Review: Insidious (2011)

Insidious is about a boy who succumbs into an unexplainable comatose which leads to supernatural events involving the devil himself.

via wikipedia

via wikipediaFilm

You can easily tell the similarity of its style to Paranormal Activity, though less canted in shots. That being said, it was mostly the shots that made the film scary. It was a bit slow-paced but I love how subtle each scene was presented in the first half of the film.

Rose Byrne was amazing as usual but the rest of the cast were such a waste. The evil “lurkers” acted much better than the rest of them. Patrick Wilson always reminds me of a one dimensional theater actor.

It actually felt like I was watching two different films forcibly joined together with all the dream sequences of Rose Byrne and Barbara Hershey and the idea of having spirit questors to fight off the evil spirits.

The latter part of the film started to become unbearable but I opted to finish it hoping that the film could redeem itself and fortunately, it did. The last few scenes were scary and give you that creepy feeling as if someone’s about to get you while you sleep.

If you are into the supernatural horror genre, you should go and watch it but do not expect it to be that good for it may disappoint you big time.

Director: James Wan
Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye, Ty Simpkins, Barbara Hershey, Leigh Whannell, Angus Sampson

My rating is 6/10

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Review: Thor (2011)

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

I am not a big fan of any Marvel characters or any Nordic myths, which means I don’t have the brightest idea about Thor. I just know that he is the God of Thunder from word of mouth. Upon seeing the film’s trailer, I’d say that I was quite impressed by it and was excited to catch the film in the cinema.

Last Sunday, I was finally able to catch it and true enough, it didn’t disappoint me one bit. The film was basically about Thor who is vanished by his Father from his kingdom to teach him a lesson –from then one, events took place to regain what he had lost.

The film was actually a typical superhero film for me. There’s the hero, his love interest, the goody-goody thing that he does and of course, the bad guys. Chris Hemsworth in my opinion was perfect for the role. He was very charming and looks great. Whilst Natalie Portman maybe a great addition to the cast as the Scientist Jane Foster, I find her character excessively flirty and not being there at all. Darcy, her assistant had stolen the scenes from her by delivering the humor of the film along with the lead character, Thor.

The best part about the film is its visuals. I daresay that it’s the best film I’ve seen this year so far – for this technical aspect alone. It has the perfect formula of a good film. Okay lines, kinda great characters and stunning visual effects. One will be able to understand and enjoy it thoroughly.

Based on Thor by Stan Lee
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgard, Colm Feore, Ray Stevenson, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Rene Russo, Anthony Hopkins

I’ll give it a 9.5/10 ratings.

Review: Beastly (2011)

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

Sucker Punch and I Am Number Four, both films unanimously lured me to watch this film starred by Vanessa Hudgens and newcomer Alex Pettyfer. It is the modern re-telling of the classic Beauty and the Beast, which tells the story of Kyle Kingston (Alex Pettyfer), an arrogant young man who thinks that he, could get anything because he was blessed with good looks. After humiliating his classmate Kendra (Mary-Kate Olsen) who is actually a witch, she casted a spell to disfigure him. The only cure is for him to find love in about a year or he would stay that way forever.

The film was actually the biggest disappointment for me this year so far in terms of the storyline. It didn’t quite work for me because it was very much predictable and was badly written. Every scene felt forced and there was no chemistry at all between Hudgens and Pettyfer. I thought Vanessa’s performance here was a far cry from her performance in Bandslam that I considered her best performance to date. I almost wished that she played Kendra and Mary Kate played her character. Neil Patrick Harris who played Kyle’s blind tutor seemed off to even be part of the film. Another actor could have played it better in my opinion.

The score was actually impressive but other than that, it lacks everything that you’ll be looking for a worthwhile film to spend your money into. It was a film that you may enjoy if you’re a big fan of its actors but as for the rest, it’ll just be a good two (almost) hours that you shouldn’t be wasting.

Rating: 4/10

Director – Daniel Barnz

Based on the novel of Alex Flinn
Starring – Vanessa Hudgens, Alex Pettyfer, Mary Kate Olsen, Neil Patrick Harris, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Peter Krause, Dakota Johnson, Erik Knudsen, Regina King

 

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The Comeback Goddess: MJ Lastimosa

So it’s CONFIRMED! Mary Jean Lastimosa or better known as MJ will be participating in the upcoming Binibining Pilipinas  pageant. As I mentioned previously, this would be MJ’s third attempt to clinch a Binibini crown after snatching second runner-up during the 2011 edition and  a semifinalist placement in 2012. I’m hoping that this time, MJ will be able to maintain the momentum leading up to the big night.

too premature but I can't help it. via MJ Lastimosa's FB

too premature but I can’t help it.
via MJ Lastimosa’s FB

I’m no expert when it comes to beauty pageants but having watched the years that she initially joined, I’d like to advise her not to over-think when it comes to answering questions from the judges. She should be more relax and more confident because I know that she can really do it! And this time, I’m hoping that the stars and the whole universe will aligned in her favor!

Goodluck MJ!!!

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2 Episode 2 – Who Attracts the Following?

Last night’s episode was pretty interesting with the  remaining 14 girls vying for the title of the most bad@ss model in the house LOL. For their challenge, they were to form three groups with three girls each leaving Nicole and Sneha group-less so they formed a two-girl group instead.  The groups are to take “selfies” of themselves and the winner of that challenge was the beautiful Pooja who shared her reward to… Katarina! They went to an helicopter ride, sightseeing the beautiful Malaysian scenery.

Shortly after that, the girls are to pose in Malaysian traditional clothing in Batu Caves ( a limestone hill that has a series of caves and cave temples situated in Gombak district in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.)

During the shoot, each girl just had 15 frames to work with. Jodilly, Janice, Nicole and Sneha impressed the photographer while Pooja, Katja and Natalie did okay.  Bona was not showing versatility disappointing everyone in the shoot and the rest are just hanging there.

Prior to the panel, the girls are having some issues with each other esp Nicole over Janice whose being a brat in my opinion. Wow! I feel like watching an episode of the American version with this episode! LOL. Tia’s being all so bitchy with Katja. At panel, they hated Bona’s picture. Too bland IMO. I also didn’t like Tia’s pose. She’s not a model, TBH and the judges doesn’t like it as well. #served

Anyways, here are the pictures from last night episode. Don’t mind my critique, that’s just me. >_<

Bona

Bona

This is beyond lifeless. I thought she’d be great over the run of the show but this is pretty boring.

Janice

Janice

I do not like her at all. This photo isn’t very good to begin with. She look one dimensional in my opinion.

Jihye

Jihye

I feel that the dress is too much for her. She’s drowning in this shot.

Jodilly

Jodilly

Biases aside, I think my homegirl’s killing it! The hidden hand was a bit distracting but overall, I’d say that this is a really great shot!

Josephine

Josephine

I love Josephine’s bone structure. She can do better than this and I’m putting this shot in the upper tier.

Katarina

Katarina

The ever-so feisty Katja! I totally love her personality but I feel that she’s not bringing it! She’s without question the prettiest in the house but “pretty” can only get you further.

Marie

Marie

I feel that she’s being safe but girl has got it!

Natalie

Natalie

I liked it. I’m just worried that she looks really short which doesn’t help her at all since she’s only 5’7.”

I'm surprised by Nicole. She's giving me a supermodel aura. I love the position of her legs as well as her face!!! Lovely!

I’m surprised by Nicole. She’s giving me a supermodel aura. I love the position of her legs as well as her face!!! Lovely!

Poojaa (Challenge Winner)

Poojaa (Challenge Winner)

I love this shot. I thought it’s very elegant. Not digging her look but her posture’s quite nice.

Sheena

Sheena

Now, this is fierce baby!! Go Sheena!

Sneha

Sneha

She overdid it so there. It didn’t work at all.

Thao

Thao

I love Thao! I love how she photographs and her face is just to die for! It’s very interesting!

Tia

Tia

I’m not really digging it! Tia’s not a model, I’m sorry.

Call Out Order
FCO – Nicole
Jodilly
Sheena
Thao
Natalie
Katarina
Sneha
Janice
Josephine
Poojaa
Jihye
Marie
BOTTOM TWO: Bona and Tia
Eliminated: Bona

Best Photo Week 2

pictures via Asia’s Next Top Model / RTVG

December To Remember In Sagada Part 2: Rocky Valley Inn and Cafe Review (December 2013)

I booked a room for two as early as November since most of the Inns that I’ve contacted are fully booked already because of the bonfire festival and naturally, December’s a peak season in Sagada. I was able to booked at Rocky Valley Inn. I was asked to deposit half of the rate for three days (it’s 250/pax/day.) The inn is located near the Sagada Weaving and is in front of a gas station. It was a  good 8 minute walk from/to the center.

via saggas.org

via saggas.org

the rock formation fronting our veranda

the rock formation fronting our veranda

The place was very clean of course. I thought Alex, the guy who assisted us was very professional. The room given to us was at the second floor with a veranda which I loved by the way because it’s fronting a big beautiful rock formation and it was naturally, freaking cold.

sam_5267

They have WiFi connection at the ground floor and they also served food. The food was good and reasonably priced. Our only critique is the lack of hospitality from the other girl who’s manning the place who keeps sneering on us. She was probably in a bad mood that weekend. o_O  Overall, our stay was rather okay because the rooms are clean as well as the shared rest rooms. Just good food and clean room. *wink*

Rating: 4.5/10

To be continued…

Review: Let Me In (2011)

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

This film is about a bullied boy who befriends a new girl in his neighborhood. She encourages him to fight back to his bullies and he discovered that she’s no ordinary girl – she’s a young vampire lusting for blood and is looking for a new companion.

This film was actually one of my must-watch films on my list. I love Chloe Moretz playing the young vampire, Abby. I thought she’s fantastic as the young and lonely vampire. You can feel her sadness and that vicious persona in her eyes.

The boy, Kodi Smit-McPhee was as good delivering a superb performance, which is rather a reminiscent of his performance in The Road.

I love that the film is not predictable and went more violent in comparison to the original Swedish version. There is such a subtlety in the film that lures you into watching its entirety. It’s a great remake that can stand on its own without the merit of the first one. My rating for this film is 9/10 for giving me the creeps that I’m expecting from it.

On DVD

Director: Matt Reeves
Based On: Let The Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist
Starring: Chloe Moretz and Kodi Smit-McPhee

Review: From Prada To Nada (2011)

This riches to rags film is a re-imagining of Jane Austen’s Sense And Sensibility. Siblings Norah and Mary were orphaned by their father and are left with almost nothing but their belongings. Their estranged stepbrother bought their house and they had no other choice but to live with their Aunt in a Mexican Town at East Los Angeles.
There, they needed to adjust with their new lifestyle, learn their culture and discover a whole lot more about love and family.
I actually enjoyed watching this film. There isn’t much about the acting especially with Camilla Belle (I hated the nonchalant approach)

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

but she was balanced out by Nicholas D’Agosto. It was just a feel good film that will leave you smiling right after watching it.

I would give it a 7/10 Ratings.

On DVD
Director: Angel Gracia

Starring: Camilla Belle, Alexa Vega, Wilmer Valderrama, Nicholas D’Agosto, Kuno Becker

Review: Rio (2011)

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

I was thinking when was the last time I enjoyed an animated film? I remember watching Rango and enjoying its depth. I remember from last year some of the best ones, How To Train Your Dragon and Toy Story 3.

Rio on the other hand wasn’t a big disappointment at all. I’m not a big fan of the film but it has its moment. Blue is a domesticated Spix’ Macau –last of the “male” of his kind was flown to Rio, Brazil to mate with the only remaining female Spix’ Macau named Jewel to save their species. Blue fell inlove with the stubborn Jewel who wanted to escape into the wilderness. The only problem that he’s got is that he doesn’t know how to fly. Both birds were abducted along with others by a group of smugglers and their adventure started from there.

The whole Rio vibe was very very cool to begin with but it does present a not so positive thing about the country. The graphics are less than impressive but the lines are very cool with the birds Nico and Pedro (voiced by Jamie Foxx and Will.I.Am respectively) stealing the scenes from the main protagonist.

I especially love the parade part and the bulldog. I think that was the best part of the film. Other than that, the film failed to deliver from its promising trailer.
Oh, the soundtrack was really good by the way which maybe the saving grace of the film.

I’ll give it a 5/10 rating.

Director: Carlos Saldanha

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, George Lopez, Will.I.Am, Jamie Foxx

Review: Hop (2011)

I was able to catch the advance screening of HOP last night in Glorietta 4 Cinema 3 with my friend Doms courtesy of Pinoy Exchange where I wrote a review of the film. Here’s what I thought of it –this review was first posted on the official PEx Movie Review thread.

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

The film focuses on E.B.–son of the Easter Bunny–who dreams of becoming a drummer instead of taking over his father’s job, and Fred, a happy go lucky human who accidentally injures E.B. and eventually helps him overcome the evil plan of the Easter chick Carlos to destroy Easter.

This film does not really require a great deal of dissection. We could easily relate with E.B’s character, someone who dreams big but is caught in an inevitable obligation; while Fred is someone who’s always yearning for something else in life without actually having any clue on what that is.

I thought the whole film was a bit slow, though it is highly entertaining especially to the kids who truly enjoy the antics of the very cute E.B. as well as the chicks’ characters. It is incomparable to Toy Story or Shrek or even the most recent film Rango, but it has the elements of a good film.

Its trailer alone is fun to watch but after watching the whole film, you’ll see that the story lacks depth. But hey! Who needs depth if you can just laugh along with the kids in the cinema?

I’m giving it a 7.5/10 rating.

Director: Chris Meledandri

Starring: James Marsden, Russell Brand, Kaley Cuoco, Hank Azaria, Gary Cole, Elizabeth Perkins, Hugh Laurie, David Hasselhoff

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