Movie Review: Interstellar

It's hard to imagine that two years have passed since The Dark Knight Trilogy wrapped up with The Dark Knight Rises, and now that we've reached the end of the year 2014 - we get the newest IP helmed by the director of the films that breathed new life and interest to the Caped Crusader - the one and only Christopher Nolan.

His newest movie, aptly titled "Interstellar", is the British-American director's attempt at space exploration and science fiction... In this case outer space and mankind's attempt to find a new home in the midst of a terrible environmental disaster that is slowly killing the Earth. With a magnificent cast led by the likes of Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway, paired with some ambitious storytelling and rich cinematography, this is a film that dares to venture into the unknown while telling a story that is very much rich in emotion and what makes humans persevere to do make the impossible possible.

Having seen the film in IMAX during its press screening thanks to the folks from Warner Bros. Philippines, here is my review of a movie that embodies Nolan's spirit as a filmmaker and his desire to explore and tap into uncharted territory all the same. Opening on November 6th, be prepared for a sci-fi space tale like no other with Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar".

Movie Review: Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends

It has come to this... The FINALE that resolves everything and determines the outcome of an epic battle between two legendary swordsmen with the fate of Japan hanging in the balance. If there was a satisfactory conclusion needed to wrap up a story arc, Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends delivered on that and fulfilled its promise to be an epic finish to a two-part tale that saw lots of epic battles and an emotional journey come full circle for a man who has vowed never to kill again and fight for the sake of peace.

After a successful debut and premiere of "Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno" last month (see review here) which also saw members of the cast and director visit Philippine shores, Warner Bros. Philippines once again brings Kenshin Mania to theaters with "Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends", and the hype and anticipation to see the climactic battle between Himura Kenshin and Makoto Shishio has never been more intense. Getting to see the premiere last week, I was all for the big showdown and climactic finish to the live action adaptation of the infamous "Kyoto Arc", and what we got in the big screen is pretty much a decent serving of all things that could wrap up a story nicely.

I got to see an advanced screening of the film last September 18, and while the movie was simply as awesome as a fan could have it, here's another thing that made my day... Seeing the Rurouni Kenshin Philippines cosplay crew gracing the premiere and posing with style.

So without further ado, here's my review for the currently playing "Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends", with special thanks going out to WB Philippines!

Naturally, SPOILER WARNING, so READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Movie Review: The Maze Runner

Movies based from books and novelizations seem to be a growing trend these days, and much of the film adaptations take some liberties and deviate from the source material to present something that's genuinely faithful but fresh for the cinematic experience. The same principle holds true for The Maze Runner -  a film based from the book by James Dashner.

As a film that sets the stage for a series of movies based on Dashner's other works, this is one adventure directed by Wes Ball that I wasn't expecting to get into or see, but am pretty glad I did thanks to 20th Century Fox PH. If you need some insight on what to expect, here's the review for reading and contemplation on what this young adult suspense and action vehicle can offer to its audience.

Movie Review: Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno

It's the stuff legends are made of... And in this case, a legendary Japanese anime/ manga series that has been brought to life by expert filmmakers and a superb cast of talents that one could never have imagined possible. After a successful debut film in 2012 that introduced the live-action version of Nobuhiro Watsuki's beloved Samurai epic "Rurouni Kenshin", the series returns in full force in 2014 with not one, but TWO epic sequels shot back-to-back to tell the tale of a story arc dedicated fans of the franchise have been waiting for.

After the Philippine Red Carpet premiere happened two weeks prior to this review, I can honestly tell you that "Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno" is what one expects if you're among those who loved watching the anime or reading the manga like I did more than a decade ago, YOU WILL SCREAM AWESOME SEEING THIS FILM. What the first film did, the sequel TRUMPED TEN-FOLD, and has introduced more characters beloved by many who have followed the series since it started in the 90's.

So after all that, here is my review for the first half of what is easily one of my favorite films of 2014 - Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno, which opens in cinemas August 20!

Special thanks again goes to the people of Warner Bros. Philippines for inviting me and everyone else to the Red Carpet premiere held at the SM Megamall last August 6, as well as for them and Warner Bros. Japan for graciously bringing the cast and director themselves to the Philippines! That's right, the public got to see Takeru Satoh/ Himura Kenshin, Emi Takei/ Kamiya Kaoru, Sagara Sanosuke/ Munetaka Aoki, and director Keishi Otomo were present to greet adoring fans and attendees, and I was most especially surprised by Sano's enthusiasm~!

Now, onto the review proper...

SPOILER WARNING HERE. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

H A P P Y B A T M A N D A Y ~!!!! Tribute Covers to the Caped Crusader

It's is the year of the Batman, and literally today the world celebrates "Batman Day", honoring everything and anything related to the Dark Knight and his world.

That being said, I wasted no time contributing to the occasion by putting up these tributes to the Caped Crusader for his special day, featuring me wearing the cape and cowl as Batman of the Philippines.

And of course, honoring the entire Batfamily was necessary, so here's me and Gotham PH posed and promoting the upcoming Batman Day celebration on Fully Booked/ Comic Odyssey at the Fort on Saturday, July 26.

And that is pretty much what one should do to honor the Silent Guardian and Watchful Protector of Gotham City. No matter what iteration or memory of the hero you may have, Batman is a symbol that is everlasting and memorable to everyone. HAPPY BATMAN DAY EVERYBODY!

Movie Review: X-Men: Days of Future Past

2014 started out as something to look forward to with promise, hope, and potential, especially with the numerous blockbuster film franchises and sequels hitting theaters throughout the year. The comic book movies in particular were especially stacked, with not one but FOUR movies laid out in the year's schedule, and all of them Marvel films featuring extraordinary superheroes and characters.

Now comes one of the most anticipated sequels in 20th Century Fox's long running X-Men film franchise, which brings together an ensemble cast of stars and the return of the man who directed the first two installments of the franchise. Yes, old and new generations literally crossover for the very first time, in a film that sees Bryan Singer back at the helm for the live action adaptation of one of the most controversial and beloved X-Men stories of all time - X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Having already opened in various international territories, the film is possibly THE BEST X-Men film ever with the array of talents and mutants starring in this tentpole wonder. Seeing the film last Wednesday, I can truly say this is something any X-Men fan, newbie, and those who have had numerous issues with past films in relation to continuity, will definitely want to see.

Here we go with the Review! Possible SPOILERS AHEAD, so read at your own risk! Special Thanks goes to 20^th Century Fox PH, Warner Bros. Philippines, SM Cinema, and The Philippine X-Men Team for making the premiere screening on May 19 such an Xciting Xperience!

Movie Review: Godzilla

Ten years... It took TEN LONG YEARS until the creature resurfaced, and FINALLY... THE KING OF MONSTERS HAS RETURNED.

Yes, GODZILLA IS BACK... And in a form that stays true to the spirit of the creature fans and moviegoers have known through the decades since he made his first appearance in the 1954 Japanese movie classic bearing his name. Following a hiatus of production since his last appearance in the movie Godzilla: Final Wars in 2004, Toho chose to retire Godzilla for ten years, which paved the way for a triumphant return in this brand new EPIC REBIRTH that's produced by studios Warner Bros. and Legendary and helmed by "Monsters" director Gareth Edwards.

Following the largely forgettable attempt of the 1998 Roland Emmerich film that introduced us to a pretentious incarnation better known as "Zilla", does this new Godzilla stand firm and worthy to reclaim the title that fans have long dubbed him with? Trailers have certainly pointed towards the direction of a resounding YES, and after a spectacular viewing in IMAX this week courtesy of Warner Bros. Philippines, here's my review of the big comeback of GOJIRA in cinema.

Movie Review: The Amazing Spider-Man 2

The summer blockbuster movie season of 2014 has officially begun... And it's led by the release of a sequel of a film everyone's been waiting for and featuring a familiar webslinging hero of Marvel returning to the big screen!

Of course, I'm talking about your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man... More specifically Andrew Garfield back as Peter Parker and his alter ego in Marc Webb's sequel to his 2012 reboot of the Spider-Man franchise with "The Amazing Spider-Man 2"!

As the second film in the rebooted franchise after Sam Raimi's epic trilogy and based on the life of Marvel's flagship character, Sony Pictures and the filmmakers behind this project have up the ante and gone through great lengths to make this sequel more daring, action-packed, and full of all the emotional twists and turns that goes with Spidey's complicated life as a hero. The themes of responsibility, hope, and heroism still lie intact, as does the love and chemistry the wall-crawler shares with his loved ones, New York City, and of course his flame and love interest played once again by Emma Stone, Gwen Stacy.

With a new primary villain to face in the form of Electro (Jamie Foxx), some deep secrets related to the disappearance of his parents, and the mysterious return of an old childhood friend in Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan) Peter's tangled web just got a lot more complicated to navigate... With tons of adventure and danger to face as his heroic alter ego. After mixed emotions from the first reboot entry, I can truly say this film redeems and steps the game up impressively, while adding a few nods to the source material and swinging viewers into a new treatment of the legend on its own thread.

So without further delay, here's my review for ASM 2, and Special Thanks goes to Columbia Pictures PH, Sony Pictures, and Marvel for bringing this film to our shores!

Comic Review: Batman: Eternal #1

It's not everyday that you celebrate Batman's 75th Anniversary... And things are just getting started with all the celebrations and nods to the Caped Crusader's milestone year, not to mention all the other stuff fans can look forward to in the long run. That being said, it's also been a long time since I've reviewed a comic book issue proper... And I'm glad that one of the most anticipated new titles finally hit this week in comic book stores, namely DC Comics' new and weekly ongoing Bat-title "Batman: Eternal".

Truth be told, I've mellowed down on the weekly comic pull list and have made it a preference to pick up collected editions instead... But I couldn't deny picking up and checking out the first issue to this new ambitious series, which follows the Pre-New 52 formula of having a new issue each week as started by the likes of "52" and "Countdown" before it. With famed and current Batman creative talents such as Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, John Layman, Tim Seeley, and Jason Fabok onboard, how can this new Batman title not appeal to anyone who's a fan of the Caped Crusader and his adventures? Is it an easy jump-in point for veterans or even if you have no current knowledge of The Batman and his activities? Let's find out with a review on this new comic book baby that celebrates "Batman 75".

SPOILERS MAY FOLLOW OF COURSE, so read at your own risk.

Batman 75: My Tribute Covers honoring The Dark Knight's 75th Anniversary

It's a big milestone for Batman this year, and on March 30, 2014 marked the 75th Anniversary release of "Detective Comics #27" - The issue that creators Bob Kane and Bill Finger made their mark on to introduce "The Bat-Man" - Who he is and how he came to be. To celebrate, DC Comics has mapped out their plans for everything involved with the Caped Crusader, which you can read up more on here.

On that note, and since I've cosplayed the character with my fellows in Justice PH, I have made some tribute covers to honor The Dark Knight himself, one that I've put up since last weekend in other posts... And the other one I'm debuting now just before March ends.

Indeed... HAPPY 75 YEARS TO THE BATMAN!!!

Movie Review: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (The Non-Spoiler Edition)

The build up was high... The momentum was excellent... And now that the film has finally come out in international territories (which includes here in the Philippines), what may very well be the finest Marvel Cinematic Universe film since 2012's The Avengers is upon us... And it actually could top that superhero blockbuster film in terms of content altogether!

Following a dash to theaters and watching one of the first screenings debuting worldwide before the US, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a fine example of what a damn fine superhero film sequel should be. I'd be mighty tempted to call this Marvel Studios version of "The Dark Knight", but that's just one of the MANY descriptions I have no doubts this movie will fall under. It's THAT GOOD, and a testament to action and espionage movies in general that keeps the blood flowing with the stakes so high and only one super soldier and his handful of allies to save the day.

Now the film hasn't come out in the US as of this post, and will still be out by April 4 next week. So in the spirit of keeping surprises and SPOILERS away, I will give a generalized opinion of the movie, and will NOT discuss the ending, fallout, or what happens in the two extra sequences that come during and after the credits roll.

So without further ado, here is the "Non-Spoiler Edition" review of "Captain America: The Winter Soldier", distributed by Marvel Entertainment and Walt Disney Studios!

Movie Review: Robocop (2014)

The Future of Law Enforcement has been remade for the next generation, and it's a totally different interpretation altogether.

Way back in 1987, two writers Ed Neumeier and Michael Miner changed the way we viewed Sci-Fi and Action for the future by introducing a character who was literally Part-Man and Part-Machine... A Police Officer turned Cyborg who went under the name "Robocop". The original film released that year was directed by Paul Verhoeven and starred Peter Weller in the titular role as Alex Murphy, who dies in the line of duty and gets a second chance at life by being the tool for a megacorporation's effort to dispatch crime in a futuristic version of the city of Detroit. The focus of the movie was not just Murphy's transformation into Robocop, but his subsequent efforts to find and exact revenge on those responsible for killing him, as well as regaining the humanity he lost after turning into a machine.

Flashforward to 2014, and after two sequels that saw Weller reprise his role for Robocop 2 and Robert John Burke take over for Robocop 3, the film series has been rebooted and is now under the hands of Brazilian film director Jose Padilha, who makes his Hollywood and English film debut with this reimagining of "Robocop". Holding the same plot structure as its predecessor, the film still explores Alex Murphy's transformation into the cyborg police officer... But is handled much more intimately and given more exposition thanks to the involvement of a all-star supporting cast that definitely begs this interpretation of the concept to be watch.

That being said, here's the review of Robocop 2014 - which opened last February 6 in international territories, and February 12 in the US. Thanks again goes to Columbia Pictures PH for bringing the film to our shores!

Movie Review: The Lego Movie

"EVERYTHING IS AWESOME! EVERYTHING IS COOL!"

If you needed to sum up The Lego Movie in a few words (if not for the AWESOME POSTER seen here), then its those lines above from the amazingly catchy song "Everything Is Awesome!!!" sung by Tegan and Sara ft. The Lonely Island, which is featured prominently in the movie featuring those lovable construction bricks and directed by 21 Jump Street directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Truly a Lego fan and collector's dream movie come true, The Lego Movie appeals to the kid in you, and interlocks bricks of every kind in an epic type adventure that sees one ordinary guy teaming up with powerful Master Builders in order to save the Lego universe from an evil tyrant bent on keeping things glued together.

That premise, along with an all star line-up of amazing voice talents and some wacky bizarre building block fun makes this movie AWESOME in every sense of the word!

Also, here's a pic from the official Philippine premiere of the film last February 3 (with me dressed as Lego Batman)!

Now here's the review for "The Lego Movie", and Big Thanks goes to Warner Bros. PH again for the advanced screening!

Movie Review: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

On it's second week, this film still continues to pursue the clear message of embracing life for what it is.

Ben Stiller has been known for his comedies and antics with hits like Zoolander, Tropic Thunder, and The Night at the Museum films. However, his latest movie entry takes a seat back at just pure laughs, and shows us a little insight on what life can be like if we dare to live it out without having to recoil to our wildest fantasies and safety nets.

Based on James Thurber's short story of the same name, Ben Stiller's "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" is actually the second time the work has been adapted into film, with the very first treatment starring Danny Kaye and directed by Norman Z. McLeod released way back in 1947. Directed, produced, and starring Stiller himself in the titular role, the 2013 film is a very different narrative from the source material, but shares the very unique message that you can't live out life unless you break away from your shell. Here's the review for this literal "change of pace" movie, and thanks goes to 20th Century Fox PH and Warner Bros. PH for the screening!

Movie Review: Grudge Match

It's a new year and a new set of movies to look forward to in the coming months ahead, and midway into January there's been a lot of films I've caught that are fun and entertaining to watch. One of them happens to be a Sports Comedy film I've anxiously looked forward to since it was announced last year, and it stars two Hollywood legends who have more than set the bar in their respective careers, but have chosen to do this as both a tribute and jab at arguably their best films centered around the main characters they play who are professional boxers.

I'm talking about none other than Peter Segal's "Grudge Match", which came out last Christmas in the US and finally makes its way to international territories like the Philippines this week. Starring Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro, two former boxing rivals come out of retirement after 30 years to finally settle their feud and put past issues and demons behind them... Whether it means tearing each other apart before the actual match takes place! Presented by Warner Bros. PH, this is one film that will definitely entertain fans of "Rocky" and "Raging Bull", so here's the review to this stellar old man fight now out in cinemas!