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In case you haven't read about it, ST Life gave this film a miserable half a star. Why wasn't I surprised? I was looking forward to this movie. After all, it is an interesting collaboration with the Koreans, Americans and Singaporeans, and touted to be Jang Hyuk's big break into Hollywood. Being constantly fascinated by dance forms, films like Strictly Ballroom, Mad Hot Ball and Take the Lead were mostly enjoyable.

The film started rather promisingly, with picturesque scenes of a Korean village, and engaging conversations of father-son tensions. But once Korean village boy Tae (Jang Hyuk) received a dance audition letter out of nowhere from a dance school set in washed-out Chinatown Singapore, the movie is on its route to ridiculous mockery.

"Where. Did. You. Learn. That. Dance. From?" as judge/dance teacher Emi (Fann Wong) asked rather awkwardly and slowly. You will also start to realise that this graceful teacher not only dances slowly, but speaks, walks, picks her clothes, looks into the sky at an amazingly dawdling tempo. (It reminds me of dance teachers I know who dances unhurriedly, but scolds students at the top of their voices. Fann, we need some attitude!)

Jason Scott Lee is completely wasted with his only one black-faced 'you-owe-me-lots-of-money' look. Fann Wong has that perpetual dazed gaze, and Jang Hyuk's charm is the saving grace.

The three gets tied in a love triangle. Martial arts principal gets beaten up for $20,000. He then challenges Korean boy to a duel for dancing with his girl. Korean boy learns martial arts from a DVD. Fann Wong joins a dance competition with somebody she never really practiced with. Do we really care?

During the final act, Fann and Jang get into yet another slow tango, dancing to Enrique Iglesias's fast tempo Hero, while the audience clap constantly at slow-mo. Sigh… The only thing worth watching is perhaps the Francis Cheong diamond studded red dress. Nice.

Dance of the Dragon – This dance is out of the rhythm

Most say Eternal Summer is a gay movie. But I would rather call it a movie about relationships.

Newbies Bryant Chang and Joseph Chang play two best friends who come a long way from primary school after they were paired off as motivational buddies by their form teacher. As the 'third party' Carrie (Kate Yeung) enters the scene, the relationship becomes more complicated. All three struggle with love and friendship – a line that can seem so clearly divided but is not.

With 4 nominations at the Golden Horses, this movie caused a stir in Taiwan, both in terms of theme and story. Fortunately, it did not sink into typical Taiwanese melodramatic mode. The director takes his time to unfold, filled with awkward yet genuine moments. Note the parallels that he draws, and the subtle contrast between scenes reveal more than what is said.

Many times, the audience may feel frustrated with the slow pacing, and wished that the characters would just acknowledge what they feel. Perhaps this is a reflection of individuals being unaccepted and different in society, whether you are a gay, migrant or loner. You may just identity with the 3 characters' suppression and lack of ability to communicate.

With Lan Yu winning the Golden Horse, and Brokeback Mountain the Golden Globes paving the way, homosexual themed movies have started arriving to the shores of Singapore (with some censorship). Just a few years before, it would almost seem impossible that movies like Eternal Summer would be screen here. Liberation of the authorities or sophistication of the audience? To emphasize, this is not just another 'gay' movie, and may disappoint those going for the wrong reasons. With the tagline "No One Wishes To Be Lonely, Neither Do We", it can be viewed as a beautifully shot movie on the pains of growing up, friendship and love.

Few make good Sci-Fi Movies.

Most Sci-Fi movies opt for a mix of politics (Minority Report), disasters (Armageddon) or fantasy (Matrix) to assure box office success. The rest falls into the B-grade mediocre category, which diminished the genre's credibility.

In the light of the rise of Sci-Fi shows such as Battlestar Galactica and upcoming Star Trek XI, Sunshine's timing is appropriate. After all, it boosts big names such as director Danny Boyle (Millions, Trainspotting) and Fantastic Four's Chris Evan and Michelle Yeoh.

Good Sci-Fi films have a mix of science, research and technology. It bases future predictions with possible and speculative scenarios with present findings. In this case, the sun will die and lose its heat 50 years later. The only sense of hope is by sending a team of 8 in spaceship to reignite part of the sun.

There are accidents, mistakes made and life endangering situations along the way. The excitement comes when the 8 struggles to survive, speculate and start losing their sanity. Mankind will not change, past or future. And the struggle to survive is their most basic instinct.

The story starts off promisingly. Every cast member is representative of a certain type of human behaviour from the selfish, to stubborn, to the sacrificial. It has a good mix of international actors (especially Asians), probably so because predictions say that the future world will belong to the American and Asian powerhouses.

Unfortunately, like the spaceship on the voyage, towards the end of the journey becomes mediocre and haphazard. Be prepared for an anti-climax. At least, the movie recovers itself before it falls into a bottomless pit.

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The Robinsons is a one weird family. It takes time to know them, and once you do, you will like them.

They come from the future, filled with colourful buildings, flying jets, travelling tubes that would remind you of the Jetsons. Everyone is strange in their own way, from Frannie who conducts frog band, Grandpa who wears his clothes backward and twins Dimitri and Spike who stay in flower pots. Plus a talking robot like C-3PO.

In Back to the Future style, 13th year old Wilbur Robinson brings a smart nerd Lewis to 2037 to recover his invention. Are you lost yet? Now, all these eccentric characters and story can be quite hard to understand. Everything happens so fast, so don't lose your attention.

Once you get past the initial stage, everything falls nicely into place like a jigsaw in this intricate story. Although there isn't one main character who will appeal to you like The Incredibles, the whole Robinsons family will charm you the same.

Some critics may say: Too many characters. Too much dialogue. Too confusing. Too many things happening at the same time. Indeed, there were points where young children may go "huh?". Nevertheless, the singing frogs, big-headed dinosaur, colourful setting and music from Danny Elfman makes it all quite likable.

With a strong "keep moving forward" educational message and a touching ending, this animation is recommended to families who will continue to enjoy this work from Disney.

(As a bonus, audience will also be brought back in time with a nostalgic cartoon featuring Mickey, Donald and Goofy)

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Mr Bean, you are our favourite funnyman from London. We never get tired watching you stuffing your head into the Christmas turkey reruns after reruns.

So you have won yourself a trip to Cannes for some sun on the beach. Missing your train and being suspected to be a kidnapper? Here's a checklist for a really funny holiday:

1) Heavily contoured rubber face

2) Your minimal language ability in French

3) Embarrassing situations while playing with your food

4) A hilarious operatic dance performance by the streets

5) Slapstick situations coming up and down trains

And here's what you forgot:

1) Little childlike moments – X

2) A coherent storyline from the beginning to end - X

3) Characters who don't pop out of the blue - X

4) Small and simple jokes - X

5) Teddy - X

True Bean fans may be disappointed with the 'Hollywoodnisation' (big storyline, the baddie, and exaggerated plot) especially the 2nd half of the movie. Your appeal is in your simplicity, and you do not really have to try too hard or too much face contouring. Children will still laugh at your antics and hysterical moments. There were even audiences who clapped.

But this is your last movie, so we expected more.

"Nada Sou Sou" means "never-ending tears" in the Japanese Okinawa dialect, but do not expect much tears from this movie.

Don't get me wrong. Somehow, people expect to cry buckets just like Japanese films Crying Out Love and Be With You. Perhaps audiences are already spoilt with the proliferation of Korean tearjerkers.

The premise of this movie is very 'Korean', reminiscent of Autumn in My Heart – A brother-sister relationship (not related of course), the struggles of love, filmed at scenic spots by the countryside. It drew light chuckles, with the all-so-familiar scene of little brother carrying the sister on the back along the beach. Music please.

The movie is based on Rimi Natsukawa's hit song Nada Sousou in 2001 (made popular in Singapore by Joi Chua's Pei Wo Kan Ri Chu). However, a story of a young man falling in love with his step sister is nothing new. In fact, some of the subplots seems borrowed from other movies (Gigolo Wannabe, Crying Out Love). With a straight narrative like this, nobody needs to tell you what happens in the end.

The main charm in the movie has to be the lead Satoshi Tsumabuki, last seen in Fast and The Furious. His sunshine personality and endearing smile would captivate most girls, and this is someone you can bring home to your mother with. No doubt, this movie will propel him to greater star status.

His sister is cute in her own way, too cute perhaps. As she shrieks "NEE NEE" (brother) repeatedly at the top of her voice, you wish she was a mute sister.

The characters are told to control the tears in the movie (through a light pinch on the nose). The director paints a rather optimistic and sanguine picture throughout, probably suggesting that this is meant to be a light romance piece, and may disappoint those expecting more.

The appeal is in its subtlety. Keep your tissues.

My impression of the hula dance - random wave movement of the hands by tanned girls wearing straw skirts with a big flower on the head. That was before this movie.

The Hula Girls, a heartwarming comedy from Japan, tells about the craft, emotions and passion behind this dance. Being Hawaii has almost nothing to do with a depressed and cold mining town, almost devoid of colours and warmth. However, a group of girls from the conservatives to bespectacled obasan, decided to learn the dance to develop this declining town into a Hawaiian Village.

This is a daunting task to a Tokyo dance teacher (wonderfully played by Yasuko Matsuyuki) and a demoralizing act to the conservative skeptics in the small village.

A story about going against all odds may remind you of another Japanese comedy, The Swing Girls. Both movies boost great energy, lovely music and can put a smile on your face.

As Japan official's entry to the 2007 Academy Awards Best Foreign Film, The Hula Girls is not only entertaining, but motivational. It may be small in ambition, but big in what in can achieve – to inspire people to chance, accept, fall and rise again.

It is funny and touching at the small time, pushing your heartstrings (and tear ducts) with the girls' triumph over people who do not believe in them, which includes themselves.

With its infectious energy and stirring movements, this hula dance deserves a round of applause and bouquets.

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There are probably 300 reasons why you should watch 300. Based on a graphic novel by Frank Miller, it is loosely based on the Battle of Thermopylae where 300 Spartans fought against the Persians. The odds are against them: A million to 300. Yet the strength, courage, determination and intelligence of the Spartans proved that in war, it isn't always about numbers.

300 will appeal to many. Comic fans should be blown away by the stylish cinematic visual effects, seen previously in Sin City. It stays true to the novel, matched picture by picture. A background of desaturated with high contrast tones of red, visuals filmed almost completely on blue screen, gave a surreal yet bloody look. Look out for a sensual scene between King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and Queen (Lena Headey), a combination of cartoon-meets-sex.

Its 'epicness' has been compared to the likes of Troy and Lord of the Ring. While perhaps so in magnitude and special effects, it could have been lacking in terms of the story element and a slightly weak screenplay.

People may also find 300 reasons to hate it. The female audience may find 300 to be a violent exhibition with mutilated body parts and chopped hairs. Like a period Saw or Hostel, it may be seen as a display of 'meal market', sadistic and overly-exaggerated.

Before you dismiss it as being unbelievable, the battle did take place in 400 BC with 300 Spartans and 700 Thespian volunteers. The 300 warriors were in fact made up of 150 pairs of 'male-lovers', the king believing that they would fight harder for survival with their loved ones right beside them. This aspect was hinted throughout the film, from a pair of 'male-friends', the androgynous Persian King, and the queen's sacrifice towards the end.

The female's role in the movie was really quite minimal, especially when the film is marred by the queen's lack of acting classes. It can be said as a 'male movie'â€" which will appeal from the young teenager who loves comic fares and the older men who craves for action, blood, and aggression.

In fact, this movie will inspire me to hit the gym harder right now for that 8 pec abs. This is SPARTA!

300 - A visual spectacle! A graphic adapation! A male movie!

Volver is a movie centering on women, for the woman.

Volver (pronounced Bol-ber in Spanish) means "Return". The theme "return" revolves around the film. Three generations of women: The granny (Carmen Maura) returning from the dead, the mother Raimunda (Penelope Cruz) returning from her discordant life, and daughter (Yohana Cobo) recovering from abuse from her step father.

Penelope Cruz is colorful and affecting playing Raimunda, probably her best role to date. This role will assure others of her capability to act, napping several Best Actresses nominations to date. She may have lost the Oscars to the Queen, but she won't be just known as the ex-girlfriend of Tom Cruise.

This is a culturally rich movie which brings us to the back alleys of Spain, looking at lives from the rich to the poor. The cinematography is vibrant as well, as the screen is littered with the rich tomatoes, floral dresses and a top-angle view of Penelope Cruz assets. All done on purpose and beautifully definitely.

There are many 'woman' issues – from motherhood, single hood, sister hood, self worth and independence. Male actors are almost non-existence, playing only bit parts and there is no hint of any impending love stories. Perhaps this is also why I didn't identify much with this movie. For the males, do not worry as Volver isn't any soapy melodrama. With its twists and fun, it is still an enjoyable comedy about second chances.

Volver – The women scores, and so does Penelope http://themovieclub.blogspot.com

Despite boosting one of Korea's most successful idol Rain in his first feature outing, and director Park Chan-Wook of Sympathy of Lady Vengeance fame, fans in Korea were less than impressed with I'm a Cyborg, But that's Okay.

The 'problem' with this movie is that it does not fall into the cookie cutter of Korean melodrama of soapy tales with dying protagonist of unrequited love. Neither does it feature picturesque landmarks of mountains, trees and buildings all so typical. In fact, it is nothing we have ever seen before.

Instead of a pale long haired female lead, Lim Su-Jeong (Tale of Two Sisters) is refreshing as Young-goon, a paranoid schizophrenic who thinks she is a half cyborg. She doesn't eat as she charges herself with battery, sticks herself with wires and talks to fluorescent lamps. Il-Sun (Rain), a mental institution mate who steals personality traits from other patients, is secretly in love with her.

Using fanatical and violent characters is nothing new in director Park Chan-wook's movies, and what the movie has to offer is really out of this world. Conservative audiences may be completed bewildered with the bizarre story and wacky characters, from an apologetic patient who walks backward, a liar who suffers from memory loss and obese bully who craves to fly with her red and green socks.

I think the director wants the audience to look beyond the strange and peculiar characters, and that a universal theme of love and dreams can be applied to just any person. Love is all about acceptance and sacrifice, isn't it? It doesn't have to fall into the same mould that all other movies would use.

You have to applaud Director Park for his ambitious and highly imaginative take in a movie industry like Korea. Although it is cannot be considered a romantic comedy, audience will laugh and be thrilled by the stylistic directing, spirited soundtrack (which would remind you of a merry-go-round) and fresh vibrant colours from yellow, green to blue.

However, the character development was weak, and the audience never really got a sense of why Young-goon would behave in the way she was (even though her family members are not normal as well.) Despite being a short movie, there were moments of boredom as there was no clear sense of direction on where the movie was heading. Rain's maiden performance could not be said as exceptional, but fans can at least still get to see him shirtless.

Audience will be divided into two camps: You either appreciate this zany and hilarious movie or hate it to pieces for being nonsensical and lame.

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Boosting some of Hong Kong's film industry biggest with producer Peter Chan (Perhaps Love) and director Derek Yee (C'est La Vie and One Night in Mongkok), "Protégé" looks set to become this Hong Kong biggest film this Chinese New Year.

The Protégé here is Nick (Daniel Wu), trained to take over Jong's (Andy Lau) heroin trafficking business, but is in fact a police officer. His inner conflict is between the loyalty towards his 'teacher', and duty towards his job and justice. Things get more complicated when he falls in love with a heroin-addict (Zhang Jingchu), forced to detriment by her husband (Louis Koo).

The story of an undercover police would remind many of "Infernal Affairs", especially when both stars Andy Lau. The difference lies in its subtlety. While there are still police chase scenes and fights, the focus of the film is on the character development more than its actions.

Daniel has proved his acting abilities in One Night In Mongkok. Though he is playing the lead role in "Protégé", his character lacks of a very distinct quality to showcase his acting skills. This is so for Andy Lau's 'baddie' role as well, and you can't put across strongly how you should feel for him. Anita Yuen has very little screen time, perhaps due to the fact she was six months pregnant, and there could be more chemistry between her and Andy Lau.

The scene stealer is the refreshing China actress Zhang Jingchu who breathes an air of vulnerability and frenzy as a woman forced by circumstances. We should expect more from her as she moves on to a Hollywood in Rush Hour 3. Louis Kook, in stained teeth and tattered clothes, changes his image successfully playing her abusive husband.

Starting off slowly, the movie picks up after moving to the Golden Triangle, where audience are treated to the eye-opening sight of heroin plantations and produce.

"Protégé" may not be adrenalin pumping or mass audience entertainment, as director Derek Yee probably wanted to weave in a social message in a subtle and restrained manner. The last scene was enough for me to understand the story, though you wished he had pushed the movie forward a little more.

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Directed by Singapore's most successful commercial filmmaker, Jack Neo's "Just Follow Law" looks into the rigidness of the local civil service. From "Money No Enough" to "I Not Stupid", his films never fail to make a social commentary on the society, with characters who reflect reality of life in Singapore.

Through the experiences of a director and technician who exchanges souls in a freak accident, "Just Follow Law" demonstrates the bureaucracy, endless red tape, and inefficiency of government bodies and organisations. It would strike a chord with local blue collared workers. But the emotions and angst of the common people which made the "I Not Stupid" series very strong, was not well-developed. The sub-plot of soul switching and 'mini-MTVs' slowed down the pace and shifted its focus during the middle.

After criticisms of her English on foreign TV, Fann Wong showed her improvement playing the elite scholar Tanya Chew. After the switch of souls, she slipped in comfortably as a vulgar technician who scratches her (his) backside and sits with open legs. She certainly made her 6-figure paycheck worth and proved her versatility in acting.

Gurmit Singh was not overly exaggerated as in most of the comedies he performed (including the disastrous Singapore Idol hosting), but turned in a subtle and gentle performance as a trapped woman.

Other minor characters such as Lao Char Bo (Fann's mother), the Indian security guard and the administrative staff stole the show with their stereotypical, yet realistic portrayal of people we see around. Are we laughing at them or laughing at ourselves?

Product Placement is a double-edged sword. Without sponsors, there won't be a movie, but it diminishes the artistic merits of the movie. Spot the number of sponsors and see how much you get correct at the end credits. It isn't too difficult as most are repeat sponsors from previous movies. So expect Fann Wong to open a fridge full of Super products, also indulging in her New Moon abalone. Talk about subtlety! Tsk Tsk!

It gets worse as Jack Neo (who plays a doctor) also appears in a Mitsubishi ad and Fann Wong appeared in a Bella ad in the movie. Double roles or breaking characters? Major fault.

"Just Follow Law" does provide some laughs along the way through is characterisation and little situations we face in our working life. Unfortunately, mistakes made in his previous films resurface again. Songs should be used to bring a film forward not stall it Even though Billy Koh's Ocean Butterfly helped to produce the songs, 3 songs were too much. The focus on office politics got lost along the way, and the ending became another one of those predictable stage plays used in his last movie.

"Just Follow Law" still screams 'Channel 8' and lacks the movie quality. Overall, a good 'Chinese New Year' piece for the family, but expect no awards. Jack Neo may be a good social commentator but still has some time to go before he can be considered an accomplished director.

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Originally a manga series of a cursed notebook who kills anybody whose name is written on it, the screen adaptation earned instant success and charmed youths all over Asia.

a) Will I be able to appreciate The Last Name without watching Part 1?

You may have difficulty as there was no flashback with little introduction to the characters. Besides Light Yagami (also known as Kira the holder of the Death Note) and L (the genius out to capture Kira), the other characters require some form of introduction to get a better understanding. My recommendation is to watch both, rather than just a Part 2 standalone.

b) Is Part 2 better than Part 1?

While I was left hanging anticipating during Part 1, I must admit Part 2 was disappointing. With more talk and less action. Part 2 focused on the different the strategies taken by Light and L, but left out much action, humour and tension.

c) So should I watch Part 2?

Reviews have been on two extremes: You either love it for the play of cat and mouse play of strategies or get bored with the numerous dialogues and explanations. Manga fans will find it disappointing as the movie did not stay true to the original.

With less surprises and slow pacing, The Last Name still has enough entertainment value to thrill. The star of the movie time is L, and I am a converted fan of chocolate and sweets.

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Ben Stiller play a blundering security guard at the Museum of Natural History where the exhibits and animals on display come to life and wreak havoc at night.

Trying his best to keep his job, he has to overcome a skeletal T-Rex, gladiators and cowboys engaging in battles, a mumbling Christopher Columbus, and a jingle of wild animals. Nobody believes him, and only a wax figurine of President Roosevelt (Robin Williams) offers a helping hand.

Overall, it is a fun-filled pop-corn flick for the young in the family. Let your imaginations run wild with this adventure. Two thumbs up for special effects and makeup teams who transform everything to life. For better enjoyment of the movie, avoid watching any trailer which is likely to show the best and funniest parts of the movie.

Ben Stiller comes across as sincere and genuine (as compared to Zoolander, Meet the Fockers and Dodgeball) playing the divorced father. There are many other characters who have their own funny side, my favourites being Attila the Hun and gum-blowing Easter Island statue. More could be delivered from Robin Williams though, who speaks his usual gibberish once again.

Though not a trip to the actual museum, the movie also acts as a simple history lesson with its brief introduction of various historical characters. It would have been a more prolific attempt if there was more characterization and less corny jokes.

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Charlotte's Web has always been one of my favourite children's books. When I was ten, I used to imagine having a pig as my pet and tear at the disconsolate ending.

One of the classic stories of loyalty, trust, and sacrifice comes to life in this live-action adaptation. Dakota Fanning plays Fern who keeps an unlikely pet of Wilber the pig. As winter comes, the family decides that Wilbur would make delicious smoked ham on their dining table. It was the 'ugly' and small spider with a big heart, Charlotte who saves his life with her web and words.

More than a decade ago, the world was thrilled by Babe, the courageous sheep chaser. During that time, the CGI was considered ground-breaking, thus Wilbur may not be as celebrated as Babe. (I remembered I swore off pork for a week after Babe.) Although the movie boosts a heavyweight cast of Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Bates and Cedric the Entertainer, it was Academy Award Winner Julia Roberts who breathes in life into Charlotte with maturity and genuineness.

Pardon me, but I never found Dakota Fanning cute or sweet in any way. (She was really quite irritating in War of the Worlds.) Perhaps she is too mature and smart for her age, and thus somebody younger and more innocent may be suitable for the role of Fern.

Children of all ages should be thrilled by talking animals and a charming storyline by E.B. White. This is a moving story to teach them about life and death, trust and friendship. Adults may be a little impatient at the bland storytelling, and most would have already known the ending.

The final scene will still tug heart strings and do bring your Kleenex. Do not be too skeptical, and you will enjoy this magical and childlike fantasy.

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Despite the millions of chrysanthemum flowers, ten thousand soldiers and three prominent male cast (Chow Yun Fatt, Jay Chou and Liu Ye), one thing will capture your attention. Make that two.

Gong Li and her titillating assets have almost overshadowed everything else in the movie. While it may not be historically accurate for 10th Century Tang Dynasty palace females to dress so scantily, director Zhang Yimou obviously wants to make a stylistic statement right from the opening scene.

His play with colours was apparent from Hero. Curse of the Golden Flowers presents a kaleidoscope in its grandeur palace setting and elaborate costumes. The final fighting scene lead by Prince Jai (Jay Chou playing Jay?) the prince with golden armored warriors trampling over chrysanthemum is nothing short of impressive.

Jay Chou had a difficult time playing Prince Jai, which required more complexity than a cool rider in Initial D. While emotional scenes with Gong Li drew some laughter from the audience, his final scene was noteworthy and articulation has improved.

Kudos goes to Chow Yun Fatt and Gong Li. Chow has improved on his accent tremendously (which was very strange in Crouching Tiger) and portrayed the Emperor with magnitude and hysterical outrage. Look out for the scene as the usually mild mannered Chow punishes his son with both rising temper and hair.

While the film obviously banks on Gong Li's bosoms, they shouldn't distract audience from her exceptional acting. It may be over-the-top at times, but she shows that nobody else can play this vengeful and solitary empress better than her. At this moment, she is the queen of the Chinese cinema.

The story of betrayal, illicit affairs, chilled relations and dysfunctional families may be run on the mill and overdone. Drawing parallels with The Banquet by Zhang Ziyi is inevitable. Both are about an obsessed empress who craves for a relationship with the prince (Interestingly, both well-known for playing gay roles) and demands for more power from the emperor.

Curse of the Golden Flower is not just soap drama but a period epic to impress with colours, opulence and sheer indulgence.

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When Christopher Paolini first wrote the book Eragon, he was only 15. This could be a double-edged sword for split votes between those impressed with his talents and those who criticise at the story's immaturity and lack of depth.

The name 'Eragon' is probably derived from 'Dragon'. A fantasy about dragons and magic, it traces the adventure of a farm boy Eragon whose destiny is to save an Empire now that he is the sole dragon rider.

The main attraction of the movie should be Saphira, a digital dragon voiced by the talented Rachel Weisz. The dragon emotes sensitivity and strength, and is easily the best 'actress' in the movie. Strange.

While fantasy novel fans have great expectation for this year-end blockbuster, criticisms have been forthcoming. It has been said to be a copy of Lord of the Rings, with its scenic backdrop, setting and elfish language. (And Elijah Woods and Ian McKellen were originally considered for the roles of Eragon and Brom). The young Eragon avenging the death of his uncle reminds us of Luke Skywalker from Star Wars. And the use of magical spells, dragons scream and similar soundtrack scream "Harry Potter".

The story-telling is rather straight forward and predictable with a surprisingly short duration (clocking below 2 hours.) My advice is, try not to draw comparisons of it to Lord of the Rings and you will be more forgiving. Note: Arya (Eragon) is not Arwen (LOTR) even though they feel really alike.

Enjoy the dragon ride as you move through an entertaining adventure with breathtaking scenery.

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Some movies are so bad that you may swear off Christmas movies. This Christmas stars Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick as New England neighbours who spark a feud when one of them goes overboard with the Christmas decorations. DeVito plays Buddy who wants his house to be seen from "My Earth" (You know Goggle Earth?) and outer space. Two credible actors have just reached a low time in their careers. "Oh honey, Christmas is THE most important day in the year." Give me a break. The acting was so bad that it is so unnatural, lame and cringe-worthy. Nasty neighbours fight but realise that Christmas is all about sharing. Family resolves conflicts and gets together for a meal, decorating the house with lights. The whole town goes in merry making, and ends by singing "Oh Holy Night". How contrived, pretentious and hypocritical can a Christmas movie get? It's Christmas, so please at least be sincere and realistic about it. The CG was so badly done. The scriptwriters forgot that their audience is actually sophisticated. As if we all know the 'true spirit' of Christmas is about being together with our family and neighbours. The whole town singing Christmas carols waving lighted hand phones was the last straw. Please…

If this movie is a gauge of how Japanese movies are heading towards, then I really worry for the industry. Come to think of it, what has happened to the Japanese movie and television industry? Taken over by Korean movies? Seven young men who are desperate for money audition to be "hosts" of a pub. Therefore, by definition, they are NOT gigolos, or even wannabes. Their job is to entertain lonely female patron with drinks and talk.

If you think Full Monty, you are somewhat wrong. I was expecting such slick dances, embarrassing moments, or at least something funny. They only seem to have 5 customers throughout the whole movie, and their only job is to work towards pleasing them.

I do not mind that the cast is made up of a group of B-list unknown actors and actresses. There is so much potential for this, but it's wasted by the lame script and the never-ending ending (Pun not intended.) Would it even attract the pink dollar? I do not think so.

Singapore Dreaming is the most personal movie I watched in 2006.

I was pretty excited to catch it as it starred my colleague Serene (who just gave birth to beautiful baby Ella) and Yann Yann, whom I think is one of the finest actresses in Singapore. I first came in contact with Yann Yann years back when she was a tenant at my uncle's flat ,and then invited her to star in my first short film project The Last Flight of the Red Butterflies. She captured the essence and soul of the movie really well.

Back to the story, it is a story about a Singaporean family with dreams and aspirations. After the old man wins lottery, they struggle hard to find the true meanings of their dreams. Every character has a story, one you may see around you.

While Jack Neo has directed many movies which tried to weave in social commentary, they lack in terms of artistic merits and scripting (no offence). Beautifully filmed and well casted, Singapore Dreaming is a product that every Singaporean should be proud of.

Directed by husband and wife team Colin Goh and Wu Yen Yen, it digs where it supposed to, being funny, touching, realistic and reflective all at the same time. I managed to catch up with them days before and thought they were a sincere pair who would work well together (http://www.rp.sg/articles/20060824001.asp).

The first thing I messaged Collin was the story reminded me of my own family. Dick Su who played an IT graduate shared the same name as my brother Ah Seng. who also happened to be an overseas graduate. The last dialogue by the mother drove tears, which reminded me of my mother who never really got to sing as well.

Singapore Dreaming could very well be your story. What they need is your support now. (Incidentally, if you are watching the movie, buy liang the in to drink. It will make a difference. Trust me.)

Set during the period of five dynasties and ten kingdoms, The Banquet is a story of power struggle and emotional conflicts.

The invitees to This Banquet is top-class: Director Feng Xiaogang from The World Without Thieves (a very entertaining movie starring Andy Lau and Rene Liu), cast Zhang Ziyi (or Ziyi Zhang and hers was the only name reversed the credits), Ge You, Daniel Wu Zhou Xun and Huang Xiao Ming, and action choreographer Yuen Wo Ping (again) and soundtrack composer Tan Dun.

A loose adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet, the focus is the young empresses who plots against the emperor (Ge You), but lusts after her step 'son' (Daniel Wu as Hamlet?). The final banquet was a climax where everyone plans a final showdown and crucial assassination.

The Banquet is spectacular in terms of ravishness and grandeur in terms of set design, and that's probably about it. It's like entering a grand restaurant without the food you expect.

All the actors were strangely speaking their dialogue with unexpected slowness matched with wooden expressions. The lovable Zhou Xun, who was only one who looked natural, instead seemed very out of place.

Ge You delivered one-liners which were clever, but somehow sounded ridiculous in the setting that the audience burst into laughter. I was trying hard to control when Zhang and Daniel started fighting, which seem to burst into a waltz dance. The direction was very deliberate, but pushed too hard to being arty-farty. A good 41 minutes could have been cut if more could have been done to its pacing.

The Banquet is a fine example to show that big budget films may not equate to substance, top actors may not equate to fine acting, and Chinese period movies should just stay true to the heart.