Movie Review: The Grinch

Bursting in color and detail, the animation to Illumination Studio's "The Grinch" is enough to make any one (a kid, or a kid at heart) "ohhh" and "ahhh" at how beautiful it is, just imagine seeing it on the big screen. From the Grinch's fur to Cindy Lou's hair, from the snow in the background and of course the Christmas decorations (three times bigger!) the details just make you want to reach out your hand and touch the characters. 

One of my favorite scenes from the movie is the Grinch's actual heist sequence, the "toys" he uses for his heist are so cool (check out the glowing candy cane above and mind you, it doesn't just glow). 

But the movie is not all about the animation, the adaptation to Dr. Seuss' classic is the perfect holiday movie for the whole family. I was laughing, I was crying and my already enlarged heart, also grew in size (figuratively and in a good way) Now this is just a personal opinion, I've never really been a fan of Jim Carey's take on  the character in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" -well mostly because he was just scary. Don't throw tomatoes at me, its just my personal preference and with Illumination's Studios take on the character, well, he's not scary at all. 

Just mean. 

I guess you can say, the studio, well known for its "Despicable Me" and "Minions" franchise is an expert in making "villains" cute and likable. I mean, my favorite character from "The Secret Life of Pets" is the revolution rousing but oh so cute, rabbit Snowball! See where I'm going here? Oh and if you are a fan of the Minions- there is a short featuring a pair of those yellow rascals just before the movie. 

So the Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch) is not scary. He's just mean and can you blame him when his heart is two sizes too small? We also get a bit of his back story as to why feels that way about Christmas. 

Aside from the beautiful animation and a likable Grinch, the soundtrack also features various genres and artists from Run D.M.C, to The Pentatonix to The Supremes and Tyler the Creator and what do you expect when the Pharell Williams is your narrator? Because and I believe that Christmas songs don't always have to sound the same. I've already added a couple of the songs to my Christmas playlist.  

Another thing I loved about the movie? The Grinch's 'pets' from his loyal dog Max to the adorable Fred (the reindeer) you will realize early on that the Grinch is capable of love, he's not just too fond of those eager folks from Whoville. 

Seven over Ten 

Write it down with a pen

"The Grinch" is a film

I really enjoyed it may seem

From the detailed animation

To the laughs, tears & sensation

It's a family holiday film, so perfect

And that my friend is no secret

"The Grinch" steals it's way into cinemas
November twenty eight
Make sure to see it and don't be late

Movies: Benedict Cumberbatch Gives Humanity, Wickedness To “The Grinch”

Doctor Strange himself, Benedict Cumberbatch gives a distinctive version of the titular character that has a lot of humanity but also finds the comedic, wicked side, in Universal Pictures and Illumination’s new comedy adventure The Grinch.

(Watch the new TV spot of The Grinch at https://youtu.be/zJoGPJqdM4E.)

Movies: The Holiday Season Is At Risk In “The Grinch” New Trailer

Scheme big, or don’t scheme at all. Watch the brand new trailer of Universal Pictures and Illumination’s upcoming animated comedy The Grinch starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/wdRK2FL_kNE


About The Grinch

For their eighth fully animated feature, Illumination and Universal Pictures present The Grinch, based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday classic. 

The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit.  Funny, heartwarming and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism.

Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpet with only his loyal dog, Max, for company.  With a cave rigged with inventions and contraptions for his day-to-day needs, the Grinch only sees his neighbors in Who-ville when he runs out of food.

Each year at Christmas they disrupt his tranquil solitude with their increasingly bigger, brighter and louder celebrations.  When the Whos declare they are going to make Christmas three times bigger this year, the Grinch realizes there is only one way for him to gain some peace and quiet: he must steal Christmas.  To do so, he decides he will pose as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, even going so far as to trap a lackadaisical misfit reindeer to pull his sleigh.

Meanwhile, down in Who-ville, Cindy-Lou Who - a young girl overflowing with holiday cheer - plots with her gang of friends to trap Santa Claus as he makes his Christmas Eve rounds so that she can thank him for help for her overworked single mother. As Christmas approaches, however, her good-natured scheming threatens to collide with the Grinch’s more nefarious one.  Will Cindy-Lou achieve her goal of finally meeting Santa Claus? Will the Grinch succeed in silencing the Whos’ holiday cheer once and for all?

Find out, Christmas season 2018.

In Philippine cinemas November 28, The Grinch is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.  Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/uipmoviesph/

Movies: “The Grinch” Out To Steal Christmsd In New Trailer

For a cynical grump, it’s never too early to be annoyed at Christmas.  Watch the brand new trailer of Universal Pictures and Illumination’s upcoming animated comedy The Grinch starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/KnbDDd_bk3s

Movies: A Wild Child’s Tale Gets Darker In First “Mowgli” Trailer

Warner Bros. Pictures has just released the official first trailer for the action-adventure “Mowgli” starring Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch and Freida Pinto.

Check out the trailer below and watch “Mowgli” in Philippine cinemas October 18.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warnerbrosphils/videos/vl.202674820457552/2081356371893893/?type=1

YouTube: https://youtu.be/P_2kfrhv09w

Motion capture and live action are blended for “Mowgli,” a new, big-screen, 3D adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic The Jungle Book.  The film features an impressive roster of stars under the direction of Andy Serkis.

Stars, Director of Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War” Surprise Filipino Fans

MANILA, April 16, 2018 – Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), Karen Gillan (Nebula) and director Joe Russo delighted hundreds of Filipino Marvel fans in a surprise, live digital interaction during the Avengers: Infinity War Manila Fan Event yesterday morning at the Cinema 7 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong.

Answering an open call for fans to assemble and come as their favorite Marvel character, local fans
arrived in their full super hero suits, ready to take part in what was supposedly a special video recording of a message for the cast of Marvel Studios' “ Avengers: Infinity War.”

But as soon as the fans shouted their line, “Avengers, we are ready for you!,” the movie screen lit up to reveal a live, digital feed from Singapore of Cumberbatch, Gillan and Russo greeting back the Filipino fans.

Movie Review: Doctor Strange (Non-Spoiler)

From the studio that brought you to the "Battle of New York", to the deepest depths of the "Galaxy" comes a "strange" new adventure which will challenge reality as you know it. 

World-renowned  neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange brilliantly portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch is arrogant and selfish. When he loses the use of his hands after a car accident, he seeks healing in a mysterious enclave known as the Kamar-Taj. He becomes a student of "The Ancient One" -who in practice and tradition dictate should be an elderly Asian male, and yet Tilda Swinton are none of these stereotypes and it is brilliant as it breaks such prejudiced roles. Under her tutelage, Strange becomes the "Karate Kid" to Swinton's "Mister Miyagi" and with the guidance of Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Wong (who else but Benedict Wong) Strange becomes a sorcerer with great potential. 

Stephen Strange soon learns of the responsibilities of his new found colleagues and finds himself in a battle to save the world from powerful forces.    

A visual masterpiece filled with a kaleidoscope of images - totally worth seeing in IMAX. As if "Inception" was but a taste of what a city-literally folding into itself would look like, "Doctor Strange" takes it to a whole new level (and then some) all that while an epic battle unfolds.   

"Doctor Strange" is witty and subtle humor as Marvel seems to have the formula down to entertain you throughout the film. 

Cumberbatch is an effective actor, making you admire him for the brilliant doctor (and music nerd) that he is and hate him for being a selfish prick - he really is. 

It's hilarious to see him struggle in his studies to become a sorcerer, which is why you will celebrate with him when he succeeds. 

I love that Rachel McAdams is a quick thinking ER doctor (since I did graduate with a Nursing degree). It was good that the OR had so much action going on. 

Superhero origin movies tend to have a similar pattern and yet Marvel pushes the envelope and gives the audience a different experience for each film which they succeed in doing with "Doctor Strange" from the new opening sequence featuring their brand new logo, up until the end. 

I was thrilled at the news of Mads Mikkelsen being the film's antagonist and as a friend said, hopefully he will not be a "throwaway villain" unfortunately for these superhero origin movies the antagonist tends to be of the throwaway variety, a few like "Guardians of the Galaxy's" Lee Pace stands out and Mikkelsen comes in a close second. I especially enjoyed the Mister-Doctor" exchange between Strange and Mikkelsen's Kaecilius. 

I would love to be able to perform those spells, like being able to travel from one location to the next-and beat this god-forsaken traffic. 

Speaking of spells, the manner of how they are performed is nothing sort of magical as it is a stimulating light show as well. 

8 out of 10 "Doctor Strange" is a magic show of immerse proportions defying rules and restrictions and exploring the impossible. 

All photos are credited to Marvel Studios. 

Movies: BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH UNLEASHES THE HERO WITHIN IN “DOCTOR STRANGE”

British actor and Oscar-nominee Benedict Cumberbatch plays the titular character in Marvel Studios' new action-adventure “Doctor Strange.”

Dr. Stephen Strange was once a celebrated but arrogant surgeon, until a tragic accident cost him his medical skills and career. Searching for a way to restore his talents, he traveled the world until he finally encountered The Ancient One, the enigmatic teacher who offered to teach him the ways of the Mystic Arts.

Commenting on casting Cumberbatch for the role, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige says, “You need a spectacular actor. And the fact that Benedict Cumberbatch agreed to do this role and is as excited and as enthusiastic as any actor that has ever joined our universe is huge to us. He’s great. He was somebody who was a prototype for us and this character for many years as we were developing it.”

Director Scott Derrickson adds, “There’s a quality about him as an actor that just isn’t like anyone else. He has a ferocity of intelligence combined with tremendous depth of feeling, and that’s not something you encounter very often.”

Explaining how he was drawn to the role, Cumberbatch says, “I found Stephen Strange to be incredibly arrogant, brilliant and sort of extraordinary. He is utterly broken down to be reconstituted into the Super Hero that becomes fully fledged by the end of the movie. And there’s a lot of humor on the way. There’s a lot of action, a lot of drama. All those elements really appeal to me as an actor. So it was mainly the character arc and the journey he goes on in the film that drew me to the material.”

“Doctor Strange” as a comic book was born in the 1960s, and besides being a reflection of the mind-expanding time period, has a blend of western science and eastern mysticism that Cumberbatch as a teenager was very interested in. “I spent some time teaching in a Buddhist monastery near Darjeeling,” the actor relates, “and read things like Fritjof Capra’s ‘The Tao of Physics’ and ‘Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance’ by Robert Pirsig, as well as studying Buddhists texts and reading up on certain scientific books about cosmology. I got to observe extraordinary ancient ritual and wisdom right in front of me every morning and every evening. My mind as a 19-year-old was really blown open by all of that. So this material immediately made sense to me.”

Offering insight into Strange’s personality, Cumberbatch says, “He does seem arrogant to the point of being unlikable but yet, somehow, you still like him. He’s got a great deal of charm. There is a sense of loss or soullessness about him very early on in the film. You see him as a lone figure at the beginning and end of this film. But by the end of the film he’s a Super Hero, and we all know that’s quite an onerous task and often quite a solitary existence. Not too many people can form meaningful relationships when your responsibilities are always others and elsewhere.”

Cumberbatch adds, “Stephen Strange suffers so much during the film, not just physically but psychologically. You can put yourself in his place. And that’s the key to being able to empathize with the character. But ultimately his realization that he has a mission beyond his own self is the true turning point for people to lean in and sympathize with him and to understand that this moment, and what becomes of it, is what he’s journeyed through all that suffering for. What’s bold about his origin story is that you get someone built up from ground zero, and this is truly who he was before and after.”

“Doctor Strange” is based on the Marvel comic character who first appeared in “Strange Tales” Issue #110 published in July 1963. Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in Marvel’s “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Ant-Man,” “Captain America: Civil War,” and the upcoming “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” (April 26, 2017) and “Thor: Ragnarok” (November 3, 2017).

Explore the mystical world of "Doctor Strange" when it hits Philippine theaters October 26! Marvel's “Doctor Strange” is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. #DoctorStrangePH, #OpenYourMind

Movies: MEET THE CHARACTERS OF MARVEL'S “DOCTOR STRANGE”

Delve in the history and background of the characters behind Marvel's Doctor Strange and learn how they help Stephen Strange on his journey into becoming the Sorcerer Supreme.

Check out the character posters below and watch the film when it opens nationwide on October 26!

DOCTOR STEPHEN STRANGE (Benedict Cumberbatch) was once a celebrated but arrogant surgeon, until a tragic accident cost him his medical skills and career. Searching for a way to restore his talents, he traveled the world until he finally encountered The Ancient One, the enigmatic teacher who offered to teach him the ways of the Mystic Arts.

WONG (Benedict Wong). 

The keeper of Kamar-Taj’s vast library of mystical tomes, the no-nonsense Wong is tasked with not only deciding who is worthy of studying from The Ancient One’s private collection but also protecting the sacred incantations from falling into the wrong hands. While quiet and unassuming, make no mistake—if someone were to try to steal from Wong’s library, they’d have to get through him first.

KAECILIUS (Mads Mikkelsen). 

ike many students at Kamar-Taj, Kaecilius arrived at the mystical compound seeking the secrets of The Multiverse. He turned his back on The Ancient One and her teachings when he believed certain knowledge was being kept from him. It’s within these forbidden powers Kaecilius sees the answer to all mankind’s suffering—the ability to alleviate the pains of the human condition. Kaecilius, joined by his Zealot followers, will use every malevolent tool at his disposal to see our reality melded with shadowy powers of this other dimension even if it leads to the destruction of existence as we know it.

KAECILIUS (Mads Mikkelsen). 

Like many students at Kamar-Taj, Kaecilius arrived at the mystical compound seeking the secrets of The Multiverse. He turned his back on The Ancient One and her teachings when he believed certain knowledge was being kept from him. It’s within these forbidden powers Kaecilius sees the answer to all mankind’s suffering—the ability to alleviate the pains of the human condition. Kaecilius, joined by his Zealot followers, will use every malevolent tool at his disposal to see our reality melded with shadowy powers of this other dimension even if it leads to the destruction of existence as we know it.

MORDO (Chiwetel Ejiofor). 

Like Doctor Strange, Karl Mordo was an apprentice of The Ancient One who learned the Mystic Arts and the paths of alternative dimensions. Complex and intense, he could well turn out to be a friend, a rival, or a bitter enemy to the Ancient One’s latest pupil.

THE ANCIENT ONE (Tilda Swinton). 

The wise and enigmatic figure known only as The Ancient One has safeguarded the secrets of the Mystic Arts for a very long time indeed. When she encountered Stephen Strange, the centuries-old sage saw potential in the bedraggled ex-surgeon and agreed to show him a new side to reality: the mystical way of magic!

Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” follows the story of the talented neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a tragic car accident, must put ego aside and learn the secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions. Based in New York City’s Greenwich Village, Doctor Strange must act as an intermediary between the real world and what lies beyond, utilizing a vast array of metaphysical abilities and artifacts to protect the Marvel cinematic universe.

Directed by Scott Derrickson, “Doctor Strange” is based on the Marvel comic character who first appeared in “Strange Tales” Issue #110 published in July 1963. Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in Marvel’s “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Ant-Man,” “Captain America: Civil War,” and the upcoming “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” (May 5, 2017) and “Thor: Ragnarok” (November 3, 2017).

#OpenYourMind #DoctorStrangePH

Explore the mystical world of "Doctor Strange" when it hits Philippine theaters October 26! Marvel's “Doctor Strange” is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movies: MARVEL'S “DOCTOR STRANGE” CASTS SPELL WITH NEW POSTER

Marvel's "Doctor Strange" has unleashed its new international, payoff poster and a second trailer which may be viewed athttp://youtu.be/HSzx-zryEgM.

Marvel’s Doctor Strange follows the story of the talented neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a tragic car accident, must put ego aside and learn the secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions. Based in New York City’s Greenwich Village, Doctor Strange must act as an intermediary between the real world and what lies beyond, utilizing a vast array of metaphysical abilities and artifacts to protect the Marvel cinematic universe.

Directed by Scott Derrickson, “Doctor Strange” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams and Michael Stuhlbarg with Mads Mikkelsen and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton.

Based on the Marvel comic character who first appeared in “Strange Tales” Issue #110 published in July 1963, Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in Marvel’s “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Ant-Man,” “Captain America: Civil War,” and the upcoming “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” (May 5, 2017) and “Thor: Ragnarok” (November 3, 2017).

Explore the mystical world of "Doctor Strange" when it hits Philippine theaters on November 2! Marvel's “Doctor Strange” will be distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures.  

BLACK MASS: Ensemble cast bring Boston Gangster & FBI deal to the Big Screen

Paul and I watch a lot of CI (Crime & Investigation) on cable, it's one of our go-to channels. One of our must watch shows are the ones about Mobsters and Gangsters. Watching these real life godfathers deal with their 'business' on the streets of New York or Boston, in prison or in fact any city for that matter can be really shocking. The rampant crimes, the gruesome murders, all of it seem to be part of a Hollywood movie. 

In keeping with tradition-I'm really looking forward to the Scott Cooper helmed "Black Mass" based on the book by Dick Lehr & Gerard O'Neil (of which I have been trying to get a copy of but have had no luck so far, if you know of or have any idea where I can get a copy, please let me know). 

The book,  Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob, is about the infamous gangster Whitey Bulger. The film stars Oscar® nominee Johnny Depp as Whitey Bulger and Joel Edgerton (“The Great Gatsby”) as FBI Agent John Connolly. 

For more than a decade—until his capture in 2011—Boston’s most infamous crime lord, James “Whitey” Bulger, was hunted by the FBI, surpassed only by Osama Bin Laden at the top of the Bureau’s Most Wanted List.

Edgerton and Depp as FBI Agent John Connolly and mobster Whitey Bulger.

Conolly and Bulger were childhood friends.

In 1970s South Boston, FBI Agent John Connolly (Edgerton) persuades Irish mobster James “Whitey” Bulger (Depp) to collaborate with the FBI and eliminate a common enemy: the Italian mob. The drama tells the true story of this unholy alliance, which spiraled out of control, allowing Whitey to evade law enforcement, consolidate power, and become one of the most ruthless and powerful gangsters in Boston history.

“Black Mass” also stars Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Imitation Game”) as Whitey’s brother, Billy Bulger, who is a Massachusetts State Senator; Jesse Plemons (AMC’s “Breaking Bad”) as Whitey’s longtime partner in crime, Kevin Weeks; Sienna Miller (“American Sniper”) as Whitey’s lover, Catherine Greig; Dakota Johnson (“Fifty Shades of Grey”) as Lindsey Cyr, Whitey’s former girlfriend and mother of his only child; Rory Cochrane (“Argo”) as Steve Flemmi, another member of the Irish mob; Julianne Nicholson (“August: Osage County”) as John Connolly’s wife, Marianne; and Adam Scott (ABC’s “Parks and Recreation”) as FBI Agent Robert Fitzpatrick.

Cumberbatch and Depp as brothers on different paths on Black Mass.

Another thing I'm looking forward to in Black Mass is to see two of my favorite actors, Benedict Cumberbatch and Johnny Depp play as very different brothers. Depp a mobster and Cumberbatch a Senator. What more drama can you ask for right?

Early reviews are praising Depp for his performance as Bulger, some even calling it "his best". 

Opening across the Philippines on October 21, “Black Mass” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Johnny Depp as Whitey Bulger.