Movie Review: Spies In Disguise

Will Smith. Tom Holland. Two big stars in Hollywood, together in one animated spy adventure that's aimed for kids and adults alike and sees the cool secret agent turn into... A pigeon?! With a combination like that, 20th Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios' "Spies In Disguise" is one family adventure not to miss - especially for those looking for the brave, the bold, and the weird mixed into a hilarious cocktail of film that has its share of silliness and good laughs.

Thanks to the folks at 20th Century Fox PH, I got to see this animated adventure for myself before it opened in theaters, and of course I am a fan of the Hollywood stars that have lent their amazing voice talents into this insanely bird flavored flick directed by Troy Quane and Nick Bruno. It's also the first animated movie to see in the big screen this 2020 here in Manila, so if you want to admire CGI and some cool animation from the folks that brought us the Ice Age movies - this one is for you definitely.


SPIES IN DISGUISE | TEAM Trailer

Presented in the same style as famous spy films like the James Bond and Mission: Impossible movies, Spies In Disguise sees Will Smith voicing the role of Lance Sterling - a cocky secret agent who's the best in the business and is good at what he does. All that changes when he underestimates a mysterious villain named Killian - who frames the agent and forces him to go underground. Teaming up with an eccentric yet brilliant scientist named Walter Beckett - Sterling is hilariously transformed into a pigeon after unwittingly ingesting a formula concocted by the young MIT graduate. What follows is an odd pairing that sees both working together to clear their names, catch the bad guy, and change the best agent in the business back to normal before he starts flying away with the birds... Literally.

Outside of playing bad boys and superheroes, Smith and Holland lend some of their best voice acting skills to Spies In Disguise, joined by an ensemble assortment of other talents that includes Rashida Leah Jones, Ben Mendelsohn, and Karen Gillan. Smith in particular is right at home being his confidant and smooth cool cat self - and also acting wacky and hilarious when he becomes a pigeon and banters with the young Holland. It's a weird combination but also something of a refreshing team-up to see, and having some cool eye-catching CG animation by Blue Sky Studios adds to the appeal of this animated flick. Definitely something to see in theaters with your family and loved ones.

Spies In Disguise in now showing in theaters courtesy of 20th Century Fox PH.

Rating - 4/5

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: 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: 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:

View this post on Instagram

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: Deadpool 2

Ever since he made the "R-Rated" schtick look cool and awesome with his 2016 superhero landing hit film "Deadpool", The X-Men Movies spinoff was destined to have a sequel with Ryan Reynolds back in the role as "The Merc with a Mouth" along with some new elements added to make it more bombastic and insane than ever. How about adding Josh Brolin as Cable, and Zazie Beetz as Domino? Not enough - HOW ABOUT X-FORCE?! That's going to put in more chimichangas up the ass than anyone ever asked for - and with the return of Weasel, Dopinder Colossus, Negasonic Teenage Warhead, and of course Wade Wilson's sweetheart Vanessa, there's a lot riding in this follow up that should make fans very happy.

Thanks to 20th Century Fox PH, I got to see this AWESOME SEQUEL not once but TWICE - for the worldwide celebrated "Deadpool 2 Fan Event" last May 11th, and then on May 15th a day before the movie opened officially in theaters! Words cannot describe how much of an experience that was for me and my pals - and I got to do an impromptu cosplay of Cable as he appears in the film. He's a total badass, and Josh Brolin getting to play ANOTHER comic book character after wielding the Infinity Gauntlet AS THANOS in Avengers: Infinity War just blows my mind!

So now going on Week 2 (with the film earning a WHOPPING $300 plus million in the worldwide box office), here's my review on Deadpool 2!

Movie Review: Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)

It's been a couple of years since the first and second Maze Runner films left a lasting impact on film audiences - introducing us to a beloved set of characters who escaped from a seemingly isolated maze, only to discover a sinister organization was manipulating them from behind the scenes and experimenting on them to find a cure for a virus that turns humans into zombie like creatures. It's a formula that makes for intriguing sci-fi suspense and adventure, which is why a lot of expectation and excitement is riding over the third film of the series - "Maze Runner: The Death Cure" - which has finally opened in theaters and serves as the final chapter to the movie series based on the books of the same name by James Dashner.

Thanks to 20th Century Fox, I got to see this thrilling installment this week - and I highly recommend it for fans of the series. It is a satisfying conclusion, but if you need more input - check out the review below!

Movie Review: War for the Planet of the Apes

Since it began in 2011 with "Rise of the Planet of the Apes", the Apes' reboot film series have carried a certain amount of fanfare and weight in chronicling the eventual ascension of intelligent apes in a world that is slowly making humanity the minority. 2014's "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" showed how the devastation caused by the "Simian Flu" reduced the human population to a low point, while Apes affected by the same virus have become smarter and sought to build a new civilization for themselves. Unfortunately the fragile bonds of peace broke as tensions and conflict caused both sides to declare war on one another, leading to the current and what is possibly the final installment of the "Prequel Series" with this year's "War for the Planet of the Apes".

Thanks to 20th Century Fox Philippines, I was able to see this pretty EPIC yet bold and darker entry into the series the day before it opened in theaters through a special advanced screening. I won't go into detail much for this review and keep it brief and simple, but I'll add a considerate SPOILER WARNING in any case since I may mention some things that are pretty revealing to the plot. Other than that, the film is now playing in theaters - so catch it now!

Movie Review: Alien: Covenant

As one of the most extraordinary science fiction franchises to endure the test of time, nothing is more frightening than the "Alien" film series when it comes to experiencing horror in space. When the original film was released in 1979, Ridley Scott gave viewers a reason to believe the tagline accompanying the poster "In Space, No One Can Hear You Scream". True enough, when Sigourney Weaver faced down the very first Xenomorph alien in that movie - everything about having a "horror house" type setting with an unknown lifeform came to head - the discovery of the Space Jockey and Facehugger infecting a crew member - leading to the terror that would only grow in numbers with the 1986 sequel "Aliens" and the series' subsequent follow ups.

Fast forward to 2012, and Ridley Scott returned to the Alien universe to tell an offshoot prequel story with "Prometheus" - which followed the crew of the exploration ship of the same name landing in the moon called LV-223 to discover mankind's origins and creators. What they found was something "unexpected", leading to strands of DNA connecting to the origins of the titular "Alien" species fans know but not quite giving a definite answer. Scott aims to change that with the release of his follow-up "Alien: Covenant" - a sequel to Prometheus and taking place years before the 1979 Alien film, explaining how the Xenomorphs came to be and what exactly happened to the survivors Elizabeth Shaw and the android David.

After seeing the film courtesy of 20th Century Fox PH some weeks back, here's a straightforward review for "Alien: Covenant" - which is now playing in theaters!

Movie Review: Gifted

It's hard to imagine Chris Evans in an acting position these days outside of wearing the familiar red, white, and blue and wielding that iconic shield that he does so well as Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He first started out being a charming funny guy who starred in the TV Series "The Opposite Sex", before plowing through comedic roles, serious action thrillers, and even a two time stint as Johnny Storm of the Fantastic Four when 20th Century Fox first brought the Marvel Superheroes team to life in the big screen during the early 2000's. Now that Evans has cemented his legacy as the Star Spangled Avenger, it's hard to imagine who else could follow in his footsteps... But the 35 year old American actor and filmmaker has aspirations beyond Cap, and his latest offering in cinema this year is a testament to doing something outside of the superhero suit.

GIFTED Trailer 1
Teaming up with "500 Days of Summer" and former "Amazing Spider-Man 1 and 2" director Marc Webb, Chris Evans is touching hearts worldwide by being a parent and guardian to a young and bright girl in his new film "Gifted" - which stars the young and amazing McKeena Grace as his niece with smarts that go beyond what a seven year old could learn in the classroom.

Seeing the film courtesy of 20th Century Fox Philippines, I can honestly say this film is one of those family drama films that have the right balance of funny heartwarming scenes and tender serious moments that will get audiences laughing and crying. Evans plays his laid back yet loving character Frank Adler well, and has great chemistry with McKeena's Mary - his niece who is a mathematical genius yet was raised by Frank to have a normal life beyond her gifts and smarts. Lindsay Duncan plays the ever persistent and estranged Evelyn Adlar - the mother of Frank who wants her grandchild to attend a prestigious school yet doesn't think of her life as "normal" at all. All this combined with superb supporting roles by Jenny Slate and Octavia Spencer make "Gifted" one of those films that's sorely underestimated and full of heart. It has a great cast playing in a low key plot of a film - and is not shy to show that it is powerful in conveying an emotional and heartfelt story anyone can relate to.

Gifted is currently playing in selected theaters courtesy of 20th Century Fox Philippines.

Rating - 4/5

Movie Review: Logan (2017)

“His Time Has Come.” Those words could not be more true with the release of 20th Century Fox’s “Logan” - the final film in the Wolverine trilogy of X-Men spinoff films that sees everyone’s favorite feral mutant facing his greatest challenge yet in life and legacy, as well as marking the final time Australian actor and Academy Award winner Hugh Jackman will play the role he carved into film history for 17 years since the original X-Men film released in 2000.

Last Monday, I got to see "Logan" c/o 20th Century Fox Philippines (and suited up with cosplay friend Mislaine as Wolverine and X-23 respectively to boot)... And to say it's breathtaking and X-CELLENT is just a few short descriptions of what is possibly one of the BEST films I have seen ever, going beyond the superhero genre even. That being said here's my review... And there may be slight SPOILERS here but nothing that gives away the main beats or ending to this powerful film in the X-Men film franchise.

Movie Review: Why Him?

Imagine if you had a daughter - the gem of your eyes and the kind of girl that is so perfect that you couldn't be prouder to know that she excels in everything and is a student at Stanford. Then during your own birthday celebration, you find out the worst possible news - your kid is dating a guy who looks the OPPOSITE of what you can imagine as a suitable suitor for her - rebellious, cusses a lot, and is a successful video game programmer to boot!

That's pretty much the premise of "Why Him?" - a Christmas time comedy which features a prime cast lead by James Franco and Bryan Cranston - who play the unlikely match of the daughter's boyfriend and the father who is not too thrilled to find out that he is the guy who wants to marry his kid. Directed by Zoolander and Meet The Parents director John Hamburg, this comedy is all about what it takes for girl to get the two men of her life to see eye to eye... But it's easier said than done as Franco's character Laird Mayhew does too much to impress Cranston's Ned Fleming, and hilarity and insanity of all kind as a result! After seeing the movie last Monday c/o 20th Century Fox Philippines, here's my review of the wild ride comedy film!

Movie Review: Assassin's Creed

"We work in the dark to serve the light."

Most video game properties that get movie adaptations for the big screen tend to stray away from the lore that made it so beloved by its fans in order to impart a sense of realism and believability for cinematic purposes. It's a hit or miss Hollywood formula that has persisted over time, but most video game companies who own these properties are quite protective of their IPs want to have a controlling stake on things to ensure that the transition to film is a smooth one. In the case of Ubisoft and their long-running Assassin's Creed action adventure series, it was high time for the franchise to take the brave step into getting a feature film made - one that is set in the same universe as the games but tells a completely original story that introduces a new set of characters into the mix. With a diverse cast of talents that includes Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard and reuniting the two with their Macbeth film director Justin Kurzel, the first Ubisoft Motion Pictures produced film in "Assassin's Creed" has hit cinemas - co-produced and distributed by 20th Century Fox and bringing the signature free-running action and stealth that the games are known for into live-action cinema for the first time.

Special thanks goes to 20th Century Fox Philippines again for the screening last December 20th - one of the last films I saw before the end of 2016! Here's a pic of me and my fellow Assassins attending the screening in cosplay!

Movie Review: X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

It's been a good few weeks since the latest installment of 20th Century Fox's X-Men Movies franchise hit theaters internationally, but now that X-Men: Apocalypse has finally opened in theaters in the US, I can give my thoughts on this newest chapter in the franchise that takes place 10 years after the events of 2014's "X-Men: Days of Future Past" and features the continuing adventures of the younger Professor X, Magneto, Mystique, as well as the introduction of the new versions of Cyclops, Jean Grey, Nightcrawler, and the other X-Men, as they encounter one of the biggest and most anticipated villains in the merry mutant group's rogues gallery - the titular baddie "Apocalypse" himself.

Once again directed by Bryan Singer and set in the edgy and synthesizer decade of the 80's, X-Men: Apocalypse sees Charles Xavier, better known as Professor X, fully establishing his school for gifted youngsters and continuing his dream for peaceful coexistence between mutants and humanity. Unfortunately this period also happens to be the perfect time for "En Sabah Nur" to awaken - a powerful and ancient mutant from the past who was betrayed and put into hibernation by his followers only to awaken and see the world "lost" and in need of cleansing. To set about his rule, the man who is known to comic book people as "Apocalypse"gathers four mutants to be his "Horsemen" - among them a disillusioned Erik Lehnsherr who tragically loses his family and reassumes his identity of "Magneto". With the entire world in peril and a series of events that sees Mystique resurfacing and new mutants rising for both sides, it will take a new generation of X-Men to put a stop to Apocalypse and his horsemen before the entire world and humanity see total destruction.

X-Men: Apocalypse | Final Trailer
Dubbed the final chapter of the "X-Men Prequel Trilogy" that started with 2011's X-Men: First Class and was completely given a clean slate with the timeline altering events in X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse has everything going for it that should make it a fresh start and unique entry into the franchise dedicated to Marvel's Merry Mutants. Unfortunately it's not a perfect adaptation of what has been read and seen countless times in classic X-Men storylines, and Apocalypse is just barely the intimidating villain most fans will remember him to be from the comics. Oscar Isaac (who played Poe Dameron in Star Wars: The Force Awakens) does a stellar job playing this version of En Sabah Nur, but I would have expected more from the titular villain rather than being an evil mutant prophet seeking to reclaim his former glory. The Four Horsemen used in this film were also a gathering of well-known X-Men characters rather than a unique assemble of villains - with Storm, Psylocke, Angel, and Magneto representing that cause due to promises of power and retribution in the part of Apocalypse. That's not to say that those parts were not played well, and special shoutout goes to Olivia Munn, who gave quite a decent and comic book accurate performance as the fan favorite ninja like telepath and mutant.

As far as the younger versions of the X-Men go, fans will pick up and accept the new talents playing Cyclops, Jean Grey, Nightcrawler, and Storm in this film. Game of Thrones own Sansa Stark actress in Sophie Turner is the new actress playing the powerful telepath under Xavier's tutelage, while Tye Sheridan plays a pretty uncertain and coming of age Scott Summers, who just gains his uncontrollable optic blasts and quickly becomes one of the gifted thanks to his older brother Alex (aka Havoc, and yes the Summers siblings have switched positions on who is the eldest and youngest). Nightcrawler is just adorable and played hilariously by Australian actor Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Alexandra Shipp just nails the younger and circa 80's inspired mohawk version of Storm, who is a Horseman first in this film before becoming an X-Man proper. Also, Evan Peters returns as the brash and speedy mutant known as Quicksilver - which I find a bit overpowered in this film thanks to his ability to "run and stop time" per se. It's honestly a better depiction of the character compared to what is seen in Avengers: Age of Ultron, but then again Singer gives him a lot of scenes to showcase his powers and that's been done enough in DOFP.

Also, a certain fan-favorite mutant makes a cameo appearance in the film's third act. By the Final Trailer's footage alone, you know it's Hugh Jackman back as Wolverine. How that plays out though is best seen personally, and will entertain fans who have seen Logan's feral side unleashed thanks to experimentation.

Overall X-Men Apocalypse isn't the greatest entry in the franchise's history, but it certainly does entertain and put the spotlight on a new generation of actors and actresses who will become the new faces behind Marvel's famous band of mutants. The film suffers from having too many characters to work with, and some of the ones that needed the air time more (i.e Jubilee and Psylocke for example) get overshadowed by the major characters. Apocalypse could have played out better like his comic book counterpart, and the final battle felt rushed and messy rather than a proper conclusion. It makes one miss X-Men: First Class and how that film was presented without relying so much on special effects and more on emotional content. Still, this installment wraps up the "Prequel Trilogy" and sets up the next generation of films - with the next one reportedly set in 90's. That, along with DOFP fixing the timeline allows new stories to be told and integrated properly into this cinematic universe. We can only hope that the future will be bright for Xavier, Magneto, and the rest of the mutants moving forward.

Rating - 3/5

First Entry for 2015: Happy New Year! Updates and a Movie Review: Taken 3!

It's a new year and the third week of 2015, and here's a belated Happy New Year greeting to you all! It's been a while since I've posted any reviews, updates, or news in this personal blog of mine, and I'm hoping to change all that as time goes on this year. With so much other things keeping me preoccupied and busy, I find myself hard pressed to do so given several other things to do in my list. Still, there's always the usual channels and avenues you can follow me and my adventures- such as my Facebook page, and my Twitter and Instagram accounts!

One of those things is handling other sites, such as my daily news blog with Pop Culture Crusader, and my brand new writing duties in UnGeek PH! You'll see plenty of what I have to say or share about just about everything and anything hobby related in those two sites, and news that comes along for movies, comics, games, etc.

And of course, there's the fact that I still cosplay! While I haven't gone to any event yet for this year, me and my fellow cosplay teams of Justice PH and Enchantment PH welcomed 2015 with a bang by joining the festivities of the grand "2015 Philippine Countdown Celebration" held at the Philippine Arena at Bulacan! As you can see right above, there's a greeting for the new year I made on behalf of my heroic cosplay group, and you can check out pics of that 2014 ender of an event in each of the team's respective Facebook pages, which are linked above!

And of course, The CW's DC Comics' programs with Arrow and the Flash are coming back this week! I myself have cosplayed the Emerald Archer of TV as portrayed by the talented Stephen Amell, and I can't wait to get back in the hood and wield the bow soon enough.

Anyway, it's time to restart the blog with some thoughts on the very first movie I've seen this year - Liam Neeson's KICKASS RETURN as ex-CIA agent Bryan Mills in the third installment of the action-packed Taken film series with "Taken 3"!

Now for those who are new to this and the franchise altogether, I'm going to be real honest and direct - This mini-review WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS, and I got to see this flick a few days before it opened courtesy of 20th Century Fox Philippines. I'd highly recommend you go watch Taken and Taken 2 first before stepping into this one-man-do-whatever-it-takes movie that just shows that even in his age, Mr. Neeson is a force to be reckoned with... And you certainly don't want to piss off a man with "A very particular set of skills" that he can use to get the job done.

TAKEN 3 | Exclusive Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX
In this third installment of the Taken Trilogy, Neeson reprises his role as Bryan Mills, a ex-covert operative who has saved his family twice from forces who would seek to kidnap and use them in their own sinister desires and vendettas. Some years after those two incidents, Bryan has kept close ties with his own daughter Kim (Maggie Grace), and is slowly rekindling his relationship and romance with his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen). Unfortunately for Bryan, he goes home to his apartment one day and finds Lenny dead on his own bed. Framed for her murder and hunted down by the combined forces of the police, CIA, and FBI, Mills is determined to find out who killed his ex-wife and protect his daughter from suffering the same fate. To do this, he evades the law and takes it upon himself to track down those responsible... Using his "particular set of skills" to get the job done and end the madness once and for all.

As with any action movie sequel that follows up from a highly successful first film, Taken 3 is pretty much loyal to its fanbase (including yours truly), and will impress those looking to see Liam Neeson kick butt and take names. Critics may not be so forgiving, but that's beside the point of seeing this movie - you're here to see someone take out the bad guys with extreme measures, and that's something that's both the definition of entertainment and a popcorn flick you can take your family, friends, or dates to if they're in the mood for it. Luc Besson and Olivier Megaton return as producer and director respectively to give another challenge to the life of Mr. Mills that seeks more out of him than ever before, and it becomes very personal after he loses his ex-wife. Also, Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker joins this film as the head inspector sent to chase Mills named Franck Dotzler, and you know his presence adds more encouragement for action buffs to see this film.

So without any doubts on the matter, if you're a Taken fan, do go and see this film for the assurance that you will be entertained. The film is now on its second week as of this writing, so do yourself a favor... And get some nice action from a guy who doesn't like him or his family to be messed around with.

And that about wraps it for my first blog entry return for 2015! More improvements and updates to come with the site... And here's me sporting a brand new Playstation Vita! Time for some portable gaming goodness!Xd

Movie Review: The Maze Runner

Movies based from books and novelizations seem to be a growing trend these days, and much of the film adaptations take some liberties and deviate from the source material to present something that's genuinely faithful but fresh for the cinematic experience. The same principle holds true for The Maze Runner -  a film based from the book by James Dashner.

As a film that sets the stage for a series of movies based on Dashner's other works, this is one adventure directed by Wes Ball that I wasn't expecting to get into or see, but am pretty glad I did thanks to 20th Century Fox PH. If you need some insight on what to expect, here's the review for reading and contemplation on what this young adult suspense and action vehicle can offer to its audience.

Movie Review: X-Men: Days of Future Past

2014 started out as something to look forward to with promise, hope, and potential, especially with the numerous blockbuster film franchises and sequels hitting theaters throughout the year. The comic book movies in particular were especially stacked, with not one but FOUR movies laid out in the year's schedule, and all of them Marvel films featuring extraordinary superheroes and characters.

Now comes one of the most anticipated sequels in 20th Century Fox's long running X-Men film franchise, which brings together an ensemble cast of stars and the return of the man who directed the first two installments of the franchise. Yes, old and new generations literally crossover for the very first time, in a film that sees Bryan Singer back at the helm for the live action adaptation of one of the most controversial and beloved X-Men stories of all time - X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Having already opened in various international territories, the film is possibly THE BEST X-Men film ever with the array of talents and mutants starring in this tentpole wonder. Seeing the film last Wednesday, I can truly say this is something any X-Men fan, newbie, and those who have had numerous issues with past films in relation to continuity, will definitely want to see.

Here we go with the Review! Possible SPOILERS AHEAD, so read at your own risk! Special Thanks goes to 20^th Century Fox PH, Warner Bros. Philippines, SM Cinema, and The Philippine X-Men Team for making the premiere screening on May 19 such an Xciting Xperience!

Movie Review: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

On it's second week, this film still continues to pursue the clear message of embracing life for what it is.

Ben Stiller has been known for his comedies and antics with hits like Zoolander, Tropic Thunder, and The Night at the Museum films. However, his latest movie entry takes a seat back at just pure laughs, and shows us a little insight on what life can be like if we dare to live it out without having to recoil to our wildest fantasies and safety nets.

Based on James Thurber's short story of the same name, Ben Stiller's "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" is actually the second time the work has been adapted into film, with the very first treatment starring Danny Kaye and directed by Norman Z. McLeod released way back in 1947. Directed, produced, and starring Stiller himself in the titular role, the 2013 film is a very different narrative from the source material, but shares the very unique message that you can't live out life unless you break away from your shell. Here's the review for this literal "change of pace" movie, and thanks goes to 20th Century Fox PH and Warner Bros. PH for the screening!

Movie Review: The Wolverine

 He's the best at what he does... And what he does isn't very nice.

Once again reprising the role that helped make him a bonafide superstar in Hollywood, Hugh Jackman returns as the X-Man Logan, and proves without a shadow of a doubt why he's the man that deserves to be called "Wolverine". Since his last full appearance as the feral mutant in the 2009 X-film spinoff "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and making a cameo in 2011's "X-Men: First Class", there's been more questions than answers as to where the X-Men's most dangerous member would go next, and now we get the answer in an adaptation that explores a part of his life that's based from one of the most memorable arcs in the Marvel Comics character's long and documented comic history.

Definitely departing from the typical superhero film route and taking itself more seriously like that of a Japanese noir action movie, The Wolverine is the latest spinoff film that explores the character's time in Japan, as well as battling personal demons and new foes in the form of yakuza, ninjas, samurai, and more hidden enemies with a bone to pick with the X-Man. It's your formula for the kind of action and setup seen in the genre... Only with Wolverine in it, and adds subtle ties to his part in the X-Men film franchise, particularly with one thread that carries over from X-Men: The Last Stand. Does this movie scream berserker rage or something else? Find out in this review, and special thanks goes to 20th Century Fox PH and Ayala Cinemas for the Special advanced 3D screening!

Let's Go, Bub.

Movie Review: A Good Day To Die Hard

This past Valentine's weekend served more than just to give lovers and sweethearts a chance to go out... It also saw the return of Bruce Willis in his signature role as John McClane... The man who has survived tooth and neck in the Die Hard franchise! Together with director John Moore, Willis is back for another installment to survive and kick ass. This time he lands in the heart of Mother Russia to look for his convicted son Jack, unaware that the younger McClane is actually a CIA Agent sent by the US Government to stop a terrorist plot.

For Willis' fifth attempt in making the impossible possible, does this Father-Son tag team bring new action to the Die Hard name? After seeing the film this past opening week courtesy of 20th Century Fox PH and now going on its second, find out whether the old cop from New York kicks ass with Jr. this review of A Good Day To Die Hard.

Movie Review: Taken 2

If you haven't caught it yet in theaters, Taken 2 proves without a shadow of a doubt that Liam Neeson is a badass, and he's a Box Office pull with a serious mean streak to boot. Almost a week since its release, it holds its own in numbers and figures. Here's a review if you need some thoughts on how this action-flick sequel performs, and special thanks again goes to 20th Century Fox and Ayala Cinemas for the screening!