Reel Advice Movie Reviews

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island: Movie Review

2012-01-31T22:57:00.005+08:00

Put simply, "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" is not that different from its predecessor. The basic premise for example actually uses the same exact sequence of events from start-to-finish (boy discovers a coded message, boy thinks it might be from a long lost relative and decides to go to the "fictional" place on which a legal guardian assists him, they find what they look for but soon find peril and they must escape or else). But here's the thing, "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" does something that sequels rarely do and that is being better than its predecessor. Minus the "déjà vu-ish" story, everything else is bigger, faster, badder and funnier than the first one.

Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) is caught by police escaping from a satellite research center. Luckily, his stepfather, Hank Parsons (Dwayne Johnson), saves him from going to jail. The next day, Sean reveals that he needed the satellite to receive a faint broadcast that contained a message with a bunch of indistinguishable words. Hank is able to solve the code which reveals the coordinates for a certain "Mysterious Island". Sean believes that his long lost grandfather was the one behind the transmission and that he has discovered the island. Sean and Hank set out for the island of Palau as the coordinates is nearest that location. In Palau, they board a private helicopter run by Gabato (Luis Guzman) and his daughter Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens). The four travel to the location but their helicopter is hit by a storm causing them to crash on the island. Eventually, the group meets Sean's grandfather (Michael Caine) but soon discover that they have a couple of days left before the island sinks into the bottom of the sea.

If there's one thing that "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" does best is its non-stop pace. The film starts off in an instant - after the first five minutes or so, the adventure starts already and does not end until the credits roll. There's really no time to think and that is it's best asset as this is a film that really crosses the line from what's impossible and what's feasible. It's not about all about the action though and we have to say that the humor is another thing that defines this film's success. The tandem of Dwayne Johnson and Luis Guzman (with non-stop one-liners that are actually funny) perfectly caps off the feel-good aura this film exudes. To sum it all up, there's never a dull moment as the action, the humor or the combination of both is just a non-stop barrage from start-to-finish. On the acting department, everyone did a pretty swell job. The biggest surprise is Dwayne Johnson who does not only proves he is better than Brendan Frasier but he also does more than just act. As expected, the film was stunningly jaw-dropping especially in 3D. The first one did a good job but this one just blows that one away. There's really no reason not to love "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island". While its predecessor might have been too kiddie for some adults, the second foray is actually more mature and more attuned to adults. On top of that, this is a film that improved on the points that made the first film a hit and more.

Rating: 4 and a half reels

Why you should watch it:
- as expected, the visuals are stunning especially in 3D
- fast-paced and funny, there's never a dull moment in this sequel

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the film's story structure is way too similar to the first film

J. Edgar: Movie Review

2012-01-30T23:12:00.004+08:00

Clint Eastwood's take on the eccentric yet highly-accomplished man that J. Edgar Hoover was works well because of Leonardo DiCaprio. It was one unbelievable performance as he subtlety captivates you further and further into one of the most powerful men from the last century. While the film's storytelling (and make-up for that matter) didn't keep pace with Leonardo's acting prowess, it was still one moving film that feels like a tell-all of not only Hoover's secretive life but his most cherished accomplishment, the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

During his lifetime, J. Edgar Hoover (Leonardo DiCaprio) would rise to be the most powerful man in America. As head of the FBI for nearly 50 years, he would stop at nothing to protect his country. Through eight presidents and three wars, Hoover waged battle against threats both real and perceived and often bending the rules to keep his country safe. “J. Edgar” explores the personal and public life and relationships of a man who could distort the truth as easily as he upheld it during a life devoted to his own idea of justice which was often swayed by the darker side of power.

"J. Edgar" as expected has one thing going for it and it was Leonardo DiCaprio's performance. It's simply amazing, magical and astounding to see an actor grab your attention so much that you forget that you are watching a film - more so that he is portraying a real man. It was so great so much so that you actually see the subtle deviances through Hoover's with Leonardo's acting on hand. Not even the thick, old-school make-up that masks some of the facial movements could stop him in delivering one of his best performances ever. Unfortunately, the film's development was greatly stunted by the flashback system used by Clint Eastwood. It was moving back-and-forth from present day, to younger Hoover and more. At times, it was just tiring and confusing to keep track of what timeline you were watching and it does not help that it did not reference any dates. Also, the make-up was just a nuisance. We know it's probably a personal choice in not using digital effects as Benjamin Button did (and we respect that) but they could have done way better in this department for sure. The set pieces and the visual style complimented the film well but the characters themselves did not. In the end, "J. Edgar", even with a confusing story line, still effectively reveals so much about Hoover, warts and all, that you can forgive its shortcomings.

Rating: 4 reels

Why you should watch it:
- Leonardo DiCaprio has one of his best performances we have ever seen
- feels like a legitimate tell-all film on Hoover and the FBI

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the storyline and flashback style used was confusing
- the amateurish make-up ruins the experience a bit

The Descendants: Sneak Peek

2012-01-30T22:51:00.003+08:00

“The Descendants,” this year’s Golden Globe winner for Best Picture (Drama) and Best Actor (George Clooney) is set in Hawaii where outwardly successful businessman Matt King (George Clooney) is thrown into a crisis when his wife falls into a coma. As King struggles to be a hands-on parent for his two daughters Scottie (Amara Miller) and Alexandra (Shailene Woodley), it does not help that he discovers that his wife was having an affair with another man. As he steps forward to face the unturned stones his wife had left him with, he realizes he’s finally on course toward rebuilding his life and family. Catch the trailer and more after the break.

“The Descendants” is a story that could perhaps be told anywhere, but it has a completely unique setting among the landed upper-classes in Hawaii” says Alexander Payne, the director of the film. “It’s specific to this place, yet it is also universal. Hawaii is very interesting and not just for its obvious visual and vivid beauty; there’s a distinctive social fabric to life there and that intrigued me.” adds Payne.

The movie sees two masters, both Oscar winners, both at the pinnacle of their game. Funny but also reflective and poignant, this is Alexander Payne’s first film since “Sideways” (2004). And in one of the most interesting roles of his brilliant career, George Clooney plays Matt King, a conflicted and flawed man discovering his own humanity and responsibility in the wake of a tragedy.

In the depths of this crisis, King has to come to terms with the fact that he has been largely inadequate as a father as he attempts to repair his relationship with his two daughters. 17 year-old Alexandra is rebellious and has been sent off to boarding school. 10 year-old Scottie, played by first time actress Amara Miller, is precocious and in need of parental supervision. Compounding Matt King’s grief, there is the added revelation that before her accident his wife had been involved with another man. “Matt is kind of lost, befuddled, disappointed—all the normal things people feel in life, realizing they’ve done the wrong things.” says Payne.
“The film is about the awakening of a man who has been in an indifferent marriage that has gone stale,” adds producer Jim Burke. “It is a wonderful father and daughter story and something completely new for George Clooney. We have never seen him in a film about a relationship between a man and his children.”

“The Descendants” will open on February 15 in theaters from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

The Code: Short Film Review

2012-01-29T22:22:00.006+08:00

What if the monsters we fear actually have a code to live by on who gets the kill? What if they all meet in one sick mash-up? Taylor Brandt's "The Code" tries to answer that question and to be honest it was simply hilarious. You can catch our full analysis and the whole short after the break.

A couple is engaging on their first date when a swarm of zombies and a masked killer suddenly stalk them. Things get weirder when other monsters join the party. But the real question is, "Who gets the last laugh? The humans or the monsters?"

The short film, which is around 6 minutes long, won countless awards in the recently concluded Houston Splatterfest Weeekend of Mayhem and it shows why. What really makes "The Code" stand out is the dialogue between the monsters involved. The icing on the cake is the twist ending which really caught us by surprise.

Rating: 4 reels

The Code - watch more funny videos

My Cactus Heart: Movie Review

2012-01-29T17:36:00.005+08:00

"My Cactus Heart" just feels fresh and new overall - quite a feat considering its the only genre our local mainstream film industry knows to make 90% of the time. It's not only that the pairing of Matteo Guidicelli and Maja Salvador actually works (a true blue couple in real-life) but it also brings in a narrative style unique in its own way. While at times the movie lacks polish and consistency to be considered an instant classic, the narrative style and the lead actors carry "My Cactus Heart" into something worth a look. Read on for our full written analysis of "My Cactus Heart".

Sandy (Maja Salvador) while at work narrates to her co-worker how she met her soul mate. The story starts when she was still in high school. She and her best friend decide to play a game. Each one of them will draw an illustration for their "soul mates". They will leave the illustrations randomly - knowing one day that these will be returned by the man meant for them. Through the years though, Sandy grows hatred towards men and commitments due to her dad leaving their family with another woman. Sandy decides that she does not want to be a fool for love and be single for life like her mom. Every boy who courts her gets busted so much so that people call her a "cactus heart". Not until she meets Carlo (Matteo Guidicelli) that is who is not only her complete opposite when it comes to love but teaches her cactus heart how to love in return.

There are two big things that make "My Cactus Heart" better than your average local romcom. First, the narrative style made the movie more interesting than it should be. To be quite honest, the story was predictable but the flashback system was a breath of fresh air (the style is more or less akin to the television show "How I Met Your Mother") as it actually made the characters have depth not usually seen on local romcoms. This was so effective that the characters' back stories define how the lead characters react to the world around them. For example, you do not only understand why Maja's character hates commitments or why Matteo's character is a hopeless romantic but you actually feel their emotions and what they are going through. Second, the pairing of Matteo and Maja just simply works flawlessly. They make a beautiful pair on-screen and everything feels natural. On the acting department, the biggest surprise was Matteo. He just showed versatility that we didn't expect from him (not even accounting for how he has improved his Tagalog greatly). Where the film fails to make an impact is in its polish and consistency (actually a common problem on local films). The first half in particular has a lot of confusing moments especially when it came to how the timeline was presented. The film also had several scenes being cut abruptly or having video quality dip significantly even on the same scenes. The cheesy lines and jokes were just average too. At times it will make you smile even laugh but on other times the lines just feel stale. We won't lie, "My Cactus Heart" wasn't on our anticipated list but after seeing it, we have to admit that our assumptions were completely wrong.

Rating: 3 and a half reels

Why you should watch it:
- Matteo and Maja make a good pair on the big screen
- Matteo shows how much he has grown as an actor
- the narrative style used adds more depth to the story and characters

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the film lacks polish and consistency
- it's filled with cheesy and corny one liners

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close: Sneak Peek

2012-01-26T23:26:00.003+08:00

“Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” is a story that unfolds from inside the young mind of Oskar Schell (Thomas Horn) who is an inventive eleven year-old New Yorker whose discovery of a key in his deceased father’s belongings sets him off on an urgent search across the city for the lock it will open. A year after his father died in the World Trade Center on September 11, on what Oskar calls “The Worst Day”, he is determined to keep his connection to the man who cajoled him into confronting his wildest fears. Now, as Oskar crosses the five New York boroughs in a quest for the missing lock, he begins to uncover unseen links to the father he misses, to the mother who seems so far away from him and to the whole noisy and dangerous world around him.

Opening soon across the Philippines, “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace Gets Re-released in 3D This February

2012-01-26T23:13:00.005+08:00

After 13 years since its release, “Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace” is back and now even better as it tries to bring a more immersive experience using 3D technology. The Star Wars saga is a modern-day fairy tale reflecting the vision of George Lucas. The film extended the Star Wars mythos by taking us into the beginning in which Darth Vader is a hopeful nine-year-old boy named Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi is a determined young Jedi knight. This first chapter follows Anakin’s journey as he pursues his dreams and confronts his fears in the midst of a galaxy in turmoil. Catch the trailer of "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" (3D) after the break.

“Star Wars Episode 1 Phantom Menace” (3D) opens February 9, 2012 in all 3D cinemas in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Laguna, Ilocos, Dagupan, Baguio, Tarlac, Pampanga, Clark, Bicol, Bohol, Tacloban, Gensan, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Iloilo and Cagayan De Oro.

No More Hassle in Booking Movie Tickets

2012-01-26T22:34:00.004+08:00

As 2012 rolls in, some people may have missed movies 2011 had to offer. Blockbuster movies such as:

The Adventures of Tintin: The Shadow of the Unicorn - Tintin was the epitome of many men's childhood heroes and the comics themselves are as valuable as ever. Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson dared to have their own interpretation Tintin on the big screen and the wait was surely worth it. This is one film that best shows how much 3D animation (and motion capture) has moved forward since Toy Story. A masterpiece on visuals alone, the story can stand alone on its own right.

Happy Feet Two - Who could forget Happy Feet, the award-winning animation film from 2006. Five years after, the hit movie released it's sequel. If you saw the first one, you know Mumble couldn’t sing but could dance. Now his son Erik is trying to find his own calling 0- just like his father did when he was young. Though not as good as the first one (music-wise and story-wise), the film holds its own.

New Year's Eve - Much like 2010's Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve had an ensemble cast circled around love. The setting may be different but this film was mostly a rehash of the first film. Although the film was funny, it was too predictable and had too many characters to contend with. If you liked Valentine's Day and you would love New Year's Eve too.

Sherlock Holmes 2: A Game of Shadows - In the second installment of this movie Holmes meets his nemesis Professor James Moriarty. Although the movie was good enough to warrant a watch, it suffered from sequel syndrome. Visually it was better but everything else just felt like a downgrade from the first movie. The potential of Moriarty was completely wasted with simple twists.

More often than not, it's because people just didn't have the time to go and book their movie tickets on-site. But what if you could book tickets online? For example, if you are from Oxford and wanted to know what movies are available in a Cinema in Oxford, you can easily book online now. Try it and you'll clearly see the difference and convenience.

The Darkest Hour: Movie Review

2012-01-25T09:10:00.006+08:00

"The Darkest Hour" is a film full of potential, not with its premise of invisible alien forces attacking Earth, the movie is definitely off to a good start. But after one and a half hours, that is just all of it. The film's problem is very basic - it gets lost along the way forgetting to capitalize on its unique idea. It sordidly lacks any clear direction, identity or even solid and compelling characters which makes this movie feel a little too lost on what it wants to accomplish. It was as if the filmmakers themselves did not know what should be included into the final cut and those that should have been scrapped out. In the end, everything just felt a mash of unfinished ideas filled with cheesy scenes and lines and innately stupid characters that may piss anyone off.

Sean (Emile Hirsch) and Ben (Max Minghella) are two young programmers who set off to Moscow to sell their social networking software designed for the party crowd. When they arrive at their meeting, they discover that their Swedish business partnet Skyler (Joel Kinnaman) has stolen their software and have them thrown off the premises. The two decide to wallow their sadness away at a bar and meet two women, Natalie (Olivia Thirlby) and Anne (Rachael Taylor). As the four party together, all of the lights suddenly go out and they soon discover that the whole of Moscow is on blackout. Aurora-like lights descend upon them and become invisible right before their eyes. When a policeman tries to touch the "thing", he disintegrates into nothing. Sean, Ben, Skyler, Natalie and Anne find themselves in the middle of an invasion with invisible forces that destroy human beings in an instant - can they find a way to survive?

"The Darkest Hour" lacks any compelling reason for anyone to watch it. The premise might be good but it botches it severely with a story full of predictable scenes, special effects that are great on some but has amateurish ones on most, characters that will frustrate you and yet the movie actually dares to try unconventional things at times. It's this see-saw effect that we just don't get. It's like half of the movie was well-budgeted and well-thought off while the other lacks any semblance of effort. For example, Moscow was simply beautiful more so in its aftermath state but there are also scenes were we get to see the alien's first person perspective and those were undeniably bad. Another one is it missing compelling, lead characters. We just didn't know who to follow or who to root for half of the time. As for the whole plot, it was mostly made up of forced predictable scenes but it had some elements that did surprise us specifically on how some characters died. Most scenes feel too conveniently placed - everyone in Moscow is dead but Natalie's mom is able to survive in the Statess (and why is she able to receive a text message even with a global blackout) and a rampaging bus with our characters stops conveniently in front of their Russian comrades are just some examples that weirded us out. As for the acting, everyone had forgettable performances but this was amplified further with one-dimensional characters and a film full of cheesy lines and speeches. If we could choose an actor who did a swell job, it'S Emile Hirsch. The guy has potential but he should choose his films well from now on. Finally, this is a film we won't recommend watching in 3D as its too dark and did hurt our eyes.

Rating: 2 reels

Why you should watch it:
- the premise still works its charm a bit
- the effects were great on some scenes but some did suck badly

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- one dimensional, stupid characters will frustrate you
- the story is full of predictable scenes
- avoid this in 3D at all costs

The Vow: Sneak Peek

2012-01-24T23:12:00.004+08:00

"The Vow” is the real-life story of a newlywed New Mexico couple who were struck by tragedy shortly after their marriage. A car crash puts the wife (Rachel McAdams) in a coma where she is cared for by her devoted husband (Channing Tatum). When she comes to, without any memory of her husband or their marriage, the husband must woo her and ultimately win her heart once again. The film also stars Sam Neill, Scott Speedman and Jessica Lange. For now, you can catch the trailer of "The Vow" after the jump.

Opening across the Philippines in February 2012, “The Vow” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.columbiapictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

Underworld: Awakening: Movie Review

2012-01-19T23:07:00.004+08:00

"Underworld" is a series fraught with negativity from the critics. And who's to blame them? This is probably a perfect example of what pure, sexist action films are - babes in skimpy jumpsuits and all. But after watching "Underworld: Awakening", we beg to differ. The fourth try is the best yet from the series and this is a film that actually brings more depth and understanding to the whole mythology. Yes, the old tricks are still there but it also dares to do more than what people expect from it.

It has been 15 years since Michael and Selene (Kate Beckinsale) vanquished the elder vampire, Marcus. In between that time, humans have discovered the existence of both Vampires and Lycans and decided to eliminate all of them in a huge "purge". Selene, captured during her escape, awakens in a laboratory by the company, Antigen. She soon discovers that another 12 years have passed since her botched escape and now tries to find where her lover Michael is whom she thinks aided in her escape from Anitgen.

We won't deny that "Underworld: Awakening" feels a little too similar to its predecessors. There are still guns-a-blazing, no-holds-barred action that will make men scream for more while women cringe in their seats. The film is also way too dark. We remember seeing one or two scenes with some sunshine but everything happens in darkened rooms and hallways or in fact, during nighttime. And as for the acting department, well it was amateurish at best. But who cares? This is what anyone should expect from an "Underworld" film. If you can't handle it then the movie won't buy you in as usual. But here's the thing, "Underworld: Awakening" has more to offer than any other film in the series. With a meaty, detailed and deep story (with a lot of surprises mixed in), the story propels the movie and in fact the series to new heights. This is a story that not only makes this fourth film way better than the previous efforts but it also complements the others. The "Underworld" mythology is actually a nuance one and this is the film that ties everything together. On the other hand, we still feel that the movie made a huge mistake by pushing for another fifth one as the running time was really fast. This was otherwise the only setback in a well-written movie. This is also the first film to be shot in 3D and we have to say that the first effort was a great one. The visual effects actually improved a lot as compared to "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" but 3D technology was a huge factor in making you jump out of your seat. Put simply, this is the deepest, most visually-appealing and action-packed "Underworld" yet and were slightly amazed.

Rating: 3 reels

Why you should watch it:
- Underworld action with a detailed, deep and constructive story
- the effects were outstanding, the effectiveness of 3D more so

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the acting suffers a lot
- the movie as a whole was a little too short (obviously they want another sequel)

Help Send Six Budding Pinoy Filmmakers to Berlinale Talent Campus 2012

2012-01-16T14:09:00.004+08:00

Hate Filipino films now? Do you want things to change? Then you can do something today! Six budding Filipino filmmakers have made it to the 2012 Berlinale Talent Campus. The campus is a six-day summit filled with lectures, workshops, discussions and presentations by leading professionals in the field of film making. The lucky few who were selected are Ice Idanan, Carlo Manatad, Bianca Balbuena, Jewel Maranan, Sheron Dayoc and Vanessa Ulgado. Unfortunately, the group needs help in their transportation expenses - approximately $8,000 (USD). If you are interested to donate and support these talented bunch of people, just go to their Indie Gogo profile which contains their individual bio plus online payment details.

You can also donate via bank deposit. Here are the details of the account:
Account Name: Aiza Jane R. Idanan
Account Number: 6390064976
Bank: Banco De Oro Universal Bank
Swift Code: BNORPHMM

Please contact Ice at +639178022012 to confirm your deposit!

Indie Gogo Profile
Berlinale Talent Campus Profile

The Darkest Hour: Sneak Peek

2012-01-15T22:41:00.003+08:00

“The Darkest Hour” tells the tale of five young people who find themselves stranded in Moscow, fighting to survive in the wake of a devastating alien attack. The thriller highlights the classic beauty of Moscow alongside mind-blowing special effects from the minds of visionary director, Timur Bekmambetov, who did "Wanted". Based from the trailer, the earth invaders have a peculiar ability not seen before in any film we know off. That has us excited indeed. Anyway, you can catch the trailer of "The Darkest Hour" after the break.

“The Darkest Hour” opens in theaters nationwide on January 25, 2012 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance: Sneak Peek

2012-01-15T21:41:00.005+08:00

Nicolas Cage reprises his role as Johnny Blaze in Warner Bros.' latest action-thriller “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance”. In this gritty sequel, Johnny (Nicolas Cage) is still struggling with his curse as the devil’s bounty hunter but he may risk everything as he teams up with the leader of a group of rebel monks (Idris Elba) to save a young boy from the devil and hopefully rid himself of his curse forever. Much has been said about the first film (most of them not good) and knowing that this is under the banner of Marvel Knights, expectations might get really low. But who knows? This might be the film that changes the mediocrity of the brand. Catch the unsually bad-ass trailer after the break. Oh, the fun starts after the first minute!

Opening across the Philippines on February 2012 and February 17, 2012 on other parts of the world, “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

We Bought a Zoo: Movie Review

2012-01-13T11:15:00.006+08:00

"We Bought a Zoo" has a peculiar title that you usually don't see in Hollywood films (or in any film at all). It is weird yet catches your attention. It is straight-forward yet daring. Ironically, the film itself proves to be far-off from its namesake. The film presents a story that is all-too-familiar and a little too good to be true. A case where too many changes were done from the real thing for that Hollywood flair. Did we like it? Yes but we sure hoped that they put more "humanity" into it.

Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) and his two kids have yet to move on from his wife's untimely death. Everything in town reminds him off his wife and his son Duncan (Thomas Hayden Church) just got expelled from school for stealing and drawing disturbing imagery. To escape his past, Benjamin decides to quit his job and buy a house with a zoo far away from the city. He believes that this will help him and his family start a new life. But the move proves to be a handful as Benjamin must now save the almost abandoned zoo and must make sure that it is up and running by summer or else.

"We Bought a Zoo" is an inspirational film no doubt but it also lacks that human factor that is key in such films. Yes, there are a lot of lessons to be learned from here but it is also a film that feels a little off, a little too clean and a little too much fiction mixed in. For example, Matt Damon's character Benjamin Mee just quits his job in a whim because his editor took pity on his wife dying. Does he contemplate about his being a single parent, his financial status and his two kids? No, in fact it was a stroll in the park for him. The ending is another good example where people were too jolly even with a "roadblock" that if it happened in real life won't get the same reaction. It's these minor details that takes the human factor of "We Bought a Zoo" and just puts its effectiveness aback. Another thing we noticed is that the film's pacing was a little bit off. At times it felt really slow. There were also instances that scenes were not properly transitioned from each other. Key tensions are presented then put off for the longest time. As for the acting, Matt Damon was the best delivering a performance that pushed emotion into a movie that the other players were lacking on. "We Bought a Zoo" may not be the best drama/inspiration film out there but it is good enough to merit a viewing. It is a feel-good movie filled with laughter and lessons that anyone will appreciate.

Rating: 4 reels

Why you should watch it:
- the movie is light, funny and has the right amount of drama
- Matt Damon had an astounding performance

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the movie felt a little to fictional to be based on real-life
- lacks correct human reactions and interactions
- the pacing was off a lot of times

Marvel's The Avengers Character Posters Revealed

2012-01-10T23:31:00.006+08:00

Eight character posters have been revealed for the superhero ensemble movie that everyone is holding their breathes for this year. The movie is none other than “Marvel's The Avengers” starring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins. The film headlines Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson. Catch the character posters after the break.

Thor:

Nick Fury:

Loki:

Ironman:

Hawkeye:

Captain America:

The Hulk:

Black Widow:

Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie packed with action and spectacular special effects when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in Philippine theaters on May 2012.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: Sneak Peek

2012-01-09T23:25:00.006+08:00

In Columbia Pictures' eagerly awaited “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” director David Fincher (“The Social Network”) uncoils the world of author Stieg Larsson’s global blockbuster thriller on the big screen. The story’s labyrinth contain lie, murder, corruption, family secrets and the inner demons of the two unexpected partners chasing the truth out of a 40-year-old mystery. Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is a financial reporter determined to restore his honor after being convicted of libel. The journalist heads to a remote island on the frozen Swedish coast unaware of what awaits him. Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) is hired to do a background check on Blomkvist, a job that ultimately leads to her joining Mikael in his investigation of who killed Harriet Vanger. Though Lisbeth shields herself from a world that has repeatedly betrayed her, her hacking skills and single-minded focus become invaluable. For now, you can watch one of the best trailers we have seen yet after the break.

Opening soon across the Philippines, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

A Mother's Story: Movie Review

2012-01-09T22:14:00.006+08:00

It seems that as time passes by, more and more Filipinos are taking the big risk of leaving the country for a better life. We like to think that they haven't lost hope in our wonderful country but basically because opportunities here are almost non-existent and less rewarding. But life isn't black and white and leaving the Philippines for better opportunities isn't as easy as one-two-three. You may get more money but what do you really loss especially if you have a family that needs you back at home? "A Mother's Story" tries to paint the reality that most OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) mothers go through in the United States - of being lonely, away from your kids and being an illegal alien with no rights. It tried but it so utterly failed on many points that what it produces on the big screen is ironically a big disconnect from reality.

Medy (Pokwang) is a make-up artist who stands as her family's only source of income as her husband (Nonie Buencamino) broke his leg and cannot work. One day, she was selected to accompany her client to the United States for a performance. She promised her family that she will return after seven days but while in America, she stumbles upon her former best friend Helen (Beth Tamayo) who tries to convince her to stay as an illegal alien. Medy does not like the idea but she eventually gives in when she finds out that her new-born baby has a lung impairment and will need constant, expensive medication. The whole week stay turns into seven long years and now, Medy is finally coming home - will her sacrifices bear fruit or will it bring more hurt and pains to her and her family?

We really feel for "A Mother's Story". On one hand, we applaud the effort. What it tries to do and what it's message profoundly wants to say to every Filipino is not an easy thing to accomplish. On the other hand, it fails miserably on so many fronts that it is not an easy film to watch and it is a film that could have done more if they executed things not so haphazardly. For a film that tries to reflect reality, it actually feels far from it. The story has a lot of forced elements that you simply feel that they are trying to push the story forward only to the writer's liking. Most apparent is Beth Tamayo's character Helen and Medy's chance meeting in the US and the surprise reveal of Medy's son to her in the final moments of the film. Another huge problem for "A Mother's Story" is how things got resolved in the end. Rayver's character King hated his mother so much but this all gets resolved in a snap of a finger. It was as if they were running out of screening time and the director just decided to end things abruptly. There was just a huge inequality on how much time was spent on Medy's life in the US against her life here in the Philippines (which we feel should have had the bigger emphasis really).

On the acting department, Pokwang dares to do more than comedy but in this regard, we can say that she needs a lot of improvement. While she does shine on several of her crying scenes, everything else from her just felt amateurish. This is also true for the Americans who were cast in the film who feels like they were just grabbed off from the streets. Nonie Buencamino and Rayver Cruz in our opinion were the best and brightest. In fact, Rayver Cruz's performance was the most believable out of everyone else. In the end, "A Mother's Story" just feels rushed. It could have done so much more with more balanced scenes, better writing, better actors and less absurd reactions. As-is, it's a pretty messy and amateurish film that had potential to be a real-look into what hardships OFWs face day-to-day but really it isn't.

Rating: 1 and a half reels

Why you should watch it:
- it is a tear-jerker on some parts
- Rayver Cruz and Nonie Buencamino has wonderful performances

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- most actors just sucked badly even the extras
- the story was totally unbelievable and the ending and resolution just enamored us with its fantastical feel

In The Land of Blood and Honey Live Q&A with Angelina Jolie

2012-01-08T23:22:00.004+08:00

Angelina Jolie is set to have a live Q&A next week about her directorial debut film, "In The Land of Blood and Money". Fans of Angelina Jolie will be able to ask her in real-time and you know what? We are actually hosting the Q&A in this same post. For now, we have a countdown/trailer/behind-the-scenes widget you can play with. "In The Land of Blood and Honey" tells the love story between a Bosnian Serb who is in charge of a prison camp and a Muslim artist who is taken prisoner during the Bosnian War in the early 1990’s. The film has been nominated in the "Best Foreign Language" category in the upcoming 69th Golden Globe Awards. The live Q&A is set on January 12, Thursday. For the Philippines, expect it to happen on January 13, Friday.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows: Movie Review

2012-01-05T23:55:00.006+08:00

"Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" promises to be bigger, better and more devious than its first salvo two years ago. With an antagonist that pits Sherlock Holmes' intellect equally, who could doubt that fact. But here's the thing, while the sequel does a lot more than its predecessor when it comes to being stylish and fun, it forgets what made the first one so good even perfect - and that is bringing depth and interest on how Holmes will connect the dots by the end of the film. Mind you though, the film is still a romp to watch even adding better segments than the first (and funnier ones at that) but there are also moments where everything feels forced, obvious and lacks that "wow" factor. The potential that the character of Professor Moriarty could have and should have brought in feels wasted.

All around the globe, powerful and rich men are mysteriously killed one by one. For everyone else, the deaths have no connection with each other but for Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.), he believes that a single man is behind all the killings - Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris). Not only is Professor Moriarty Sherlock Holmes’ intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil, coupled with a complete lack of conscience, may actually give him an advantage over the renowned detective of Scotland Yard. When the two meet personally, they start a game, a deadly game that will not only involve Holmes' family and friends but also at stake is the risk of starting a world war.

Almost everything in "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" feels like a roid up version of the first one (emphasis on the almost because one thing was clearly left out). The action sequences are more epic in scale, the lines are wittier and funnier, the stand-offs between Holmes and Moriarty a definite favorite of ours and the "omniscient"-like analysis of Holmes when it comes to fighting baddies are more elaborate and complicated. In fact, if we can judge this film on visuals alone, the film would set the bar very high. Guy Ritchie did a great job on the cinematography once again by building up on what he started on the first film. Everything looks and feels so familiar but just simply bigger. As for the actors, every one did as expected meaning pretty damn good. Although we still had a hard time understanding Holmes' English. Where the film seems to falter is the plot and how everything eventually is revealed. It's not a bad story but it feels less intellectual than the first. Considering how Moriarty is supposedly as devious and smart as Holmes, we just felt a disconnection. Overall, "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" is a pretty good try at a sequel. It's almost better than the first one but a simpler plot fails to impress us.

Rating: 4 and a half reels

Why you should watch it:
- Guy Ritchie amps up the visuals and cinematography. This films is a beauty.
- the acting was almost too perfect again, even better than the first

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the simpler plot fails to impress us

Heartaches and Hopes for the Metro Manila Film Fest

2012-01-04T12:05:00.005+08:00

They say that the Metro Manila Film Festival is the epitome of Philippine Cinema. They as in the big film outfits who think this is the only time of the year where they have a an equal playing field, the politicians and soon-to-be politicians who use the festival to bolster their name before the elections make headway. The MMFF as we all know is a sham. It is not the epitome of what Philippine Cinema can do but it is the showcase of how low some can get just to get a quick buck - isn't that the whole story of our nation since the dawn of time? From politics, to sports, to the kotong-cops and now even in film, it's all about me, me, me. It's all about selfishness and self-pleasure, of giving a big middle finger to society. It's pretty obvious that with all the countless sequels and re-sequels, horror films, kiddie-themed rip-offs by a certain politician, remakes of old films and combining different franchises together - the MMFF is just about money-making and nothing more. Yes, the effects may be better at times and yes, some are different from the comedy, romcoms we see 11 months a year but really? Is that it? Admittedly, even some local romcoms are easier to stomach than from what I have seen from the MMFF - at least they try to be creative. It's easy to see why some Filipinos adamantly don't want to watch even a single, local film even those who get raving reviews locally and internationally.

And yet, even with all this negativity, I still have hope for the Philippine film industry and the MMFF and you know why? Because the past 2 years or so, I have seen blockbuster films that would never have seen the light of day before like "Kimmy Dora", "Ang Babae sa Septic Tank", "Zombadings" and more. These are actual films who sold well that are daring and fresh. The Philippine film industry may be floundering but its actual films are not (they are actually getting better and better) and I think that a rebound will happen soon and if the MMFF won't change to adapt then it might be scrapped soon after.

So what does the MMFF need to do? I'm no expert but here are some of my suggestions plus observations:

First and the biggest no-brainer is to re-think the best movie criteria. Who wins a best movie award by being the best-selling film? They should totally scrap the "commercial success" criteria in scoring as it just makes no sense. Who judges a film's brilliance by it's selling power? Only us for sure.

Second are the board of judges. They should be publicize well for us to know if they are really worthy of being part of the jury. I must admit that even now, I have no inkling who the judges these year are. It tested my Google skills but I still failed. I only got as far as the New Wave Films judges and Butch Francisco's article from the Philippine Star and to quote him, "The composition of the board of judges is a cross-section of society. From the most learned to school dropouts, who probably are watching movies for the first time...or dropouts who are hopeless movie fans ('my screen idol can’t go wrong') to the learned who find local flicks yucky beneath their level...but thank heavens there is still a section there that understands film and literature.", of which clearly shows that a huge portion of MMFF judges are ignorant when it comes to film. Would you want a math teacher to grade your science thesis paper? This is the same case here or even worse. Judging a film is totally different from just watching it.

Third is the usage of the CEB (Cinema Evaluation Board) rating. It still baffles me why they let films no better than having a grade of "A" be included in the MMFF. Is it because that we will run out of entrants? Probably! But it is also a way to push film makers to make better, deserving films in a time where only local flicks are shown. Viewers are paying with their hard-earned cash and yet we see trash upon trash thrown at our faces. But the CEB should also make changes on their own. They gave "Segunda Mano" a grade of "A" of which the film totally sucked. They themselves should also make better judgements on their grading. Be more critical and defiant for you hold a big key on how our film industry is turning out and will turn out eventually - even bigger than the MMFF.

Fourth and final point is to give more time and effort on the New Wave Films. It's funny how half-baked this was. It was shown from December 17-21, 2011 and in only one theater in Manila (a theater who actually shows indie films all year round already). Talk about being unfair. Honestly, these are the films that need more attention than the mainstream category. This is where we will get our future directors, producers and more and yet how do we show them our support? By actually placing them with the likes of Ethan Hunt and on one measly stage - a sure loss for sure.

Films do define our culture, tastes and who we are as a nation and we must accept that the MMFF is also a big part of this industry. I still don't agree that the MMFF should have a monopoly every December or it feature local films only but I also see it as a big way to change the redundant nature of our mainstream film industry or the local film industry as a whole. It not only affects how we see our films but it also affects how the industry has shrunk and shrunk through the years. If you were one of the owners of a production company, what would you do? It's pretty obvious that you will limit your resources for the MMFF. If the MMFF becomes more critical of the quality of films it gets then hopefully the bigwigs themselves will be forced to be more inventive on what they give us annually on the Holidays. And us Filipinos get to trust local films once more then the industry will grow back to its golden age were hundreds upon hundreds of films were made and all kinds of genres were pushed.

Warner Bros. 2012 Lineup Looks Bad-ass

2012-01-03T00:21:00.003+08:00

2012 is shaping up to be another banner year for Warner Bros. whose upcoming line-up consists of formidable franchises ("The Dark Knight Rises" and "The Hobbit"), blockbuster sequels ("Wrath of the Titans", "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows"), potential franchise-starters ("Jack and the Giant Killer", "Dark Shadows") and prestige titles ("Gravity", "J. Edgar"). With all these surefire bets, what's not to like? Catch the full breakdown after the jump.

The Dark Knight Rises
The epic conclusion to Christopher Nolan's take on the Batman mythos. Christian Bale again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film also stars Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle, Tom Hardy as Bane, Marion Cotillard as Miranda Tate and and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes the first of two films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.

Wrath of the Titans
A decade after his heroic defeat of the monstrous Kraken, Perseus (Sam Worthington), the demigod son of Zeus (Liam Neeson), is attempting to live a quieter life as a village fisherman and the sole parent to his 10-year old son, Helius. But Perseus cannot ignore his true calling when Hades (Ralph Fiennes) makes a deal with Kronos to capture Zeus.

Jack, the Giant Killer
An ancient war is reignited when a young farmhand (Nicholas Hoult) unwittingly opens a gateway between our world and a fearsome race of giants. Bryan Singer directs.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) has always been the smartest man in the room until now. There is a new criminal mastermind at large with Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris) and not only is he Holmes' intellectual equal but his capacity for evil may give him an advantage over the renowned detective.

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
In this follow-up to the 2008 worldwide hit "Journey to the Center of the Earth", the new 3D family adventure begins when young Sean (Josh Hutcherson) receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island where no island should exist. Unable to stop him from going, Sean's new stepfather, Hank (Dwayne Johnson), joins the quest.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
Nicolas Cage returns as Johnny Blaze who's still struggling with his curse as the devil's bounty hunter. He is recruited by a secret sect of the church to save a young boy from the devil. At first, Johnny is reluctant to embrace the power of the Ghost Rider but it is the only way to protect the boy and possibly rid himself of his curse forever.

Dark Shadows
Director Tim Burton brings the cult classic series to the big screen in a film featuring an all-star cast, led by Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter.

Rock of Ages
The film adaptation of the smash hit Broadway musical tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock-n-roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake, and more. Tom Cruise leads the powerhouse cast.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
Based on the acclaimed novel of the same name, this drama starring Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock tells the story of one young boy's journey from heartbreaking loss to the healing power of self-discovery, set against the backdrop of the tragic events of September 11, 2011.

J. Edgar
During his lifetime, J. Edgar Hoover (Leonardo DiCaprio) would rise to be the most powerful man in America. As head of the FBI for nearly 50 years, he would stop at nothing to protect his country. The Clint Eastwood film explores the personal and public life and relationships of a man who could distort the truth as easily as he upheld it during a life devoted to his own idea of justice, often swayed by the darker side of power.

The Apparition
When frightening events start to occur in their home, young couple Kelly (Ashley Greene) and Ben (Sebastian Stan) discover they are being haunted by a presence. Their last hope is an expert in the supernatural (Tom Felton) but even with his help they may already be too late to save themselves from this terrifying force.

The Lucky One
Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault (Zac Efron) returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq with one thing he credits that kept him alive — a photograph a woman he doesn't even know. Learning where she lives, he shows up at her door and soon a romance develops between them.

Gangster Squad
A colorful retelling of events surrounding the LAPD's efforts to take back their nascent city from one of the most dangerous mafia bosses of all time. The film stars Josh Brolin and Ryan Gosling as the LAPD's Sgt. John O'Mara and Jerry Wooters, Sean Penn as real-life mobster Mickey Cohen and Emma Stone as Grace Faraday.

Rivals
Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis play rival politicians in a small congressional district in South Carolina.

Argo
Based on true events, the film chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis - the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades. Ben Affleck stars and directs.

Burt Wonderstone
Steve Carell and Jim Carrey star in this comedy that deals with rival stage magician teams in Las Vegas. The titular Wonderstone, is one half of a two-man group who has to rediscover his love of magic after the loss of his partner.

Prisoners
A desperate father (Michael Fassbender) turns vigilante and abducts the man he suspects is behind the disappearance of his eight year old daughter and her best friend, after cops fail to find the little girls.

Gravity
A 3D space film about the leader of a team posted at a remote space station. While he (George Clooney) and a female colleague (Sandra Bullock) are traveling outside the space station, the other team members are decimated by debris from an exploded satellite.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked: Sneak Peek

2012-01-03T00:14:00.003+08:00

The Chipmunks are about to unleash their third adventure in "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" where the vacationing Chipmunks and Chipettes are turning a luxury cruise liner into their personal playground not until they become shipwrecked on a remote island. As the Chipmunks and Chipettes scheme to find their way home, they accidentally discover their new turf is not as deserted as it seems. Catch the trailer of "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" after the break.

From 20th Century Fox, "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" opens January 8, 2012 nationwide in Metro Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Davao, Pampanga, Angeles, Baguio, Bulacan, Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro, Bacolod, GenSan, Laguna, Pangasinan, Naga, Laoag, Tacloban, Dumaguete and Batangas.

The Lucky One: Sneak Peek

2012-01-02T23:58:00.003+08:00

Warner Bros. has just unveiled the big-screen adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' bestseller "The Lucky One" starring Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling. Warner Bros. also made available a video featurette on Nicholas Sparks discussing "The Lucky One" which can be viewed after the break. U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault (Zac Efron) returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive - a photograph he found of a woman he doesn't even know. Learning her name is Beth (Taylor Schilling) and where she lives, he shows up at her door, and ends up taking a job at her local kennel. Despite her initial mistrust and the complications in her life, a romance develops between them, giving Logan hope that Beth could be much more than his good luck charm.

Opening across the Philippines on May 2012, "The Lucky One" will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Segunda Mano: Movie Review

2012-01-02T23:23:00.005+08:00

Like it or not, it seems that Kris Aquino has actually become the unofficial face of Philippine horror as throughout the past half decade, she has been cast countless times to be the lead on various horror films. Most of them did gain critical acclaim so she actually has a good track record. As for her latest outing in the horror genre, "Segunda Mano" is certainly the weakest by a mile. Now, it's not all bad mind you as "Segunda Mano" actually dared to mold one genre into another and along the way it was able to create a story more unique and deeper than the usual. It was a tease for sure but just like everyone else's mistake in the horror genre, one thing is sorely missing in "Segunada Mano" - it being scary even for one bit. What's a horror film without the scares? The ensuing result just leaves us dumbfounded until now.

Mabel Domingo (Kris Aquino) owns an antique shop to support her mother. Her mother is still obssessed over her sister Mari who died of drowning twenty years ago on her seventh birthday. Ivan Galvez (Dingdong Dantes) was left by his wife for another man and left him with their daughter. As fate would have it, Ivan and Mabel meet each other and instantly falls in love. As Ivan proposes to Mabel and his daughter starting to accept Mabel as possibly her new mother, strange things start to happen to Mabel. It seems that a ghostly presence is haunting her. Things take a turn for the worse when people close to her and Ivan begin to end up dead one by one.

"Segunda Mano" has a lot of positive things working for it. It just so happened that it falters badly on areas that are obviously key to a horror film and that significantly affects how we felt about it overall. One of those key areas is it being scary. It's ironic that by being daring with its story and its genre-combining decision, the story is forced to deal with a rather friendly ghost. A ghost that "kills" just would not make sense with the overall story arc. Simply put, having a ghost appear from time to time does not make something scary or a horror film. But that shouldn't be an excuse really - we're pretty sure there are other methods to make the film scream-filled than the usual suspenseful music or fake surprises. They should have just made this into a suspense-thriller if they couldn't deal with the horror aspect properly. Beyond the half-ass implementation in the horror side of things, the film had a good story. Definitely better than usual fare but it still ended up rather predictable. It leads the audience to the "twist" midway or a third of the way and at times, like Mabel's sister, things get a little forced, uncomfortable and unbelievable. The acting was spectacular for some specifically Dingdong Dantes and Bangs Garcia. Dingdong was highly-versatile making a believable good boyfriend and an even better psychotic, possessive killer. Bangs on the other hand brought much needed humor and life to a rather dull feel for the film. This is in part due to Kris Aquino being a huge letdown. She played her character without any semblance of emotion and naturality. She just felt dead all throughout the movie. The visual effects were consistent but not the best we have seen.

In summary, "Segunda Mano" wastes all the good it has by forgetting to make it creepy. They should have just forgone with the horror aspect and they could have made a better, bigger, more daring film by concentrating a hundred percent on suspense alone. This is simply a suspense film masked in a veil of a horror film and who would want to watch a fake?

Rating: 2 and a half reels

Why you should watch it:
- the genre-combining story was pretty good though predictable
- Dingdong and Bangs performed very well in this movie

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- Kris Aquino is just a huge failure overall
- another "horror" film that forgets to be scary. What's happening to our local horror films?