Movie Review: Alita Battle Angel - is the best Hollywood Anime Adaptation yet!

There has been little to no success of an Anime Hollywood adaptation, until that is James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez came along. 

The director of non other than "Titanic" and "Avatar" has long since had the rights to Alita: Battle Angel and after being in production for a long time the film adaptation, based on Yukito Kishiro's manga "Gunnm" or "Battle Angel Alita" is finally getting the big screen treatment with the biggest names in the industry making it possible.

Produced by James Cameron and Jon Landau the cyberpunk action is directed by Robert Rodriguez (Sin City) and stars Rosa Salazar as the titular character who delivers the best mocap performance since Andy Serkis himself.      

Speaking of Andy Serkis, of course the only team to bring the world of Alita to life in none other than WETA Digital (you know the Kiwis behind "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films). 

Christoph Waltz & Rosa Salazar in Alita Battle Angel

With the visuals of the film in very capable hands it is needless to say that Alita delivers on that department. I have never seen the fusion of human and machine look so seamless and perfect, which is just ideal for the world building that the film successfully delivers across as well. 

The action sequences are breath taking and edge of your seat exciting! This is one movie experience deserving of the big screen (the biggest one possible) so go IMAX! 

I watched a bit of the 1993 OVA and I can only say that the adaptation is pretty solid and some of the scenes were directly taken from the anime (even  the dialogue!) 

Set in a post apocalyptic time, years after the "fall" Dr. Ido (Christoph Waltz) finds a cyborg in a scrapyard, said scrap yard is where the trash of the sky city of Zalem falls. 

Zalem is a massive and ominous city in the sky, which appears to be like a "heaven" to those living in the desolate "Iron City" which is where Dr. Ido and the rest of the survivors of a war try to make a living for themselves. 

Dr. Ido brings the cyborg, whose very human brain managed to survive back online and christens her "Alita". She can't remember anything about her past and while discovering the world around her as if for the first time, she looks at everything with a child like wonder but the dangerous streets of Iron City slowly awaken a killer instinct and a power in her.

There's a lot of edge your seat and jaw dropping action sequences in the film 

Okay, so there is a lot that happens in the movie (not spilling anything) and it could be overwhelming for some but growing up an Anime fan, you become accustomed to "lore", you are after all trying to incorporate a whole lot of source material in a two hour or so movie. I would say, don't get lost and overwhelmed in it. Just enjoy it. I think James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez do a good enough job of getting an action packed and quickly escalating film going. 

What I didn't expect were the emotions that the film drew from me, I didn't get to finish the OVA so there was this one cliff hanger (pun intended) scene that just crushed by poor enlarged heart. Like, really, there were tears stinging in my eyes and I was not expecting that at all.  

The film succeeds in making you root for Alita. Even if she is a cyborg, you want to see her kick ass, you want to see her succeed and by the end of the film, when she raises her hand to the skies you can't help but cheer her on. 

9 / 10 - Alita: Battle Angel is in cinemas Feb. 6 with evening screenings on the fifth. 

Movie Review: "The Mule" -is Narcos with a Heart

THE MULE -is "Narcos" with a heart. You see, I've been watching too much "Narcos" on Netflix to know what "Gringo" means without looking it up. And with a dissapointing Narcos: Mexico last year I didn't expect to get my "drug drama" fix on "The Mule".

Directed and starred in by Clint Eastwood, the film which is loosely based on true events of the Sinaloa cartel's 90 year old  is real, simple and poignant.

Its also a refreshing spin and kind of offers a reverse perspective on the "Drug Story", this one is set in the US instead of Columbia or Mexico and has an elderly American in the middle, instead of an ambitious "Narco". 

When you see Clint Eastwood on screen, you think to yourself, "man, he's really old" and I think that's why the role and the story is perfect for him, at 88 years old Eastwood, stars, produces and directs the movie (and here I am just wanting to retire before 60). 

He plays 90 year old horticulturist Earl Stone, who is estranged from his family, broke and facing a foreclosure on his home. He gets what he thinks is a "driving gig" but in reality becomes a drug courier for a Mexican cartel. Given his race, age and a clean driving record, Earl is the perfect mule and he soon gets tasked with doing more and more runs, this of course doesn't go unnoticed by the DEA, most especially DEA Agent Colin Bates (Bradley Cooper).

With his new found flow of cash, he has been welcomed back by his family (it's been known to happen) and he comes to realize all his shortcomings and he must decide whether to right his past mistakes or face the wrath of the Cartel or the DEA who is getting dangerously close. 

There are social themes on racial discrimination and racial profiling, in the case of the story, it worked in favor of the cartel, since Earl was not suspected because he's an elderly Caucasian and of course, the rest of the Latin Americans are given dirty looks and even questioned by local police, because you know racial profiling. 

There's this scene where Earl helps an African-American family who get a flat tire in the middle of the road, he helps them and says it's amusing that he's helping out (then he says the N word) he says it not out of malice but because at 90 years old, he's really not aware of politically correct terms anymore. The look that the family gets is equally amusing as well. Hey, the important thing is he stopped to help them right? 

The film may lack the traditional tools for a drama but I think that's why it's refreshing, it didn't rely on sob stories (there are even hilarious lines in there) but you still get that weird sad poignant feeling. I only wish they didn't force the friendship of Earl and his Cartel handler, it was not necessary for the story. Either do if right or don't do it at all. Just a little nitpicking. It's a good and fresh film, I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks. 

7/10  "The Mule" is in select Ayala Malls Cinemas Jan. 30

Movie Review: "Bumblebee" is Nostalgic and has lots of Heart!

When I first heard about a "Bumblebee movie" starring Hailee Steinfeld and John Cena, I was not excited, in fact I was bracing for yet another dissapointing Transformers movie. I thought that they were just milking the franchise dry. 

But then, I saw this teaser art for the film - Bumblebee and Steinfeld's character Charlie under a beautiful night sky illuminated by a million stars and I was so in love with this poster and I started to actually look forward to the film. Then the film starts to get so many positive reviews and currently holds a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes score after weeks of being released and the positive reviews from critics kept pouring in and I was intrigued, could a Transformers movie actually be this good? 

And after seeing the movie for myself (drum roll please....) 

Lo and behold! Yes! Its possible! 

"Bumblebee" is hands down the best Transformers movie ever!

The film was so beautiful. The story was well thought of, the characters were fleshed out and carefully written. 

Its as if they took everything that was wrong with the "Bayformers" films and corrected it for a Transformers film that we all deserve. 

The film opens with a battle in Cybertron between the Autobot resistance and the Decepticons and already you know that this is not Michael Bay's Transformers, there are no towering shiny robots that bear no resemblance at all to the classic Transformers designs. 

What we have is Director Travis Knight paying homage to the original designs it was so nostalgic it actually felt like you were watching an episode of "Transformers" - of course one with better and more colorful graphics. Also you can tell that production stayed away from the use of excessive explosions, a known trait in the "Bayformers" films which has drawn flak over the years. 

Instead "Bumblebee" goes old school with their fight sequences and has more physical robot rumble, which was a welcome change. 

You can really see that the writing focused on Bee and Charlie's relationship, how Charlie helped Bee find his voice and how he in return helped Charlie find the courage and spark in life that she lost. 

I love how Charlie was given a strong back story, an edgy teen feeling left out from her own family after the sudden passing of her father. 

I appreciated her drive and motivation unlike Shia LaBeouf's Sam Witwicky, whose only motivation was to get into Megan Fox's pants. 

Speaking of Megan Fox - the movie also does a good job of washing off Bay's objectification of women in his films (admit it, you still have that image of Megan Fox opening the hood of the car in her too tight for High School attire with the perfect hair and tan in your head) and Bay's casting of Victoria's Secret Models as they run around in high heels while explosions happen left and right by casting the wholesome Hailee Steinfeld whose character Charlie is a believable 18 year old. 

She is a bit awkward and tomboyish, in 80s rock band tees, jeans, leather jackets and boots. The most that you see of her skin are of her knees, when she puts on her colorful uniform for her work at the carnival.  

Speaking of the 80s since "Bumblebee" was set in 1987 it is a big love letter to the 80s!

Watching the film, is a good way "to confuse kids nowadays" as it features cassette tapes, walkmans, vinyl, VHS tapes (and so much hair product) among other things that are probably in museums nowadays. 

The music! Oh the music!  I loved it so much I had to curate my own Bumblebee playlist right after seeing the film and of course I'm listening to it now while I'm writing this. 

I'm glad to say that while "Bumblebee" has  ticked off the boxes in all of what I have already mentioned but it doesn't stop there ~! It was a nice touch to give Charlie's family more than just "the family role", they provide more than just comic relief too as they actually contribute to the plot, which is all that I'm saying now. 

Fans of John Cena will be happy to know that he played the role of Agent Burns well. He has a couple of lines in there that had me LOL, it was good to see (pun intended) that he was not a "throwaway antagonist" as well. 

Bumblebee was so good you wish that the past five films did not happen at all.

There were tears, its the beautiful story of a girl and her Autobot, drawing similar themes from "Iron Giant" and "ET" but with its own fun and nostalgic spin. 

9/10 "Bumblebee" is now showing in cinemas.  

Movie Review: Mary Poppins Returns ~charms in the most delightful way

In what is the longest gap between (movie) sequels ever (54 years!!!)  an enchanting Emily Blunt brings nostalgia to older audiences and delight to a younger generation as she sings, dances and captivates as the magical Nanny, Mary Poppins. 

In 1935, during the "Great Slump" in London, Michael Banks (who is an adult now) has just recently lost his wife and is now in danger of losing his home, after taking a loan from the bank where he works in. With the help of his sister Jane and housekeeper Ellen they raise the (new) Banks children, John, Annabel and Georgie. 

Mary Poppins returns during this difficult time for the family "to look after the Banks children" she says and clearly she means all of them, Michael and Jane included. 

Much like in "Christopher Robin" Michael with dealing with his grief and loss and the overwhelming problem of losing his home and this has also transferred on to his own children. Michael has forgotten what its like to be a child and now his own children don't get to enjoy being children themselves, with the additional responsibilities. 

Through the film, Mary Poppins nudges the Banks just a little here and there to get them along, which I appreciated. She doesn't so much as solve their problems for them but only reminds them that things aren't as sad or tragic and that there's always a bit of magic everywhere, even in one's bath. 

Let's face it, its the same case for all of us, what will all the problems and troubles of the world. I've always loved the thought that adults "forget" what its like to have that childlike wonder (read Neil Gaiman's "The Ocean at the end of the Lane") as adults, we get caught up with work, bills, responsibilities, life in general that we don't know how to have fun anymore. We bury ourselves in problems and troubles that we forget that a little imagination, a new perspective and looking for the light when we get lost can be all that we need.  

Oh, also the very important lesson that time, among many other things is just a social construct, which is why, we need not lose our heads and go on panic mode as we adults tend to.  

Emily Blunt is "practically perfect" as the eponymous umbrella carrying Nanny, in this whimsical sequel. The costumes, choreography and 2D Animation sequences are a delight.

The songs may not be as catchy as the ones the Sherman Brothers wrote in 1964 but there are a couple of gems, my favorite are "Can You Imagine That" and "A Cover Is Not A Book".

Lin Manuel-Miranda does a good job with the songs, the singing and the dancing, I think that if you're up against  "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" you're already in a bit of a pickle. The addition of a bit of a rap and some bike parkour is a nice way update the dance and musical numbers. 

Its message that despite the arduous challenges of #adulting sometimes a child like perspective is all we need.

7/10 - Mary Poppins Returns is in PH cinemas January 8, 2019. 

Movie Review: Aquaman

Throughout the years, we have come to see some version of the legendary city of Atlantis, but nothing comes close to what director James Wan has created in "Aquaman", the perfect union of technology and myth, this version of Atlantis is like a dream. 

It's not just colorful, the lights create a visual feast which will leave your mouth wide open for a long duration of the movie, there are so many scenes and shots that either looks like a painting, so beautiful it can just be framed and put up or would go nicely as a wallpaper on your cellphone. You can tell that each scene, each shot was really well thought of, the palette of colors that were used are truly the work of an  artist. 

But "Aquaman" is more than just a "pretty movie" it also has a solid story that actually reads like a story book, not a bedtime story for you to fall asleep but an exciting one, filled with epic battles, exhilarating roof top chases and a journey across the seven seas. 

One year after the events of "Justice League" - trouble is brewing under the sea as King Orm (Patrick Wilson) is preparing an attack on the surface world. (You know, to teach us humans a lesson, for polluting and destroying the seas) and the only way to stop him is to challenge his claim to the throne, which is why Mera (Amber Heard) searches for Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) AKA 'Aquaman' - who is Orm's half brother. 

Never fully accepting his Atlantean heritage. Arthur is reluctant to challenge his younger brother and take his rightful place as King, yet circumstances leave him no choice as the eminent attack from Orm will undoubtedly destroy the surface world. 

Accompanied by Mera, Arthur goes on a quest to find the trident of Atlan (the first ruler of Atlantis) which in his possession will give him power over the seven seas and will allow him to defeat Orm but he must first prove himself worthy of becoming King. 

Now this is the stuff of legends, this is a genuine super hero movie with a complete and concise narrative, an exciting adventure you would want to be a part of. That Italian roof top chase scene is pure genius. Yet more than just the exhilarating action is a story about family and forgiveness about coming to terms with one's identity, no matter how different or far apart your roots may come. The film carries an important message of diversity and representation, which in today's times is very important.

As Director James Wan said during the recent Aquaman Asian Press Conference, you cannot have a movie about "Aquaman" without touching on issues about the environment and the film does just that. Speaking of director James Wan, he also bring his horror roots to the film, that "Trench" scene will make you jump from your seat and working yourself to it's edge with suspence and anticipation, all the while bringing something eerily beautiful on the screen. 

Shout out to Amber Heard's Mera, I love how she was not just a sidekick to Aquaman, that she's her own Hero, a diplomat and a warrior. We want more Mera!

I appreciate that we see a growth in Arthur, while he may have been brash and cocky before, he learns an important lesson which makes him a deserving King and an even better Hero. 

10/10 don't miss this movie, which deserves multiple screenings on the biggest screens. 

Aquaman is now showing. 

Movie Review: Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse

You know the story, teenager gets bitten by a radioactive spider, gets powers, swings through buildings, defeats the bad guy usually a scientist with some tech and powers of an animal (a goblin, an octopus, a lizard, an eel or a vulture) and rescues the girl. We've all seen it, there's been six Spider-Man movies, so you might wonder why a seventh one that's animated? 

Well, its because Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse isn't just another Spider-Man movie. This one, has the guts to go into exploring a multi verse, bringing not only one iteration of Spider-Man into the screen but six of them! 

Is it confusing?

Not at all. From the second the movie starts, the concept of a multi verse is explained from the Columbia Pictures logo, Lady Columbia is seen in different versions, what would she look like in different universes and from there its one crazy adventure. A familiar story, told through a kaleidoscope of colors and styles. The out of this world animation alone makes it worth seeing on the big screen. 

We all know Peter Parker, but this is not his story. This is the story of Miles Morales, is an Afro-Latino teenager (said to have taken inspiration from Former US President Barack Obama and rapper, actor Donald Glover) who is struggling to fit in his new school and expressing his true identity and passion to his parents, you know, your typical teenager. 

That soon changes when he is bit by a radioactive spider and starts discovering that he has powers- yes, you might think you know where this is going but this is where things get weird fast. You see, other Spider-Men from other universes start showing up. 

This is after a super collider attracts these other Spider-Men from other universes to Miles' own universe. Now, they have to team up, get back to their own homes and destroy the collider before it causes unspeakable damage to possibly more than one universe. 

The first time I got really excited about "Into the Spider-Verse" was when I saw the trailer on the big screen, like "Woah!" it was incredible! 

The colors, the details, each Spider-Man was rendered in a different style to indicate that they were from another universe. The unique use of comic book style sound effects which were incorporated into the animation was a great nod to the origins of these films. 

I got even more excited to see the movie when the raves and positive reviews started coming in. It has a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes (the most of any Spider-Man movie, ever) and it even already bagged its first award- Best Animated Feature for the New York Critics Circe and the film was also recently nominated for Best Animated Feature in the Golden Globes. 

When I finally saw the film in a press screening I was not disappointed. I was completely drawn in! The all too familiar story but told in such a daring and refreshing way it was all brand new!

I for one, loved how real Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) was, he was such a realistic teenager, even he is a super hero and in a sense Spider-Man, I love how we see that he is still vulnerable enough to want to stay with his parents when he is afraid. That fact that he gave his father a hug, because he is still a teenager after all. 

That dramatic behind the door scene that father and son shared had me crying buckets. 

Also shout out to the team for giving Miles such a cool personality. From his secret hobby to his "choice" of not wanting to tie his shoe lace XD 

Without giving anything away one of the main crush my heart moments was Jake Johnson's Peter B. Parker / Spider-Man, who is an older, not so ideal version of the character. He stands in as a reluctant teacher to Miles and despite his sarcastic humor, there is a lot that is going on behind his unshaven look and Dad-bod. 

Loved, loved, loved ever time Nicholas Cage's (yup, you read that right) Spider-Man Noir was on screen and that's all I'm saying. 

In this day and age, where pop culture has made 'hero' such a common place word, "Into the Spider-Verse" takes the hero concept and re-introduces it in such a way that says that "anybody can wear the mask and that we are all Spider-Man" 

and even if most super heroes live a lonely life, the film says that we are never truly alone because in some alternate universe is some version of ourselves (could be a boy, a girl, a pig, any other animal, of different age, race, shape and size) and that thought, no matter how inconceivable, can make the world a less lonely place to live in. 

9.5/10 - do not miss this in cinemas next week! 

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is in cinemas December 12. 

Movie Review: Widows

Director Steve Mc Queen's (12 Years A Slave) "Widows" opens with an intense kissing scene between Viola Davis and her criminal husband Liam Neeson, this is then brutally intercut with a chaotic getaway from a robbery gone wrong, where Harry Rowlings (Neeson) and his crew, are killed in a fiery explosion. 

Viola Davis (Veronica) is left a widow, and even before she can dry her tears, Jamal Manning (Brian Tyree Henry) whom Rowlings stole from is demanding his money back ($2 million) as he will using it as campaign money for his run as alderman. He is running against Jack Mulligan (Collin Farrell) whose family has occupied the same seat if power for the past sixty years. 

In his death, Harry leaves Veronica a notebook with details on their next job, which is worth $5 million. 

Veronica has no idea as to the workings of her late husbands jobs and goes on to hire her fellow crime widows, Alice (Elizabeth Debicki) and Linda (Michelle Rodriguez). Seeing as Jamal might come knocking on their doors next. The widows decide to split the money that would be left after paying off Jamal Manning. 

Michelle Rodriguez, Viola Davis & Elizabeth Debicki in Widows

Alice's character is very interesting and Debicki gives an impressive performance. She is tall (really tall), blonde and beautiful, unfortunately that's all that she seems to be. Her late husband played by Jon Bernthal would beat her up, he'd buy her nice things after and they'd kiss and make up. 

With his passing, Alice is left on her own and takes the ill advice of her mother to be an escort of sorts for rich men, who would pay her for her company (among other things). 

As they plan out the heist and throughout the end of the film, Alice proves that she's more than just a pretty face. 

Cynthia Erivo whom I first saw and fell in love with in "Hard Times at the El Royale" is Belle, who works two jobs to provide for her daughter. She comes in late in the game as the baby sitter of Linda's children, she is hired to be their getaway driver. 

Cynthia Erivo & Michelle Rodriguez in Widows

This is no "Ocean's Eight" but rather a politically and charged thriller disguised as a heist movie. Don't get me wrong, it's an incredibly entertaining flick but the genious of Steve Mc Queen is that it's more than that, with it's themes of interracial ail marriages, sexism, corruption and police brutality there is a lot of substance here. 

The screen was also co-written by novelist and screen writer Gillian Flynn whose flawed female leads ("Gone Girl", "Sharp Objects) make her perfect for the job of bringing these real and desperate characters to life. 

Of course, the steely cold and powerful performance of Viola Davis with a couple of raw and vulnerable scenes make her the perfect desperate crime widow. 

Hats off to Daniel Kaluyaa (Get Out) who plays Jatemme, Jamal Manning's brother, a psychotic and terrifying thug who not let anything get in his way, even if it's getting answers from a guy in a wheelchair. 

Viola Davis & Colin Farrell in Widows

9/10 -just because I wasn't so happy with Michelle Rodriguez's arc. 

There's a big twist in the middle of the film that will just make you gasp and curse out and of course that just makes the movie even better. 

"WIDOWS" is a gift that keeps on giving, it is a relentless thriller filled with twists and surprises. I don't think I've gasped in surprise and/or horror as much as I did in this movie.

The dangerous and realistic heist, incredible performances and social themes throughout the film will have you raving about it long after you've seen it.

This is not your campy all female heist flick... it is instead something more, intense and unforgiving, grim and cruel because, such is the way things are...

The critically acclaimed "WIDOWS" is R-16 and is now showing. 

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

Movie Review: Bad Times At The El Royale

"Bad Times at the El Royale" is one of those movies that is best enjoyed when you know nothing about its premise, the better for you to enjoy all the twists and surprises. Which probably explains why the producers took great care to keeping its secrets, you know secret. 

With that being said, fear not dear reader as this review has no spoilers whatsoever and you will easily still be able to enjoy the film for all of its jaw dropping surprises. 

Nothing is what it seems at the run down "El Royale" hotel, which straddles the borders of California and Nevada. You can choose whether to stay on the California side or on the Nevada side of the hotel, one side costs more, guess which one. 

Set in 1969, seven strangers with their own secrets meet one fateful night and things get weird fast. Jeff Bridges is Father Daniel Flynn, a Catholic priest staying for the night after seeing his brother. Cynthia Erivo is Darlene Sweet, a soul singer, so yes you can expect a couple of amazing performances and song choices in this one. 

John Hamm, is Seymour Sullivan, a traveling sales agent for a vacuum company.  

Dakota Johnson is Emily Summerspring. A woman who gives little to no introduction when she checks in the hotel, and lets keep it at that.

Lewis Pullman is Miles Miller, the concierge in the hotel. 

Chris Hemsworth is the charismatic and often shirtless (not that I'm complaining) Billy Lee. 

Cailee Spaeny is Rose.  

Despite its long run time "Bad Times at the El Royale" is an unpredictable thriller filled with surprises at every corner. The framing of the scenes, the visuals used, the transition from flashbacks to the present is very meticulous and precise. 

The film's long run time definitely hurt the pace of the story, I could think of a at least five scenes that could have been trimmed down but would still have the same effect in the end. So if you are seeing this one, and I would recommend that you do. Make sure you plan it out on your schedule. 

Darlene (Cynthia Erivio) steals the show in this one, her jaded and wise beyond years character, whose kindness is a light in this dark tale will have you rooting for her. She will also soon star in the highly anticipated "Widows". 

These seven strangers come face to face with the hotel's shocking secrets. The question is- who gets to check out? 

7.5/10 "Bad Times at the El Royale" is now showing. 

Movie Review: Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck It Ralph 2

Attending the press screening for "Ralph Breaks the Interent: Wreck It Ralph II" I was expecting to have a few laughs and enjoy the movie but I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I enjoyed the movie so much, I was laughing and crying. I was also reminiscing and reflecting on the many lessons the film had. 

All is well in the arcade as BFFs Ralph and Vanelope develop a routine of playing in their respective games during the day and hanging out during the night, when the arcade is closed. While Ralph is happy with root beer at Tapper's to cap off a long day, Vanelope is looking for something more. 

Which leads them on their adventure to the Internet, in search for a part in "Sugar Rush" (Vanelope's game, in case you forgot). It's really interesting and impressive how the writers thought of the landscape of "the internet". In the trailers, we saw each website (or social media platform) as a place or a building. I'm the movie, this is explored more and you see little avatars for the people when they use the internet. For example, you go online, there's a little avatar that looks like you and travels through the different websites you visit. You might also recall from trailers, that pop up ads appear as very "persuasive" and insistent shady characters and it's hilarious and really, just a smart and funny way to portray this vast and interesting world we move in every day. 

 

Now while, the internet may be a second nature to us, who depend so much on it, in our everyday lives. 'Its a whole new world' for Ralph and Vanelope who have never seen or known anything outside of the arcade. 

So just imagine how overwhelmed they get when they are suddenly submersed in this new environment and while the two may have different opinions of the internet, their friendship is tested. 

Bigger, funnier, crazier and oh so unpredictable. Ralph and Vanelope bring their unique friendship to the world wide web and things don't go as planned. 

I think the adults would enjoy this more than the kids but don't worry there's something for everybody (Disney Princesses FTW!) in the movie. There are so many little Easter eggs (both on Pop Culture and on the Internet +10 points if you catch Geocities) I'm sure you wouldn't be able to catch everything on your first watch. This movie deserves multiple viewings with family and friends.

The film has so many lessons (both for kids and adults) that a discussion with your kids after the movie is highly recommended. I appreciate how they touched on the good and bad side of the internet, albeit lightly. The bigger take away lesson from the movie, is one about friendship.

That changes can happen in a friendship or any relationship for that matter and that we shouldn't let our personal insecurities get in the way of other people's happiness. Change is not always bad, it can be good too and we can adapt, we can make compromises. 

Just because something is "good" doesn't necessarily mean it can't be "better". Pretty deep for a couple of characters in a game eh? 

9/10 "Ralph Breaks the Interent: Breaking Ralph II" is now showing! 

Movie Review: The Girl In The Spider's Web

Stieg Larsson's "Millenium Series" has had am interesting history of being adapted into the big screen. There were the first Swedish adaptation of the original trilogy, "The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo", "The Girl who played with Fire" and "The Girl who kicked the Hornets' Nest". While I haven't seen the Swedish movies, I have read all the books which is why my the feeling of loss that I feel towards Stieg Larsson's untimely death are well placed, especially knowing that there is still more to Lisbeth Salander's story. 

Enter David Lagercratz who was tapped to continue on with said story from manuscripts left behind by Larsson. Unfortunately, the writing of "The Girl in the Spiders Web" is not as par to it's predecessors, which is a nice way of saying that it was boring, so my advice is, skip the book and just watch the movie. 

Going back on the "history being adapted into the big screen" -Hollywood's attempt at it was with David Fincher's acclaimed take with Ronney Mara and Daniel Craig as Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkovist. While it was well received by critics, it didn't do so well in the box office. Some saying it was because of the it's Christmas time release, that the movie didn't perform so well. It came out in February here in the Philippines, I haven't officially been writing reviews then but I went on saw the movie in the cinema (on our Valentines date no less) and I loved it! It was dark, gritty and just the intensity is just like a pounding in your head. 

Which brings us years later to it's (sort of) sequel, I say "sort of" because for so,e reason, they decided to skip on "The Girl Who Played With Fire" and "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" (which is such a shame because those two would have made for good source material for exciting films) and just decided to jump ahead with "The Girl in the Spider's Web" -even if Rooney Mara ,Daniel Craig and most importantly David Fincher are not leading the film, I still had hopes given that it was "Don't Breathe's" Fede Alvarez who would be directing the film, and leading it, award winning actress Claire Foy. 

So, given it's very "colorful" history, do you need to read any of the books before seeing "The Girl in the Spider's Web?" No. The movie is kind enough to let you enjoy the film without having to know the history behind Lisbeth. Although it's a bit dissapointing that they didn't show much of why Lisbeth's father was a psychopath, because he was. 

The movie opens with Lisbeth, saving another woman from her womanizing and abusive husband and with her hacking skills, knack for blackmail and a flair for grand entrances you can't help but feel that the guy deserved what he got. 

Lisbeth then gets a call to steal a program from the N.S.A. itself and this leads to an exhilarating sequence of events, which sees Lisbeth going up against a ghost from her past. 

While the new Salander film may lack the grit and intensity of Fincher's "Dragon Tattoo", Fede Alvarez does a good job at the helm, bringing his visceral style to the film. The weakening of a heartbeat, the swaying of the camera. Everything is calculated to make you feel as if you are in Lisbeth's shoes. 

And in this case, they aren't a pair of shoes you'd want to be in. Caught in a spider-Web (pun intended) of danger and deceit. Lisbeth is running against time to stop an unspeakable danger from being released into the world and to save the life of an innocent boy. 

The film has a bit of an exciting "James Bond" feel to it and was definitely more exciting than the last Bond movie. Lisbeth is definitely an interesting character to follow. She operates outside of the law, is a wicked hacker and her "screw you" attitude and penchant for black clothes and junk food is definitely refreshing from your typical action heroes. 

The film is a lot better than the book. Unfortunately David Lagercrantz is no Stieg Larsson.

Its en exciting (motorcycle) ride and you'd be cheering for our unlikely heroine all the way.

7/10 "The Girl in the Spider's Web" is in cinemas Nov.21.