The second Dan Brown's book featuring Robert Langdon's character has finally been immortalised onto the big screen. In comparison to Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons would appeal more as it is easier to understand and grasp. The genius symbologist has been called upon to solve the mystery kidnappings of 4 cardinals and the theft of the highly volatile and explosive anti-matter. Armed with his expanse knowledge of history and matters relating to the Church, Tom Hanks playing the lead role will take you to a breath-taking journey while he unravels and tries to solve the case of murders and the potential catastrophe in hand. What I really liked were the scenes showing renowed palces such as St Peter's Square, the Sistine Chapel and the likes, as they are truly a sight to behold (even if some were sets, they were amazing sets!) It was really clever of Dan Brown to coin up such a story using artwork, symbols and statutes and merging the conflict of science and religon into it. Entertaining piece but unfortunately not oscar-worthy, imo.

The Wrestler depicts the story of a washed-out wrestler and how he dedicates his life and the reasons behind wrestling. Mickey Rourke is aptly nominated in the Oscars for his portrayal of Randy the Ram. Things were going as per normal until Randy suffers from a heart attack one day after an intensive match that involved stapling and crashing of glass and chairs against his opponent. Soon he was informed that he could no longer wrestle, something he has done all his life! Lost and lonely, he seeks solace in a stripper and his estranged daughter but was unable to find what he was looking for. Desolate and rejected, he agrees to a comeback fight despite his medical condition. The bittersweet story is realistic and tugs at your heartstrings as Randy the Ram was not only a wrestler, he strives to become a good father and a lover but all the world sees him as only a wrestler and that was how he leaves the world. Due to limited screenings at that time, I missed watching The Wrestler but am glad that I finally caught it on DVD.

This movie is awesome. Followed the TV series during the 80s and loved it. But what's incredible is that JJ Abrams managed to pull off this epic series with a clever and exciting plot giving the audience insight to the main leads such as Kirk and Spock. Backstories were sufficient enough to give newbies some background story instead of leaving them in the lurch. Visuals were breath-taking. Fight and battle scenes were impressive as well. Lots of classic lines used and there were funny moments laced with touching emotional scenes. Great cast overall, who uncannily looked like the old cast. For me, seeing Lenoard Nimoy again on the big screen was fantastic and reminded me of how huge and long the Star Trek series has been on. Trekkies and non-fans will not be disappointed. Definitely one of the must-watchs of 2009.

Unfortunately I have not caught "The Two Sisters", the Korean show which The Uninvited was based on, therefore I cannot make a comparison between the two. But when I watched the American version, I felt like the horror content was toned down quite a fair bit and not as grisly as I imagined it to be. Anna (Emily Browning) returns home from a pysch ward after an traumatic accident to find that her dad is now seeing the past housekeeper (Elizabeth Banks). She soon starts to see spirits/ghosts and thinks that the housekeeper was the one who started the fire in her house, killing her mother and tearing the family apart. All used tactics to scare the audience can be found here (again) but were hardly effective. Watching the show reminds me of the 1992 movie, The Hand that Rocks the Cradle. Be warned though, this is not entirely a horror movie, so if you expect vengenful ghosts and hauntings, you will be disappointed. However, I do appreciate the fact that the story is not as convoluted as the Korean counterpart's (which they always do till you leave the hall with a big HUH?). Oh yes, the movie poster is quite good (altho somewhat misleading).

When a series of bizarre crimes surfaces, criminal dectective played by Dennis Quaid is assigned and works on the case only to realise that the crimes are only to send him a personal message. The crime scenes are gruesome and gory. It made me squirm so much to see the victims being gutted, pierced and hung. The plot resonates Seven but the references made to the 4 horsemen, I thought, was rather weak. Dennis Quaid's ability to portray the working single dad coping with the loss of his wife and trying to juggle family and work, is convincing and effortless. However, this can't be said much for Zhang Ziyi. Yes, even I was surprised that she had a role in this movie only to find out that she plays an adopted daughter of an American couple. My first thought is whether there were a lack of another American blue-eyed children up for adoption. She overcompensates in being the evil protagonist, trying too much and hardly scary at all (note: twirling your hair and swirling you speech does not help). Instead of climaxing to a clever twist towards the end, Horsemen gallops past the end line with a weak and predictable end.

One of the most popular X-men, Wolverine's origins is being attempted to be explained on the big screen. Fans of the comic will know that this animal's past is just not so simple and has many story arcs to it, so to have an actual understanding is simply impossible (ie. not as per comic book). However, it is pretty much close to what was intended in the comic books. Once again, Hugh Jackman reprises lead role with much conviction (look at his physique). Notable mentions include Liev Schreiber who is equally convincing as Wolvie's half brother, Victor Creed aka Sabretooth. The movie also presents several other mutants such as Agent Zero, Blob, Gambit, Kerstrel & Deadpool. However, they have been given limited screen time and it feels like there was not enough depth for these characters. There was simply insufficient breath-taking action scenes especially in cases where heroes using their powers to help each other achieve their goals and winning their battles. Visuals, of cos, is impressive. 120 mins for an X-men show is simply too short and leaves everyone yearning for more. Again, like all Marvel superhero movie, DO STAY TILL END OF CREDITS. There is a short scene at the end that shows Wolverine having a drink in Japan. The few seconds may seem insignificant but Xmen aficiandos know that Wolverine did spend some time in Japan where he fell in love in Mariko and joins some superhero team in Japan, supposing that they are setting up for the next movie. Will be looking forward to the Magneto spin-off and expect more mutant action the next time round.