Despicable Me 2 Review

Here's my take on Despicable Me 2 featuring the voices of Steve Carell, Kristin Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand, Ken Jeong and more. The film is directed Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud. Special thanks to Solar-UIP for the invitation.

Despicable Me 2 surpasses the first movie, by how far, maybe by just an inch. The movie sticks to certain elements present in the first movie, then ditches a couple of other stuff and then just throws in a couple of new gears into the cog for good measure.

It's interesting to note that our lead Groo is working under completely different circumstances and not to mention on the opposite side of where he was originally in the first movie. Now he's batting for the side of the angels and it actually spells interesting for me. 

Is it just me or does this movie also have one of the lamest and yet campiest villain in all of animated movie history. Yes I'm talking about the movie's main villain, El Macho. 

The guy's just friggin awesome. He can do the salsa, rides sharks loaded with missiles and much much more. This is one entertaining dude.


The new movie is a fun movie due to a number of things. There's a charming little love story mixed with a bit of espionage action and a lot of adorable little things. And then there were the minions.

I liked how the story for Despicable Me 2 moved from Groo and Lucy working on the field together as partners to their inevitable falling-in. It might have looked a little too forced for some but kids really won't notice that. They did show a hilariously, horrible date between Groo and a woman who's been set up by Groo's friend which was obviously a plot point to get the two closer. I dig that though.

There's a lot of themes that Despicable Me 2 tries to fit inside it's running time. The old themes of family and a change of heart is still here albeit in a stronger form. Groo isn't the evil genius who simply wants to rule the world, he's now a dad who makes sure his little princesses get everything they want. Or at least, he'll be able to provide for them. Dr. Nefario (played by Brit comedian Russell Brand) also dishes out a couple of quips about family.

But for me the real stars of the show would have to be the minions. The first film gave them a handful of scenes where they really get to shine. This time however, they're the centerpiece. And although we barely understand what they're saying, I wouldn't be surprised if I saw you laughing hard at the antics of these little yellow men. Heck, in this movie, they even go and emulate an old irish pub song. And be prepared for the best rendition of "I Swear".



Overall, don't expect something as heavy hitting as Toy Story 3 because this movie and that movie are polar opposites. Do try to enjoy the visuals, the 3D conversion, the in-jokes and the gags that are present in the movie. Sit back and let the minions entertain you; oh and don't forget the kids. 

Verdict: 8.5/10

Special thanks to Solar-UIP for the invitation. DESPICABLE ME 2 opens July 3.

The Despicable Me 2 Tickets Look Fantastic

Solar-UIP loves to turn out some amazing invites & tickets for their movies. Case in point, the tickets for the film 'Despicable Me 2'.

So basically, each ticket given had pop-up minions in them. It's not obvious at first due to the adhesive stuck at the back but once you pull the ticket back completely, these yellow minions will really pop out.

Sorry, was testing out my new phone's camera...

Yes, my photos suck without my G9. :/

Yes, minions, minions everywhere.

Again, thank you to the good folks over at Solar-UIP for the premiere that happened today at the IMAX cinema of the newly minted SM Aura. Place was pretty.... ummm.. posh as well. I'll be posting the review tomorrow. 

DESPICABLE ME 2 opens July 3 in Cinemas everywhere.

Anchorman 2 Releases a New Trailer

The new trailer for Anchorman 2 has finally arrived and it's funny as hell. Most of the main cast are back including lead star Will Ferrell who reprises his role as San Francisco anchorman Ron Burgundy. Watch the trailer after the cut.

It's also interesting to note that they disappeared after the end of the first movie? Where'd they go? The film will be released around Christmas time which will translate to us here in the Philippines seeing this around January. As usual, thanks to Metro Manila Film Festival.

New Stills from Despicable Me 2

A couple of new stills from Dreamworks' upcoming film "Despicable Me 2" featuring the voice of Steve Carell as the bumbling evil genius Groo.







More photos after the break...









Totally loved the first movie so the second warrants a review. Plus never in animated cinema history have I ever seen something as amazing as this:



Yeah boy! That's a masked luchador taking to the skies with a great white shark strapped with fin-missiles! Nothing can spell epic as that.

Steve Carell Appears in Ellen as Despicable Me 2's Gru

Apparently promotion has officially begun for Despicable Me 2 and it's kickstarted by Steve Carell's appearance in The Ellen Degeneres Show as his alter ego, Gru.

The movie will be distributed locally by Solar-UIP.

Via [The Ellen Degeneres Show Facebook]

New Photo for Anchorman 2 with Ferrell, Rudd and Carell

Here's a new photo from the set of Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues featuring Will Ferrell, Steve Carell and Paul Rudd as they cross the street. Love Paul Rudd's clothes here.

Also visibly absent from the team is David Koechner's Champ Kind. Here's the old teasers for Anchorman 2.

The Second Trailer for Despicable Me 2 Gives More Details

The second trailer for Despicable Me 2 finally gives us an idea about what the story really is. It looks like Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) is being drafted to an anti-evil genius organization as he knows he a mad scientist thinks, mainly because he is technically still one. I'll let the trailer do the talking.

Unfortunately I still don't know what the movie's exact release date is here in the Philippines. Anyway, check out the trailer after the cut.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone Review

The last magician movie that I saw was "The Prestige" and that, borrowing what Steve Carell's Burt Wonderstone stated early on in the film, 'blew my mind'. It's not so much because it's a magician versus magician movie but because of the spellbinding tricks done by Wolverine and Batman. Warner's Burt Wonderstone on the other hand tells the opposite, it's magician rivalry mixed in with themes of friendship, wonderment and a bit of love. 

So this flick tells the story of two magicians, Burt Wonderstone and Anton Marvelton, played by Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi respectively who are suddenly upstaged by a brash new upstart street magician (played by Carrey). There's also a subplot about the budding relationship between Steve Carell's character and that of Olivia Wilde's character Jane. Another subplot here is the falling out and subsequent mending-of-fences between Burt and Anton. 

THE GOOD:

- Olivia Wilde is such a darling to watch here. We've got a lot of different looks for this beautiful woman I am crushing on. Watch out for that scene where she wears a luchador mask as well as her 'final form' which makes her resemble DC heroine Zatanna. (Hey Warner, if you want a Zatanna for the Justice League movie, then the delectable Ms. Wilde should be your best bet.)

- Steve Carell is back with his hijinks and his awkward moments. From spazzing out inside the hot box to acting like a gigantic douche, Carell is interesting as a Las Vegas magician. 

- Alan Arkin's appearance here gave this flick more pedigree. I tell you the guy can play funny old men perfectly and more aptly than other actors. The guy is also sparse when it comes to quips and does a pretty convincing old magician. 

- If there's another reason to watch "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" it's got to be Jim Carrey and his take on the whole street magician fad that took over the world last decade. Taking pointers from the likes of David Blaine and Criss Angel, Carrey is an entertaining street magician. 

- Watch out for the funny bits towards the end especially the final trick the duo concocts to win back this new contract, a cameo appearance by legendary illusionist David Copperfield and much more. Also 'Burt Wonderstone' was an eye opener in answering this important question - "How do magicians have sex?".

THE BAD:

- I loved Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi) here but I'm disappointed by the really short appearance he made here in the film. I'm not looking for the real co-starring role but the script could've done it so that there's solid screen time for Buscemi.

- I was really hoping for a good 'showdown' between Jim Carrey and Steve Carell but I was sorely disappointed in that front. Based on the fun factor in that 'showdown' scene, I was really expecting that they would top it off at the end with something similar to a 'fliptop' battle. Instead we get treated to a whimsy albeit disgusting finish for Carrey's character. 

- Some scenes in the film creeped the heck out of me. I'm talking about Carell's use of spray tan. Ugh. Also while we're on the subject of Steve Carell, the guys routine ranting and raving is starting to get old. I hope he gets to inject something new in his next movies. 

Overall, 'The Incredible Burt Wonderstone' is a nice way to pass the time and have a good laugh. Don't expect too much from Jim Carrey and Steve Buscemi nor anything substantial from Olivia Wilde and Alan Arkin. Just laugh hard and sit back. 

Special thanks to Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines. The Incredible Burt Wonderstone opens March 20,2013.

Jim Carrey Pushes Magic to the Limit in "Burt Wonderstone"

Comic superstar Jim Carrey plays guerilla street magician Steve Gray who’s out to dethrone Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell) as Las Vegas’ king of magic, in New Line Cinema’s envelope-pushing comedy, “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.”

In the film, magicians Burt Wonderstone and Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi) have ruled the Las Vegas Strip for years, raking in millions with illusions as big as Burt’s growing ego. But lately the duo’s greatest deception is their public friendship, while secretly they’ve grown to loathe each other.

Olivia Wilde Casts a Spell in "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone"

Olivia Wilde (“Cowboys & Aliens,” “TRON: Legacy”) stars as Jane—the assistant who bailed on superstar magician Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell), in New Line Cinema’s highly anticipated comedy, “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.”

Though she never once succumbed to what Burt assumed was his irresistible charm, and she didn’t have the kindest words for him at their last parting, Burt hopes she still feels enough loyalty to the old act to prevent her from slamming the door in his face.

In the film, magicians Burt Wonderstone and Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi) have ruled the Las Vegas Strip for years, raking in millions with illusions as big as Burt’s growing ego. But lately the duo’s greatest deception is their public friendship, while secretly they’ve grown to loathe each other.



Facing cutthroat competition from guerilla street magician Steve Gray (Jim Carrey), whose cult following surges with each outrageous stunt, even their show is starting to look stale. But there’s still a chance Burt and Anton can save the act—both onstage and off—if only Burt can get back in touch with what made him love magic in the first place.

A magicians’ assistant by default, Jane was plucked from the show’s backstage crew one night after Burt and Anton’s previous eye-candy associate quit during intermission. “She’s literally tossed off her feet, her clothes are ripped off in the wings and they throw a costume on her, slap on a blonde wig, and push her out on stage so she’s totally out of her depth the first second we see her,” offers director Don Scardino.



Adds producer Chris Bender, “She’s actually an aspiring illusionist who used to admire Burt Wonderstone very much. Of course, that was before she met him.”

Seeing the character as smart and confident, but with a kind of awkwardness that was fun to play with, Olivia Wilde says, “The way Jane is thrust into the act completely unprepared gave me a chance to play up the comedy of the situation, which was something new for me. I like the idea of her having to overcome her stage fright on the job, being nervous and not wanting to get into that ridiculous spangled outfit but having no choice.”

In those few frantic seconds before the curtain goes up, it’s Anton who calmly applies Jane’s lipstick, a personal touch that, Wilde says, “Steve Buscemi came up with at the last second, and it really helps to establish their camaraderie right off the bat.”



Jane’s relationship with Burt, though, was not nearly as intimate, in any sense of the word. “He experiences a different dynamic with her,” co-star Steve Carell admits. “She’s tougher and more intelligent and focused than the women he’s accustomed to dating. Frankly, any woman who dates or sleeps with Burt Wonderstone immediately regrets it and hates herself, and Jane certainly wouldn’t do that because she’s better than that.”



Surprisingly, Jane believes Burt is better than that, too. A fan since childhood, she credits him with inspiring her interest in the many facets of magic and, despite her disappointment, still shares that affinity with him. “She’s horrified to see how lazy and entitled he’s become and how he’s lost his way, but also believes that, somewhere inside, he’s still brilliant,” Wilde concludes.

Opening across the Philippines on March 20, “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” is a New Line Cinema presentation and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Steve Carell versus Jim Carrey in "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone"

Here's a look at the upcoming comedy film "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" which pits Steve Carell against Jim Carrey together with Steve Buscemi.

Official Synopsis: Superstar magicians Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell) and Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi) have ruled the Las Vegas strip for years, raking in millions with illusions as big as Burt’s growing ego. But lately the duo’s greatest deception is their public friendship, while secretly they’ve grown to loathe each other. Facing cutthroat competition from guerilla street magician Steve Gray (Jim Carrey), whose cult following surges with each outrageous stunt, even their show looks stale. But there’s still a chance Burt and Anton can save the act—both onstage and off—if Burt can get back in touch with what made him love magic in the first place.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Movie Review

Movie review for "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" starring Steve Carell and Keira Knightly exclusively showing in Ayala Cinemas (Greenbelt, Glorietta).

I've got a news flash for you regarding this film: Everybody dies towards the end. 

It's not really a spoiler much since it's pretty much blatant from the title alone how things will end for all the characters involved. 

There are a lot of movies that depict life before the Apocalypse as bleak, depressing and very sad. Director  Lorene Scafaria who also wrote the script turns everything upside down showing a world that's not really turned upside down. Just a little bit kooky but not too much. 

I liked that the movie played on its strengths of being a quirky rom-com set during the final days of humanity. Carell and Knightly has their moments within the film. They get to shine equally and there's something about the pairing of the two. The two main stars does have some semblance of chemistry in quite a few scenes. 

But no, "Seeking a Friend" aint your usual love story where they live happily ever after. Its also not the typical disaster movie where everybody just does all crazy stuff like there's no tomorrow. It's actually a subtle mix of both. 

Plot is pretty simple. You'll actually get the whole premise after watching the film's trailer:

Philosophically speaking the script is pretty tight and simple. It's got the cathartic effect somewhere in it that makes it totally worth watching. As Dodge (Carell) and Penny (Knightly) go on their journey of self-discovery and love, we get to see a transformation unfolding before our eyes with Dodge finding himself once more and finding love while he's at it.

I'm all for Keira Knightly's role as Penny who is bubbly and fun and optimistic about life. She's the perfect gal and one who looks a bit too much like Sasha Grey in Eminem's Space Bound music video.



She also showcases a comedic side which makes this film which is supposedly a bleak and depressing pre-Apocalyptic flick to something that would make lovers go "ahhhhhh".... 

If there's anything that I should rant about this movie, it's the fact that it ends in a sour note. Without spoiling too much, it's got that requisite happy ending that we need in terms of the plot but there's also people that "badtrip" bit where they all have to die (End of the world being part of the title and all that). 

It's not as satisfying as what we want it to be and event until the very last moments of the film, before that white fade out occurs, everyone in the silent Glorietta theater were hoping that there's a miracle of sorts, or there's a real sense of closure for the flick. 

Sadly, there's none and we have to deal with it; still the film is pretty damn nice. 

VERDICT: 8.5/10

Special thanks to Ayala Malls Cinema for the special screening session. "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" will be exclusively playing at Ayala Cinemas including Greenbelt and Glorietta. 

New Teaser Poster and Two Trailers for Anchorman 2

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy was one of the best Will Ferrell movies of all time and now we are seeing glimpses for Anchorman 2 with  a new teaser poster together with two teaser trailers.

Here's the two teaser trailers:

Exclusive Anchorman 2 Teaser from Will Ferrell

Anchorman 2 will still star Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell and David Koechner.

One last thing, I really hope they do something as epic as that anchorman battle we saw in the first film: