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Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Monday, February 24, 2014
Saving Mr. Banks Review
Caught "Saving Mr. Banks" courtesy of Ayala Malls and I must say it was worth my time.
This movie follows the events that transpired in the initial development of the live-action Mary Poppins movie produced by Disney (the one starring Julie Andrews) featuring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks as Walt Disney and Emma Thompson as Mary Poppins creator P.L. Travers.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
REVIEW The LEGO Movie
The LEGO Movie is by far the best looking commercial for the LEGO brand EVER and it also came in packaged with a movie which is very cool.
The film features the voices of Chris Pratt, Will Arnett, Morgan Freeman, Will Ferrell, Liam Neeson, Elizabeth Banks, Alison Bree and a whole lot more (including three cast members of the 21 Jump Street reboot film). It's the typical story of mistaken identity and finding the hero within you. Typical stuff that will be an eye opener for kids. If you'd be looking for a deep storyline, The LEGO movie ain't for you. That being said, it's still a pretty enjoyable movie both in 2D and 3D.
Chris Pratt is Emmet, a basic construction minifigure who has suddenly become the prophesied "Master Builder" who will save the Lego world from the nefarious Lord Business/ President Business. He has to stop Business from using the 'Kragle' which will end everything good and wonderful about their worlds. Pretty generic movie plot.
GOOD
- It's a quirky film, I'll give them that. You just can't pass on the chance to see a movie featuring all sorts of licensed characters coming together albeit in LEGO form. Gandalf, Batman, Shaquille O'Neal and even the Ninja Turtles make cameos somewhere in the movie.
- The humor is OK. The film has several chuckle inducing moments and a few "laugh out loud" ones but it'll take some getting used to pop culture references to get some of the stuff thrown.
- Visuals are appealing for both kids and adults alike. There's something about the LEGO movie that will make you want to pickup a LEGO set and build, build, build!
- The soundtrack is awesome. Everything is awesome. Lonely Island.
- Voice acting done are nice. Morgan Freeman as Vetruvius and Chris Pratt as the bumbling but lovable Emett is one of the best quality I've seen as early as now. Alison Brie's character here is also adorbs to the 10th power. Oh and there's also the 'cameo' of 22 Jump Street stars Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill. .
- I was rooting for Liam Neeson as Bad Cop. The guy has some issues and he's also a very well-written villain. Plus throughout the movie he's got some sweet rides and superior weaponry as well.
- The inclusion of the surprise bit redeemed the movie. It's the major reveal AND a nice appearance of one of the cast. Very nice family values imbued in it. That was actually well-thought of. Good job producers and director!
BAD
- Under utilizing Will Ferrell was a bad idea. Sure he's Lord Evil and he's got a huge OCD for perfection and weaponized glue but he's not effective as a villain. Where's the Mugatu? I was expecting a Mugatu-esque performance but that wasn't executed.
- For a movie that's 'General Patronage' it's got a lot of violence. Lego's getting blasted, getting their heads cut off, getting glued and a whole lot more... Brick violence kinda throws the film off by a few degrees.
- I had such high hopes that the 3D here would be magnificent but it's a dud. Not impressed, not happy. You wont be missing anything if you see the film in a regular theater.
VERDICT
3.5 out of 5 LEGO Bricks
Special thanks to Warner Bros. Pictures. THE LEGO MOVIE is NOW SHOWING!
GOOD
- It's a quirky film, I'll give them that. You just can't pass on the chance to see a movie featuring all sorts of licensed characters coming together albeit in LEGO form. Gandalf, Batman, Shaquille O'Neal and even the Ninja Turtles make cameos somewhere in the movie.
- The humor is OK. The film has several chuckle inducing moments and a few "laugh out loud" ones but it'll take some getting used to pop culture references to get some of the stuff thrown.
- Visuals are appealing for both kids and adults alike. There's something about the LEGO movie that will make you want to pickup a LEGO set and build, build, build!
- The soundtrack is awesome. Everything is awesome. Lonely Island.
- Voice acting done are nice. Morgan Freeman as Vetruvius and Chris Pratt as the bumbling but lovable Emett is one of the best quality I've seen as early as now. Alison Brie's character here is also adorbs to the 10th power. Oh and there's also the 'cameo' of 22 Jump Street stars Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill. .
- I was rooting for Liam Neeson as Bad Cop. The guy has some issues and he's also a very well-written villain. Plus throughout the movie he's got some sweet rides and superior weaponry as well.
- The inclusion of the surprise bit redeemed the movie. It's the major reveal AND a nice appearance of one of the cast. Very nice family values imbued in it. That was actually well-thought of. Good job producers and director!
BAD
- Under utilizing Will Ferrell was a bad idea. Sure he's Lord Evil and he's got a huge OCD for perfection and weaponized glue but he's not effective as a villain. Where's the Mugatu? I was expecting a Mugatu-esque performance but that wasn't executed.
- For a movie that's 'General Patronage' it's got a lot of violence. Lego's getting blasted, getting their heads cut off, getting glued and a whole lot more... Brick violence kinda throws the film off by a few degrees.
- I had such high hopes that the 3D here would be magnificent but it's a dud. Not impressed, not happy. You wont be missing anything if you see the film in a regular theater.
VERDICT
3.5 out of 5 LEGO Bricks
Special thanks to Warner Bros. Pictures. THE LEGO MOVIE is NOW SHOWING!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Police Story 2013 Review
Jackie Chan is back for more police thrills and frills in Police Story 2013 but should we still expect the classic Jackie Chan or is this something new mixed with something old?
The answer is the latter. It's sad that Jackie's getting old to go full on stuntmaster which is IMHO the only real crutch for this otherwise engaging movie distributed locally by Megavision. If you'd have given Jackie a younger body and this material, you would most likely probably see a different film; perhaps even something that can surpass the film "Jackie Chan's First Strike".
Police Story 2013 is a story about family and revenge and the things we do for our loved ones. Not too many set piece action, but it does have some great dramatic beats and a nice twist towards the end makes it worth the viewing. The cast are just OK with no one really standing out 'cept for Jackie's daughter in the movie Miao Miao (played by Jing Tian).
The action here is slightly diminished compared to other works of Mr. Chan but despite that you won't be found lacking. Punching and kicking a Muay Thai master is all that we'll need to see that Jackie is a genuine bad-ass in his own right.
The main pull for Police Story 2013 is the gripping drama and mystery surrounding main antagonist Ye Lui. I really want to delve more into this character and this guy but doing so will spoil so much so lets just scratch the surface. The casting for Lui was a good call because he's got presence on screen. He also plays a convincing criminal mastermind and rich guy so that's all good too. It's a classic case of having the villain be as good as the protoganist. Too bad there's no fight scene included for this guy, would really love to see him take on Jackie Chan one-on-one in the big screen.
The story telling structure plus the narrative is also something to write home about. We jump all around the place with the story from 5 years ago to a shorter period of time. All this for Chan to trace what exactly he's done wrong to be where he is (which isn't a nice place). I miss this kind of storytelling in a movie...
Police Story 2013 is definitely a great addition to the vast movies that Jackie Chan has made and it's worthy of being part of the franchise. No self-respecting fan should miss the chance to see this film.
Verdict: 3.5/5
POLICE STORY 2013 is now showing in theaters! Special thanks to Megavision Inc.
The answer is the latter. It's sad that Jackie's getting old to go full on stuntmaster which is IMHO the only real crutch for this otherwise engaging movie distributed locally by Megavision. If you'd have given Jackie a younger body and this material, you would most likely probably see a different film; perhaps even something that can surpass the film "Jackie Chan's First Strike".
Police Story 2013 is a story about family and revenge and the things we do for our loved ones. Not too many set piece action, but it does have some great dramatic beats and a nice twist towards the end makes it worth the viewing. The cast are just OK with no one really standing out 'cept for Jackie's daughter in the movie Miao Miao (played by Jing Tian).
The action here is slightly diminished compared to other works of Mr. Chan but despite that you won't be found lacking. Punching and kicking a Muay Thai master is all that we'll need to see that Jackie is a genuine bad-ass in his own right.
The main pull for Police Story 2013 is the gripping drama and mystery surrounding main antagonist Ye Lui. I really want to delve more into this character and this guy but doing so will spoil so much so lets just scratch the surface. The casting for Lui was a good call because he's got presence on screen. He also plays a convincing criminal mastermind and rich guy so that's all good too. It's a classic case of having the villain be as good as the protoganist. Too bad there's no fight scene included for this guy, would really love to see him take on Jackie Chan one-on-one in the big screen.
The story telling structure plus the narrative is also something to write home about. We jump all around the place with the story from 5 years ago to a shorter period of time. All this for Chan to trace what exactly he's done wrong to be where he is (which isn't a nice place). I miss this kind of storytelling in a movie...
Police Story 2013 is definitely a great addition to the vast movies that Jackie Chan has made and it's worthy of being part of the franchise. No self-respecting fan should miss the chance to see this film.
Verdict: 3.5/5
POLICE STORY 2013 is now showing in theaters! Special thanks to Megavision Inc.
Friday, January 17, 2014
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Review
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is endearing and fascinating. It's a movie that celebrates life and the joys of living albeit with a touch of Hollywood-ic flair.
I loved everything about the film from a good acting job for the cast to the beautiful locales, the vibe and feel of the story, the music used throughout the various parts and the lessons that come along with the film locally distributed by 20th Century Fox. While I'm raving about it, it does hit a few snags here and there; but it still won't let you down.
Ben Stiller plays the titular character who 'zones out' aka daydreams about other lives and fantasies all the while working at LIFE Magazine as the 'negative assets manager'. Things change when the negative for Life Magazine's final issue gets lost and Walter takes it to himself to find the missing negative by tracking the photographer Sean O'Connell (Sean Penn). All this while juggling family and heart problems.
It's a bit ambitious and obviously is far from the original Thurber story and the 40s film adaptation where Mitty daydreams of being THE HERO. The hero that we all imagine, selfless and willing to lay down precious life for the good of others. Stiller's version plays to a different tune (I cannot help but think of Stiller's silly flute dance when I wrote that). THIS Mitty plays up to a more self-centered version. Yes self centered, self realization and self actualization. Still good.
Though the film doesn't have a "powerhouse cast", the actors and actresses chosen did a fine job. Sean Penn was awesome here. I have no tangible reason why, but his was the best and meatiest (if not shortest) role. Patton Oswald's appearance here was also a surprise. Stiller once again shows us that he can do exceptionally well in both comedic parts to more serious and dramatic turns.
Visually arresting is how I would describe the film. Name it, they probably have it from gale force winds, dangerous seas, raging volcanoes, breathtaking Himalayan slopes. Had they added a rainforest or some tropical island this could have been mistaken for a Nat Geo movie and not a big Hollywood movie that positively glorifies the concept of YOLO (swag excluded). After seeing this, you'll most probably have this hankering to go on an out of town trip or go abroad.
The story is excellent and brings forth a cathartic effect. It's one of those films that will make you reassess your life without having to go through the ringer of getting hurt by the things that happen to the lead character i.e. character deaths, plot twists. I like how the they change the Macguffins here; from the negative # 25 to Sean Penn's character to ending up a new person. Honestly though it's hard to imagine you'd go through lengths like that just to find something like a negative. It's also funny to realize that the whole "quintessence of life" can have a double meaning for the film. Applause.
Props to Theodore Shapiro who did the music for the film (which I assume including the picking of songs). It's upbeat as hell and with songs from bands like Of Men and Monsters and Arcade Fire to solo acts like David Bowie and Jose Gonzalez.
If there's any gripe in this film, it's got to be product placement and endorsement. To date this is a film that can be a match to Vic Sotto's immensely lucrative and somewhat controversial "My Little Bossings" in the number of products shown.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty opens January 22 from 20th Century Fox through Warner Bros. Pictures.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
47 Ronin Review
The critics might be unforgiving with 47 Ronin but I was amused with the story and the visuals and some other stuff. Here's my full review.
47 Ronin follows the story of Kai, a half breed that's been a trained killer and grows up in humility in a prosperous town amidst Shogunate Japan. He falls in love, gets dissed and gets beaten up a lot. The main plot here is a nefarious scheme concocted by Lord Kira (Tadanobu Asano) and The Witch (Rinko Kikuchi) to take over the good kingdom and dishonor the former lord and his house's name. Then revenge, sword fights and dragons and a twist that you'll probably from a mile away.
Reeves was a good pick for the role. It's not overdone and he's got the physicality to actually fight people with a katana. It's actually believable that he can jump around lopping peoples' heads off looking like an evil version of Peter Pan. Props for not making everything about him, in all honesty, Reeves had like 60% of the billing which was good because we need to actually like and root the other characters such as Oishi (Hiroyuki Tanada) and Mika (Ko Shibasaki).
The visuals for the film were nice. Nothing we've never seen before; I did like the character designs for that chimera creature they were hunting as well as for Kikuchi's dragon form. The Tengus creeped me out (which should be good) but their way better than the last Tengus I've seen which was in Power Rangers: The Movie.
Rinko Kikuchi looked like hell here. She looks like Farrah from Choudenshi Bioman. I'm much displeased... but that's part of the role so it has to be done. I like her character because it's a mix of "I don't care what you think" and "I'll do anything my lord", hell even her mannerisms were well fleshed out (i.e. sitting with her legs open, showing her legs, being deathly flirty with the princess). On the other hand you've got Ko Shibasaki who looks beautiful. Fine, I get that we can't expect her to really kick butt but I'm good with how she was written in this "adaptation" of the classic "47 Ronin" story. She did try and looked fine while doing it, so it's OK.
Polarized on my look at the actors Hiroyuki Sanada and recent RP visitor Tadanobu Asano. Sanda's role had meat and he brought it to new heights. Asano had potential to really be an evil Nobunaga level character but it was done lazily. Actually that's two strikes now for Asano since he barely played jackshit in Thor: The Dark World (he's Hogun there BTW)
I like the touches of fantasy in this movie. It might not be everybody's cup of tea but I'm sold on that bit. After all, it's not overdone which might also explain why Kai is not using his powers (yes he has) too much in this movie. Oh and I'm giving this film bonus props for adding in Masayuki Deai (Bouken Silver and KyoryuGrey) as one of the Ronins.
Also I recommend seeing this in 2D as the 3D is barely visible. The money you save, you can buy popcorn with.
47 Ronin is a decent movie. It's not even mediocre well, unless you factor in the fact that it just ripped the 47 Ronin story and twisted it sideways. Yes it might have bombed and is critically disparaged but if you want to wash down your MMFF grease with something more... 'worth your money' then this film is for you.
VERDICT: B++
Special thanks to SOLAR-UIP...
47 RONIN NOW SHOWING IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Top 10 Movies for 2013
Since 2013 is about to end and as we welcome 2014, I decided to give you MY top 10 movies for 2013 (in no particular order mind you). This of course wouldn't be possible if not for our friends from 20th Century Fox, Dreamworks, Warner Bros. Pictures, Solar Entertainment and new additions like Captive Cinema, CrystalSky and Axinitte Digicinema.
10. Gravity
Nothing can be more compelling than humanity overcoming anything being thrown at them including space debris and burning space shuttles. Add to that some stellar acting from Sandra Bullock and George Clooney and Alfonso Cuaron just paved his way to an Oscar.
9. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
The continued saga of Thorin Oakenshield together with the rest of his dwarf company and Bilbo Baggins continues and it's being shown in magnificent HFR IMAX 3D. Great adaptation and butchering of the J.R.R. Tolkien classic kids book and great way to give the ladies another fellow to swoon over in the form of Thranduil.
8. Captain Phillips
The only 'realistic' movie in my list. Captain Phillips is all about humanity in the face of adversity. It's a play on morals and decisions and compassion and it's got Tom Hanks in it playing the titular Captain Phillips. You'll also be amazed at the military tactics and precision that is the US Coast Guard and Navy Seals.
7. This is the End
This one's on my list for all the sheer hilarity and dirtiness of the characters particular James Franco. I hated that they were pushing too much of the bromosexuality but that's all forgiven the moment you see the Backstreet Boys dancing in heaven to the tune of "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)".
6. Thor: The Dark World
Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Tom Hiddleston return for another serving of Asgardian goodness. There's so many things to love about this sequel. More humor and more Hiddleston however are the top reasons. And they got the ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston to play the bad guy Malekith the Accursed too.
5. Iron Man 3
Never have I ever thought that Tony Stark could actually be twice as good as the Iron Man armor. Shane Black delivers a really good and solid Iron Man movie focusing equally on the massive array of Iron Man armor as well as the man inside the shell. Robert Downey Jr. truly rocked this performance. Great cast too and despite the debacle of The Mandarin, it's still a good movie to watch.
4. Man of Steel
Director Zack Snyder shows us a radically different Superman in Man of Steel. This man really punches hard and even breaks necks (literally!). The world is different and the acting was OK. Henry Cavill also shows us why he was born to play the role of Clark Kent/ Kal El/ Superman. It sucks though that there's very little chemistry between him and Lois Lane Amy Adams. Still, a pretty great movie. It's like Dragonball Z only with DC's main hero in it.
3. Frozen
A DISNEY MOVIE THAT WILL MAKE YOU SING?!?! How long has it been since that were the case. usually it's just there to make us cry but it hasn't made us sing and hum. Frozen does that and delivers a wonderful story that's loosely based on the legend of "The Ice Queen". It's a love story but it's not played out entirely like that and while the main pull might be a love angle between Christoph and Anna, it's really the sisterly love between Elsa and Anna that gets the main spotlight. Massive props too for the addition of Olaf who's quickly become a favorite character of mine.
2. Mama / The Conjuring
Can't figure which of the two I liked best so I'm chucking them as a special two-in-one deal. Guillermo Del Toro has Jessica Chastain playing a reluctant surrogate mother/ aunt whose kids brought along the diabolical 'Mama'. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson on the other hand are real life paranormal experts Ed and Lorraine Warren. Both movies are scary and both have some sense of royalty among other horror movies that came out this year.
1. Pacific Rim
Giant fighting robots? Check! Giant monsters called Kaiju? Check! Two brooding and awesome pilots? Check! 3D monster-robot fights?! Check! Fuck the intricacies of the story and just watch this like 5 year old boy and you will surely enjoy this film. Nuff Said!
So there we go. Here's to more movies for 2014 and many more reviews!
10. Gravity
Nothing can be more compelling than humanity overcoming anything being thrown at them including space debris and burning space shuttles. Add to that some stellar acting from Sandra Bullock and George Clooney and Alfonso Cuaron just paved his way to an Oscar.
9. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
The continued saga of Thorin Oakenshield together with the rest of his dwarf company and Bilbo Baggins continues and it's being shown in magnificent HFR IMAX 3D. Great adaptation and butchering of the J.R.R. Tolkien classic kids book and great way to give the ladies another fellow to swoon over in the form of Thranduil.
8. Captain Phillips
The only 'realistic' movie in my list. Captain Phillips is all about humanity in the face of adversity. It's a play on morals and decisions and compassion and it's got Tom Hanks in it playing the titular Captain Phillips. You'll also be amazed at the military tactics and precision that is the US Coast Guard and Navy Seals.
7. This is the End
This one's on my list for all the sheer hilarity and dirtiness of the characters particular James Franco. I hated that they were pushing too much of the bromosexuality but that's all forgiven the moment you see the Backstreet Boys dancing in heaven to the tune of "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)".
6. Thor: The Dark World
Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Tom Hiddleston return for another serving of Asgardian goodness. There's so many things to love about this sequel. More humor and more Hiddleston however are the top reasons. And they got the ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston to play the bad guy Malekith the Accursed too.
5. Iron Man 3
Never have I ever thought that Tony Stark could actually be twice as good as the Iron Man armor. Shane Black delivers a really good and solid Iron Man movie focusing equally on the massive array of Iron Man armor as well as the man inside the shell. Robert Downey Jr. truly rocked this performance. Great cast too and despite the debacle of The Mandarin, it's still a good movie to watch.
4. Man of Steel
Director Zack Snyder shows us a radically different Superman in Man of Steel. This man really punches hard and even breaks necks (literally!). The world is different and the acting was OK. Henry Cavill also shows us why he was born to play the role of Clark Kent/ Kal El/ Superman. It sucks though that there's very little chemistry between him and Lois Lane Amy Adams. Still, a pretty great movie. It's like Dragonball Z only with DC's main hero in it.
3. Frozen
A DISNEY MOVIE THAT WILL MAKE YOU SING?!?! How long has it been since that were the case. usually it's just there to make us cry but it hasn't made us sing and hum. Frozen does that and delivers a wonderful story that's loosely based on the legend of "The Ice Queen". It's a love story but it's not played out entirely like that and while the main pull might be a love angle between Christoph and Anna, it's really the sisterly love between Elsa and Anna that gets the main spotlight. Massive props too for the addition of Olaf who's quickly become a favorite character of mine.
2. Mama / The Conjuring
Can't figure which of the two I liked best so I'm chucking them as a special two-in-one deal. Guillermo Del Toro has Jessica Chastain playing a reluctant surrogate mother/ aunt whose kids brought along the diabolical 'Mama'. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson on the other hand are real life paranormal experts Ed and Lorraine Warren. Both movies are scary and both have some sense of royalty among other horror movies that came out this year.
1. Pacific Rim
Giant fighting robots? Check! Giant monsters called Kaiju? Check! Two brooding and awesome pilots? Check! 3D monster-robot fights?! Check! Fuck the intricacies of the story and just watch this like 5 year old boy and you will surely enjoy this film. Nuff Said!
So there we go. Here's to more movies for 2014 and many more reviews!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Ang Turkey Man ay Pabo Rin - Movie Review
Ayala Cinemas is bringing the quirky comedy Ang Turkey Man ay Pabo Rin which was directed by Randolph Longjias and is headlined by Tuesday Vargas and Travis Kraft.
It's a laugh-a-minute comedy about an interracial couple and their journey towards that great American festivity called "Thanksgiving". Along the way we share their triumphs and tragedies and at the end we it'll completely shed new light on these relationships between Pinays and American ex-pats. That's about the end of me writing in purely English.
From the moment the first scene started running, I knew that I was in for a treat. "Turkey Man ay Pabo Rin" had everything that made for a really good, and praise worthy movie. They shot the movie in a better format than what's being used in regular movies. No grainy stuff and it doesn't look like it was hobbled together from scraps of footage. Good job on that front. The editing was great and even those psychedelic crazy scenes involving the titular turkey was also done to entertain and not make you feel like it was just a bridging mechanism.
Tuesday Vargas is truly the star of the show. Sobrang laughtrip nya in the lighter scenes and she's also great in scenes where she needs to convey sadness or frustration. Talagang maawa ka. Pero mostly I loved the parts where she was happy and just the generally zany Cookie.
Tuesday's onscreen partner, Travis Kraft, is a find. He looks great and exudes smart Amerikano humor and then some. He's a YouTube celeb and he knows what he's talking about whether within or outside the movie that gives him more credibility for me, as an actor.
One of the biggest things that hits us right in the gullet in this movie is our quick judgment on American-Filipina couples. Once we see them, automatic yan, 'gold digger' or 'good time' lang ang iniisip natin. Admit it, we are all guilty of this. Seeing this movie sheds some light (like I mentioned earlier) about a fraction of the truth in these kinds of relationships; na meron talagang couples who really do love each other and hindi nagagamitan. It's funny but there's a portion in the film where we actually go and see the reflection of ourselves in the questions that the couple are asked to read. Sapul.
The supporting cast is great here most noteworthy (partly due to the long screentime) are Cookie's friends Osang (Julia Clarete) and Girlie (Cai Cortez). Both are funny and totally grounds the character serving us additional support and 'kabatuhan ng linya' in some cases. I like the fact that they're also there to show viewers na kahit di kayo magkadugo, you can still call some people your bestfriends.
Kudos to JM De Guzman as Dong and Micko Laurente as Jon-Jon. Both have their moments and although they get downplayed a bit there's still so much meat into their roles. Sucky talaga minsan ang time constraints.
The dialogue and humor might be a bit crass and borderline green pero, come on, ganun naman talaga tayo sa totoong buhay. We don't live like drama queens and kings when we are in our habitat or element. We cuss and we crack dirty jokes and we're this usual guy and girl in our own homes, watching telenovela and singing our hearts out in our Magic Sing.
Overall, nag-enjoy ako sa "Turkey Man ay Pabo Rin". It's got heart and balls and we have to admire the entire team for producing a worthwhile comedy that tackles a rather sensitive issue while giving us a lot of great comedic moments. It's a movie na hindi masasayang ang pera mo dahil tatawa ka, at busog ka sa tawa dahil hindi slapstick at lalong hindi naman puro rehash ang binibigay *ubo ubo Kimy Dora *ubo ubo*. Magbubukas ang ilaw sa sinehan at uuwi ka na masaya at feel good that I can guarantee. Here are a few clips.
Here's the official trailer by the way:
Oh and one last thing, I support this movie because they fricking shot the final few scenes a few blocks away from my apartment. Bonus brownie points galing sa akin.
ANG TURKEY MAN AY PABO RIN Opens Dec. 18 exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas including Greenbelt, Glorietta and Trinoma.
It's a laugh-a-minute comedy about an interracial couple and their journey towards that great American festivity called "Thanksgiving". Along the way we share their triumphs and tragedies and at the end we it'll completely shed new light on these relationships between Pinays and American ex-pats. That's about the end of me writing in purely English.
From the moment the first scene started running, I knew that I was in for a treat. "Turkey Man ay Pabo Rin" had everything that made for a really good, and praise worthy movie. They shot the movie in a better format than what's being used in regular movies. No grainy stuff and it doesn't look like it was hobbled together from scraps of footage. Good job on that front. The editing was great and even those psychedelic crazy scenes involving the titular turkey was also done to entertain and not make you feel like it was just a bridging mechanism.
Tuesday Vargas is truly the star of the show. Sobrang laughtrip nya in the lighter scenes and she's also great in scenes where she needs to convey sadness or frustration. Talagang maawa ka. Pero mostly I loved the parts where she was happy and just the generally zany Cookie.
Tuesday's onscreen partner, Travis Kraft, is a find. He looks great and exudes smart Amerikano humor and then some. He's a YouTube celeb and he knows what he's talking about whether within or outside the movie that gives him more credibility for me, as an actor.
One of the biggest things that hits us right in the gullet in this movie is our quick judgment on American-Filipina couples. Once we see them, automatic yan, 'gold digger' or 'good time' lang ang iniisip natin. Admit it, we are all guilty of this. Seeing this movie sheds some light (like I mentioned earlier) about a fraction of the truth in these kinds of relationships; na meron talagang couples who really do love each other and hindi nagagamitan. It's funny but there's a portion in the film where we actually go and see the reflection of ourselves in the questions that the couple are asked to read. Sapul.
The supporting cast is great here most noteworthy (partly due to the long screentime) are Cookie's friends Osang (Julia Clarete) and Girlie (Cai Cortez). Both are funny and totally grounds the character serving us additional support and 'kabatuhan ng linya' in some cases. I like the fact that they're also there to show viewers na kahit di kayo magkadugo, you can still call some people your bestfriends.
Kudos to JM De Guzman as Dong and Micko Laurente as Jon-Jon. Both have their moments and although they get downplayed a bit there's still so much meat into their roles. Sucky talaga minsan ang time constraints.
The dialogue and humor might be a bit crass and borderline green pero, come on, ganun naman talaga tayo sa totoong buhay. We don't live like drama queens and kings when we are in our habitat or element. We cuss and we crack dirty jokes and we're this usual guy and girl in our own homes, watching telenovela and singing our hearts out in our Magic Sing.
Overall, nag-enjoy ako sa "Turkey Man ay Pabo Rin". It's got heart and balls and we have to admire the entire team for producing a worthwhile comedy that tackles a rather sensitive issue while giving us a lot of great comedic moments. It's a movie na hindi masasayang ang pera mo dahil tatawa ka, at busog ka sa tawa dahil hindi slapstick at lalong hindi naman puro rehash ang binibigay *ubo ubo Kimy Dora *ubo ubo*. Magbubukas ang ilaw sa sinehan at uuwi ka na masaya at feel good that I can guarantee. Here are a few clips.
Here's the official trailer by the way:
Oh and one last thing, I support this movie because they fricking shot the final few scenes a few blocks away from my apartment. Bonus brownie points galing sa akin.
ANG TURKEY MAN AY PABO RIN Opens Dec. 18 exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas including Greenbelt, Glorietta and Trinoma.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Review
So here we are, one year after attending the special press screening for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, we're now attending the second film, THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG with a bonus treat.
It's still the same creative and production team that's behind this. Still Peter Jackson directing with some help from Guillermo Del Torro, still Martin Freeman as Bilbo, Richard Armitage as Thorin and Ian McKellen as Gandalf.
We get some new additions to the cast too. LOTR alum Orlando Bloom returns here as Legolas, Luke Evans and Evangeline Lily are first timers here playing Bard and Tauriel respectively. The big character here is the dragon Smaug which is now voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock fans huzzah!). Still J.R.R. Tolkien's book as the source of inspiration and finally it's still Lee Pace here playing the role of Thranduil, that smug elf-king that rides a fricking reindeer to battle.
So what's different from this film from An Unexpected Journey. First the tone shifts to a darker, serious tone. This new movie focuses on more darker stuff. That darker stuff? It also happens to be the meatier parts of the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. Things like the Necromancer and Smaugh himself serve to really give our heroes a tough challenge. If you need further proof of this tonal shift I'm talking about, check out the dialogue that Beorn the Skinwalker provides about the Defiler and his torture. It's grim as grim can be.
Don't fret because much like Galadriel's phial of light, there's still some great things to expect from the film. There's a new love story element here between Tauriel (Lily) and Kili; which also becomes a love triangle thanks to Legolas. Bard's role is fleshed out better here and even Thranduil.
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The scenes with the barrels were both funny and awesome. Keep your eyes peeled for that one.
In a nutshell, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is everything that you'll need for your epic fantasy adventure fix. It's already a great novel and it being translated for the big screen with lots of new bells and whistles shows just how much love director Peter Jackson has for the project. Tons of adventure and action but with very little fantastical creatures which is considerable since they focused more on Smaug the dragon. There's also a lot of complexities for most of the characters in this one. Thorin Oakenshield is one of the primary example.
The ending is definitely STAR WARS Empire Strikes Back with the execution.
If there's any problem that I might have encountered here in the film, it's too much Orlando Bloom. Yes I acknowledge we need Legolas but we don't need him that much. The Kili-Tauriel was also half-baked but that's understandable since we're paying to see some action and dragon slaying hi-jinks and not "how we sired a dwarf-elf hybrid".
For a movie that follows a high pedigree, I'm also impressed that The Hobbit: TDOS isn't as long as what I was anticipating, rather short film if I can say so myself. Also I highly recommend you see the film in a specific format - HFR IMAX 3D. Why? so that you'll freak out at the sight of huge spiders and get creeped out by giant honeybees that's why!
The movie is perfect for my taste. It's packed tight with everything and it follows the book closely (well to some extent anyway, I don't need it to follow everything). The acting is superb and as always, the visual effects and musical scoring is practically begging for an Oscar Award.
I'd like to thank Warner Bros. Pictures and the SM Mall of Asia IMAX for this wonderful screening. Until next year. Oh and the film is NOW SHOWING.
It's still the same creative and production team that's behind this. Still Peter Jackson directing with some help from Guillermo Del Torro, still Martin Freeman as Bilbo, Richard Armitage as Thorin and Ian McKellen as Gandalf.
We get some new additions to the cast too. LOTR alum Orlando Bloom returns here as Legolas, Luke Evans and Evangeline Lily are first timers here playing Bard and Tauriel respectively. The big character here is the dragon Smaug which is now voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock fans huzzah!). Still J.R.R. Tolkien's book as the source of inspiration and finally it's still Lee Pace here playing the role of Thranduil, that smug elf-king that rides a fricking reindeer to battle.
 |
| Evangeline Lily as Tauriel |
 |
| Lee Pace as Thranduil |
.jpg) |
| Luke Evans as Bard the Bowman |
Don't fret because much like Galadriel's phial of light, there's still some great things to expect from the film. There's a new love story element here between Tauriel (Lily) and Kili; which also becomes a love triangle thanks to Legolas. Bard's role is fleshed out better here and even Thranduil.
The scenes with the barrels were both funny and awesome. Keep your eyes peeled for that one.
In a nutshell, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is everything that you'll need for your epic fantasy adventure fix. It's already a great novel and it being translated for the big screen with lots of new bells and whistles shows just how much love director Peter Jackson has for the project. Tons of adventure and action but with very little fantastical creatures which is considerable since they focused more on Smaug the dragon. There's also a lot of complexities for most of the characters in this one. Thorin Oakenshield is one of the primary example.
The ending is definitely STAR WARS Empire Strikes Back with the execution.
If there's any problem that I might have encountered here in the film, it's too much Orlando Bloom. Yes I acknowledge we need Legolas but we don't need him that much. The Kili-Tauriel was also half-baked but that's understandable since we're paying to see some action and dragon slaying hi-jinks and not "how we sired a dwarf-elf hybrid".
For a movie that follows a high pedigree, I'm also impressed that The Hobbit: TDOS isn't as long as what I was anticipating, rather short film if I can say so myself. Also I highly recommend you see the film in a specific format - HFR IMAX 3D. Why? so that you'll freak out at the sight of huge spiders and get creeped out by giant honeybees that's why!
The movie is perfect for my taste. It's packed tight with everything and it follows the book closely (well to some extent anyway, I don't need it to follow everything). The acting is superb and as always, the visual effects and musical scoring is practically begging for an Oscar Award.
I'd like to thank Warner Bros. Pictures and the SM Mall of Asia IMAX for this wonderful screening. Until next year. Oh and the film is NOW SHOWING.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Amazing Moments from Amazing X-Men # 2
I'm definitely good with Jason Aaron's current "Amazing X-Men" book and with issue # 2 shipping out last week, I just had to focus on this in a blog post. So here folks, are some of the best moments (IMHO) from Amazing X-Men # 2 by Jason Aaron and Ed McGuiness.
1. Storm goes Ballistic on the demons
Left with no powers in hell, a very fierce Storm goes ballistic on the demons they are facing. You have to remember that Storm is no pushover. She once defeated Cyclops in a very serious fight without her powers.
2. A Peter Pan Reference
Resident semi-speedster Northstar also joins the fight somewhere in issue # 2 and he actually goes and give off this "Peter Pan" ish feel in his panel. Heck he's even asking if the demon pirates have a captain with a hook for his hand.
3. The Demon Pirate captains...
... are pretty cool. Hey was that Billy the Kid now having six arms manhandling Storm? Check out the knives on the other captain...
4. Iceman Freezes Hell
With nothing to loss, Bobby Drake cuts lose with his powers freezing the demonic horde and, he'll definitely make the Eagles proud what with "Hell freezes over" and stuff.
5. Professor X is in Heaven
One of the really weird things about AXM is the fact that the X-Men are totally oblivious to where they were teleported. Sure you can say that they were not expecting it but doesn't it seem to be a bit off-character to not be able to determine whatsoever where the blue imp-like bamfs have teleported them to. Firestar, Storm and Iceman even took a couple of pages to realize that they were in hell and all that. A bit of a suck that's all.
Oh and yeah, Professor X is making a cameo here in heaven as he's the voice of reason and logic Wolverine is hearing while clinging to dear life on a plank. (Yeah... don't ask)
Overall, I liked Amazing X-Men # 2 and I'm still at the edge of my seat waiting for how they'll overcome this new challege.
And eventually figure out a way to bring back Nightcrawler from the dead.
1. Storm goes Ballistic on the demons
Left with no powers in hell, a very fierce Storm goes ballistic on the demons they are facing. You have to remember that Storm is no pushover. She once defeated Cyclops in a very serious fight without her powers.
2. A Peter Pan Reference
Resident semi-speedster Northstar also joins the fight somewhere in issue # 2 and he actually goes and give off this "Peter Pan" ish feel in his panel. Heck he's even asking if the demon pirates have a captain with a hook for his hand.
3. The Demon Pirate captains...
... are pretty cool. Hey was that Billy the Kid now having six arms manhandling Storm? Check out the knives on the other captain...
4. Iceman Freezes Hell
With nothing to loss, Bobby Drake cuts lose with his powers freezing the demonic horde and, he'll definitely make the Eagles proud what with "Hell freezes over" and stuff.
5. Professor X is in Heaven
One of the really weird things about AXM is the fact that the X-Men are totally oblivious to where they were teleported. Sure you can say that they were not expecting it but doesn't it seem to be a bit off-character to not be able to determine whatsoever where the blue imp-like bamfs have teleported them to. Firestar, Storm and Iceman even took a couple of pages to realize that they were in hell and all that. A bit of a suck that's all.
Oh and yeah, Professor X is making a cameo here in heaven as he's the voice of reason and logic Wolverine is hearing while clinging to dear life on a plank. (Yeah... don't ask)
Overall, I liked Amazing X-Men # 2 and I'm still at the edge of my seat waiting for how they'll overcome this new challege.
And eventually figure out a way to bring back Nightcrawler from the dead.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Afternoon Delight Movie Review
Caught the Sundance winnah "Afternoon Delight" last night and I must say it was a good one. Not what I was expecting but still a pretty good one nonetheless. The film stars Kathryn Hahn, Juno Temple and Josh Radnor.
First let's set the mood here: Starland Vocal Band - Afternoon delight
Powered by www.Mp3Olimp.net
Here's the synopsis for the film:
Hahn plays Rachel, a quick-witted and lovable yet tightly coiled woman living within the affluent Silver Lake neighborhood. At first glance, with their chic modern home, successful husband, adorable child and a hipster wardrobe, you’d think Rachel is living in full bliss until she felt the stabbing reality of emptiness when left alone at home and ponders on her lackluster sex life.
Spicing things up, she decides to visit a strip club and gets a private dance from McKenna (played by Juno Temple) and something cracks open in Rachel. Inspired by the experience, Rachel returns to the club to get to know McKenna, soon after adopts her as a live-in nanny. This bold move unleashes unimagined and colorful waves of change into Rachel’s life, marriage and community.
Here are some of the things that I'm much pleased about the film.
- Rachel (Kathryn Hahn) is a pretty human character. I got to admire this film for showing the good and bad, the ups and downs of being human. Women can totally relate and if you're fancying some 'female empowerment' here, that's relative. IMHO, she's playing midfield here. More on Hahn later.
- Juno Temple as McKena is just about the sweetest thing. Fine she's also cute and all that but really, for a sex worker down on her luck, you don't see the stress or the frustration or sadness. She's fricking bubbly most of the times. Well except of course for that time when she was going bonkers, but that's still tolerable.
- On McKenna, I liked the way that she's cool with everything. It's as if she was written to be the voice of reality, the poster child for temperance and control so when the moments where she and Hahn interact are there onscreen, you get to see the real divide. Pretty solid scriptwriting.
- Josh Radnor in Afternoon Delight comes as a bit of a shock. Radnor's always been picky about his roles and this is the first movie I've seen him on (I know he made a movie recently but that's not yet arrived here locally and I'm too busy to actually look for it). Going back to the shock comment, yeah, it's a bit of a shock to see hopeless romantic Ted Mosby from "How I Met Your Mother" smoking weed, banging his wife bucknaked and nearly cavorting with Juno Temple. And he looks old and grizzled here, which is perfect for his role. Also my wife loves him now and I can't do anything about that.
- Comedy-wise, I was expecting more but it comes in dribs and drabs. Might be a tad disappointed but you'll forgive everything once you really start reading into the story and the lives of the lead characters. If you're thinking French-Canadian American Pie, no dice.
- Keegan-Michael Peele of the Key and Peele tandem is also lurking somewhere here in this movie. That could've upped the comedy factor but alas. His presence does cement the film's rep as a comedy.
- Jane Lynch is also here. Nuff said.
- Afternoon Delight is a good movie for couples of all ages and sizes. But it'll get more oomph for the younger couples. Still, it's got hints of family drama in this. Too bad you can't bring your kids because of the sensitive matters discussed and tackled.
I like the film's last part. It's subtle and simple and it'll probably make a stoner in the audience light up and raise their bongs.
Also Moral Lesson - Do not bring your wife to a stripclub. It's a pretty weird thing and idea.
AFTERNOON DELIGHT Opens December 11!
Special thanks to Axinite Digicinema; like their facebook page here - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Axinite-Digicinema-Inc/132964500239793
First let's set the mood here: Starland Vocal Band - Afternoon delight
Powered by www.Mp3Olimp.net
Here's the synopsis for the film:
Hahn plays Rachel, a quick-witted and lovable yet tightly coiled woman living within the affluent Silver Lake neighborhood. At first glance, with their chic modern home, successful husband, adorable child and a hipster wardrobe, you’d think Rachel is living in full bliss until she felt the stabbing reality of emptiness when left alone at home and ponders on her lackluster sex life.
Spicing things up, she decides to visit a strip club and gets a private dance from McKenna (played by Juno Temple) and something cracks open in Rachel. Inspired by the experience, Rachel returns to the club to get to know McKenna, soon after adopts her as a live-in nanny. This bold move unleashes unimagined and colorful waves of change into Rachel’s life, marriage and community.
Here are some of the things that I'm much pleased about the film.
- Rachel (Kathryn Hahn) is a pretty human character. I got to admire this film for showing the good and bad, the ups and downs of being human. Women can totally relate and if you're fancying some 'female empowerment' here, that's relative. IMHO, she's playing midfield here. More on Hahn later.
- Juno Temple as McKena is just about the sweetest thing. Fine she's also cute and all that but really, for a sex worker down on her luck, you don't see the stress or the frustration or sadness. She's fricking bubbly most of the times. Well except of course for that time when she was going bonkers, but that's still tolerable.
- On McKenna, I liked the way that she's cool with everything. It's as if she was written to be the voice of reality, the poster child for temperance and control so when the moments where she and Hahn interact are there onscreen, you get to see the real divide. Pretty solid scriptwriting.
- Josh Radnor in Afternoon Delight comes as a bit of a shock. Radnor's always been picky about his roles and this is the first movie I've seen him on (I know he made a movie recently but that's not yet arrived here locally and I'm too busy to actually look for it). Going back to the shock comment, yeah, it's a bit of a shock to see hopeless romantic Ted Mosby from "How I Met Your Mother" smoking weed, banging his wife bucknaked and nearly cavorting with Juno Temple. And he looks old and grizzled here, which is perfect for his role. Also my wife loves him now and I can't do anything about that.
- Comedy-wise, I was expecting more but it comes in dribs and drabs. Might be a tad disappointed but you'll forgive everything once you really start reading into the story and the lives of the lead characters. If you're thinking French-Canadian American Pie, no dice.
- Keegan-Michael Peele of the Key and Peele tandem is also lurking somewhere here in this movie. That could've upped the comedy factor but alas. His presence does cement the film's rep as a comedy.
- Jane Lynch is also here. Nuff said.
- Afternoon Delight is a good movie for couples of all ages and sizes. But it'll get more oomph for the younger couples. Still, it's got hints of family drama in this. Too bad you can't bring your kids because of the sensitive matters discussed and tackled.
I like the film's last part. It's subtle and simple and it'll probably make a stoner in the audience light up and raise their bongs.
Also Moral Lesson - Do not bring your wife to a stripclub. It's a pretty weird thing and idea.
AFTERNOON DELIGHT Opens December 11!
Special thanks to Axinite Digicinema; like their facebook page here - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Axinite-Digicinema-Inc/132964500239793
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