Movie Review: Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning - Part One

 

For nearly three decades since taking on the role of secret agent Ethan Hunt, Tom Cruise has campaigned and ridden on the action movie scene without skipping a beat -  showing just why he's one of Hollywood's most ambitious and charismatic stars to this day. With 1996's "Mission: Impossible" - he changed the rules of the IMF game and became the franchise's de facto lead, with each instalment constantly pushing the envelope and putting Ethan and his team in death defying world saving situations that would put any man through hell just to get out of it alive. He mostly comes out of each iteration unscathed and saves the day without fail, but all of that gets tested to the fullest with "Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning - Part One" - the seventh installment in the Mission: Impossible film series that serves as the first of a two part event that will serve at the biggest adventure the Impossible Mission Force has faced yet.

Thanks to Paramount Pictures Philippines, UIP Movies PH, and SM Cinema, I got to see the film last week - and of course being a Tom Cruise film it opens strong and has a LOT of practical effects and stunt work that will always impress those looking for no-brainer action flicks that will leave them at the edge of their seats. 

Here's my thoughts on "Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning - Part One". Naturally SPOILER ALERT, so read at your own risk... Should you choose to accept it!

Movie Review: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

 

For as long as cinema and adventure have coexisted and collaborated, film buffs and movie fans have known the name "Indiana Jones" and the man who has put on the hat, cracked that whip, and fought Nazis and evil men to save the world while searching for fortune and glory at the same time. I can confidently say that even as the passage of time goes and actors we know age and get older, that role is and forever will be associated with Harrison Ford - who returns once again to the iconic role in this fifth instalment that serves as the final chapter and bookend to a saga that began with 1981's "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and has continued through the decades with a handful of sequels and spin-offs in all forms of media.

Growing up watching Indiana Jones films beginning with "Temple of Doom" and of course "The Last Crusade", I've always been fascinated with Professor Henry Walton Jones, Jr.'s exploits and history - particularly when he's at a situation where he's just after ancient artifacts or civilizations for the sake of adventure or simply trying to put it where it belongs... In a museum for the world to appreciate and see. It also helps that the character is a nerd and has a sense for adventure, while also figuring out things as he goes and doesn't necessarily have the answers but manages to get them in the nick of time to save himself, the girl, or those that he considers friends and loved ones. 

In the Dial of Destiny we see that spark emerge for one final adventure, and thanks to Walt Disney Studios Philippines, Stratworks, and Ayala Cinemas I was able to catch the special advance screening of the movie - and I honestly enjoyed the ride and found it a pretty good send-off for the character. Here's my thoughts and review on the long awaited sequel below - and naturally here's a SPOILER WARNING so read at your own risk or better yet watch the film first before diving in!

Movie Review: The Flash

 

Imagine if you had the power of super speed and had the ability to not just run fast but change the past as well? That’s the question asked and answered by “The Flash” - the latest entry in Warner Bros.’ long running “DC Extended Universe” that sees Ezra Miller reprise their role as Barry Allen and his heroic alter ego. Set some time after the events of “Justice League”, the ever cheerful and sometimes obnoxious Barry has matured into a competent superhero who fights crime and saves lives alongside the likes of Batman, but a tragedy that he suffered as a child continues to haunt him and he ponders on the possibility of using his connection to the Speed Force to change things and save those closest to him.

As with all things, tampering with elements beyond one’s understanding leads to severe consequences, and the events of this film see Barry struggle with the repercussions of his own actions. History has been altered into a new universe, he meets a younger version of himself, and an older version of Batman he does not know is his only hope of fixing his mistakes as well as saving the world from doom. All in a day’s work for a superhero, but for The Fastest Man Alive it’s his greatest challenge yet.

Thanks to Warner Bros. Philippines, I was able to catch not one, not two, but THREE advance screenings of The Flash! Without spoiling or giving away much, it is as other fans and critics say - a solid representation of what a DC movie should be that not only taps into the infinite possibilities of the DC Multiverse, but an emotional and action packed roller coaster ride that is filled with heart and determination. 

Check the review after the jump! No Major Spoilers but still if you want a fresh experience watch it and read at your own risk!

Movie Review: Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse

 

One of the most amazing movies to hit a few years back was the colorful and dynamic animated film "Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse". It was a very unique and ambitious project to get off the ground by Sony Pictures Animation and Columbia Pictures, but this Phil Lord and Chris Miller directed movie did the impossible and managed to tell the stories of not just one but multiple Spider-Men from different dimensions and realities. While everyone knows the story of Peter Parker and his alter-ego - it's quite rare to see the other webslingers who have taken up his mantle and legacy to fight crime and do spectacular things like only a spider can, and this movie absolutely nailed it by making characters like Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy household names along with their stories and adventures seen only in comic books that expanded the world and introduced the concept of "Spider-Verse" to popular culture and society.

Fast forward five years later, we finally have the long awaited sequel to the 2018 Academy Award winning animated movie - and it picks up just about a year into the adventures of Miles as he finally becomes his universe's full fledged Spider-Man. However as with all things that come with great power and responsibility, trouble brews and more things pop up that make the web more tangled and complicated. Gwen Stacy from Earth-65 returns along with some new faces, and we are introduced to even more Spidey variants from the multiverse - all led by Miguel O' Hara aka the futuristic Spider-Man 2099.

It's a bigger and more jam-packed sequel in Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, and it delivers in so many ways that I have to put up this review and express why it is an absolute must see for Spider-Man fans and kids of all ages! Full of ambition just like its predecessor, this one is longer, has more Spider-Men and Women unlike the last time, and is full of easter eggs and nods that will make any Spider-Man and comic book fan happy. 

I was absolutely thrilled to see it last Tuesday thanks to our friends at Columbia Pictures Philippines - and I suited up alongside my fellow webheads from Spider-Verse PH! Anything involving Miles, Gwen, Peter B. Parker, 2099, or the rest of the wallcrawlers will be crowdpleasers, and this film is one for anyone who loves superheroes and comic book stories!

SPOILER WARNING for those who want to see this fresh, so consider this YOUR WARNING!

Movie Review: Fast X

 

Vin Diesel and his family of co-stars are back, and they are ready to lead one of the most insane and long running blockbuster franchises to the finish line by unleashing a new story arc that will culminate the Fast Saga in a big way. That final lap begins with the release of "Fast X" - the 10th mainline installment in the "Fast and Furious" movie series that sees Dominic Toretto and his family taking on a new enemy in the form of Aquaman actor Jason Momoa. It's not your run-of-the-mill typical bad guy either, as Momoa plays a man known as Dante Reyes who has legitimate reason to hate Toretto and seek revenge based on an event that played out in a previous Fast Saga installment.

Thanks to the folks at Universal Pictures Philippines, Warner Bros. Philippines, and SM Cinema, I got to be among the first viewers to watch "Fast X" ahead of the entire world during its Philippine premiere on IMAX SM Megamall! Of course with that red carpet came some hype and excitement to see the next instalment of former criminals and racers using the power of "FAMILY" to beat the odds, but it was also great to see my friend and Jason Momoa lookalike Aqua Blake take it in and look the part of the bad guy!

Here's my review of Fast X, and naturally Spoiler Warning for those who want to see it first hand!

Movie Review: Evil Dead Rise

 

The Evil Dead franchise has been one of the most revered cult favorite horror franchises by many fans ever since Sam Raimi began his career by introducing the original film that started it all in "The Evil Dead" way back in 1981. That supernatural horror flick brought the world of demons and deadites into the big screen, as well as the Necronomicon/ The Book of the Dead and the recurring protagonist who has to face it all in Ashley J. Williams as played by the legendary Bruce Campbell. Two sequels followed in "Evil Dead II" and "Army of Darkness" that centered more on action and horror camp, and in 2013 a reimagining/ remake came to life in "Evil Dead" that did away with the laughs and introduced pure terror to the masses who were expecting blood, guts, and demonic possessions. They weren't disappointed one bit.

Fast forward 10 years later to 2023, a new follow-up has arrived that aims to revive the spirit of the last film and bring more terror, gore, and horror to the big screen. That new film is "Evil Dead Rise" - which once again digs up the lore of Deadites and The Book of the Dead and unleashes it on an unsuspecting family that lives in a worn down apartment complex.

Evil Dead Rise | Only in Cinemas May 10

I got to see this highly anticipated new entry in the franchise last week, and I was absolutely blown away and driven by the plot where a young woman named Beth visits his sister Ellie in her home where she lives with her three children. Their peaceful and heart to heart reunion is cut short by a sudden earthquake that unleashes an evil long buried under the complex, and soon Ellie becomes possessed by an evil force - turning everything into a horrible nightmare that Beth and her family must endure if they are to stand any chance of surviving. It was absolutely a fresh change of pace for the franchise and something that I've only seen tackled in the "Ash Vs Evil Dead" television series, and to see it in the big screen and with all the gore, chainsaws, and mania unleashed? This is definitely Evil Dead back to form and a necessary new ingredient to keep things interesting for the series to evolve and draw new fans in!

Moving the usual setting from an isolated cabin to the urban jungle that is Los Angeles, director Lee Cronin masterfully weaves together a tale that introduces a new generation to the horrors from the world created by Sam Raimi, and it will absolutely leave you craving for more once the credits roll up. While there are no familiar faces like Ash in this story, expect some nuggets, lines of dialogue, and easter eggs from the series to appear that should please longtime fans of the series. I can't say enough about the performances and special effects too - the cast was on their A-Game, and Lily Sullivan and Alyssa Sutherland were just dynamic playing Beth and the possessed Ellie respectively. This was originally a film intended for streaming, but thankfully Warner Bros. picked it up and released it to theaters, and if you love the world of Evil Dead and horror movies in general you must go and see this for yourselves!

Check out my reactions on Evil Dead Rise below from the special screening held last April 27th by Warner Bros PH!

Rating - 4/5

Evil Dead Rise has sneak peeks up on May 1 and 2, and will open in theaters in the Philippines c/o Warner Bros. PH on May 10 - exclusively on Ayala Malls Cinemas!

Movie Review: Renfield (2023)

 

Universal Pictures has had a long history with horror movies and icons - especially a certain novel by Bram Stoker that focuses on a legendary vampire from Transylvania who thirsts for blood and is served by a man who has a terrible relationship with his master. In what is definitely a very different take on the dynamic that's usually presented to audiences, director Chris McKay and comic book writer Robert Kirkman put the spotlight on the servant and how he comes to terms with that toxic relationship, and we get "Renfield" - a truly unique and hilarious horror comedy that takes master and servant to the modern world and sees the latter break out of his master's shadow and abusive nature.

Thanks to Universal Pictures Philippines and SM Cinema, I got to see a screening of "Renfield" last Monday - and sure enough it's as horrific as it is hilarious - with a very relevant exploration of how one can break free from an abusive and toxic relationship as well!

Renfield | Final Trailer (2023)

Led by the very talented duo of Nicholas Hoult and the legendary Nicolas Cage as R.M Renfield and Count Dracula respectively, "Renfield" acts as a quasi-sequel to the 1931 "Dracula" movie starring the late Bela Lugosi as the lord of vampires. In this movie, master and servant have survived through the decades by travelling the world and claiming victims - with Dracula bestowing Renfield supernatural abilities as his "familiar" and granting him immortality as well. However their relationship is far from perfect - with the co-dependecy nature of things finally taking its toll on our titular character as he seeks advice from a self-help group on how to deal with a toxic relationship.

Also starring comedians Awkwafina and Ben Schwartz, "Renfield" has a pretty solid cast of talents that will definitely fire up the theater with good ol' horror tropes and laughs while giving the titular character the spotlight to break free from his vampire master's clutches and seek redemption. Nicholas Hoult absolutely carries the movie as its lead who is timid yet learns to finally become a better version of himself, while Nic Cage sells his version of Dracula by hamming it up the best way he can. It comes full circle from his statement of "I'm a Vampire!" from Vampire's Kiss, and he delivers a great and nasty performance as the vampiric force sometimes called Nosferatu! Definitely recommended!

Rating - 4/5

Renfield is now showing in theaters!

Movie Review: The Pope's Exorcist

 

Horror movies are definitely something that require a brave face and courage - especially on things that involve the supernatural and have been well-documented to exist in real life. The subject of possession and those taken over by an evil spirit in particular is a constant battle the Catholic church faces, which of course requires a priest to exorcise the victim with the power of faith, prayer, and belief in God and his divine works of mercy. One particular figure who specialized in that practice is the late Father Gabriele Amorth - an Italian priest who was the Chief Exorcist Priest of the Vatican and whose files have inspired the events of the new horror film "The Pope's Exorcist".

Directed by Julius Avery and starring Academy Award winning actor Russell Crowe as Father Gabriele Amorth himself, The Pope's Exorcist is set in the late 1980's and deals with the priest's battle to save a child possessed by a demon in an abbey located in Spain. With the boy's family distraught and with only a young Spanish priest named Father Esquibel to assist him, Amorth battles the evil while also uncovering a conspiracy that the Vatican itself has hidden. With deep secrets revealed and personal battles fought, it will truly be the greatest challenge the Pope's personal exorcist will face.

Definitely not for the faint of heart but absolutely a treat for those who enjoy and fancy watching things dealing with the supernatural, The Pope's Exorcist is something that should get horror fans and those who want to learn more about possession and exorcism invested. It's a horror movie with elements of action, suspense, and comedy - things that Russell Crowe carries over very well with his charismatic and very charming portrayal of Father Gabriele Amorth. While it doesn't break new ground and follows in the footsteps of similar films like "The Exorcist" and "The Rite", this is a good film to take the uninitiated into to learn about some very real battles the church and the faithful face - showing just how important it is to  believe in a the power of God and prayer in the battle against evil.

The Pope's Exorcist in now showing in cinemas courtesy of Columbia Pictures Philippines!

Movie Review: John Wick: Chapter 4

 

He is a man of Focus. Commitment. Sheer Will. And he's back to finish the fight with the High Table at all costs.

It's bee nearly a decade since Keanu Reeves literally revived his career by playing the assassin and hitman known as "John Wick" - with the eponymous first film directed by his longtime collaborator and stuntman Chad Stahelski bowing into theaters in 2014 and telling the story of "Baba Yaga" as he seeks revenge on those that stole his car and killed his dog after the untimely passing of his wife Helen. The action flick proved to be a major hit. - so it spawned two more sequels with "John Wick: Chapter 2" in 2017 and "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" in 2019, which expanded John's world even further as we got to know more about the criminal underworld he lived in as he faced more obstacles to try and get out of the assassin life he reluctantly walked back into.

Now after enduring a global pandemic and delays brought about by it, John Wick: Chapter 4 is now here to bring you even more gratuitous violence, action sequences, and grit that only Keanu and his team can deliver. As the longest installment in the franchise, Chapter 4 clocks in at a whopping 2 Hours and 50 Minutes - which it deservingly gets thanks to all the story threads and stunt work applied for what is undoubtedly Mr. Wick's finest moment in cinema yet. 

Thanks to Viewer's Choice Philippines and SM Cinema, I was invited to the screening of John Wick: Chapter 4 with expectations high and excitement up in the air. I dressed up alongside my friends as Caine - the blind hitman assassin and new character in the film that's played by the legendary Hong Kong martial artist and actor Donnie Yen. His role as John's old friend turned adversary is a welcomed one - and this sequel is packed with other big stars and names from Hollywood that just adds to the spectacle of this pretty awesome movie.

Here's my review for John Wick: Chapter 4. Spoiler Warning naturally for anyone that wants to see it themselves!

Movie Review: Shazam: Fury of the Gods

 

It's been four years since "Shazam!" hit the big screen to introduce lots of lighting and shouting a certain magic word, and at the end of the first film we didn't get just one new superhero in Billy Batson - but a whole bunch of them as the kid shared his powers with his foster family and collectively became known as the Shazam Family! That film was definitely a DC movie unlike any other, and traded the seriousness and dark atmosphere of the DCEU for something more grounded and family oriented that worked to the character's strengths while providing a hearty serving of jokes and adventure that ensured viewers it was all about the fun and not taking things seriously at all.

With the first film proving to be a Box Office success, a sequel was inevitable and now it has arrived after long delays and a pandemic to navigate through. Shazam: Fury of the Gods is finally showing in theaters - and I got the chance to see the film in all its magical glory and silly heroics on IMAX thanks to the folks at Warner Bros. Philippines and SM Cinema! There was lots of fun, cosplay, and definitely an atmosphere full of energy! Was it worth the wait and does it live up to its predecessor? Check out the review below and of course here's your SPOILER WARNING in case you want to see it wit fresh eyes!

Movie Review: Creed III

 

The Creed saga has been one of the best spin-off franchises ever to grace the silver screen, and it's tall order to follow in the footsteps of one of the best sport dramas ever made in the history of Hollywood cinema. After two impactful films that introduced us to Adonis Creed and literally passed the torch from longtime protagonist Rocky Balboa, Michael B. Jordan returns once again as Apollo Creed's son - and this time he also makes his directorial debut for the third installment aptly titled as "Creed III".

Thanks to Warner Bros. Philippines and SM Cinema, I got to see the film last night in IMAX over at SM North EDSA! As a first time director, it's double duty for Michael B. Jordan as he not only has to act and play the lead but also guide a whole production process as well. It may seem like a tall order, but the 36-year old actor actually presents a worthwhile sequel that not only presents Adonis at the peak of his boxing career but also introducing another part of his past he can't run from in the form of a childhood friend turned adversary played by the talented Jonathan Majors.

Straightforward and pretty much Jordan's love letter to the Rocky spin-off franchise as well as all things anime, Creed III succeeds in sticking to a round-a-bout story of a man who confronts one part of his past he long thought forgotten until it literally shows up in his doorstep. Riding high just after making his very impressive debut as Kang The Conqueror in Ant-Man and The Wasp, Jonathan Majors is the perfect rival to Michael's Adonis Creed. The two practically grew up as brothers and are now at odds after Donnie gives his old friend a shot at the title and he wins it through deception and treachery. It's the tried and true Rocky formula of the underdog coming out on top - except now it's someone who's like a combination of Clubber Lang and Balboa's former and ungrateful protege Tommy Gunn. Even though he is retired and enjoying raising a daughter with his wife Bianca, Donnie must once again step into the ring to exorcise his own demons and fight a battle of redemption and closure against a brother turned enemy.

Even without Sylvester Stallone's presence as Rocky, Michael B. Jordan shines through as actor and director for his third outing as Apollo Creed's son in "Creed III". If you started the young fighter's journey with the first film in 2015 and followed things up with the sequel in 2018, it's going to be a straightforward, impactful, and emotional ride that packs a punch and is a true successor to the Rocky series through and through. Donnie has stepped out of his mentor's shadow, and it truly is his time to shine with his own journey and story.

Creed III is now showing in cinemas!

Rating - 5/5

Movie Review: Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania

 

2023 heralds the beginning of a new phase for the Marvel Cinematic Universe - with Phase 5 officially beginning with the release of the first Marvel Studios film of the year in "Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania". Much like its size-changing protagonists and heroes, a lot of hype and expectation has been riding on this sequel to 2015's Ant-Man and its 2018 sequel Ant-Man and The Wasp - because it not only continues the story of Scott Lang and the Pym family, but also marks the introduction of the villain who literally is the big bad threat of The Multiverse Saga in Kang The Conqueror!

Thanks to the folks at SM Cinemas as well as Walt Disney Studios PH, Marvel Philippines, and Stratworks, I was able to catch the special advance screening of Quantumania on IMAX - and on Valentine's Day no less! You can check out the highlights and coverage on the video below just before we jump into the review! 

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania IMAX Premiere on Valentine’s Day! (Feb. 14, 2023)

Now that the film's out in cinemas, here's my review for Quantumania! SPOILER ALERT so read at your own risk!

Movie Review: Knock At The Cabin

 

It's been years since I've seen an M. Night Shyamalan movie in the big screen, and an even longer time since I enjoyed one of his presentations. Majority of his films have focused on the supernatural, unknown, and bizarre - things that remind you of Stephen King stories or even tales from the Twilight Zone, and that is the filmmakers and actor's strength when he sets his mind to a project and executes it flawlessly.

I'm happy to say the director is back to form with his latest outing in "Knock At The Cabin" - an apocalyptic psychological horror film that is based on the 2018 novel "The Cabin at the End of the World" that was written by Paul G. Tremblay. Featuring a pretty good set of talents that includes pro-wrestler turned actor Dave Bautista and former Harry Potter series star Rupert Grint, the movie focuses on a group of strangers who gather together and take hostage a family of three vacationing in a remote cabin in the woods. There they are given a choice to make the ultimate sacrifice between the three of them to avert the apocalypse or doom the entire world if they choose not to.

The Last Of Us Pilot Episode Review: A Near Flawless Translation

 

Poster courtesy of HBO

Making live-action adaptations of video game properties can be a tricky experience. Sometimes translating what comes from an interactive medium and bringing it either to the big or small screens will require some necessary tweaking and changes in order to make things fit that specific medium or format, and often times it can lead to output that is either half-baked or far detached from the source material itself.

I'm happy to say that HBO's The Last Of Us is neither of that, and it is a new flawless translation of the source material that is FAR BETTER than anyone could have expected from a TV show based on one of the most riveting and emotional video games to ever come out in the past decade,

Thanks to HBO Asia I was able to catch the very first episode of this live-action series adaptation of Naughty Dog and PlayStation's hit survival adventure franchise, and by far I can honestly say from the get go that it's a MUST WATCH - anyone who has played the games or is just starting out with this story needs to get on the bandwagon and enjoy what will undeniably be one of 2023's best shows to come to television. As someone who has been a fan and has played both the 2013 game and its 2020 sequel, everything was very faithful to the games and a whole lot more. Find out why after the jump with my review, and naturally here's your SPOILER WARNING if you want to catch this story with a fresh outlook.