Thursday, September 8, 2016

Movie Review: Pete's Dragon (2016)


Kids have always had the wildest imaginations that literally take them to far away places and the grandest adventures that are build inside the confines of their minds... But what happens when one little boy actually experiences some "magic" and meets his guardian angel of sorts in the form of a dragon? It may sound impossible, but the wonders of Walt Disney Pictures never cease to make that a problem and that's the reason why a little live-action musical named "Pete's Dragon" bringing together a boy named Pete and his green giant fire breathing friend he names "Elliot". Released in 1977, the original film was set in the 1900's and saw both go off in grand adventures, with the message of family and friendship being the centerpiece of the film. Fast forward nearly 40 years later, and a remake directed by David Lowerey has risen up to give a modern interpretation of this classic tale that is a secret too big to keep.


Saturday, September 3, 2016

Movie Review: Don't Breath (2016)


It's been a while since horror movies that didn't rely so much on the supernatural or unexplained came around... But then comes that one film that dares to try ground that has often been skipped and underestimated because it looks "far too simple" to be considered terrifying. We get just that with "Don't Breath" - a film directed by Fede Alvarez who got his start with 2013's "Evil Dead" remake and now takes horror to another level - by situating three unwittingly daring teenaged crooks on the house and domain of a seemingly helpless blind man who has millions to his name - only to realize they have totally entered uncharted territory that could mean the end of their young and dangerous lives as thieves and swindlers.


Don't Breathe International Trailer

Set primarily in a neighborhood somewhere in Detroit, "Don't Breathe" centers on three kids named Rocky, Alex, and Money, who break into people's homes and steal money, possessions, and just about anything to make a quick buck in life. Rocky aims to uproot herself and her little sister to California and away from her uncaring mother and her live-in boyfriend.


They then decide to take their prospects on a seemingly helpless blind army veteran, who lives alone with his dog and has a $300,000 dollar cash settlement after losing his daughter in an accident. After convincing a hesitant Alex to join in (and doing so because of his feelings for Rocky), the trio break in and set out to do the theft.


Unfortunately their underestimating of "The Blind Man" leads to severe consequences and discoveries inside his house, as his handicap serves more as a horrifying wake up call that these teenagers have walked into the last crime they'll ever commit.


Walking into this one without any expectations at all, I was certainly surprised at how terrifyingly nasty and brutal a blind guy with issues can be in "Don't Breath", and that performance is credited with "Avatar" actor Stephen Lang - who is just a menacing Blind Guy who is protecting what he owns yet harbors a dark side and secret as well.



Jane Levy, who was in Fede Alvarez's "Evil Dead" remake, returns as the heroine who's doing the wrong things for the right reasons, and she discovers the grim truth that if you do crime on unsuspecting folks - something will bite back and that happens to her and her companions because of The Blind Man. It's that kind of movie that doesn't have spooks, demons, or  monsters as the evil baddie - rather one sightless guy who's just going to kill you in the name of keeping what's his away from those who dare to take it.


Don't Breath is now showing in theaters! A definite must watch for those who enjoy thrillers with suspense and shock value! Special Thanks to Columbia Pictures PH for the special screening and distributing this home invasion turned horror flick sleeper hit to our shores!

Rating - 4/5

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Movie Review: Suicide Squad (2016)


It's been one heck of a summer blockbuster season for the year 2016, with plenty of movies that showed heroes flying high and kicking each other's ass when conflict and tension pitted them against one another. While there's still plenty of films to look forward to as the year continues, one of the most anticipated ensemble cast films and the second film in the growing DC Extended Universe finally sees release with director David Ayer's "Suicide Squad" - a film that literally sees the bad guys forced to do some good in exchange for lighter sentences and their lives intact.

After all the hubbub and criticism lashed at last March's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice", the opening weekend of Suicide Squad also saw critics lash out at the newest addition to the growing DC Extended Universe that Warner Bros. Pictures is building. Despite this, the movie has earned $247 Million on opening weekend, and becoming the HIGHEST GROSSING FILM to open on August - a huge feat for an R-Rated film... And a superhero film no less. That's not to say the movie doesn't have its flaws, but it does entertain in SPADES too.



That being said, here's my review for the film featuring the so-called "Worst Heroes Ever" and officially designated "Task Force X". Special thanks goes to Warner Bros. Philippines for inviting me, as well as my friends who cosplayed the "Squid Squad", to the premiere last week and the other screenings on Squad Week!