Category Archives: Movies

The Equalizer (2014) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : Washington and Fuqua back in action together

 Maybe because I have reviewed films more frequently than ever during this month, I have so far watched no less than 3 action movies which are notably similar to each other in several aspects. First, I watched “Taken 3” (2015) … Continue reading

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Mr. Turner (2014) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : That sublime beauty amidst his mundane life

 Mike Leigh’s “Mr. Turner” is an atypical biography drama about the life and career of a flawed but talented artist. Rather than focusing on the highlights of his career like average biography movies would, this somber film slowly lets us … Continue reading

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Wild (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : Hiking into the Wild

  As a tale of healing process and self-discovery, “Wild” looks plain and conventional from the very beginning, but it is entertaining to watch mainly because of several strong points which considerably enliven its conventions. Although there is nothing new … Continue reading

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

 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

 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?

  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

  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

  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

 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

  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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