Tag Archives: Film Review

Review: The Road (2009)

Posted on October 6, 2013 | Leave a comment
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The film has no story about the premise of how the apocalyptic event in the film happened, and the struggle is about the father and son keeping up their faith with each other and trying to survive as humanely as possible.

It’s probably the most depressing film I’ve seen in a while. The premise of a post-apocalyptic America where a father and son are shown on a journey towards a warmer place in the south is as bleak as the film’s backdrop. I haven’t read the book of the same title, but after watching the film, I don’t think I’d read the book—as I’ve said, it’s just way too depressing.

Viggo Mortensen as the father was amazing; there is this depth about him being the father, taking care of his son, and protecting him in every way he can.

Kodi Smit-McPhee’s character was annoying, which I thought was a good thing, but this isn’t endearing me to the film if I’m being honest. Will I watch this again? Maybe not.

 

Rating: 7 out of 10
On DVD
Director: John Hillcoat
Book by : Cormac McCarthy
Screenplay: Joe Penhall
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Michael K. Williams, Robert Duvall, Guy Pearce, Charlize Theron
Release Date: November 2009

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Review: The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)

Posted on October 6, 2013 | Leave a comment
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I’d to give credits to Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson for still giving us that great chemistry we came to love in Twilight. It was amazing how their pain as Edward and Bella could look so real. it is not as intense as I expected it to be. I thought that Jacob’s whole werewolf transformation and the introduction of the pack was kinda on a rush.

The Volturi scene, as I quote Aro, is “mesmerizing.” Though there were some changes, I find it to be a very good execution. How I wish, though, that there was a better introduction to them than there is in the book. Overall, the movie was actually good. Thanks to Kristen and Robert for delivering. Just a warning, though, for those who have already read the book: expect some deviation in this film or something that isn’t in the film.

Rating: 6 out of 10
Director: Chris Weitz
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed, Jackson Rathbone, Billy Burke, Rachelle Lefevre, Edi Gathegi, Michael Sheen, Anna Kendrick, Dakota Fanning, Michael Welch

 

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Review: 500 Days Of Summer (2009)

Posted on October 6, 2013 | Leave a comment

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This film is about relationships, commitments, coincidences and making the right decisions. In 500 days that Tom have known Summer, He thought that he’s finally found the one but he was wrong. Summer is not into commitments, she don’t want to put label on it. She just want to enjoy herself while young and pretty and all that. So the moment that our dear Tom assumed something, Summer disappeared from his life and surprise, surprise! – she married another guy. Realizing that Tom is right all along that some things are just really not meant to be.

“You never wanted to be anybody’s girlfriend and now you’re somebody’s wife” – Tom Hansen

I’ll give this film a 7 out of 10 rating for its unusual boy meets girl theme with a bitchy twist. Its soundtrack is awesome and the story is very much relatable specially if you’re cynical type. The sequencing of the film could get a bit confusing, but having a very simple yet complicated plot – you’d be able to enjoy it but surely, you’re not gonna watch it for the third time. A couple of views are enough. My favorite scenes would have to be Tom seeking love advices from his little sister. Since Summer’s attitude became unbearable, it’s a good thing that we’re able to breath every now and then…

Director: Marc Webb

Starring: Chloe Moretz, Clark Gregg, Geoffrey Arend, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Matthew Gray, Minka Kelly, Patricia Belcher, Richard McGonagle, Zooey Deschanel

Rating: 7/10

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Review: The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)

Posted on September 21, 2013 | Leave a comment
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This film actually reminds me of Lake House for the impossibility of the premises presented in the film, but I am somehow delighted by Rachel McAdams’ effortless acting, which is still as powerful as we’ve seen it in The Notebook. The depth of her love for her time traveler’s husband (Eric Bana) is so surreal that it’s almost heartbreaking.

The movie, adapted from the book with the same title by Audrey Niffenegger, experimented with human relationships and how revisiting the past could actually make you happy, heal some wounds, and go on with the future.

The impossibility of it is what makes it special. After watching the film, you’d be asking a lot of questions and easily judging it to be a little overbearing and ridiculous, but it is actually a feel-good film that you can enjoy watching with your loved ones.

Rating: 7 out of 10
Director: Robert Schwentke
Novel’s Author: Audrey Niffenegger
Screenplay: Jeremy Leven, Bruce Joel Rubin
Starring: Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams, Ron Livingston

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Review: Kimmy Dora – Kambal Sa Kiyeme (2009)

Posted on September 3, 2013 | Leave a comment
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My quick thoughts after watching this on DVD: Eugene shines in a dual role as the dominant Kimmy and her sensitive sister Dora, reminiscent of Dora the Explorer in a hilariously quirky way. With a stellar cast, laughter is guaranteed in every scene. While the storyline may lack depth and veer into exaggeration, Eugene’s punchlines will keep you entertained throughout. Special mention goes to Miriam Quiambao’s portrayal as Kimmy Dong Hae’s resilient assistant. Kimmy Dora isn’t about intricate plots; it’s about enjoying a good laugh and spotting your favorite TV and music stars. So, if you’re up for a comedy that promises laughs and celebrity cameos, Kimmy Dora is your ticket to entertainment!

Ratings: 8/10

Director: Bb. Joyce Bernal
Cast : Eugene Domingo, Dingdong Dantes, Zanjoe Marudo, Miriam Quiambao, Baron Geisler, Ariel Ureta

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Review: Man Of Steel (2013)

Posted on June 21, 2013 | Leave a comment

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I’ve actually been dying to watch this film since its trailer’s release and I got just what I’ve expected it to be. The film’s another look at Clark Kent’s more emotional past and mysterious history. For a chance to salvage at least a part of his dying planet Krypton, Kal-el was transported to Earth by his parents where he was adopted by his human parents and was raised as Clark Kent. Trying to be as normal as possible, Clark still struggled to find his place in life especially after discovering his super powers. Here, there was enough emotional sub-plots that would make you succumb in your room and listen to Five For Fighting “Superman” song humming “it’s not easy to be me…” Henry Cavill was perfect as Clark Kent. His seriousness somehow is all too depressing but that face is a Superman face made in heaven. The heaviness of his demeanor all throughout the film was successful enough in trying to maneuver the audience into the more intimate side of this most famous super hero.

The film can also boast of an incredible supporting cast from Amy Adams to Diane Lane and Michael Shannon to Kevin Costner. It was an ensemble that made it all possible for this film to fully realize its potentials and avoid being cliché at least 80% of its entirety.

My only problem is its 3D effects which I didn’t appreciate that much. I would’ve watch it on regular cinema and still feel the same about it – there was somehow lacking in this aspect but overall, it’s still to be consider as one of the best this year – by far. The elements of it being a franchise are all there – people just need to watch it and I’m sure they will!

Director: Zack Snyder
Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Russell Crowe
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures
Rating: 9/10
@SM North Edsa – The Block Cinema 1 June 13, 201

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Review: Beautiful Creatures (2013)

Posted on February 25, 2013 | Leave a comment

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I did not have high expectations prior to seeing this film. I just actually heard about its film adaptation this year, but I’ve been seeing the book of the same name since about a year ago, and I’ve had no clues about it at all. It turns out, though, that the film is highly entertaining and very different from what people have been saying about it being the next Twilight.

Beautiful Creatures is centered on Lena (Alice Englert), a teenage caster (witch) who is about to choose between good and evil once she turns 16. She transferred to a new high school from a town her ancestors founded and met the charismatic Ethan White (Alden Ehrenreich), who immediately fell for her, and her dilemma about being claimed and falling for the young boy complicates the whole thing.

As far as the story goes, I thought it lacked originality but nevertheless presented a very unique approach to its execution. The leading actors, for one, are just magnificent on screen. Ehrenreich and Englert are both natural, and you’d care for their characters if this movie had a franchise. The rawness and subtlety of their acting deviate from Twilight and the like. Jeremy Irons, Emma Thompson, Emmy Rossum, and Viola Davis gave the two newbies excellent support, which I have to give to the producer for putting up an excellent cast. In addition, the soundtrack and scoring are just divine!

Overall, the film injects such charisma into its characters that you’d actually ask for more of it. The commitment of the two leading actors may have been overshadowed by the film’s mediocrity, but the mere essence of their love is there—Lena and Ethan are indeed beautiful creatures.

Rating: 8.5 / 10 

Director: Richard LaGravenese

Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Alice Englert, Jeremy Irons, Viola Davis, Emmy Rossum, Thomas Mann, Emma Thompson

@Ali Mall, Feb 22, 2013 LFS – 190

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