Tag Archives: Film Review

Review: Mamarazzi (2010)

via wikipedia

I wasn’t initially excited about catching this film in theaters, but I thought it would be a decent way to spend some time, especially with Eugene Domingo in the lead role. I anticipated laughing non-stop, and that’s exactly what happened. While there’s nothing new about its humor, Eugene’s performance is simply outstanding. She’s incredibly funny and astute. It’s not a cerebral film by any means, but it’s undeniably entertaining. However, there’s this one scene—an ice-skating rink dance sequence—that’s downright bizarre and feels like a total detour. It’s so out of left field, almost like the audience was given a 10-minute break to do whatever they pleased. It was jarring, cheesy, and awkward, to say the least.

John Lapus also provided excellent support in the film, along with Diether Ocampo and Carla Abellana. AJ Perez, Andi Eigenmann, and Arron Villaflor served as eye candy, fulfilling their roles adequately. If you’re seeking a hearty laugh, this film is worth watching. However, if you’re in search of top-notch direction, consider checking out “Salt” or “Inception,” which I believe are still screening.

Rating: 7.5/10

Director : Joel Lamangan
Cast : Eugene Domingo, John Lapus, Diether Ocampo, AJ Perez, Andi Aigenmann, Carla Abellana, Xian Lim, Arron Villaflor, Carl Guevarra, JC Tiuseco, Lucho Ayala, Sam Bumatay

Review: Salt (2010)

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

Gateway Cinema 9

P171 with D.

Director: Phillip Noyce

Starring: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Daniel Olbrychski, August Diehl, Daniel Pierce, Hunt Block, Andre Braugher, Olek Krupa, Cassidy Hinkle, Corey Stoll

Watching Salt was like watching Step Up 3D minus the latter’s bad acting. Yeah. I compared it to Step-Up because like the unbelievably amazing choreography of that film — Salt takes action into another amazing unbelievable level! It’s literally action-packed but not totally brutal to watch.

Plus. It’s Angelina. It’s like watching Wanted all over again. It’s too fast-paced for me and I was so keen watching Angelina kick everyone’s ass that I have totally forgotten the story. I’m not saying it’s forgettable, the action sequences were just way too over the top. For some reasons, it kinda reminds me of the “transgenic” of the TV Series “Dark Angel” where kids were trained to be warriors.

So I’d say it is a mix of Step-Up 3D minus the acting, Wanted minus the story and “Dark Angel” minus the cloning. “Hit Girl” should hang out with Salt! Ratings: 8 / 10

Review: Ip Man 2 (2010)

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

SM Megamall Cinema 6

Premiere Night Invitation

August 16, 2010 – 7:30 PM

with D.

Director: Wilson Yip

Starring: Donnie Yen, Sammon Hung, Lynn Hung, Calvin Cheng, Huang Xiaoming, Kent Cheng, To Yu-huang, Charles Mayer

Some of you people reading this may already know Ip Man – 葉問 . He’s considered the first Master of Chinese Martial Arts who taught Wing Tsun in mainland china (Foshan) and eventually settled in Hong Kong to teach the art.

Coming to the premiere, I actually just read some stuff about Ip Man and I don’t have a lot of idea who he is. I just know that he’s the master of Bruce Lee and that’s just about it. I’m not really into martial arts films / chinese / asian films in particular but I enjoy a few every now and then. I have yet to see the first Ip Man which was release in 2008 so I just read the first film’s plot on the internet.

The 2nd installment isn’t that bad. I mean, I love the fight scenes specially the “initiation” of the Martial Arts Society with Ip. It was really funny and seeing Sammo Hung was just incredible. The movements of the arts are so precise that I couldn’t help but be awestruck!

I just hate the fact that they have to dub the whole thing in English. I wish they just showed it with subtitle because It’s a bit redundant and comical at times. Over-all, I did enjoy the film but won’t suggest a second screening– although, I’d definitely get it on DVD with the original lines with subtitles.

I’d give it a 6 / 10 ratings.

I’d like to thank PinoyExchange and SOLAR UIP for the invites.

Review: Step Up 3D is BFAB! (2010)

Step_up_3d@ Eastwood Cinema

Price: P181 with D.

Director: Jon Chu

Starring: Rick Malambri, Adam Sevani, Sharni Vinson, Alyson Stoner, Joe Slaughter, Keith Stallworth, Kendra Andrews, Harry Shum, Jr., Christopher Scott, Danielle Polanco

Wow. That’s the first word I’ve to say about the 3rd Step Up installment, Step Up 3D. Watching it is pure bliss –it is visually enticing and the choreography (effects) are freaking awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Never mind the acting department, because I didn’t watch it to catch an Oscar winning performance. It is exciting and inspiring altogether. If you’re an artist (a dancer in particular) — this film would make you feel that YOU CAN ACTUALLY DO IT.

And if you’re as good as these dancers in the film — you’re probably BORN FROM A BOOM-BOX!

My favorite scene would have to be the 2nd round of the World Jam where the Pirates are battling against some Asian crew. The special effects are super cool. It’s probably one the best highlights of the film (cause there are tons!) . I daresay that it’s the best Step Up amongst the three films.

And one of the things I love about the film is its soundtrack. It’s party- perfection!!!

Here are the songs used for the film’s soundtrack.

 1. Club Can’t Handle Me-Flo Rida feat. David Guetta2. My Own Step- Roscoe Dash and T-Pain feat. Fabo3. This Instant (Sophia Fresh feat. T-Pain) 4. Already Taken (Trey Songz) 5. This Girl (Laza Morgan) 6. Fancy Footwork (Chromeo) 7. Up (Jesse McCartney feat. Dapo Torimiro) 8. Freak (Estelle feat. Kardinal Offishall) 9. Whatchadoin? (N.A.S.A. feat. M.I.A., Spank Rock, Santigold and Nick Zinner) 10. Tear da Roof Off (Busta Rhymes) 11.Move (If You Wanna) (Mims) 12. Shawty Got Moves (Get Cool) 13. Irresistible (Wisin Y Yandel)

A second viewing is a must!

I’d give it a 9.5/10 rating!

Review: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

June 30, 2010 @ SM North, Edsa

Ticket Price: P160.00

Director: David Slade

Starring:  Anna Kendrick, Ashley Greene, Billy Burke, Dakota Fanning, Elizabeth Reaser, Jackson Rathbone, Kellan Lutz, Kristen Stewart, Michael Welch, Nikki Reed Peter Facinelli, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Bryce Dallas Howard, Cameron Bright, Xavier Samuel, Jodelle Ferland, Sarah Clarke, Catalina Sandino

I never thought that I’d like Eclipse this much after Chris Weitz disappointing take on The Twilight Saga: New Moon. I’m ready to be disappointed with yet again another director David Slade who previously did 30 Days of Night . I am quite surprised because the film was well made and it didn’t disappoint at all– I’d say that it’s the best Twilight installment to date (with The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn coming in two parts in the next couple of years.)

The film was full with enigmatic scenes that allowed the audience to feel the experiences of each characters.

Screenplay-wise, I commend Melissa Rosenberg for keeping up much of the book’s details. I love the fight scene between the newborns (newly created vamps) and the alliance between the Cullen’s and the wolf pack. I thought it was pretty neat and that “about 10 minutes” scene was one of the film’s highlights.

Victoria, now played by Bryce Dallas Howard looks kinda weird to me. She kinda look like an old vampire –not even in a pretty kind of way. I wish they kept Rachelle Lefevre for the part but it isn’t much of a distraction though, I mean I think everyone did well in the movie.

The flashback scenes are a great watch as well. (Rosalie and Jasper’s past)

Also, I would like to comment about Seth Clearwater played by Boo Boo Stewart — what’s up with the face? He’s not very attractive on those shots (during the council meeting when Jacob introduced him to Bella — you see, Seth would get a lot of scenes in the final film based on the book). It’s probably the lighting or the make up but I hope they could’ve gotten a better looking kid to play the role. (he’s okay in pictures but bad in motion —wish they could do something about it on Breaking Dawn)

Jacob (Taylor Lautner ) was probably on the screen for like 75% of the film and I’m wondering if I’m the only one who doesn’t get his acting very much on this film — I mean, it was a-ok but it’s getting kind of overbearing at times.

Bella ( Kristen Stewart ) was at her best– playing someone who is torn between two lovers makes her look more vulnerably appealing! And Edward ( Robert Pattinson ) complimented Kristen that much that everyone in the audience gasp when he proposed marriage.

I’d give this installment an 8.5/10 for a very well execution and I’d recommend a second viewing!

via my old blog http://paddylastreviews.blogspot.com

Review: How To Train Your Dragon (2010)

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

On DVD

Directors: Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois

Starring / Voices by:

Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jonah Hill, America Ferrera, Craig Ferguson

This early, I daresay that How To Train Your Dragon would get a nod for 2011 Academy Awards Best Picture and win the Best Animation Film category. This film is by far one of the best films I’ve watched this year. The whole thing about it is almost- perfect! Adorable characters, genius dialogues, great fast-paced storyline set in a pre-technology fictional era.

Hiccup and Toothless are the new Lilo and Stitch, Woody and Buzz and yes, they’re the new BFF that would surely capture the hearts of the film festival’s voters and audience all over the world!

In spite of having a poor trailer, this tale of friendship proved to be strong at the box office debuting at number one and preventing the much talked-about “Kick-Ass” to debut atop the cinema charts.

This, without question is a film that you need to enjoy watching in 3D after James Cameron’s Avatar.

Director: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois

Starring: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jonah Hill, T.J. Miller, David Tennant, Rabon Atkin Downes, Philip McGrade, Kieron Elliot, Ashley Jensen

I will give this a unprecedented 10/10 rating!

Review: The Back-up Plan (2010)

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

Jennifer Lopez as Zoe is desperately wanting to have a child so she decided to have herself inseminated through a sperm bank. Unaware of her pregnancy, she met the “Cheese” guy Stan (Alex O’Loughlin) and they started dating. Until she found out she’s pregnant, complications arose with Zoe apparently carrying twins!

The vibe of the film is the usual JLo Rom-Com flick ala Maid in Manhattan, The Wedding Planner and Monster In Law. The plotline is pretty unusual since the stage of dating to marriage to pregnancy was reversed. There are spot-on moments were Jennifer was really funny and her chemistry with Alex is truly undeniable. It’s a feel good movie but is a bit forgettable.

Director: Alan Poul

Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Alex O’Loughlin, Danneel Harris, Melissa McCarthy, Michaela Watkins, Eric Christian Olsen, Anthony Anderson, Noureen DeWulf, Tom Bosley, Maribeth Monroe, Linda Lavin, Jennifer Elise Cox, Cesar Millan

Rating: 5.5 /10

via my old blog http://paddylastreviews.blogspot.com/

Review: Clash Of The Titans (2010)

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

This movie as I found out prior to watching it is a remake of the 1981 film of the same title. I’m not that thrilled to watch it. I guess I’m just interested with all the effects and see Sam Worthington – his follow up film after Avatar which was shown last year and became the top grossing film in history.

I actually enjoyed the film though I’m not really jumping off my seat. The visuals are ok –nothing spectacular. There’s nothing that’s exciting about it and nothing to rave about. It sure sound borderline boring but it’s okay. The film ran got 2 hours and you’d actually enjoy the visuals and it’s pacing. Watching it is like going to the grocery store with the exact list of what you’d be buying. You’d even think that Sam Worthington who played the son of Zeus, Perseus actually looked like Jake (his character from Avatar)- I mean with the same hair and same demeanor. It’s like he did the film while making Avatar.

Director: Louis Leterrier

Starring: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Germma Arterton, Mads Mikkelsen, Alexa Davalos, Jason Flemying, Pete Postlethwaite, Polly Walker, Ashraf Barhom, Tine Stapelfeldt, Elizabeth McGovern, Nicholas Hoult, Liam Cunningham, Hans Matheson, Vincent Regan, Alexander Siddig, Luke Treadaway, Mouloud Achour, Luke Evans, Izabella Miko, Ian Whyte, Ross Mullan, Rory McCann , Kaya Scodelario, Tamer Hassan, Danny Huston, David Kennedy, Nina Young, Jane March, Nathalie Cox, Agyness Deyn, Paul Kynman, Natalia Vodianova, Charlotte Comer

Where: SM North Edsa -Cinema 6 6:45PM

When: April 3, 2010

Rating: 4.5 / 10

via my old blog http://paddylastreviews.blogspot.com

Review: Remember Me (2010)

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

I’ve watched this film (along with Dear John) over my vacation in the province and surprisingly, I like ‘em both. It’s weird because they both have the 9/11 terror attacks as one of the defining scenes in the film – the end of Remember Me and in the middle of Dear John.

Both have this nonchalant vibes which make you empathize with them. It’s like both male leads are in so much pain that you’d actually feel it yourself. (Reviews were posted simultaneously)

Robert Pattinson played a rebellious young man in New York who has a not so good relationship with his lawyer Dad. His big brother Michael committed suicide when he was 22 and Tyler (Pattinson) was deeply affected by the tragedy as he continues to write to Michael whenever he can in their favorite café. And then he met Ally to whom he falls in love. It was the twist of fate that led them to heal both of their wounded soul –Ally’s Mom was murdered in the subway when she was 9. They both found solace from each other and just when everything seemed to fall into places, fate would intervene in the most tragic way.It was actually a poignant film about forgiveness, falling in love and “living.” I love how Robert Pattinson and Emilie De Ravin complimented each other on the screen. It’s not going to make you cry buckets but it would make you realize that there are things more important in life than any material things could offer.

On DVD

Director: Allen Coulter

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Chris Cooper, Lena Olin, Pierce Brosnan, Tate Ellington, Ruby Jerins

Ratings: 7.5 / 10

via my old blog http://paddylastreviews.blogspot.com

Review: Dear John (2010)

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

Dear John on the other hand strangely touched my heart in a subtle way that Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried delivered their lines. The whole letter thingy was something that I can relate to being in a long distance relationship (before) myself. Their love reminds me of Ennis and Jack’s love for each other in Brokeback Mountain for some weird reasons. It’s like knowing that you love each other deeply but you can’t be together. I love how the film ended differently than what is written in the book by Nicholas Sparks. Atleast, audience have the chance to conclude that they end up together because Tim died eventually whilst in the book Tim lived. I’d say it is my favorite Nicholas Sparks film adaptation to date.

Director: Lasse Hallström

Starring: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried, Scott Porter, Richard Jenkins, Henry Thomas, Braeden Reed, Luke Benward, D.J Cotrona, Cullen Moss, Gavin McCulley, Bryce Hayes
Ratings: 7/ 10

via my former blog http://paddylastreviews.blogspot.com