Walking the Life of Mine

Spent a great night watching two movies - Polar Express and Ocean's Twelve - at the cineplex.

The first show, Polar Express started at 7.30pm. The story revolves around a boy who doesn't believe in Christmas and doubt the existence of Santa Claus. He was to wake up one Christmas Eve to find the Polar Express (a train) parked outside his house, waiting for him to embark on a life-learning journey to the North Pole. Along the trip, this boy learned about the true spirit of Christmas. The boy sure got himself into a lot of danger (i.e. walking on the roof of a train). Oh well, it's just an animation - the director is entitled to exaggerate without the need of sacrificing any kids in the film. No harm done :P

I particularly like this movie as it shows us the power to believe. Some nice quotes from the movie worth pondering upon: "Sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see" and "The thing about trains... it doesn't matter where they're going. What matters is deciding to get on". One interesting point to note, the boy's name was never revealed throughout the movie, considering he is the main character. Cool huh?

Polar Express is also produced in the IMAX version. The IMAX theatre at Berjaya Time Square is showing it. So if you're willing to fork out RM20 for a ticket to the show, I think it will be a great experience. I heard the effect is really nice. It's as if you can touch the snow from the movie. Would want to try it out if given the chance.

Ok, back to my review.

As soon as Polar Express ended, we rushed to the next room to catch Ocean's Twelve, which stars some of the big names in Hollywood (George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Robers, Catherine Zeta-Jones). This movie is a sequel to Ocean's Eleven back in 2001 which was banned in Malaysia. Lucky for us, Ocean's Twelve is given the green light.

The story tells about Danny Ocean and his gang of con thieves getting their hands dirty again, 3 years after their last stunt (a theft of $150 million from a casino owner, Benedict). This time around, Benedict managed to locate the 11 individuals and threatened their lives unless the $150 million (plus $40 million interest) is returned. The story then tells how the gang tried to earn the $190 million within 2 weeks' time.

For those who did not watch Ocean's Eleven (like me), you might get lost somewhere somehow in the movie. But, I think the director did try his best to fill in the gaps. The movie has a good blend of action-thriller-comedy. Oh, do expect some twists in the storyline and lame jokes as well.

Overall, both movies are worth watching. Go for Polar Express if you're in the Christmas mood or want to experience it. Head for Ocean's Twelve if you're in search of thrills and cranky jokes ;)