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Review: The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

Posted on May 6, 2014 | Leave a comment
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via wikipedia

Continuing the highly successful reboot of the iconic superhero franchise – the sequel of 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man saw Peter Parker’s (Andrew Garfield) childhood after being orphaned by his parents and was left to the care of his aunt and uncle. He also ended her relationship with Gwen (Emma Stone) to keep her safe.
Here we see Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan) becoming the CEO of Oscorp after his father Norman (Chris Cooper) died. We also have Max Dillon (Jamie Foxx) whom Peter saved once and became obsessed with our superhero. Somehow, it stopped there. It’s too boxed for a sequel going around Peter and Gwen’s relationship to the impending attack of Max and Harry. The plot wasn’t much and it was too damn long if I’m being honest (it’s over two hours.)

The one thing that I liked about it is the way they humanized Peter Parker (almost the same way Clak Kent felt vulnerably close to the audience in Man Of Steel). I’ve to admit though that I’m not really digging Andrew Garfield as spidey (or perhaps I’m just unfairly comparing him with Tobey Maguire) but he’s okay I guess. He’s got this charming thing about him. Emma Stone of the other hand was LOVE. (I’m truly biased LOL) I just loved this girl. But hey, adoration aside – Gwen’s character isn’t much that it’s almost comical to think about her but you see, she’s very easy in the eye (Emma that is).

Did anyone thought how creepy DeHaan was as Harry? I think the word’s sinister but not than much. I don’t know what to make of him. I almost wished that James Franco’s brother took over the role. But being in between creepy and sinister could be a good thing right? Foxx’s character though, was simply out of place. It’s just lacking any back story and was just a poor excuse to abuse it’s CGI potentials.

In the scope of things, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was an improvement from its predecessor. It was something a non-Spider-man fan would “perhaps” appreciate although I’m not really sure if they’d be patient enough to sit through it till the end.

Director: Marc Webb
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan, Colm Feore, Felicity Jones, Campbell Scott, Sally Field
Rating: 6.5/10

similar review posted at the 2014 Pinoy Exchange Movie Challenge.

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OMG: The Fault In Our Stars – Extended Trailer

Posted on April 29, 2014 | 2 comments
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Okay, so I just really need to share this one right here. I’ve read the book in a day and fell inlove with the characters right off. The story is narrated by a sixteen-year-old cancer patient named Hazel, who is forced by her parents to attend a support group, where she subsequently meets and falls in love with the seventeen-year-old Augustus Waters, an ex-basketball player and amputee. [source]

I mean, Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort just have that chemistry you cannot fault! Ofcourse, you probably know now that they played siblings in Divergent and who would’ve thought that they would look really good together? I can tell by now that this would be a cry-fest. And in case that you have not read the book, please take the time to do so – it’s very short so you’d finish it quick. It’s a shame that Manila will have a month delay of showing this! Boo!!!! Anyway, enjoy the trailer you guys…

#Okay

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Review: Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

Posted on April 29, 2014 | Leave a comment
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Bend It Like Beckham is a fusion of culture and the world’s most popular sport – football. It centers on Jesmindar “Jess” from a traditional Indian family whose dream is to play football and not be subjected to the whims of her family. Then came Jules, a girl she met at the park who invited her to join their football club. Jess secretly tried out for the club and successfully secured a position.

With all these developments, Jess was caught in choosing between a life that her family designed for her or a future that she would undertake (including defying her family and her culture) in order to do what she truly loved.

Indeed, the film takes a rather brave and fresh approach on the subject of cultural differences, old family values and even a slight touch of racism. It was neatly presented in the film – a relatable presentation in so many levels and equally likeable.

It was also very nice to note that in the progress of Jess’s football journey (and falling in love) – that things that were deemed to be some sort of barrier became almost non-existent at the film’s conclusion. This was a film that inspires, one that breaks barrier and ultimately bend rules.

Director: Gurinder Chadha
Starring: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Archie Panjabi, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Shanznay Lewis, Anupam Kher, Shaheen Khan
Rating: 9/10

via Pinoy Exchange Movie Challenge (A-Z Movies)

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Review: Amelia (2009)

Posted on April 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

Amelia

Starred by the two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank, the film was based on the true story of Amelia Earhart – the most legendary American aviatrix.

Here, we see a promising film that didn’t live up to its hype. Not even the trio of Swank, Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor could salvage the it. For one, the predicament of the story is well – very much shallow and predictable that made Amelia un-relatable. Second, the film was borderline heinous. And for a film about aviation – it feels like I’m watching a slow-motion period film that does not require speaking lines at all because it was so bad.

In all fairness to Swan, I still think that she gave a pretty decent performance here but it wasn’t enough to carry the film altogether. The costume and production design was rather nice but really, nothing will matter if you don’t have a good story to tell – and to think that Amelia Earhart was considered a heroine of some sort – the film was, as they say an utter and complete failure.

Movie Title: Amelia
Year: 2009
Genre: Drama
Rating: 4/10

Director: Mira Nair
Starring: Hilary Swank, Richard Gere,Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston

via Pinoy Exchange Movie Challenge

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Review: Coach (2010)

Posted on April 27, 2014 | Leave a comment

CoachCoach centers on Nick (Hugh Dancy) who took up a job (a first in his life) to get his girlfriend back. He landed a job as the coach of a fledgling high school football team. There he learned the value of money, responsibility (growing up) and finding love in the process.

I love how this film isn’t incredibly written but was adequately acted. I also love the cool vibe of it. A single guy who needs to learn a lesson or two about life, with three varied friends. An actress for an ex-girlfriend, wooing a doctor and teaching football and a great deal of lessons to some kids.

Overall, Coach is a feel good film that doesn’t need an intelligent analysis. It has a simple storyline and linear sequences that complimented its simplicity. Here, there was enough drama, comedy and some believable candor.

Director: Will Frears
Starring: Hugh Dancy, Jonathan Gutierrez, Liane Balaban, Mamie Gummer, Michael Chernus, Benjamin Walker, Gillian Jacobs, David Zayas, Bill Camp

Movie Title: Coach
Year: 2010
Genre: Comedy
Rating: 8.5/10

via Pinoy Exchange Movie Challenge

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Review: Julie & Julia (2009)

Posted on April 26, 2014 | Leave a comment

Julie and Julia

Based on true events, the film’s a narrative of two very interesting and fascinating women whose passion for cooking taught them more in life than tasting and enjoying the food. Meryl Streep plays chef Julia Child who “taught America how to cook” and Amy Adams, as Julia Powell, a young writer in New York who lives with his husband. Powell with the encouragement of his husband took on the challenge to cook every recipe that Child has published and recounts her progress through a blog. This attracts the attention of many including the media and Julia Child herself.

The film also recounts Julia Child’s experience in France with his husband who works for the US government – as she was introduced to the art of cooking thus producing Mastering the Art of French Cooking and introducing French Cuisine in America.

As usual, La Streep was at her best – yet again. Like how does she do it? Meryl’s a different kind of artist – I mean she’s UP UP there. Like who could even rival her greatness? She’s very enigmatic on the screen and playing Julia Child, it’s like we’re really watching the real Julia Child. I even thought that she should’ve won the Oscars for her performance. Amy Adams on the other hand was equally stunning, this girl simply complimented Streep’s screen prowess. She’d some moments in the film but obviously, it was THE Meryl Streep who carry the film altogether.

Year: 2009
Genre: Comedy
Rating: 9 out of 10
Director: Nora Ephron
Starring: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci, Chris Messina, Linda Emond, Jane Lynch

via Pinoy Exchange 2014 Movie Challenge
30 Days Movie Challenge – Day 09: A movie of your favorite actress (Meryl Streep) 

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Review: A Walk In The Clouds (1995)

Posted on April 24, 2014 | 2 comments

A Walk In The Clouds

“Just because I talk with an accent doesn’t mean I think with an accent.” – Alberto Aragon

 From director Alfonso Arau, A Walk In The Clouds stars Keanu Reeves as Paul Sutton, who after the war returns to San Francisco to reunite with his wife Betty (Debra Messing) expecting a warm reception from her. It turns out that most of the letters that he sent her were unopened which causes a little misunderstanding but he still decided to forgive her thus continuing his plan to engage in a new career. Betty however, convinced him to go back to his former career of selling chocolates so he set forth to sell chocolates in Sacramento. On his way to Sacramento, he met Victoria Aragon who’s on her way home from college after getting herself pregnant by her professor. Coming from a very traditional family, Victoria’s in a very serious trouble until Paul offered to help her by posing as her husband to meet his family, especially her very strict father.

Alberto Aragon wasn’t happy about this but he eventually conceded realizing that Paul “really” loved his daughter. Knowing that it was all a lie, both Paul and Victoria had to end it even after realizing that they’ve come to truly love each other.

I am supposed to write a review about this film in a different category but I decided that Senor Alberto Aragon’s quotation “Just because I talk with an accent doesn’t mean I think with an accent” aptly speaks volume and I just loved it because I feel that at some point it applies to me having worked in the BPO industry where I was criticized here and there about my accent.

Anyway, this film is probably Keanu Reeves’ second best movie (in my opinion) after The Matrix (start the LOL-ing now). He provided here a subtle approach to his role as a vulnerable and well-grounded man of honor complimenting the performance of his leading lady, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón. I also appreciated the beautiful vineyard scenery that feels like I’m being transported in a beautiful dream – what a beautiful cinematography! The scoring was also superb coming from Maurice Jarre who also did the the scores of Lawrence Of Arabia, Messenger Of God and Ghost. The story of the film was that of a sweet romantic one – a couple who found themselves in a beautiful place where they could just be in love forever – much like what the audience (moi) feels like – walking in the clouds.

Movie Year: 1995
Movie Genre: Drama
Movie Rating: 9/10
Director: Alfonso Arau
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Anthony Quinn, Angelica Aragon, Debra Messing, Giancarlo Giannini, Freddy Rodriguez

via via Pinoy Exchange 2014 Movie Challenge
30 Days Movie Challenge – Day 14: your favorite quote from any movie

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WICKED is Good. The Gladers of “The Maze Runner”

Posted on April 23, 2014 | Leave a comment
via wikipedia

via wikipedia

You guys may have heard about the upcoming film adaptation of The Maze Runner – based on the novel of James Dashner. I actually just finished reading the book and I’m just thrilled about its coming movie adaptation. I already know that a film was coming up that is why I decided give the book a go and I got so engrossed and now – aside from the film, I’m also looking forward to read the rest of the trilogy.

Dylan O'Brien will be playing the lead role, Thomas

Dylan O’Brien will be playing the lead role, Thomas

For starter, (atleast) for those of you who haven’t read the book or what the movie was about. The Maze Runner focused on Thomas, a young guy who find himself mysteriously delivered to a place they called Glade without remembering anything from his past aside from his name. It so happened that each week, a boy was sent out to this place surrounded by giant walls or if you go beyond those walls – they happen to be a set of confusing Maze. Here, the boys along with Thomas set to find an escape from the maze – an escape from the place that would either keep them safe or deliver them to their demise.

Here’s a very cool website from the “creator” of the maze – WICKED – which they made WCKD in the movie

Here are the actors playing the characters in the film 🙂 – what an amazing casting If I may say!

Thomas Brodie-Sangster as one of the Gladers Leader - Newt

Thomas Brodie-Sangster as one of the Gladers Leader – Newt

Chuck's Thomas' sidekick

Chuck’s Thomas’ sidekick

Teresa is the first girl to enter the Maze - also the last person to enter it in the book.

Teresa is the first girl to enter the Maze – also the last person to enter it in the book.

Minho's the Maze Runner's Keeper

Minho’s the Maze Runner’s Keeper

Alby - one of their leaders

Alby – one of their leaders

Ben

Ben

Gally's the keeper of the Builder and one of the antagonists in the book

Gally’s the keeper of the Builder and one of the antagonists in the book

Frypan's the keeper of the cooks

Frypan’s the keeper of the cooks

Here’s the official trailer of the film. It’s pretty exciting!

The film was supposed to have its release last February but it was pushed to September 19, 2014.

pictures via themazerunnermovie.com

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Review: Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Posted on April 23, 2014 | Leave a comment

Brokeback Mountain

Set in the 60’s, the film takes us to the journey of Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger), two country boys hired to herd sheep through the summer at the Brokeback Mountain. There, they discovered some kind of connection that ultimately awaken something about themselves. As their lives goes on after their Brokeback Mountain stint, the two men realized that truly, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Over time, despite having individual families – they still see each other knowing that what they had is something that is far more important than any forces in their lives.

With the screenplay written by one of my favorite authors, (Larry McMurtry who wrote it along with Diana Ossana) my attachment with this film goes beyond being a fan of the story. The mood of the movie was as melancholic as its characters accompanied by its absolutely haunting musical score. The subtle approach of Ang Lee in delivering a controversial yet heavy emotional narrative allows its audience to weep with the character – such instance happen when the distraught Ennis Del Mar broke down while hugging Jack’s bloodied clothing. That for me was the highlight of the film. This film was short of a stunning portrayal of love loss and eternal questions of what-if. Ang Lee truly is a master of his craft.


Year: 2005
Genre: Drama
Rating: 9 out of 10
Director: Ang Lee
Starring: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Randy Quaid, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, Linda Cadellini, Anna Faris, David Harbour, Roberta Maxwell, Peter McRobbie, Kate Mara

via Pinoy Exchange 2014 Movie Challenge
30 Days Movie Challenge – Day 10: A movie of your favorite director (Ang Lee)

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Review: Nine Months (1995)

Posted on April 22, 2014 | 2 comments

Nine Months

Nine Months is the story of Samuel Faulkner (Hugh Grant,) a child psychologist who’s gotten her girlfriend (Julianne Moore) pregnant that turns his life into oblivion. Fearing the responsibility and the thought of raising a family, Sam gets advises from different people that led to one thing – he’s got to face the inevitable. Soon enough, he finally realized that it’s not just about him – but also his girlfriend, his child and the responsibility that comes with it. This was the first movie that I’ve seen from Hugh Grant and I was like less than ten then. Hugh Grant’s just extremely funny here and extremely charismatic as well. The story isn’t that much to chew on as it’s just clearly a flat out story but I guess the main selling point here is its actors. The actors esp Hugh Grant and Robin Williams are just hilarious. I guess, when the film makes you laugh – either the “good laugh” or the “ridiculous laugh” – there’s still a part of you that enjoys it. Nine Months was my childhood favorite, though not extremely good, watching it over and over – it takes me back to that place. If the movie ain’t worth a thing, I don’t think it would have that effect.

Year: 1995
Genre: Comedy
Rating: 6.5 out of 10
Director: Chris Columbus
Starring: Hugh Grant, Julianne Moore, Tom Arnold, Joan Cusack, Jeff Goldblum, Robin Williams

via Pinoy Exchange 2014 Movie Challenge
30 Days Movie Challenge – Day 6 Your favorite comedy film

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