GRADE : A-
Hope to all the geeks and nerds in the world. Based on true story of a nerd that saves a girl, then finds a true friend for first time in his life. A very funny japanese flick that I couldn’t pull myself away from, maybe cuase I can related to Train Man (The Nerd) myself lol… Anyhow Train man shouldn’t be missed.
Romantic Comedy
1hr. 40 min.
Rated I
Starring: Nakatani Miki, Yamada Takanori, Kuninaku Ryoko
Description by Yes Asia: Based on a supposed true story, the film stars Yamada Takayuki (from Water Boys and Crying Out Love in the Center of the World) as a twentysomething computer nerd who goes by the chat room screen named “Densha Otoko” (”Train Man”). Out of nowhere, he soon finds himself in an unfamiliar role as “protector” when he ends up saving a woman from the advances of a drunken salaryman (Osugi Ren) on a commuter train. Miki Nakatani (from Ring 2) takes on the role of a beautiful office lady who eventually takes a slight interest in this socially-inept otaku. A complete moron when it comes to the ladies, this young computer freak would rather stay in his fantasy land of anime, manga, toys, and computer games than face the real world. Thus, when faced with the proposition of dating this new woman, he turns to the anonymous chatroom pals for support, asking for tips on what just exactly he should do to win this woman’s heart.

Densha Otoko is ultimately a nice guy, but for whatever reason, things just haven’t happened for him yet in the romance department. Despite his shyness, he’s definitely looking to make some changes in his personal life. But will their advice pay off? Can there be chemistry between these two vastly different people? And is there any chance that this guy will actually grow up? The answers await in Densha Otoko, a curious spin on love, life, relationships, and the unabashed glory of otaku geekiness!

GRADE : B+
A sad yet loving story of a man’s desire to be with a women no matter the circumstances. He vows to love her in sickness and in health til he dies and so he does… Very dramatic and powerful, if your in the mood for a touching serious piece then this is a good choice.
Drama
2hr. 1 min.
Rated PG
Starring: Hwang Jung Min, Jeon Do Yeon
Description by Yes Asia: Is there such a thing as pure love? That’s a question that strikes at the very big heart of You Are My Sunshine, a moving, slightly offbeat romance written and directed by Park Jin Pyo! Actor Hwang Jung Min, who appeared in Heaven’s Soldiers and This Charming Girl, stars as Suk Jung, a thirtysomething farmer who finds love where he least expects it. Starring opposite Hwang is Jeon Do Yeon from Untold Scandal and No Blood No Tears, who plays Eun Ha, a sexy waitress at the local coffee shop. It seems that Eun Ha has fled Seoul for the countryside in the hopes of getting away from an abusive spouse. When she finally meets Suk Jung, a romance blooms between the two, as the aging, naïve bachelor begins giving Eun Ha the love and affection she so desperately needs and deserves. His generosity gives this once lost woman a sense of hope and a reason to keep living. Unfortunately, Eun Ha harbors a secret that may threaten their possible romantic future – she is infected with HIV. What will happen when Suk Jung discovers the truth? Will he change his mind and abandon Eun Ha? Or could he actually be willing to die for love? Taking the number one box office slot in its first week of release, Park Jin Pyo’s glorious tale of tragic love is an enthralling experience in no small part due to the powerful, funny, and poignant performances from its two leads. Discover the power of true love in You Are My Sunshine!

GRADE : B+
Another great movie in my book. I love Asian romantic comedies! A Millionaire’s First Love tells a tale of a spoiled city kid who finds his roots in a poor country-side villages and realizes Love is more important then money. Extremely funny and definitely worth watching.
Romantic Comedy
1hr. 56 min.
Rated PG
Starring: Lee Yeon Hee, Hyun Bin
Description by Yes Asia: Jae Kyung is a spoilt rich kid and a bit of a slacker. He is in his senior year at high school, but rarely bothers showing up to class. It’s not that he has no desire for success, it’s just that he knows he doesn’t have to study hard in order to get it. On his nineteenth birthday he will become a millionaire, thanks to his late grandfather’s inheritance. But, the day before the big pay out, Jae Kyung’s family lawyer discovers a hidden clause in the contract. Jae Kyung can only inherit his fortune if he graduates from Boram High School. Where? Exactly!

Boram is in a remote part of the Korean countryside, miles from Jae Kyung’s cushy little existence. So the pampered city boy has no choice but to up-sticks and move to this small rural community - where his credit card isn’t accepted anywhere and he can’t even drive his sports car! But, in amongst all the country bumpkins and backward yokels, Jae Kyung meets Eun Hwan (Lee Yeon Hee) in whom he sees something different, something special, something which might possibly inspire him to change his selfish, arrogant ways and become a better person. But there’s more…

GRADE : A-
Funny yet serious, sad yet loving, this movie has it all. It follows the story of 2 childhood friends as they realize there need for one another. A very touching story to say the least. Not to be Missed!
Romantic Comedy
1hr. 50 min.
Rated PG
Starring: Sang Woo Kwon, Kim Ha Neul
Description by Yes Asia: Kwon Sang Woo and Kim Ha Neul, the popular stars of 2003’s hit film My Tutor Friend reunite for writer/director Lee Han’s 2005 romantic comedy, Almost Love! The two actors play Ji Hwan and Dal Rae, a pair of friends who grew up together in the same neighborhood and have been platonic pals ever since childhood. While Taekwondo student turned stuntman, Ji Hwan (Kwon Sang Woo) wishes to follow in the footsteps of his hero, action movie icon Jackie Chan, drama student Dal Rae (Kim Ha Neul) would like nothing more than to become an actress, although her eternal shyness during the audition process continually prevents her from landing any plum acting roles.

Although the two of them bicker incessantly, there’s a mischievous, altogether playful quality to their arguments, and as the film develops, it becomes clear that they are great friends with a deep affection for one another. However, their friendship takes a turn for the worse when they each begin dating other people: Dal Rae starts seeing a handsome, athletic young man who happens to be a fellow member of Ji Hwan’s Taekwondo group, while Ji Hwan himself begins going out with a gorgeous young woman with a figure to die for. It would seem that there shouldn’t be any issue between these two about dating other people, but as soon as they embark on these new relationships, things start to get weird for these once good friends! It seems that everybody knows their relationship is so much more than friendship, except Ji Hwan and Dal Rae themselves! Will they figure out their own feelings in time, before it’s too late?

GRADE : B+
My first experience watching a movie in a DVD room and it was good one. Beast and the Beauty is a remake of a classic with twist and turns. I thought it was extermely funny throughout and should be in your collection of dvds, however my friend disagrees. I guess if your in to romantic comedies then this one is perfect for you, but if not then take a pass.
Comedy
1hr. 41 min.
Rated G
Starring: Shin Min A, Ryoo Seung Bum
Description by Yes Asia: Newcomer Lee Gye Byeok makes his feature film directorial debut with this contemporary update on the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast! In the inversely titled The Beast And The Beauty, Shin Min A (Sad Movie, A Bittersweet Life, and Volcano High) plays Hae Ju, an attractive young woman who remains upbeat about life despite losing her eyesight many years ago. For three years, she’s been in a relationship with her faithful boyfriend, Dong Gun (Ryoo Seung Bum, from Crying Fist and Arahan). However, Dong Gun panics when he learns that Hae Ju is about to regain her eyesight thanks to a miraculous operation. It seems that Dong Gun has been lying to her all this time about his appearance. In truth, he is not the attractive man he’s claimed to be, but is instead a man suffering from a serious facial scar.

Ashamed of both his ruse and his appearance, the frightened Dong Gun takes desperate measures to remedy the situation. Instead of explaining himself to Hae Ju, he decides to hide himself away, leaving a message claiming that he’s headed to Hawaii. Meanwhile, his girlfriend crosses paths with the handsome Jun Ha (Kim Kang Woo, The Aggressives, Springtime), who finds himself attracted to the beautiful Hae Ju. While Jun Ha pursues Hae Ju, she continues to wait for Dong Gun to return. But will he come back in time to save their love? See for yourself in this charming romantic comedy that features standout performances from Ryoo Seung Beom and Shin Min Ah and also features An Kil Gang (Taegukgi), Ahn Sang Tae (The Art of Seduction), and Ham Eun Jeong (Madeline).

GRADE : D-
Not as funny as the first, cuase me to fall asleep on twice. Don’t waste your time with this one.
Comedy
1hr. 38 min.
Rated PG-13
Starring: Martin Lawrence, Nia Long, Emily Procter, Zachary Levi, Mark Moses
Description by Amazon: Martin Lawrence returns as FBI agent Malcolm Turner, a master of disguise who again goes deep undercover as the sassy septuagenarian “Big Momma.” The FBI has learned that a computer software developer named Tom Fuller has created a computer virus that allows access to classified US government files, Fuller is planning to sell the virus to terrorist organizations all over the world. Upon hearing this, the FBI’s best lead is Fuller’s wife. So Malcolm goes undercover again as Big Momma in order to pose as Mrs. Fuller’s nanny. and as always, Big Momma once again turns the house upside down.

GRADE : B+
This flick is a bit old (2004) but I saw it at my local Asian video Rental store and I couldn’t pass it up. It reminded me of that movie “Speed” but on a train and boy was a right! It’s filled with Action throughtout, so if your an Action Junkie this is a peice for you…
Action/Adventure and Art/Foreign
2hr. 36 min.
Rated R
Starring: Kim Seok-hun, Bae Doo-na, Park Sang-min, Son Byeong-ho, Sang-Min Park
Description by Yahoo: Jay is a fearless detective, is hot on the trailer of T, a deadly terrorist he’s been relentlessly pursuing for years. T was an elite secret agent for the government’s intelligence agency before getting tossed out for committing an unsanctioned assassination. On the day of the new mayor’s official visit to the subway, T hijacks a train and puts 13 million lives at risk. Pickpocket Kay, who carries a torch for Jay, sees what’s going on and quickly contacts him, and the showdown is on between two men with a death wish.

Tags: Tube

GRADE : D+
Definitely did not live up to its hype. A poor transition from a book to a movie and not enough action to keep the polt as interesting as the book. Would Pass on this flick…
Drama, Thriller and Adaptation
2hr. 39 min.
Rated PG-13
Starring: Tom Hanks, Jean Reno, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Audrey Tautou
Description by Yahoo: Famed symbologist Professor Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre museum one night where a curator has been murdered, leaving behind a mysterious trail of symbols and clues. With his own survival at stake, Langdon, aided by the police cryptologist Sophie Neveu, unveils a series of stunning secrets hidden in the works of Leonardo Da Vinci, all leading to a covert society dedicated to guarding an ancient secret that has remained hidden for 2000 years. The pair set off on a thrilling quest through Paris, London and Scotland, collecting clues as they desperately attempt to crack the code and reveal secrets that will shake the very foundations of mankind.

Tags: The Da Vinci Code

GRADE : B+
Being a native New Yorker, United 93 was very touching story dear in my heart. From start to end I was able to relate to the situation having observed part of the disaster first hand. From start to end you get sucked into the movie and your heart can’t stop pounding. With that said it’s not a movie for everyone, if you’re still shaken up by the attacks you might want to pass on this flick…
Drama, Thriller and Crime/Gangster
1hr. 51 min.
Rated R
Starring: Daniel Sauli, Lewis Alsamari, JJ Johnson, Gary Commock, Polly Adams (II)
Description by Amazon.com: Emotionally-packed and moving fact-based story about the passengers aboard doomed flight United 93 that was the fourth terrorist attack plane on September 11, 2001. The passengers on the flight, as a result of a delay on takeoff that placed them behind the planned attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, are able to learn of the attacks and discern that this is no mere high-jacking. While the real events that caused the ultimate crash of the plane can never be known, the events depicted would appear to be as might be expected. The scariest part of the film is the unpreparedness of the FAA and the military in dealing with the situation, which is also well-depicted here.

GRADE : B+
In Her Shoes is a movie that developes and gets better as you watch. What first looks like a rival between siblings developes into a life journey of discovering one’s self. In Her Shoes has a little for everyone, definitely one not to miss…
Comedy
2hr. 10 min.
Rated PG-13
Starring:: Cameron Diaz, Anson Mount, Toni Collette, Shirley MacLaine, Richard Burgi
Description by Amazon.com: Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette and Shirley MacLaine “all deserve Oscars” (WCBC-TV) for their hilarious and moving performances in “the most rewarding family comedy since Terms of Endearment.” (New York Magazine) Flirty, flaky party girl Maggie (Diaz) and plain, dependable lawyer Rose (Collette) are sisters, best friends and bitter rivals who seem to have only two things in common: DNA and size 8 1/2 feet. Only when their love-hate relationship veers towards the hate end of the spectrum do they accidentally discover they also share a long-lost grandmother (MacLaine) who enriches their lives and helps them make peace with each other and themselves!