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: Robocop (2014)

The Future of Law Enforcement has been remade for the next generation, and it's a totally different interpretation altogether.

Way back in 1987, two writers Ed Neumeier and Michael Miner changed the way we viewed Sci-Fi and Action for the future by introducing a character who was literally Part-Man and Part-Machine... A Police Officer turned Cyborg who went under the name "Robocop". The original film released that year was directed by Paul Verhoeven and starred Peter Weller in the titular role as Alex Murphy, who dies in the line of duty and gets a second chance at life by being the tool for a megacorporation's effort to dispatch crime in a futuristic version of the city of Detroit. The focus of the movie was not just Murphy's transformation into Robocop, but his subsequent efforts to find and exact revenge on those responsible for killing him, as well as regaining the humanity he lost after turning into a machine.

Flashforward to 2014, and after two sequels that saw Weller reprise his role for Robocop 2 and Robert John Burke take over for Robocop 3, the film series has been rebooted and is now under the hands of Brazilian film director Jose Padilha, who makes his Hollywood and English film debut with this reimagining of "Robocop". Holding the same plot structure as its predecessor, the film still explores Alex Murphy's transformation into the cyborg police officer... But is handled much more intimately and given more exposition thanks to the involvement of a all-star supporting cast that definitely begs this interpretation of the concept to be watch.

That being said, here's the review of Robocop 2014 - which opened last February 6 in international territories, and February 12 in the US. Thanks again goes to Columbia Pictures PH for bringing the film to our shores!

Movie Review: The Lego Movie

"EVERYTHING IS AWESOME! EVERYTHING IS COOL!"

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!

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 Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

One year has passed since fans were brought back to Middle-Earth thanks to Peter Jackson and Wingnut Film's adaptation of "The Hobbit" - J.R.R Tolkien's prequel novel to The Lord of The Rings Trilogy that Jackson successfully adapted into three critically acclaimed films from 2001-2003. Made into a prequel trilogy itself, the first chapter entitled "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" was released last year, and saw the titular character Bilbo Baggins brought into service as a "Burglar" by Gandalf The Grey and a company of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. Their quest is to reclaim the lost Dwarven kingdom of Erebor, filled with riches and taken by the mighty dragon Smaug. That journey started down the path as any origin tale would, introducing us to memorable characters as well as bridging the events that would eventually connect to the events depicted in the LOTR movies years earlier.

Now, in the eve of 2013 and as the holiday season officially arrives, we resume the journey with Bilbo, Gandalf, and the Dwarves, with the second installment of The Hobbit Trilogy - "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug". Much like its predecessor, the film will be available in 2D, 3D, and IMAX 3D screenings, as well as the brand new format introduced with "An Unexpected Journey" last year - High Frame Rate or HFR. Much like most High-Definition Television sets, this immerses the audience in an almost real-time setup, with the movie playing as if it were happening live before the audience. Truly rich and luscious to behold, it's a fine option to pick if you want something different, and I personally saw the latter thanks to a special premiere screening at IMAX 3D.

Either way you choose to see this, if you love fantasy and adventure, then look no further and see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The film is here to marvel and dazzle you with tales of good versus evil, and the tried and true heroic quest to reclaim lost lands against evil and fiery beings of legend and lore. If you need more convincing, here's a quick review, and thanks goes to Warner Bros. Philippines and SM Cinema for the screening earlier this week.

Movie review: Pacific Rim

Growing up, I enjoyed a lot of fantastic things like Super Robots and Comic Book characters clashing against evil and monstrous forces out to threaten the human race. There's been plenty of times I've been fortunate to see these fandoms converge, but usually to an animated and small screen audience that saw lots of potential and concepts explored that gave rise to dreams that someday we'd see things like these in a real life setting.

And literally in awe-inspiring fashion, Guillermo del Toro initiated that dream in the silver screen with "Pacific Rim" - a monstrous film that sees Giant man-made Robots known as "Jaegers" fighting against titanic scary creatures called "Kaiju". Basically a love letter to the fans out there who love Japanese Monster movies and Giant Robot and Tokusatsu/ Hero shows, this is an American production by Warner Bros. and Legendary that's both huge and ambitious in scale. However, the end result is an epic that's stellar and breathtaking in nature, and anyone who wanted to see titanic forces unleashing their fury on a earthly setting certainly won't come home disappointed upon seeing this.

After seeing the RP advanced screening courtesy of and thanks to Warner Bros. Philippines, I'm here to review what is certainly already one of 2013's BEST blockbuster films, and it was definitely worth the wait! 

Movie Review: World War Z

Since the dawn of the zombie movie genre, fans and horror enthusiasts have seen various stories and interpretations of our favorite undead freaks, with the slow and shambling "walkers" populary portrayed in the George A. Romero movies to the freaky running ghouls that add more tension and pressure in films like 28 Days Later/ 28 Weeks Later and Zack Snyder's 2004 Dawn of the Dead remake. In fact, AMC's popular television series adaptation of "The Walking Dead" has helped spread awareness and love for all things survival horror, adding social commentary to a world where humanity is forced to stare themselves in the mirror and decide how to live in situations where society has crumbled and the dead outnumber the living.

One author who has gained popularity for his portrayal of such a post apocalyptic world is Max Brooks, who's written the popular "Zombie Survival Guide" and a collection of zombie apocalyptic warfare history with "World War Z". The latter novel, published in 2006, depicts Brooks' fictionalized self as a United Nations officer who travels the globe and interviews various people who have survived and experienced fighting the undead in a war that has spanned for over a decade. Suffice to say, the book was impressive and I loved every bit of it... Which is why it's no surprise that Hollywood decided to make a film based on the book, with Hollywood heartthrob and star Brad Pitt attached as its lead.

Premiering last June 2 and now showing in international theaters such as the Philippines, the film version of World War Z depicts Pitt's character in the same role as Brooks, but is vastly different plot and action wise as the circumstances play out more to explain the beginning of the outbreak and how humanity struggles to contain it. SPOILER WARNING of course goes out to those who want to see it with a fresh mind intact, so read at your own risk before engaging with the undead first hand. Special Thanks goes to Solar UIP Philippines for the special screening, and now here's the review to one of 2013's most anticipated summer blockbuster films!

Movie Review: Man Of Steel

It's been a long time since I've truly appreciated Superman in the big screen, let along believe a man could fly since Christopher Reeve, and after the somewhat lacking tribute movie that was Superman Returns, something BIG finally happened and literally flew me past the edge of my seat.

For those who don't know, June 12 was officially "Man Of Steel Day" worldwide, and most theaters in the world have or are preparing to screen one of the most anticipated movies of the year - "Man Of Steel". I've been fortunate enough to see this film twice: the first time during the June 11 IMAX 3D premiere c/o Warner Bros. Philippines, and the first regular showing in 2D theaters in opening day since it's a national holiday (Indepedence Day in the RP). Both showings have definitely given me the insight I needed to properly review this film, and it's definitely bigger than it gets now with all the expectations piled up with the superhero movie franchises these days.

So without treading into spoilers from the onset and prior to starting the review proper, I'll give a brief general opinion about the film. Simply put, it's PHENOMENAL, and the kind of Superman film that makes good on its promise to bring the best out of the DC Comics character everyone worldwide has grown to cherish - both visually and on an emotional storytelling level. It's definitely an experience one has to judge for themselves once you see this movie personally, but there's no doubt that anyone who's enjoyed Superman in comics, film, or the various forms of media will be pleasantly surprised by what the filmmakers have built with this one. It's heroic, and full of HOPE as the "S" symbol that represents the House of El.

And with that said, it's time to get down to the story itself. Here's my review of the Superman film "Man Of Steel".

Movie Review: The Hangover Part III

I enjoyed the first two Hangover movies, and despite being inane and moronic at times, it was hilarious to see the unfortunate group that is "The Wolfpack" get into all kinds of trouble. Director Todd Philipps carved out a sleeper comedy hit with "The Hangover" in 2009, and returned for mayhem in Bangkok in "The Hangover Part II" in 2011. Now that a third installment, "The Hangover Part III" has stepped into the picture, what could possibly happen to Phil, Stew, Doug, and their special friend and Wolfpack brother Allen? All kinds of things from the looks of the trailer alone, and this final installment in "The Hangover Trilogy" takes the group to numerous locations and back to where it all began... Las Vegas.

Special Thanks again goes to Warner Bros. Philippines and Ayala Cinemas for the special screening a few days prior to this review. That being said, it's time to speak on "The End"... aka The Hangover Part III.

Movie Review: Star Trek Into Darkness

Prepare to "Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before" once more, as J.J Abrams and his ragtag crew of cast members return to the U.S.S Enterprise for another interstellar adventure across space with the new Star Trek film, Star Trek Into Darkness!

After successfully rebooting/ reestablishing ties with the Trek franchise with the 2009 film "Star Trek", Abrams and his studio Bad Robot Productions have proven their worth and reintroduced Gene Roddenberry's brainchild into the new generation. By injecting action and danger ala Star Wars (which he will direct Episode VII of in 2015) and reestablishing Trek lore firmly with an alternate reality based on The Original Series timeline, we have fresh faces to root for and more spaceventures to look forward to.

As the title to the sequel suggests, Into Darkness pushes things into a very dark place, and it's not only a great sequel... but possibly the best Trek film in recent memory! Certain SPOILERS be contained here in this review, but I won't SPOIL THE OBVIOUS TWIST (If you haven't figured it out already that is from leaks and web info alone). Coming from an old school Trekkie like myself, I'll be forward and frank with my thoughts on this stellar film.

Special thanks goes to Solar Entertainment Corporation, United International Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Bad Robot Productions for the special premiere screening on IMAX, and delivering an EPIC SEQUEL worthy to "Live Long and Prosper".

And without further ado, here is me punching it to the review proper!

Movie Review: Oblivion

Going on its second week and playing conventional and IMAX theaters, the film known as "Oblivion" carries a lot of themes that buffs of the Science Fiction genre will easily recognize. Set in the near future where the planet Earth is a mere shadow of its former self, Hollywood actor and action man Tom Cruise stars as Commander Jack Harper - a mechanic and drone repair man in the near future who is forced to question his reality when truths about his life and Earth surface. I saw the film last week in IMAX, and it's definitely got something to show for the summer list of movies for 2013.

Special thanks again goes to Solar UIP and Universal Pictures for for the screening!

Movie Review: G.I.Joe: Retaliation

As a kid of the 80's, I've been lucky enough to enjoy and appreciate most of the cartoons and TV serials of that time, which have gone on to become legendary shows in popculture history. Two that quickly come to mind as definitive childhood moments of the era are G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero and The Transformers. Both properties belong to Hasbro, and have sold commercially well thanks to its humble beginnings as toys and action figures, later on expanding its reach thanks to the aforementioned animated series and comic book tie-ins released by Marvel. Decades later, these franchises have stood the test of time, evolving into recognizable brand names and even getting their own live action feature films.

While Transformers was the first to get its own movie and inevitably spawn two sequels, The Joes and their mortal enemy Cobra soon followed with their own live action flick - G.I.Joe: The Rise of Cobra. An origin flick serving to establish the franchise for a new generation, the film starred the likes of Channing Tatum as Conrad "Duke" Howser, Dennis Quaid as General Hawk, Lee Byung-hun as Storm Shadow, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as The Doctor/ Cobra Commander, and Ray Park as Snake Eyes. Directed by Mummy director Stephen Sommers, the film was pretty far from the source material, but still managed to entertain and pick up some good numbers to warrant a sequel. Hence, G.I. Joe: Retaliation was given the greenlight, with Jon M. Chu directing it and starring the likes of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Bruce Willis.

Did it succeed and do better than its predecessor? Find out with this review.

UPDATE: Special Thanks again goes to Solar UIP, Paramount Pictures, Hasbro, and ToySoldier OneEighteen for the special advanced screening last March 25th at SM North EDSA IMAX at the RP!!!

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: Les Miserables

It took a great while for me to appreciate the classical masterpiece that is Les Miserables. My first brush with the story based on Victor Hugo's 1862 novel of the same name came during my school days, when art and music classes exposed me to the musical drama piece, filled with memorable songs of hope, tragedy, and dreams of a better life sung by archetypal characters that would be inspire several literary works. Since then, I never looked up on "Les Mis" again... Until word came that the long awaited film adaptation would be helmed by "The King's Speech" director Tom Hooper, and would have an ensemble comprised of today's best Hollywood performers such as Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, and Amanda Seyfried.

Truth be told - unless it was an actual boradway play, movie musicals were hardly something I'd go for in the big screen. Les Miserables more than proved to be an exception to that rule, and after finally seeing it this week via local premiere, I'm literally at a loss for words for what is most deserving to be called a "beautiful masterpiece". Originally premiering in London last month and opening just this week in selected theaters internationally, the film version of "Les Miserables" is a great way to open your 2013 movie experience, and a timeless drama that any art, movie, or music fan should experience. Thanks goes to Solar UIP for the premiere screening this week, and without further ado, here is my review on this timeless dramatic masterpiece!

Movie Review: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

It's almost hard to believe that it's been over a decade since Peter Jackson adapted the works of J.R.R Tolkien into live film and turned it into what we now know as The Lords Of The Rings Trilogy. Despite some differences and offshoots from the source material, all were favorable and brilliant adaptations to behold in a cinematic scale, and it set the trend for a legion of Tolkienites to explode on the scene and adore everything and anything that has to do with Middle-Earth and its inhabitants.

Now, another adventure is afoot with the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The first film in a new trilogy once again set and designed by Peter Jackson and his team of filmmakers from Wingnut Films Limited, the film explores the events preceding that of The Lord of the Rings, centering on a young Bilbo Baggins, as he is thrust into an adventure by Gandalf with a company of Dwarves that will forever change him and the rest of Middle-Earth forever.

Now for the review. Special thanks again goes to Warner Bros. Philippines for the advance screening on IMAX!

The Dark Knight Trilogy Limited Edition Giftset Review

For nearly a decade, Christopher Nolan has blessed the comic book and film world with an adaptation of the DC Comics superhero Batman we can be all proud off. Since beginning the journey in 2005 with Batman Begins, escalating the action with The Dark Knight in 2008, and culminating the story of Bruce Wayne with The Dark Knight Rises this year, the British director has successfully presented a trifecta of films that would collectively be known as "The Dark Knight Trilogy", and it is a collection that will forever and proudly remain in the higher echelons of cinematic history. 

Following the widely anticipated release of The Dark Knight Rises in home video this holiday season, the circle is now complete and the movies that make up the TDK trilogy are now all available in home video. Being the Batman/ Dark Knight fan and collector that I am, I couldn't pass up on this prestigious collection... And now I finally have the entire saga in my collection. If you have yet to experience Nolan's Batsaga and need to get everything in one set, this baby's now available in both Blu-Ray and DVD formats. Since I already have all three movies in the former, the latter package was just ripe for the picking.

Now without further ado, here's a review of The Dark Knight Trilogy Limited Edition Giftset!

Movie Review: Wreck-It Ralph

Disney has been part of our childhood in one form or another, and none more so when it comes to their animated films, which have captured the hearts of minds of viewers around the world. Whether it be a 2D animated retelling of a fairy tale or one of Pixar's wonderful 3D stories, the House of Mickey has chugged some of the best the entertainment and film industry has to offer. Having recently purchased LucasFilm and already having Marvel under their wing, Walt Disney Studios is certainly a strong brand, and it's about to get bigger with the gaming market too, thanks to their new animated feature - Wreck-It Ralph! I recently got to see a "Sneak Peek" screening of the film thanks to Walt Disney Studios Philippines, and it certainly lives up to the promise of it being what it is - A love letter to Video Game fans and kids out there!

Movie Review: Argo

Films based on true events are usually hits or misses, for the sole fact that they can either dramatize a series of real-life events well or exaggerate it in a manner that blows everything out of proportion. Having a good director and filmcrew that does their research properly will keep things in line without sacrificing much on historical fact. Thankfully, that's what I found in Argo - a film by Ben Affleck that depicts the true life rescue operation of six U.S diplomats by C.I.A operative Tony Mendez during the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979. Released last week in the US and set to open this week in the Philippines and other territories, there are many reasons to say why this could possibly be one of this year's sleeper hits, and this review will show why that is. Special thanks goes to Warner Bros. Philippines for the screening!

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!

Movie Review: Resident Evil: Retribution

There's no love lost between me and Paul W.S Anderson's Resident Evil movie franchise. As a longtime fan of Capcom's survival horror/ survival action video game franchise, I'll be the first one to tell you that the films have absolutely NOTHING to do with the continuity set in the games its loosely based on. However, what I can tell you right now is that I have developed a huge amount of respect for the Milla Jovovich flicks based on one aspect that continuous to be prevailant with each installment - continuity. The latest film, Resident Evil: Retribution, is the fifth entry to the series, and picks up where things left off. Is it worthy to see Alice back in the big screen? Find out here in this review, and special thanks goes to Columbia Pictures Philippines for the screening!