You Need to Get Your Money Worthy Every Penny Spent
Nowadays it’s getting more and more expensive to watch movies in the theatre. You probably don’t want to go by yourself and therefore two tickets will set you back about 600NT. Then you’ll buy drinks and popcorns. In addition there’s no such a thing as free parking in Taipei. So for those of you who are car owners will have to pay for parking as well. Every little thing adds up. I’m sure you will try to get every penny worth if you’re paying for all of the above.
Due to the nature of my profession, it’s been years since I last paid for movies. Last month I attended 15 movie screenings and that doesn’t include all of the media screenings held during the month of July. And I don’t necessarily have nice things to say about all of them. So I may save big bucks but unfortunately wasted too much time on movies that shouldn’t have been made to begin with.
No Movie Critics Can Decide for You What is Good or Not Good
I really feel for all of you out there because you’ll either need luck or a fine eye to ensure that every movie you buy tickets for is going to be a good flick! Since finding a well worthy movie is a difficult task, many moviegoers rely on the so-called “movie critics” and “reviews” as the basis of their decision making.
I don’t know about you but my issue with these critics or their reviews is that they sometimes look into the film too deep and forget that movies are entertainment! Movies are meant to entertain the viewers, not bombard them with boring theories.
Movies, are like men, should be judged individually. Any movie is good until proven otherwise and only you can be the judge. Every time I read a bad review, I still give the movie a chance. Movie distributors always try to stir up some buzzes before the movies are released. One way by doing so is to hold a media screening, hoping that every review will rave about it.
Unfortunately, the media isn’t always friendly and some self-claimed critics will write a nasty review if they don’t like the film. Negativity always travels faster than positive reinforcement. Within seconds, the rotten reviews are all over the cyberspace. So, my advice is to let go all prejudice and just enjoy the movie as it is. Go into the theatre without high expectation and you’ll appreciate it much more.
Jay Chou is a Good Director and an Incredible Pianist
Today I attended a screening for a Taiwanese movie called “Secret”, starring popular singer Jay Chou. Jay came up with the original story for the film and also directed the movie. No one will deny that Jay is a talented and ambitious musician. However, there were interesting conversations coming from the journalists waiting in line to enter the theatre. I can’t tell you what they said because it’s a “secret” (LOL). But I will tell you that the anticipation was definitely there. And the most talked about is very similar to what I heard when I was waiting in line for “Rocky Balboa” earlier this year.
Throughout the movie Jay demonstrated his incredible talent as a pianist. His music not only accessorized this love story but also added depth to the film. If the element of love is taken out, then this movie is very much like a solo piano concert for Jay.
The protagonist is a senior high school student who’s about to graduate and honestly, Jay is a bit too old to play the part. But hey, he created the original idea and he can cast anybody to be the leading actor, himself included.
Anthony Wong is Magical and Charming
Just for the record, I give Jay credit for his musical talent and directing. Let’s not forget casting Anthony Wong as his father in the movie and it scores him major brownie points. He’s one of the best qualities about this movie. It’s no secret that Anthony Wong is a fine actor and most women find him super charming. He can easily light up the silver screen by doing absolutely nothing. And when he does try to impress the viewers, our hearts melt for his performance. He can turn a lousy movie into an okay flick. I don’t know how he does it but he’s done it once too many.
Jay and Anthony were first paired up as father and son in 2005’s Initial D. Second time around, Anthony is a much loveable and adorable dad than the last time. If you’re looking for fine acting in “Secret”, Anthony Wong is your man!
There’s another surprise in the movie but it’s mainly for me personally. My friend Michael H. is cast as one of the teachers and I was delighted to see him. I heard his voice first and then he showed up on the screen. It’s unusual to see your personal friends popping up in the movie without any notice in advance.
Go See “Secret” and Make it Your Secret
“Secret” will be in theatre starting August 10th. May it be that you aspire to be a pianist, may it be that you’re crazy about Jay, may it be that you’re a die-hard fan for Anthony Wong or whatever your reason may be, I believe that everyone can find something personal in “Secret” and therefore, no movie critics should spoil the secret in “Secret”.
If I may, I can sum up this movie with the following classics: Somewhere in Time, Shine, Phantom of the Opera and Back to the Future.
That’s all I’m going to say about the movie “Secret”. After all, I have to keep the secret to myself. Otherwise it’s no longer a secret. And if you can find out what it is, then it becomes your secret to protect. Enjoy the movie!
