Total Recall 2012 - 攔截記憶碼

Total Recall (攔截記憶碼) is an 2012 film. The movies stars Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, and Jessica Biel. The supporting cast include Bryan Cranston, John Cho, Bill Nighy, and Bokeem Woodbine. This movie was a remake of the 1990 version starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The 2012 version did not fare as well as the 1990 version and has been lambasted as one of the biggest flops of the 2012 blockbuster films.

The movie follows Douglas Quaid played by Colin Farrell, a android robot assembly line worker. Feeling a little off, he visits an fantasy joint called Rekall. Rekall can implant adventures into your system for a nominal fee. The Rekall center is run by Bob McClane, played by John Cho. However, before the Rekall can truely happen, gov't agents bust in and try to take him alive. However, Quaid remembers his a lean and mean killing machine and goes on the run. At home, he confinds in his wife Lori, played by Kate Beckinsale. However, Lori starts trying to kill him. Quaid is now on the run form the gov't and now Lori. Confused and on the run, he's rescued by Melina, played by Jessica Biel. Quaid finds out he's really Carl Hauser, a top brass with the gov't but has defected to the resistance. Can he stop the gov't take over?

This movie was actually a fun ride, but they totally mis-cast the main lead. Collin Farrell is compelling sometimes, but he's mostly confused looking and of his role in the movie. Someone like Tatum or even Liam would have been a better fit. They can pull off the dazed and confused look and feelings without looking stiff.

If you like sci-fi movies a la the original 1990 version, you should watch this one.

Fright Night - 吸血鬼就在隔壁

Fright Night (吸血鬼就在隔壁) is an 2011 horror film. The movie stars Colin Farrell and Anton Yelchin. The supporting cast includes Toni Collette, David Tennant, Imogen Poots, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. With an cameo appearance by singer Lisa Loeb.

In the city of Las Vegas, the housing bust continues. Vacant houses line new neighborhoods. Anton is a high schooler that's recently gotten popular. Next door, his neighbor just moved in and is doing a lot of construction. Anton's best friend, played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse believes that his neighbor, Colin Ferrell, is an vampire. His proof is all the missing people in the area. However, Anton is now popular and no longer hanging with his geek friend and rejects the friendship. But of course the friend is right. Anton and Colin fight it out and its a bigger plot than was expected.

The movie was pretty awesome. They had to play on the popular vs. geek status thing a little to move the story along. It's been a few years since my high school days, but I have no recollection of that popular/geek war. Which makes it really hard to understand the emotional decisions they make based on that criteria. However, its not that important in this film and is a vehicle to move the story along, unlike Glee.

The vampire mythos of this film are quite different than that of Buffy or Twilight. This movie is even more "right" than Buffy. Which means that there are more rules for the vamps. Which make for an interesting human vs. monster showdown.

I highly recommend this film to all that adhere to sci-fi, super natural side of the spectrum. Ignore the teeny-bopper plot points and you're set for a wild and entertaining ride.

Horrible Bosses - 老闆不是人

Horrible Bosses (老闆不是人) is an 2011 film. The movie stars Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis. The supporting cast includes Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, and Julie Bowen. The film did well enough that there are talks for an sequel.

The movie follows Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis as they go through life. However, circumstances would have it that they all hate their bosses for different reasons. The plot to kill them so their lives can be happier. The stumble across Jamie Foxx that gives them ideas on how to kill them off. However, these guys are not career criminals and bumble their way through it.

The movie was just OK. I didn't feel like I laughed that much. Nor did it gross me out as much as I thought it would. Good performances by all involved.

Miami Vice - 邁阿密風雲

Miami Vice is a 2006 film starring Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx and Gong Li directed by Michael Mann.

Gong Li plays the lover of a drug lord named Isabella, as well as a first or 1.5 generation Chinese Cuban. Apparently, Isabella and the drug lord, Montoya have a very open relationship. Because Isabella starts a very overt love affair with Colin Ferrell's character, Sonny Crockett.

In essence, Gong Li's character of Isabella is a fierce financial advisor. Very much a dragon lady role. Gong Li's English accent is unique as well. I recall that Gong Li was taught to have a Spanish accent while speaking English. Since Gong Li's English isn't an American accent, that made for an interesting mix. I wonder if Gong Li's picked up any Singlish.

I was a big fan of Gong Li back in the 90s. Since the late 90s, I've not been to interested in her projects.

As for Michael Mann, this was a disappointing feature. Heat, Ali, and Collateral are among some of the better films I've seen.