Movie Review: Alien: Covenant

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

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

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

Movie Review: Gifted

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

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

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

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

Rating - 4/5

Movie Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

When you have something good going following a successful blend of action, story, and one awesome soundtrack, it's always best to follow up with a sequel that channels those same energies and unfolds into a continuation that improves on the first movie's merits. In the case of James Gunn and his second outing with Marvel's interstellar bunch of heroes that are the "Guardians of the Galaxy", he stays true to the spirit of the original movie's success by giving us something that feels all too familiar and not much of a departure from the 2014 Marvel Studios film that takes us to the cosmic side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Here we have a clear example of what a director has plotted well and wants to convey in straightforward linear fashion a group of unlikely allies and the story that pulls them together to save the galaxy from a great threat - and once again it works so beautifully that this is just another reason why Marvel Movies are so beloved and enjoyed by fans worldwide.

Thanks to Walt Disney Studios Philippines, I got the chance to see the film along with other fans, fellow cosplayers, and press on April 20 - a few days ahead of its local release date on April 26th and weeks before it comes out in the US on May 5th. Suffice to say, I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED and Vol. 2 speaks to the hearts of comic book fans, 80's nostalgia, and those who enjoy a good blend of 70's/ 80's music channeled into a space adventure of AWESOME proportions. Now that it's been a few weeks since it opened up in theaters, here's my review for GOTG Vol. 2!