Movie Review: The Angry Birds Movie

When I first saw the trailer of "The Angry Birds" Movie, I was unimpressed, it wasn't funny (at all) and since I've never played the game and in effect I wasn't into the whole "craze" when it was popular back in 2011. So the film-was really not on my to-watch list. So imagine my surprise when I found myself laughing and crying at the film and at the same time, becoming emotionally invested with the characters. 

The story opens on a beautiful island of flightless birds, where we meet Red (Jason Sudekis) a bird with some anger management issues, the quick-talking and speedy Chuck (Josh Gad) and the volatile Bomb (Danny Mc Bride) are outsiders in their island but things fall on their feathery shoulders when a boat of green pigs show up. While the rest of the island's residents are fawning over the visitors, the unlikely trio take it upon themselves to see what the pigs are really up to. 

A fast paced comedy filled with laughs and a lot of pop-culture references Hamstagram, HAMlet, Daft Pig, John Hamm and even a take on my favorite scene from X-Men: Days of Future Past scene :p lots of laughs for the adults and of course the children would surely laugh at the classic comedy. The film culminates in a climactic battle that is very reminiscent of the game (I've never played of but I have a good idea how it goes). I'm glad that the writers worked it up so that you can almost feel like you're playing the game! 

The story incorporates some emotional cues, so you would really understand what the birds are so angry about and trust me-you'd be angry too. 

7 out of 10 - The Angry Birds is the comedy both kids and adults would enjoy. Just ask the middle aged guy behind us in the cinema who was not laughing but howling in laughter. The animation is beautiful and you have to commend the performances of Jason Sudekis, Josh Gad and a special nod to Game of Thrones' Peter Dinklage. 

I brought two of my nephews along with me to the red carpet screening and they loved the movie! I was also thrilled when I saw a little girl get up from her seat and dance during the end credits of the film. I think that's always a good thing. 

(Opening across the Philippines on May 11, 2016, “Angry Birds” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.)

Movie Review: Mother's Day

Not another "Occasion Movie" I thought to myself as I saw the trailer to "Mother's Day". I was never a fan of the whole "New Year's Eve" - "Valentines Day" movie-formula. Seeing it as just a movie to watch for the sake of "an occasion" but what "Mother's Day" has going for it is that it has a secret weapon...and that is we all came from a mother and that could result to very complicated relationships 

We all have some sort of relationship with our mom, whether it's that you're best friends or worst enemies, sometimes even both, yes, "frenemies" is a common thing between Moms and their children. 

In "Mother's Day" we see different kinds of moms interact in what becomes a hilarious interwoven story during probably the most memorable Mother's Day celebration in movie history. 

Divorced Mom, Sandy (with two sons) Jennifer Aniston is struggling to deal with her children's new stepmom. Mom with Mom issues, Jesse (Kate Hudson) has cut ties with her mom, due to some life choices, she made. 

Then we have Mister Mom Bradley (Jason Sudekis), who I must say was the one I was most looking forward to seeing in the movie. His wife recently passed away and he is having a hard time coping with the loss as well as being left alone with his two daughters. Sudekis did not disappoint and probably brought the most tears from a crybaby me. Go Mister Mom!       

Britt Robertson (who starred opposite George Clooney in 'Tomorrowland') is Kristin, a new mom, who has some abandonment issues since she grew up not knowing her birth mother.   

Julia Roberts is Ms. Career -Miranda, the queen of an ubiquitous home shopping network. She has taken her career as her child but what secret is she hiding? This is her fourth appearance in a Gary Marshall film - of course there's Pretty Woman. 

Mother's Day is a light and fun filled film, full of laughs and a bit of tears. I haven't heard an audience laugh so hard and there they were laughing their heads off. Looking back at it, the audience was doing more than just laughing, they were reacting to the movie, gasping at the right moments, and tearing up on the dramatic ones. 

There are the heavier 'mom movies' like "The Joy Luck Club" (1993) and "Stepmom" (1998) -(where ironically Julia Roberts plays the eponymous Stepmom) and "Mother's Day" knows what kind of 'mom movie' they are and that is the light and fun kind, where all you will do is laugh and laugh some more. There may be tears, mind you. 

Definitely the movie to take mom out on Sunday - Mother's Day because it would be nice to enjoy a film, without having to explain to your mom why Batman and Superman are beating each other up or why Captain America and Iron Man are in a very complicated...love triangle...relationship. 

 Some of my rants about the movie - The third act of the film was a bit over the top (sudden wedding, instant party) and I can't stand Julia Roberts really bad hairdo. Funny that for a mom movie there were a lot of unnecessary boob exposure. Good thing that they belong to Kate Hudson and Jennifer Aniston or else that would have been a horror movie entirely.  

5.5 out of 10 Stars take mom out to this movie on Mother's Day! 

Mother's Day opens in May 4 in cinemas from OctoArts Films International. 

Movie News: 10 Cloverfield Lane

I've always thought that "Doomsday Preppers" were interesting in a funny kind of way but no one is laughing in J.J. Abrams' psychological mystery thriller "10 Cloverfield Lane". Which is about a woman (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) who finds herself trapped in a doomsday bunker, waiting out the apocalypse with the neighborhood survivalists (John Goodman, John Gallagher Jr.)

I appreciate that they've managed to keep a good deal of the film under wraps, so much so, that the official synopsis to the film just reads "Monsters come in many forms". 

Described as a “blood relative” to the 2007 smash hit “Cloverfield,” the new film stars John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Gallagher, Jr. So far, the official synopsis only reads, “Monsters come in many forms.”

Dan Trachtenberg directs “10 Cloverfield Lane” from a screenplay by Josh Campbell and Matt Stuecken. Trachtenberg explains to Empire Magazine how the new film became a “blood relative” to “Cloverfield”:

“`Cloverfield’ was a familiar genre that was told in a very unique way. Similarly, we are a familiar genre that’s also told in a unique way. It’s not the same way: the first `Cloverfield’ had that awesome hook of being told in this found-footage experience. We have something else going for us that makes it unique. I think our structure’s very interesting and there’s things in it that you have to experience.”

“10 Cloverfield Lane” connected with American audiences in its opening weekend March 11 to 13, earning a whopping $25.2 million from 3,391 locations. That’s a strong debut considering that the film cost only $13 million to produce.

Paramount vice chairman Rob Moore credited Bad Robot chief J.J. Abrams with coming up with the concept for the twisty thriller while he was in production on “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” He said the key was to make sure that none of the advertisements revealed any of the film’s surprises.

“We wanted to give people just enough clues to keep them excited, interested, and wanting more,” said Moore. “That’s rare in this day and age, when so much [information] is given out so early.”

“10 Cloverfield Lane” also benefitted from positive word-of-mouth and rave reviews, averaging a high 90% score in reviews-aggregator site, Rotten Tomatoes. The critics' consenses was: “Smart, solidly crafted, and palpably tense, `10 Cloverfield Lane' makes the most of its confined setting and outstanding cast -- and suggests a new frontier for franchise filmmaking.”

Opening across the Philippines on April 06, “10 Cloverfield Lane” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movie News: "Now You See Me 2" Reveal Character Posters

Back in 2013, "Now You See Me" was a box-office success and after three years, the sequel to the 'magician heist thriller' makes its way to cinemas with some interesting new characters! 

Here are the character posters! 

The Four Horsemen return in the thrilling caper “Now You See Me 2” for a second mind-bending adventure, elevating the limits of stage illusion to new heights in hopes of clearing their names and exposing the ruthlessness of a dangerous tech magnate.

The illusionists (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Lizzy Caplan) return one year after outwitting the FBI and winning the public’s adulation with their Robin Hood-style magic spectacles.  The man behind their vanishing act is none other than Walter Mabry (Daniel Radcliffe) a tech prodigy who threatens the Horsemen into pulling off their most impossible heist yet. Their only hope is to perform one last unprecedented stunt to clear their names and reveal the mastermind behind it all.

You may probably have noticed that Isla Fisher, who originally played Henley Reeves in the first movie was not able to reprise her role due to her pregnancy. Lizzy Caplan has been cast as a new character to replace Fisher as the fourth Horseman. 

Another reason why I'm excited for "Now You See Me 2" is that Jay Chou has been cast in the film. I've been a fan of the "Taiwanese King of R&B" since I was in High School :) 

You may have recognized him as Kato opposite Seth Rogen's "Green Hornet" in 2011. 

I personally recommend his first four albums. You can check him out on Spotify :) 

Movie News: Batman V Superman Merchandise from SM Cinema

Can you believe it?! It's just a week before the highly anticipated Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice! And just in time-check out these amazing merchandise from SM Cinema! 

Inspired by the much anticipated face-off by two iconic superheroes on screen, SM Cinema’s Snack Time will be offering an exclusive Batman vs. Superman hexagon toy collectible set to film enthusiasts beginning February 29.

Fans of the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel can now collect toys of their favourite characters from the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice movie when they purchase a snack-merchandise combo meal at SM Cinema’s Snack Time counters nationwide. A popcorn tumbler & drink set, or a hotdog sandwich & drink set, will entitle one to a mystery toy for each purchase.

Fans can collect a total of seven different figurines, ranging from different versions of the much-loved title heroes, to the showstopper Wonder Woman, and even of the brilliant villain Lex Luthor. (I still can't get over that Lex has hair, I grew up to the traditional bald Lex Luthor :P) 

The collectible hexagon toys are on limited supply from the world’s biggest comics and collectible superstore, Comicave. SM Cinema’s Snack Time is the only brand in the Philippines carrying the hexagon collection from the international brand.

For fans who prefer a wearable keepsake, Snack Time also has a limited Batman vs. Superman digital touch watch. Durable, waterproof, and lights up when touched, the watch is a perfect accessory during playtime, or when bonding with family & friends to see one of the widely anticipated action films in recent years.

Movie Review: TRUMBO

Lately, I seem to surrounded by a lot of 1950's American Socio-Political themes; from the Coen brother's comedic satire "Hail, Caesar!" to the time-traveling-off-to-save-JFK, Stephen King science fiction "11.23.63", to the brilliant biographical "TRUMBO" 

I just saw "Trumbo" recently and I must say that I definitely got more than I bargained for. You see, I was expecting a compelling biopic with powerful performances and I got exactly that, the bonus was that we (Paul and I) found ourselves laughing at the well delivered wittily lines. I also found myself (just-me) tearing up (yes, the crybaby is at it, again) from some surprising heart breaking scenes. 

Academy Award Nominee for Best Actor, Bryan Cranston is Dalton Trumbo, the highest paid screenwriter in Hollywood (hence, the world), yet in the 1950's America is gripped with a fear of the red-faced terror-Communism. 

To satisfy, anti-Communist witch hunters in Congress, the HUAC or House of Un-American Activities Committee investigated hundreds of Americans, suspected of being Communist sympathizers. 

The investigation also made its way to Hollywood, putting the spotlight on Trumbo, along with nine other colleagues, they would later be known as "The Hollywood Ten" who refused to answer questions when they were called in Congress, denying the committee's right to ask them about their political beliefs and denouncing these hearings as a violation of their human rights. 

From these hearings would come "The Blacklist" a list of actors, directors, producers and screenwriters who could not find work just because they were associated or just suspected of being Communist supporters. Faced with an impending loss of livelihood and with a family to support Trumbo is forced to do the one thing he only knows how-to write. 

Trumbo wrote screenplays under false names, selling them to Colleagues who could work. He eventually wrote for less popular studios and continued writing in any name, other than his. 

Nothing can stop a true genius as two of Trumbo's screenplays, written under other names won an Oscar, now the Blacklist is coming to an end but without its share of survivors and victims. 

Bryan Cranston is a force to  be reckoned with in his role, he captures the strong and eccentric Trumbo and even owning his strange work habit of writing in a bathtub. Yes, soaking in a tub, complete with a make-shift table, complete with a glass of whisky and a cigarette in hand.  

Cranston is surround by an equally strong cast, with Helen Mirren playing Hedda Hopper, a former actress turned columnist who supported the Hollywood Blacklist, going as much as to personally making sure that Trumbo and his ilk, never get to work again. As usual, Mirren is a delicious menace, appearing onscreen with a wide variety of hats and always looking out for her best interest. 

I always love seeing John Goodman on screen, he is like everyone's lovable uncle. In the film, Goodman is Frank King of the King Brothers Production, who employs Trumbo (under different names of course) to write for them. 

8.5 out of 10, "TRUMBO" is the story of a writer who was silenced because of his beliefs and yet he was still able to find his voice and do the one thing all of his detractors worked hard to make sure he couldn't -work. Hollywood is an interesting place, made up of different people with different beliefs and in the 1950's they were persecuted because of it.  We have come a long way since then but it is stories like Trumbo's which should serve as a reminder that we should never go along those dark ways again.

"TRUMBO" is now showing in Cinemas and is distributed by Solar Pictures. 

Movie Review: SPOTLIGHT

Tell the Story No One Wants To

There's always that inspiring story which show the beautiful nature and strength of the human spirit and everyone wants to tell this story, everyone wants to talk about it, it's the one that gets the book deals, the movie deals, a TV series and yes, even a web series. 

While there are true-to-life, based on actual inspiring events films that make headlines and receives the awards and recognitions, There are also also stories that are not being told, the ones that have everyone cringing and hiding in shame. The stories that are not a testament to the strength and courage of the human spirit but instead show its cruelty and corruption. 

Such is the story of how, in 2001 a group investigative Journalists from the Boston Globe discovered a Church cover-up of child abuse by Catholic Priests. Told in an old-school investigative journalism process (interviews, phone calls, research) Spotlight doesn't have the traditional thrill of a typical procedural but the R-16 (yes, its R-16) content comes from the pearl-clutching, jaw dropping accounts of the victims and survivors of the abuse. There were no violent over-kills on screen but I kind of felt like I was watching something equally violent, even if it was all just dialogue.        

It takes the new Editor-in-the-block of the Boston Globe, Marty Barton (Liev Schreiber) who is a Jew and hails from Florida, in other words an 'outsider' to stir the ingredients in the pot and push for the story, ironically, revealing that the paper itself turned a blind eye to the years-long abuse. 

The Spotlight team, takes the reins and goes down the rabbit hole as they spend a whole year, investigating on the story, something that will change them forever. Micheal Keaton plays Walter "Robby" Robinson who leads the team, he grew up in Boston and has no idea that the investigation will take him right back to his school years. The passionate and hot-headed Mike Rezendes is played by Mark Ruffalo, he earned an Academy Nomination for Best Supporting Actor in this role, which I think he deserves. He was so different in this role, it wasn't Mark Ruffalo playing a character but a real journalist and reporter searching for the truth and sometimes getting his emotions involved. 

Rachel Mc Adams is Sacha Pfeiffer who still goes to Mass every once in a while with her grandmother. Mc Adams, also received an Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actress for this role. She has this one scene, where she's interviewing a priest who admits to abusing children, that is just a jaw dropper. 

Stanley Tucci joins the cast as Mitchell Garabedian, a lawyer for a number of victims. It's always  a pleasure watching him on screen. 

The film has received many accolades, winning Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture at the recently concluded Academy Awards, just going to show that you don't need a big budget film that relies on Computer Generated Graphics, or elaborate sets and costumes to win Best Picture. It all comes down to a good story and how it resonates to its audience. 

After the film's release, the Vatican Radio, the official radios service of the "Holy See" called the movie "honest" and "compelling" and said it helped the U.S. Catholic Church "to accept fully the sin, to admit it publicly, and to pay all the consequences." 

THE REVENANT Returns to Select Cinemas

Just in case you have been hiding under a rock, then you probably don't know that Leonardo DiCaprio, who has been the subject of countless of hilarious (and sometimes not so funny) memes about the current count of Oscars to his name; has finally, FINALLY! won the coveted Academy Award for Best Actor! Your timeline may have been flooded with memes and news about Leo's long awaited win. Needless to say, the whole world, nay the whole internet was rooting for him to win and after six nominations, he finally did. 

Leo, AKA every 90's kid's first love, crush, true love (etc...) won the award for his role as Hugh Glass in Academy Award Winning Director, Alejandro Iñarritu's 'The REVENANT'. Iñarritu also won Best Dorector for 'The REVENANT'. 

So if you missed the movie during it's run in the cinemas-this is your chance to see it! Make sure you don't miss this opportunity to see Leonardo Di Caprio in the role which finally landed the Oscar in his (deserving) hands. The film also won Best Cinematography under the talented Emmanuel Lubezki, who has won three consecutive times. 

Check out my review of 'The REVENANT'  http://pchengphotography.blogspot.com/2016/01/revenant-is-captivating-and-visceral.html 

DiCaprio’s Best Actor award for his winning performance which the domestic and global audience have been rooting for in his work in “The Revenant” has finally been realized at the recently concluded Academy Awards.  While Iñarritu has for two years in a row have also won Best Director last year for his work in “Birdman” and Lubezki for the third time since his win in 2014 for “Gravity” and last year’s “Birdman.”

The Revenant,” meaning someone who came back presumably from the dead tells of the highly-inspiring true story of Hugh Glass (DiCaprio), a fur trapper on his impossible survival during the 1800s.  Inspired by true events, “The Revenant” is an epic story of survival and transformation on the American frontier.  While on an expedition into the uncharted wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass  is brutally mauled by a bear, then abandoned by members of his own hunting team. Alone and near death, Glass refuses to succumb.  Driven by sheer will and his love for his Native American wife and son, he undertakes a 200-mile odyssey through the vast and untamed West on the trail of the man who betrayed him: John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy).  What begins as a relentless quest for revenge becomes a heroic saga against all odds towards home and redemption. 

                The film’s wilderness-based production mirrored the harsh conditions Glass and company actually lived through in the 1800s. Iñárritu and his whole cast and crew were up for all that was thrown at them, welcoming the challenges of shooting in Canada and Argentina, regions known for unpredictable weather and untouched wilds, in order to fully understand the experience of fur trappers in the early 19th century.

These are the following cinemas where “The Revenant” will have its return engagement starting March 2, Wednesday – Powerplant, Robinson’s Galleria, Eastwood, Festival Mall, Gateway, Gaisano Davao and SM Megamall.

 

                “The Revenant” is a 20^th Century Fox presentation distributed by Warner Bros.

That's Leo giving 'the bear' a kiss before going up the stage for his Oscar. See the movie so you know what the buzz with the bear is all about. 

Ben Forster is Lance Armstrong in "The Program"

Whenever an admired and revered athlete falls from grace, it seems as if the whole world feats on their failure and this is after these people have long worshipped these athletes. Just think about Tiger Woods and O.J. Simpson, human nature can be funny that way. 

Lance Armstrong was an admired road racing cyclist who won Tour de France seven consecutive times. He is also a cancer survivor, having been diagnosed with fatal metastatic testicular cancer at the age of 25. In 2012, Armstrong was stripped of all his victories after admitting to a doping scandal. 

'The Program' is a biographical drama film about the fallen cyclist. The movie is directed by Stephen Frears and stars Ben Foster as Lance Armstrong. Chris O'Dowd as Sunday Time Journalist David Walsh. 

The film follows Walsh's book 'Seven Deadly Sins: My pursuit of Lance Armstrong'. 

The movie will likely go down as the most in-depth, uncanny depiction of the rise and fall of Lance Armstrong to date. Credit goes to actor Ben Foster, who went to insane lengths to become Lance, taking on intense months of training, riding the most treacherous legs of the Tour de France while filming, dramatically fluctuating his weight by 30 pounds to portray every point of his career, from the top of the podium to the battle with cancer, and even going on his own regimen of performance-enhancing drugs.

“THE PROGRAM” is released and distributed by CAPTIVE CINEMA.

SHOWING MARCH 2 NATIONWIDE!

Kung Fu Panda 3 Movie Review

It's rare for an animated sequel to have as much Chao Wa Punch Kick as the 3rd installment in a franchise but thankfully Kung Fu Panda does. Fans of the Dragon Warrior can relax because Kung Fu Panda 3 is amazing and worth to see in theaters, yes, even in IMAX 3D. 

The film opens in the spirit world, where the wise tortoise (and I'd love a grandfather like that) Master Oogway (Randall Duk Kim) is enjoying some peace but then is suddenly attacked by his ancient 'frenemy', the double blade wielding yak, 'the collector', 'Supreme Warlord', 'Master of Pain'  and 'Beast of Vengence' -General Kai (J.K. Simmons) who has deafeted ancient masters and have captured their chi, imprisoning them into jade zombies at his beck and call. 

After defeating Oogway, Kai travels to the mortal world, determined to find the Dragon Warrior, capture his chi and ensure his evil legacy. 

Back in the mortal world, Po (Jack Black) has a lot on his plate (and we're not just talking about dumplings) as Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) has given him the new role of teacher to the 'Furious Five' (as if they need any more teaching). While Po has a long way to go before becoming "Teacher of the Year" interesting developments turn up when a Panda named Li appears in the village and beats Po's dumpling eating record. 

The two pandas are peas in a pod, it doesn't take for long for them (or everyone in the village) to realize that Li and Po are father and son; to the irritation of Po's noodle-loving, adoptive father Mr. Ping (James Hong). 

The father and son reunion is short lived though as Kai threatens to attack the Valley of Peace. Gaining wisdom from an ancient scroll, the team learns that Kai can only be deafeted by a master of chi; something which even Master Shifu cannot claim to be. 

The scroll also tells of a secret village where pandas who are masters of chi live. Li urges Po to come with him to this same village, to teach him to master his chi. The village is a 'Panda Paradise' (you know those Panda Videos in YouTube? It's kind of like that) and as Po is reunited with his black and white brethren, he learns what it means to be a real panda, but will it be enough for him to learn to master chi and stop Kai before it's too late? 

Kung Fu Panda 3 is surprisingly emotional with Mr. Ping bringing a lot of the waterworks by putting adoptive parents, center stage. It is hilarious as expected and the animation is a visual treat-worth seeing in IMAX 3D. The film is the first co-production between Dreamworks Animation and the Shanghai based studio, Studio Oriental Dreamworks, which brings a great level of detail and authenticity to the film. From the Chinese style watercolor animation which transitions to 2D then 3D graphics, to the explosion of color and light, you can't help but marvel at what you are seeing on the big screen. You can even see the detail in the fur of the animals, and those are a lot of animals and a village of Pandas sounds challenging but nothing was spared when it came to level of detail and the graphics in the film. 

Of course, the film has not lost it's charming and hilarious humor, which combines Chinese themes and American Pop culture references that every fat in kid in all of us would love. Part of the appeal that Po has to this generation is that even a fat (and cute) panda can be the Dragon Warrior and in this age of skinny models and buffed up super heroes, a dumpling loving Po, who tells you to be "the best you, you can be" is a welcome treat and something that kids and even the adults need to hear, every once in a while. 

9 out of 10 ⭐️ (Paul says it's his highest rated animated movie and that says a lot because it takes a lot to impress him). You can catch Kung Fu Panda 3 in advance on Feb. 29 and March 1 in select cinemas-before it's March 9 release date. 

 “Kung Fu Panda 3” opens March 9 in cinemas (2D, 3D and IMAX 3D) nationwide from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros

Taking a trip to Zootopia!

Got this amazing Zootopia welcome pack from Disney! Now I'm ready to take a trip to Zootopia!

An exclusive Southeast Asian Inspired art with the characters riding a Jeepney! 

Postcards featuring the different places in Zootopia! 

...and my very own Zootopia drivers license! 

I may not have a human drivers license but this one is the next best thing! 🐰💕

Zootopia is now in cinemas! 

Full Movie Review is now up in the blog! 

#ZootopiaPH 

Jennifer Lawrence is a Strong Presence in "Joy"

The first time I saw the trailer for Joy, I honestly had no idea what it was about biut it did have the holy trinity of Jennifer Lawrence, director David O. Russell and Bradley Cooper (American Hustle, Silver Linings Playbook) so it was worth checking out.

After a few more trailers and some research I found out that Joy is a rag-to-riches, autobiographical movie about inventor Joy Mangano, who created her own empire through her inventions, specifically the 'Miracle Mop' (think Home TV Shopping products), of course with having to go through her own trials and tribulations. 

Jennifer Lawrence's performance is the only joy in 'Joy', as the movie goes on, you can almost 'see' her carry the whole weight of the film on her pretty shoulders; ironically, this is what the character goes through in the movie as well, carrying the weight of her troubled, overbearing family. 

When the audiences meet Joy, she is a struggling divorced mother of two, who is also caring for her soap-opera obsessed mother (Virgina Madsen) and her caring grandmother (Diane Ladd, who also narrates the story). As if, this is not a lot on her plate already, Joy's divorced husband (Edgar Ramirez) is living in the basement and to make matters worse, her father (Robert De Niro) just gets dropped off by his now ex-girlfriend at Joy's door step. 

Barely making ends meet, Joy is already at her wit's end in trying to keep their old house from falling apart and from trying to keep her family from killing each other. In a moment of inspiration, Joy taps into her creative self, which she seems to have forgotten and invents a non-wringing mop. 

What follows is the challenges and risks she took in order to fulfill her dreams. 

My take away from the movie, would be the interesting world of patents (really, that was one of the things that kept me interested) and how having a good lawyer to give you sound advice is always a good idea. I was also surprised as to what goes behind those Home TV Shopping episodes. I swear, I will never look at Home TV Shopping the same way again. 

I must also applaud the choice in songs for the film, most especially The Rolling Stones' 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' and the Bee Gee's 'To Love Somebody' (both of which, I heard in the trailers). 

The film drags on, much to the audience's discomfort but what has them staying is their investment in Joy, they want her to succeed, they want Cinderella to marry the prince and after so many complications, legal, financial and even within the family, Joy does succeed (in a really bad ass way, I might add) but what follows is a rushed ending that feels all over the place. It was the ending that I liked least in the whole film, suffice to say. 

7 out of 10 stars, "Joy" has a simple enough plot to keep audiences engaged and developing empathy for Lawrence is easy, because she's Jennifer Lawrence but everything else falls out of place and its as if Director David O. Russell is grasping at straws to keep the movie together. 

The fact that its Jennifer Lawrence on the screen and that she's actually very good (she did win the Golden Globe for Best Actress (Comedy or Musical) for her role in Joy) and that it's a adapted from actual events makes things a little bit more interesting.

Joy is now showing in cinemas, from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.  

'ROOM' Captivates with Powerful Performances and a Riveting, Emotional Journey

I've always had a fascination with real life stories of...well...keeping people hostage in a secret room (of sorts) for months and sometimes even years. It goes along with my interest with serial killers (you can blame C.I - Crime Investigation) for that. 

A true-to-life example of this is the Ariel Castro kidnappings, where in three young women were held captive by Castro who raped them on a regular basis, one of the women gave birth to a daughter as a result. On May 6, 2013 Amanda Berry (one of the captives) escaped with her 6 year old daughter, the remaining two women (Michelle Knight and Gina DeJesus) were rescued by police. 

Castro was arrested and was charged with four counts of kidnapping and three counts of rape. 

This is such an unthinkable and unimaginable story that a pit grows in my stomach whenever I think about it. So it's really no surprise that 'Room' which follows some similar elements would catch my interest. It's unimaginable that the film reflects reality to some degree. 

One of the movies up for awards this season, 'Room' tells the story of 'Ma' or Joy Newsome, played by Golden Globe Winner, Brie Larson who is held captive in an 11x11 Garden Shed with her 5 year old son, Jack. The movie begins with a normal day-to-day routine of Ma and Jack, you start asking yourself 'Why are they in the room?' 'How do they live?' then night approaches and you start getting answers. 

It seems that the mother and son have a nightly visitor, 'Old Nick' who gives supplies and also has his way with Ma, while Jack is 'sleeping' in the wardrobe. 

The movie unfolds to reveal that Ma was kidnapped by Old Nick and has kept her as a captive in the garden shed, known as 'Room' to Jack for seven years. 

Larson's Ma will do anything for her son and it soon dawns on to her that it's time that they escape for both their sakes and what transpires is a heart-stopping sequence, that will put any action film to shame. 

It's hard to wrap your head around 5 year old Jack who is played by the superb child actor Jacob Tremblay, who won the Critic's Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer for his role as Jack. You have to remember that he was born in 'Room' and has never been outside of it. He doesn't know anything of the outside world. He has never seen clouds, the sky, has never seen a dog and doesn't know how to walk down the stairs. I have to applaud Director Lenny Abrahamson who effectively told the story through Jack's perspective from start until finish. 

Tremblay delivers a very convincing performance that it doesn't seem like he's acting at all! 

Larson and Tremblay are a dynamic duo and are a force to be reckoned with in their acting prowess and in their portrayal of a mother and son under the most unimaginable circumstances. 

9.5 ⭐️ 'Room' is a movie that doesn't bank on special effects but solely on the performance of it's actors and the story of a love so strong that it knows no boundaries. 

Directed by Lenny Abrahamson and written by Emma Donaghue, based on the novel of the same title (which I will be reading soon) -From Pioneer Films, the award-winning 'Room' is now showing in cinemas!