How to Train Your Dragon movie review

How to Train Your Dragon starts us of in familiar territory: accident-prone misfit Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is a disappointment to his huge, manly father Stoick (Gerard Butler) and Viking community under regular attack from apparently vicious, fire-breathing dragons. Hiccup resolves to find new ways to fight dragons, and after a machine of his own invention shoots down one of the Night Furies, Toothless, sets off to find his prize. But when Hiccup tracks it down and befriends it, he comes to question his priorities. The two form a symbiotic relationship that becomes the heart and soul of the film.

What we have here is an exhilarating epic that mixes comedic and touching moments with some of the best action sequences ever created with CGI animation. The sweeping widescreen aesthetic is elevated by a dramatic score. While the Vikings' blood lust in "How to Train Your Dragon" is comedic in tone, there is an underlying theme of warmongering. Hiccup's dad is consumed with smoking out the dragons' nest, with orders to "kill on sight."

The 3-D used in the film is stunning. Hiccup and Toothless often soar through the skies, whipping around rock faces and skimming the ocean's surface. In 3-D, your stomach feels as if it might drop out, a sensation that "Avatar" couldn't quite muster. The designs of the dragons is also spectacular and is probably what young viewers will find most amazing. While some are two-headed, razor-toothed or even short and plump, Toothless is sleek like an oversized gecko but stalks his prey like a cat.

How to Train Your Dragon may actually be DreamWorks Animation's best movie yet—a fun, thrilling Viking voyage that, in the end, is a simple yet salient story about a boy and his dragon.

FilmGodz Rating: 9/10

Author: Wilson Phan

The Jungle Book Review

The Jungle Book 2016 is about a young boy, Mowgli, who grows up in a wolf pack after being left behind all alone in the jungle after his father his killed by the Tiger Shere Khan. Growing up, Mowgli finds himself in great danger where Shere Khan continuously tries to hunt him down. In the beginnings of the film, Shere Khan threatens Mowlgi's life, and so Bagheera the panther offers to guide Mowlgi back to the "man village" for the sake of his safety.

Although it is for his own safety, Mowlgi doesn't want to go back to the man village and always finds a way to stay in the jungle. Along his journey back to the man village, he meets some new friends such as Baloo the Bear. Meeting Baloo, he develops his own character and overcomes his fears.

Personally, I really enjoyed this movie, not only because it is a childhood favourite, the reality of the movies through its action and characteristics got me intrigued and excited. It's a great family movie and has a great ending. It's got great visuals, imagery and character developments.

FilmGodz Rating: 8.5/10



Author: Tenzin Datsa-Tsang



RUSH MOVIE REVIEW

Are you searching for a movie with an adrenaline rush flowing through your veins? Well have i got instore for you with this Jaw-dropping speedster movie between two legendary drivers during the 1976 Formula 1 world championship. 

The world of Formula 1 is a place of speed disregard of the drivers own safety. For newcomers, Formula 1 in other words F1 is a motor racing consisting of 12 teams with 2 drivers each. Intensity grew among drivers as everyone fights for the crown of

Two handsome chaps by the names of Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl plays the 2 key drivers of the 1976 F1 world champions James Hunt and Niki Lauda respectively. Many drivers experience into the stages of F1 racing is never easy are the amount of stress they undergo is unpredictable. The stage was set after the gruelling on track and off track scenes of these 2 brilliant drivers brought forward onto the big screen. 

You'll be strapped to your seats and not want to get off with the pure speed of this extraordinary movie that will get you excited. For both F1 and non F1 fans, you'll experience the greatest scenes of motor racing in the world. The brillant history between these two incredible drivers will leave you speechless.

JAMES HUNT

NIKI LAUDA

RATING: 10/10
Author: Tommy Phan

Slumdog Millionaire Film Review

Based on a book about a young man's extraordinary journey from life in an Indian slum to a millionaire and finding his lost love, this film adaptation is truly touching and raises awareness of the lives of those less fortunate, all in a remarkable story.

Based on the novel Q&A by Vikas Swarup, Slumdog Millionaire follows a young boys journey from living in a Mumbai slum to a game show contestant, vying for the million dollar prize others can only dream of. The key to his success? His life experiences, all of them give a vital clue to the answers of the questions that he faces. Told from the first person perspective of Jamal, a slumdog, the film utilizes flashbacks into the past and returns to the present to create a captivating and thrilling cinematic experience.  

Joining Jamal on his journey is his brother Salim, as well as a girl Latika, who the brothers rescued during a riot that claimed the life of their mother. Latika grows to become Jamal's love interest, but disappears and reappears in his life as she is captured by gangsters, escapes only to disappear from Jamal's life again. Similarly, Salim also disappears from his life for periods of time, leaving Jamal on his own. Through events of coincidence, the three main characters finally meet up again late in the film, and setting up the thrilling climax.

Slumdog Millionaire was heavily awarded, nominated for 10 Academy Awards at the Oscars and winning 8, including best picture. Furthermore, the film kick started the careers of the many Indian actors and actresses who starred, further enhanced due to the successful run the movie enjoyed. 

The film also explores several key themes such as friendship and love, taking the viewer on an emotional roller-coaster ride of Jamal's life, and an insight into a world that many of us would not know. The award winning soundtrack also adds to the atmosphere to create a stunning and engaging work of film.

Slumdog Millionaire is one of those rare adaptations which in my opinion tells the story better than the original novel. The precise filmmaking ability of Danny Boyle combined with the brilliant acting, emotional soundtrack and compelling story allows for the creation of one of the best films of 2008, and a must-watch for any film fan.

FILMGODZ RATING: 9/10

Author: Luke Cai
     

Kingsman: The Secret Service movie review

Mathew Vaughn refreshes the posh British spy genre

Caught between straight-up James Bond and the Austin Powers parody version, Kingsman is a high-octane combo of action and comedy that offers a younger, streetwise variation on the 007 formula while pushing audiences’ favourite elements such as over the top action and ridiculous super villains to exaggerated extremes.

Adapted from Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons' 2012 comic book series and directed by Matthew Vaughn with the same anything-goes ingenuity he brought to Kick Ass, Kingsman is all over the place fun.

The film introduces young talent Taron Egerton as lead role ‘Eggsy’. Ignorant of his own potential, Eggsy grows up in a low income housing estate, falls in with a group of thugs and risks spending his remaining years behind bars. At least, that’s the way things are headed until Harry Heart (Colin Firth) springs him from prison and offers him an alternative; and opportunity to be a Kingsman agent.

And so, two elaborate plots are set in motion. In the first, we get young Eggsy thrust into a high-stakes boot camp to determine which of a group of new recruits is worthy of becoming the next Kingsman. At the same time, villain Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson) moves forward with his far-fetched diabolical plot while Harry attempts to stop him.

Vaughn skilfully plays to these class differences for maximum amusement throughout, embracing the notion that 'Kingsman’ is as much a comedy as it is an action movie. It’s the sort of movie where the world’s most cultured men prefer to eat McDonald’s with expensive wine, while its streetwise protagonist orders a far snobbier martini recipe than Bond ever did.

So, while seriousness has overtaken the Bond franchise in recent years ‘Kingsman’ runs no such risk. Vaughn welcomes details that might seem silly in another director’s hands and presents everything playfully enough that plausibility isn’t a factor. Throughout the entire film even when it stops making sense ‘Kingsman’ manages to be unstoppable fun for the audience.

FilmGodz Rating: 8.5/10

Author: Wilson Phan

Jason Bourne 'You Know His Name' Movie Review

The new Jason Bourne sequel, ‘You Know His Name’, is about Jason Bourne being hunted once again by the CIA. The movie starts with a former CIA operative who helps Jason Bourne to uncover the secrets of the CIA relating to the identity of Jason Bourne. However, when she is killed by one of the CIA, Bourne is determined to use all the resources that he has to find out his history.

From watching the other sequels, I had a high expectation of the new upcoming 2016 sequel, however, I was not entirely impressed or thrilled during and after the film. The film lacks intelligence, character development and action. Critiques are suggesting that the film lacks substance as a Jason Bourne film but is great as an action film.

If you’re a huge Jason Bourne fan, this movie will surely be a let-down for you as there are prolonged low quality action scenes and low quality filming techniques. It seems as though the directors were not as motivated for the film and so it felt like a very lazy attempt.

FilmGodz Rating: 8/10

Author: Tenzin Datsa-Tsang

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory:Movie Review

More than 40 years on, this childhood classic still retains its movie magic. Having been underappreciated at its release in 1971, 'Willy Wonka' has developed into one of the best known cult films of all time, and is now entertaining a new generation of audiences.

A film based on one of the best known childrens books of all time, with a talented cast on paper looks like a successful mix. However, initially, 'Willy Wonka' was anything but, despite having received positive reviews. it was not a great financial success, and even Roald Dahl himself despised the film. Fast forward 40 years later, and the film is enjoying a new lease on life, due to repeated tv airings and strong DVD sales, 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' is finally receiving the attention it deserves. 

This rendition of the famous Road Dahl novel is also the best known, iconic for its oompa loompas, memorable musical songs and Gene Wilder's portrayal of the titular character of Willy Wonka. Although it didn't have the most cutting edge technology or film effects, the original possesses a charm that many modern films, including the 2005 remake cannot hope to match. 

The film was also know for its clever and witty characterization, with even minor characters getting screen time and making a memorable impact on the audience. Indeed, many of the film's most memorable moments involve minor characters, with many original characters created especially for the film. The dark aura in some scenes also gives the movie a sinister look, as does the constantly changing and unpredictable personality of Willy Wonka. Although the plot largely follows the book, several additional plot twists are added, along with a drastically altered ending, although the personalities of the five children are largely faithful to Dahl's book.

Following the recent death of star actor Gene Wilder, public interest in the film has again been renewed, together with appreciation of his enormous talent and comedic way he went about his roles. His unexpected introduction of his character in the film will forever live in the minds of moviegoers worldwide, and serve as an inspiration for future actors looking to make a dramatic entrance.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a genuine classic, proven in its selection for inclusion in the US Film Archives. Despite the increasing complexity of modern films, this movie maintains a simple yet memorable reminder that sometimes its the simple things in life that count.

FILMGODZ RATING: 8.5/10

Author: Luke Cai
     

Train To Busan Review

  "Get On Board To Stay Alive"

“Train to Busan” is a South Korean zombie film by Yeon Sang-Ho about a group of people who are trapped in a train and find themselves in a zombie apocalypse. Getting to Busan by train is their only chance of survival. 

The concept of zombies may not be original and this movie may resemble “World War Z” with its zombie apocalypse however Yeon Sang-ho takes it further by addressing themes of equality and humanity. Throughout the movie Yeon has emphasised on how the characters respond to the virus outbreak, displaying the good and the bad moments of humankind.

The movie brings out the best in the protagonist who is selfish at first but learns to help and care for others when the virus spread across the train. However there are people who always think of themselves and leave others behind – just like the antagonist of the movie. Therefore building on the idea that at times like this, we need to look out for one another.

This movie is filled with action and thrills but it will also have you laugh and cry. “Train to Busan” is highly recommended and Critics are calling it the best zombie movie in recent years.

FilmGodz Rating: 10/10

Author: Tenzin Woeden

Money Monster Movie Review

How are you spending your money? How has the influence of television and the media manipulated you into to doing something important with your money?

Welcome to the first “monster” movie review featuring the world’s best actor and actress of George Clooney and Julia Roberts. This movie will get you hooked from the start till the end. Filled with suspense and a few comedic scenes. Released in “” and from first time director Jodie Foster enravels the problem with the share market where millions of people put money to invest in hopes of richer profit.

Jodie Foster places the audience into the modern life of social media and the influence it has around the world. Throughout the movie, we are involved with the way the news have manipulated our views on the ways to make money. With reference to the approach of how society is run in the 21st century we are intrigued with the many ways of trusting the internet, social media and in this case TV shows.

This can happen to anyone in the world right now with the corruption within our system in all areas. We must learn to portray truthful information to help and not to always trust what we see as we do not know the inside story of that person or business.

The depth of this movie is extraordinary with the concepts we see in the present time, one mistake and we are moved into the spotlight with social media. Strong views can be seen for and against the movie ideas and that makes this movie so critically satisfying. Not a well crafted movie for beginning director Jodie Foster, but a step in her mark as a great director.

Money Monster is a treat to watch with a tantilising plot twist everywhere and will live you speechless and thinking in a thriller. Go and watch this movie now!!!

RATING: 8/10

Author: Tommy Phan

     

INTRODUCTION to our awsome blogger Movie Critics

Welcome to FilmGodz

Congratulations on finding this amazing site. Here we will be giving our own opinions on various movies that we have deemed of great entertainment value. The movies we review will be from a range of different themes and genres in order to make sure that every viewer will find information about a movie that is for them. Our team is made up of people with diverse knowledge in films with different taste and preferences in order to ensure a variety of movie suggestions.

Members:

Wilson Phan:
Personally I enjoy movies that have action and comedy in it as well as some science fiction. I like my movies to have an entertaining and far fetched plot that gets you to live in the fantasy. I prefer movies to be light and fun so I stay away from dramas and horrors.

Tenzin Woeden:
I like watching action, romantic comedy, inspirational and superhero movies. I like movies that are entertaining, that have good story line and are not complex. I prefer these types of movies because its fun and stress relieving.

Tommy Phan:
All movies have a moral, the best movies develop deep analysis into the moral and narrative. I watch a large variety of genres from bromance to action pack movies. Inspiration of movies evolve around current events and imagination which gives me the goosebumps to make reviews to excite you guys!

Ten Deky:
My favourite movies to watch are a mix of action, romance and comedy. This is because i love a fast-paced and adventurous story line with a bit of romance. I also like comedy because it's just lighthearted and keeps me amused.

Luke Cai:
I am a huge fan of film special effects and spend much time researching how certain scenes in films are created. I enjoy film adaptations based on books, as well as fantasies and epic adventure films. My favorite films are Titanic, for its film making technique, as well as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory for its witty, clever characterization.