It's been a couple of months now since my last written movie review, and ironically it was for the first Marvel Studios release for the year in "Captain America: Brave New World" - which was an ok superhero film but not as great as previous releases in the grander scheme of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While Sam Wilson's film debut as the new Star Spangled Avenger was hardly a disappointment, fans were then left wondering just when the MCU would pull itself together and deliver another movie that echoed the quality of films from "The Infinity Saga" - where heroes would go through character development and story arcs that would propel them to become better figures even after the adventure was over.
Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* | 'Wrong' Trailer | April 30, 2025
Well it looks like we're finally seeing the shake up we've been waiting for, as Marvel gathers the most unlikely line-up of anti-heroes, villains, and "disposable delinquents" that were seen in past MCU movies and are now banding together to fill the literal "Void" left in the wake of the disbandment of the Avengers after the events of "Avengers: Endgame". Say hello to the Thunderbolts*... And there's a reason why there's an asterisk in the title too - which I will not spoil in this review but will certainly make sense once you dive into the film and watch it all the way to the end!
Thanks to the lovely folks at Marvel Philippines and Ardent Communications, I got to see the film not once, but TWICE - once on the night before the movie opened in cinemas on April 30, and on opening morning itself in a special fan screening alongside my fellow fans, friends, and cosplayers too! It was certainly experiences I haven't felt so much hype for since the last two Avengers films were released in 2018 and 2019 - and something we sorely missed looking forward to especially after going through a pandemic and we had to go through a number of years building to another big team-up film the evoked the same feelings from those films and even the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. This was a film that certainly explored many feelings and issues - especially themes of mental health, being outcasts, and finding purpose and meaning when everything seems to go wrong in one's life.
Taking place some time after the events of Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts* sees the late Natasha Romanoff's sister Yelena Belova working as a shadow operative for CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine - who is facing impeachment for her illegal activities and is under trial by the United States government. To clean up her mess, she pits Yelena against her other agents that include former Captain America John Walker/ U.S. Agent and the phasing Ava Starr aka Ghost. Their battle takes an unexpected turn when they encounter a seemingly regular guy named Bob, and even more so when they cross with Yelena's adopted father Red Guardian and the former Winter Soldier turned US Congressman Bucky Barnes. When a powerful force none of them could have imagined threatens them and innocent people, these unlikely heroes band together and form a team that has adopted the name "Thunderbolts" - named after Yelena's soccer team from her childhood.
Directed by Jake Schreier and absolutely one of the most unexpected turn arounds that Marvel Studios has gotten to get fans invested and excited again, Thunderbolts* is a breath of fresh air that the MCU needed to get the ball rolling again and is the perfect way to wrap up Phase 5 and set up what’s to come down the road. Honestly enjoyed the chemistry of the entire cast / especially Florence Pugh and David Harbour reprising their roles as Yelena and Alexei. They have the perfect dysfunctional daughter-father relationship, and it speaks about the growth of both characters and Yelena’s turn in the spotlight and following in her late sister’s footsteps. She’s the VIP and core in this film too, and you can resonate with her struggles on a personal level.
It’s also great to see Sebastian Stan back as Bucky Barnes - having grown well beyond being a brainwashed assassin and now trying to move on with his life and serve as a US congressman outside of being a soldier. Of course we know bigger things bring him back to the fight, and he ends up being the de facto leader if the misfits who come to be known as the Thunderbolts. It’s also great to see Wyatt Russell back as John Walker/ U.S. Agent - who has fallen from grace since the events of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier and no longer being Captain America to boot. The redemption arc is what you want to see with these guys - and it’s especially a surprise to see Hannah John-Kamen kick ass as Ghost and the strange and peculiar role Luis Pullman has as Bob - aka The Sentry and The Void. That is a character comic book fans have been wondering how the MCU will adapt, and for the most part it works well and is also commentary on struggles individuals with no emotional support go through. All these characters work through their baggage, and end up becoming something more when they actually get to work together and lean on to each other.
So is Thunderbolts* worth it? ABSOLUTELY and is A MUST SEE to prepare for what’s to come when we finally reach the new Avengers films coming in 2026 and 2026. It’s not a perfect blend and you really need to have followed past MCU films and shows to really know the backstory of most of these characters, but these band of delinquents are a case study on what it means to overcome any obstacles and difficulties life will throw at you, and in the end you become something more and come out better for it too.
A lot of time has passed since we last saw a solo Captain America movie hit theaters, and a LOT of things have happened in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that has led to some big and everlasting changes since the events of "Avengers Infinity War" and "Avengers Endgame". Among the many shifts to the status quo was Steve Rogers traveling back in time to live a happy life with his World War II era love interest Peggy Carter, becoming an old man in the process and passing on the mantle of Captain America to one of his closest allies and confidants in Sam Wilson, also known as the Falcon and a fellow veteran and soldier himself. His coming to terms and accepting the mantle of Cap was chronicled in the 2021 MCU TV Series "The Falcon and The Winter Soldier" - which hit during the middle of the pandemic and during a time when Marvel Studios was delivering a lot of media to propel their "Multiverse Saga" forward but with little connective blocks to leave fans invested in the bigger picture.
Captain America: Brave New World Trailer
Fast forward to 2025, and Marvel Studios is once again releasing three MCU films after taking a break last year with just one major release in "Deadpool and Wolverine". The first movie on the calendar and released during Valentine's Day weekend no less is "Captain America: Brave New World" - which will be the very first Captain America film without Chris Evans as Steve Rogers and putting the spotlight solely on Anthony Mackie's Sam as the new Star Spangled Avenger.
Thanks to Marvel Philippines and SM Cinema, I was able to catch a very special advance screening of the film on IMAX last February 11 along with the new exhibit launch that features a gallery, playable games, and photo booths and display areas inspired by "Captain America: Brave New World" - including life-sized statues of Sam Wilson as Captain America and the gamma powered alter-ego of Thaddeus Ross himself, the Red Hulk! Check out my coverage of the entire experience below!
Captain America: Brave New World PH Premiere and Exhibit Launch ⭐️ (Feb. 11, 2025)
TFATWS established the themes of legacy, racial and political issues, and following in the footsteps of one of the world's greatest heroes, and now Sam is now firmly into his tenure as Captain America for a couple of years and carrying the stars and stripes without any super soldier serum powering his veins... Now he faces a conspiracy that threatens to undo a treaty that involves a new element found in a celestial mass, as well as butting heads with newly elected US president Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross - who is now played by legendary veteran actor Harrison Ford. The stakes couldn't be higher for Sam - and he has to shine through and be the hero that wields the shield and continues the fight for what's right as the new Captain America.
As an action film, Brave New World hits all the right spots on the checklist - it's a no brainer Marvel Studios production that has superheroes flying, shields tossed at bad guys, and hulks smashing and destroying everything on their path. It tries to emulate the espionage and political themes that "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" had and encapsulated perfectly - but it falls short and instead focuses on trying to address other lingering plotlines and themes that were established in previous MCU films - most notably "The Incredible Hulk" and "Eternals". Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford lead the charge and play their roles very well with charisma and determination, but the other players in the cast like Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres/ Falcon, Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley, and Shira Hass only have so much to do other than carry the plot forward from point A to B. Lumbly in particular should have had a larger presence after TFATWS and what was initially seen in the trailer, but for the rest of the film he sadly hangs in the sidelines as a prisoner.
For the most part of the movie, Mackie's Cap is caught in a mess that prominently features Hulk supporting characters - with the aforementioned Thaddeus Ross as US president AND Red Hulk, and a returning Timothy Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns aka The Leader. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, there were plenty of Captain America related subplots that took the backseat because of it - specifically the Serpent Society who were just limited to being hired mercs and only Giancarlo Esposito getting the sole screentime as the group's leader Sidewinder, and even that wasn't enough. One has to wonder what kind of film this originally was supposed to be without the changes and reshoots done - from being initially called "Serpent Society" to "New World Order", and finally settling on its final title "Brave New World" - and even that didn't have much of a payoff once the dust was cleared other than a tease that most audiences already knew.
While the product is certainly better than I initially expected it to be, Captain America: Brave New World just plays it safe and doesn't really bring some big change or revelation to the MCU table. There's no doubt it was entertaining and the fight scenes with Anthony Mackie as Cap and seeing Harrison Ford Hulk out and smash is awesome, but this movie could have been something more and brought significant developments to Sam Wilson's tenure as Cap. We'll just have to wait and see how everything plays out once the other MCU films and shows arrive - especially the inevitable ensemble movies with the new Avengers movies starting next year and in 2027.
It’s been a LONG TIME since I wrote a proper movie review here, and ironically it’s been over a year since the last one (July 2023)! However now’s a good time as any to get back in the game for this - because one of the most anticipated films of 2024 and the ONLY Marvel Studios movie of the year is finally out, and it’s Deadpool and Wolverine!
After the acquisition of 20th Century Fox and its Marvel properties by Disney, the X-Men are finally home and can officially join the Marvel Cinematic Universe under the leadership of Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios. That means there’s no line separating the Avengers from the likes of Deadpool and Wolverine, and those two FINALLY have the chance to go balls to the walls with the rest of the Marvel Universe!
Thanks to Marvel Philippines, Disney Philippines, Ardent Communications, and SM Cinema, I got to see this superhero film way ahead of its release last July 23 in a special #DeadpoolandWolverinePH advance screening event - and I even suited up and detailed the experience here at my own YouTube channel! Take a look at the highlights below!
Now, on to the review of the first R-Rated movie of Marvel Studios - Deadpool and Wolverine!❤️💛🔥
As the 34th film entry in the ever expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is the eponymous team-up movie between The Merc With A Mouth and The Best There Is At What He Does - as they officially enter the Marvel Multiverse and sees the unlikely duo work together to save Wade Wilson’s universe from being erased from existence. Since the Logan from his world died years ago after giving his life in an act of noble sacrifice, Wade Wilson is forced to look for a Wolverine from a different universe who can help him save the ones he loves. Unfortunately this Logan variant is less than pleased to work with an annoying mouthpiece who refuses to shut up, leading to some combustible interactions and lots of bloody arguments between the two. They’ll have to learn to put their differences aside though - as they deal with agents from the TVA, lots of different variants, and the telepathic twin sister of Charles Xavier from another world known as Cassandra Nova.
As a superhero movie, Deadpool & Wolverine delivers the goods and action as promoted in its massive marketing campaign - giving us Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman at their very best as they make the transition from the 20th Century Fox universe of X-Men and Marvel films to the MCU as crafted so carefully and lovingly by Marvel Studios. This is definitely a crowd pleaser film that will get lots of fanboys happy - especially in the case of Jackman’s Wolverine as he FINALLY puts on the yellow and blue superhero outfit on and it only took 20+ years to do so! Hugh’s literally looking like he never aged and will always be the first man to play Logan in the big screen - and that legacy is so well respected by Kevin Feige and movie director Shawn Levy that his performance in this film is absolute top notch and brings manly tears to fanboys hearts. He is and will always be WOLVERINE and there’s a punctuation mark attached to that, bub!
Of course the main man and very talkative lead has to be acknowledged too, and Ryan Reynolds never skips a beat breaking the 4th wall and making people laugh with his performance as Deadpool. Wade Wilson is a man who will shut up and loves to get a lot of people pissed at his antics, and his delivery is so on point it’s amazing to finally see the character join the Marvel Studios family and dish out some R-Rated jokes and brutal kills in an MCU film. His banter with Jackman’s Logan is pure cinematic gold, and you’ll laugh and get a kick out of this Lethal Weapon odd couple duo from start to finish. It also helps that the soundtrack of the movie is a kickass selection of nostalgic and iconic tracks - led by Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” which will have you humming and singing until you see the post-credits scene and walk out of the theater happy.
Of course there’s more to Deadpool & Wolverine than just its two main stars, and you also have to give props to Emma Corrin as Cassandra Nova, Morena Baccarin as Vanessa, Rob Delaney as Pete Wisdom, Leslie Uggams as Blind Al, and Matthew Macfayden as Mr. Paradox. All performed their roles brilliantly and well to serve the plot, and there are also PLENTY OF SUPPORTING ROLES AND CAMEOS that I want to refrain from mentioning as this movie should be experienced by all and I’m saving those surprises for you to see.
While certainly not a perfect production and it has its flaws (which are minor and only concern pacing and the plot), I really enjoyed Deadpool & Wolverine and it’s the kind of film Marvel Studios’ needed to put out to bring fans back to the MCU game. With this entry we see Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman deliver their A-Games as Wade Wilson and Logan, and they deliver superhero action without any reservation or restraint to the applause and cheers of fans worldwide. Lots of fanservice, easter eggs, and iconic tracks. It’s fun, brutal, and absolutely A MUST WATCH, BUB!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
What would you get when you have a bullet train full of passengers, assassins, the yakuza, and seemingly random hits and encounters that all test your luck, karma, and the power of fate? That’s Bullet Train in a nutshell - director David Leitch’s offering that brings a stellar all-star cast that consists of Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Karen Fukuhara, and much more surprises in this rollercoaster ride of an action comedy that has to be seen in the big screen!
Thanks to the folks at Columbia Pictures Philippines, I got to see this film not once… But TWICE! Saw it in the private screening theater of the studio, and then last Monday at IMAX - which is the definite format for this movie! Here’s some pics from the event to tell the tale and why it was just so hyped and full of energy to see this movie in the big screen!
That being said, let’s get to the nitty and gritty and see what fate says about Bullet Train - from the director of John Wick, Atomic Blonde, and Deadpool 2!
One of the most anticipated sequels of the growing Marvel Cinematic Universe finally opens in theaters this week, as the newest Thor film called “Thor: Love and Thunder” opens in cinemas in the Philippines today and on other international territories while the US gets it this July 8!
As the fourth installment of the Thor saga, we see the God of Thunder going on adventures as a Space Viking alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy, until a new threat emerges in Gorr the God Butcher - who seeks to kill all gods and see his unholy crusade and mission realized. Coming out of "retirement" and racing back to his allies and friends in New Asgard, Thor is also reunited with the reassembled Mjolnir... And its new wielder in his ex-girlfriend Jane Foster, now known as the Mighty Thor!
Ever wondered what was the story behind Toy Story’s best-selling space themed toy Buzz Lightyear? Me too and a million other Toy Story fans who grew up watching the original Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios animated film - and at long last this month we finally get the answer to that burning question that’s been festering for nearly three decades! Lightyear - the animated spin-off movie that focuses on the legendary space ranger and his origin story has arrived in theaters, and providing the voice of the character himself is none other than hot shot Hollywood star and Captain America actor Chris Evans!
Thanks to Walt Disney Studios PH, Stratworks, and SM Cinema, I got to see this amazing animated adventure for the whole family at SM Megamall’s IMAX theater in glorious 3D! It was definitely an experience, and this film needs to be seen by those who enjoy Pixar films, space adventures, and of course the story of the man himself, Buzz Lightyear!
Here’s some photos from the premiere - which happened on June 11 Saturday and had some friends cosplaying as Buzz and space rangers!
After the jump, I’ll share my short thoughts and opinions about this animated adventure - which opens today in cinemas around the Philippines! This is non-spoiler and no details about the plot will be discussed, so dive right in!
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