Author Archives: kaist455

Ex Machina (2015) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : A Turing Test gone haywire

Posted on January 24, 2015 by kaist455

 How will we react to artificial intelligence if that becomes possible through technological advance? There have been many science fiction tales fascinated with that question which is alternatively intriguing and disturbing for good reasons, and “Ex Machina” gives us something … Continue reading →

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John Wick (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : Yep, they touched a wrong guy

Posted on January 24, 2015 by kaist455

 While it is strewn with lots of dead or injured bodies, “John Wick” looks more like a stylish joke as I reflect more on its rather amusing aspects after watching it. You may laugh as one of laboratory colleagues did … Continue reading →

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Big Hero 6 (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : Isn’t it huggable?

Posted on January 24, 2015 by kaist455

  While it lacks novelty because of those ubiquitous superhero blockbuster films during recent years, Disney animation feature film “Big Hero 6” has enough style and substance to distinguish itself from other superhero films. While it is basically a familiar … Continue reading →

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The Imitation Game (2014) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : A life of codes and secrets

Posted on January 22, 2015 by kaist455

  Alan Turing (1912-1954) was a brilliant mathematician who was also an early pioneer of computer science, and his enormous contribution to computer science is still influencing our world even at this point. His concept of automatic computing machine, called … Continue reading →

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The Judge (2014) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : A prodigal lawyer son returning to his hometown

Posted on January 20, 2015 by kaist455

  Some movies are so predictable and transparent in their handling of story and characters that I sometimes shake my head as observing their glaring clumsiness on the screen. Although it is not a lousy film, I shook my head … Continue reading →

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Chronicle of a Blood Merchant (2015) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : The matter of Blood and Family

Posted on January 20, 2015 by kaist455

 South Korean film “Chronicle of a Blood Merchant” is funny and lightweight at first, and I enjoyed its comic moments with smile and amusement. Unfortunately, its plot becomes clunky after taking a sudden melodramatic turn around its third act, and … Continue reading →

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American Sniper (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : A Sniper’s Story

Posted on January 15, 2015 by kaist455

  As a war film, “American Sniper” is gritty and thought-provoking as steadily maintaining its unadorned and respectful attitude to its subject. While it is uncomfortable to watch at times due to its hero’s narrow viewpoint, the story feels direct … Continue reading →

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Birdman (2014) ☆☆☆1/2 (3.5/4): A quirky backstage comedy of existential crisis

Posted on January 15, 2015 by kaist455

 As a quirky backstage comedy of existential crisis, “Birdman” flies with style while also being grounded in substance. Presenting its interesting story of life and performance in a technically challenging way we have never encountered before, it attempts a risky … Continue reading →

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Whiplash (2014) ☆☆☆☆(4/4) : Driven and played with blood, tear, and sweat

Posted on January 13, 2015 by kaist455

 Intense and stupefying as mercilessly and powerfully playing our heart like those poor drums on the screen, “Whiplash” knocks us out with its tremendous energy coming from the tumultuous battle of two clashing will powers which is not only unpredictable … Continue reading →

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Still Alice (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : Fading away from others – and herself

Posted on January 13, 2015 by kaist455

 When we meet the heroine of “Still Alice” at first, she looks satisfied with her life which has been fairly good to her. She is an academic researcher on the top of her field, and she has a husband who … Continue reading →

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