Review: The Dictator (2012)

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I went to see the film half-expecting a mix of Sacha Baron Cohen’s eponymous characters Borat and Bruno but I thought it was tamer and more solid. The Dictator tells the story of Admiral General Aladeen ruling the North African country of “Wadiya” with an iron fist. He was invited to travel to New York to address the United Nations that led to his kidnapping plotted by his right hand (Ben Kingsley.) Replaced by a dim-witted impostor, the deposed leader device a plan to reclaim his power through the help of Zoe (Anna Faris), a very liberal militant whose appearance in the film balanced out the gross hilarity of Baron Cohen’s character.

The film isn’t as vulgar as Bruno but it has some cringe-worthy scenes that may offend the sensibility of some people but ninety percent of it was hella funny. The direct hit towards the American culture and politics made it even funnier that it almost feel like an intelligent film, only it is not. It was slapstick but relevant, fearless but not jaw dropping at all. With a very touchy topic such as democracy, you might think that Sacha and director Larry Charles went a bit too far as to make fun of a lot of relevant issues that recently transpired but they were able to transition everything into something that is too hilarious to even get a serious thought from its audience.

The Dictator may have pushed the limit as it conquered the reality that is happening now but it gave a solid comedy that we’d all be laughing about from wherever we’ll be watching it. Like democracy, we have a choice to watch it or not. To laugh at it or laugh with it – at the end of the day, laughter’s still there and The Dictator may not be that great of a film but it’s definitely one that is to watch out for – NOW!
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, Jason Mantzoukas, Ben Kingsley
Director: Larry Charles
Distributed by United International Pictures and Solar Entertainment Corporation

Review: Ice Age 4 Continental Drift (2012)

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Ten years after the release of the original Ice Age, the film’s fourth installment was still able to deliver a hard core family flick that will capture the heart of its young viewers. Ice Age 4: Continental Drift sees the gang charming their way to the audience with their adventures and misadventures to the high seas. Our three heroes, Manny the mammoth (Ray Romano), Diego the sabre-toothed tiger (Denis Leary) and  Sid the sloth ( John Leguizamo) were separated from their families and got stuck in an ice raft with Sid’s grandmother (Wanda Sykes.)

As the gang drifts further away from their home, they met a gang of pirates led by Captain Gutt, an orangutan who’s out to bring chaos and revenge along with his crew. Determined to be with his wife and daughter again, Manny led the action-packed showdown between our charming heroes and the pirates.
This fourth installment of the film was co-directed by Steve Martino and Mike Thurmeier who directed the third one. With its very cliché plot line, the teamwork of Martino and Thurmeier was able to transformed it into something that both adult and children would thoroughly enjoy. I’m not a really big fan of 3-D but I just really dig it this time. It’s fun and engaging and the humour’s just have the right balance. Ice Age 4 soars higher  as they deliver a family film that will not only entertain its audience but will teach us some real lessons in life. It’s definitely a must-see!
Rating: 9/10
Director: Steve Martino, Mike Thurmeier
Starring: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, Peter Dinklage, Wanda Sykes, Jennifer Lopez, Queen Latifah, Josh Gad, Keke Palmer, Nicki Minaj, Rebel Wilson, Heather Morris

First posted at Pinoy Exchange Official Movie Reviews

Review: Rock Of Ages (2012)

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Rock of Ages is a film adaptation of the 2006 Broadway musical by Chris D’Arienzo of the same name. Set in 1986 on Los Angeles, Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough) travels from Oklahoma with head full of dreams. She meets Drew, a bus boy at the popular nightclub “The Bourbon Room” who gets her a job as a waitress and soon steals her heart. The club, though, is in danger of shutting down due to unpaid taxes and opposition from the Mayor (Bryan Cranston) and his wife (Catherine Zeta-Jones) who wanted to clean the Sunset Strip. With Rock legend Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise) final performance with his band, things picked-up between Drew and Sherrie’s relationship that led to many different things.

Watching the film feels like watching a big-budgeted adult “Glee” movie version. I find myself cringing and laughing at the same time whenever one of the casts burst into song, which happened in about 80% of the film. I love that Julianne Hough can actually sing and delivered outstanding performances. Also, Mary J. Blige playing the strip club owner killed it! In contrast, I thought Alec Baldwin playing the club owner, Russell Brand as his right-hand and Tom Cruise altogether failed miserably. They’re just off. It’s like SNL gone wrong.
The film actually started full of energy and full of promise. It was absorbing and the pacing was great but halfway through, all the elements just dropped off and it suddenly became too karaoke. The musical numbers were great alright but the plot suffered tremendously. Ultimately, the film became less charming and ended up as a”star-studded” karaoke film.
Rating: 7/10

Based on   Rock of Ages by Chris D’Arienzo

Director: Adam Shankman
Cast: Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Catherine Zeta Jones, Alec Baldwin, Russel Brand, Paul Giamatti, Bryan Cranston, Malin Akerman, Mary J. Blige and Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx
Distributor: Warner Brothers Philippines

Review: Prometheus (2012)

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This Ridley Scott’s comeback film centers on the crew of spaceship Prometheus as they follow a star map that led them towards an unexplored intergalactic world. Archeologist couple Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) were inspired by the inscriptions they found in a 32,000 year old cave pointing them towards the answer to human’s existential question that they convince multibillionaire Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce) to fund the trip to this distant cosmos with Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron), the robot David (Michael Fassbender) and captain Janek (Idris Elba) joining in for the ride.

I thought the first half of the film was truly compelling particularly the overwhelming ideas that the cast and ‘you’ may ponder upon (the existence of man, the origin of aliens and all) but it became unsteady towards the end. It has quite a few plot holes. Suddenly, I feel that most of the dialogues became meaningless with the characters doing irrational stuff, which may perhaps lead to a sequel.

There is still so much to like about this film though. Michael Fassbender for one steals the show as the well-mannered David. Noomi Rapace is decent enough while Theron and Pearce were quite a delight even if their character lacks development. In addition, I would like to say how bothered I am by the make-up that drowned Pearce almost instantly. There are also the stunning visuals and the extraordinary soundscape that I felt like I was transported into another dimension. The cinematography was divine! Truly, Scott is a master in visuals.

I feel that the film has a touch of cliché after watching it but I thought it was intelligent and somehow original despite the nod towards Alien. It ain’t finish as we’re up to the inevitable sequel and I’m actually excited about it. I have not seen a film quite like this in a long time and I couldn’t care less if the ending was a bit weak as long as there’s a sequel in the near future.

Rating: 7/10

Director: Ridley Scott

Casts: Roomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Guy Pearce, Idris Elba, Logan Marshall-Green, Charlize Theron

Distributor: 20th Century Fox

First posted at the Pinoy Exchange Official Movie Reviews

Review: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012)

The film may have hinted that this could be the series’ ending but the film did not shy away from the endearing first installment that we came to love. The film takes off from where it ended in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. The foursome (Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman) along with lemur, king Julien, Maurice and the ever so tricky and clever Penguins somehow managed to reach Monte Carlo hoping to catch a ride home to

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New York. From there, trouble ensues as Chantel DuBois, a French animal-control officer had Alex being part of the Most Wanted List, is chasing them down. To find their way out, the gang decided to join a circus that led to more adventures.

I thought the film yet again, delivered another hit by continually charming its audience with witty jokes and the ever-so adorable penguin chatter. It was set in a fast-paced mood that the entirety of the film is almost too much to ponder upon because everything is happening so fast but I just love it! I did enjoy every scene especially with King Julien’s antics to impress his newfound love.

It is also good to know that this third installment seemed to step up their animation with colorful and just stunning visuals. That one scene where Katy Perry’s Firework seemed to have captured the mood perfectly. Every kid should enjoy this film to bits. The novelty is still there, the hilarity, though nonsensical at times – is still very much part of what we enjoyed the most about the first two films and with this one, you sure will get your money’s worth.
Rating: 9/10
Director: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, Conrad Vernon
Casts: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jessica Chastain, Chris Miller

Review: Catch Me, I’m In Love (2011)

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I was channel surfing this morning, and ABS-CBN Channel 2 was showing Catch Me… I’m In Love. Until today, I was unaware of this film since I’m not that big of a fan of its lead actors. This 2011 romantic film stars Gerald Anderson and Sarah Geronimo working together for the first time. Sarah plays Roan, a hopeless romantic assigned to accompany the President’s son played by Anderson on an immersion trip. The trip leads both in learning more about each other, and soon enough, love ensues despite their differences.

Sarah Geronimo reminds me so much of Regine Velasquez. She has this very charismatic attack on each role given to her and has this great comedic timing. She’s indeed very funny and just as compelling as her role in A Very Special Love, and You Change My Life. The biggest revelation for me, though, is Gerald Anderson. Wow! I never thought that Gerald could act this well! I always thought of him as that teenage boy playing the love interest of Kim Chui since the first Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition. Boy, was I so wrong about it! I love his portrayal of a carefree, happy-go-lucky presidential son. In this film, he somehow reminded me of the young Chris O’ Donnell in Mad Love and Scent of a Woman. In my opinion, Gerald was the torchbearer of this film!

Sam Pinto here was a great distraction since she could not act here to save her life! Still, I would give her the benefit of the doubt because I think this was her first film, and I just thought throughout her few scenes that she is so damn pretty!

Overall, the story development was cheesy enough that you would melt with it, and I find myself grinning from ear to ear! It was engrossing and very pocketbook-ish. Yes, it was a feel-good film, and I don’t mind watching it again.

Rating: 8/10
 
Director: Mae Cruz
Casts: Sarah Geronimo, Gerald Anderson, Christopher De Leon, Dawn Zulueta, Joey Marquez, Arlene Muhlach, Sam Pinto
Distributed by: Star Cinema

Review: Men In Black 3 in 3D

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“Men in Black 3” comes 15 years after its original installment and 10 years after its sequel where nobody ever expected to get a follow up after. I, for one did not. Nevertheless, it was a pleasant reminder that Will Smith is still very much alive to do movies.

This third film based on Lowell Cunningham’s comic series had Agent J (Will Smith) travels back to 1969 where he met the younger Agent K (played this time by Josh Brolin.) His mission is to stop the alien criminal Boris from assassinating the young Agent K that would change the course of history.

I am not a fan of the franchise but I remember enjoying the first two films somehow. I just loved the dynamics between Smith and Jones in the previous installments. This time though, Smith does not have a lot of sequences with Jones, which is a shame because they really have a great chemistry. Brolin isn’t a bad replacement though; he’s pretty quick and spot-on as the younger Agent K.

Another problem I have was the establishment of Agent O’s (Emma Thompson) character (also played by Alice Eve.) The scenes were not enough to establish K’s softer side for “them.”

Jemaine Clement who played Boris the animal was a-okay. He was “fierce” enough I guess but does little to be a threatening villain.

This film also goes a little backward in terms of special effects that it almost seemed unreal. I don’t know maybe it’s just me or it’s the effect of 3-D but it felt distant somehow. The film isn’t bad at all but it’s missing the spark of the previous installments that may have made the film a bit lackluster in providing a spectacular comeback sequel.

Rating: 7 / 10

Director: Barry Sonnenfeld

Starring: WillSmith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Jemaine Clement, Emma Thompson, Michael Stuhlbarg, Mike Colter, Nicole Scherzinger, Alice Eve, Will Arnett, David Rasche, Keone Young, Bill Hader, Lady Gaga, Lenny Venito

This Review was posted first in PinoyExchange at the PEx Official Movie Reviews.

Review: What To Expect When You’re Expecting (2012)

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This film is an adaptation of the bestselling pregnancy book by Heidi Murkoff, which stars Elizabeth Banks, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Anna Kendrick, Matthew Morrison and Dennis Quaid amongst others. The film follows each character experiencing life changing moments while expecting the miracle that is the birth of a child.

Going in to see the film, I was initially turned off by the film’s star-studded ensemble because it reminds me so much of Garry Marshall’s Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve – I didn’t even know the story to begin with but the fact that there’s a swarm of characters in the film, I’m almost expecting that it’s going to be another one of those all-stars train wreck films.

I’ve to be honest. I already expected this to be a lousy film but I was wrong. I’ll be the first one to admit that I did enjoy it! There’s no fresh take on its story line. There’s the same old story that you hear every now and then about getting pregnant, adopting, the pregnancy scare and all but each minute details of the characters involved are somehow very affecting. You’d actually fall in love with them! It has the usual corny punch lines thrown here and there, the black token guy, the dumb blonde and the usual characters but somehow it all worked together.

Anna Kendrick and Elizabeth Banks are just flawless in this film. They are the characters that you would remember from the film after the credits rolled in (unless you’re glued to Rodrigo Santoro and Joe Manganiello all throughout.)  They’re relatable and very charming. Forget that Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz are also in here because they are in the film for their star value. It also doesn’t hurt that the film has a great soundtrack.

The film obviously is very heartwarming, though, cliché – it has the power to evoke that feminine side from you even when you’re not “expecting” and regardless of your gender. I have not read the book from where it’s based and I don’t have any plan to but I think the mere merit of the film’s considerable approach to pregnancy, family and just life in general is reason enough to go to the cinema and watch it.
Casts: Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Anna Kendrick, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro
Director: Kirk Jones
Rating: 8/10

Advance screening courtesy of Pinoy Exchange, Twilight Films Distribute and RJ 100

This film review was first posted at Pinoy Exchange. Read all my film reviews at Pinoy Exchange Official PEx Movie Reviews.

Review: The Avengers (2012)

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I’ve actually been thinking if this film would live up to its promise of assembling a group of superheroes and making it work at the big screen. After all, some of them haven’t had any film solely dedicated to them and their heroism although we see them every now and then popping up in some scenes from the previous Marvel films, we still don’t know them “personally.

 The Avengers tells the story of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Agent Coulson ( Clark Gregg) assembling a group of superheroes (rather gifted and talented creatures) which they have been doing for the past five years to form a military force known as the Avengers Initiative. There we see Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) being joined by Fury and Coulson themselves, Black Widow (Scarlett Johanssen) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) to fight for humanity.

In this film, we see Loki (Tom Hiddleston) leaving Asgard to take up Earth as its king and enslave humanity including his brother Thor.  It’s funny because Loki’s much more interesting now than his less-compelling antagonistic take in Thor. Somehow, it enriches his character as well as Thor himself which I thought was the weakest prior to this film – performance wise.

There may be some weak moments in the film, which are stereotypical with the genre – good versus evil, but there are far enough moments that I can truly say that The Avengers really is the best film in the Marvel series. It has stunning action sequences, great climax building and the characters establishment was superb! I thought the banter between Tony Stark (Iron Man) and Steve Rogers (Captain America) was good and carry the film all throughout. And with the occasional hilarity of the Hulk’s character – I thought it was effortless.

Althought I’m not exactly a fan of the series, I am still excited for the sequel which I think we will be getting after this. The Avengers took on some cultural icons and made them even more appealing than they already are. The anticipation for this film was worth the entire wait and the expectation which I think is pretty high was nevertheless a success.

 Rating: 9/10
Director: Joss Whedon
Casts: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L Jackson
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures

This film review was first posted at Pinoy Exchange. Read all my film reviews at Pinoy Exchange Official PEx Movie Reviews.

Review: Zombadings: Patayin Sa Shokot Si Remington (2011)

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It’s just last week that I was finally able to catch one of the most talked-about films of 2011 entitled Zombadings: Patayin Sa Shokot Si Remington. Reason being is that I’m not really big on local films recently because they became too commercialized over the years. I’m glad that some films still offer something new or something fresh like this one. I even wrote a blog about this film that was shown during the Cinemalaya Film Festival last year and thought that the trailer was pretty funny but I didn’t really get the chance to watch its entirety.

The film is about a young boy named Remington who loves pokig fun on gay men (transvestite in general) until he insulted an old transvestite who put a curse on him stating that he’ll turn gay once he grow up. Without realizing it, on his 21st birthday – Remington knew something changed because he suddenly could speak gay-lingo without realizing it and was turning gay in the midst of gay men being hunted by a serial killer in their town.
I guess what I liked most about the film is its concept. It’s very original and very fresh as it uses Filipino gay lingo which are pretty funny. I also loved that they used subtitles for the gay lingos that made the film more relatable and funnier. I think that’s the main thing about the film. It’s not a gay film, it’s actually a movie for everyone. Of course there is the usual stereotyping of gay people such as wearing tacky clothing, working in beauty parlors, being effeminate and all. It was funny in that context but after that, you’d somehow wish that they didn’t show it in a general manner.
On a more positive note, Mart Escudero who played the lead role Remington was definitely the star of the film. The guy can really act and he played it beautifully while being supported by a very strong cast! Somehow, though, the film got lost in the end when the Zombadings (gay zombies) appeared. I guess it’s alright since altogether, the film delivered some good laughs, fresh ideas, great acting and just something new to the  Filipino film industry. Kudos to the creator of this film and everyone involved in it.
Rating: 8.5/10
Director: Jade Castro
Starring: Martin Escudero, Lauren Young, Kerbie Zamora, Janice de Belen, John Regala, Angelina Kanapi, Leandro Baldemor, Daniel Fernando with the special participation of Roderick Paulate and Eugene Domingo