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.

November Musings: Mission Visayas, Batman: Arkham Origins, Thanksgiving, and the Holidays

It's been a while since I've posted anything on this personal blog, and November has been quite the busy month for me as it is. Besides celebrating a grand "Nameday" birthday, the Christmas season has arrived, and everyone's attention has been focused on the holidays and season's traditions that it's hard to believe that time is passing by us so fast.

In fact, much of the holiday spirit has been focused on helping the victims and survivors of Typhoon Yolanda, and I have been fortunate enough to have participated in not one, but two charity events this month, helping usher in funds and donations for the relief efforts alongside my fellow teammates and heroes from Justice PH.

One adventure chronicling said relief efforts hails directly from November 23rd's "Mission: Visayas" event, held at Bonifacio High Street. Coming off a day after my nameday, this was a spectacular way to help and work for a cause, being heroes and symbols for others as well.

Justice PH: Mission Visayas
Here's some photo and video highlights from the event, where JPH joined forces with 12 Radio Stations, 20 plus OPM artists and bands, and Mr. Pure Energy himself, Gary V.!

And on the gaming side, of course there was time to finally sit down and beat WB Games latest installment to the Batman: Arkham franchise - Batman: Arkham Origins. Suffice to say, it's a worthy and decent prequel to Rocksteady Studios' two stellar Batman games "Batman: Arkham Asylum" and "Batman: Arkham City", and new developer WB Games Montreal did an impressive job despite some quality issues and bugs found in the overall experience. I also have to hand it to the voice actors who played Batman and The Joker, namely Roger Craig Smith (Ezio Auditore from the Assassin's Creed series, Sonic The Hedgehog) and  Troy Baker (Joel from The Last of Us, Robin from Batman: Arkham City). This game may not be perfect, but it's still a damn good Batman game that must be played, and the boss battles alone make the experience worthwhile.

For more on that, do read my GMA News Online review on Batman: Arkham Origins.

And as November ends, here's some belated Thanksgiving greetings (like the Batman: Eternal teaser pic above from DC Comics), a happy bday wish to my late grandpa, Happy Bonifacio Day, and well wishes for the Holiday Season itself!

Movie Review: Thor: The Dark World

Thor is back... And wields his trusted hammer Mjolnir once more to dish out some heavy Marvel Movie action in the big screen. The God of Thunder and heir to the throne of Asgard's latest adventure has made its impact overseas two weeks before it's premiere in the US, and I am fortunate to have seen it, both in 3D and 2D screenings that have only cemented my belief that Marvel Studios has certainly planned things properly with the fans in mind. It's great to say that as the second film of "Phase Two" of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this is a film worthy of the standards built by its predecessors, and directed by the talented Alan Taylor of Game of Thrones fame.

So without further ado and already taking past $100 Million on its first weekend overseas, here's my review for "Thor: The Dark World" - An action-packed sequel that delivers on Thor's promise to return and in a great way. Those who want to shy away from SPOILERS, best be warned already and don't be reading this review... Especially those in the US, where the film opens on November 8.

Thanks goes to Walt Disney PH, Columbia PH, Marvel, and Ayala Malls for the screening in 3D last week prior to Halloween, and seeing the 2D screening just this weekend only solidified my opinions that you can't go wrong seeing this epic Marvel film.