Case 39 (2010)

A perfect failure example of demon-disguise-as-child horror flick would be an understatement to this film. To summarize it, I would say it’s a combination of ‘Drag Me to Hell (2009)’ and ‘The Orphan (2009)’ but just much worse than either of them.

The beginning of the story plot was ok and successfully creates an aroma of mystery. However, the story line became kinda boring when it failed to break from the typical flow which is:

1. The main character(s) found a child who is supposedly adorable but with a mysterious background.

2. The child (demon or whatever) shows signs of evil and the protagonist starts to be afraid of her.

3. Protagonist investigates the reasons and past of the child.

4. After several failing attempts, the protagonist eventually successfully/unsuccessfully kills the child.

Apparently, the plot of this story is a recycle of things that others already used (many times) in the past. So, do not expect anything else but poorer plot.

Well, without much hesitation, I’m gonna reward the casting members for screwing up even more the story. Renee Zelweger’s acting was poor and too surface comparing to my expectation from the ‘The Bridget Jones’s Diary’ actress. Moreover, Jodelle Ferland is definitely unsuitable for the role as the demon-disguise-as-child character, despite her good acting in ‘Silent Hill (2006)’. Jodelle’s acting; I would say it’s more irritating than horrifying. First of all, she looks more mature (taller) and less adorable comparing to similar actor/actress in ‘The Omen’ and ‘The Orphan’. Second of all, I can almost see her desperation to put up an evil smirking smile that I found it annoying (no wonder she wasn’t featured in the promotional poster). The only character that helped me bear with the movie was Bradley Cooper, though his character was totally insignificant at all.

No long lasting terrifying scenes from the movie. A copy cat of ‘Drag Me to Hell’ by using bees (instead of flies) but … there’s nothing to be horrified of – at all. I have to warned you that many scenes in the movie that try to shock you but turn out to be something dumb and not related to the story – they may annoy you. So, please, don’t go in with popcorns.

There’s nothing worth watching about this movie at all – really. My piece of advice: save your time in the cinema queue and re-watch ‘The Orphan’ or perhaps ‘The Omen’ (I mean the classic one) will even be more enjoyable.

THE RATING:

Story – 3.0 stars

Casts – 2.0 stars

Cinematography – 2.5 stars

Effects – 2.0 stars

OVERALL – 2.5 stars

Up In The Air (2009)

After the nightmare of ‘Burn after Reading’, I kinda forgot about George Clooney till I saw a book with familiar silhouette on the cover lying on the bookstore shelf titled ‘Up in the Air’. Okay…I told myself: let’s give it a try to watch it and BAM! It’s a nice movie!

As how Jason Reitman managed to tell a serious matter (teenage pregnancy) in ‘Juno’, he seems to do it again in ‘Up in the Air’, only this time with an even more depressing matter – unemployment. He has once again proven himself as a promising (philosophical) director by telling a story about a heavy theme so casual and effortlessly.

The whole story centers about Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), a career transition counselor, who used to travel around the states to give advice about career transition … well, in other words, firing people. What attracted me the most is his ‘backpacking’ philosophy about life. Basically, he chose a lifestyle of avoiding commitement and maintain casual relationship with people, because, for him, relationships are the heaviest things in life (backpack) that cause people to move slower and die faster. As every believes or faiths that most people have, his philosophy and life style was questioned and challenged throughout the movie when he encountered with his young ambitious coworker Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick, the geek friend of Bella in Twilight) and his possible love interest Alex (Vera Farminga) who turned out to be someone’s wife. At the end, after being dumped by Alex, he stood in the airport terminal and the message is clear: a ‘backpacking’ life style is the safest kind of living way to avoid dissapointment. It’s kinda sad, lonely, and … but well, it’s a dark comedy.

No lame jokes, just reality in our everyday life which we can view in a comedic way – thanks to the script writers who came out with a brilliant screenplay. The dialouges are enjoyful and easy to follow. Together with the original music score that helps us to look into the issue of unemployment and loneliness in a hmm.… delightful way, you’ll find yourself at the end to contemplate about possibility of choosing a ‘backpacking’ life like Ryan.

Casting wise, I can’t think of a better choice of actor who can fire people in a professionally charming way like George Clooney. My doubts about Anna Kendrick was dropped when I saw her being so naturally beside older stars despite of her young age. And for Vera Farminga, her acting was fair enough with sufficient chemistry with George Clooney. Another thing I wish to give credit for casting is that they actually find those unemployed people to be extras in the film, which gives more reality about the cruelty of current economy situation.

It’s a dark comedy/drama for your fullest entertainment when you’re getting sick with those lame comedies in box office (Old Dogs, Spy Next Doors etc). This is a quality piece of work blending entertainment and insight, drama and reality. My advice? Give it a try since it’s an awards season and you won’t get dissapointed. Now, who want to be fired by George Clooney?

THE RATING:

Story – 4.0 stars

Casts - 4.0 stars

Cinematography – 3.0 stars

Effects – 2.5 stars

OVERALL – 4.0 stars