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!
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.
For much of his storied career as a superhero and vigilante, the character of Batman has appeared in every form of media beyond his comic book roots. The character has become so relatable and iconic that his status as a symbol of justice remains embedded in the world of popular culture and cinema. We've had many versions and interpretations of The Dark Knight through the years, and many have identified with various actors who have donned the cape and cowl ranging from Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, and Ben Affleck. All have had their fans and detractors thanks to the way they've been depicted on screen. Some have remained legendary and iconic, while others are remembered for less than honorable reasons. However now the time has finally come to welcome a new man behind the Batsuit - and that's young English actor Robert Pattinson who portrays the title character in "The Batman".
Directed by Cloverfield and Planet of the Apes sequels director Matt Reeves, The Batman is yet another film reboot of the Caped Crusader's adventures in the big screen. Originally meant to be helmed by DC Extended Universe Batman Ben Affleck himself, the Oscar winning director and Hollywood actor instead stepped away from the project - leaving Warner Bros. to move on and give it to Reeves instead. As a result a new version of the character was envisioned and created, with Reeves drawing inspiration from 1970's crime films and reworking the story to focus on Bruce Wayne's early years fighting crime. This Batman is only on his second year dealing with criminals and working together with Jim Gordon, and has yet to master his methods as a crime fighter and detective - the latter skill being heavily emphasized as the movie sees a serial killer known as The Riddler systematically taking down Gotham's elite while leaving clues for the Dark Knight to piece together to solve the mystery.
Thanks to Warner Bros. Philippines, I finally got to see this nearly THREE HOUR LONG murder mystery superhero film at a FAN SCREENING held on March 1 - mere hours before the movie opened in select theaters past midnight of March 2! To say it was everything I hoped for in a non-sequel Batman movie is an understatement - Matt Reeves has created an EPIC masterpiece of a Batman movie that touches on what makes the character more than just a person donning a Bat costume and fighting crime to avenge his parents' deaths.
Be sure to strap yourselves and get ready for a ride. Here's my review for The Batman.
It's been a testy road to travel for DC Films as far as fan reception and responses to certain film installments have been concerned. Earlier entries in the "DC Extended Universe" like "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" and "Suicide Squad" saw plenty of takes in the box office, but also a lot of mixed opinions with the critics and fan reviews.
Fortunately the tides have shifted with the releases of "Wonder Woman", "Aquaman", and "Shazam", and the superhero franchise has found its footing - telling better stories and blending in the drama, comedy, and character chemistry to positive and wonderful audience reception. That awesome streak I'm proud to say continues with the newly released "Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)" - which technically is "Harley Quinn: The Movie" but instead serves as an extra springboard for the popular DC villainess/ anti-hero to introduce some new gal pals and personalities that all reside in the dank and strange place that is Gotham City.
Once again reprising her role from "Suicide Squad", Margot Robbie returns as the newly emancipated Harley Quinn - fresh from breaking up with The Joker and determined to start fresh and in control of her own life (or whatever counts for an insane Psychiatrist). The beautiful Hollywood star also serves as producer for the film, which is fantastic as it gives the Australian actress all the levity and creativity to take Harley in a bold and trippy direction which is fully realized in this film.
Thanks to Warner Bros. Philippines, I got to see "Birds of Prey" last weekend at its special premiere screening in IMAX - and again I call this movie "Bizarre, Trippy, and AWESOME FUN". It's Harley unleashed and bringing some girl power to the big screen, as we meet new heroes and villains outside of the shadow of the bat and the clown prince of crime - and it succeeds in spades! Here's my review after the jump!
After five years of laying dormant and biding time for the big smackdown promised at the end of the first film - the king has FINALLY returned to take on monsters that would dare oppose his rule as Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary, and Toho team up once again to bring back Godzilla and expand the Monsterverse with "Godzilla: King of the Monsters". The long awaited sequel to the 2014 Godzilla film is nothing short of a welcome sight and is pretty much a triumphant roar that fans of the iconic Japanese giant monster can bring out when they walk into this film. It is BIGGER, BETTER, and MUCH MORE EPIC compared to its predecessor by unleashing the rest of the "Titans" on our planet, bringing forth one of the most awaited confrontations in this saga that will test the Big G as he asserts his rule as one of the most dominant creatures Earth has ever witnessed.
Thanks to the folks at Warner Bros. Philippines, I got to watch Godzilla's long awaited comeback in the big screen (and on IMAX 3D no less), and all I can tell you before moving on to the review proper is that it's the BIG BLOCKBUSTER MONSTER MOVIE that I have waited for since the 2014 Hollywood reboot and sets things up for the inevitable clash "Gojira" will have against Kong next year! We FINALLY get to see the long awaited debuts of Mothra, Rodan, and Godzilla's ultimate nemesis King Ghidorah in this film - so there is no shortage of Kaiju/ Monster action in the sequel! As Godzilla celebrates his 65th anniversary this year, prepare to be wowed and in awe for what this sequel five years in the making brings following "Godzilla" and "Kong: Skull Island"!
There are certain films that have the ability to suck you in with a good premise - let alone something that has just about every conceivable popculture reference and easter egg you can find from your favorite movie, video game, or cartoon from the past three decades that have literally made an impression in geek culture and hobbydom as we know it today. That honor certainly goes to "Ready Player One" - directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg and based on the 2011 novel of the same name by writer Ernest Cline. More than just your typical dystopian video game movie, this is a visual spectacle of the rarest kind - that transports viewers to a virtual reality world filled with all kinds of treats, but also gives us an adventure in the form of one young kid's desire to find the ultimate easter egg that leads to hidden treasure, but ultimately becomes a journey of self-discovery, friendship, love, and a better future.
Thanks to Warner Bros. Philippines, I was able to catch "Ready Player One" earlier before the Holy Week - and true enough to my nostalgic popculture heart I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF THIS FILM. As a gamer and kid from the 80's, this has all kinds of references, treats, and nods that shows just how far we've come along in the history of popular culture - and this has arguably become one of my FAVORITE Steven Spielberg films ever! Below is my review for this sensational eye candy of a science fiction film - which is best viewed in IMAX to get the full and immersive visual experience!
At long last, the "Age of Heroes" has arrived for the DC Extended Universe - and it brings a LOT of hope with it.
After starting out the path of bringing the heroes of the DC Universe to the big screen with the Superman reboot film "Man of Steel", Warner Bros. has come full circle with director Zack Snyder and have united the world's greatest heroes together for the first time in the big screen with "Justice League" - which pairs the likes of Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, and Cyborg together following an invasion that threatens all of humanity and in a world that still mourns the loss of the Last Son of Krypton. Unlike previous DC Films, this one goes "All In" and tries to ignite that spark of excitement and unity by FINALLY getting the ball rolling and showing us the heroes standing together in one EPIC superhero film.
Thanks to Warner Bros. PH, I got to see the film THRICE as of this review - once suited up as Batman along with other cosplay friends going as The League. Then two more times as a fan wearing Batman apparel and going "All In" to enjoy the film in IMAX 3D and Dolby Atmos!
So without any more delays, I give my full review for "Justice League" - which is now playing in theaters. Right now, here's your SPOILER WARNING for the movie - and yes Superman clearly comes back in the film but HOW is what will be revealing in this review. I have a quick Non-Spoiler Vlog review which I put up in my YouTube page!
Now for the review proper - Read at your own risk or better yet WATCH IT - "You Can't Save The World Alone" and this film goes all out in proving just that!
One of the most terrifying works by acclaimed American author Stephen King finally sees itself come to fruition thanks to Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema,Vertigo Entertainment, and "Mama" director Andy Muschietti, and that is the supernatural horror classic "It" - which many fans will know as the story of a group of "Losers" who live in the fictional town of Derry, Maine and are terrorized by a shapeshifting creature that preys on children and consumes them after exploiting their worst fears. This film adaptation follows a successful two-part 1990 horror drama series which saw famed English actor Tim Curry take on the role of Pennywise The Dancing Clown, and has remained a memorable scary role of his long storied career in theater and cinema.
Thanks to Warner Bros. Philippines, I was able to enter and experience the 2017 version of "It" - which chronicles the first chapter of the story and gives it a 1980's update to make it modernized and relatable... Eventually setting it up for the events of the inevitable sequel that sees the group of friends encountering the creature again. In the photo above, I am beside both "Old" and "New" versions of Pennywise - both equally horrifying and awesome to look at. Now in theaters, here is my review of "It", and of course beware of potential SPOILERS.
In this day and age where superhero films and big action films seem to generate the most noise, leave it to director Christopher Nolan to do another blockbuster that takes us back to a period in history where hope and the bravery of good men led to one of the most documented events in the early days of World War II. Way after finishing "The Dark Knight Trilogy" and following his space adventure flick "Interstellar", the British-American director gives us "Dunkirk" - his latest film epic that details the story of "Operation Dynamo" - the evacuation of Allied soldiers in the seaside city that the film is named after.
Thanks to Warner Bros., I got to see this spectacular piece of cinematic beauty through IMAX - a format Nolan has mastered and perfected since utilizing first nearly a decade ago with "The Dark Knight". If there was ever a time Nolan maximized his use of IMAX cameras, "Dunkirk" is a shining example of that because 75% of the film was shot using it and is the most compared to his previous films. Now on its second week, this is truly a historical drama that deserves to be viewed and seen - just for how much tension, action, suspense, and fear was put into creating something audiences will find immersive and breathtaking as they see three perspectives covered telling the entire story of this 1940 war film.
As a film I didn't expect a lot going into, Guy Ritchie delivered quite the unexpected treatment when it comes to the legend of one of the greatest British leaders and kings ever depicted in romances and stories - King Arthur. In his vision of the future king of Camelot's origin story, we see a young boy raised in a brothel after his entire family is betrayed by a power hungry uncle, forging the orphan into a man who eventually locates and pulls the sword Excalibur out of its stone mount.
Taking a page out of fantasy properties like "Lord of the Rings" and "Masters of the Universe", King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is not your regular kind of fantasy epic film - it's non-linear presentation and fast paced editing choices gives that kind of experimental vibe that should intrigue those that are looking for something different in their movies. Add to the fact that the film has a stellar cast of supporting talents like Djimon Hounsou and Game of Thrones' Aidan Gillen, and you have a unique interpretation of the Arthur legend before his time with the Knights of the Round Table. Big thanks goes to Warner Bros. Philippines for allowing me to see this film prior to its release in theaters last week!
This year's Oscars are done and February 2017 is coming to an end, and there have been a couple of movies I've seen through the course of this month that I've wanted to review in this page yet haven't gotten a chance to. With the month ending today, now's a good time to give some small short reactions to these films... And most of them are Academy Award nominated ones that did the trick! You can still catch these in cinemas, so here's a little feedback on these films on the big screen.
Movie: Hidden Figures Release Date: December 25, 2016 (US), February 22, 2017 (Philippines) Released by: 20th Century Fox Philippines
A biographical drama film that puts some of the best talents in Hollywood to portray an important time during the "Space Race" era of the 60's, "Hidden Figures" stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae as three historical African American female mathematicians who worked at NASA, along with supporting roles by Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, and Jim Parsons - all who worked to see through one of the most important space missions known in history. Between depicting the sensitive times of racial discrimination, the unstable nature of those working behind the scenes to calculate trajectories for the space missions, and the lives of these women with their families and careers - this is one film by director Theodore Melfi that hit the right notes in bringing emotion and triumph to an important time in man's quest to reach the stars and find some reconciliation and agreement between their own personal differences and biases.
Hidden Figures Official Trailer #2
Rating: 4/5
Movie: A Cure For Wellness Release Date: February 17, 2017 (US), February 15, 2017 (Philippines) Released by: 20th Century Fox Philippines
A film by Pirates of the Caribbean films director Gore Verbinski that literally dips into the well of Psychological Horror, "A Cure For Wellness" stars former "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" star and Harry Osborn actor Dane DeHaan in the lead as an ambitious young executive named Lockheart - who is sent to a "wellness center" in the Swiss Alps to find the CEO of the company he works for to finalize a merger. What was supposed to be a simple retrieval trip turns into a mystery and nightmare, as Lockhart finds out that not all is what it seems in the facility and hidden secrets and strange things unearth themselves that make him question his sanity. It's a film that doesn't break new ground and takes familiar routes in the same manner as classic horror films like The Invisible Man and Shutter Island, but it does give Dehaan new footing in playing the main role of a film. Definitely for those who like to see the strange in cinema.
A Cure for Wellness Official Trailer
Rating - 3/5
Movie: Hacksaw Ridge Release Date: November 4, 2016 (US), February 22, 2017 (Philippines) Released by: Columbia Pictures Philippines
A historical biographical film with a powerful cast and shows the true story of a pacifist who saved men in the battlefield while holding on to faith and courage, Hacksaw Ridge stars previous Amazing Spider-Man actor Andrew Garfield as real life World War II hero Desmond Doss - A Seventh-Day Adventist Christian who enlists in the Army and becomes a combat medic who refuses to carry a gun. What follows in this film directed by Academy Award winner Mel Gibson is a story about a courageous man who was able to save 75 soldiers in the battle at Hacksaw Ridge, earning him the Medal of Honor for his bravery and efforts. The film also stars Vince Vaughn, Sam Worthington, Hugo Weaving, and Teresa Palmer, and is arguably one of the best historical drama movies I have ever witnessed in cinema that is based on a true story.
Hacksaw Ridge Official Trailer
Rating - 4/5
Movie: Fist Fight Release Date: February 17, 2017 (US), February 22, 2017 (Philippines) Released by: Warner Bros. Philippines #TeacherFight had whole new meaning in the Ice Cube and Charlie Day comedy "Fist Fight" - where two very different teachers come to blows in a very chaotic public school setting where teachers are disrespected and the students keep on pulling pranks. When both men are brought together and a misunderstanding ensues where Ice Cube's Ron Strickland gets fired from his teaching position, he challenges Day's Andy Campbell to a fight after school... And the whole film spirals into hilarious moments and shenanigans that pretty much lets you laugh and watch a movie without taking anything seriously. This is one of the good ones, and certainly makes use of Ice Cube's mean looks as an uncompromising tough guy perfectly.
What's more awesome than a Batman movie? Why having a VERY AWESOME "THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE" - The kind that pays tribute to just about EVERYTHING that made the Caped Crusader so beloved and endeared by fans worldwide, and that includes yours truly too! After the success of 2014's "The Lego Movie" and introducing the kind of Dark Knight who's self-absorbed and overconfident about his heroic abilities, animation director Chris McKay was given the reigns to helm and oversee the design of a spin-off film so AWESOME that it could only star one guy - BATMAN... And his world of Gotham City in Lego form of course! Three years in the making and with so much justice inside it, how does this spin-off film centering on the Brick Knight fare?
To answer that question a REVIEW is in order... And thankfully after seeing this AWESOME movie courtesy of the folks from Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines alongside friends and fellow Batfans alike, there's a lot of positivity to say about this superhero adventure that not only caters to superheroics, but also to the lesson that you need to trust others and build a family that is stronger when united together.
SPOILERS may follow as of this review, so go see the film first before reading! You have been warned!
It's hard to imagine movies made by Clint Eastwood being taken as something other than "serious" or sometimes depressing, but the Academy Award winning actor and director has proven to be quite versatile when he makes his choices in making a film that has a certain theme or gravitas to it. His recent string of movies have been biopics that have concentrated on certain figures and incidents, with J. Edgar and American Sniper getting mixed to positive responses from critics and viewers alike. This year, Eastwood treads that same territory by adapting the story of "US Airways Flight 1549" - an airbus piloted by Captain Chesley Sullenberger with a crew of 155 passengers that was victim to a bird strike that forced the plane to make an emergency landing on the Hudson River. That 2009 incident came to be known as the "Miracle in the Hudson" - where Captain Sullenberger was hailed a hero for making the call and averting possible catastrophe and death if he chose otherwise.
Sully - Official Trailer [HD]
That movie is "Sully" - which saw its worldwide release last week. and is arguably one of Clint Eastwood's finest biographical drama to date. I got to see the film via a screening courtesy of Warner Bros. Philippines, and it's something that should be definitely seen just for the story alone along with its fantastic cast of actors which includes Academy Award winner Tom Hanks playing the man of the hour. Here's a review for the film, and there's good reason why it's one of the movies that should be seen in IMAX.
If you needed to sum up The Lego Movie in a few words (if not for the AWESOME POSTER seen here), then its those lines above from the amazingly catchy song "Everything Is Awesome!!!" sung by Tegan and Sara ft. The Lonely Island, which is featured prominently in the movie featuring those lovable construction bricks and directed by 21 Jump Street directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Truly a Lego fan and collector's dream movie come true, The Lego Movie appeals to the kid in you, and interlocks bricks of every kind in an epic type adventure that sees one ordinary guy teaming up with powerful Master Builders in order to save the Lego universe from an evil tyrant bent on keeping things glued together.
That premise, along with an all star line-up of amazing voice talents and some wacky bizarre building block fun makes this movie AWESOME in every sense of the word!
Also, here's a pic from the official Philippine premiere of the film last February 3 (with me dressed as Lego Batman)!
Now here's the review for "The Lego Movie", and Big Thanks goes to Warner Bros. PH again for the advanced screening!
It's a new year and a new set of movies to look forward to in the coming months ahead, and midway into January there's been a lot of films I've caught that are fun and entertaining to watch. One of them happens to be a Sports Comedy film I've anxiously looked forward to since it was announced last year, and it stars two Hollywood legends who have more than set the bar in their respective careers, but have chosen to do this as both a tribute and jab at arguably their best films centered around the main characters they play who are professional boxers.
I'm talking about none other than Peter Segal's "Grudge Match", which came out last Christmas in the US and finally makes its way to international territories like the Philippines this week. Starring Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro, two former boxing rivals come out of retirement after 30 years to finally settle their feud and put past issues and demons behind them... Whether it means tearing each other apart before the actual match takes place! Presented by Warner Bros. PH, this is one film that will definitely entertain fans of "Rocky" and "Raging Bull", so here's the review to this stellar old man fight now out in cinemas!
As of this writing, it's officially Day One of the 11th Philippine Toys, Hobbies, And Collectibles Convention. It's going to be a quite the interesting weekend, and with Friday Madness looming over the horizon (it's payday), I can't help but wonder how the crowd and traffic will be in that area.
To date, I've been a steady and consistent patron of what has come to be known as "ToyCon" in the Philippines. This annual event, combining elements of just about everything in entertainment and popculture, has drawn significant attention from the hobby, gaming, and cosplay markets, which all congregate into one area packed with booths and displays that are definitely more than simple eye candy. You will happen upon some of the most awe inspiring and creative dioramas and displays passionate collectors are able to construct, and official merchandise that some traders and retailers may have to offer if you're interested in a specific genre. Overall, the ToyCon is literally the place to be if you're into anime, games, cosplay, and yes, toys.
This year also marks the next and final entry to Warner Bros. and Christopher Nolan's epic final chapter to The Dark Knight legend with the release of "The Dark Knight Rises" this July. With that coming up next month, Warner Bros. Philippines and DC Comics have paired up with ToyCon to give fans a special treat by present this year's installment of the ToyCon with "The Dark Knight Rises" as its official theme! Attractions and displays from the movie will be placed in display for the public to see, and for the first time ever, the official replica of the Dark Knight Batsuit worn by actor Christian Bale will be there! That's more than enough reason to get your hopes up for the ToyCon, and see this baby in person! Also, it's a sure bet there will be a significant amount of cosplayers in attendance, including western heroes such as Justice PHand other comic book, anime, and gaming characters! Be sure to check them out all out come this weekend!
The 11th Philippine Toys, Hobbies, And Collectibles Convention starts today June 15 and runs all the way until Sunday, June 17. For more information, visit the official Toycon website and Facebook page!
The very first Tim Burton movie I saw growing up was "Batman", and his 1989 vision of the Caped Crusader rocked my world and literally helped reinvigorate the franchise and return the DC Comics hero to his dark roots. That film helped address and flesh out to me the director's dark, twisted, and goth-like style of directing, and it's that kind of atmosphere that has grown to become his legendary trademark with each project he places his efforts into. As such, it is with great enthusiasm and curiosity that I looked forward to his latest project "Dark Shadows", which was a TV show that ran between the late 60's and early 70's and earned a remake in the early 90's. Bringing his longtime collaborator Johnny Depp into the fold, it was a sure deal that I wouldn't miss this flick and give my impressions on it. That being said, here's my review on this dark comedy adventure for the summer. Special thanks again goes to Warner Bros. Philippines and SM Cinema for the special screening!
Movie: The Lucky One Starring: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling Release Date: April 20, 2012
I've never seen The Notebook or Dear John, and I've never been much of a romantic movie watcher either. However, once in a while I find myself seeing these movies with a little love and chemistry to them, and The Lucky One just happened to open up and premiere on a month where a little excitement with upcoming and much anticipated movies. Anyone looking for romance can check this up in theaters, but is it a good draw? Find out in this review, and thanks goes to Warner Bros. Philippines again for the screening!
As the title implies, The Lucky One is a movie that literally centers on a man who gets lucky, namely Zac Efron. Playing a US Marine soldier named Logan Thibault, he returns from his third tour of duty from Iraq, having survived several near death encounters while serving his country. He attributes his good luck to a picture of a woman he finds during his time there, and makes it a point to find her and thank her for saving his life. After stumbling on a local kennel ranch in Louisiana, he meets the very woman in the photo named Beth (Taylor Schilling), and suddenly enters her life and family as a result. A romance blossoms between the two, and Logan suddenly realizes that there's more to the woman he's fallen for than being his guardian angel.
The Lucky One Trailer
For starters, The Lucky One is a decent romantic movie with your typical "destined love" plot that will get hearts pounding and couples giggling for sure. However, there isn't much else to speak about other than the actors credibility to their roles. Zac Efron plays a decent role as Logan, and while it feels pretty one-dimensional most of the time, he's got the hot stud look to him that will get the attention of the ladies out there. Taylor Schilling is credible as Beth, and even as a single mom raising a son and going through troubles with an ex-husband, she's a hot and driven woman who falls for the complex yet honest Logan. Blythe Danner adds that old and wise grandmother charm as Beth's Nana, and Jay R. Ferguson plays the guy you love to hate as Beth's ex-husband Keith. There isn't much else to say after that but enjoying the movie and it's romantic drama tale, and the actors and actresses play their parts well from start to finish.
Overall, The Lucky One will appeal to most audiences and its target demograph, but it's nothing new on the romantic movie scene. Fans of Scott Hick's films Nicholas Sparks' works will be drawn to this as much as their other works, and will serve a nice blend of fun, love, and drama in one sitting. The film also serves up good exposure for Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling, so those looking into their talent and acting skills should be given a look.
The year of the superhero movies is upon us once more, and there's quite a mouthful of exciting titles to look forward to as 2012 rolls forward. With momentum building up to Josh Whedon's The Avengers, Marc Webb's new take on Spider-Man, and the conclusion to Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight saga, comic book fans certainly have a lot on their plate that will keep them satisfied and talking in the months to come. However, the comic book movie craze will officially begin this month, as Marvel releases their first salvo of heroism in the form of Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. Once again starring Nicholas Cage as Johnny Blaze/ Ghost Rider, the film is not exactly a direct sequel, and instead picks and retools elements from the first movie to generate a new adventure that is supposedly much darker and grittier than its predecessor. Before trailing off to the review, I'd like to extend my sincerest thanks to Warner Bros. Philippines for inviting me to the special screening of this film. Now that its riding in theaters, find out just how much hellfire and brimstone this film has.
