FILM: Prince of Persia // Dear John // Last Song

Alright, so a lot to get through today. So let's get right down to business.

Prince of Persia: The Sand of Time staring: Jack Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton and Ben Kingsley

Based on the famous video game, Prince of Persia, we follow the ascent of a peasant boy from the slums of the streets of Persia to the palace. Dustan (Gyllenhaal) finds himself in a world full of duty and honour.

In search of unauthorised arms against the Persian empire, Dustan and his brothers lay siege on the Holy City of Alamut, where something greater than arms lies. But when certain tern of events leave "murderer" stamped across Persia's Lion's forehead, Dustan is forced to flee from the city and into a quest to finding out who tainted his image and why.

In true action fashion, a few red-herrings are let lose and The Sands of Time are let falling fast before an Armageddon is unleashed all over the world. With only the aid of the Holy Princess, Tamina (Arterton), Dustan must race against time and stop the great dagger that holds the precious sand into getting in the wrong hands.


This movie is EPIC! I am telling you it's worth watching. I've played the game (for like 5 minutes) and I'm telling you, the movie is pretty accurate. In the game you've got this annoying chick just talking in the background reminding you what to do - and they've captured that well with Gemma Arterton's character, Tamina.

There's a minor love story intertwined with this film, but not too much - which leave more room for all the fighting and sword fights. It's a really well crafted film. Tops to Boaz Yakin, Doug Miro, Carlo Bernard and (of course) game creator, Jordan Mencher for their collaborative scree adaptation of this video game.

It was a great casting team as well. They all worked really well together. The costumes were authentic and I have to say the highlight was all the parkour stuff that they did. Have a look:

It's just insane! And it's all REAL - no joke! People do this for fun man.

stricklyLeisure star rating: 5 stars


Now I'm going to talk about what I'd like to call, THE NICHOLAS SPARKS EMPIRE. I mean this guy is a chick-book-into-movie genius - no joke right? I mean let's make a list:

1. 1999: Message in a Bottle - actually haven't seen this movie, although granted, I was 8 years old when it came out. Wasn't much into teen movies back then. But I will attach a trailer: 

As you can see, for those of us who only know his recent "must reads", it has that typical "Spark" alright.

1. 2002: A Walk To Remember - who does not know this movie. If you don't I say go and hire it right now. Herald as one of the classics I would beg to differ. For those who haven't seen the 1970 film Love Story go hire that and compare it to Sparks' creation. Truth be told, I loved this movie - most girls do. For those who don't I'm not sure why you don't, but it's the same for all chick flicks though isn't it? For some people to love one and hate the other. Can't blame if you do.
2. 2004: The Notebook - men and women have all seen this film. It's another one of those movies herald as a classic. Again, if you haven't seen it go hire it and make your own judgment. I liked it, but I didn't cry in it - I got teary, but that's it really. LOL.
3. 2008: Nights in Rhodanthe - Again, didn't see this one. Here's the trailer: 

You know, I've seen this ad so many times in 2008 and it's never been as appealing to see until now. Isn't that weird?

1. 2010: Dear John AND The Last Song - Two in one year, now THAT is impressive. I did see both actually and I must say I enjoyed both, but before I review them both I will say that the ironic thing is that the leads in both movies were NOT the stand out performers. There supporting cast were BETTER - so I suggest when they come out in DVD and Blu-ray go hire them out.

So...

Dear John staring: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried and Richard Jenkins

When two strangers meet unlikely over the summer, a love so strong is formed. But when fall settles in and education calls along with your country, love comes under fire - in the war zone and the world of emotions.

John Tyree (Tatum) and Savannah Curtis (Seyfried) envelope the hearts and send them to each other over the course of six months. When John finally gets a chance to come home, the evens of 9/11 occur. Forced to choose between a life back at home with Savannah or to serve his country, John pleads with Savannah to continue to send him her heart.

But a lot happens in two years. People change. Places change. Love Changes. When Savannah gives John a final piece of her heart, he decides to burn all of it. But when his father (Jenkins) suffers from a stroke, John realises that perhaps, his heart was never really full enough to give to someone else. Writing his final letter, he finally gives his father the love that he deserves.


Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, I'd have to say I was a great film. But the standout performance was definitely from Richard Jenkins, Mr. Tyree. He plays John's autistic father who's obsessed with coins. His portrayal of that character just blew my mind away. He was just so authentic and never faltered.

Overall, I though it was a good story, the had a good progression of the plot and was not hard to follow. It was really well written. I didn't feel that Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried had much chemistry though. They grew into their characters, but I definitely thing that Amanda out-shined Channing. Channing was a bit awkward in this role, I mean he played the soldier character well, I'm just not so sure that he carried the "boyfriend" role really well. But he wasn't too bad.

stricklyLeisure star ratting: 4.5 Stars


The Last Song starring: Miley Cyrus, Greg Kinnear, Liam Hemsworth, Kelly Preston and Bobby Coleman

Ronnie Miller (Cyrus) has heard all the promises before. She tired of hearing them again and again and then the promises never follow through. Stuck with her father for the summer, she has to find a way to survive the torment of the remnants of broken dreams of a happy family.

Her brother Jonah (Coleman) seems content and glad to be with their father (Kinnear) this summer and spends everyday with him. In the course of events, Ronnie finds herself. She finds herself, through an unlikely figure (Hemsworth) who allows her to find herself in what she use to love - music. What Ronnie also finds, is love - not just for Will, but also for her father.

In a world where possibilities seem limited; where lives seem fragile Ronnie finds the strength to carry on.


Not as well written as Dear John, but it had a good storyline. (Fun Fact:) This movie was actually written FOR Miley. She said she wanted to be in a movie that was similar to A Walk To Remember and viola! Nicholas Sparks give her Life As A House - if you haven't seen that movie hire it. Seriously! No joke there is like a resemblance. (Is it weird that I seem to watch a lot of movies?)

But I can say that it is a tear jerker. Reason is, I think we as humans relate at any level to loss. So if we've ever felt that kind of pain, something in us will be prompted. Oh! Outstanding performance came from Bobby Coleman and Greg Kinnear who play Ronnie's brother and father. They were just such a great team. They worked well off together and just had that real sense of emotion that each character needs - if you watch it you'll understand.

Miley doesn't really fit the "bad-ass" kinda role. I know her character is suppose to be this ice-queen, but really a nice person who just pushes people away, kinda thing, but she just didn't carry it well. As bold-as-it-is-say, I think she was way to love-struck by Australia's Liam Hemsworth. I'm only kidding. She just didn't feel the dramatic role, she's more of the fun-loving kind of actress on the screen. I think she's had a certain kind of loss, but I don't think she really related to her character.

stricklyLeisure star rating: 3.5 Stars

I ran out of time so...

Next on stricklyLEISURE: Love Happens when you have Sonny with a Chance: Falling for the Falls and Cinderella (III): [Takes] A Twist in Time.