Movie Review: Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno

It's the stuff legends are made of... And in this case, a legendary Japanese anime/ manga series that has been brought to life by expert filmmakers and a superb cast of talents that one could never have imagined possible. After a successful debut film in 2012 that introduced the live-action version of Nobuhiro Watsuki's beloved Samurai epic "Rurouni Kenshin", the series returns in full force in 2014 with not one, but TWO epic sequels shot back-to-back to tell the tale of a story arc dedicated fans of the franchise have been waiting for.

After the Philippine Red Carpet premiere happened two weeks prior to this review, I can honestly tell you that "Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno" is what one expects if you're among those who loved watching the anime or reading the manga like I did more than a decade ago, YOU WILL SCREAM AWESOME SEEING THIS FILM. What the first film did, the sequel TRUMPED TEN-FOLD, and has introduced more characters beloved by many who have followed the series since it started in the 90's.

So after all that, here is my review for the first half of what is easily one of my favorite films of 2014 - Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno, which opens in cinemas August 20!

Special thanks again goes to the people of Warner Bros. Philippines for inviting me and everyone else to the Red Carpet premiere held at the SM Megamall last August 6, as well as for them and Warner Bros. Japan for graciously bringing the cast and director themselves to the Philippines! That's right, the public got to see Takeru Satoh/ Himura Kenshin, Emi Takei/ Kamiya Kaoru, Sagara Sanosuke/ Munetaka Aoki, and director Keishi Otomo were present to greet adoring fans and attendees, and I was most especially surprised by Sano's enthusiasm~!

Now, onto the review proper...

SPOILER WARNING HERE. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

H A P P Y B A T M A N D A Y ~!!!! Tribute Covers to the Caped Crusader

It's is the year of the Batman, and literally today the world celebrates "Batman Day", honoring everything and anything related to the Dark Knight and his world.

That being said, I wasted no time contributing to the occasion by putting up these tributes to the Caped Crusader for his special day, featuring me wearing the cape and cowl as Batman of the Philippines.

And of course, honoring the entire Batfamily was necessary, so here's me and Gotham PH posed and promoting the upcoming Batman Day celebration on Fully Booked/ Comic Odyssey at the Fort on Saturday, July 26.

And that is pretty much what one should do to honor the Silent Guardian and Watchful Protector of Gotham City. No matter what iteration or memory of the hero you may have, Batman is a symbol that is everlasting and memorable to everyone. HAPPY BATMAN DAY EVERYBODY!

Movie Review: X-Men: Days of Future Past

2014 started out as something to look forward to with promise, hope, and potential, especially with the numerous blockbuster film franchises and sequels hitting theaters throughout the year. The comic book movies in particular were especially stacked, with not one but FOUR movies laid out in the year's schedule, and all of them Marvel films featuring extraordinary superheroes and characters.

Now comes one of the most anticipated sequels in 20th Century Fox's long running X-Men film franchise, which brings together an ensemble cast of stars and the return of the man who directed the first two installments of the franchise. Yes, old and new generations literally crossover for the very first time, in a film that sees Bryan Singer back at the helm for the live action adaptation of one of the most controversial and beloved X-Men stories of all time - X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Having already opened in various international territories, the film is possibly THE BEST X-Men film ever with the array of talents and mutants starring in this tentpole wonder. Seeing the film last Wednesday, I can truly say this is something any X-Men fan, newbie, and those who have had numerous issues with past films in relation to continuity, will definitely want to see.

Here we go with the Review! Possible SPOILERS AHEAD, so read at your own risk! Special Thanks goes to 20^th Century Fox PH, Warner Bros. Philippines, SM Cinema, and The Philippine X-Men Team for making the premiere screening on May 19 such an Xciting Xperience!