Populasian: December 2013

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

My Favorite Films of 2013

2013 has been a good year. I got back into movies again this year. I haven't been this active since 2010. In all 2013 was a good year in terms of movies. I was able to watch a couple more in the theatres than I normally can. I haven't put them in order and the list could change when I watch many of these films in March and April as they become available via Blu-ray.

Unbeatable (激戰:勇者不敗)

I loved this film. I am a huge Eddie Peng fan. I am also a huge MMA fan. Throw that into the ring with a love story plus redemption story, you've got an amazing film.

Linsanity (林書豪旋瘋)

What more can I say. Jeremy Lin is an inspiration to all Americans of Asian descent that has faced obstacles in the sports world.

The Grandmaster (一代宗師)

I watched both the Zhong Guo version and the US version. Both were good and merit its edits. I liked the Zhong Guo better because it felt more natural and episodic.

Oblivion (遺落戰境)

This Sci-fi flick was amazing. In the future, the world has collapsed and humanity hinges some pretty interesting things. The twist and the world it comes from mesmerized me.

Fast and Furious 6 (玩命關頭6)

This movie was non-stop action. Turn your brain off and enjoy the wild ride.

Journey To The West: Conquering The Demons (西遊:降魔篇)

Can a nice guy with a heart of gold survive in this dog eat dog world? This little ditty tries and does in a big way.

So Young (致我們終將逝去的青春)

Coming of age story mixed with nostalgia of an era not so far from our present past. Set in a backdrop of turn of the century economics. When you're young, the future always seem so bright. Call it innocence.

Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon (狄仁傑之神都龍王)

This mystery caper was cheesy and not as strong as its predecessor, but it was entertaining and a set up for a franchise for years to come.

Iron Man 3 (鋼鐵人3)

I am Iron Man! 'Nuff Said...

Admission (愛在招生部)

Interesting twist and turns of a middle aged "coming of age" story mixed in there.

Personal Tailor (私人訂制)

A mainland look at mainland problems in satirical form. All the things insiders mumble under their breath and outsiders proclaim out loud in movie form.

Thor: The Dark World (雷神索爾2:黑暗世界)

This movie made the first Thor seem very tame. The cosmic elements were pretty awesome. Asgard! Just make a movie in Asgard already, forget the other eight realms.

The Way Way Back (三分男孩)

This modern spin on the classic coming of age film is a must watch.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Taiwan Box Office - December 29, 2013 - 台灣票房榜

Weekend of December 29, 2013
Rank	Film Title	Weeks
1	47 Ronin (浪人47)	1
2	The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (白日夢冒險王)	1
3	Frozen (冰雪奇緣)	2
4	The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug (哈比人:荒谷惡龍)	3
5	看見台灣 (Beyond Beauty - Taiwan From Above)	9
6	Ender's Game (戰爭遊戲)	2
7	English Vinglish (救救菜英文)	2
8	The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (飢餓遊戲:星火燎原)	6
9	Blue Jasmine (藍色茉莉)	2
10	十二夜 (Twelve Nights)	5
11	清須會議 (The Kiyosu Conference)	1
12	同窗生 (Commitment)	2
13	The Best Offer (寂寞拍賣師)	6
14	Hours (搏命關頭)	4
15	愛情無全順 (Campus Confidential)	4
16	The Body (屍物招領)	1
17	Viva La Liberta (秘書長萬萬歲)	1
18	秋香 (Chiu-Hsiang)	6
19	Captain Phillips (怒海劫)	7
20	這個高中沒有鬼! (Make Me Shudder)	3

Source: Yahoo! Movies Taiwan - retrieved December 30, 2013

Sunday, December 29, 2013

2013 Movies

What a year 2013 was. From blockbusters to independents, it was a good year for cinema in general. Here's a recap of the movies I need to watch(ed).

January 2013 Blockbusters
The Grandmaster (一代宗師) - Asia Release Month

The Last Stand (重擊防線)