As 2017 begins to wind down and close with the holiday season, the last big film for 2017 has finally arrived in theaters - bringing with it a lot of excitement, expectations, and intrigue as to how the next chapter of George Lucas' brainchild of a space opera will play out. After two years since the first installment of the "Sequel Trilogy" debuted and shocked the world, Star Wars fans are now ready to see "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" - which picks up directly after the events of 2015's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and sees viewers reunite with new characters Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, and Kylo Ren, as well as veterans like Mark Hamill and the late Carrie Fisher, who reprise their legendary roles of Luke Skywalker and his sister Leia Organa respectively.
Thanks to Walt Disney Studios Philippines, I attended the advance premiere screening of "The Last Jedi" this past Tuesday December 12th - being one of the lucky viewers to see the film a day ahead of its Philippine release and a few days before the US! Watching as a fan and eager to finally cosplay one of the characters from the Sequel Trilogy, I debuted my Last Jedi era Kylo Ren -
As I am not one to give big SPOILERS about this movie (and it has to be experienced by fans first hand) - consider this review not to heavy on revelations but touching on some important things that make this a unique entry into the Disney era Star Wars saga. So diving into the ongoing saga of a galaxy far, far away once more - here is my review for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi".
At long last, the "Age of Heroes" has arrived for the DC Extended Universe - and it brings a LOT of hope with it.
After starting out the path of bringing the heroes of the DC Universe to the big screen with the Superman reboot film "Man of Steel", Warner Bros. has come full circle with director Zack Snyder and have united the world's greatest heroes together for the first time in the big screen with "Justice League" - which pairs the likes of Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, and Cyborg together following an invasion that threatens all of humanity and in a world that still mourns the loss of the Last Son of Krypton. Unlike previous DC Films, this one goes "All In" and tries to ignite that spark of excitement and unity by FINALLY getting the ball rolling and showing us the heroes standing together in one EPIC superhero film.
Thanks to Warner Bros. PH, I got to see the film THRICE as of this review - once suited up as Batman along with other cosplay friends going as The League. Then two more times as a fan wearing Batman apparel and going "All In" to enjoy the film in IMAX 3D and Dolby Atmos!
So without any more delays, I give my full review for "Justice League" - which is now playing in theaters. Right now, here's your SPOILER WARNING for the movie - and yes Superman clearly comes back in the film but HOW is what will be revealing in this review. I have a quick Non-Spoiler Vlog review which I put up in my YouTube page!
Now for the review proper - Read at your own risk or better yet WATCH IT - "You Can't Save The World Alone" and this film goes all out in proving just that!
It's been a couple of years since we last saw a certain Thunder God appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (barring a cameo appearance in last year's Doctor Strange post-credits scene), but now the Odinson has returned - and he's brought along a fellow absentee Avenger who's presence is equally memorable thanks to the circumstances of both heroes' situations. As his journey leads him to the path of Ragnarok, the warrior known as Thor returns to stop an evil long hidden away that threatens to consume his home realm of Asgard and everything he holds dear in the film "Thor: Ragnarok" - the seventeenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe which brings Chris Hemsworth back as the "God of Thunder" along with Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner and his jade giant alter ego, the Incredible Hulk!
Thanks to Marvel Philippines and Walt Disney Studios PH, I got to see the film in a special premiere screening last October 18th at the new Ayala Vertis North cinema - and indeed it felt like coming to the halls of Valhalla just by walking into a nicely decorated "Thor: Ragnarok" entrance adorned with Asgardian decor and featuring Heimdall's sword in the front! I brought along my trustee comic book version of Mjolnir to represent the Thunder God as well! So without any more delay, here's my review for "Thor: Ragnarok" - which opens in the Philippines on October 25th! SPOILERS MAY FOLLOW, so read at your own risk!
It's been a while since I've tackled movie reviews and done a post on this blog - and I've caught up with a couple that I thoroughly enjoyed in cinemas in the past month and recently that should be seen by moviegoers and fans of these franchises! We have two sequels and a nice disaster movie to talk about, so here comes the mini-reviews!
Big thanks again to 20th Century Fox PH, Columbia Pictures PH, and Warner Bros. PH respectively for letting me see these films during their runs!
Movie: Kingsman: The Golden Circle
Opened: September 20, 2017
Released By: 20th Century Fox PH
I really liked the first Kingsman film, and it was quite a surprise to see that that movie based on the Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons' graphic novel got a sequel with "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" - which brings back Matthew Vaughn as director and picks things up a year later where the British Secret Service agency faces a new enemy in the fictitious Golden Circle. Unfortunately the spy organization is all but destroyed thanks to the new threat's sneak attack, forcing the surviving Kingsman to seek assistance from their American counterparts - the Statesman.
It's always a joy to see action films that go beyond anything ordinary and deliver some action-packed, over the top moments - and Kingsman: The Golden Circle delivers that in spades. You have an all-star cast too, with Taron Egerton reprising his role as Eggsy and Colin Firth making a comeback as his mentor Harry Hart. Then you have a powerful supporting cast in Mark Strong, Jeff Bridges, Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, Pedro Pascal, and Julianne Moore... And it's quite the visual treat. This film doesn't actually best the 2014 original, but it doesn't disappoint either. A great sequel on all accounts.
Rating - 4/5
Movie: Blade Runner 2049
Opened: October 6, 2017
Released By: Columbia Pictures Philippines
Dystopian future films give us moviegoers a possible and fascinating glimpse of what could come years later if humanity progressed to a point where the line between what is real and what is artificial is blurred and we question our existence in this world. That's pretty much what "Blade Runner 2049" conveys with its stellar presentation and neo-noir tale of a cop who works to "retire" rogue artificial people known as "replicants"- only to be embroiled in a mystery that could change the very world they live in. It's the long awaited sequel to Ridley Scott's 1982 ambitious sci-fi wonder "Blade Runner"- which starred Hollywood acting legend Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard and left a lot of questions in its wake.
Now comes this sequel, and it's a visual spectacle to behold. Set 30 years after the events of the first movie, Ryan Gosling is the new protagonist in the saddle as "K" - a Blade Runner with a mysterious past who gets caught up in a case that could possibly change the world as we know it - which is filled with humans and replicants alike in addition to several advances in technology that blur the line between what is real and what is not real. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this movie is really for those who like to think as they watch, and it's better appreciated if you see the original Blade Runner before walking into this one. It's all star cast line-up with Jared Leto, Robin Wright, Ana de Armas, Dave Bautista, and the returning Harrison Ford as Deckard only serve to make this one more enjoyable as a sci-fi visual treat for those who like to see a glimpse of what the future could be.
Rating - 4/5
Movie: Geostorm
Opened: October 12, 2017
Released By: Warner Bros. Philippines
This is one film that is really made for those who want to experience 4DX at its finest. Directed by one of the men responsible for the "Independence Day" films, Geostorm is a movie where man-made satellites control the Earth's weather - only to become corrupt and cause catastrophic weather changes and attacks on the planet that Gerard Butler and his supporting cast have to find a way to stop. It's over-the-top special effects and grinding make for some of the best popcorn moments you can experience for a disaster film - where it's just visually stunning to see places like Moscow melt with an intense heatwave or the Middle East experiencing a great flood coming its way. Definitely a film that should be for those moviegoers looking for action and intensity.
One of the most terrifying works by acclaimed American author Stephen King finally sees itself come to fruition thanks to Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema,Vertigo Entertainment, and "Mama" director Andy Muschietti, and that is the supernatural horror classic "It" - which many fans will know as the story of a group of "Losers" who live in the fictional town of Derry, Maine and are terrorized by a shapeshifting creature that preys on children and consumes them after exploiting their worst fears. This film adaptation follows a successful two-part 1990 horror drama series which saw famed English actor Tim Curry take on the role of Pennywise The Dancing Clown, and has remained a memorable scary role of his long storied career in theater and cinema.
Thanks to Warner Bros. Philippines, I was able to enter and experience the 2017 version of "It" - which chronicles the first chapter of the story and gives it a 1980's update to make it modernized and relatable... Eventually setting it up for the events of the inevitable sequel that sees the group of friends encountering the creature again. In the photo above, I am beside both "Old" and "New" versions of Pennywise - both equally horrifying and awesome to look at. Now in theaters, here is my review of "It", and of course beware of potential SPOILERS.
In this day and age where superhero films and big action films seem to generate the most noise, leave it to director Christopher Nolan to do another blockbuster that takes us back to a period in history where hope and the bravery of good men led to one of the most documented events in the early days of World War II. Way after finishing "The Dark Knight Trilogy" and following his space adventure flick "Interstellar", the British-American director gives us "Dunkirk" - his latest film epic that details the story of "Operation Dynamo" - the evacuation of Allied soldiers in the seaside city that the film is named after.
Thanks to Warner Bros., I got to see this spectacular piece of cinematic beauty through IMAX - a format Nolan has mastered and perfected since utilizing first nearly a decade ago with "The Dark Knight". If there was ever a time Nolan maximized his use of IMAX cameras, "Dunkirk" is a shining example of that because 75% of the film was shot using it and is the most compared to his previous films. Now on its second week, this is truly a historical drama that deserves to be viewed and seen - just for how much tension, action, suspense, and fear was put into creating something audiences will find immersive and breathtaking as they see three perspectives covered telling the entire story of this 1940 war film.
Since it began in 2011 with "Rise of the Planet of the Apes", the Apes' reboot film series have carried a certain amount of fanfare and weight in chronicling the eventual ascension of intelligent apes in a world that is slowly making humanity the minority. 2014's "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" showed how the devastation caused by the "Simian Flu" reduced the human population to a low point, while Apes affected by the same virus have become smarter and sought to build a new civilization for themselves. Unfortunately the fragile bonds of peace broke as tensions and conflict caused both sides to declare war on one another, leading to the current and what is possibly the final installment of the "Prequel Series" with this year's "War for the Planet of the Apes".
Thanks to 20th Century Fox Philippines, I was able to see this pretty EPIC yet bold and darker entry into the series the day before it opened in theaters through a special advanced screening. I won't go into detail much for this review and keep it brief and simple, but I'll add a considerate SPOILER WARNING in any case since I may mention some things that are pretty revealing to the plot. Other than that, the film is now playing in theaters - so catch it now!
There comes a time when a hero finally makes his long awaited return to a place he rightfully belongs to, and in the case of your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man he is now at home with the Marvel Cinematic Universe thanks to the deal Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios a few years back that allowed the wallcrawler to join the multimillion dollar shared film universe filled with superheroes based on Marvel Comics. That meant rebooting and reintroducing Peter Parker/ Spider-Man to the MCU with a new actor, and that role fell right into the hands of one Tom Holland - a young English performer who has an extensive background on acting and dancing - qualities that befit a young and nimble Spidey!
Making his debut in last year's "Captain America: Civil War" where he was recruited by Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man, Holland's Spider-Man emerged as a quick fan favorite - becoming a witty, energetic, and very green addition to the MCU. After the fallout of that film and the division of the Avengers, it became very clear that we would see Tony Stark mentoring his new protege just like his comic book counterpart did - thus one of the key elements of the inevitable sequel was established. Add the fact audiences will see Peter's young High School and teenaged life fleshed out for the first time, and you have "Spider-Man: Homecoming" - the new Spidey film that certainly prioritizes the words "FUN" and "AMAZING" all around it.
Thanks to the folks at Columbia Pictures Philippines, I was able to see the film a weekend just before its release in a special "Spider-Man: Homecoming Fan Screening" where my team of webheads in Spider-Verse PH was invited! We went straight from ToyCon 2017 just to see the wallcrawler swing into theaters once more in young and rejuvenated fashion, and WE WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED. We loved the film and wore our respective Spidey suits to see it, and it was SPECTACULAR beyond words.
This review is meant to express how much I enjoyed the movie, and to invite fans new and old to see this wonderful film that redefines "Great Power and Great Responsibility" for a new generation with the webhead filling his rightful spot in the MCU!
If there's one truth that's certainly consistent about Michael Bay and his vision of Hasbro's popular "Transformers" line, it's that fans and viewers should already separate what is depicted in the filmmakers movies and the ones featured in other forms of media - most especially the iconic "Generation 1" characters that brought the entire franchise to life in the 80's. So it comes as no surprise that Bay's fifth and supposed final entry into the series, "Transformers: The Last Knight", is supposed to cap things and bring answers to the saga that began in 2007 which starred Shia LaBeouf as Sam Witwicky. However after the events of 2014's "Transformers: Age of Extinction", Mark Wahlberg is now the lead and plays the Autobots new ally Cade Yeager, and he leads a resistance to defend his robotic friends who are now labeled outlaws alongside their immortal enemies the Decepticons by the adopted planet they call home. Optimus Prime has gone missing since leaving to find the Transformers' creators and why they keep coming to Earth to invade... And thus this film is supposed to answer that question and the "Secret History of Transformers" and their ties to Earth.
Transformers: The Last Knight – Trailer
What follows however is a film that puts too much into the plot and leaves a lot less of Prime out of the equation. Long story short, the Transformers have played a part in Earth's history since the medieval ages - tying into King Arthur's reign as king of Camelot alongside the Knights of the Round Table. That along with the knowledge provided by Anthony Hopkins' character Sir Edmund Button puts Cade on a journey where he must save the world from a devastating force that threatens to end mankind. Prime meanwhile is swayed under the influence of the creator known as Quintessa - who created the Cybertronians and puts the planet on a collision course with Earth. Megatron reemerges and plans to see that he and his fellow Decepticons return home, while the Autobots remain steadfast to defend their new home and their allies. The final battle sees the line between hero and villain blurred as two worlds collide and one hangs in the balance.
Truth be told, Transformers: The Last Knight was alright but is a complete mess plot wise. It was something that had a lot of potential story wise, yet has too much going inside of it to give any catharsis or satisfaction to its target audience. It definitely continues what Bay started and has all the CGI action and explosions one can expect from the franchise, but as his supposed final bow as director it leaves a lot to be desired and could have been better. The fact that there was less Optimus Prime to see and more on the human aspect was something that everyone has seen already in the past four movies, and leaving things open ended means that there are plans to continue with no end on sight. Hopefully a course correction happens in the next sequel Paramount Pictures and Hasbro plan as they expand their Bayformers series towards future follow-ups and spin-offs.
Transformers: The Last Knight was released last June 21 and is currently playing in theaters.
Finally getting to talk about some pretty AWESOME things that I saw, read, and got - namely "Wonder Woman" (which I've seen twice), the comics "Batman #24", "Dark Knight III #9", and "Amazing Spider-Man #28", and getting the NES Classic Mini (FINALLY after it got discontinued). All this during E3 Week!
Check the video below.
Timzster Vlog - Wonder Woman, Comics, and NES Classic Mini (Finally)
Had to make a vlog tribute to the man who played Batman for a generation and was loved by Batfans worldwide. R.I.P Adam West, aka Batman '66. :( I grew up watching the 1966 Batman TV Series in reruns, and he was definitely a legend who was loved by all and will be missed dearly.
Timzster Vlog Tribute To Adam West, aka Batman '66
Rest In Peace Adam West, and thank you for being a hero to us Batman. :(
It's been a stellar weekend for a lot of reasons as we enter June 2017, and you can chalk most of that wonderful feeling to the release of one of the most anticipated super hero films of all time in "Wonder Woman" - the fourth entry in Warner Bros. "DC Extended Universe" of movies and the latest DC Films epic that features the beautiful and talented Israeli actress Gal Gadot back as the Amazon Warrior Princess who was first introduced in Zack Snyder's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" last year. Much like "Man of Steel", this particular hero flick takes a standalone approach away from its two predecessors by focusing all of its attention on the titular character and showing audiences her origin story - who she is and how she came to be. Directed by "Monster" film director Patty Jenkins, this film breaks barriers not only in having the titular superheroine in the spotlight - but also emphasizing female empowerment and showing that this 75 year old character deserves her place in the pantheon of hero movies we're getting in this day and age.
Thanks to Warner Bros. Philippines, I was able to see Wonder Woman last May 31st in IMAX 3D at SM Aura Premier with friends and fellow cosplayers dressed as characters from the film, and it was just as sensational and amazing as I expected it to be. With nothing short of feeling "Wonderful" after watching this two hour plus flick, Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, and the rest of the cast were on their top A game in presenting a believable tale where Diana's origins, purpose, and emergence as a savior and hero of mankind during a time of great war were realized.
So without any more delays, here is my short review for "Wonder Woman" - and naturally, SPOILERS may be featured so click and read at your own risk!
It's been a while since we saw Johnny Depp put on that familiar pirate garb and spoke the familiar crazy talk of Captain Jack Sparrow in a new Pirates film by Disney, but here we are with a brand new installment in the franchise that acts as a true sequel to the first three "Pirates of the Caribbean" films that saw a lot of character development and adventure in the seas - and in particular the return of two very notable faces that were missing in the 2011 film "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides". This time, Captain Jack is dealing with an evil force of his own creation - the ghost crew of the Silent Mary led by the vengeful Spanish captain and pirate hunter Armando Salazar - who wants Sparrow's head in a platter. Add to the fact that Will Turner's son Henry is seeking to free his father from his curse, a mysterious woman named Carina searching for her own father, and Sparrow's rival turned ally Captain Hector Barbossa returning, and you have a new Pirates adventure that's sly, cunning, and pretty much revisiting the roots of the first film "Curse of the Black Pearl" at the same time.
Thanks to Walt Disney Studios PH, I got to see "Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge" on the gorgeous 4DX Cinema at Bonifacio High Street Cinemas, and yes it was absolutely SAVVY! Together with friends from the movie watching crew and comrade cosplayers from Black Pearl Philippines, I enjoyed the special screening held last May 22nd, and the film certainly had a lot to offer in terms of excitement, adventure, and tension! While by all means a straightforward tale on its own that sees Depp reunite with old cast mates like Geoffrey Rush and meet a grand new foe in Javier Bardem's Salazar, the fifth Pirates film delivers stellar new twists and definitely acts as a unique sequel to "Dead Man's Chest" and "At World's End" - particularly concerning the fate of Orlando Bloom's character Will Turner. He makes a cameo in this latest installment, and his grown up son is played by Brenton Thwaites, who more than lives up to the legacy of his father and is quite dedicated to freeing him from his curse. Kaya Scodelario also gives a great leading lady presence as Carina Smith, and it's all these players that make "Salazar's Revenge" a nice throwback to old Pirates fun.
Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge Pay-off Trailer
In a nutshell, Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge is another pirate adventure that should please fans of the franchise and takes a proper step back in the direction that made the series wacky, fun, and over the top in depicting a pirate's life in the seas and the legends that world has. I would certainly like to see more and directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg got this one right despite presenting nothing new or vastly different that makes it a game changer. Other than resolving plots left hanging in previous films, this one opens up brand new possibilities for future installments in the franchise. Go and catch it in theaters now!
As a film I didn't expect a lot going into, Guy Ritchie delivered quite the unexpected treatment when it comes to the legend of one of the greatest British leaders and kings ever depicted in romances and stories - King Arthur. In his vision of the future king of Camelot's origin story, we see a young boy raised in a brothel after his entire family is betrayed by a power hungry uncle, forging the orphan into a man who eventually locates and pulls the sword Excalibur out of its stone mount.
Taking a page out of fantasy properties like "Lord of the Rings" and "Masters of the Universe", King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is not your regular kind of fantasy epic film - it's non-linear presentation and fast paced editing choices gives that kind of experimental vibe that should intrigue those that are looking for something different in their movies. Add to the fact that the film has a stellar cast of supporting talents like Djimon Hounsou and Game of Thrones' Aidan Gillen, and you have a unique interpretation of the Arthur legend before his time with the Knights of the Round Table. Big thanks goes to Warner Bros. Philippines for allowing me to see this film prior to its release in theaters last week!
As one of the most extraordinary science fiction franchises to endure the test of time, nothing is more frightening than the "Alien" film series when it comes to experiencing horror in space. When the original film was released in 1979, Ridley Scott gave viewers a reason to believe the tagline accompanying the poster "In Space, No One Can Hear You Scream". True enough, when Sigourney Weaver faced down the very first Xenomorph alien in that movie - everything about having a "horror house" type setting with an unknown lifeform came to head - the discovery of the Space Jockey and Facehugger infecting a crew member - leading to the terror that would only grow in numbers with the 1986 sequel "Aliens" and the series' subsequent follow ups.
Fast forward to 2012, and Ridley Scott returned to the Alien universe to tell an offshoot prequel story with "Prometheus" - which followed the crew of the exploration ship of the same name landing in the moon called LV-223 to discover mankind's origins and creators. What they found was something "unexpected", leading to strands of DNA connecting to the origins of the titular "Alien" species fans know but not quite giving a definite answer. Scott aims to change that with the release of his follow-up "Alien: Covenant" - a sequel to Prometheus and taking place years before the 1979 Alien film, explaining how the Xenomorphs came to be and what exactly happened to the survivors Elizabeth Shaw and the android David.
After seeing the film courtesy of 20th Century Fox PH some weeks back, here's a straightforward review for "Alien: Covenant" - which is now playing in theaters!
It's hard to imagine Chris Evans in an acting position these days outside of wearing the familiar red, white, and blue and wielding that iconic shield that he does so well as Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He first started out being a charming funny guy who starred in the TV Series "The Opposite Sex", before plowing through comedic roles, serious action thrillers, and even a two time stint as Johnny Storm of the Fantastic Four when 20th Century Fox first brought the Marvel Superheroes team to life in the big screen during the early 2000's. Now that Evans has cemented his legacy as the Star Spangled Avenger, it's hard to imagine who else could follow in his footsteps... But the 35 year old American actor and filmmaker has aspirations beyond Cap, and his latest offering in cinema this year is a testament to doing something outside of the superhero suit.
GIFTED Trailer 1
Teaming up with "500 Days of Summer" and former "Amazing Spider-Man 1 and 2" director Marc Webb, Chris Evans is touching hearts worldwide by being a parent and guardian to a young and bright girl in his new film "Gifted" - which stars the young and amazing McKeena Grace as his niece with smarts that go beyond what a seven year old could learn in the classroom.
Seeing the film courtesy of 20th Century Fox Philippines, I can honestly say this film is one of those family drama films that have the right balance of funny heartwarming scenes and tender serious moments that will get audiences laughing and crying. Evans plays his laid back yet loving character Frank Adler well, and has great chemistry with McKeena's Mary - his niece who is a mathematical genius yet was raised by Frank to have a normal life beyond her gifts and smarts. Lindsay Duncan plays the ever persistent and estranged Evelyn Adlar - the mother of Frank who wants her grandchild to attend a prestigious school yet doesn't think of her life as "normal" at all. All this combined with superb supporting roles by Jenny Slate and Octavia Spencer make "Gifted" one of those films that's sorely underestimated and full of heart. It has a great cast playing in a low key plot of a film - and is not shy to show that it is powerful in conveying an emotional and heartfelt story anyone can relate to.
Gifted is currently playing in selected theaters courtesy of 20th Century Fox Philippines.
When you have something good going following a successful blend of action, story, and one awesome soundtrack, it's always best to follow up with a sequel that channels those same energies and unfolds into a continuation that improves on the first movie's merits. In the case of James Gunn and his second outing with Marvel's interstellar bunch of heroes that are the "Guardians of the Galaxy", he stays true to the spirit of the original movie's success by giving us something that feels all too familiar and not much of a departure from the 2014 Marvel Studios film that takes us to the cosmic side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Here we have a clear example of what a director has plotted well and wants to convey in straightforward linear fashion a group of unlikely allies and the story that pulls them together to save the galaxy from a great threat - and once again it works so beautifully that this is just another reason why Marvel Movies are so beloved and enjoyed by fans worldwide.
Thanks to Walt Disney Studios Philippines, I got the chance to see the film along with other fans, fellow cosplayers, and press on April 20 - a few days ahead of its local release date on April 26th and weeks before it comes out in the US on May 5th. Suffice to say, I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED and Vol. 2 speaks to the hearts of comic book fans, 80's nostalgia, and those who enjoy a good blend of 70's/ 80's music channeled into a space adventure of AWESOME proportions. Now that it's been a few weeks since it opened up in theaters, here's my review for GOTG Vol. 2!
This month is a time to reflect and be together with our relatives and loved ones for Easter, but it's also the season where one of the most fast-paced franchises in recent memory returns - complete with a new set of cars, skills, and the kind of twist that will test and challenge anyone who values family above all else.
Two years after giving the late Paul Walker's character Brian O' Connor the grand send-off and respect he deserves, Vin Diesel and his cast of co-stars race on as they begin a brand new journey in "Fast & Furious 8" - known alternatively as "The Fate of the Furious" and the eight installment in the long running "Fast & Furious" film series. After earning their freedom and paying their dues the team moves forward with life... But a mysterious woman with evil intentions coerces the leader Dom to betray his own "family" - forcing the rest to find out why the man that united them has gone rogue.
Thanks to United International Pictures Philippines and Columbia Pictures Philippines, I was able to see this film just before the Holy Week began... And it was nothing short of AWESOME. Anyone who has seen the previous Fast & Furious films can expect the bar to be set HIGHER than ever before with this sequel, and there's a lot more surprises in store for Dom and crew. With the film earning P110 Million on its first weekend, that's a testament to the big opening the movie has worldwide. So here's my review for "Fast & Furious 8" - now out in theaters.
When you three of the best actors in Hollywood in their 80's and teaming up for a remake of one of the best old timer comedies from the 70's, you're bound to get a formula for laughs and wits in a film that shows that you don't take advantage of senior citizens. Academy Award winners Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Alan Arkin show just that by starring in the heist comedy "Going In Style" - based on the 1979 film of the same name by Martin Brest and this remake directed by Zach Braff. While it certainly isn't something the blockbuster season will take notice of, never underestimate this underdog of a laughtrip -as the three elders get even with the system after getting their pensions revoked unfairly. How do they do this? By deciding to learn the ropes of being bank robbers and pulling the job of their (late) lifetimes.
Opening last week on April 6th, I got to see the film courtesy of Warner Bros. Philippines, and I can genuinely say that I had a lot of fun! Caine, Freeman, and Arkin play good ol' buddies who like to bicker, complain, and reflect on what they have going for their lives in their old age. They have families and loved ones, and try to make the most out of their respective situations. It's only when they are literally "screwed over" by the system that they need to take desperate measures.
GOING IN STYLE - Official Trailer
After witnessing a bank robbery that gives him the idea to take a chance and get even with a selfish system, Joe (Michael Caine) plans with his friends Willie (Morgan Freeman) and Albert (Alan Arkin) to get their money back and give the rest of their "earnings" to charity. What follows is a comedy that has risks and mistakes that old men make, as well as the love and commitment they have for their family and each other as friends.
As a comedy that literally goes for goofs and a plot to steal with the right intentions involved, Going in Style is the kind of comedy that will not disappoint those who just want a simple ride with these three gentlemen turned senior citizen bank robbers. I certainly enjoyed it, and it's nothing too serious or silly - just the right amount of comedy and storytelling involved to merit it a watch! Go catch it!
Making movies based on Japanese Anime or Game properties is a hit or miss subject, which tends to miss the mark or deviate from its source material in some way or entirely. In the case of Masamune Shirow's beloved manga and anime work "Ghost in the Shell", Hollywood has taken a different approach and have done their best to remain true to the spirit (literally) of the franchise while taking its own spin on the story involving a female cyborg and a team of counter-cyberterrorist operatives who keep the future world safe from hackers and those who seek and to harm humanity. The end result is a Rupert Sanders directed film which acts as a homage to the source material, in a Blade Runner-esque style action film that has Scarlett Johansson in the lead as "The Major".
Here is my review for the film, which I got to see last week courtesy of Columbia Pictures Philippines and is now playing in theaters.
When Walt Disney Pictures released the original animated "Beauty and the Beast" in 1991, the House of Mouse presented a true "Tale as old as time, Song as old as rhyme" adaptation of the classic fairytale that's been loved by generations of viewers across the globe. When news arrived from Hollywood that Disney was planning to remake the story in live-action following the successes of "Maleficent" and "Cinderella", many were both excited and skeptical at the prospect of bringing this magnificent masterpiece to the "real world" and casting people who would play the same characters featured in the animated version and living up to its musical and romantic fantasy roots.
All those concerns can be put to rest, as the 2017 live-action "Beauty and the Beast" film has finally hit theaters worldwide to resounding success for fans new and old. Starring Harry Potter films star Emma Watson as that book reading beauty Belle and Dan Stevens as the cursed prince turned into a Beast, the film follows the same beats as its 1991 animated movie predecessor, but adds a bit of backstory and musical numbers to give it a fresh presentation for anyone looking to compare and relive the experience.
Thanks to Walt Disney Studios Philippines I was able to see the movie last week in IMAX 3D, and with some friends dressed as the stars of the tale and a number of nostalgic fans and newcomers, we were treated to one of the most beloved stories retold using some of the best talents and special effects Hollywood has to offer. Here's my review for "Beauty and the Beast".
I grew up watching movie greats and cinematic icons, and probably one of the most recognizable monsters and terrors I've encountered in my childhood is "King Kong" - the huge ape that is known as the "8th Wonder of the World" to man yet is truly just a creature from a lost age who is implied to be the last of his kind hailing from the fictional lost world of "Skull Island". I first got exposed to Kong and his world with a home video copy of the 1933 original directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, and it was an eye opener in the history of Hollywood cinema that received critical acclaim for its portrayal of a giant monster ape and pioneering use of stop-motion animation by Willis O'Brien. As compared to the 1976 remake (which was alright and actually had Jeff Bridges in it) and the somewhat lukewarm 2005 one directed by LOTR helmer Peter Jackson, it can be argued that you "can't beat a classic" and the original still set the standard for other Kong films and copycats that followed.
Fast forward to 2017 and we have the THIRD REBOOT attempt to bring Kong to the modern world with "Kong: Skull Island" - a reimagining of the Kong franchise directed by Jordan Charles Vogt-Roberts (who is attached to direct a film version of Metal Gear Solid, but that's still in development). Other than reintroducing the giant ape to audiences with renewed vigor and style thanks to the advances of technology today, this movie is actually the second installment in Legendary Pictures' "MonsterVerse" - which started with the company's previous collaboration with Warner Bros. in the 2014 film "Godzilla" - which rebooted Toho's "King of the Monsters" for the second time and to much better reception as compared to the 1998 film by Independence Day director Roland Emmerich. The aim is to EVENTUALLY get these two titans together, in a "Let Them Fight" style versus flick that will finally see them clash in a Hollywood blockbuster unlike the 1962 Toho film that saw things taken less seriously as they should have been.
Now on to the review proper, and for the short gist Kong: Skull Island is nothing short of AWESOME and an absolute MUST SEE for fans new and old alike. Big thanks again to Warner Bros. PH for inviting me to the screening earlier this week!
