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".