Movie Review: Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning - Part One

 

For nearly three decades since taking on the role of secret agent Ethan Hunt, Tom Cruise has campaigned and ridden on the action movie scene without skipping a beat -  showing just why he's one of Hollywood's most ambitious and charismatic stars to this day. With 1996's "Mission: Impossible" - he changed the rules of the IMF game and became the franchise's de facto lead, with each instalment constantly pushing the envelope and putting Ethan and his team in death defying world saving situations that would put any man through hell just to get out of it alive. He mostly comes out of each iteration unscathed and saves the day without fail, but all of that gets tested to the fullest with "Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning - Part One" - the seventh installment in the Mission: Impossible film series that serves as the first of a two part event that will serve at the biggest adventure the Impossible Mission Force has faced yet.

Thanks to Paramount Pictures Philippines, UIP Movies PH, and SM Cinema, I got to see the film last week - and of course being a Tom Cruise film it opens strong and has a LOT of practical effects and stunt work that will always impress those looking for no-brainer action flicks that will leave them at the edge of their seats. 

Here's my thoughts on "Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning - Part One". Naturally SPOILER ALERT, so read at your own risk... Should you choose to accept it!

Movie Review: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

 

For as long as cinema and adventure have coexisted and collaborated, film buffs and movie fans have known the name "Indiana Jones" and the man who has put on the hat, cracked that whip, and fought Nazis and evil men to save the world while searching for fortune and glory at the same time. I can confidently say that even as the passage of time goes and actors we know age and get older, that role is and forever will be associated with Harrison Ford - who returns once again to the iconic role in this fifth instalment that serves as the final chapter and bookend to a saga that began with 1981's "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and has continued through the decades with a handful of sequels and spin-offs in all forms of media.

Growing up watching Indiana Jones films beginning with "Temple of Doom" and of course "The Last Crusade", I've always been fascinated with Professor Henry Walton Jones, Jr.'s exploits and history - particularly when he's at a situation where he's just after ancient artifacts or civilizations for the sake of adventure or simply trying to put it where it belongs... In a museum for the world to appreciate and see. It also helps that the character is a nerd and has a sense for adventure, while also figuring out things as he goes and doesn't necessarily have the answers but manages to get them in the nick of time to save himself, the girl, or those that he considers friends and loved ones. 

In the Dial of Destiny we see that spark emerge for one final adventure, and thanks to Walt Disney Studios Philippines, Stratworks, and Ayala Cinemas I was able to catch the special advance screening of the movie - and I honestly enjoyed the ride and found it a pretty good send-off for the character. Here's my thoughts and review on the long awaited sequel below - and naturally here's a SPOILER WARNING so read at your own risk or better yet watch the film first before diving in!

Movie Review: The Flash

 

Imagine if you had the power of super speed and had the ability to not just run fast but change the past as well? That’s the question asked and answered by “The Flash” - the latest entry in Warner Bros.’ long running “DC Extended Universe” that sees Ezra Miller reprise their role as Barry Allen and his heroic alter ego. Set some time after the events of “Justice League”, the ever cheerful and sometimes obnoxious Barry has matured into a competent superhero who fights crime and saves lives alongside the likes of Batman, but a tragedy that he suffered as a child continues to haunt him and he ponders on the possibility of using his connection to the Speed Force to change things and save those closest to him.

As with all things, tampering with elements beyond one’s understanding leads to severe consequences, and the events of this film see Barry struggle with the repercussions of his own actions. History has been altered into a new universe, he meets a younger version of himself, and an older version of Batman he does not know is his only hope of fixing his mistakes as well as saving the world from doom. All in a day’s work for a superhero, but for The Fastest Man Alive it’s his greatest challenge yet.

Thanks to Warner Bros. Philippines, I was able to catch not one, not two, but THREE advance screenings of The Flash! Without spoiling or giving away much, it is as other fans and critics say - a solid representation of what a DC movie should be that not only taps into the infinite possibilities of the DC Multiverse, but an emotional and action packed roller coaster ride that is filled with heart and determination. 

Check the review after the jump! No Major Spoilers but still if you want a fresh experience watch it and read at your own risk!