Movie Review: Doctor Strange (2016)

If the tagline "The Impossibilities Are Endless" didn't clue you in on what is fact for most fans already, Marvel Studios is literally full of wonderful expectations and ideas that are drawn from the magical well that is comic books and turned in blockbuster material that continues to enchant audiences worldwide. Starting with 2008's "Iron Man" and bringing unique individuals with powers together in "The Avengers", the world of superheroes and film has certainly grown exponentially over the last eight years, and it's a ride that sees no end in sight just yet. In fact 2016 marked the beginning of "Phase Three" of the ever growing Marvel Cinematic Universe, and last April/ May started things with a bang by pitting Earth's Mightiest Heroes against one another in"Captain America: Civil War". That sequel pitting "brother against brother" in story laced with action and political intrigues opened the floodgates for more ambitious things to happen in the MCU, and that time has come with the arrival of a well known Marvel character who hasn't had his time to shine in live-action... Until now.

Finally ready to draw from the mystic well and show himself in cinematic form, Doctor Strange has emerged and joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe proper! Here's my review for the film, and special thanks goes to Walt Disney Studios PH and Marvel PH for the IMAX 3D Premiere last October 24th! Possible SPOILERS below, so read with caution!

Movie Review: Sully (2016)

It's hard to imagine movies made by Clint Eastwood being taken as something other than "serious" or sometimes depressing, but the Academy Award winning actor and director has proven to be quite versatile when he makes his choices in making a film that has a certain theme or gravitas to it. His recent string of movies have been biopics that have concentrated on certain figures and incidents, with J. Edgar and American Sniper getting mixed to positive responses from critics and viewers alike. This year, Eastwood treads that same territory by adapting the story of "US Airways Flight 1549" - an airbus piloted by Captain Chesley Sullenberger with a crew of 155 passengers that was victim to a bird strike that forced the plane to make an emergency landing on the Hudson River. That 2009 incident came to be known as the "Miracle in the Hudson" - where Captain Sullenberger was hailed a hero for making the call and averting possible catastrophe and death if he chose otherwise.

Sully - Official Trailer [HD] That movie is "Sully" - which saw its worldwide release last week. and is arguably one of Clint Eastwood's finest biographical drama to date. I got to see the film via a screening courtesy of Warner Bros. Philippines, and it's something that should be definitely seen just for the story alone along with its fantastic cast of actors which includes Academy Award winner Tom Hanks playing the man of the hour. Here's a review for the film, and there's good reason why it's one of the movies that should be seen in IMAX.

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.