Movie Review: Fast & Furious 8 (2017)

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.

Movie Review: Going in Style (2017)

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!

Rating - 4/5

Movie Review: Ghost in the Shell (2017)

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.