The INTERN - Heart-warming Humor that transcends Generations

Rare is a movie that effectively transcends generations and speaks in a language of the times, wherein the characters are realistic reflections of the society in which we live in today. 

The Intern is a surprisingly hilarious and heart warming movie which starts in an awkward situation and blossoms into a beautiful friendship. 

Academy award winner Robert De Niro stars as Ben Wittacker, a 70 year old widower who finds himself with so much time in his hands and with nothing to do. Apparently, retirement isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Taking advantage of an opportunity which will get him back in the corporate scene. 

Enter Academy award winner Anne Hathaway (Jules Ostin) whose online fashion site is looking for senior Interns (senior in life), at first Jules isn't so sure about the idea of senior Interns in her fast-paced demanding world but what she doesn't realize is that Ben might be exactly what she needs. 

I wasn't so sure how the story would play out and where would the conflict arise but The Intern delivered, not just in the hilarious scenes which had the whole movie house breaking into hysterical laughter but in the aspect of real life troubles as well. You could tell that the audience was invested in the characters with how they reacted to each scene. 

It's a new buddy movie, one that we haven't seen before and I really enjoyed the film. 

The film’s multi-generational cast also features Rene Russo, Anders Holm, Andrew Rannells, Adam Devine, Celia Weston, Nat Wolff, Linda Lavin, Zack Pearlman, newcomer Jason Orley, and Christina Scherer. In my opinion the cast was pretty strong and they had a good ensemble about them despite the generation gap but this just makes the movie even more adorable and worth-watching. You'll enjoy it as a date movie with your loved one or even your parents! :) 

You may not be able to teach an old dog new tricks but maybe he can teach you some. 

Opening across the Philippines on September 24, “The Intern” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Witness the Majesty and Wrath of "Everest"

Whenever I see news about people reaching the top of Mt. Everest I'm like "Wow they made it to Everest!" But after watching EVEREST I have a renewed respect for these inhuman athletes who possess strong will and spirits. 

Based on the tragic events of May 10, 1996 EVEREST follows the story of two groups of climbers led by Rob Hall (Jason Clarke) and Scott Fischer (Jake Gyllenhaal) as they make their final ascent to the summit of Mt. Everest and being hit by one of the worse snowstorms mankind has ever known. 

I really enjoyed how the movie made you admire the climbers for their courage and per perseverance to reach (literally) the highest goal possible. 

I have never been keen on outdoor activities (I would rather be wrapped in a blanket, reading a book or watching T.V.) so I don't really "get" climbing mountains, (even if I live on one) but after seeing the movie which was well made-it was shot on location in Nepal and other sites showcasing majestic landscapes and breath taking scenes; I now have an inkling as to why people climb mountains. 

As Jake Gyllenhall said in an interview " I think the simple idea of climbing Mount Everest is exciting. But it’s each person’s reasoning for doing it that is truly fascinating. Everest begs the questions inside all of us: What do we want to accomplish in our lives? What gives our lives meaning? This mountain, literally or figuratively, asks that question to everyone. It’s a metaphor for so many things, and it is Mother Nature humbling us.”

I was just 9 years old when the events on which the movie was based were taking place; which is why I wasn't really aware about them but seeing the movie & the events unfold really left a bitter sweet feeling in my heart. The movies' events still linger in my mind, days after seeing the film. 

The film's strong cast of actors and actresses (kudos to Keira Knightley for that tear-jerking scene!) delivered impressive performances which left me wiping away tears. 

I commend Director Baltasar Kormakur for making a point to re-create actual photos from the events on which the film was based on. I feel that the intention for the audience was to feel that these are actual people who lived and had loved ones and not simply characters created for a movie, was really accomplished. 

I did not know the story as it was unfolding in 1996 but I'm glad that I got to know it through Everest, it gave me a glimpse into the real strength and courage of the human spirit. 

You will enjoy the film whether you climb mountains or not, Everest will keep you at the edge of your seat, you will admire the beauty of nature & will be humbled by it's wrath. You will cry & your heart will break and you will witness a miracle. 

Everest  is now showing in cinemas and is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures. 

Beautiful and Captivating- Live and Die with Me And Earl and the DyingGirl

Me And Earl and the Dying Girl is everything that a teenage romantic comey is not. For one, lead characters Greg and Rachel are not your typical teenage love team that is made up of two supermodels. The witty and hilarious narrator of the story, Greg Gaines (Thomas Mann) even describes himself as "pasty" and having a "hedgehog face" (or was it ground hog-well something to that effect).

Well, you might have already guessed that the movie is about a girl with cancer and the awkward boy she becomes friends with but unlike a movie with a similar premise, Me And Earl and the Dying Girl will move audiences with it's thought-provoking, witty, beautiful and captivating story. 

Based on the debut novel of the same name by James Andrews (which I am currently reading) the movie is directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, Andrews works on the film as a writer. 

The film premiered at the 2015 Sundance Festival to a standing ovation. Bagging the US Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic and the Audience Award for US Drama at the festival. Now if that doesn't convince you to see the movie then I don't know what will. 

When you come to see the film, you expect to cry but instead you find yourself laughing because of the many smart but hilarious scenes, the use of clay animation, funny subtitles and even references to classic films, rest assured though that you will cry so make sure to pack some Kleenex. 

When we meet Greg, he is lanky, awkward, he thinks that he has everything figured out but when Rachel (Olivia Cooke) who has been diagnosed with leukemia comes to his life (the beginning of a doomed friendship) Greg learns what it means to be truly selfless and grows up into a man in the process.  

There are so many lessons in life to pick up that you will leave the cinema with a new perspective in life. I personally loved how the movie tackles life after death, how even after death we discover things we never knew of our loved ones. This resonates in me since I lost my father at a young age. 

There are many things to love about Me And Earl and the Dying Girl, aside from the story and characters, the humor and wit and the life lessons, the camera work and play with light is beautiful as well. 

The charm of Me And Earl and the Dying Girl is that it transcends the typical teenage movie for even adults to enjoy. If you're tired of the typical blockbuster films and teenage romantic comedies then this one is for you. 

 “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” opens September 16 in cinemas from 20^thCentury Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Get Emotional With 'Inside Out'

In a time of sequels, remakes and reboots it's very refreshing to have a movie based on an ingenious and original idea. It is also worth noting that that this story is one we could all relate in, no matter the age and gender and that is another criteria which makes Inside Out a movie every one should see! 

Set inside the mind of an 11 year old girl, Inside Out features a team of emotions, Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness who govern Riley's mind. From their headquarters the emotions also manage Riley's memories, now I won't get too technical in the details in how HQ works but it's really all in a day's work for the team of emotions who try to get Riley through every day. They face a real challenge when Riley's family moves to a new city and as an 11 year old girl that could be really tough and as if that wasn't hard enough, Joy who mostly manages the team becomes lost in Riley's mind along with Sadness. Now they must make their way back before Riley makes a decision which could be the beginning of the end. 

Everything about the movie was new, unexplored and undiscovered and yet it was all very relatable. Of course we have all felt the five emotions on our own so it's fun to imagine a team of them operating in our head. Aside from the emotions, the story also tackles other details of how the mind works, such as memories, dreams, personality, and even explains LSS. It's all very smart, adults will find it amusing, even psychiatrists and psychologists will have a hoot, of course the kids will enjoy it too :) 

Watching the film was like therapy, it's a fun way to understand how our emotions and mind works, how our feelings help us in life, that it's okay to be angry, to be afraid, to be disgusted and to be sad. It's not all about being happy all the time, all the emotions are important and I love that the film showcases the importance of the emotions working as a team, it sort of reminded me of how me and my team in the office work :) 

Of course a good Disney-Pixar movie is one that will make you cry and boy-did Inside Out bring in the waterworks, good thing I had a hankerchief when I watched it! It's the kind of crying in your movie seat that can only be caused by a good Disney-Pixar film. 

There is a moment in the film where they captured that sigh of relief, happiness that we let out after a good cry. It was less than a second but for me it was capturing something that I have felt, that I have done and that was another ingredient that made Inside Out so magical. 

It really is one of those movies that people will be talking about for years to come, it's innovative yet relatable and of course still hilarious and heart warming. The human mind is a complex thing and the fact that they were able to visualize it and make it come alive in such a fun and colorful way, that's easy to understand just makes you want to keep on seeing the movie over and over again. 

10/10 it's a movie you must see with family and friends! 

Inside Out is in cinemas now from Walt Disney Studios. 

Thrills & Chills In The Gift

I usually shy away from horror-thriller movies, especially B-Slasher ones. When I first heard about The Gift i thought that it was another horror movie with a cheesy title but as I started to read about the positive reviews  and praises about the movie I was suddenly excited for it. 

"The Gift" has been called the 'surprise of the summer box office', it has earned a 92% rating in Rotten Tomatoes and fellow movie aficionados abroad have highly recommended it. 

Needless to say I had high expectations for the film and I'm happy to say that I was not dissapointed. 

The Gift starts with a simple enough premise, a young couple move into a beautiful new home and while shopping for home decor Simon (Jason Bateman) and his wife Robyn (Rebecca Hall) run into an old friend of Simon's from High School. 

Joel Edgerton who also wrote the story, was producer on the film and a first time Director plays the 'socially awkward' Gordo. Simple enough story right? It can happen to me and you and what seems to be a simple enough plot blossoms into a dark, sinister revenge story. 

Audiences's prejudices will be challenged as they will meet controversial characters who don't really fit into the traditional protagonist & antagonist roles. 

Not lacking in it's own heart-stopping, surprise moments, you will surely miss out if you don't watch The Gift.  It's a dark revenge story without monsters and killers but just ordinary people like you and me who still manage to destroy lives and sometimes that is even much more frightening. 

The ending is so surprising & unexpected that will feel as though a rug was pulled from under you and as you lay on the floor shocked and surprised, you will realize true horror for what it really is. A psychological thriller that will have you thinking about the movie long after the movie has ended. 

The Gift is a must see movie for those who are looking more than the ordinary movie experience, I've seen the movie about a week ago and I'm still bothered about it. 

The Gift opens on August 19 in local cinemas and is distributed by OctoArts Films International. 

#TheGiftPH #OpenTheGiftAug19 

Fantastic Four -Fails to Impress, Leaves Audiences Wanting More

You never want a movie to be bad, you go in the movie house hoping for a good movie experience and being the optimist that I am, I really had high hopes for this one. Heck- I even wrote a whole piece on why this Fantastic Four reboot matters. Unfortunately, Marvel's first superhero family has yet to have a good movie adaptation still. 

Marvel has had a series of successful movies thanks to their tried and tested formula (action + humor + relatable characters + relevant to the times) 2015's Fantastic Four veers away from this formula as they bring a darker, edgier feel to the 1960's comic to the screen. While I would applaud Director Josh Trank for taking this gamble I would have to say that good movies is like baking a cake, all the ingredients should be precisely measured in order for you to enjoy a delicious dessert. It seems that in the goal to have a different superhero movie, Fantastic Four suffers with the obvious lack of humor and action sequences that make people want to see super hero movies in the first place. While I could have pardoned the absence of a few laughs and my jaw dropping to amazing action sequences, for a younger, darker and edgier story, it was the long and dragging plot that finally broke this camel's back. There was so much back story at the expense of an "actual" story, it progresses really, really, slowly, peaks a little as it nears the end, then just ends. 

The only saving grace in the movie? A really bad ass Doctor Doom with skills worthy of a Mortal Kombat "Finish Him" move. There was some improvement with The Thing's look, leaving the spandex for a bigger and bulkier build. Alas, he doesn't really get to clobber much of anything in this movie. 

I already wrote about bringing the modern family dynamic with the interracial adaptation of Sue, so I'll just mention it here that was something that did impress me, so I'll just leave that here in the what-was-good-about-the-movie-paragraph. 

"There is no Victor - just Doom" 

We see the friendship of Reed Richards and Ben Grimm in the film but even that back story fails to really warm any hearts. Even Johhny Storm's strained relationship with his father won't have you trying to stop a sniffle in the movie house. 

Sue Storm is depicted as someone who loves music (it helps her think) but from someone who loves music as well, I really wanted to know what kind of music was she listening to? Is she into EDM? Does she prefer Calvin Harris or Zedd? Maybe Steve Aoki? Or is she more of an Ed Sheeran-Taylor Swift kind of girl? Is she on Spotify? They could have used that angle for a great OST. Just my two cents. 

All in all, the story failed to put "being human" in the characters. Yeah Johhny Storm is on Instagram but that wasn't enough. 

The 2005 Fantatsic Four was a box office success despite it being bad but they still had the 2007 Silver Surfer sequel. The 2015 take on the franchise feels like a really long prequel to what could possibly be a more action filled sequel, (I would like to see more of the teamwork and how their abilities will play off each other) should Fox decide on taking that direction. I also missed the whole Fantatisc Four family dynamic where Ben and Johnny squabble like siblings, Sue plays mommy and Reed is the Dad with the corny jokes. Will we get to see that in a Fantastic Four movie that is actually good? Only time can tell but one thing is for sure...the third time is not the charm for this franchise. Could it be the fourth? They are called Fantastic Four after all. 

Get Lost. Get Found with Paper Towns

Paper Towns might start of as any ordinary young adult romantic movie, boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, girl becomes popular in high school and they drift apart but that's where the ordinary ends. Quentin is in love with Margo (Cara Delevingne) who has become the "it" girl in school. They have drifted apart despite being best friends when they were kids. One night, Margo breaks into Quentin's room and takes him on an adventure, the next day Margo disappears but leaves behind clues which Quentin along with his friends follow, hoping to find Margo. 

I just got out of the cinema from watching Paper Towns and I am writing this review in a frenzy just because I loved Paper Towns so much. I read the book prior to seeing the movie and I honestly didn't know what to expect of the movie and I really enjoyed it! Until now my tummy hurts from all the LOL moments in the film. The wit and humor in the book was easily translated to the screen. The tandem of Q (Quentin) -Natt Wolf and his friends, Ben (Austin Abrams) and Radar (Justice Smith) was just HILARIOUS. It was spot on-crazy funny but without trying too hard, it seemed that they were a real group of high school friends. The chemistry of the three male leads is undeniable. It's as if they really did know each other from when they were "fetuses". 

Sorry, I really am getting ahead of myself since I enjoyed the movie so much. There is so much more than just laughing and enjoying the movie because in the journey to find Margo the three friends cement their friendship and go on a road trip that will change their lives forever. We see the three friends grow in their adventure and get out of their comfort zone and do things they would not usually do (like skip class). 

More than just a love story, Paper Towns is a coming of age story which challenges stereotypes and placing people in boxes and under labels. As John Green, the author of Paper Towns said the story also looks into the complexities of people and seeing them for who they really are rather than who we want them to be. 

Watching the movie, made me reminisce my High School days (about 11 years ago). High School is such an interesting part in our lives, it is a time of self discovery when you learn things about yourself that you never knew and you also have a million questions at the same time. It can be a very beautiful time in our lives, yet it can also be frightening and confusing. Yet, one thing is for sure about High School, it is when you witness the miracle of friends and seeing the movie pulled on a few heart strings as I remembered and missed my High School friends. 

There is no dull moment in Paper Towns, from a night of 'righting wrongs' to an investigation of Margo's dissapearance to going on an impromptu road trip. Your stomach will ache a good kind of ache from laughing at the well delivered comedy. It is a beautiful movie of love, friends, growing up and of overcoming labels and stereotypes. 

We all get one miracle. Make sure to let your miracle know that they're yours. 

Paper Towns is showing in theaters nationwide on July 22 from 20th Century Fox and is distributed by Warner Bros. 

Go BIG with Ant-Man

It seems that Marvel has their formula for success down that even with a relatively unknown super hero, audiences will be leaving the cinemas with a new favorite hero. It's interesting to note that it is not the special effects and CGI graphics which make Ant-Man a highly recommended movie. 

It's the characters which you come to love and love to hate which makes you laugh, cheer and jeer in the movie house. It is these characters whose search for redemption or desire to do good and save the world or just kick back and enjoy the good life which is what keeps you invested throughout the movie. 

Of course, the awesome special effects and CGI don't hurt at all especially since we see new stunts on a totally different level. Remember the big fight of The Hulk and The Hulkbuster (A.K.A. Veronica) in Avengers: Age Of Ultron? Well, we've already seen these big bad as* fight scenes, what we haven't seen is taking the fight to the size of an insect- a small insect at that. 

Imagine two ants having an all out Super Saiyan battle, complete with large-hole-in-the-wall damages; well that just scratches the surface of it because half of what makes the fight amazing is how the two Super Saiyan ants interact with seemingly ordinary objects. 

It's not just these minuscule fights which bring something new to the Marvel Cinematic Universe but also Ant-Man's ability to command armies of ants; it may not seem that impressive but if you've been bitten by a fire ant then you know that these guys mean business; multiply that one tiny fire ant exponentially and you're in for a very bad day. 

Honestly after seeing the movie I will never look at ants the same way again. #ANThony 

Ant-Man as a hero is something refreshing and unique and whatever beautiful words I use will not bring it justice; it is something you need to see and experience on your own (in 3D if you can). 

After talking about the awesomeness of the fight scenes, the special effects and the CGI allow me to talk about loveable characters of Ant-Man. 

Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) if you're a 90s kid you probably remember him from Clueless, which celebrated it's 20 year anniversary recently - and deym he has aged gracefully -is such a cutie! is a Robin Hood kind of burglar who after being released from prison wants to live a straight life. 

Unfortunately that's not going to be easy given that companies aren't so keen on hiring ex-cons. 

Pushed by his desire to be a better father to his daughter, Scott is caught in a web or in this case - ant hill of big proportions. 

Scott, along with his unlikely team plan a (more than a) heist to steal technology that is similar to the Ant-Man suit, that in the wrong hands can mean disaster. 

Micheal Peña plays Luis, Scott's hilarious side kick of sorts and he steals the show! Early review for the film praised Peña for his refreshing and natural humor. You would think that Marvel would have used up all the jokes and delivery in the book but here comes Peña with spot on delivery you can't help but crack up every time he comes on the screen. 

I also love how the movie uniquely handled the subtle romance in the film (no nauseating or awkward scenes) which is a first in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Speaking of MCU, the film was able to seamlessly blend the characters and timeline to the rest of the movies in the MCU without giving you a headache. It's worth mentioning that you should starry after the movie for not one but two post-credit scenes!!! 

All in all, it was a good family / date / friend film with lots of touching father-daughter scenes that left the little ol' daddy's girl in me teary eyed. 

A refreshing take on an origin story in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ant-Man will bring you to a whole different world, in an entirely new scale-where no Avenger has gone before. You will laugh, you will cry and you will be amazed. Ant-Man is loads of funny and full of heart. Time will fly by in the cinema just because you're enjoying the movie so much and like me, you'll probably have more respect for ants afterwards. 

Adorable photo of Paul Rudd with some eager Marvel kids at an exclusive movie sneak peek of Ant-Man. Something tells me we'll be seeing a lot of kids dress up as Ant-Man for Halloween and maybe Ant-Man themed birthday parties? 

All photos in this post are from Marvel Studios. 

The Relevance of Jurassic World to the Times

In anticipation of Jurassic World, the fourth installment in the Jurassic Park franchise, I went ahead and re-watched the first 3 movies plus special features on DVD (thanks to an awesome P450.00 offer for a boxed set). As I re watched all 3 movies, I relived my childhood memories of this well loved franchise. 

In my GMovies Member Feature, I talk about how scenes like the greedy lawyer being eaten by the T-Rex (Jurassic Park '93) while sitting in the toilet stuck to my head. It really left an impression on me; I think there was a time I was actually afraid a T-Rex would magically appear while I'm at my most vulnerable in the bathroom. 

For many of us, the Jurassic Park was not just a movie, they are memories. 

22 years after the first film grossed over a billion dollars in the box office. We are once again brought back to Isla Nublar where a theme park that never opened is now a fully operational luxury resort. All is well in the resort but in the search for a new attraction (because apparently Dinosaours aren't wow enough anymore) something is born in the lab, something that has never walked the earth before. Something that is supposed to be "bigger, better, cooler". 

"This is where you play god" 

-Alan Grant (Jurassic Park III- 2001)

Say hello to the Indominus Rex. 

Dr. Wu (B.D. Wong) who played the same geneticist in the first movie, reprises his role and manipulates genes to create a genetically modified dinosaur, one that never existed and whose abilities are still unknown. 

Enter the Indominus Rex, raised in isolation after devouring it's only sibling (not a good sign) is now reaching maturity and preparations in making her the newest park attraction are already underway. 

Zach and Gray - the new kids in  the park. 

Real Characters, Relevant to the Times 

Aside from the new dinosaurs (yes there's more than one) there are also new human characters. I felt as though these characters were so realistic that they made Jurassic World relevant to the times. Despite a span of two decades since the first film, World seems fresh and it's because of the characters whose dreams, hopes and fears are like many of us that they become very real and relatable. 

Because there are always kids in Jurassic Park - 

Gray (Ty Simpkins) is an eleven year old boy who, like other boys his age love dinosaurs and in a world where they actually exist who wouldn't ? He is extremely intelligent and may actually be a genius, he seems to have some social anxiety which is the case more often than not. 

Zach (Nick Robinsons) is Gray's older brother who at 16 likes what boys like-girls. He looks forward to moving out the house when he reaches 18. 

The brothers are sent to spend some quality time with their career driven Aunt, Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) who runs Jurassic World. 

Tita (Aunt) Power in Jurassic World 

Claire  Dearing is a very busy woman overseeing about 20,000 guests per day, she gives her nephews special passes and sends them off to explore the resort. Claire is a distant Aunt from her nephews (she doesn't even know how old they are) which creates an interesting dynamic. As a (proud) #TitasOfManila (Aunts Of Manila) - I have no kids yet but I adore my nieces and nephews. I'm glad that this relationship was highlighted in this film. This is especially important in the Filipino culture where the extended family plays an integral part in the upbringing of the children. So hooray for the Titos and Titas! (Uncles and Aunts) out there! 

Another Jurassic Nostalgia: Do you remember who first had the 'flare idea' ? 

An Unlikely Hero 

The last Jurassic Movies had scientists (Paleontologist Alan Grant - Sam Neil and Mathematician Ian Malcolm - Jeff Goldblum)  as it's heroes. For Jurassic World it's ex-military  expert in animal behavior Owen Grady who is currently doing a training study with a pack of Velociraptors to whom he has developed an Alpha relationship. Claire initially asks Owen for help to evaluate the security of the Indominus Rex's Paddock. Owen is strong, decisive and quick to act, he believes in the natural order of things and where humans stand in it. 

"Oh, yeah. Ohhhh, Ahhh, that's how it all starts. Then there's running and um, screaming." 

- Dr. Ian Malcolm 

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) 

Mad Max: Fury Road: Movie Review

As designated driver and chaperone to my younger siblings as they watched the UFC fight in Manila Paul and I saw Mad Max on a date so to speak, no exclusive screening or movie premiere just a regular movie date on a Saturday night. The balcony area of the movie house was pretty filled which is interesting since most of the most masses would probably have gone to see Pitch Perfect 2. 

I honestly didn't know what to expect from the fourth movie in the Mad Max franchise since I'm not familiar with the first three movies. Even Paul wasn't born yet (in 1979) when the film that launched Mel Gibson's career, the original in the franchise came out. I honestly had no idea what to expect, just that there was going to cars, sand and explosion. 

So just imagine my surprise when this stunning vision of a post apocalyptic world came exploding through the screen. Unlike young adult dystopian novels turned movies, we have no heroine making an undying sacrifice or breaking the confines of society, we have a cruel world made up of nightmares where the only the only thing that you can do is to survive.

There were parts in the movie where they seemed to use an increased frame rate in the camera, giving an unnatural effect in the actors movement, now imagine a chase scene where the pursuing party is a pack of pale white bald headed men it was like watching zombies on adrenaline. There were many sudden flashed disturbing images (in relation to Max's past) that will give you a mini heart attack. I heard someone in the audience say "I thought this wasn't a scary movie?". Indeed, some images were both frightening and disturbing, so much so that a colleague of mine at work said his girlfriend was traumatized from the film. 

Be that as it may, Fury Road's vision is indeed frightening enough to be of a dystopian future we do not wish to be a part of. I believe that the film's essence is that beyond the crazy cars, fight, chase scenes and all the explosion is a narrative so simple that it is one that we have mostly read in books, or seems in movies and television. Which works for Mad Max because it is relatable and believable. A tyrant keeping control of all resources so he has each and every one at his mercy and begging for his favor is something that we don't only see in movies but happens in real life that it is almost scary. 

Max and his companions come together merely by accident and yet they all want the same thing-to survive and in order to do that they must face and fight a sadistic and cruel tyrant. 

Aside from Tom Hardy's Max or Charlize Theron's Furiosa there is also a colorful cast of characters who will keep you glued to the screen, okay I have to admit the Victorias Secret Models were a bit distracting but it's all part of the style and vision of the story. Our favorite would be the bad as* guitar hero with a fire breathing axe :) 

Pitch Perfect 2 might have deafeted Mad Max in the blockbuster earnings but the ravings and praises of critics is also an indication that this is an action movie like no other and will be talked about for years to come. 

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

It's that time of the year again-when we rush to watch The Hobbit despite the tough Christmas schedule, overwhelming crowds, grueling traffic and of course making to sure to watch before MMFF hits- or else we could be watching the movie in 2015.

Although this yearly tradition of catching the Peter Jackson helmed installment will sadly be the last one, it is with a bitter sweet feeling that we enter the movie house, take our seats and sip on our Biggie from Wendy's as we look up at the screen to catch a piece of J. R. R. Tolkien's heritage to the world.

Why all the drama? Well - if you guys didn't know yet- Paul and I are big LOTR/The Hobbit/Tolkien/Peter Jackson fans. As boyfriend and girlfriend we would watch the LOTR Trilogy on DVD (extended DVD) and we would spend hours watching the behind-the-scenes footages and documentary on anything and everything in the creation of the films. We know people like Fran Walsh, Allan Lee and we could point out Peter Jackson's cameos in the films. 

So as big fans of the franchise here is our review on The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies: trust me, as a writer, with some script writing experience back in High Scool it really is hard to think about how you will adopt a well known and well loved story, much more cut it into three parts. How do you start and end each installment? Especially taking into consideration that there is a year in between each parts? It is with this thought in mind that I have to say that I am still conflicted with how The Battle Of The Five Armies started- right where The Desolation left off, Smaug flying into Lake Town to unleash his wrath. That was sort of a dissapointment for me since Smaug was such a big deal in the second movie, that his quick demise in the third really was a bit of a let down. I was even worried that he would have no lines and I wouldn't be able to hear Benedict Cumberbatch in the film :( 

Thankfully the writers gave him a couple of amazing bad ass lines so that's good. I think that adding that bit where Bard uses his son as a "kalso" to fire the black arrow was a bit of a nail biter. That was a good bit to add, it had a sort of Abraham-Isaac feel into it that just gave me the willies. 

Needless to say that Smaug I was dissapointment that Smaug's death was rushed. I kinda liked him. 

Oh and I should mention that I was also not to happy with the movie tag like being: "The Battle Of The Five Armies" in my opinion, sticking to the original "There And Back Again" would have been a better choice and would it would have been a great nod to the original story. 

So going back to the film- 

There was a bit of comic relief provided by Alfred, the former right hand man / Deputy of the Mayor. This was a good addition, especially considering how grim the content of the last movie would be. The audience laughed at his subtle and cowardly antics and every laugh was a good trade off to the rest of the emotions that you would surely feel when you see the movie. There are a bit of surprise deaths in the movie but since I've read the book I was already expecting them even if I was willing for them not to happen-don't worry no spoilers here. :) 

Peter Jackson and his team took a lot of liberties with changing up the story which I think is an okay deal, I'm not a purist who would complain at every non-book change. I believe that Jackson et al. have made a great adaptation of the books to the films. So much so that even non-readers would be able to enjoy it. 

So some book-movie changes coupled with my thoughts: For one, Legolas isn't even in the book. Yes fan girls and boys the hunky elf, played by an older Orlando Bloom does not make any appearance in any shape or form in the book, his appearance in the movies was more so for the fans really, so at least they have someone they know or who looks familiar that they can watch on screen and so that the fan girls and boys can cheer and swoon on him too :p 

Tauriel (the she-elf), also not in the book. Tolkien is not known for his leading female characters and of course in this day and age a bad ass chick is always a plus on a movie ensemble cast. 

Not really sure what to make of the whole Tauriel-Filly love team though, yeah for Aragorn and Arwen it works but for these two...not so sure. It was like Jackson et al. just throwing a random love team in the bunch plus an awkward love triangle with Legolas too. But I guess it was still effective since two people I know posted Tauriel's heart breaking lines in the film on Facebook after seeing the movie. Not putting the lines here though-to avoid spoilers :) 

Watching the movie, I remembered all those fairy tales that I read as a child, of a King consumed by greed, willing to forsake and sacrifice everything for the sake of gold and treasure. Although no childhood fairy tale can bring to the screen bad as* fight scenes that only Peter Jackson can-okay I'll have to admit that some of the fight scenes were too far fetched and were literally defying the laws of physics but still bad as* enough for you to gush and cheer. ^_^ 

The movie like other Hobbit/LOTR movies was over 3 hours long but you really won't feel the length of the movie since it was one bad as* fight scene after the next! there was absolutely no dull moment. Definitely an epic end to the trilogy! 

And in classic Jackson style he joins The Hobbit trilogy with The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy by littering the movie with Easter Eggs and teasers, making you just want to watch The Fellowship of The Ring right after The Battle of the Five Armies. 

Here are some actors and roles I loved - aside from Bilbo and Smaug ^_^ 

Luke Evans (Dracula Untold) really did a good job playing Bard- he really had that traditional hero role pinned down and it is also an added plus that he's a loving dad of three children ^_~ 

Good representation on the race of Men of which few are hard to come by these days- in books or in real life! 

Mockingjay (Part 1) Movie Review

I have always told people who thought that the whole entire premise of The Hunger Games Trilogy was the "battle to the death- battle Royale" among kids (which they immediately dismissed as simply violent) but this is actually just the tip of the iceburg and everything falls into place, or rather the full "iceburg" is revealed in Mockingjay Part 1. No more Games as we have seen in the first two movies but we are taken in a world torn by war and rebellion. 

Before I go on with this movie review, I think I ought to go and say that I have read The Hunger Games trilogy a few years back and while audiences are ogling at how beautiful Jennifer Lawrence is as (probably her most recognizable role in her career yet) Katniss and rooting for either the hot Liam Hemsworth or the cute Josh Hutcherson. People are forgetting or perhaps the movie has not given enough focus (in my opinion at least) of the many Socio-Political themes in the story.

I distinctly remember one scene in the book (and it really stayed with me) during a feast in the Capitol, Katniss and Peeta are offered a liquid concuction that will let them throw up so they can keep on eating the different dishes that were prepared for their honor. This of course takes our heroes aback since back in their home in District 12, times are hard and food scarce and hunger (pun intended) is their constant companion; while the citizens of the Capitol are indulging themselves in food. Funny how this scene is parallel to what is happening to the present and reality don't you think? 

When The Hunger Games first came out, people thought it was just another Battle Royale, where characters are forced to kill each other off in a fight to the death, last man standing tournament but that is just actually the tip of the iceberg and there is more to The Hunger Games Trilogy than just that. 

In the Mockingjay, audiences see, feel and understand the price of war; which our generation has been fortunate not to ever have known, of course the same cannot be said about our brothers and sisters in war-torn countries and many scenes in the movie are reminiscent of the actual horror from war which is actually happening right now; sometimes truth is also stranger than fiction. 

More reasons to look forward to Movkingjay Part 1 would be the actors (aside from Lawrence, Hensworth and Hutcherson) of course we would see critically acclaimed, award winning actor Philip Seymour-Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee in one of his last roles due to his tragic and sudden death last February 2014. Hoffman was able to finish filming all of his parts for Mockingjay Part 1. As the movie ended there was a "In Loving Memory of Philip Seymour-Hoffman" that was flashed on the screen, that bought a few tugs at the heart strings. I wonder what they'll do with his role for Part 2 of Mockingjay next year? 

I'm also excited to see Game of Thrones' Margery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer) as badass Cressida - I've always said it before that I didn't like her first when I saw her as Anne Boleyn in The Tudors but I have come to appreciate her acting in her roles as Moriarty/ in Sherlock and of course as Margery on Game Of Thrones, in The Mockingjay, Dormer shaves half of her head to play the role of former Capitol film director Cressida, who is put in Katniss' "propaganda" team. Loved her in the movie and I loved how bad ass she is, she really rocked that half shaven head look ^_^  

I think I can finally say that I have come to fully accept the changes that transpire from book to movie adaptations (or any kind of adaptation actually) and I think that it is not always a bad idea to make changes, the trick is to know when to make that change. Case in point is keeping Elizabeth Banks on as Effie Trinket in The Mockingjay movies. In the book, the role originally belonged to Fluvia. Yet- audiences have come to love Effie Trinket thanks to Elizabeth Bank's spot-on-portrayal of the fish out of water Effie as we find her without her wigs, make up and extravagant Capitol Couture. Her presence is reassuring as she provides the little humor that is in the movie. 

Big Hero 6 Movie Review

Would have come out with this movie review sooner but have been so tired from work lately, I immediately hit the sack after coming home from work. 

When anticipation for Disney's Big Hero 6 started appearing on different social media sites, my interest was immediately caught and Big Hero 6 became part of my to-watch movies list. I mean how can I resist the Japanese themes and influences and the super Kawaii Baymax? 

A few weeks before the film was set to be released, news that one of my favorite bands, Fall Out Boy will have a song in the movie had me even more excited, especially when I got to hear the song "Immortals" which is just awesome! I was so happy when the song played in the movie. I had to stop myself from getting up and dancing! 

Recently images for the movie's OST came out - look at that super cute Vinyl! Got to have it! 

There's just too much cuteness overload in this movie. 

As the weekend approached, the question actually came, where we going to watch Interstellar or Big Hero 6 (well this review makes the answer obvious doesn't it?) just confirming that there was that decision that had to be made. 

I asked fellow bloggers who have already seen both which movie to watch first and the recommendation was for the huggable robot (obviously) there were other factors that helped me decide and those were well, Interstellar was a 3 hour long movie and it was going to be one of those movies that would require you to have your thinking cap on and after a week of hard work, it would be nice to just relax for the weekend. Existential questions and scientific theories can wait as we decided to visit San Fransokyo instead of Christopher Nolan's universe.