For the second year in a row, a brand new Star Wars film has finally graced cinemas and welcomes fans of The Force and a galaxy far, far away back into the fold where heroes seek to battle the forces of evil and darkness in epic battles taking place in space and beyond. This time around, the newest chapter is not part of the main canonical numbered entries, but rather a side story that takes place just before the events of the very first 1977 Star Wars film, which was retroactively called "Episode IV: A New Hope". Directed by Gareth Edwards of "Monsters" and "Godzilla" fame, the world meets a ragtag group of individuals who unwittingly come together to fight for the cause of the Rebel Alliance - seeking to steal the plans of the great super weapon the Galactic Empire has under its thumb and are designating themselves as "Rogue One".
IT'S FINALLY HERE... FINAL FANTASY XV IS FINALLY OUT FOR GAMERS EVERYWHERE.
After a decade of development, changes, and delays, Square Enix has finally released one of the most anticipated sequels and Japanese RPGs of all time, and I managed to pick my copy up on launch day, November 29! To commemorate this event and share the adventure before playing the journey of Noctis and friends, here is my Vlog showing me getting and opening my US Version of the game, as well as seeing the PS4 Slim "Luna" Edition and then a long line for those who pre-ordered wanting to get the game on the first day!
It's nearly the holidays and it's certainly been a long while since i did any Vlog or review, but just for fun and after celebrating another birthday, here's a review for my VERY FIRST Hot Toys Collectible - Armored Batman as seen in the DC Extended Universe movie "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice"! Sculpted professionally by the HT team and based on Ben Affleck's appearance while wearing the bulky and intimidating suit The Dark Knight uses to fight Superman in the third act of the film, this thing is just absolute perfection for those who want quality figures yet aim to display it in certain poses.
More can be said, but that's what the review's there for! Here it is embedded, or you can check it out in the link in my YouTube page here! Enjoy (and yes new setup too)!
Armored Batman Hot Toys Review
Those interested in getting this armored caped crusader can go to their nearest retailer or toy shop, and there's a new "Black Chrome" variant out in the market as well! Definitely if you want quality and attention to detail (as well as sick LED light up eyes), you can't go wrong with this one!
If the tagline "The Impossibilities Are Endless" didn't clue you in on what is fact for most fans already, Marvel Studios is literally full of wonderful expectations and ideas that are drawn from the magical well that is comic books and turned in blockbuster material that continues to enchant audiences worldwide. Starting with 2008's "Iron Man" and bringing unique individuals with powers together in "The Avengers", the world of superheroes and film has certainly grown exponentially over the last eight years, and it's a ride that sees no end in sight just yet. In fact 2016 marked the beginning of "Phase Three" of the ever growing Marvel Cinematic Universe, and last April/ May started things with a bang by pitting Earth's Mightiest Heroes against one another in"Captain America: Civil War". That sequel pitting "brother against brother" in story laced with action and political intrigues opened the floodgates for more ambitious things to happen in the MCU, and that time has come with the arrival of a well known Marvel character who hasn't had his time to shine in live-action... Until now.
Finally ready to draw from the mystic well and show himself in cinematic form, Doctor Strange has emerged and joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe proper! Here's my review for the film, and special thanks goes to Walt Disney Studios PH and Marvel PH for the IMAX 3D Premiere last October 24th! Possible SPOILERS below, so read with caution!
It's hard to imagine movies made by Clint Eastwood being taken as something other than "serious" or sometimes depressing, but the Academy Award winning actor and director has proven to be quite versatile when he makes his choices in making a film that has a certain theme or gravitas to it. His recent string of movies have been biopics that have concentrated on certain figures and incidents, with J. Edgar and American Sniper getting mixed to positive responses from critics and viewers alike. This year, Eastwood treads that same territory by adapting the story of "US Airways Flight 1549" - an airbus piloted by Captain Chesley Sullenberger with a crew of 155 passengers that was victim to a bird strike that forced the plane to make an emergency landing on the Hudson River. That 2009 incident came to be known as the "Miracle in the Hudson" - where Captain Sullenberger was hailed a hero for making the call and averting possible catastrophe and death if he chose otherwise.
Sully - Official Trailer [HD]
That movie is "Sully" - which saw its worldwide release last week. and is arguably one of Clint Eastwood's finest biographical drama to date. I got to see the film via a screening courtesy of Warner Bros. Philippines, and it's something that should be definitely seen just for the story alone along with its fantastic cast of actors which includes Academy Award winner Tom Hanks playing the man of the hour. Here's a review for the film, and there's good reason why it's one of the movies that should be seen in IMAX.
Kids have always had the wildest imaginations that literally take them to far away places and the grandest adventures that are build inside the confines of their minds... But what happens when one little boy actually experiences some "magic" and meets his guardian angel of sorts in the form of a dragon? It may sound impossible, but the wonders of Walt Disney Pictures never cease to make that a problem and that's the reason why a little live-action musical named "Pete's Dragon" bringing together a boy named Pete and his green giant fire breathing friend he names "Elliot". Released in 1977, the original film was set in the 1900's and saw both go off in grand adventures, with the message of family and friendship being the centerpiece of the film. Fast forward nearly 40 years later, and a remake directed by David Lowerey has risen up to give a modern interpretation of this classic tale that is a secret too big to keep.
It's been a while since horror movies that didn't rely so much on the supernatural or unexplained came around... But then comes that one film that dares to try ground that has often been skipped and underestimated because it looks "far too simple" to be considered terrifying. We get just that with "Don't Breath" - a film directed by Fede Alvarez who got his start with 2013's "Evil Dead" remake and now takes horror to another level - by situating three unwittingly daring teenaged crooks on the house and domain of a seemingly helpless blind man who has millions to his name - only to realize they have totally entered uncharted territory that could mean the end of their young and dangerous lives as thieves and swindlers.
Don't Breathe International Trailer
Set primarily in a neighborhood somewhere in Detroit, "Don't Breathe" centers on three kids named Rocky, Alex, and Money, who break into people's homes and steal money, possessions, and just about anything to make a quick buck in life. Rocky aims to uproot herself and her little sister to California and away from her uncaring mother and her live-in boyfriend.
They then decide to take their prospects on a seemingly helpless blind army veteran, who lives alone with his dog and has a $300,000 dollar cash settlement after losing his daughter in an accident. After convincing a hesitant Alex to join in (and doing so because of his feelings for Rocky), the trio break in and set out to do the theft.
Unfortunately their underestimating of "The Blind Man" leads to severe consequences and discoveries inside his house, as his handicap serves more as a horrifying wake up call that these teenagers have walked into the last crime they'll ever commit.
Walking into this one without any expectations at all, I was certainly surprised at how terrifyingly nasty and brutal a blind guy with issues can be in "Don't Breath", and that performance is credited with "Avatar" actor Stephen Lang - who is just a menacing Blind Guy who is protecting what he owns yet harbors a dark side and secret as well.
Jane Levy, who was in Fede Alvarez's "Evil Dead" remake, returns as the heroine who's doing the wrong things for the right reasons, and she discovers the grim truth that if you do crime on unsuspecting folks - something will bite back and that happens to her and her companions because of The Blind Man. It's that kind of movie that doesn't have spooks, demons, or monsters as the evil baddie - rather one sightless guy who's just going to kill you in the name of keeping what's his away from those who dare to take it.
Don't Breath is now showing in theaters! A definite must watch for those who enjoy thrillers with suspense and shock value! Special Thanks to Columbia Pictures PH for the special screening and distributing this home invasion turned horror flick sleeper hit to our shores!
It's been one heck of a summer blockbuster season for the year 2016, with plenty of movies that showed heroes flying high and kicking each other's ass when conflict and tension pitted them against one another. While there's still plenty of films to look forward to as the year continues, one of the most anticipated ensemble cast films and the second film in the growing DC Extended Universe finally sees release with director David Ayer's "Suicide Squad" - a film that literally sees the bad guys forced to do some good in exchange for lighter sentences and their lives intact.
After all the hubbub and criticism lashed at last March's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice", the opening weekend of Suicide Squad also saw critics lash out at the newest addition to the growing DC Extended Universe that Warner Bros. Pictures is building. Despite this, the movie has earned $247 Million on opening weekend, and becoming the HIGHEST GROSSING FILM to open on August - a huge feat for an R-Rated film... And a superhero film no less. That's not to say the movie doesn't have its flaws, but it does entertain in SPADES too.
That being said, here's my review for the film featuring the so-called "Worst Heroes Ever" and officially designated "Task Force X". Special thanks goes to Warner Bros. Philippines for inviting me, as well as my friends who cosplayed the "Squid Squad", to the premiere last week and the other screenings on Squad Week!
It's an amazing time to be a Star Trek fan in 2016, especially one that grew up watching "The Original Series" and its sequel-esque film series that includes the epic cult classic "Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan" and the political conspiracy driven finale that is "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country". The Trek franchise celebrates 50 years come September 8 this year, and much has come past the voyages of the original starship Enterprise - including a "Next Generation" manning a new legacy ship, the exploits of a space station called "Deep Space 9", and the journey of a lost ship called "Voyager". These are just some of the well-known spin-offs that have turned Gene Roddenberry's small science fiction idea into a mega popular franchise - which is honored with the timed release of a new installment in the semi-rebooted "Alternate Reality" film series that began with 2009's "Star Trek".
When Paramount Pictures pushed for production of what would eventually become "Star Trek Beyond" to meet the deadline of 2016 - the franchise's 50th Anniversary, there was plenty of changes and moves that began to make fans wonder how the film would fare under the command of a new director. J.J. Abrams, who directed the 2009 film and its 2013 sequel "Star Trek Into Darkness", would not return as director since he was helming Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Instead, he and his production Bad Robot would serve as producers for the new sequel. Eventually, directorial duties would fall on the hands of Taiwanese American director Justin Lin - best known for his involvement in the Fast and Furious film franchise.
Production soon went as schedule, and when the first teaser arrived - it was met with mixed reactions from the fanbase. Eventually better suited trailers (like the one embedded below) were released and felt more appropriate for a "Star Trek" film... But the question was would Beyond meet expectations and serve to catapult more interest for new fans as well as honor longtime Trekkies at the same time? Check after the jump for my thoughts!
Most of us know the story of Tarzan - the wild man raised by the apes in the jungle and who has the ability to communicate with the animals of the wild. Created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the character has seen so many adventures and adaptations since his first appearance in the early 1900's that he is considered one of the first "heroes" of fiction to date. Several film adaptations of Tarzan have also been made, varying to a degree on presenting his origins as well as assimilating back into civilization, marrying his true love Jane Porter, and eventually returning to his jungle roots following his disillusionment with mankind.
Now comes a film that dares to take a look into possibly expanding the mythos and pursuing the further adventures of the man who's birth name is John Clayton in "The Legend of Tarzan". Directed by David Yates of Harry Potter films fame as well as the upcoming spin-off film "Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them", The Legend of Tarzan is the kind of film that doesn't linger around the premise that it needs to retell Tarzan's origin story - rather we are propelled forward to a time when he has already been educated, returned to civilization, and is happily married to Jane Foster. Unfortunately, Tarzan once again gets called to the wild when an expedition at the Congo leads to the discovery that slavery is prevalent and the Belgium Government is seeking rich minerals to pay off their immense debts. What follows is an adventure that exposes conspiracies, reignites rivalries, and sees a hero reasserting his reputation as lord of the jungle.
THE LEGEND OF TARZAN - Official Trailer 2
Straightforward and action-packed in every way possible as well as combining a good mix of drama, comedy, and epic storytelling, The Legend of Tarzan features quite an ensemble cast that includes Alexander Skarsgard in the titular role, with Margot Robbie playing his lady love Jane Porter. Samuel L. Jackson provides the excellent action comedy relief as American envoy George Washington Williams, while Christoph Waltz plays the big bad henchman of King Leopold named Leon Rom. All these talents give level to the playing field in this movie, and the narrative is constructed well enough to give brief flashbacks of Tarzan's primal life while still maintaining focus on the present day adventure.
Ultimately, I'd recommend this film to Tarzan fans - especially those who grew up reading the books and watched the Disney animated movies and cartoons. It's the kind of film that feels on step with the mythos, and could potentially expand into a franchise if they decide to revisit this storybook hero's life again. Special Thanks again goes to Warner Bros. Philippines for bringing this to our shores! Go catch it now!
It's been a good few weeks since the latest installment of 20th Century Fox's X-Men Movies franchise hit theaters internationally, but now that X-Men: Apocalypse has finally opened in theaters in the US, I can give my thoughts on this newest chapter in the franchise that takes place 10 years after the events of 2014's "X-Men: Days of Future Past" and features the continuing adventures of the younger Professor X, Magneto, Mystique, as well as the introduction of the new versions of Cyclops, Jean Grey, Nightcrawler, and the other X-Men, as they encounter one of the biggest and most anticipated villains in the merry mutant group's rogues gallery - the titular baddie "Apocalypse" himself.
Once again directed by Bryan Singer and set in the edgy and synthesizer decade of the 80's, X-Men: Apocalypse sees Charles Xavier, better known as Professor X, fully establishing his school for gifted youngsters and continuing his dream for peaceful coexistence between mutants and humanity. Unfortunately this period also happens to be the perfect time for "En Sabah Nur" to awaken - a powerful and ancient mutant from the past who was betrayed and put into hibernation by his followers only to awaken and see the world "lost" and in need of cleansing. To set about his rule, the man who is known to comic book people as "Apocalypse"gathers four mutants to be his "Horsemen" - among them a disillusioned Erik Lehnsherr who tragically loses his family and reassumes his identity of "Magneto". With the entire world in peril and a series of events that sees Mystique resurfacing and new mutants rising for both sides, it will take a new generation of X-Men to put a stop to Apocalypse and his horsemen before the entire world and humanity see total destruction.
X-Men: Apocalypse | Final Trailer
Dubbed the final chapter of the "X-Men Prequel Trilogy" that started with 2011's X-Men: First Class and was completely given a clean slate with the timeline altering events in X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse has everything going for it that should make it a fresh start and unique entry into the franchise dedicated to Marvel's Merry Mutants. Unfortunately it's not a perfect adaptation of what has been read and seen countless times in classic X-Men storylines, and Apocalypse is just barely the intimidating villain most fans will remember him to be from the comics. Oscar Isaac (who played Poe Dameron in Star Wars: The Force Awakens) does a stellar job playing this version of En Sabah Nur, but I would have expected more from the titular villain rather than being an evil mutant prophet seeking to reclaim his former glory. The Four Horsemen used in this film were also a gathering of well-known X-Men characters rather than a unique assemble of villains - with Storm, Psylocke, Angel, and Magneto representing that cause due to promises of power and retribution in the part of Apocalypse. That's not to say that those parts were not played well, and special shoutout goes to Olivia Munn, who gave quite a decent and comic book accurate performance as the fan favorite ninja like telepath and mutant.
As far as the younger versions of the X-Men go, fans will pick up and accept the new talents playing Cyclops, Jean Grey, Nightcrawler, and Storm in this film. Game of Thrones own Sansa Stark actress in Sophie Turner is the new actress playing the powerful telepath under Xavier's tutelage, while Tye Sheridan plays a pretty uncertain and coming of age Scott Summers, who just gains his uncontrollable optic blasts and quickly becomes one of the gifted thanks to his older brother Alex (aka Havoc, and yes the Summers siblings have switched positions on who is the eldest and youngest). Nightcrawler is just adorable and played hilariously by Australian actor Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Alexandra Shipp just nails the younger and circa 80's inspired mohawk version of Storm, who is a Horseman first in this film before becoming an X-Man proper. Also, Evan Peters returns as the brash and speedy mutant known as Quicksilver - which I find a bit overpowered in this film thanks to his ability to "run and stop time" per se. It's honestly a better depiction of the character compared to what is seen in Avengers: Age of Ultron, but then again Singer gives him a lot of scenes to showcase his powers and that's been done enough in DOFP.
Also, a certain fan-favorite mutant makes a cameo appearance in the film's third act. By the Final Trailer's footage alone, you know it's Hugh Jackman back as Wolverine. How that plays out though is best seen personally, and will entertain fans who have seen Logan's feral side unleashed thanks to experimentation.
Overall X-Men Apocalypse isn't the greatest entry in the franchise's history, but it certainly does entertain and put the spotlight on a new generation of actors and actresses who will become the new faces behind Marvel's famous band of mutants. The film suffers from having too many characters to work with, and some of the ones that needed the air time more (i.e Jubilee and Psylocke for example) get overshadowed by the major characters. Apocalypse could have played out better like his comic book counterpart, and the final battle felt rushed and messy rather than a proper conclusion. It makes one miss X-Men: First Class and how that film was presented without relying so much on special effects and more on emotional content. Still, this installment wraps up the "Prequel Trilogy" and sets up the next generation of films - with the next one reportedly set in 90's. That, along with DOFP fixing the timeline allows new stories to be told and integrated properly into this cinematic universe. We can only hope that the future will be bright for Xavier, Magneto, and the rest of the mutants moving forward.
As someone who has collected, lived, and breathed comic books since he learned how to read, Civil War remains one of the most memorable yet consequential comic book events I have witnessed and which Marvel has ever released in its publishing history. Written by Mark Millar and illustrated by Steve McNiven, this 2006 miniseries saw a Super Human Registration Act put into effect that required heroes to register themselves to the government, be trained, and reveal their identities to the public for purposes of accountability and safety. This act immediately divided heroes and allies alike, with Iron Man championing the cause of pro-registration while Captain America campaigned against the act for taking away their civil liberties. As a result, it was friend against friend and former teammates fighting against one another – dividing the superhuman community and forever changing the entire landscape of the Marvel Universe as we know it.
With an epic premise like that containing a lot of exposition and characters, it’s hard to imagine how Marvel Studios and Disney actually decided on adapting the concept and turning it into “Captain America: Civil War” - the 13th entry in the growing Marvel Cinematic Universe that pretty much sums up all the consequences and activities that the heroes have to deal with since the Avengers were formed. Tasking Joe and Anthony Russo with the responsibility of telling the tale, the directors of 2014’s highly successful “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” were more than well equipped to handle things… And I dare say after seeing the movie that they have created what is likely the best damn “Superhero Ensemble Cast Movie” that takes everything you love about Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and injecting it into a story that still retains the political thriller atmosphere that made The Winter Soldier great while revolving around the personal lives and relationships shared by friends and allies - particularly Captain America and Iron Man - now divided and turned enemies because of circumstance and necessity.
This review is certainly not for those who have yet to watch, and I can only warn you now with a considerate SPOILER WARNING tag here and now. Whether you're for Team Cap or Team Iron Man, the stakes are intense and high in what introduces "Phase Three" of the MCU into the Hollywood blockbuster scene.
Opening today in theaters in the Philippines and in the US on May 6, allow me to share my thoughts on “Captain America: Civil War”. Big thanks once again goes to Marvel Philippines and Walt Disney Studios Philippines for inviting me to the special advanced screening last April 25th at SM Megamall!
"The greatest gladiator match in the history of the world" has FINALLY landed in theaters, and it's time for me to do a video reaction/ Non-Spoiler review on one of the most anticipated comic book movies of all time! It's March 25th (as of this post) and Zack Snyder's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" has officially opened in the US.
With the Son of Krypton taking on The Bat of Gotham, all I can tell you about this movie is that it is an EPIC fistfight between the two and a WHOLE LOT MORE, setting up the DC Extended Universe in a BIG WAY and planting the seeds for the inevitable "Justice League" film. It is darker than other comic book movies... But that's what makes it unique and different than the competition and those who love DC Lore will appreciate it.
I got to see the film in my neighborhood (and cosplaying as the Ben Affleck Batman too) at the advance premiere of the film presented by Warner Bros. Philippines, and all I can say is you need to watch this EPIC AWESOME movie for yourselves! Ben Affleck's Batman delivers, and Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman is just gorgeous! Hear more in the video! Plus, I take a look at the different BvS tie-in stuff, products, and collections I've gotten for the movie!
Timzster VLogs - Batman v Superman Non-Spoiler Reactions and More!
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice opens in theaters in The Philippines on March 26, 2016!
It's Valentine's Day, but it's also the opening weekend of a certain Merc with a Mouth's movie AND the birthday of one of Street Fighter's most recognizable characters! After seeing Deadpool, I express how AWESOMELY INSANE GOOD the film was thanks to Ryan Reynolds, and February 14 also happens to be Ken Masters' Birthday! All that, plus more Shoryukens, Chimichangas, and Careless Whispers to celebrate this day of roses and red!XD
