Tag Archives: Film Review

Review: The Descendants (2011)

Posted on January 22, 2014 | Leave a comment
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The film starts with Matt King, a lawyer played by George Clooney narrating the skiing accident of her wife Elizabeth who went into a coma and is now struggling to raise his two daughters. The doctor does not think that Elizabeth will survive and as for her last will, they are going to pull the plug on her life support and Matt have to inform the family especially his daughters, Scottie and Alexandria on what has to be done. While grieving to the inevitable, Alexandria told Matt about Elizabeth’s cheating that shocked Matt but nevertheless decided to locate the “man” and inform him about his wife so he could visit her before she die.

I honestly find the plot of the film unbelievably slow. It is not the pace of the film but the lengthy scenes and overly written lines that it sometimes sounds corny and unrealistic. The story about the family land and the debt-ridden relatives is just annoying because it was totally pointless and was just forced for Matt (Clooney) to have something to say about trying to make the audience go ‘awwe” but failed big time.

It was a good thing that George Clooney played the part of Matt amazingly, because this movie is beyond corny in my opinion. Shailene Woodley and Robert Foster provided positive support as well. They actually saved the film.

Overall, I thought the film lacks conviction and its promise just got wasted from its poor execution. Maybe it is just not my cup of tea or I was just completely drawn-out by its “I’ve seen this already” plot. Take a shot at it though, five Oscar nominations would want you to see this one and proved me otherwise but hey, to each his own.

Rating: 5/10

Director: Alexander Payne
Starring: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Beau Bridges, Robert Forster

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

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Review: Hugo (2011)

Posted on January 22, 2014 | Leave a comment
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Hugo has got to be one of those films I have been waiting to see since I first read about it and surely enough, it didn’t disappoint. The film takes on a different era introducing us to Hugo, a young boy who lives in a Parisian train station setting its clocks and trying to fix a robot (automaton) that may carry a final message from his dad who died earlier.

Martin Scorsese is one of my favorite filmmakers and learning that he’ll direct this film got me all curious. What’s he going to do with this one? Remember Raging Bull, Goodfellas or perhaps the The Departed? These are not ‘family’ flicks so with that in mind – the idea of creating this magical world of “Hugo” got me all pumped-up. I’ve not read the book where it’s based from but the approach of the film itself gave me that incredible feeling of reminiscing Scorsese’s masterpieces that it’s just right. Everything feels good about this film.

There was also a strong cast that includes Ben Kingsley, Asa Butterfield (Hugo) and Chloe Moretz who made each scene extremely moving that would warmed your heart to the core! Plus the 3D made it more fun to watch all the “wizardry” that it’s sometimes hard to catch up with it. Its cinematography is pure perfection that every detail of the film is just breathtaking. I am also in love with the original score provided by the genius Howard Shore that made each poignant moment so thrilling!

Hugo is one of those films that would make you re-enter the cinema to watch its grandeur and will leave you amazed all over again. There’s just the perfect balance of magic and realism that would make you feel good about just anything. This is yet another Scorsese’s work of art and kids from “one to 92” must really get some time to watch this!

Rating: 9.5/10

Director: Martin Scorsese

Starring: Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, Chloe Moretz, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jude Law

Based on The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

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

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Review: Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2012)

Posted on January 22, 2014 | Leave a comment
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Coming from the director of Ratatouille and The Incredibles, I’m not expecting much from Brad Bird who took the challenge of directing the fourth installment of the franchise, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. It was actually surprisingly good and in my opinion, it’s even better than J.J Abrams works on the third movie.

In Ghost Protocol, Ethan is being rescued by Benjie and Jane from the Moscow Prison where he’s at. As a team, their mission is to discover classified documents from the “Kremlin” that lead to the “Ghost Protocol” mission when the Kremlin got bombed and the trio were blamed for it. Along the way, they met Brandt who helped them uncover something that could start a nuclear fiasco.

The most commendable thing about this film would have to be the subtle twists that Bird and his writers injected in the film. I thought the whole team reminded me of “The Losers” in a good kind of way. Simon Pegg, Paula Patton and Jeremy Renner are perfect for their roles that it would really be a good idea to see them together (again) in the future. Perhaps, this is one of the ingredients that I didn’t see in the earlier installments – the chemistry and personalities of its characters.

The film isn’t perfect at all when it comes to some of its action sequences especially the final showdown in the parking lot. It was okay-ish and almost a bit comical. The grand scene though was when Ethan climbed the Burj Khalifa building in Dubai. It was just amazing! With this, Mission Impossible has found a new fan in me and I’m encouraging everyone to catch this while it’s on!
Ratings: 8/10
Director: Brad Bird

Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton

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

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Review: Paranormal Activity 3 (2011)

Posted on January 22, 2014 | Leave a comment
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I am such a fan of the first and second part of this series and was looking forward to watching this one. I thought both of its predecessors were quite good especially the first one so I’m expecting a whole lot from this film.

The film takes place in 1988 showing the young Katie (Katie Featherson) and her sister Kristi (Sprague Grayden) when the haunting started that ruined their life in the future. Kristi befriended a mysterious entity named Toby and strange things started happening in their household since Kristi’s “friend” appeared.

The film wasn’t that scary during its first half; obviously leading us to believe that it would just be like that but halfway through the film, the “good” scenes were up to scare the socks out of the audience. I wasn’t particularly scared but rather startled that made my heart beat abnormal.

I thought the scariest part was the “Bloody Mary” scene. It was just a wee-inducing scene (sorry for the term folks!) and it gives me chills just thinking about it. If you think that you’ve seen everything about this scene on its trailer, you gotta watch the film itself and watched closely during this scene.

I won’t say that it was better than the other two but it was definitely a worthy film to watch especially if you’ve seen the first two. You don’t want to miss the last part of the film for it would tell you something about this haunted family. If this would really be the last part of the Paranormal series, I’d say they did a good job ending it this way.

Rating: 7.5/10

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

Director: Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman

Starring: Chris Smith, Lauren Bittner, Chloe Csengery, Katie Featherson, Sprague Grayden

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Review: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

Posted on January 22, 2014 | Leave a comment
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I have been waiting for the first part of The Twilight Saga that I even read the book (again) for the nth time. After watching it though, I’m not quite sure what to make of what I thought about this film. The trailers that have been release were quite impressive and very exciting that it kinda made me giggle with excitement (oh, yes people…I’m a fan of the franchise!) to see it!

In this film, we’ll see Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and her vampire boyfriend Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) tying the knot with all the grandeur of a wedding that seems like a ceremony from a fairy tale. It was just way over the top but was beautiful nonetheless. Then, they went to Brazil for their honeymoon where they consummated their forbidden love. In a very strange twist, Edward somehow managed to impregnate Bella and what’s inside her is threatening to kill her and her only chance of survival is to become a vampire herself.

I was expecting a super-good narrative and execution since it was made by Oscar-nominated director Bill Condon but I find it a bit flat, atleast for my taste. It’s comparable to the second installment of the franchise, New Moon that Chris Weitz destroyed but a notch better in my opinion. I feel that the dialogues were just a bit off and the conflicts were crammed to try to stay true to the book (making me hugely disappointed, having read the book myself.)

I am however impressed with the trio (Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner) delivering the best work in the film. I guess that pretty made up my somehow disappointing take on the film. As usual, the soundtrack and its original score are just perfection! If there’s one thing that is consistent with the saga, it has to be its music.

Although I find the film way too safe for a part one of the last installment, I will still recommend it to “twihards” and non-twilight fans alike. It was still an okay film that was “safely” executed and really entertaining at most parts.

Rating: 5.5/10

Director: Bill Condon

Distributed by Summit EntertainmentStarring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed, Jackson Rathbone, Billy Burke, Sarah Clarke, Julia Jones, Booboo Stewart, MyAnna Buring, Maggie Grace, Casey LaBlow, Michael Sheen, Jamie Campbell Bower, Christopher Heyerdahl, Chaske Spencer, Christian Camargo, Mia Maestro

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

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Review: In Time (2011)

Posted on January 22, 2014 | Leave a comment
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In Time takes place in a future, where the usual currency is now replaced with time. People stop aging once they turned 25 and would have to pay for hours and days in order to continue living. The rich can live for as long as they want while the poor live day to day or just die trying.

Will Salas played by Justin Timberlake is one of the ghetto-dwelling workers, who have to work to extend his time. The “Timekeepers” accused him of murder when a wealthy stranger was found dead and he became a hundred- years richer that led to his hunt.

There are a lot of “what if” and “what the heck” scenario in the film. It felt a bit amateurish for me like an inexpensive student production. There are many things happening in the film that didn’t quite connect at all and a lot of unnecessary characters.

The only good and memorable scene I could think of was probably the time Will’s Mother played by Olivia Wilde got timed out on her 50th birthday. From there forward, the film didn’t quite build up.

Sylvia Weis played by Amanda Seyfried, the young daughter of a rich time broker became the rebellious partner of Will in his conquest to distribute time ala Robin Hood style and aimed to change the world as it is in the film. It was a bit corny and all they do in the film was to run from the timekeepers that it doesn’t take too long to notice that the film has become unbearably boring.

Alex Pettyfer was a big letdown in the film. I was actually expecting a lot from his character but all I’ve got was blah. I’m not even sure why he’s there in the first place and I simply don’t know why there is a need to waste a good twenty minutes for his scenes. I did get it at the end though that he’s actually a corrupt timekeeper but seriously, his character was totally unnecessary.

Cillian Murphy, who played the head timekeeper and Vincent Kartheiser who played the father of Sylvia were interesting to say the least.

Lastly, I have to admit that one thing I like about the film was the concept but I’m not too keen with its execution. It lacks the energy, the inspiration and the lines to let your precious hours be wasted by it. I will recommend it to the fans of its actors and see it for yourself; otherwise, I will suggest you wait for the DVD release of the film.
Rating: 4/10

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

Director: Andrew Niccol

Starring Amanda Seyfried, Justin Timberlake, Cillian Murphy, Olivia Wilde, Matt Bomer, Alex Pettyfer, Johnny Galecki, and Vincent Kartheiser

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Review: Real Steel (2011)

Posted on January 22, 2014 | Leave a comment
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Real Steel tells the story of Charlie Kenton played by Hugh Jackman who travels around with his fighting robots in tow. It is loosely based on the short story by Richard Matheson entitled Steel where fighting robots are the new form of entertainment through the sport of boxing.

While Charlie is on the road, he received bad news about the death of his old beau leaving him an 11-year old son named Max who now needs a guardian. He was then summoned to attend the custody hearing of his son whom he willingly gave to his sister-in-law in exchange of $100,000. His sister-in-law’s husband offered him half the money to take care of Max while they were on vacation. Charlie agreed and took Max with him who proves to be a very strong-willed kid and whose love for video games helps train his robots and Atom, a sparring robot found by Max in a junkyard and successfully fielded it into the World Robot Boxing Championship.

Dakota Goyo who played Max was an absolute darling on the big screen. His immense passion was clearly established with his relationship to Atom. I thought the dancing scenes were funny and it gives you that giggling feeling about the kid that served as an appetizer to an impending good fight, sort of like waiting for a Manny Pacquiao versus a Mexican boxer bout.

Hugh Jackman really delivered his role’s full potential. There were pretty touching moments that simply do magic into the film’s action-packed sequences. These sequences are well executed, as they do not exaggerate real battles but conform into the flow of the film.

The support was also impressive coming from Charlie’s love interest Bailey (played by Evangeline Lily) and his sister-in-law played by Hope Davis.

Another good thing about this film is that it has a vision. The cohesive storyline made it an enduring two-hour flick; you won’t even notice that it was that long. It was a normal story that does not need any twists or shocking scenes to lure you into watching it. It simply is just about robots and the father and son relationship. It may be the result of excellent special effects or good cinematography or maybe even good soundtrack but it boils down to the fact that it was one heck of a film that surely adults and kids alike would enjoy.

My Rating: 9/10

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

@Gateway Cinema 5 w/D

Oct13,2011

Director: Shawn Levy
Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Evangeline Lilly, Anthony Mackie, Kevin Durand

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Review: Contagion (2011)

Posted on January 22, 2014 | Leave a comment
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Contagion is a film based on the premise of a SARS / AH1N1 virus-like epidemic, its outbreak and the world’s attempt to contain the disease.

I didn’t actually expect that I would enjoy watching this film because I wasn’t so thrilled about the trailer. I thought it was lackluster and some kind of an I Am Legend story kind of thing in a more “human way” if you know what I mean. In addition, the film boasted an all-star ensemble led by Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, Jude Law and Marion Cottilard to name a few. This isn’t always the case about “good” films.

I was however very surprised with the flow of the story and the characters that are easily relatable. Its premise is very possible to happen and it is actually a very scary thought. I also love how the film maintained its realistic approach until the end. Some scenes are a  bit long and draggy at times but the intermittent scenes between the characters in focus will compensate for it.

Jennifer Ehle kind of reminds me of Meryl Streep in this film. Perhaps, it’s because they have similar features that is why I tend to compare her to La Streep. She was great though and very believable. Gwyneth, Kate and Marion are in unison of providing commendable performances. Jude Law was annoying in this film but I’ve to say that it works really well with his character.

@Gateway Cineplex 7, P191

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Starring: Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Jennifer Ehle

Overall, I did enjoy the film and I’ll give it a very complimentary 8/10 ratings.

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Review: Glee: The 3D Concert Movie (2011)

Posted on January 16, 2014 | Leave a comment
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This film was based on the FOX TV show Glee and its characters performing during their Glee Live in Concert Tour. It also focuses on how big the influence of this show to its audience where it features three different stories that include a girl with Asperger syndrome, a cheerleader with dwarfism and a teenage gay guy.

Since this was a concert film, it features most of the songs that they’ve sung on the show including Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, Katy Perry’s Teenage Dreamand Lady Gaga’s Born This Way. Watching the film feels like watching a Gleeepisode since the cast are all in character throughout the concert with the montage of their fans being shown in between every production number.

The standouts for me are Rachel Berry (Lea Michele), Santana Lopez (Naya Rivera) and Amber Riley (Mercedes Jones) who I think are the three best singers on the show who can really sing good live. Brittany S. Pearce (Heather Morris) was also a scene-stealer as she danced a mind-blowing Britney Spears number while lip-synching I’m A Slave 4U. The rest sound auto-tuned and I am almost sure that most of the songs were lip-synched. There are also great moments though with a very special appearance of one of their professor that you have to watch out for.

Now, if you’re an avid fan of Glee, you’d truly enjoy the film since it’s on 3D, making you feel like you’re watching them live; but if you’re just a regular viewer of the show itself, watching this film isn’t that spectacular of an experience but it is good enough to have you locked on your seat for an hour and a half.

With that being said, I would give it a gleeful 7/10 rating.

The film will open on September 21st in the Philippines.

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

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Review: King And The Clown (2005)

Posted on January 16, 2014 | Leave a comment
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I just finished watching this one. It’s the story of two male street clowns and tightrope walkers, Jangsaeng (Gam Wu Seong) and Gonggil (Lee Jun Ki) whose fate led them to perform in front of the King in Soule who fell inlove with Gonggil and from there – the king’s tyranny and his court’s corruption where revealed leading to the death of the clowns. [spoiler – err sorry]

The film lacks narrative – I was actually waiting for the back story to Gong-li’s character but I didn’t get any until the film ends tragically.

The actors were really good and I’m really impressed with Gam Wu Seong – he’s a fine actor! The rest were as good as well, even the crazy king.

On the technical aspects, Costume and Set designs are exemplary as well as the cinematography. It’s just too bad that those won’t make up for a royally flat story. I wished they elaborate more about each characters.

On DVD – 2005 / Korea

Director: Lee Jun-ik
Starring: Gam Wu-seong, Jeong Jin-yeong, Kang Seong-yeon, Lee Jun Ki, Kwon Won-tae, Lee Jun-ik

With that, I’d give it a 6/10 rating.

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