Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 2012

Wishing you all happy blessings and seasons greetings! Merry Christmas, one and all!

Movie Review: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

It's almost hard to believe that it's been over a decade since Peter Jackson adapted the works of J.R.R Tolkien into live film and turned it into what we now know as The Lords Of The Rings Trilogy. Despite some differences and offshoots from the source material, all were favorable and brilliant adaptations to behold in a cinematic scale, and it set the trend for a legion of Tolkienites to explode on the scene and adore everything and anything that has to do with Middle-Earth and its inhabitants.

Now, another adventure is afoot with the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The first film in a new trilogy once again set and designed by Peter Jackson and his team of filmmakers from Wingnut Films Limited, the film explores the events preceding that of The Lord of the Rings, centering on a young Bilbo Baggins, as he is thrust into an adventure by Gandalf with a company of Dwarves that will forever change him and the rest of Middle-Earth forever.

Now for the review. Special thanks again goes to Warner Bros. Philippines for the advance screening on IMAX!

Movie Review: Rurouni Kenshin

Nearly four months after it was released in Japanese theaters, the epic film adaptation of Nobuhiro Watsuki's "Rurouni Kenshin" has graced audiences in the Philippines. Initially working through a licensing and distribution process, the film finally came through to our shores as an exclusive in SM Cinemas. Much to the delight of fans of the beloved samurai manga/ anime series, it will be shown retaining its native Japanese language and is complete with English Subtitles. 

Now, after waiting for what seemed like an eternity, this period piece detailing the story of a wandering samurai atoning for his past is finally here. Was it worth the wait and does it deliver to its fanbase? Find out in this review.

The Dark Knight Trilogy Limited Edition Giftset Review

For nearly a decade, Christopher Nolan has blessed the comic book and film world with an adaptation of the DC Comics superhero Batman we can be all proud off. Since beginning the journey in 2005 with Batman Begins, escalating the action with The Dark Knight in 2008, and culminating the story of Bruce Wayne with The Dark Knight Rises this year, the British director has successfully presented a trifecta of films that would collectively be known as "The Dark Knight Trilogy", and it is a collection that will forever and proudly remain in the higher echelons of cinematic history. 

Following the widely anticipated release of The Dark Knight Rises in home video this holiday season, the circle is now complete and the movies that make up the TDK trilogy are now all available in home video. Being the Batman/ Dark Knight fan and collector that I am, I couldn't pass up on this prestigious collection... And now I finally have the entire saga in my collection. If you have yet to experience Nolan's Batsaga and need to get everything in one set, this baby's now available in both Blu-Ray and DVD formats. Since I already have all three movies in the former, the latter package was just ripe for the picking.

Now without further ado, here's a review of The Dark Knight Trilogy Limited Edition Giftset!

Epic Birthday and Thanksgiving Celebration 2012!

It's not everyday you celebrate your birthday and thanksgiving simultaneously, and with people you know greeting you from all corners and walks of like while returning the nod back, that's really got to count as a special day for all who took time to message or call. I can't thank everyone enough for the good fortunes, blessings, and gifts this year, and there's a lot to look forward to in life in the days ahead.  That being said, it's been a sweet ride today, and I'm looking forward to more things as the next year prepares to grace us. Thank you to all again for the popculture stuff and thoughtful gifts, and before I end this, let me say again...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE! JUSTICE FOR ALL!

- Tim V. aka Timzster

Movie Review: Skyfall

It's been playing in theaters since the beginning of the month, but better late than never to review it now... Especially for those who haven't seen this yet!

Opening last month Halloween in international territories and on November 8 in the US, Columbia Pictures and MGM welcomed the long awaited return of Daniel Craig as James Bond in the highly anticipated 23rd 007 Film "Skyfall". As the third installment of Craig's tenure as the famous British Secret Agent; a role that's also been played by legendary actors like Sean Connery and Roger Moore, this adventure pits Bond against an adversary with connections to MI6's past, which puts his faith with his superior M into question and explores another facet of the "Licensed To Kill" agent's mysterious past.

Many people call this the best film in the franchise yet, and a lot of the story and action in it hold water enough to make that a strong argument. This review will explore whether or not I agree with that assessment, yet still giving my two cents worth on why I certainly enjoyed it nonetheless.

Movie Review: Wreck-It Ralph

Disney has been part of our childhood in one form or another, and none more so when it comes to their animated films, which have captured the hearts of minds of viewers around the world. Whether it be a 2D animated retelling of a fairy tale or one of Pixar's wonderful 3D stories, the House of Mickey has chugged some of the best the entertainment and film industry has to offer. Having recently purchased LucasFilm and already having Marvel under their wing, Walt Disney Studios is certainly a strong brand, and it's about to get bigger with the gaming market too, thanks to their new animated feature - Wreck-It Ralph! I recently got to see a "Sneak Peek" screening of the film thanks to Walt Disney Studios Philippines, and it certainly lives up to the promise of it being what it is - A love letter to Video Game fans and kids out there!

Movie Review: Argo

Films based on true events are usually hits or misses, for the sole fact that they can either dramatize a series of real-life events well or exaggerate it in a manner that blows everything out of proportion. Having a good director and filmcrew that does their research properly will keep things in line without sacrificing much on historical fact. Thankfully, that's what I found in Argo - a film by Ben Affleck that depicts the true life rescue operation of six U.S diplomats by C.I.A operative Tony Mendez during the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979. Released last week in the US and set to open this week in the Philippines and other territories, there are many reasons to say why this could possibly be one of this year's sleeper hits, and this review will show why that is. Special thanks goes to Warner Bros. Philippines for the screening!

Movie Review: Taken 2

If you haven't caught it yet in theaters, Taken 2 proves without a shadow of a doubt that Liam Neeson is a badass, and he's a Box Office pull with a serious mean streak to boot. Almost a week since its release, it holds its own in numbers and figures. Here's a review if you need some thoughts on how this action-flick sequel performs, and special thanks again goes to 20th Century Fox and Ayala Cinemas for the screening!

Movie Review: Resident Evil: Retribution

There's no love lost between me and Paul W.S Anderson's Resident Evil movie franchise. As a longtime fan of Capcom's survival horror/ survival action video game franchise, I'll be the first one to tell you that the films have absolutely NOTHING to do with the continuity set in the games its loosely based on. However, what I can tell you right now is that I have developed a huge amount of respect for the Milla Jovovich flicks based on one aspect that continuous to be prevailant with each installment - continuity. The latest film, Resident Evil: Retribution, is the fifth entry to the series, and picks up where things left off. Is it worthy to see Alice back in the big screen? Find out here in this review, and special thanks goes to Columbia Pictures Philippines for the screening!

Movie Review: The Expendables 2

The boys are back and all hell breaks loose as PURE AWESOME TESTOSTERONE ACTION hits with The Expendables 2! Sylvester Stallone and his ragtag team of action star mercenaries are back for the kill in this sequel to the 2010 hit, and while Sly isn't back in the director's chair for this one, Con Air director Simon West takes his place and injects more adrenaline, intensity, and machismo into this one than any other action movie fan of the 80's and 90's can endure! You have all the names to lay claim to fame, which in addition to Stallone include Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Willis, and the former Governator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger! So if you have any doubts in place, here's a review for the books to cash in on why The Expendables 2 is bigger, better, and badder than ever! SPOILERS after the jump, so read at your own risk!

Movie Review: The Bourne Legacy

The Bourne franchise finally continues this month with a new installment in the saga now playing in theaters via "The Bourne Legacy". Directed by the series' mainstay screenwriter Tony Gilroy, this film based on Robert Ludlum's action-drama espionage series is the first spin-off title, with Matt Damon not reprising his role as main character and star Jason Bourne. Instead, the spotlight now focuses on a new character, Aaron Cross, who's played by the equally talented and tough-as-nails actor Jeremy Renner. Last seen as the sharpshooting superhero Hawkeye in Marvel's The Avengers, Renner aims to fly to solo and fight for his survival in this film, with Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton also co-starring as scientist Dr. Marta Shearing and Ret. USAF Colonel Eric Byer. With the decks stacked with proven hollywood stars, does this film compliment or offshoot the franchise?

SPOILERS of course, so read on at your own risk and find out in this short but sweet review.

Suit Up! with Marybeth Nave and The World's Finest!

Today, along with my fellow Justice PH member and known Superman cosplayer Gerard, we will be appearing in this:

Here's the description:

Catch Justice PH's very own World's Finest, Superman and Batman, as Gerard Sison and Tim G. Villasor guest in "Suit Up! With Marybeth Nave" on Global News Network! If you have Destiny Cable, be sure to tune in later at Channel 8, from 12nn-1pm, to catch the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight interviewed by Miss Nave! 

Justice For All! 

Be sure to catch Suit Up! with Marybeth Nave later today!

Review: The Dark Knight Rises

Threequels rarely show that there's redeeming value for a franchise other than big box office numbers. Spider-Man 3 proved that some years ago, and there's rarely been any continuation of a story or movie that ended on a high note with expectation or promise. As such, it's a very big surprise and achievement to witness the final chapter to British-American director Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight saga with the film "The Dark Knight Rises". The film places an ending to the franchise that began with 2005's Batman Begins and escalated with 2008's The Dark Knight, and all plot threads and storylines built within the events of those two films culminate into one grand epic presentation, presented in both conventional and IMAX formats. 

Having seen the film during its official IMAX premiere in the Philippines, I'm going to tell you now that this review will be littered with SPOILERS. I'm a big fan, collector, and yes even a cosplayer of The Batman, so take heed and be cautious if you want to see the film for yourselves without any differing opinions. All I'm going to say now is that if you're a fan of the superhero or have seen any of the two previous, you owe it to yourself to see this one. Special thanks goes out to Warner Bros. Philippines and SM Cinema for the invitations. That being said, I give the review for TDKR.

SPOILER WARNING. A Fire Will Rise.

Retrospective: Batman Begins and The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight Rises literally opens in a few days time, and now that people are hyped and ready for it, the knowledge of it being Christopher Nolan's final Batman film also sets in. It's hard to believe that a saga that started out in 2005 with Batman Begins and skyrocketed to epic proportions with 2008's The Dark Knight is finally ending this year, and the groundwork for portraying a significant version of DC Comics' flagship character left an everlasting impression on fans the world over.


Before we prepare to say goodbye to Nolan directing The Bat and Christian Bale wearing the Batsuit, I wanted to take this opportunity to do a retrospective on the two previous films of The Dark Knight saga and its personal impact on fandom. Despite being a few years old and a new film is already on the horizon, it still holds true that these blockbusters have set the bar and brought Batman back to prominence.


SPOILER ALERT for those who haven't seen any of the films. Before you see the fire rise, watch The Dark Knight begin and fall, respectively.

The Dark Knight Rises: IMAX Personal Fan Poster

Following the "A Fire Will Rise" fan poster, here's another one that's based on the IMAX one, with the classic batsuit once again emphasized.

Really looking forward to the end of the Dark Knight legend in a few days time.


The Dark Knight Rises in theaters on July 20.

The Dark Knight Rises: "A Fire Will Rise" Personal Fan Poster

With The Dark Knight Rises nearing its inevitable release date this month, here's a fan poster done that reflects both excitement and anticipation.

A Fire Will Rise Indeed.

The Dark Knight Rises in theaters on July 20.

Review & Analysis: The Amazing Spider-Man

It's been more than 10 years since Spider-Man swung into theaters, reinvigorating and helping usher in the blockbuster superhero film initiative we've come to expect year in and year out in from Hollywood. The Sam Raimi version is easily one of my favorite adaptations of the character, and while it didn't end on such a high note thanks to the shenanigans of Spider-Man 3, it still resonates with audiences who took to seeing Peter Parker's story told in the big screen. Flashforward to present day, and now we have 500 Days of Summer director Marc Webb's treatment of the webslinger's tale with "The Amazing Spider-Man". Taking its title directly from the first ongoing comic book series of the same name, it's literally a bold and modern new take for Spider-Man and his world. It's darker, emotional, and full of intensity and action that will give fans and audiences something new to talk about. The big question is: how does it stand up to its predecessor and the Spider-Man legacy? We'll find out in this review, as well as analyze how the film works up to bringing the concept of the character to a new generation. Thanks again goes to Sony Pictures, Marvel, and Columbia Pictures Philippines for the film viewing.


SPOILERS HERE, so if you have yet to watch the film, don't read this.

ToyCon 2012: Day One Recap

Mid-June saw pop culture and hobbyists in the Philippines converge, as the 11th installment of the Philippine Toys, Hobbies, And Collectibles Convention ushered in a long weekend of fun and excitement. The event officially opened to the public last June 15, and focused solely on a special "Retailer's Day" for collectors and buyers to take advantage of. It was also the first day to get a glimpse of almost everything the event had to offer, including a school of toy displays and Warner Bros. official booth promoting "The Dark Knight Rises", with the original Batsuit worn by Batman actor Christian Bale on display! Check out the video of Day One Recap to see what happened, as I took a tour with toys, friends, and Batman around me!


ToyCon 2012 Day One Recap

Stay tuned for Day Two and Day Three Recap!

ToyCon 2012: The Dark Knight Rises Batsuit on display at the Warner Bros. booth!

On this year's installment of The Philippine Toys, Hobbies, and Collectibles Convention, Warner Bros., DC Comics, and ToyCon PH have teamed up to present fans of all things Batman with a special treat - the official replica of the batsuit worn by actor Christian Bale in The Dark Knight/ The Dark Knight Rises! Starting today June 15, the suit will be on display to the general public, located in the TDKR booth provided by Warner Bros. Philippines! Anyone looking forward to Christopher Nolan's epic final chapter to The Dark Knight legend will surely want to check this out, and I myself have had the opportunity to see it personally, as pictured below!

For more info and details on the ToyCon, be sure to visit my official blog Timzster and Facebook page, as well as the ToyCon PH website and Facebook Page!

The 11th ToyCon is currently running this weekend at SM Megatrade Halls 1,2, and 3 at the SM Megamall. Also, be sure to catch The Dark Knight Rises when it premieres in theaters this July 20!


*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

ToyCon 2012: A Fire Will Rise!

As of this writing, it's officially Day One of the 11th Philippine Toys, Hobbies, And Collectibles Convention. It's going to be a quite the interesting weekend, and with Friday Madness looming over the horizon (it's payday), I can't help but wonder how the crowd and traffic will be in that area.

To date, I've been a steady and consistent patron of what has come to be known as "ToyCon" in the Philippines. This annual event, combining elements of just about everything in entertainment and popculture, has drawn significant attention from the hobby, gaming, and cosplay markets, which all congregate into one area packed with booths and displays that are definitely more than simple eye candy. You will happen upon some of the most awe inspiring and creative dioramas and displays passionate collectors are able to construct, and official merchandise that some traders and retailers may have to offer if you're interested in a specific genre. Overall, the ToyCon is literally the place to be if you're into anime, games, cosplay, and yes, toys.

This year also marks the next and final entry to Warner Bros. and Christopher Nolan's epic final chapter to The Dark Knight legend with the release of "The Dark Knight Rises" this July. With that coming up next month, Warner Bros. Philippines and DC Comics have paired up with ToyCon to give fans a special treat by present this year's installment of the ToyCon with "The Dark Knight Rises" as its official theme! Attractions and displays from the movie will be placed in display for the public to see, and for the first time ever, the official replica of the Dark Knight Batsuit worn by actor Christian Bale will be there! That's more than enough reason to get your hopes up for the ToyCon, and see this baby in person! Also, it's a sure bet there will be a significant amount of cosplayers in attendance, including western heroes such as Justice PH and other comic book, anime, and gaming characters! Be sure to check them out all out come this weekend!

The 11th Philippine Toys, Hobbies, And Collectibles Convention starts today June 15 and runs all the way until Sunday, June 17. For more information, visit the official Toycon website and Facebook page!

The Diablo III Epic Philippine Press Launch!

Today will forever be a day of infamy for gamers worldwide... For Diablo III has finally arrived, and adventure begins anew!

Held today, May 15, at the National Sports Grill in Greenbelt 3, bloggers and press alike covered the official Philippine press launch of the much anticipated role playing game "Diablo III"! IP E-Games, together with Blizzard Entertainment Inc., team up and bring together gamers, journalists, and enthusiasts alike as the stage is set for a gaming experience like no other!

Movie Review: Dark Shadows

The very first Tim Burton movie I saw growing up was "Batman", and his 1989 vision of the Caped Crusader rocked my world and literally helped reinvigorate the franchise and return the DC Comics hero to his dark roots. That film helped address and flesh out to me the director's dark, twisted, and goth-like style of directing, and it's that kind of atmosphere that has grown to become his legendary trademark with each project he places his efforts into. As such, it is with great enthusiasm and curiosity that I looked forward to his latest project "Dark Shadows", which was a TV show that ran between the late 60's and early 70's and earned a remake in the early 90's. Bringing his longtime collaborator Johnny Depp into the fold, it was a sure deal that I wouldn't miss this flick and give my impressions on it. That being said, here's my review on this dark comedy adventure for the summer. Special thanks again goes to Warner Bros. Philippines and SM Cinema for the special screening!

Movie Reviews: American Reunion and The Cabin In The Woods

With The Avengers rolling out in theaters and assembling huge crowds of moviegoers, the summer blockbuster season this year has officially begun. Still, after getting your fill of superheroics and hulk smashes, there's a couple of other films you may want to check out. One is a throwback to the horror genres of old that's produced by Avengers director Joss Whedon, while the other is the hilarious return of the lovable American Pie gang, who are back to celebrate their high school reunion! On the latter movie, I'd like to thank Solar UIP and Gateway Cinema for the invitations to see Jim and Stifler back for more sex adventures last week! So without further ado, here's my reviews for American Reunion and The Cabin In The Woods!

American Reunion

If the Avengers are assembling to fight the bad guys no single hero can withstand, American Reunion is the assembly of comedy that's much needed for 2012! Directed by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, American Reunion (or American Pie: Reunion in other territories) is literally a fun bag full of laughs and awesome! Set thirteen years after their graduation from high school, Jim Levinstein, Chris "Oz" Ostreicher, Kevin Myers, Paul Finch, and Steve Stifler are now adults and living out their own separate lives... Until a "Class of 1999" reunion calls them all together once more for a much needed reunion! Visiting East Great Falls once more, the group revisit their old neighborhood and find that many things have changed... But most stay the same! Along with that comes the usual antics, pretty girls, and of course Jim's Father Noah, who's now a widower... yet gets tangled up with Stifler's mom! All the comedy and hilarity Jason Briggs, Seann William Scott, and the gang delivered in the past American Pie movies all come back, and culminate in a way that any fan of the franchise dare not miss. If you in for the jokes, sexcapades, and what not, go to theaters and see this! It's the 90's all over again!



American Reunion Trailer
Rating - 4/5

The Cabin In The Woods

Working with a title like that, you'd expect a bit of B-Movie flavor to the Drew Goddard directed movie "The Cabin In The Woods". True enough, it is a B-Movie, and it pays homage to all the horror and slasher movie genre films seen in the 80's and 90's that have captivated the hearts and minds of film viewers and popculture addicts. In fact, the premise is very much like that of Sam Raimi's "Evil Dead" films, with a tinge of that obscure horror flick Thirteen Ghosts even. It's an interesting plot from the seams, but admittedl, I walked into this film because it was produced by Avengers director Joss Whedon and stars "Thor" himself, Chris Hemsworth. Filled with all kinds of horror cliches and nods, the average fan looking for scares, thrills, and kills will be somewhat pleased (especially with the cameos). However, the experience was dulled proved to be quite disappointing and dull, thanks in part to pacing issues and cuts in the theater I saw the film in. It amazes me though the film was filmed and made in 2009, and it proves to be somewhat of an underappreciated entry this year. Go for this if you're a Whedonite, love horror, or just want to see another Chris Hemsworth film.

Rating - 2/5

The Cosplay Show with Timzster airs tonight!

Airing tonight at 9pm and hosted by Cosplay PH's own dynamic duo of Guy Singzon and Pablo Bairan, I will be featured in this week's episode of The Cosplay Show and talking all things BATMAN! From discussing my adventures with my heroic partners at Justice PH to thoughts and expectations of Warner Bros. and Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises, I give my two cents worth and keep in line with the Caped Crusader and everything that makes him the hero we all admire! So tune in tonight, and in case you miss it, I'll be embedding the link of the show below via the official Cosplay Show You Tube channel when it comes up!

*Update: The show is already in You Tube, and here it is embedded!


TCS Episode 6: Batman and Justice PH Special
For more on us, please visit Timzster, Justice PH, Gotham Madness, Cosplay PH, and The Cosplay Show pages over at Facebook!

Thanks again goes to all the folks of Cosplay PH for the invite! It was an honor and privilege!

May, Photos, and The Avengers

It's May 1st now, and a new month begins for everyone. It's also hype season for Marvel's The Avengers, and that movie has opened to resounding and positive reviews on international territories outside of the US worldwide. I've had four times my fill of that awesome movie, and I've written quite the non-spoiler review on it for that matter. It's literally THE MOVIE to see in theaters right now, so if you haven't the slightest inkling of what you're missing, wake up and smell the coffee already! All you need to know is that Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hawkeye, Black Widow, and the ever loving Incredible Hulk are in it, and that's 'nuff said on the matter!

Now, as the finest superhero team up flick basks in the spotlight and gains the attention it sorely deserves, here's some amusing snapshots related to Earth's Mightiest Heroes that I've taken and found very amusing to share.

First Photo: Not much of a spoiler here. Anyone who's seen the film will get this reference immediately.

Second Photo: A hall of armors post, with Mark I - VI coming from Hasbro's Iron Man 2 line, and the newest addition being Mark VII from Petron's The Avengers Tumbler promo (which I reviewed). The latter is in scale with the other toys, so it really fits like a tee with the rest.

Pretty much that's it. All of these serve as a reminder of how awesome the movie experience was, and I don't think anything in recent memory replicates what "Avengers Fever" is doing now to us all. I'm sure I'm going to see the movie again sometime soon... and hopefully the rumors of an extra scene in the US release prove true! So assemble now come May!

The Crusader's Corner - Marvel's The Avengers Petron Tumblers and 7-Eleven Trading Cards Review!

The Crusader's Corner returns, and just in time for Marvel's big superhero blockbuster movie "The Avengers"! To celebrate the release of one of the most anticipated films of the year, Timzster reviews two product line promotions tied to the film and making waves in the Philippines! First up and coming from Petron is the snazzy looking Avengers Tumblers, featuring the big four members of the team - namely Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and Hulk! Lastly, 7-Eleven gives consumers reasons to comeback with their Avengers Collector Cards promo! If you're looking forward to seeing Earth's Mightiest Heroes in theaters, find out why these items must be a part of your collection!

The Crusader's Corner - Marvel's The Avengers Petron Tumblers and 7-Eleven Trading Cards Review!

The Avengers assemble in theaters on April 25th internationally and May 4th in the US! Also, a non-spoiler review about the film is up, so see it here!

Non-Spoiler Review: Marvel's The Avengers

Finally, the assembly officially begins!

Opening in theaters today, April 25th, in international theaters, Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Marvel Studios proudly present the crowning jewel and long anticipated superhero team up movie everyone has been waiting for - The Avengers! The culmination and fruit of four years of work since 2008's Iron Man ushered in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is finally here, and it's bringing out a storm of fans and viewers into theaters the world over. Anyone who's followed all five films of Marvel Studios knows that everything is connected and has led up to this. While it has yet to open in US cinemas until May 4th, this Spoiler-Free review will give you an idea of just why you should see this comic book film dream come true if you still have any reservations. That being said, read away and learn why it's awesome, true believers! Also, if you do watch, finish the whole thing to the end, and don't leave while the credits roll!

Movie Review: The Lucky One

Movie: The Lucky One
Starring: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling
Release Date: April 20, 2012

I've never seen The Notebook or Dear John, and I've never been much of a romantic movie watcher either. However, once in a while I find myself seeing these movies with a little love and chemistry to them, and The Lucky One just happened to open up and premiere on a month where a little excitement with upcoming and much anticipated movies. Anyone looking for romance can check this up in theaters, but is it a good draw? Find out in this review, and thanks goes to Warner Bros. Philippines again for the screening!



As the title implies, The Lucky One is a movie that literally centers on a man who gets lucky, namely Zac Efron. Playing a US Marine soldier named Logan Thibault, he returns from his third tour of duty from Iraq, having survived several near death encounters while serving his country. He attributes his good luck to a picture of a woman he finds during his time there, and makes it a point to find her and thank her for saving his life. After stumbling on a local kennel ranch in Louisiana, he meets the very woman in the photo named Beth (Taylor Schilling), and suddenly enters her life and family as a result. A romance blossoms between the two, and Logan suddenly realizes that there's more to the woman he's fallen for than being his guardian angel.




The Lucky One Trailer
For starters, The Lucky One is a decent romantic movie with your typical "destined love" plot that will get hearts pounding and couples giggling for sure. However, there isn't much else to speak about other than the actors credibility to their roles. Zac Efron plays a decent role as Logan, and while it feels pretty one-dimensional most of the time, he's got the hot stud look to him that will get the attention of the ladies out there. Taylor Schilling is credible as Beth, and even as a single mom raising a son and going through troubles with an ex-husband, she's a hot and driven woman who falls for the complex yet honest Logan. Blythe Danner adds that old and wise grandmother charm as Beth's Nana, and Jay R. Ferguson plays the guy you love to hate as Beth's ex-husband Keith. There isn't much else to say after that but enjoying the movie and it's romantic drama tale, and the actors and actresses play their parts well from start to finish.

Overall, The Lucky One will appeal to most audiences and its target demograph, but it's nothing new on the romantic movie scene. Fans of Scott Hick's films  Nicholas Sparks' works will be drawn to this as much as their other works, and will serve a nice blend of fun, love, and drama in one sitting. The film also serves up good exposure for Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling, so those looking into their talent and acting skills should be given a look.

Rating - 2/5

Movie Review: Battleship

As a kid, I enjoyed playing tabletop board games that used wits and imagination to determine victory with a given set of rules. It was commonplace to see lots of these innovative titles in toy shops and hobby stores, and I was fortunate enough to play the likes Cluedo, Monopoly, and Battleship. So imagine to my surprise that Universal Pictures actually commissioned a movie of "Battleship" to be made, with Hancock director Peter Berg at the helm. However, seeing the trailer firsthand left me with the impression that this would your typical B-Movie alien invasion flick, only with lead stars like Taylor Kitsch, Rihanna, and Liam Neeson highlighting the cast. It's not as simple as it sounds however, and maybe this review will shed some light on what to expect if you decide to watch this film. Thanks again goes to Solar UIP and Channel V for the screening!

Movie Review: Titanic in 3D

I've never seen the original release of "Titanic"; Not once during its theatrical run in 1997, or even its eventual release in home video. I've caught portions and snippets of it now and then through subsequent showings in HBO and other movie channels, but I've never been able to sit through the movie as a whole, much less show an appreciation for it other than the historical significance of the real-life incident the film is based on to the world. However, as luck would have it, the film has come back to theaters, and it comes during the centennial year of what is still considered one of the biggest and deadliest maritime disasters known to mankind ever.

As of this posting, April 10, 2012 marks the 100th year anniversary of the Titanic's maiden voyage, and to commemorate the occasion, 20th Century Fox and Paramount Pictures have re-released James Cameron's epic piece to the world once more, fully converted and remastered to 3D. Following the success of his 2010 flick Avatar, Cameron spearheaded this conversion from the original, hoping to give audiences a breathtaking new look at one of Hollywood's biggest films and the highest grossing film of all time. After a year of adjustment, "Titanic in 3D" set sail into theaters on April 6, just a week shy from the anniversary that bore dreams and tragedy at sea. Being a 15 year old movie, does this rerelease hold up and still manage to captivate audiences like before? Find out in this review coming from a first time viewer. Special thanks goes out to Fox Philippines and Ayala Cinemas for the screening!

Movie Review: Wrath of the Titans

Clash of the Titans was alright by me, but It didn't stand out as the epic remake I expected from the trailers I saw. Director Louis Letterier's effort to make a defining film based on the story of the demigod Perseus was ok, but it deviated greatly from Greek Mythology, to the point that none of the events that took place in the film are canon besides the slaying of Medusa and the Kraken. Despite the relatively low points and mixed reactions, the movie fared well in box office numbers to warrant itself a sequel, and here we are with the next picture that sees Sam Worthington return to the lead as Zeus' son with "Wrath of the Titans". Anyone who loved the action of the first film and its cast will be geared up for this... but does it play out well as a heroic follow-up or a tragedy to be? Find out in the review below, and special thanks again goes to Warner Bros. Philippines and SM Cinema for the special screening invites, which also gave me a chance to see The Dark Knight Rises Prologue in IMAX again!!

Where's Finch?! - A Batman Fan Film

Here it is... Justice PH/ Gotham PH and Gotham Madness star in their very first and simple Batman fan film feature!

"WHERE'S FINCH?!"

"On March 2012, DC Comics talent and Batman: The Dark Knight writer/ artist David Finch was invited to Fully Booked.


However, something unexpected happened, prompting Batman and his allies from Gotham PH to respond to a situation. Finch was unable to make his trip, and suspicions arose that Gotham Madness may be behind the delays. With that, The Dark Knight set out on his own investigation and ends up paying a visit to his old archnemesis... The Joker."

Timzster Productions presents "Where's Finch?!"


Where's Finch?! - A Batman Fan Film

A fan film by Batfans for Batfans!

Special Thanks goes out to Justice PH/ Gotham PH, Gotham Madness, Fully Booked, DC Comics, and David Finch!

*Disclaimer: Batman and all related characters are properties of DC Comics and Warner Bros. This is a non-profit fan film by fans who appreciate and love the comics, books, shows, and movies the franchise promotes and is based upon.

Visit and Like Timzster, Justice PH/ Gotham PH, Gotham Madness, and Fully Booked in Facebook!

Movie Review: The Hunger Games

I haven't read any of The Hunger Games books, and after seeing this film, I can honestly tell you why I'm glad I skipped out. As much as possible, I prefer to keep myself in the dark for movies adapted from literary works I have yet to read, and I'd much rather pick up the novel once I've seen the film version to save myself from looking out for the flaws or loose adaptations. That being said, I rested easy got and to enjoy what I can consider another one of those "healthy starts" for movies in the year 2012. Special thanks goes out to Microsoft Philippines and GMA Network for providing these tickets again to the screening!

Silent Hill and Devil May Cry HD Collections!

Finally, after months of waiting and anticipation, I got my hands of definite classics from my Playstation 2 days, which have been collected and remastered in HD format for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 - Konami's Silent Hill HD Collection and Capcom's Devil May Cry HD Collection! As the title suggests, these are rereleases of classic games from two stellar franchises that have proven to be hits for the PS2, and all of them are collected into one single Blu-Ray disc/ HD-DVD package for convenience!

Featured among the lot are the ff:

Silent Hill HD Collection

- Silent Hill 2
- Silent Hill 3

Devil May Cry HD Collection

- Devil May Cry 
- Devil May Cry 2
- Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition

With those games in mind, these bundle packs are truly worth the price of admission again for those who have or have yet to experience these fine additions to gaming history! Granted, there are other new games to consider that harness the power of today's console generation, but I chose these ones simply because I wanted them out of nostalgia and fandom. Besides, replaying these with Trophy support and in full HD for the PS3 counts for something, and the replay value each of these games have make them worthy additions to a gamer's collection!

Reflecting on 25 years of Metal Gear...

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Metal Gear franchise has been nothing short of excellence and awesome... And we have Konami and Hideo Kojima to thank for that. The man behind the legend of Snake has epitomized Stealth games and Tactical Espionage Action, and I've been fortunate enough to be there for the ride, which spans a good two decades of gaming. Suffice to say, this post was born out of seeing a post the previous day that highlighted Kojima's intentions to create games until the day he dies, and the fact that I stumbled upon a newly released Solid Snake Play Arts Kai action figure. I may have a Big Boss Peace Walker Play Arts Kai figure, but the sight of the original protagonist in his new toy form was enough to send me spiraling down memory lane, and reminisce about Metal Gear and it's influence on me over the years.

To paraphrase an iconic line from Metal Gear Solid 4: "Gaming Has Changed", and so has Metal Gear with it. Having its humble origins in the 8-bit era and the 80's, a then unknown Hideo Kojima created a little game for the MSX system called "Metal Gear", which pitted a young soldier named Solid Snake against an entire mercenary nation and its bipedal nuclear tank weapon, with the world and its peace on the line. The game borrowed concepts heavily from several well know Hollywood action movies, and Kojima himself was an avid film buff, which would highlight the rest of his tenure and work in the series' later installments.

Metal Gear became a hit and earned a follow up a few years later, but it wouldn't hit cult status until the release of "Metal Gear Solid" for the original Sony Playstation. That title helped revolutionized action and stealth gaming, and garnered a strong following thanks to its brilliant storytelling and gameplay. Soon thereafter, MGS spawned into its own series, and the franchise has constantly impressed the masses with each installment coming to pass. Solid Snake's story was fleshed out, as was his mentor/ rival/ progenitor Big Boss, who proved to be an iconic character of the series himself. The twists and turns of the series' continuity proved to be legendary in itself, and for each boss battle next to every final boss or walking tank you fought, you'd remember names like Vulcan Raven, The End, Liquid Snake, Cyborg Ninja, and Revolver Ocelot.

Regardless of how you know or choose to perceive it, Metal Gear certainly has become a legend inside and outside of gaming. 25 years of duty is not a small feat, and you can easily see how dedicated I and the rest of the fanbase are to this day, despite the fact that the series could already be finished and done with at this point after what happened in the previous installments released thus far. No matter what comes next after the spinoff title Metal Gear Solid: Rising or that unnamed FoxTech game, one thing will always be certain: we will always remember Metal Gear's legacy and the games Konami and Hideo Kojima have produced so beautifully over the years. That being said, I'll now continue to dream about that Play Arts Kai Solid Snake figure...

Video Game Review: Street Fighter X Tekken

The stage is set. The fighters have assembled. The crossover of two epic franchises is here!

When Capcom and Namco Bandai announced to the world that they were going to have a crossover game between Street Fighter and Tekken during the 2010 San Diego Comic Con, my heart raced and pounded like crazy. The tech demo demonstrating the fight between Ryu and Ken vs Kazuya and Nina using a modified Street Fighter IV engine was literally candy to my eyes, and I couldn't wait for this baby to make it home to consoles and to the laps of dedicated fighters waiting to break in the game and push it to the limit. Fast forward to present time, and after almost two years of marketing, teasing, and occasional trolling/ battling between Capcom producer Yoshinori Ono and Namco Bandai Tekken lead director Katsuhiro Harada, Street Fighter X Tekken finally makes its way to the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and PC. After a week of release, how does the game fair in terms of performance and presentation? Find out with this short review, and see if fists collide with intensity in this brawler!

Fully Booked: David Finch will be in Manila this March 17 and 18!

Announced by Comic Odyssey earlier in the day, Fully Booked has officially announced via their Tumblr page that DC Comics artist David Finch will be coming to Manila, Philippines on March 17 and 18 to meet and greet fans at the bookstore's branch at Bonifacio High Street. This comes after last week's unfortunate news, where unforeseen circumstances had to force Mr. Finch to miss his scheduled tour for March 11, 12, and 13. Now the man behind Batman: The Dark Knight  is really coming this time, and anyone living in Manila who's a fan of his works and comics will surely want to plan their weekends for this!

Here's the official announcement from Fully Booked themselves via Tumblr!

"David Finch in Manila has been rescheduled to THIS WEEKEND! :-) We are very happy to announce this and will be releasing the details as soon as we can. Kindly stay tuned and help spread the word to the rest of his fans! :-)"


Be sure to catch David Finch at Fully Booked at BHS this Saturday and Sunday! Also, resident DC Comics cosplayers Justice PH/ Gotham PH and Gotham Madness will be there to support the artist and bookstore, wearing the cape, cowl, and uniforms of the characters from the Batman universe! See you all there!

Movie Review: John Carter

There's no question that Sci-Fi movies entertain me a great deal, and I enjoy them immensely.

Growing up as a kid, I lived to watch cartoons that took you worlds beyond our own, retaining a semblance of humanity that the viewer could relate to yet mystifying them at the same time. Filmation and Mattel's He-Man and The Masters of The Universe served as that childhood springboard into a realm of fantasy, technology, and magic, and much of my imagination and appreciation for popculture stemmed from shows like that. Eventually, I grew to appreciate films of similar nature, namely the 80's Flash Gordon flick and the Star Wars/ Star Trek movies. Little did I know that all these concepts I enjoyed bore fruit because of one hero before his time: John Carter of Mars. Thanks to a special screening by Disney at IMAX in 3D last week, I got the chance to see this adventure, and the hero in it responsible for starting a trend that spanned generations.

Movie: John Carter 
Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe, Mark Strong, Dominic West 
Release Date: March 9, 2012

Based on legendary sci-fi writer Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series of novels, John Carter is an adaptation of the first book "A Princess Of Mars", and serves as the origin tale showing how Carter made the trip from Earth to Mars and became the hero and adventurer he was destined to be. Played by actor Taylor Kitsch (you know him also as Gambit from X-Men Origins: Wolverine), John Carter started out as a disillusioned American Civil War Confederate Army captain, who lost his family and motivation for fighting for his country. After circumstances see him transported to a mysterious world that later turns out to be Mars, Carter suddenly finds himself with enhanced abilities thanks to the planet's lesser gravity. He soon meets the inhabitants of Barsoom, namely the indigeneous aliens who live there, including the beautiful Martian princess of Helium named Dejah Thoris (played by another X-men Origins star, Lynn Collins). Thrust into the middle of a conflict and conspiracy that could determine the fate of Mars and the entire universe, the man known as John Carter must find it in himself to decide his destiny and finally be the kind of man he was born to be: A hero.

With the character's first appearance dating back to 1912, Disney's John Carter just so happens to be the centenary celebration of the character, and we owe so much to his existence for all the glorious Sc-Fi material enjoyed by millions of readers and viewers over the years. After viewing the film, I immediately compared it to another science fiction work I enjoyed in my youth, namely the Alex Raymond created comic strip "Flash Gordon" (ultimately getting the 80's live action flick of the same name I mentioned earlier). There's a lot similarities and parallels to that work and John Carter, but Burroughs' creation was first and arguably ahead of its time. The author was also responsible for creating another famous character, namely "Tarzan of the Apes", who went on to have several adventures and depictions in various forms of media and literature. "John Carter of Mars" never got that same kind of popularity, but its influence inspired people like George Lucas and James Cameron to develop Sci-Fi concepts that became blockbusters hits, namely "Star Wars" and "Avatar".


John Carter Trailer

As a movie adaptation directed by Finding Nemo and WALL-E director Andrew Stanton, Disney's John Carter serves as wonderful science fiction adventure that the family can go to see. With today's technology allowing much of the special effects to become a reality in movies, bringing the world of Baroom/ Mars is literally a cinch, and the cast only guarantee a grand stage for adventure, with known actors like Willem Dafoe, Mark Strong, and Dominic West providing excellence in their roles, both for voice only and physical roles.  However, after a century of inspiring other ideas that borrowed concepts from its own premise, John Carter does feel like a "run-in-the-mill"type of movie that has stuff people may be all too familiar with, not knowing it was the progenitor of it all. It's only drawback is it's a title that doesn't scream epic, rather a character who sounds like a John Doe and not something alluding to Burroughs' prized creation. Marketing has been a little low key to depict the film as an epic, but it does try to bring exposure by offering more clips of its premise, including this 10 minute exclusive sneak peek released by Disney.






John Carter - Exclusive Ten Minute Scene

As for John Carter himself, Taylor Kitsch captures the spirit of things by delivering a heroic performance, but it's going to take more than one movie to convince others of his acting chops, and hopefully this saga will spawn more sequels. I'd love to see Lynn Collins return as Dejah Thoris, and they have chemistry together as a power couple. Oh, and the aliens were funny, especially the big dog that looks like Marvel's Lockjaw. In fact, you have Gambit (Taylor Kitsch), Silverfox (Lynn Collins) Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), Sandman (Thomas Hayden Church), and Green Lantern Sinestro (Mark Strong) in this movie... it's comic book movie all star casting here!

Undoubtedly, John Carter will divide fans with the way its presented and marketed, but those willing to step up and take a ride will be presented with an adventure that promises to be fun and captivating for generations new and old alike. It may not be recognized by many as one of the grandfathers of sci-fi adventure, but give it a chance and it may entice you to revisit Burroughs' books that started it all. All it takes is a leap of faith, so disregard whatever mixed opinions there may be... and watch something that keeps the spirit of adventure and fantasy living on forever.

Rating - 4/5

The Batman: Who he is and how I came to be...

Batman. The Caped Crusader. The Dark Knight.

Much of us know him and his legend, and despite lacking powers or abilities that far exceed those of mortal men, Bruce Wayne's alter ego simply kicks ass. No matter how much you look for reasons to justify that he's just one man in a cape and costume, Batman has one superpower that has earned the respect and admiration of his peers, foes, and fans alike - his sheer will and determination. Losing his family to a petty crime and dedicating himself to fighting injustice has been the creed of this character for much of his 70 plus years in comics, and the spirit of the character not only endured with the times, but has influenced us to strive to become our own Batman, in one form or the other.

In my case, I owe it to the legend of The Batman for making me the person I am today, and I'm not just talking about the fact that I cosplay the character (more on that later). Reading his adventures and watching cartoons like "Superfriends" and "Justice League" showed that Batman is certainly not a hero to underestimated, and despite his lack of superpowers, he's not just some rich fellow flaunting that he has fancy rides, gadgets, and a bat cave. He carries himself by refusing to give up, and until every breath of his body is expelled, you won't see him hesitate until he reaches his objective and gets the job done. That display of willpower and resiliency has an impact on you, and if someone like the Batman can do it, why can't you? Simply put, Batman inspires one to take the challenge or answer the call for a cause worth fighting for. He uses intimidation, detective work, and various forms of training and martial arts to get his work done, coupled with access to the latest gadgets and technology money can buy thanks to his dual identity's wealth. You don't have to literally take your life and compare it to Bruce Wayne's, but if you see it as an analogy or parallels of your own life given some similarities, then anything goal is possible if you put your mind into it.

There have been many iterations of The Batman seen through TV and film too, and each carries themselves accordingly to a degree that gives meaning and inspiration to its audience. From Adam West's portrayal of a campy Batman to Michael Keaton's gothic take of the crime fighter, and Kevin Conroy's absolute vocal perfection of a lone dark avenger to Christian Bale's realistic take on one man making a difference as a symbol, there have been countless ways to personify the essence of The Batman in a manner that gives credence to his definition of a man dedicated to his calling, and strives to be the hero everyone deserves who is fair and just. His is the way many envision themselves as, but not everyone can be like him truly. We try each day to make ourselves a "Batman" of sorts, in what we do and how we strive to be the embodiment of a perfect man/ woman who does everything with sheer will and determination to guide them through.

In effect, I have been an avid follower and fan of The Batman since I came to know him, and as a result, I pay tribute to the character and honor his legacy by inspiring others and making fans happy by cosplaying as him during cosplay events and gatherings. I started wearing the cape and cowl with fellow friends and collectors just last year, and collectively we have come to be known as Justice PH, a group who cosplays as the DC Comics Characters who make up the Justice League. We have expanded this far and have met and befriended some fellow like-minded individuals, particularly Young Justice and Gotham Madness, and since then we have established ourselves as fans doing what we do best: paying tribute to our inspirations and heroes the best way we can.

On that note, Fully Booked has invited me and my fellow cosplayers from Gotham PH (a subsidiary of Justice PH) and Gotham Madness to participate and help promote the arrival of DC Comics superstar writer and artist David Finch to Manila this March 11, 12, and 13! As the writer/ artist of ongoing title Batman: The Dark Knight, this is a real treat for Batman fans, and those who know Finch for his works in New Avengers, Moon Knight, and Brightest Day will also be excited to attend this event! Be sure to check out more info from Fully Booked's official website, and please visit/ like our Facebook pages at Timzster, Justice PH, Gotham Madness, Young Justice PH, and Fully Booked!

With all that said, I will commend the Batman for who he is - a hero who proves to be the representation of man's indomitable will, spirit, and heroism to this day! Be sure to also catch Christopher Nolan's epic final chapter of The Dark Knight Saga, when The Dark Knight Rises arrives in conventional theaters and IMAX this July!

The Batman... Truly a Symbol.