Movie Review: Bloodshot

There's no shortage of superhero movies in this day and age thanks to the advent of technology and a well of ideas to adapt into feature films. Whether it's a hero dressed in a vigilante suit or a regular person lucky enough to be endowed with special powers, there's a plot or twist that's capable of making them into something more than just your average joe... But what if it's some guy who was assassinated only to be brought back through nanotechnology and hungry to exact vengeance? That's exactly the type of hero Vin Diesel plays as he brings to life the Valiant Comics hero called "Bloodshot" - and it's an exact fit for an action star of his caliber.

Thanks to Columbia Pictures Philippines, I got to see the new film that serves as a doorway to a possible Valiant Cinematic Universe, with Diesel's character serving as the progenitor to the potential new series of superhero films. If you've watched movies like "Universal Soldier", "Terminator", and "Robocop", this is in the same league as those classic sci-fi hits and shows us a guy who is neither a boy scout nor a pure soul to begin with. As we follow the character of Ray Garrison and his unwitting conversion into a superhuman killing machine, we also see a man trying to make sense of his past while dealing with a conspiracy that blurs the line between what is real and what is fiction.

BLOODSHOT - International Trailer #2
As someone who barely has a passing knowledge of the character other than seeing issues of Valiant Comics back in the 90's, Diesel gives his typical tough guy demeanor and intensity into playing a walking nanotechnology wonder - who can literally heal from mortal wounds even after being shot point blank in the face with a shotgun. It's as sci-fi and straightforward as it comes, and here's my initial movie reactions expressing that sentiment.

Movie Reactions: Bloodshot (2020)
Directed by David S. F. Wilson and also co-starring the lovely Eiza Gonzalez and talented Guy Pearce, Bloodshot is superhero film material that doesn't go fancy and tries to keep things simple and familiar. Fast and Furious fans will be happy to know Vin Diesel is still his gritty self and delivers just what you'd expect, so if you're looking for that kind of action, this is made for you. While the editing can be messy and all over the place and the plot is fairly predictable, we need to remember it's a popcorn flick that will entertain anyone looking to escape from reality and dive into something brainless and fun.

Bloodshot is NOW SHOWING and is distributed by Columbia Pictures Philippines.

Movie Review: Onward

Imagine a world of fantasy, mythical creatures, mgic, and full of adventure... But then technology and life come along and that gets pushed into near extinction. That's the universe Disney and Pixar transport us to in their latest animated film offering "Onward" - which is absolutely fun and a love letter to those who love adventure games and fantasy fiction! It's a treat to see these kinds of films still being made when we're so used to seeing modern day heroes and machinery all but take the spotlight in adventure films, and now we are reminded of the importance of embracing our childhood fantasies and sense of adventure, as well as treasuring the things we have that make us the people who we are today.

Thanks to Disney Philippines, I was able to catch a special advance screening of "Onward" on IMAX a few weekends ago - and it's definitely something you need to take your family and friends to - especially if you love going on a quest and play adventure games like Dungeons & Dragons! This is Pixar's love letter to the latter, and also incorporates the values and lessons we can learn from Disney films - most especially when it comes to family, gaining self-confidence, and realizing what we're looking for is right in front of us in plain sight!

Featuring the voices of Marvelous stars Tom Holland and Chris Pratt (and Octavia Spencer as the Manticore!), "Onward" tells the story of two brothers names Ian and Barley Lightfoot - who embark on a quest to restore their Dad after a resurrection spell goes awry and leaves their father literally only half the man he was! As Ian just turned 16, it is a personal mission for him to get to know the father he never met (his Dad passed away before he was born), and Barley (who happens to be an enthusiastic role-playing game fanatic) makes it his goal to help his little brother fulfil that goal while also teaching him the long forgotten history of adventure and how to become a magician. What follows is an adventure set in a world very much like ours that is full of mythical creatures that have adapted to modern society, yet still holds many unique secrets and the potential to bring back the magic and wonder of fantasy that was long thought forgotten.

Disney and Pixar's Onward | Trailer #3
Whether you have played a game like Dungeons & Dragons, watched movies like The Lord of the Rings, or read novels like The Witcher - you will definitely love everything about "Onward" as it plays deep into that fantasy nostalgia while giving us the growing pains and truths of life we embrace and experience everyday. Ian and Barley, as well as the family and friends they interact and encounter in this film, are like the people we meet every day who want to be with the people they love and make something of themselves. It's especially true for Ian - our hero of the story who learns he has the "gift" of being a spellcaster and is determined to meet the father he never knew. Meanwhile Barley is the adventurer who rebels against society's expectations and embraces his interests in magic and fantasy. Although the journey is perilous and full of risks, both brothers get to know each other, and we as the audience experience the emotions and realizations the two siblings have about themselves and one another as they quest to get dear old Dad back together for one day.

Highly recommended and definitely fun to see in a big screen like IMAX, "Onward" starts playing in theaters in the Philippines on March 4! Go see it and be on an adventure with the whole gang!

Rating - 5/5

Movie Review: Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)

It's been a testy road to travel for DC Films as far as fan reception and responses to certain film installments have been concerned. Earlier entries in the "DC Extended Universe" like "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" and "Suicide Squad" saw plenty of takes in the box office, but also a lot of mixed opinions with the critics and fan reviews.

Fortunately the tides have shifted with the releases of "Wonder Woman", "Aquaman", and "Shazam", and the superhero franchise has found its footing - telling better stories and blending in the drama, comedy, and character chemistry to positive and wonderful audience reception. That awesome streak I'm proud to say continues with the newly released "Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)" - which technically is "Harley Quinn: The Movie" but instead serves as an extra springboard for the popular DC villainess/ anti-hero to introduce some new gal pals and personalities that all reside in the dank and strange place that is Gotham City.

Once again reprising her role from "Suicide Squad", Margot Robbie returns as the newly emancipated Harley Quinn - fresh from breaking up with The Joker and determined to start fresh and in control of her own life (or whatever counts for an insane Psychiatrist). The beautiful Hollywood star also serves as producer for the film, which is fantastic as it gives the Australian actress all the levity and creativity to take Harley in a bold and trippy direction which is fully realized in this film.

Thanks to Warner Bros. Philippines, I got to see "Birds of Prey" last weekend at its special premiere screening in IMAX - and again I call this movie "Bizarre, Trippy, and AWESOME FUN". It's Harley unleashed and bringing some girl power to the big screen, as we meet new heroes and villains outside of the shadow of the bat and the clown prince of crime - and it succeeds in spades! Here's my review after the jump!