Since its release early this week, I've been relentlessly playing "Injustice: Gods Among Us" - Warner Bros. Games and NetherRealm Studios' latest effort in bringing characters from DC Comics into the fighting game realm. Developed by the makers of Mortal Kombat and featuring popular heroes and villains from the DC Universe, I didn't expect much from the brawler save for nods to established comic book characters and a lot of fan service where your favorites duke it out with style and punishment. I'm happy to say that the game is certainly MORE than just that, and it's easily a candidate for "Game Of The Year" when the time comes to decide your picks come end of 2013.
Word to the wise for those jumping in to this review - The game contains a lot of references and nods to certain storylines longtime DC readers know and love well, so consider this your SPOILER ALERT before continuing on with my review of this fantastic game featuring the world's greatest superhumans. I'm also going to weigh down things based on personal preference and fandom alone, so the opinions here may not necessarily reflect what is being said by others and elsewhere.
And with that disclaimer aside, here are my thoughts on INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US.
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.
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!
It's been a long time since I've actually appreciated a Spider-Man story, let alone a tale that signifies the end of an era as we know it. When Stan Lee and Steve Ditko introduced "puny" high school nerd Peter Parker into the world back in the 60's, who could have imagined that the once scrawny teenaged boy would become a hero endowed with the strength and powers proportionate to a spider, let alone be named THE World's most famous superhero? With continuous soaring popularity in comics and thanks to countless appearances in all forms of media that includes cartoons, video games, and films, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone around the world who didn't know your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
Yet here we are... A turning point in the character's life ended just as 2012 closed with THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #700, and the new year ushers in a brand NEW direction for the character... Something that claims to be better and "Superior" than the amazing webslinging hero that we've come to know and love through the decades.
So as we usher in the new year of 2013, I make my return to comic book reviews at the same time... And we start things off by reviewing one of the new books Marvel has released in its "Marvel NOW!" campaign... THE SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #1!
SPOILER ALERT for those who don't know the big changes that have happened in Spidey's life. If you wish to find out for yourselves, best turn back at this point... NOW.
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!
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!
The boys are back and all hell breaks loose as PURE AWESOME TESTOSTERONE ACTION hits with The Expendables 2! Sylvester Stallone and his ragtag team of action star mercenaries are back for the kill in this sequel to the 2010 hit, and while Sly isn't back in the director's chair for this one, Con Air director Simon West takes his place and injects more adrenaline, intensity, and machismo into this one than any other action movie fan of the 80's and 90's can endure! You have all the names to lay claim to fame, which in addition to Stallone include Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Willis, and the former Governator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger! So if you have any doubts in place, here's a review for the books to cash in on why The Expendables 2 is bigger, better, and badder than ever! SPOILERS after the jump, so read at your own risk!
It's been more than 10 years since Spider-Man swung into theaters, reinvigorating and helping usher in the blockbuster superhero film initiative we've come to expect year in and year out in from Hollywood. The Sam Raimi version is easily one of my favorite adaptations of the character, and while it didn't end on such a high note thanks to the shenanigans of Spider-Man 3, it still resonates with audiences who took to seeing Peter Parker's story told in the big screen. Flashforward to present day, and now we have 500 Days of Summer director Marc Webb's treatment of the webslinger's tale with "The Amazing Spider-Man". Taking its title directly from the first ongoing comic book series of the same name, it's literally a bold and modern new take for Spider-Man and his world. It's darker, emotional, and full of intensity and action that will give fans and audiences something new to talk about. The big question is: how does it stand up to its predecessor and the Spider-Man legacy? We'll find out in this review, as well as analyze how the film works up to bringing the concept of the character to a new generation. Thanks again goes to Sony Pictures, Marvel, and Columbia Pictures Philippines for the film viewing.
SPOILERS HERE, so if you have yet to watch the film, don't read this.
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!
With The Avengers rolling out in theaters and assembling huge crowds of moviegoers, the summer blockbuster season this year has officially begun. Still, after getting your fill of superheroics and hulk smashes, there's a couple of other films you may want to check out. One is a throwback to the horror genres of old that's produced by Avengers director Joss Whedon, while the other is the hilarious return of the lovable American Pie gang, who are back to celebrate their high school reunion! On the latter movie, I'd like to thank Solar UIP and Gateway Cinema for the invitations to see Jim and Stifler back for more sex adventures last week! So without further ado, here's my reviews for American Reunionand The Cabin In The Woods!
American Reunion
If the Avengers are assembling to fight the bad guys no single hero can withstand, American Reunion is the assembly of comedy that's much needed for 2012! Directed by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, American Reunion (or American Pie: Reunion in other territories) is literally a fun bag full of laughs and awesome! Set thirteen years after their graduation from high school, Jim Levinstein, Chris "Oz" Ostreicher, Kevin Myers, Paul Finch, and Steve Stifler are now adults and living out their own separate lives... Until a "Class of 1999" reunion calls them all together once more for a much needed reunion! Visiting East Great Falls once more, the group revisit their old neighborhood and find that many things have changed... But most stay the same! Along with that comes the usual antics, pretty girls, and of course Jim's Father Noah, who's now a widower... yet gets tangled up with Stifler's mom! All the comedy and hilarity Jason Briggs, Seann William Scott, and the gang delivered in the past American Pie movies all come back, and culminate in a way that any fan of the franchise dare not miss. If you in for the jokes, sexcapades, and what not, go to theaters and see this! It's the 90's all over again!
American Reunion Trailer
Rating - 4/5
The Cabin In The Woods
Working with a title like that, you'd expect a bit of B-Movie flavor to the Drew Goddard directed movie "The Cabin In The Woods". True enough, it is a B-Movie, and it pays homage to all the horror and slasher movie genre films seen in the 80's and 90's that have captivated the hearts and minds of film viewers and popculture addicts. In fact, the premise is very much like that of Sam Raimi's "Evil Dead" films, with a tinge of that obscure horror flick Thirteen Ghosts even. It's an interesting plot from the seams, but admittedl, I walked into this film because it was produced by Avengers director Joss Whedon and stars "Thor" himself, Chris Hemsworth. Filled with all kinds of horror cliches and nods, the average fan looking for scares, thrills, and kills will be somewhat pleased (especially with the cameos). However, the experience was dulled proved to be quite disappointing and dull, thanks in part to pacing issues and cuts in the theater I saw the film in. It amazes me though the film was filmed and made in 2009, and it proves to be somewhat of an underappreciated entry this year. Go for this if you're a Whedonite, love horror, or just want to see another Chris Hemsworth film.
It's May 1st now, and a new month begins for everyone. It's also hype season for Marvel's The Avengers, and that movie has opened to resounding and positive reviews on international territories outside of the US worldwide. I've had four times my fill of that awesome movie, and I've written quite the non-spoiler review on it for that matter. It's literally THE MOVIE to see in theaters right now, so if you haven't the slightest inkling of what you're missing, wake up and smell the coffee already! All you need to know is that Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hawkeye, Black Widow, and the ever loving Incredible Hulk are in it, and that's 'nuff said on the matter!
Now, as the finest superhero team up flick basks in the spotlight and gains the attention it sorely deserves, here's some amusing snapshots related to Earth's Mightiest Heroes that I've taken and found very amusing to share.
First Photo: Not much of a spoiler here. Anyone who's seen the film will get this reference immediately.
Second Photo: A hall of armors post, with Mark I - VI coming from Hasbro's Iron Man 2 line, and the newest addition being Mark VII from Petron's The Avengers Tumbler promo (which I reviewed). The latter is in scale with the other toys, so it really fits like a tee with the rest.
Pretty much that's it. All of these serve as a reminder of how awesome the movie experience was, and I don't think anything in recent memory replicates what "Avengers Fever" is doing now to us all. I'm sure I'm going to see the movie again sometime soon... and hopefully the rumors of an extra scene in the US release prove true! So assemble now come May!
Opening in theaters today, April 25th, in international theaters, Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Marvel Studios proudly present the crowning jewel and long anticipated superhero team up movie everyone has been waiting for - The Avengers! The culmination and fruit of four years of work since 2008's Iron Man ushered in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is finally here, and it's bringing out a storm of fans and viewers into theaters the world over. Anyone who's followed all five films of Marvel Studios knows that everything is connected and has led up to this. While it has yet to open in US cinemas until May 4th, this Spoiler-Free review will give you an idea of just why you should see this comic book film dream come true if you still have any reservations. That being said, read away and learn why it's awesome, true believers! Also, if you do watch, finish the whole thing to the end, and don't leave while the credits roll!
Clash of the Titans was alright by me, but It didn't stand out as the epic remake I expected from the trailers I saw. Director Louis Letterier's effort to make a defining film based on the story of the demigod Perseus was ok, but it deviated greatly from Greek Mythology, to the point that none of the events that took place in the film are canon besides the slaying of Medusa and the Kraken. Despite the relatively low points and mixed reactions, the movie fared well in box office numbers to warrant itself a sequel, and here we are with the next picture that sees Sam Worthington return to the lead as Zeus' son with "Wrath of the Titans". Anyone who loved the action of the first film and its cast will be geared up for this... but does it play out well as a heroic follow-up or a tragedy to be? Find out in the review below, and special thanks again goes to Warner Bros. Philippines and SM Cinema for the special screening invites, which also gave me a chance to see The Dark Knight Rises Prologue in IMAX again!!
There's no question that Sci-Fi movies entertain me a great deal, and I enjoy them immensely.
Growing up as a kid, I lived to watch cartoons that took you worlds beyond our own, retaining a semblance of humanity that the viewer could relate to yet mystifying them at the same time. Filmation and Mattel'sHe-Man and The Masters of The Universe served as that childhood springboard into a realm of fantasy, technology, and magic, and much of my imagination and appreciation for popculture stemmed from shows like that. Eventually, I grew to appreciate films of similar nature, namely the 80's Flash Gordon flick and the Star Wars/ Star Trek movies. Little did I know that all these concepts I enjoyed bore fruit because of one hero before his time: John Carter of Mars. Thanks to a special screening by Disney at IMAX in 3D last week, I got the chance to see this adventure, and the hero in it responsible for starting a trend that spanned generations.
Movie: John Carter Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe, Mark Strong, Dominic West Release Date: March 9, 2012
Based on legendary sci-fi writer Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series of novels, John Carter is an adaptation of the first book "A Princess Of Mars", and serves as the origin tale showing how Carter made the trip from Earth to Mars and became the hero and adventurer he was destined to be. Played by actor Taylor Kitsch (you know him also as Gambit from X-Men Origins: Wolverine), John Carter started out as a disillusioned American Civil War Confederate Army captain, who lost his family and motivation for fighting for his country. After circumstances see him transported to a mysterious world that later turns out to be Mars, Carter suddenly finds himself with enhanced abilities thanks to the planet's lesser gravity. He soon meets the inhabitants of Barsoom, namely the indigeneous aliens who live there, including the beautiful Martian princess of Helium named Dejah Thoris (played by another X-men Origins star, Lynn Collins). Thrust into the middle of a conflict and conspiracy that could determine the fate of Mars and the entire universe, the man known as John Carter must find it in himself to decide his destiny and finally be the kind of man he was born to be: A hero.
With the character's first appearance dating back to 1912, Disney's John Carter just so happens to be the centenary celebration of the character, and we owe so much to his existence for all the glorious Sc-Fi material enjoyed by millions of readers and viewers over the years. After viewing the film, I immediately compared it to another science fiction work I enjoyed in my youth, namely the Alex Raymond created comic strip "Flash Gordon" (ultimately getting the 80's live action flick of the same name I mentioned earlier). There's a lot similarities and parallels to that work and John Carter, but Burroughs' creation was first and arguably ahead of its time. The author was also responsible for creating another famous character, namely "Tarzan of the Apes", who went on to have several adventures and depictions in various forms of media and literature. "John Carter of Mars" never got that same kind of popularity, but its influence inspired people like George Lucas and James Cameron to develop Sci-Fi concepts that became blockbusters hits, namely "Star Wars" and "Avatar".
John Carter Trailer
As a movie adaptation directed by Finding Nemo and WALL-E director Andrew Stanton, Disney's John Carter serves as wonderful science fiction adventure that the family can go to see. With today's technology allowing much of the special effects to become a reality in movies, bringing the world of Baroom/ Mars is literally a cinch, and the cast only guarantee a grand stage for adventure, with known actors like Willem Dafoe, Mark Strong, and Dominic West providing excellence in their roles, both for voice only and physical roles. However, after a century of inspiring other ideas that borrowed concepts from its own premise, John Carter does feel like a "run-in-the-mill"type of movie that has stuff people may be all too familiar with, not knowing it was the progenitor of it all. It's only drawback is it's a title that doesn't scream epic, rather a character who sounds like a John Doe and not something alluding to Burroughs' prized creation. Marketing has been a little low key to depict the film as an epic, but it does try to bring exposure by offering more clips of its premise, including this 10 minute exclusive sneak peek released by Disney.
John Carter - Exclusive Ten Minute Scene
As for John Carter himself, Taylor Kitsch captures the spirit of things by delivering a heroic performance, but it's going to take more than one movie to convince others of his acting chops, and hopefully this saga will spawn more sequels. I'd love to see Lynn Collins return as Dejah Thoris, and they have chemistry together as a power couple. Oh, and the aliens were funny, especially the big dog that looks like Marvel's Lockjaw. In fact, you have Gambit (Taylor Kitsch), Silverfox (Lynn Collins) Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), Sandman (Thomas Hayden Church), and Green Lantern Sinestro (Mark Strong) in this movie... it's comic book movie all star casting here!
Undoubtedly, John Carter will divide fans with the way its presented and marketed, but those willing to step up and take a ride will be presented with an adventure that promises to be fun and captivating for generations new and old alike. It may not be recognized by many as one of the grandfathers of sci-fi adventure, but give it a chance and it may entice you to revisit Burroughs' books that started it all. All it takes is a leap of faith, so disregard whatever mixed opinions there may be... and watch something that keeps the spirit of adventure and fantasy living on forever.
It's Leap Day today, and it's a good time to get some things posted up that I haven't had the chance to talk about. February 29th only comes once every 4 years, and because it adds an extra day to the calendar, we're treated to an extended goodbye for this month before welcoming March and the slow signs of Summer beginning. There's a lot of activities and dates piled up, and I'm going to talk about one big event to look forward to next month... DC Comics artist David Finch coming to Manila!. For now, here's some Micro Movie Reviews that I've been itching to share. Read them after the jump!
I enjoy watching Denzel Washington movies. No matter what role you put that man in, he seems to give 110% percent effort in everything, and he excels every minute you see him on screen. The last movie I saw him headline was "Unstoppable", as a train conductor trying to stop an uncontrollable unit on a high-speed collision course. He co-starred with Star Trek's own Chris "Jim Kirk" Pine on that one, and the flick was a pure adrenaline and popcorn rush vehicle that saw enjoyment from me. Now, the legendary actor teams up with another young and successful actor, Ryan Reynolds, in a action drama that will offer mind games and wild goose chases for the average buff. Special thanks again goes to Solar Entertainment for the screening of this film.
When the first Sherlock Holmes movie strode into theaters back in holiday season 2009, I was blown away and mesmerized by the sheer brilliance and excellent performances given by its stalwart cast, notably Hollywood icons Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, who portray the titular character Sherlock Holmes and his colleague Dr. John Watson, respectively. In the same vein that Batman Begins and Casino Royale recreated the sagas of The Dark Knight and James Bond, this flick totally gave us a new and wacky interpretation of Mr. Holmes, and his methods are quite eccentric and comedic in nature that it proved to be a good choice by director Guy Ritchie to cast RDJ as the genius sleuth and detective, with the latter riding out his newly acquired fandom thanks to his unprecedented role of Tony Stark in 2008's Iron Man.
I've seen the movie twice to count, once in Hong Kong this past December (making it both films in the series I've seen in HK) and the other this past Thursday for the special advance local premiere, courtesy and thanks to Jay Gonzales and the people of Warner Bros. Philippines. It may be a few weeks late after its initial release in the US, but rest assured, if you're a fan of Guy Ritchie and RDJ's interpretation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's seminal fictitious work, you may want to give this a shot, as it opened this week as of this writing in theaters locally. With that said, here's my review of Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows!
Opening in theaters this week and the coming days ahead depending on your country, the fourth and latest installment of the Mission: Impossible movie series has arrived, and arguably tots more action and intensity than the regular movie buff can take. Once again starring the franchise's figurehead and producer Tom Cruise as agent Ethan Hunt, this blockbuster flick comes just as we're about to say goodbye to 2011, and it certainly brings with it a lot of expectations and excitement at its core. Directed by Brad Bird of Disney Pixar's The Incredibles fame, does this new sequel make the impossible possible once again? Find out as I go through the motions in this review. Special thanks again goes to Solar UIP, Paramount Pictures, SM Cinemas, and FlipGeeks for the invites to the advanced screening last December 13 in IMAX!
Movie: Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton Release Date: December 14, 2011 (RP), December 16, 2011 (US)
With Christmas in the horizon and the holiday spirit in the air, it comes as no surprise that Hollywood has chalked up a bulk load of films to celebrate this merry season. One such entry comes from Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema in the form of New Year's Eve, a film the gathers quite the all-star cast and assemble. With names like Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Hilary Swank, Ashton Kutcher, Jon Bon Jovi, Josh Duhamel, Zack Efron, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Robert DeNiro among the list, how can this flick, directed and produced by the Garry Marshall of Valentine's Day fame, not be an eye catcher for the holiday film viewer? Thanks again goes to Warner Bros. Philippines, Ms. Sionee Lagman, and Mr. Jay Gonzales for the screening!
Movie: New Year's Eve
Starring: Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Hilary Swank, Ashton Kutcher, Jon Bon Jovi, Josh Duhamel, Zack Efron, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Robert DeNiro
3D seems to be the going trend nowadays, and while it may enhance one's experience in theaters one way or another, it certainly doesn't live up to my expectations. Truth be told, if I had a choice, I'd pick conventional screenings any day, but there are exemptions to the rule that give me delight and excitement whenever I don those big dark and tinted glasses. Happy Feet 2 fits that description, and it's a sequel to one of the most beautiful and heartwarming animated movies I saw a few years back. It's a film that comes just in time for Christmas season, but the question remains - does this sequel live up to the first, or has too much expectation from fans chilled its reputation down? I saw the film a couple of days back, so let's find out with this review. Special thanks again goes to Warner Bros. Philippines, Ms. Sionee Lagman, and Mr. Jay Gonzales for the screening!
Movie: Happy Feet 2 Starring: Elijah Wood, Pink, Robin Williams, Hank Azaria, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Hugo Weaving Release Date: November 18, 2011 (US), November 23, 2011 (RP)
As a follow up to 2006's Happy Feet, Happy Feet delivers that same kind of comedic song-dancing fun people adored in the original while adding new problems, both family-oriented and environmental, for the protagonists to overcome. Elijah Wood once again voices Mumble Happy Feet, the tap dancing penguin hero who is now father to a young and shy penguin named Erik (voiced by Ava Acres). As he tries to be a good dad to his son, Mumble's wife Gloria (now voiced by American singer Pink) tempers the male penguins in her life, and stay on as the voice of reason and comfort throughout the story. Also returning are Ramon and the prophet penguin Lovelace, who are again voiced by the talented Robin Williams, and each of them have grown bolder and wiser in the sequel. While Ramon looks for his preferred "mamacita" in the movie, Lovelace now preaches the good news and word of his newfound friend and savior Sven (Hank Azaria), a Puffin masquerading as a flying Penguin. This act inspires Erik a great deal, especially after the young penguin loses hope and confidence in his father. With family problems and a bigger threat looming over his own penguin community, Mumble must find a way to resolve everything and bring harmony back into his world.
Happy Feet 2 Trailer
For all intents and purposes, Happy Feet 2 is more or less the same product repackaged with a new story and mixed with more subplots one can possibly take in. That's either a good or bad thing depending on your outlook of stuff, and to be honest I enjoyed this movie only half as much as I hoped I would have. True, it's great to see old characters and familiar voices return (even Hugo Weaving reprised his role as the elder penguin), but the way the sequel told the story felt forced, and I didn't even sympathize with the new character Sven. Heck, even Brad Pitt and Matt Damon lend their voice talents as sideshow attractions Will and Bill, two Krills who suddenly decide to venture out of their herd and carve out a destiny for themselves. That subplot was funny, but it wasn't exactly necessary in the grander scheme of things. Everything else was pretty much filler, and while the kids may enjoy the funnies, from an adult standpoint it's totally unnecessary. Expectations for the movie all fell to Mumble and Ramon, and they outshone even Happy Feet's own boy Erik, who was pretty much a plot device than a new face sharing the spotlight.
Despite my little misgivings and preference for the original, I'd still give Happy Feet 2 a thumbs up for its fun factor and kid friendly atmosphere. I'm sure those who see this in theaters will be delighted by the smooth CG graphics it has to offer, and if 3D is your things, it's been converted nicely to fit that format as well. Families looking for a genuine Christmas film to see, look no further. It's still currently showing in cinemas now, so do catch it if you decide to do so.
