Movie Review: Toy Story 4

It's been nearly a decade since we last saw Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of Andy's remaining toys find a new home to be played and care for during that emotional epilogue of Disney Pixar's "Toy Story 3". Anyone who followed this critically acclaimed animated film series since the first one stole our hearts in 1995 knows who these characters are, the beloved Hollywood voice cast that brought them to life, and the adventures they have shared with us through the movies and subsequent animated series tie-ins that were spawned because of the franchise's success. The  attachment we have to our childhood and the toys we grew up with are the themes that drive these movies - which makes it so relatable and perfect as each installment teaches us the value and importance these play things have given to us and the fond memories born from those experiences.

Thanks to Walt Disney Studios Philippines and friends, I got to catch an advance screening of Toy Story 4 last week - and I went in with reserved expectations and bracing myself for what was to come in the newest tale featuring Woody, Buzz, and friends returning. All I knew from the trailers was that there were new characters like a toy fork named Forky who were going to be introduced, as well as the return of a long lost member of the gang in Bo Peep. After so many years and with Toy Story 3 ending the way it did - how was this sequel going to top things off? Read on and find out why I consider it the PERFECT ENDING and of course I will take care not to reveal any spoilers.

Movie Review: X-Men: Dark Phoenix

It's the end of an era for fans of the X-Men Movies franchise, as the curtain call comes with the release of this long awaited final entry to the "revised timeline" saga of films that began with 2011's "X-Men: First Class". After a number of reshoots and delays that postponed production of the movie, "X-Men: Dark Phoenix" finally graces theaters worldwide and picks up right where the last mainline entry left off - putting the X-Men right at the top of their game and becoming worldwide heroes and celebrities. However as the title suggests, one of their own becomes unstable and a danger to everyone she is close to - leading to a conflict that will test and break the very foundation of the team and everything they have done to help and protect their fellowman.

Thanks to 20th Century Fox Philippines, I was able to watch this final installment at the studio's office for a private press screening - and it was both an X-citing and emotional experience since this is truly the end of an era. With Disney's purchase of Fox and all of its assets, Marvel's Merry Mutants are now going to be incorporated into the growing Marvel Cinematic Universe when the proper time comes. It's just a matter of waiting for that moment to happen... But at least with Dark Phoenix, we have a true ending that while isn't quite the perfect sendoff many expect and wanted, it's still something to watch if you have been following and keeping tabs with this cinematic universe and storytelling that helped build the foundations of the superhero movie genre we all know and love today.

So without any more delays and diving straight into the review proper - here's my thoughts on "X-Men: Dark Phoenix".

Movie Review: The Secret Life of Pets 2

Who doesn't love pets? We all own dogs, cats, bunny rabbits, and just about any critter or four-legged friend we can think of to have as a companion in our lives and indispensable member of our family unit as well. However, what if those very same pets had "secret lives" we are completely unaware of? They'd go off in their own adventures, have conversations with one another, and pretty much see us humans as their own pets - to love, protect, and of course brag around like it's their own property. That's what Universal Pictures and Illumination illustrated with their lovable 2016 film "The Secret Life of Pets" - which featured a ragtag group of pets who are pals and have their own blissful yet sometimes complicated lives in the apartment building they all reside in.

Thanks to UIP Philippines, I got to see the long awaited sequel in "The Secret Life of Pets 2", and it was actually an unexpected viewing! I barely watched the original film when it was released in home video, and was actually walking into this movie with no clear expectations - but that was probably the best thing as this adventure stands on its own two or rather four-legged feet! Mainstays like Max the Jack Russell Terrier, Duke the shaggy mix dog, Snowball the rabbit, Chloe the cat, and the other familiar pets return - along with a new mix of characters that include Daisy the Shih Tzu and Rooster the Welsh Sheepdog. The latter character is voiced by none other than Harrison Ford, and he's arguably my favorite character in the movie thanks to his serious yet benevolent nature in protecting his farm and his friends. In fact I got the Happy Meal, which is now available thanks to Mcdonald's Philippines.


The Secret Life of Pets 2 | International Trailer
Certainly geared to pet loves and kids of all ages, The Secret Life of Pets 2 is an adventure that will make you realize why our furry and little companions are very important figures in our lives. This adventure sees Max and Duke adjusting to new family life as their owner Katie gets married and has a baby, while the rest of their bunch tries to keep their lives as "normal" as possible - until Snowball develops a superhero identity and is tasked with rescuing a white tiger from a cruel zookeeper. This entire adventure illustrates how much fun it is to appreciate the animals in our lives - though in a more exaggerated and dynamic way than what could ever happen in real life. Illumination are masters of their art as proven in the "Despicable Me" movies, and this is no exception. If you love pets and animals, "The Secret Life of Pets 2" will make you love them even more - and spark the imagination of what it means to see the world through their eyes to boot.

The Secret Life of Pets 2 is now showing in theaters c/o UIP Philippines and Universal Pictures, distributed through Columbia Pictures Philippines.

Rating - 4/5