Movie Review: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

It's the FINAL DAY of 2019 - and I should end it with a long overdue review of one of the most anticipated films of the soon to be past year!

It's been over a week since Disney and Lucasfilm finally released the long awaited final movie of the "Sequel Trilogy" to theaters worldwide - also billed as the final chapter of the "Skywalker Saga" that began with the very first "Star Wars" film released in 1977 that introduced us to Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo, Darth Vader, and the rest of the wide fictional universe filmmaker George Lucas created from a galaxy far, far away. In this saga, we are introduced to new players and heroes - such as Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, and BB-8 who make up the key members of "The Resistance". That new rebel faction faces off against the dark forces of Kylo Ren and The First Order - who will stop at nothing to take over the galaxy and finish what the Empire and Sith started long ago.

Well, I finally got to see "The Rise of Skywalker" - three times in fact and for the most part it is a DECENT Star Wars film. I've said that in two of my video reviews which you can find at my YouTube page here (Non-Spoiler) and here (SPOILER), and I've delved into non-spoiler and SPOILER reactions for the film. Since enough time has passed and revelations are out in the wild, I'll give my honest thoughts in this post about Episode IX - and why I think its serviceable yet a movie that needed much more to make it a perfect conclusion.

Again, SPOILERS WILL FOLLOW after the jump, so read at your own risk.

Movie Review: Terminator: Dark Fate

Been a while since I got around to reviewing some movies on this page, but there's definitely "No Fate But What We Make" in trying to get back into what you need to do - and there were a couple of blockbuster films I've seen in the past few weeks that were hotly anticipated and finally are playing in theaters. Most of them are sequels to established franchises that were hits back in the early 80's - and one of them is the long-running Terminator film franchise - which once again brings the cyborg killer robots back to our present to wipe out the hope of a possible post-apocalyptic future, but not without some heroes and protectors to help out and kick their asses as well.

Thanks to 20th Century Fox Philippines, I got to see the latest film in the series in "Terminator: Dark Fate" last October 24th - which brings back Arnold Schwarzenegger as the iconic T-800 cyborg. This time however, he's joined by other returning series veteran Linda Hamilton - who reprises her role as the older and badass Sarah Connor. Her return coincides with the comeback of legendary filmmaker James Cameron - who directed the first two successful Terminator films and is joining this new venture as a producer. Dark Fate is meant to be inserted as a "fresh start sequel" that ignores the events of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Terminator: Salvation, and Terminator: Genisys. This is a movie catered to the fans of the old aging franchise - but does it deliver the goods? Here are my thoughts... And of course SPOILER WARNING if you want to catch the movie yourselves.

Movie Review: Joker

"Desperate Times calls for Desperate Measures."

That old expression sums up many things in life, but it also perfectly describes the feeling and atmosphere you'll get from "Joker" - the newest entry by Warner Bros. in their expanding DC Films line-up that, while based on one of their most notorious comic book villains, is not a part of the DC Extended Universe at all. Instead, this is a stand-alone movie meant to launch a new series of "DC Black" films - which will be darker, grittier, and more in line with mature and serious storytelling - which fits quite well with the atmosphere exploring the rise of Gotham City's future Clown Prince of Crime.

As one of the movies I was very much looking forward to before the year ends, "Joker" earned a lot of hype and positive buzz for weeks - premiering in this year's Venice Film Festival and winning the top prize of the show in the coveted "Lion" award.  I finally got my chance to see the film just before October set in, with Warner Bros. Philippines holding a special press screening this past September 30 (and just when I returned from my trip to Europe and the UK to boot!). Suffice to say - it BLEW MY MIND. While this is a film focusing on Batman's eternal nemesis and I'm a big fan of The Dark Knight to boot, he doesn't even exist in this film - and the primary focus is solely on the man that will eventually spiral down to a life of madness.

All it takes is one bad day... And that is explored in this artistic masterpiece of a psychological thriller film.

Movie Review: It: Chapter Two

Sequels have a lot of expectation and hype riding into them that it makes for quite the unpredictable ride. Rarely does it manage to overshadow the experience the viewer has with the first movie, and on the flip side it can also act as an extension of said experience to bring more answers or closure to the journey we take watching a story unfold. Thankfully director Andy Muschietti knew that much and what he was signing up for when he took on the job of helming Stephen King's popular 1986 supernatural horror novel "It", and the 2017 movie adaptation proved to be the proper introduction to the "main course" that would this year's "It: Chapter Two" - which sees "The Losers Club" all grown up and returning back to their childhood hometown 27 years later to put an end to the demonic clown that preyed on their fears once and for all.

Thanks to Warner Bros. Pictures, I was able to catch the much anticipated sequel (along with some nifty new trailer surprises) this past Monday, and I was more than ready to see Pennywise the Dancing Clown come back and deliver some unsuspecting horror induced fun. It took two years for audiences to wait out what would happen when friends return to confront their "Boogeyman" from the past... And what happens when old memories locked away resurface and forces you to literally confront your past? This film answers it all along with scares that are DEFINITELY not for the faint of heart  - so be warned when walking into this along with a solid adult rating!

Movie Review: Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Love him or not, Quentin Tarantino has made an impact in cinema thanks to his explosive, dynamic, and very sensational style of filmmaking that's gone through decades and generations of praise and controversy. From Pulp Fiction to Kill Bill, and of course Inglorious Basterds and Django Unchained, the man has an eye for whimsical and edgy fun that'll literally blow you off your seats - whether its over-the-top action sequences, no-holds-barred dialogue, or something so unexpected that it will get you talking about the movie even after the credits roll and you've left the cinema.

I'm happy to say that the director's ninth film - "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood" - is a great example of his art form brought to life in an exceptional manner, acting as both a tribute and love letter to 1969 era Hollywood. Set at the backdrop of what would be infamously known as the "Manson Family Murders", this was a period of innocence, transition, and so much developments in Hollywood and cinema that it's only fitting that a man like Quentin Tarantino would make his vision of this bygone era - full of potential yet also riddled with its own troubled history and eccentricities that happen behind the camera.

Celebrate 80 Years Of Marvel with Marvel and SM at SM North EDSA The Block!

2019 marks Marvel's 80th Birthday, and fans in the Philippines are invited to celebrate and honor all the superheroes and characters born from the House of Ideas in a special exhibit that's right at SM North EDSA The Block!

Teaming up together with SM, Marvel is proud to honor 80 long years of comic book storytelling that has grown and branched out to different forms of media - including movies and television! From the assembling of Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk and the rest of the Avengers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the growing roster of superheroes in the pages of comics - fans worldwide have every reason to celebrate eight long decades of Marvel fandom! What's more - the Philippines has its own Marvel heroine to celebrate and be proud of in the form of Wave, aka Pearl Pangan and a character found in the action-role playing game "Marvel Future Fight"!

So come on down to SM North EDSA and celebrate 80 years of Marvel Comics starting this August 27th! Displays from various Marvel collectors and fans are featured there, as well as exclusive merchandise and collectibles from the folks at Filbar's and Hot Toys!

For more information, visit the official Marvel Facebook page, SM, and Filbar's! Use the hashtag "#Marvel80atSM"!

Movie Review: Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw

What happens when you get two of the most recent and hot-headed additions to the long-running "Fast & Furious" film franchise together to star in their own spin-off movie? All the bromance, bickering, and action driven adrenaline you'd expect as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Jason Statham reprise their roles as federal agent Luke Hobbs and mercenary Deckard Shaw - teaming up as unlikely allies to save Deckard's sister and take on a new threat in the aptly named "Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw".

Thanks to UIP Philippines, I got to see the IMAX premiere screening of Hobbs & Shaw last night - and to say it was something totally action-packed, hilarious, family oriented, and fun is just the perfect way to describe this adventure that doesn't involve the gang led by Vin Diesel. Because of their perfect rivalry against one another in the past Furious film "The Fate of the Furious", Hobbs and Shaw have shown funny testosterone driven chemistry together which caught the attention of the filmmakers. Directed by David Leitch, this movie is a result of that "friendly rivalry", and now we get two mega stars ready to work together... If they can survive and stand one another first.

Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw | Trailer 3
Besides The Rock and Statham getting most of the spotlight, they are joined by Idris Elba - who plays their common enemy and cyborg enhanced "Black Superman" foe named Brixton Lore. This challenge puts the "Brains and Brawn" dynamic distributed between our two heroes to the test, as well as the fact they go on a Globe-Trotting adventure that takes the adventure to London, Russia, and The Rock's own ancestral home of Samoa. Vanessa Kirby debuts as Hattie Shaw - the younger sister of Deckard and Owen (Luke Evans), and she pretty much holds her own as a tough lady who can take care of herself despite the dangers and high stakes that come in this film. We also get to see familiar faces who play the brothers of Hobbs - including Cliff Curtis, Roman Reigns, Josh Mauga, and John Tui. Helen Mirren also returns as Queenie Shaw - the mother of Deckard and Hattie.

Bottomline, Hobbs & Shaw is a fun and brainless adventure that can stand on its own two feet despite living off the legacy of the Fast & Furious films. There's really nothing new added here save for expanding on the relationship between the two "frenemies" and seeing more of their family and background previously unexplored in recent entries. It's recommended you see the past films to see the past adventures and backgrounds of our two protagonists before diving into this one. The franchise shows no signs of slowing down, and it gets more bold and ambitious with each new entry that it can be described like a "nitro fueled car on steroids" with every adventure we see. I expect the next Furious film to follow suit and give us plenty more fun with cars and high stakes while highlighting the importance of family as always.

Fast & Furious" Hobbs & Shaw is now showing in theaters courtesy of UIP Movies Philippines and distributed through Columbia Pictures Philippines.

Rating - 3/5

Movie Review: Spider-Man: Far From Home

It truly has been a great two years for Spider-Man fans. Not only has the wallcrawling wonder been making a big splash in his native comic book environment, but he's also has a VERY SUCCESSFUL Playstation 4 game by Insomniac Games and made appearances in TWO EPIC Avengers films that brought together all of his fellow heroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Those films, along with the Academy Award winning animated movie "Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse" has shaped our hero's future into a very bright one... And I can safely say that the latest live-action tale in "Spider-Man: Far From Home" is just another example of why we call this character AMAZING.

Thanks to the folks at Columbia Pictures Philippines, I was able to view a special media screening for Far From Home together with friends in the press and some of my fellow personalities in the Spider-Man Fan community.

To say it was nothing short of Spectacular is putting it mildly - this long awaited follow-up to 2017's "Spider-Man: Homecoming" just made its predecessor look like an appetizer to the main course that is this sequel! It's definitely that good, and it's an experience and treat that will certainly go with the best theaters and IMAX theater you can swing nearby to once this movie opens in theaters this July.

So without any more delays, here's my straightforward and NON-SPOILER REVIEW for "Spider-Man: Far From Home"!

Movie Review: Rocketman

If you asked me what I thought about legendary music star Elton John and his music - I'd tell you how awesome his songs are including "Don't Let The Sun Go Down", "I'm Still Standing", "Saturday Night's Alright", and of course "Rocket Man". Never would I have imagined that a collaborative effort would come when New Republic Pictures, Marv Films, and Rocket Pictures pooled their resources together to make what is arguably a fitting tribute and amazing musical biopic of John's life - from its ups and downs to the abuse and emotional rollercoaster ride that comes with fame and fortune... And Taron Egerton embodies that beautifully with his portrayal of the music legend in "Rocketman".

Thanks to UIP Philippines and FM2 Radio, I got to see the film last week at Power Plant Mall Cinemas, and what I can tell you is that I was amazed by the performances and casting in this production lead by director Dexter Fletcher - who also happened to co-direct the Freddie Mercury and Queen biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody". Rocketman is nothing short of spectacular - a true ode to Elton John's career and dream of becoming what he was born to be  - a rockstar and one of the greatest performers we have ever known in the history of music.

Rocketman | Official Payoff Trailer
Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, "Rocketman" takes us on a musical journey of Elton John's life - starting with his entry into an addiction rehab center and guiding the participants (and the audience as well) into his entire life story. As a boy, he was already gifted with music but was unfortunately ignored and shunned by his cold mother and distant father. Only his grandmother encouraged his abilities and that led him to enrolling in the Royal Academy of Music. We then follow Reginald's exploits touring as back up for an American Jazz Band, striking up a friendship with longtime collaborator and songwriter Bernie Taupin, as well as discovering his homosexuality. All these experiences and eventual breakout performance in America would skyrocket him to fame... As well as lead him down that road of misery, addiction, sex, and abuse that would take all the courage and strength from within for the man known as Elton John to rise above and triumph from.

Without a doubt, "Rocketman" is one of those music movies with fine tunes and a story that every fan of Elton John needs to see. I wouldn't have imagined Taron Egerton to have played the musician he saved as Eggsy in Kingsman: The Golden Circle, but life has a funny way of casting an actor in a certain part in his career in Hollywood. Supporting roles by Jamie Bell, Richard Madden (as the nefarious John Reid), and Bryce Dallas Howard only make this all the more a compelling watch. I really should say it is a MUST WATCH, and at the end it will get everyone praising and talking about the legend himself.

Rocketman is now showing in theaters c/o UIP Philippines.

Rating - 5/5

Movie Review: Toy Story 4

It's been nearly a decade since we last saw Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of Andy's remaining toys find a new home to be played and care for during that emotional epilogue of Disney Pixar's "Toy Story 3". Anyone who followed this critically acclaimed animated film series since the first one stole our hearts in 1995 knows who these characters are, the beloved Hollywood voice cast that brought them to life, and the adventures they have shared with us through the movies and subsequent animated series tie-ins that were spawned because of the franchise's success. The  attachment we have to our childhood and the toys we grew up with are the themes that drive these movies - which makes it so relatable and perfect as each installment teaches us the value and importance these play things have given to us and the fond memories born from those experiences.

Thanks to Walt Disney Studios Philippines and friends, I got to catch an advance screening of Toy Story 4 last week - and I went in with reserved expectations and bracing myself for what was to come in the newest tale featuring Woody, Buzz, and friends returning. All I knew from the trailers was that there were new characters like a toy fork named Forky who were going to be introduced, as well as the return of a long lost member of the gang in Bo Peep. After so many years and with Toy Story 3 ending the way it did - how was this sequel going to top things off? Read on and find out why I consider it the PERFECT ENDING and of course I will take care not to reveal any spoilers.

Movie Review: X-Men: Dark Phoenix

It's the end of an era for fans of the X-Men Movies franchise, as the curtain call comes with the release of this long awaited final entry to the "revised timeline" saga of films that began with 2011's "X-Men: First Class". After a number of reshoots and delays that postponed production of the movie, "X-Men: Dark Phoenix" finally graces theaters worldwide and picks up right where the last mainline entry left off - putting the X-Men right at the top of their game and becoming worldwide heroes and celebrities. However as the title suggests, one of their own becomes unstable and a danger to everyone she is close to - leading to a conflict that will test and break the very foundation of the team and everything they have done to help and protect their fellowman.

Thanks to 20th Century Fox Philippines, I was able to watch this final installment at the studio's office for a private press screening - and it was both an X-citing and emotional experience since this is truly the end of an era. With Disney's purchase of Fox and all of its assets, Marvel's Merry Mutants are now going to be incorporated into the growing Marvel Cinematic Universe when the proper time comes. It's just a matter of waiting for that moment to happen... But at least with Dark Phoenix, we have a true ending that while isn't quite the perfect sendoff many expect and wanted, it's still something to watch if you have been following and keeping tabs with this cinematic universe and storytelling that helped build the foundations of the superhero movie genre we all know and love today.

So without any more delays and diving straight into the review proper - here's my thoughts on "X-Men: Dark Phoenix".

Movie Review: The Secret Life of Pets 2

Who doesn't love pets? We all own dogs, cats, bunny rabbits, and just about any critter or four-legged friend we can think of to have as a companion in our lives and indispensable member of our family unit as well. However, what if those very same pets had "secret lives" we are completely unaware of? They'd go off in their own adventures, have conversations with one another, and pretty much see us humans as their own pets - to love, protect, and of course brag around like it's their own property. That's what Universal Pictures and Illumination illustrated with their lovable 2016 film "The Secret Life of Pets" - which featured a ragtag group of pets who are pals and have their own blissful yet sometimes complicated lives in the apartment building they all reside in.

Thanks to UIP Philippines, I got to see the long awaited sequel in "The Secret Life of Pets 2", and it was actually an unexpected viewing! I barely watched the original film when it was released in home video, and was actually walking into this movie with no clear expectations - but that was probably the best thing as this adventure stands on its own two or rather four-legged feet! Mainstays like Max the Jack Russell Terrier, Duke the shaggy mix dog, Snowball the rabbit, Chloe the cat, and the other familiar pets return - along with a new mix of characters that include Daisy the Shih Tzu and Rooster the Welsh Sheepdog. The latter character is voiced by none other than Harrison Ford, and he's arguably my favorite character in the movie thanks to his serious yet benevolent nature in protecting his farm and his friends. In fact I got the Happy Meal, which is now available thanks to Mcdonald's Philippines.


The Secret Life of Pets 2 | International Trailer
Certainly geared to pet loves and kids of all ages, The Secret Life of Pets 2 is an adventure that will make you realize why our furry and little companions are very important figures in our lives. This adventure sees Max and Duke adjusting to new family life as their owner Katie gets married and has a baby, while the rest of their bunch tries to keep their lives as "normal" as possible - until Snowball develops a superhero identity and is tasked with rescuing a white tiger from a cruel zookeeper. This entire adventure illustrates how much fun it is to appreciate the animals in our lives - though in a more exaggerated and dynamic way than what could ever happen in real life. Illumination are masters of their art as proven in the "Despicable Me" movies, and this is no exception. If you love pets and animals, "The Secret Life of Pets 2" will make you love them even more - and spark the imagination of what it means to see the world through their eyes to boot.

The Secret Life of Pets 2 is now showing in theaters c/o UIP Philippines and Universal Pictures, distributed through Columbia Pictures Philippines.

Rating - 4/5

Movie Review: Godzilla: King of the Monsters

After five years of laying dormant and biding time for the big smackdown promised at the end of the first film - the king has FINALLY returned to take on monsters that would dare oppose his rule as Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary, and Toho team up once again to bring back Godzilla and expand the Monsterverse with "Godzilla: King of the Monsters". The long awaited sequel to the 2014 Godzilla film is nothing short of a welcome sight and is pretty much a triumphant roar that fans of the iconic Japanese giant monster can bring out when they walk into this film. It is BIGGER, BETTER, and MUCH MORE EPIC compared to its predecessor by unleashing the rest of the "Titans" on our planet, bringing forth one of the most awaited confrontations in this saga that will test the Big G as he asserts his rule as one of the most dominant creatures Earth has ever witnessed.

Thanks to the folks at Warner Bros. Philippines, I got to watch Godzilla's long awaited comeback in the big screen (and on IMAX 3D no less), and all I can tell you before moving on to the review proper is that it's the BIG BLOCKBUSTER MONSTER MOVIE that I have waited for since the 2014 Hollywood reboot and sets things up for the inevitable clash "Gojira" will have against Kong next year! We FINALLY get to see the long awaited debuts of Mothra, Rodan, and Godzilla's ultimate nemesis King Ghidorah in this film - so there is no shortage of Kaiju/ Monster action in the sequel! As Godzilla celebrates his 65th anniversary this year, prepare to be wowed and in awe for what this sequel five years in the making brings following "Godzilla" and "Kong: Skull Island"!

Movie Review: Brightburn

What would happen if one of the most famous and well known superhero origin stories turned out to be something twisted and horrific instead? That's exactly the question "Brightburn" answers - an eerie and evil interpretation of the Superman archetype during his young formative years where a child from another world is raised and adopted by loving parents who live in a rural farm setting. However instead of becoming a hero to the world, what if this boy with amazing abilities becomes something more sinister?

Thanks to director David Yarovesky and producers James Gunn and Kenneth Huang, we are treated to a vicious and perverted Superboy story that shows a kid willing to do whatever he wants and has the power to shape the world. Starring Elizabeth Banks and David Denman as a mother and father who think their alien son is a blessing - this rollercoaster superhero horror story will no doubt bring the comic book and Superman fans out there together to watch this "Elseworlds" tale where "absolute power corrupts absolutely" and a young boy's rage is left unchecked.

I got to see Brightburn a few days before it opened in theaters thanks to the folks at Columbia Pictures Philippines, and let me tell you that I walked into this with a fresh mind despite the similarities and obvious nods the film gives to Superman (and I wore a shirt too!). This is a movie that explores the flipside of that life where a "Strange Visitor from another planet" doesn't turn out as a kid with a moral compass to guide him in using his powers. Young actor Jackson A. Dunn embodies that very well in playing 12 year old Brandon Bryer -  who is seemingly a young and quiet everyday boy who goes to school and excels in class, yet somewhere in the inside festers a growing curiosity that soon turns into a path of disaster and destruction. Upon discovering his alien powers and heritage, Brandon develops into a frightening, disrespectful, and disobedient kid who starts scaring his classmates and those close to him. Even with the love and support his family especially his mother gives him - it's not enough to turn him away from the dark path that this film already knows you're prepared to witness.


BRIGHTBURN- Official Trailer #2
There's a reason why we enjoy superhero movies - we get to see the good guys become symbols of hope, freedom, and save the day for everyone who needs help. However "Brightburn" is a stern reminder that there is always a flipside to that, and a supervillain's origin story can be just as impactful and shaped by the events they experience in their own respective lives. While the theme is familiar, the circumstances and scenario are not. It's definitely worth the watch.

Rating - 4/5

Movie Review: Avengers: Endgame

It's been almost a week since we witnessed the end of a story that began with the very first "Iron Man" in 2008 - Marvel Studios triumphantly released an EPIC CONCLUSION to their tale of heroes gathering to defeat the foes no single one could withstand... And it was the end of a journey that began with six unlikely heroes who gathered together to fight evils and helped inspire a new generation of heroes to follow in their footsteps as well.

That's as general a summary I'm going to give about "Avengers: Endgame" as anyone you can ask around that doesn't want to spoil the endgame for you, but this review literally comes days after release because this is the kind of film you need to experience firsthand. If you ever watched a movie by Marvel Studios and shared in the long entertaining journey of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the past decade, then this is the culmination of all our efforts and investment in the characters that have been brought to life from the comics and given modernized origin stories and adventures in our time today. Endgame is a direct sequel to Infinity War yes, but it is also a homage to so many past films that have come and gone - as well as a "passing of the torch" of three phases worth of Marvel Movies to the next. What comes after owes to the events depicted in this film, and though I personally did not find this finale perfect - it absolutely is a fitting finale to several story arcs that have played out, especially that of the original six Avengers.

I have seen this movie a total of four times in full and six times with sneak peeks in and out after events (suited up as Captain America in his new armored Endgame suit no less), and honestly the three hour mark is a testament to fandom, patience, and investment. Endgame cannot be viewed alone and you must have some knowledge of some past Marvel films - particularly the ones handled by The Russo Brothers, aka the most invested directors who themselves are comic book fans and have directed some of the best in the latter two Captain America films and of course Infinity War. If you have your Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor backgrounds intact as well as the history of Earth's Mightiest Heroes in the MCU - then you are good to go. Prepare for an emotional ride - this is the tale of how superheroes rallied after defeat and did whatever it takes to win the day and avenge the fallen.

Movie Review: SHAZAM!

The DC Extended Universe has experienced quite the resurgence following a much needed change of pace by inserting a more adventurous and lighter tone in their films. It began last December with the Jason Momoa led "Aquaman" - with the King of the Seven Seas dominating the box office and taking us on a wild sea adventure full of action and spectacle. Now another hero rises to take us on a coming of age journey like no other.. And it's full of the stuff that kids and adults will enjoy because the hero in literally a Man Child with powers!!!

Of course, I'm talking about Billy Batson - a kid searching for his family who ends up in foster care and the unwitting inheritor of magical powers that turns him into a powerful adult with superpowers called "SHAZAM!". Based on the DC Comics superhero of the same name, this is a movie that serves as a representation of every kid's dream fantasy of turning into a superhero - what do you do with all that power when you get it and how will you use it? Thanks to director David F. Sandberg we get the answer in a FUN ENERGETIC MOVIE that introduces us to a hero who is relatable and a kid at heart... Literally!

Thanks to Warner Bros. Philippines, I got to see the movie last March 28 during the IMAX press screening - and the format is all kinds of WOW bringing Billy and his big boy alter ego to life as he faces off a dark reflection of himself in Dr. Thaddeus Sivana! As a fan of the DC Universe, how does this film fare bringing this particular magic powered hero to the big screen? Well here we go with the review to "Say The Word"!

Mini Movie Reviews: US and Dumbo (2019)

Wow... March went by so fast! There's been a LOT of stories and events to cover (which you can follow in my other blog Pop Culture Crusader), as well as celebrating the 80th Anniversary of a certain Caped Crusader - but I haven't found the time to write my thoughts for two movies that are currently out in theaters as of this writing - Jordan Peele's fantastic new horror flick "Us" and Disney's live-action reimagination of the flying elephant story Dumbo. I enjoyed each of these movies for presenting fresh and unique film experiences in their respective genres, and I think it needs to be expressed in this batch of mini reviews I need to get out there.

Movie: US 
Distributed by: UIP Philippines through Columbia Pictures Philippines

Not your ordinary kind of horror film, director Jordan Peele's second outing in the genre is psychological as it is brilliant - with Lupita Nyong'o and Winston Duke leading the charge in this thriller that explores a family taking a vacation only to encounter doppelgangers of themselves. This is something straight out of The Twilight Zone (which Peele is helming too!), and this is the kind of movie that does not emphasize special effects and action - but rather the serious acting chops of its cast which Lupita embodies in both of her characters Adelaide and Red. DEFINITELY A MUST SEE for horror fans and those looking for something VERY UNIQUE - and it's littered with lots of 80's references and easter eggs.

Us - Official Trailer [HD]
You can also check my Quick Reaction video here!

Rating - 5/5

Movie: Dumbo (2019) 
Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Philippines

A live-action remake of the 1941 Disney animated classic of the same name, "Dumbo" is a very similar yet different take on the story of a young elephant with huge ears who has the ability to fly - something that changes the lives of those around him in the circus and the audience he entertains with his unique gift. Gone are the talking elephants, mice, and other animals though - instead this Tim Burton directed film powers on with a magnificent cast led by Colin Farrell, Eva Green, Danny DeVito, and Michael Keaton. It's a very different movie altogether when compared to its cartoon counterpart - but I enjoyed the family friendly message, production values, and energy only a Burton production combined with Disney magic can give!

Disney's Dumbo | Courage Trailer

You can also check my Quick Reaction video here!

Rating - 4/5

Movie Review: Captain Marvel

It's always a celebration and joy whenever a Marvel Studios film makes its debut into theaters, and today marks the release of the first 2019 entry in the long running Marvel Cinematic Universe that not only sets up a new hero to join Earth's Mightiest Heroes in their final stand against Thanos in April's "Avengers: Endgame", but also takes us back to the 90's and introduces us to a cosmic powered heroine like no other. That lady is Carol Danvers - also known as the Kree powered human superhero called "Captain Marvel"!

Thanks to Walt Disney Studios PH and Marvel Philippines, I got to see an EARLY GLIMPSE of this fantastic film last February 27 at a private viewing of the movie for the press (which you can view my QUICK REACTIONS VIDEO here!). It was intimate, exciting, and certainly something I've been looking forward to since we saw the post-credits scene of Infinity War last year - where Nick Fury activated a secret beeper that showed us the familiar logo of Captain Marvel when everything was going dark and dust (literally thanks to the Snappening). Of course, I've always known Carol Danvers as the hero "Ms. Marvel" - following her adventures with the Avengers, X-Men, and of course her storied rivalry and complicated relationship with the X-Man Rogue (who stole her powers and life, but that's for the internet to explain). This film gives us a very fresh take on the character, while also staying true to her roots and adding a bit of nostalgia at the same time by bringing us another period superhero film after "Captain America: The First Avenger" that perfectly recreates the era and soaps it up with RnB songs, Blockbuster Video stores, and all that 1990's flavor we love to hate or miss.

So without further ado, here is my review for CAPTAIN MARVEL - which is now playing in theaters in the Philippines and opens in the US Friday! SPOILER ALERT for those who want to avoid any surprises, as I may be talking about some key points about the film below!

Mini Movie Reviews: The Lego Movie 2 and How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

February has been a BUSY MONTH, and there's been plenty of good films this Oscar season that have come out in theaters to generate buzz and bring some good festive and family fun to audiences across the globe. Two of those of course are sequels to critically acclaimed films that have come out in the past couple of years - one about a group of bricks and the other about vikings and dragons co-existing that finally sees chapters of their lives and adventures end for the better. I was fortunate enough to see them thanks to the respective studios that invited me to these screenings, and now here's a little post talking about them in small detail and my thoughts regarding each animated film!

Movie: The LEGO Movie 2
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Philippines

I REALLY ENJOYED "The LEGO Movie" back in 2014. It was fresh, action packed, insane, and featured a lot of cameos and appearances by blocky versions of our favorite popculture characters  - including of course LEGO Batman who would go on to have his own spin-off film in "The LEGO Batman Movie" in 2017! That being said, The LEGO Movie Part II tries and moderately succeeds in delivering a good follow-up to its predecessor, reuniting Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, and the rest of the gang five years later to face a new threat that could spell the end of their world of Bricksburg - which is a "Mad Max" styled post-apocalyptic shell of its former self. The adventure takes them to a different universe from their own and interstellar hijinks ensue that introduces new characters that includes the macho adveturer Rex Dangervest.


The LEGO® Movie 2 - International Trailer
While it certainly does not surpass the sequel in terms of freshness and presentation, The LEGO Movie 2 was still a heck of a lot of fun - albeit predictable and truly an animated flick built for kids and sending a family friendly message as well. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys LEGO life and what the toy line means to anyone whether they be a kid or adult. There are also songs that are awesome and will get stuck inside your head too.

Rating - 4/5

Movie: How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Distributed by: UIP Philippines through Columbia Pictures Philippines

Hiccup and Toothless journey finally reaches its satisfying conclusion, as the HTTYD film series wraps up neatly in a third film that satisfies fans hearts and makes the movies one of the best animated trilogies of recent memory to exist. We've seen these guys grow up, face many trials and dangers, losses and heartaches, and now something that is truly a coming of age story that not only progresses both characters stories - but their loved ones in the vikings and dragons that have learned to co-exist because of the example these two have set.


How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World | Official Trailer 2
In addition to finding a new home and facing a new baddie, Toothless finds a mate in Light Fury - which reflects Hiccups own relationship with his best friend Astrid. It's cute and a natural progression of what fans of the series expect when they want to see a happy ending in their stories. The Hidden World is a great way to cap things off, and you won't regret seeing it in theaters at all.

Rating - 5/5

Movie Review: Alita: Battle Angel

There are ideas taken from source materials like a book or animated feature that rarely make a successful transition to the big screen, let alone a live action adaptation of a popular Japanese Manga/ Anime property that is unique and had concepts that, at that period, were literally are ahead of its time. Yukito Kishiro's "Gunnm" or better known as "Battle Angel Alita" is one good example - a 1990 manga turned two-part OVA in 1993 that explored the themes of cyberpunk and a post-apocalyptic future where a great war has divided classes and humans and cyborgs co-exist together.

Long developed and produced by veteran Hollywood director James Cameron who wanted to adapt the manga, "Alita: Battle Angel" finally gets its time to shine - with Cameron attached as producer alongside Jon Landau and Robert Rodriguez now at the helm as director. After seeing several delays and improvements made to the visuals and CGI effects, the film has finally arrived in theaters - and what a festive treat this film is to anyone looking for some impressive effects and world-building storytelling. This movie could arguably be considered the first big step in Hollywood's attempt to properly adapt Japanese Manga/ Anime properties, and that is saying a lot considering so many others tried and loosely did those concepts right in the past.

Thanks to 20th Century Fox Philippines, I got to see Alita: Battle Angel last week at a special advance screening on IMAX 3D - and I literally walked in blind and unsure of what to expect from the film. I can safely say this movie is a luscious visual spectacle - with actress Rosa Salazar putting everything in her being to bring the lovable cyborg heroine Alita to life and just making her one of the most endearing characters to remember in cinema.

ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL | Trailer 3
Without giving away much of the plot, Alita: Battle Angel sees Alita begin her journey as a disembodied core that is found in the scrapyard by cyberologist Dr. Dyson Ido (played by Christoph Waltz). Reassembled and with no memories of her past, this young cyborg slowly starts to remember fragments of her former identity while building new relationships as viewers discover a dystopian planet Earth that is divided between the rich and the poor - with the privileged living in a utopian land above the clouds called "Zalem". As cyborgs, bounty hunters, and a sport called "Motorball" quickly work into her new life, Alita eventually become the driving force for a change that will affect everyone in this brave new post-apocalyptic world.

Here's my quick impressions of the film from the premiere via IG:

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Ended January the best way by getting to see @alitamovie c/o @20thcenturyfoxph last night! Here’s my short video reaction after seeing the beautiful cyberpunk live action flick on IMAX 3D last night! Catch my full review soon and see this when it opens in theaters in the Philippines starting February 6! #Alita #AlitaBattleAngel #BattleAngelAlita #Gunnm #RosaSalazar #RobertRodriguez #JamesCameron #20thCenturyFoxPH #Timzster #TimzsterMovies #February2019

A post shared by Tim V. (@timzster) on Jan 31, 2019 at 6:51pm PST

With a powerful supporting cast that includes the aforementioned Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Connelly, and even Edward Norton, Alita: Battle Angel is just the shot of Cyberpunk action and anime style Hollywood flavor moviegoers need. It personally feels like a Final Fantasy concept brought to life with Robocop aesthetics inserted, and that's never ever a bad thing. While the movie considerably takes its time building itself up and there are themes and tropes that have been seen time and again in the past, this is a film that will not disappoint in presenting something visually stimulating.

Alita: Battle Angel is now showing in cinemas courtesy of 20th Century Fox Philippines!

Rating - 4/5

Movie Review: Bumblebee

Howdy all and Happy 2019! It's a new year and a fresh set of things to look forward to, and along with that mindset comes new movies, games, and just about anything in the world of popular culture I can write about. As this is the first post of this personal opinion/ reviews blog, I want to start things off with a review of the first film I thoroughly enjoyed seeing in theaters - the Transformers movie spin-off/ prequel "Bumblebee".

As many of you already know or have experienced, the Michael Bay directed Transformers movies are somewhat of a divisive topic among the fanbase - especially to older fans who grew up with the original 1987 animated series created by Takara and Hasbro. I especially am an old school "Generation 1" fan, so with the exception of the first film released in 2007 - I wasn't so happy with the turnout of the "Bayformers" line of movies - and "Transformers: The Last Knight" in 2017 pretty much killed all hopes of the franchise salvaging itself from too much explosions and an incomprehensible plot.

Bumblebee | Official Trailer
Fortunately for fans, that all changes with "Bumblebee" - what is being called "The BEST Transformers live-action movie" ever made. That claim doesn't come easily, and it took a viewing to really cement my own opinion on whether or not that was the truth. I can safely say IT IS, and thanks to an impressive story, cast that includes singer Hailee Steinfeld and pro-wrestler John Cena, and director Travis Knight - it is literally a Bayformers film that sets a new course for the film universe and pays homage to its roots in the original Transformers show by setting itself in the era it began - where cassette tapes were the in thing and all the stuff that powered the 80's was alive and rolling!

Set in the year 1987, Bumblebee is a prequel that focuses on the titular Transformer as he is sent to Earth by his leader Optimus Prime in an effort to establish a rendezvous point the Heroic Autobots can regroup in following the major loses incurred in Cybertron caused by their mortal enemies, the Decepticons. Landing on the planet successfully, the young Autobot is quickly put at a disadvantage when the first humans he meets misunderstand him and Decepticon forces who followed him injure him gravely. Forced to disguise himself, a chance meeting with a young headstrong girl named Charlie will lead to an adventure that will change their lives and how the tide of war between two factions will be decided on our planet.

Thanks to UIP Philippines, I got to see the film and it was so full of nostalgia and awesomeness that it simply cannot be described in detail. The pacing of Bumblebee was A LOT BETTER than any of the previous Transformer sequels I have seen. Focusing on just the titular Autobot makes it so much simpler, and Hailee Steinfeld is by far the most likeable and relatable protagonist the live-action movies have got - bonding well with the Volkswagon changing Autobot with her role as Charlie Watson. John Cena on the otherhand plays the relentless Jack Burns - who chases Bumblebee through this movie with a group of soldiers. Director Travis Knight plays these elements well, and it is fortunate we get such a stellar soundtrack to backup this throwback to the 80's too. Good stuff and the CGI elements look GREAT in the big screen - especially on IMAX!

Bumblebee is now playing in theaters c/o UIP Philippines.

Rating - 5/5