Movie Review: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

One year has passed since fans were brought back to Middle-Earth thanks to Peter Jackson and Wingnut Film's adaptation of "The Hobbit" - J.R.R Tolkien's prequel novel to The Lord of The Rings Trilogy that Jackson successfully adapted into three critically acclaimed films from 2001-2003. Made into a prequel trilogy itself, the first chapter entitled "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" was released last year, and saw the titular character Bilbo Baggins brought into service as a "Burglar" by Gandalf The Grey and a company of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. Their quest is to reclaim the lost Dwarven kingdom of Erebor, filled with riches and taken by the mighty dragon Smaug. That journey started down the path as any origin tale would, introducing us to memorable characters as well as bridging the events that would eventually connect to the events depicted in the LOTR movies years earlier.

Now, in the eve of 2013 and as the holiday season officially arrives, we resume the journey with Bilbo, Gandalf, and the Dwarves, with the second installment of The Hobbit Trilogy - "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug". Much like its predecessor, the film will be available in 2D, 3D, and IMAX 3D screenings, as well as the brand new format introduced with "An Unexpected Journey" last year - High Frame Rate or HFR. Much like most High-Definition Television sets, this immerses the audience in an almost real-time setup, with the movie playing as if it were happening live before the audience. Truly rich and luscious to behold, it's a fine option to pick if you want something different, and I personally saw the latter thanks to a special premiere screening at IMAX 3D.

Either way you choose to see this, if you love fantasy and adventure, then look no further and see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The film is here to marvel and dazzle you with tales of good versus evil, and the tried and true heroic quest to reclaim lost lands against evil and fiery beings of legend and lore. If you need more convincing, here's a quick review, and thanks goes to Warner Bros. Philippines and SM Cinema for the screening earlier this week.

November Musings: Mission Visayas, Batman: Arkham Origins, Thanksgiving, and the Holidays

It's been a while since I've posted anything on this personal blog, and November has been quite the busy month for me as it is. Besides celebrating a grand "Nameday" birthday, the Christmas season has arrived, and everyone's attention has been focused on the holidays and season's traditions that it's hard to believe that time is passing by us so fast.

In fact, much of the holiday spirit has been focused on helping the victims and survivors of Typhoon Yolanda, and I have been fortunate enough to have participated in not one, but two charity events this month, helping usher in funds and donations for the relief efforts alongside my fellow teammates and heroes from Justice PH.

One adventure chronicling said relief efforts hails directly from November 23rd's "Mission: Visayas" event, held at Bonifacio High Street. Coming off a day after my nameday, this was a spectacular way to help and work for a cause, being heroes and symbols for others as well.

Justice PH: Mission Visayas
Here's some photo and video highlights from the event, where JPH joined forces with 12 Radio Stations, 20 plus OPM artists and bands, and Mr. Pure Energy himself, Gary V.!

And on the gaming side, of course there was time to finally sit down and beat WB Games latest installment to the Batman: Arkham franchise - Batman: Arkham Origins. Suffice to say, it's a worthy and decent prequel to Rocksteady Studios' two stellar Batman games "Batman: Arkham Asylum" and "Batman: Arkham City", and new developer WB Games Montreal did an impressive job despite some quality issues and bugs found in the overall experience. I also have to hand it to the voice actors who played Batman and The Joker, namely Roger Craig Smith (Ezio Auditore from the Assassin's Creed series, Sonic The Hedgehog) and  Troy Baker (Joel from The Last of Us, Robin from Batman: Arkham City). This game may not be perfect, but it's still a damn good Batman game that must be played, and the boss battles alone make the experience worthwhile.

For more on that, do read my GMA News Online review on Batman: Arkham Origins.

And as November ends, here's some belated Thanksgiving greetings (like the Batman: Eternal teaser pic above from DC Comics), a happy bday wish to my late grandpa, Happy Bonifacio Day, and well wishes for the Holiday Season itself!

Movie Review: Thor: The Dark World

Thor is back... And wields his trusted hammer Mjolnir once more to dish out some heavy Marvel Movie action in the big screen. The God of Thunder and heir to the throne of Asgard's latest adventure has made its impact overseas two weeks before it's premiere in the US, and I am fortunate to have seen it, both in 3D and 2D screenings that have only cemented my belief that Marvel Studios has certainly planned things properly with the fans in mind. It's great to say that as the second film of "Phase Two" of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this is a film worthy of the standards built by its predecessors, and directed by the talented Alan Taylor of Game of Thrones fame.

So without further ado and already taking past $100 Million on its first weekend overseas, here's my review for "Thor: The Dark World" - An action-packed sequel that delivers on Thor's promise to return and in a great way. Those who want to shy away from SPOILERS, best be warned already and don't be reading this review... Especially those in the US, where the film opens on November 8.

Thanks goes to Walt Disney PH, Columbia PH, Marvel, and Ayala Malls for the screening in 3D last week prior to Halloween, and seeing the 2D screening just this weekend only solidified my opinions that you can't go wrong seeing this epic Marvel film.

The Walking Dead S04E01: "30 Days Without An Accident" Review

Finally... After months of excruciating patience and wait, The Walking Dead has returned, or is about return, to AMC and various television networks across the globe, bringing about its much anticipated 4th Season and continuing the ongoing story of survival of Rick Grimes and his group of survivors in a world ravaged by a zombie apocalypse. Now on its 4th season and going strong as ever, what other threats lie in store for the living in this savage environment? Plenty more, and that's what this review is going to explore and reflect on with the season premiere episode - "30 Days Without An Accident".

Movie Review: This Is The End

What happens when you put together a comedy cast assemble of James Franco, Seth Rogen , Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, and Danny McBride, who play fictional versions of themselves and are forced to survive an unexpected world apocalypse that sees death and destruction surrounding them?

Lots of laughs undoubtedly, and the kind of survivor chemistry that wouldn’t see these guys team up any day… Save for desperate times and apparently the world apocalypse set upon them. If you were looking for something brainless and with a seemingly all-star Hollywood cast on it, you should probably check out "This is The End", the brainchild of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, and a movie that was originally released in June 12, but got enough fanfare to get rereleased anew this September!

So what's the buzz and stakes on this comedy flick? Read on the review to find out, and thanks goes to Columbia Pictures Philippines and Ayala Malls for the screening!

Movie Review: The Wolverine

 He's the best at what he does... And what he does isn't very nice.

Once again reprising the role that helped make him a bonafide superstar in Hollywood, Hugh Jackman returns as the X-Man Logan, and proves without a shadow of a doubt why he's the man that deserves to be called "Wolverine". Since his last full appearance as the feral mutant in the 2009 X-film spinoff "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and making a cameo in 2011's "X-Men: First Class", there's been more questions than answers as to where the X-Men's most dangerous member would go next, and now we get the answer in an adaptation that explores a part of his life that's based from one of the most memorable arcs in the Marvel Comics character's long and documented comic history.

Definitely departing from the typical superhero film route and taking itself more seriously like that of a Japanese noir action movie, The Wolverine is the latest spinoff film that explores the character's time in Japan, as well as battling personal demons and new foes in the form of yakuza, ninjas, samurai, and more hidden enemies with a bone to pick with the X-Man. It's your formula for the kind of action and setup seen in the genre... Only with Wolverine in it, and adds subtle ties to his part in the X-Men film franchise, particularly with one thread that carries over from X-Men: The Last Stand. Does this movie scream berserker rage or something else? Find out in this review, and special thanks goes to 20th Century Fox PH and Ayala Cinemas for the Special advanced 3D screening!

Let's Go, Bub.

Movie review: Pacific Rim

Growing up, I enjoyed a lot of fantastic things like Super Robots and Comic Book characters clashing against evil and monstrous forces out to threaten the human race. There's been plenty of times I've been fortunate to see these fandoms converge, but usually to an animated and small screen audience that saw lots of potential and concepts explored that gave rise to dreams that someday we'd see things like these in a real life setting.

And literally in awe-inspiring fashion, Guillermo del Toro initiated that dream in the silver screen with "Pacific Rim" - a monstrous film that sees Giant man-made Robots known as "Jaegers" fighting against titanic scary creatures called "Kaiju". Basically a love letter to the fans out there who love Japanese Monster movies and Giant Robot and Tokusatsu/ Hero shows, this is an American production by Warner Bros. and Legendary that's both huge and ambitious in scale. However, the end result is an epic that's stellar and breathtaking in nature, and anyone who wanted to see titanic forces unleashing their fury on a earthly setting certainly won't come home disappointed upon seeing this.

After seeing the RP advanced screening courtesy of and thanks to Warner Bros. Philippines, I'm here to review what is certainly already one of 2013's BEST blockbuster films, and it was definitely worth the wait! 

Movie Review: World War Z

Since the dawn of the zombie movie genre, fans and horror enthusiasts have seen various stories and interpretations of our favorite undead freaks, with the slow and shambling "walkers" populary portrayed in the George A. Romero movies to the freaky running ghouls that add more tension and pressure in films like 28 Days Later/ 28 Weeks Later and Zack Snyder's 2004 Dawn of the Dead remake. In fact, AMC's popular television series adaptation of "The Walking Dead" has helped spread awareness and love for all things survival horror, adding social commentary to a world where humanity is forced to stare themselves in the mirror and decide how to live in situations where society has crumbled and the dead outnumber the living.

One author who has gained popularity for his portrayal of such a post apocalyptic world is Max Brooks, who's written the popular "Zombie Survival Guide" and a collection of zombie apocalyptic warfare history with "World War Z". The latter novel, published in 2006, depicts Brooks' fictionalized self as a United Nations officer who travels the globe and interviews various people who have survived and experienced fighting the undead in a war that has spanned for over a decade. Suffice to say, the book was impressive and I loved every bit of it... Which is why it's no surprise that Hollywood decided to make a film based on the book, with Hollywood heartthrob and star Brad Pitt attached as its lead.

Premiering last June 2 and now showing in international theaters such as the Philippines, the film version of World War Z depicts Pitt's character in the same role as Brooks, but is vastly different plot and action wise as the circumstances play out more to explain the beginning of the outbreak and how humanity struggles to contain it. SPOILER WARNING of course goes out to those who want to see it with a fresh mind intact, so read at your own risk before engaging with the undead first hand. Special Thanks goes to Solar UIP Philippines for the special screening, and now here's the review to one of 2013's most anticipated summer blockbuster films!

Movie Review: Man Of Steel

It's been a long time since I've truly appreciated Superman in the big screen, let along believe a man could fly since Christopher Reeve, and after the somewhat lacking tribute movie that was Superman Returns, something BIG finally happened and literally flew me past the edge of my seat.

For those who don't know, June 12 was officially "Man Of Steel Day" worldwide, and most theaters in the world have or are preparing to screen one of the most anticipated movies of the year - "Man Of Steel". I've been fortunate enough to see this film twice: the first time during the June 11 IMAX 3D premiere c/o Warner Bros. Philippines, and the first regular showing in 2D theaters in opening day since it's a national holiday (Indepedence Day in the RP). Both showings have definitely given me the insight I needed to properly review this film, and it's definitely bigger than it gets now with all the expectations piled up with the superhero movie franchises these days.

So without treading into spoilers from the onset and prior to starting the review proper, I'll give a brief general opinion about the film. Simply put, it's PHENOMENAL, and the kind of Superman film that makes good on its promise to bring the best out of the DC Comics character everyone worldwide has grown to cherish - both visually and on an emotional storytelling level. It's definitely an experience one has to judge for themselves once you see this movie personally, but there's no doubt that anyone who's enjoyed Superman in comics, film, or the various forms of media will be pleasantly surprised by what the filmmakers have built with this one. It's heroic, and full of HOPE as the "S" symbol that represents the House of El.

And with that said, it's time to get down to the story itself. Here's my review of the Superman film "Man Of Steel".

Movie Review: The Hangover Part III

I enjoyed the first two Hangover movies, and despite being inane and moronic at times, it was hilarious to see the unfortunate group that is "The Wolfpack" get into all kinds of trouble. Director Todd Philipps carved out a sleeper comedy hit with "The Hangover" in 2009, and returned for mayhem in Bangkok in "The Hangover Part II" in 2011. Now that a third installment, "The Hangover Part III" has stepped into the picture, what could possibly happen to Phil, Stew, Doug, and their special friend and Wolfpack brother Allen? All kinds of things from the looks of the trailer alone, and this final installment in "The Hangover Trilogy" takes the group to numerous locations and back to where it all began... Las Vegas.

Special Thanks again goes to Warner Bros. Philippines and Ayala Cinemas for the special screening a few days prior to this review. That being said, it's time to speak on "The End"... aka The Hangover Part III.

Movie Review: Star Trek Into Darkness

Prepare to "Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before" once more, as J.J Abrams and his ragtag crew of cast members return to the U.S.S Enterprise for another interstellar adventure across space with the new Star Trek film, Star Trek Into Darkness!

After successfully rebooting/ reestablishing ties with the Trek franchise with the 2009 film "Star Trek", Abrams and his studio Bad Robot Productions have proven their worth and reintroduced Gene Roddenberry's brainchild into the new generation. By injecting action and danger ala Star Wars (which he will direct Episode VII of in 2015) and reestablishing Trek lore firmly with an alternate reality based on The Original Series timeline, we have fresh faces to root for and more spaceventures to look forward to.

As the title to the sequel suggests, Into Darkness pushes things into a very dark place, and it's not only a great sequel... but possibly the best Trek film in recent memory! Certain SPOILERS be contained here in this review, but I won't SPOIL THE OBVIOUS TWIST (If you haven't figured it out already that is from leaks and web info alone). Coming from an old school Trekkie like myself, I'll be forward and frank with my thoughts on this stellar film.

Special thanks goes to Solar Entertainment Corporation, United International Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Bad Robot Productions for the special premiere screening on IMAX, and delivering an EPIC SEQUEL worthy to "Live Long and Prosper".

And without further ado, here is me punching it to the review proper!

Video Game Review: Injustice: Gods Among Us

Since its release early this week, I've been relentlessly playing "Injustice: Gods Among Us" - Warner Bros. Games and NetherRealm Studios' latest effort in bringing characters from DC Comics into the fighting game realm. Developed by the makers of Mortal Kombat and featuring popular heroes and villains from the DC Universe, I didn't expect much from the brawler save for nods to established comic book characters and a lot of fan service where your favorites duke it out with style and punishment. I'm happy to say that the game is certainly MORE than just that, and it's easily a candidate for "Game Of The Year" when the time comes to decide your picks come end of 2013.

Word to the wise for those jumping in to this review - The game contains a lot of references and nods to certain storylines longtime DC readers know and love well, so consider this your SPOILER ALERT before continuing on with my review of this fantastic game featuring the world's greatest superhumans. I'm also going to weigh down things based on personal preference and fandom alone, so the opinions here may not necessarily reflect what is being said by others and elsewhere.

And with that disclaimer aside, here are my thoughts on INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US.

Movie Review: Oblivion

Going on its second week and playing conventional and IMAX theaters, the film known as "Oblivion" carries a lot of themes that buffs of the Science Fiction genre will easily recognize. Set in the near future where the planet Earth is a mere shadow of its former self, Hollywood actor and action man Tom Cruise stars as Commander Jack Harper - a mechanic and drone repair man in the near future who is forced to question his reality when truths about his life and Earth surface. I saw the film last week in IMAX, and it's definitely got something to show for the summer list of movies for 2013.

Special thanks again goes to Solar UIP and Universal Pictures for for the screening!

InstaBat Photography #2 - The Sonar Detective

Inspired by the Batsuit's capabilities in Christopher Nolan's epic second installment of the The Dark Knight Trilogy that is "The Dark Knight", I decided to make a shot using this awesome Christmas Ornament for The Dark Knight Rises given to me by my friend and Justice PH teammate Gerard "Superman".

The pose alone is epic enough.

Even with the grainy shot taken with an iTouch, the grainy result gave Batman his distinct "White Eye" look, so I took advantage of that and decided to go with the Sonar theme, hence "The Sonar Detective".

InstaBat Photography #1 - The Brave Guardian

It's April Fools Day today, and beyond the pranks and jokes, I decided to start something old and new again.

In light of my continuos use of Instagram, I've decided to put up an "InstaBat Photography" theme that'll run and go for as long as possible. The theme is quite simple - Using Batman related items, or in this case toys, and shoot them and post at Instagram as necessary to share fandom and joy to fellow Caped Crusader enthusiasts.

And here's Instabat Photography #1 using a Batman - The Brave and The Bold collectible I got in Jollibee a while back. The piece is aptly titled "The Brave Guardian".

More to come soon, and check out more using the hashtag #InstaBatPhotography or my Instagram.

Movie Review: G.I.Joe: Retaliation

As a kid of the 80's, I've been lucky enough to enjoy and appreciate most of the cartoons and TV serials of that time, which have gone on to become legendary shows in popculture history. Two that quickly come to mind as definitive childhood moments of the era are G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero and The Transformers. Both properties belong to Hasbro, and have sold commercially well thanks to its humble beginnings as toys and action figures, later on expanding its reach thanks to the aforementioned animated series and comic book tie-ins released by Marvel. Decades later, these franchises have stood the test of time, evolving into recognizable brand names and even getting their own live action feature films.

While Transformers was the first to get its own movie and inevitably spawn two sequels, The Joes and their mortal enemy Cobra soon followed with their own live action flick - G.I.Joe: The Rise of Cobra. An origin flick serving to establish the franchise for a new generation, the film starred the likes of Channing Tatum as Conrad "Duke" Howser, Dennis Quaid as General Hawk, Lee Byung-hun as Storm Shadow, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as The Doctor/ Cobra Commander, and Ray Park as Snake Eyes. Directed by Mummy director Stephen Sommers, the film was pretty far from the source material, but still managed to entertain and pick up some good numbers to warrant a sequel. Hence, G.I. Joe: Retaliation was given the greenlight, with Jon M. Chu directing it and starring the likes of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Bruce Willis.

Did it succeed and do better than its predecessor? Find out with this review.

UPDATE: Special Thanks again goes to Solar UIP, Paramount Pictures, Hasbro, and ToySoldier OneEighteen for the special advanced screening last March 25th at SM North EDSA IMAX at the RP!!!

Movie Review: A Good Day To Die Hard

This past Valentine's weekend served more than just to give lovers and sweethearts a chance to go out... It also saw the return of Bruce Willis in his signature role as John McClane... The man who has survived tooth and neck in the Die Hard franchise! Together with director John Moore, Willis is back for another installment to survive and kick ass. This time he lands in the heart of Mother Russia to look for his convicted son Jack, unaware that the younger McClane is actually a CIA Agent sent by the US Government to stop a terrorist plot.

For Willis' fifth attempt in making the impossible possible, does this Father-Son tag team bring new action to the Die Hard name? After seeing the film this past opening week courtesy of 20th Century Fox PH and now going on its second, find out whether the old cop from New York kicks ass with Jr. this review of A Good Day To Die Hard.

Happy Chinese New Year 2013: Happy Year of the Snake!

Since it's officially the "Year of the Water Snake" now, I figured I'd work up this greeting from one of my favorite cosplays of last year - The legendary soldier and brainchild hero of Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear/ Metal Gear Solid series - Solid Snake!;)

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI~! HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!

Movie Review: Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters

2013's off to a great start with movies. Les Miserables opened in theaters a few weeks ago, and Arnold Schwarzenegger recently returned to action movies with his new vehicle "The Last Stand". There's certainly plenty to go by with the drama and action category, and the latter adds another new entry this week with the release of "Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters", which stars Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arteton in the titular roles. Taking a cue from the classic Brothers Grimm tale "Hansel & Gretel", this piece takes a "What If" look at the siblings if they decided to take their traumatic encounter with the witch to the next level... By hunting and killing witches as a career and profession! It's certainly an interesting concept, and thanks to Solar UIP's special premiere screening of it a couple of days ago, I got to see it... And surprisingly in 3D format which I enjoyed! Here's a review if you're wondering if it's good to see like a tasty candy treat given by an unsuspecting witch. Be warned though, SPOILERS, so read at your own risk!

Movie Review: Les Miserables

It took a great while for me to appreciate the classical masterpiece that is Les Miserables. My first brush with the story based on Victor Hugo's 1862 novel of the same name came during my school days, when art and music classes exposed me to the musical drama piece, filled with memorable songs of hope, tragedy, and dreams of a better life sung by archetypal characters that would be inspire several literary works. Since then, I never looked up on "Les Mis" again... Until word came that the long awaited film adaptation would be helmed by "The King's Speech" director Tom Hooper, and would have an ensemble comprised of today's best Hollywood performers such as Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, and Amanda Seyfried.

Truth be told - unless it was an actual boradway play, movie musicals were hardly something I'd go for in the big screen. Les Miserables more than proved to be an exception to that rule, and after finally seeing it this week via local premiere, I'm literally at a loss for words for what is most deserving to be called a "beautiful masterpiece". Originally premiering in London last month and opening just this week in selected theaters internationally, the film version of "Les Miserables" is a great way to open your 2013 movie experience, and a timeless drama that any art, movie, or music fan should experience. Thanks goes to Solar UIP for the premiere screening this week, and without further ado, here is my review on this timeless dramatic masterpiece!

Comic Review: The Superior Spider-Man #1/ The Amazing Spider-Man #700

It's been a long time since I've actually appreciated a Spider-Man story, let alone a tale that signifies the end of an era as we know it. When Stan Lee and Steve Ditko introduced "puny" high school nerd Peter Parker into the world back in the 60's, who could have imagined that the once scrawny teenaged boy would become a hero endowed with the strength and powers proportionate to a spider, let alone be named THE World's most famous superhero? With continuous soaring popularity in comics and thanks to countless appearances in all forms of media that includes cartoons, video games, and films, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone around the world who didn't know your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

Yet here we are... A turning point in the character's life ended just as 2012 closed with THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #700, and the new year ushers in a brand NEW direction for the character... Something that claims to be better and "Superior" than the amazing webslinging hero that we've come to know and love through the decades.

So as we usher in the new year of 2013, I make my return to comic book reviews at the same time... And we start things off by reviewing one of the new books Marvel has released in its "Marvel NOW!" campaign... THE SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #1!

SPOILER ALERT for those who don't know the big changes that have happened in Spidey's life. If you wish to find out for yourselves, best turn back at this point... NOW.

The New Year Begins...

It's January 1st, 2013.

The new year is off to a grand start, and after my trip to La Provincia, I'm back and ready to take on the new year!

Here's to more things to come on 2013... HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

*Photo via Instagram