-fashioned setting but filled with modern horror conventions was generally well-received both critically and commercially. As the circle of horror movies go, a sequel was commissioned, albeit this time with a new cast and a story that's unrelated to the first film but set in the same creepy house that plagued the events of part one.

What audiences get is a repetition of the first film. If you enjoyed the old-style gigantic haunted house scenery of the first, there's more of that in the sequel. If you like your horror being bombarded by loud sounds and quick jolts, here you go. While the first Woman In Black was adapted from a novel by Susan Rice, part two is made of a new screenplay based on Hill's story which brings to its biggest drawback:there's nothing particularly noteworthy about its story which thrives on going through the same scenarios of the first film. Which gives the impression that the makers had not much ambition when making the sequel and likely aimed on riding on the success of the first film. A common occurrence as far as sequels go. The Woman in Black 2 unfortunately falls into that category.

I managed to catch this movie at the Singapore International Film Festival.It was only one of the few movies that I was interested in catching because the story intrigued me.Not to mention that it had a great cast too. So Romulus My Father is story centered around young Raimond and his relationships with his dad Romulus and his mother Christina.Both Romulus and Christina are migrants settling in Australia and we see the emotional toll that happens between the three of them and also with Hora and Mitru both playing a big part in the lives of those three.

From the moment Romulous stars you have this strong feeling that your in for a great movie.And trust me,during those hundred and four minutes you will see a great story of courage,love and betrayal.It is a very emotional story and brilliantly made.You just know that everyone involved in this movie put their heart and soul into it and their efforts have certainly paid off.Romulous My Father is a story that everyone can identify with.The characters in this movie and their actions leave you thinking even long after the movie has ended.

Performances naturally are one of the highpoints for this film.Nothing new for Bana and Potente here.Both of them are great which is nothing surprising here since both are very talented actors.Suppoting cast is great too,Martion Csokas and Russel Dykstra are moth magnificent.But the real show-stealer here is the young but talented Kodi Smit McPhee who plays the young Raimond.His role is not an easy role to portray yet he does it with such confidence. You feel for him,for everything he has to go through with his parents and every scene he's in is just brilliant.Move over Dakota Fanning,this kid is here to stay! Romulus my father is one solid drama, with a captivating story that everyone can relate to. Not to mention is vibrant cinematography and top-notch acting. Its one of the films where it deserves a bigger release and seen by a wider audience. One can only hope that happens.

Yep who knew an idea about two men about to die can be so enjoyable and uplifting?The Bucket List worked on only one thing: The chemistry between Edward and Carter (of course played by Nicholson and Freeman).Both are as different as oil and water : Edward is well-off,flamboyant yet stubborn while Carter is more quiet,intelligent and philosophical.Yet they meet one day in the same hospital room,both suffering from a terminal disease with only little time left.So they end up hating each other,then taking a liking and a mutual understanding for each other.

Then came the Bucket List,something Carter made up,things they have always wanted to do and Edward with all his wealth left behind,convinces Carter (and his reluctant wife) to go and pursue those unfinished dreams..And you name it,they do it : Skydiving,traveling around the world in a private jet,patching up thing with estranged loved ones. All that before they,well,kick the bucket.

So it might not be realistic at parts,like traveling lavishly,but this is such a feel good film,it doesn't come off as corny or cheesy in parts and instead what it did to me was that I ended up smiling by the end of the movie,and that dosen't happen very often.Nicholson is hilarious with his one-liners and and his familiar stubbornness that we've proceed to experience over the years.We've seen him in similar roles before,yet he has the power to charm the audience every damn movie.Morgan Freeman,like Nicholson,we've seen him in similar roles but the powerful persona he brings to the screen about a quiet,loving,intelligent man about to die is a treat.

Yes,its not a flawless film,nothing much of a script,yet its a great film,which fills you up with emotions during every scene and I'm very glad I saw it.And if you happen to be reading this,do see it too,you just might end up loving it just like I did..