Movie Review: Searching

The first time I saw a plot told through computer screens and smartphones was in an episode of "Modern Family" . I thought it was a revolutionary idea at that time, that was already a few years ago and it's still one of those episodes I vividly remember. Coincidentally that episode was also dealing with a missing teenager, when the whole family goes crazy when they think that Haley has eloped with Andy to get married in Vegas. 

Comedy ensues when Claire goes all Mama Bear trying to find Haley and things get complicated when she's actually in an airport and is about to get on a flight back home. All she has is her laptop (and her equally crazy family) to help her find her daughter. She even reveals that she has a fake Facebook account which she uses so she can keep tabs on her kids. (You know, coz they won't accept her friend request). 

While this episode of "Modern Family" is hilarious (like all of their episodes)- "Searching" is no laughing matter. 

"Searching" is every parents' worst nightmare.

Told through the POV of smart phones and computer screens; the award winning suspene thriller is anchored by John Cho's impressive performance of a frantic father in search of his missing daughter and tracing her digital footprint to find her.

Much of "Searching" is Jon Cho in front of some sort of screen, computer, television, smart phone, whatever and it is truly a challenging role to play but he pulls it off from start to end. Much of the success of this film (aside from how truly innovative it was, is because of his performance).

Jon Cho is David Kim a single Dad to Margot (Michelle La) a regular teenager, who also plays piano as a hobby. One night, she doesn't come home from study group and a desperate David, breaks into her laptop and uses all means necessary to find her.  

Aside from the thrilling detective work that David has to do through different social media platforms in order to find his daughter, the film also a beautiful montage at the beginning which shows just how much technology has become a part of our lives, all the way from Windows 95. 

Its amazing how they were able to use even a "screensaver" to tell a story and despite its limitations, because lets admit it there are limitations to this kind of story telling, "Searching" will still keep you at the edge of your seat. I was not sold on some of the "that's too much of a coincidence plot movers" but I will give it a pass, since I mentioned the story, no matter how much we have advanced in technology and how much our lives revolve around the internet will always have a limitation. 

Bottom line is - a parent will do everything for their child.

And as a parent to a 13th month old boy that scares me, more than any other horror movie out there.

The film is also a social commentary as it shows the reality of how much we depend on technology and social media and poses the question of how much of what we post about our self is true. Its funny how people can perceive you in a different just because of a social media post, now whether that is the truth or not is an entirely different thing and that can be scary. 

(8/10) - Its like one of those crime procedural shows that you watch on "C.I" but only a thousand times better. With twist after twist told through a refreshing manner of storytelling "Searching" will keep you guessing until the end.

Movie Review: "The Predator"

Set in the same universe as the other "Predator" movies, 2018's "The Predator" is giving this franchise another chance at the movies by introducing new characters and possibly even a sequel or two, depending on how the film does. 

Setting its own pace and tone from its predecessors, Shane Black's "The Predator" is "good gory fun" which could either be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how you look at it. You might miss the stalking and really hunting that the Predator does, or did in previous films. It was lacking here, what we have instead is an explosive and messy third act, albeit there's a lot of action in it.  

The film opens when a spaceship carrying a 'Predator' crashes right in the middle of a military operation in Mexico being led by Boyd Holdbrook's Quinn McKenna. McKenna  escapes and takes evidence with him, alien tech which he mails home (to a post office, that unfortunately is past due) knowing the risk of him being a "lose end" the government will have to cut to keep this under wraps. The alien tech reaches the hands of his autistic son, Rory (Jacob Tremblay).  

Sent off to a military hospital and diagnosed as "insane" McKenna finds himself in a bus full of former military who were discharged for one reason or another. The group calls themselves the "Loonies" and while in mid transport to the military hospital witnesses the escape of "The Predator" who has been captured by a group of scientists led by Sterling K. Brown's Will Traeger. One of those scientists is Olivia Munn's Casey Bracket, a biologist who isn't afraid to hold a shotgun, should the occasion call for it.  

The Loonies and Casey join forces as they try to rescue Rory, who is being targeted by "The Predator" as he is in possession of lethal alien technology. 

Comedy and action ensues as the literally rag tag team ride through suburbia in Halloween while trying to search for Rory and with a deadly Predator just behind them, things are about to get exciting. 

I liked the idea of not having "the best, the strongest and most intelligent" go up against the Predator, instead what you have is literally the least, the lost and the last and really not the most ideal crew but its their underdog charm which endears you to them. 

Truly, the strength of "The Predator" is in its fun and likeable cast, which also includes  Keegan-Michael Key, Alfie Allen, Trevante Rhodes, Thomas Jane and Augusto Aguilera.  

Injected with humor and action, "The Predator" will keep you entertained and it doesn't shy on the f-bombs, the gore or the body count either.  While the cast was fun and endearing, led by an able Holdbrook, I had a few problems with the plot, such as the intentions of the "Predator" being unclear and a missed opportunity for more story (maybe in sequels?), also I felt that Tremblay's performance of a boy with autism wasn't consistent throughout the movie. If you see the kind of work they put through the series "Atypical" you would be ashamed. I mean, if you will create a character who is on the spectrum, do it right. 

I did not and will not get Alien dogs. 

I felt that the epilogue was not well done. It felt sloppy and just had poor direction but I am excited to see where the franchise goes moving forward, should there be a sequel. 

"You know Whoopi Goldberg? Its like an Alien Whoopi Goldberg."

6.5/10. "The Predator" is now showing. 

Movie Review: Crazy Rich Asians

Constance Wu and Henry Golding. (c) Warner Bros. 

Romantic Comedies are making a comeback this year, starting with Netflix's surprise success stories "Set It Up" and "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" the latter being based on a best selling novel and having an Asian-American as its lead. Which seems to be the perfect precedent for a big studio's long overdue RomCom Comeback in "Crazy Rich Asians". Which is also based on a book but this adaptation features an all Asian cast, something which hasn't happened in 25 years (the last film, featuring an all Asian cast was "The Joy Luck Club"). 

"Crazy Rich Asians" is the long overdue Romantic Comedy Comeback that the big studios have been missing. It has all the ingredients and technique for the "perfect dumpling" with comedic flair and timing in the bag with thespian Constance Wu and scene stealer Akwafina. 

Of course you also can't enough eye candy in the form of the goddess Gemma Chan and hunky leading man, British-Malaysian Henry Golding. 

Awkwafina, Nico Santos and Constance Wu. (c) Warner Bros.

Constance Wu plays Rachel Chu, a New York Economics Professor of Game Theory. In the book, she is simply a college professor and it was nice to see her in her element, in the opening sequence of the film, when she demonstrates in a game of cards the concept of playing "not to lose", which becomes handy in a climactic game of mah-jong towards the end of the movie. 

She is invited by her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) also a professor in the same university to go to Singapore to attend his best friend's wedding and to meet his family. Now Nick has been very secretive about his family, often changing the subject whenever it comes up, Rachel is so clueless about meeting her boyfriend's 'very Asian' family that she seeks advise from her mom. Who, after picking an unflattering red dress (its a lucky color) reminds her that even if she 'looks Chinese' she is still different from them since she grew up in the United States. In the book this is called 'ABC' (American Born Chinese) and as Rachel's hilarious and outfit prepared college friend Goh Peik Link (Awkwafina) puts it - 

"-you're a banana. Yellow on the outside. White on the inside". 

What Rachel doesn't know is that Nick belongs to one of the richest families in Singapore (like old money rich) and has long been the most eligible bachelor and with his looks and his money, its claws out and every girl for herself. As Rachel soon finds herself dodging ex-girlfriends, dealing with catty social climbers and facing Nick's mom, the cold and steely Michelle Yeoh.  

Viewers can relax though as Rachel also has a couple of friends in her corner, the previously mentioned Goh Peik Lin (Awkwafina) who is also rich but new rich and a bit gauche as compared to Nick's family. Awkwafina grabbed the role and made it in her own, making Peik Lin so hilarious that even her body language will have you cracking up and Nick's cousin the unicorn, black sheep Oliver played by our very own 'kababayan' Nico Santos.  

Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding and Constance Wu (c) Warner Bros.

Navigating through the treacherous 'how-much-are-you-worth' waters of Singapore's elite is a new setting for our unknowing heroine and a refreshing one for audiences. This new-age Cinderella story also comes with culture and history and is set on the island of Singapore, a not too common setting in Hollywood films and combined with the laughs and the "will they end up together" romantic conflict, and the absurdly rich details in fashion, jewelry and the wedding of the century make for a unique movie experience.

The fashion is so on point that Araminta Lee (who is marrying Nick's best friend) played by the Japanese-British model Sonoya Mizuno wears exactly what she wears in the book. Pajamas - to pick up Nick and Rachel at the airport and a gold jumpsuit (of course) when they set off to her bachelorette party to a private island (as if you should ask).  

The Rolex featured in  the movie, a 'Paul Newman' Rolex is the record holder for the most expensive watch ever sold (whistles) author Kevin Kwan wanted all the details on point. 

Being a big music nerd, I like that director Jon M. Chu specifically chose Mandarin versions of English pop songs to be used in the film, as to him it reflects what Asian-Americans feel and I definitely give a thumbs up to the upbeat and fitting "Material Girl" to the mellow and tear inducing "Yellow". There are also a couple of very 20's jazzy numbers in Mandarin and English to reflect the history of Singapore.  

"Its a new age Cinderella story but this time the stepmother and the stepsisters are more lethal." 

Crazy Rich Asians' strength comes from its diverse and talented cast. From Asian royalty like Michelle Yeoh to Asian Americans like Rachel Wu and Awkwafina and the mixed Asians such as Henry Golding and Sonoya Mizuno and yes, even our very own Nico Santos. 

Each of them brings something different to the table and that equates to a sumptuous family meal. One that is filled with laughs, lots of delicious food and a bit of a drama at times; which is how most  Asian family meals go. 

My only problem with the story and this is also the same with the book (which I haven't finished by the way, I'm still in the middle) is that how could Nick be so naive in not letting Rachel know, I mean I get that he likes Rachel because she knows him as a person and not because of his money or his family but if you are bringing your girlfriend into the Lion's den, at least give her a headsup. I guess, his best friend Colin says it best: "You're untouchable but Rachel isn't". 

Don't miss the movie redefining romantic comedy and representation as we know it. "Crazy Rich Asians" is a whole lot of crazy fun. 9.5/10. 

Movie Review: Incredibles 2

It's been fourteen years and the Parr family is back on the big screen for a more incredible adventure as they battle unknown forces while trying to fight for Supers to be legal again, all the while dealing with everyday family struggles and personal conflict. 

Writer and director Brad Bird ingeniously starts the story where it left off in the previous movie, the sudden appearance of the Underminer as the family is leaving Dash's track and field event. The family put on their masks ready to fight (this is where the first movie ends) and the second one picks right up on.  

The family take on the Underminer as he tries to rob the Metroville bank unfortunately not everything works out and the Underminer escapes, leaving an incredible amount of damage in his wake, something which the Incredibles are strangely left to answer for and this just supers even more unpopular with the public. 

With the "Super Relocation" program being shut down, the Parrs are left with an uncertain future and as the family is hiding in a motel and eating Chinese take out for dinner; an opportunity knocks in the form of brother and sister Winston (Bob Odenkirk) and Evelyn (Catherine Keener) Deavor, who own the tech company DEVTECH who make an offer Bob and Helen can't refuse. 

The Deavor siblings, together with their technology and fortune want to improve the image of the supers to the public, hoping eventually to have them be made legal again, however, there is a catch, they only want Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) as she leaves less damage when saving the day. This means that Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) will take on Mom duties and be a stay-at-home parent to their three children. 

There is a lot to be said about the role reversal, Bob is left at home while his wife saves the day and while he tries to "okay with it" - much to some laughs at his expense. We all know he has been yearning to go out "like the good old days" to battle villains and save the day. 

Bob has to sit back and watch his wife get to live out his dream while he struggles to make sure that their children are fed, protected, stay in school, learn math and deal with "boy problems", yes its all comedy as you watch big, muscled Mr. Incredible stumble at learning "new math" and as he deals with "adolescence" but it is when Bob realizes that obsessing about being a superhero again is not what is important but being a good dad, does the audience feel that they were sucker punched into an emotional moment.     

Even if it is technically a superhero movie and there have been a lot of those in the fourteen past years, 'Incredibles 2' does not imitate any of these but instead sticks to its strong suits and stays true to what made it so lovable in the first place, and that is being a family. It seems that being a super family only comes in second and in some ways this is why the movie works. 

Watching the film in the movie theater is a treat because in the fourteen years that have passed, the animation has improved in leaps and bounds with every texture so different and every detail just comes to life on the big screen. Although there are some scenes that use use bright flashing lights and in a dark cinema may cause dizziness or even seizures. I for one, loved those scenes. 

The surround sound comes in handy as you join a bewildered Bob discover Jack-Jack's powers, not to mention it also amplifies Michael Giacchino's pulsating & riveting musical score. The action scenes, which are so big in scale that they involve a run-away train (and yacht) and are so kinetic it will keep you at the edge of your seat.  

9/10 -"Incredibles 2" takes it home with their family dynamic comedy and sudden tug of the heart string moments.For (in this movie lover's opinion) a bigger and better successor to its 2004 predecessor.

Elastigirl and Jack-Jack are the stars of this film and they shine so bright you may need to look away....(hint*hint*)

Review: Deadpool 2

Can you guess from which 80's movie this was inspired from? 

When Deadpool first came out in 2016, it pushed the envelope fpr R-Rated Super Hero films. A gamble, which meant a potential loss of revenue by missing out what a younger audience can bring in. This, in exchange of making the fans happier by staying faithful to a character's story and personality. 

Well, needless to say 20th Century Fox's gamble paid off, with the first Deadpool movie earning over $783 million and even beating out other super hero films in box office earnings. It has also become the overall highest-grossing R-rated film. 

While the film gained both financial and critical success, its plot was pointed out as being too formulaic and simple. Something which Deadpool 2 has been able to remedy by putting Deadpool right in the middle of the wrath of a Mad Titan--er a time travelling mutant rather, Cab;e, played by Josh Brolin (who also plays Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War), hence the reference. Something which you would surely get a lot of in the movie, as Deadpool mercilessly alludes to every possible superhero and pop culture reference you can think of.  

Josh Brolin as Cable. 

Definitely BIGGER than its predecessor, "Deadpool 2" brings 'the merc with a mouth' to a CRAZIER adventure as he struggles to find his place while rescuing a young mutant, leading a potential superhero team, all the while fighting off an intense mutant from the future! 

Following a more complicated, surprising and unexpected plot than the first film, while still delivering its unique brand of humor and action sequences "Deadpool 2" gives a lot to laugh about and a few (BIG) surprises to enjoy as well. 

Some jokes and gags may run longer than they should and unfortunately made me a little bit anxious but everything is forgiven in the end, given how bold and daring this reluctant hero has become.

Girl Crush. Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead

Ryan Reynolds continues to be the charming yet annoying antihero and Josh Brolin was impressive and enjoyable as the gritty and deadpan Cable. Zazie Beetz as Domino is a welcome addition to the team, I wouldn't mind having her powers. 

Its rare for sequels to be better than their predecessors but 'Deadpool 2' gets it done, with nothing but the world for him to conquer, you will surely continue to enjoy the guilty pleasures of this antihero. 

Leave the kids at home, this one is rated R-16 for a reason.  

You can also read up on the Deadpool Fan Screening event, we were able to be a part of ~just click here. 

Zazie Beetz as Domino

Movie Review: Rampage

Honestly, I wasn't expecting much from "Rampage", after seeing the trailer for the first time I thought of it as simply another "monsters wrecking havoc in the city" kind of movie. Although I did like the "Bullet With Butterfly Wings" by The Smashing Pumpkins insert in the trailer. 

Then the husband told me about the movie's interesting history, okay, so turns out "Rampage" is actually based on a 1980's video game. In fact, we saw an actual Rampage arcade in one of the scenes in the movie. You might want to keep a look out for that cameo. 

So there I was, going in the cinema expecting the action, the explosions and the "monsters wrecking havoc in the city" as I mentioned earlier, nothing new really but I was pleasantly surprised to see that they tried to make the movie different from the other "monster movies" out there by injecting a bit of heart and humor into the story.  

The heart - the beautiful connection between Dwayne Johnson's Davis Okoye, a primatologist at the San Diego wildlife reserve and George, an albino gorilla. The CG is amazing, you can see the emotions in George's face and what endears you to him, is his child-like demeanor, well at least that's how it was for me. The gorilla got me with his big baby blues and his wicked sense of humor. 

Humor - George is pretty much it. :)  

Trouble brews when a rogue experiment releases dangerous pathogens which infects George and in no time, increases in size and strength at a very alarming rate. The "other" government agency swoops in, led by a swaggering Jeffrey Dean Morgan (who I just loved seeing on the big screen, been a big fan since his Denny days on Grey's Anatomy) who plays agent Harvey Russell. 

George is boarded onto a plane, much to Davis' objections, at this point, they have already been joined by Dr. Kate Caldwell (Naomi Harris), a genetic engineer, who may be able to find a cure for George. 

Plane falls from the sky, a crazed George escapes and a giant wolf is running around wrecking havoc on his own as well. Interesting fact, Wreck-It-Ralph is named after the wolf, as they both you know wreck buildings and stuff. 

George and Ralph, seem to be heading toward the city of Chicago, where thousands of people are in danger, meanwhile, a creature in the water seems to be aggressively making its way towards the city as well.    

If you blink, you might miss it but there is a bit of a social commentary in the film as it reveals that Davis, who was also part of an anti-poaching unit saved George as a baby from poachers, who were killing his mother as baby George hid under a truck. Its just one scene but it says so much about how human nature can be so dark and driven by greed. Not exactly a shining moment for humanity and probably explains why Davis is not a fan of other people as well. Animals on the other hand, just go about their days, living each day, trying to survive and here we are playing god with genetic engineering (genetic editing) for financial gain, killing and poaching animals, again for financial gain and I can go on and on with how being part of the human race just makes you want to hide under a rock (pun intended).   

While the not-so nice nature of human beings is being represented in the film through the cold and cruel Claire Wyden (Maline Akerman, in a non romantic comedy role, for a change) as the CEO of Energyne, who is responsible for creating the pathogen which has caused these creatures to become the giant monsters that they have become. There is still some hope for human kind through of course Davis, Kate and some surprise alliances along the way. 

Director Brad Peyton knows his audience and knows what he wants to deliver-and deliver he does! "Rampage" is an action packed battle with the biggest and baddest experiments gone wrong you can imagine, making the city as their playground and leaving the buildings like a block of toys, scattered amidst the devastating destruction in a good old pop-corn, cinema entertainment experience, the only kind that monsters in the city can bring.  

I was a bit dissapointed and confused of the movie's rating of PG and having that much violence, until now I'm not sure at what age I would let my son Luke watch the film. He's still at 8 months now, so I still have time to think about it. 

I also thought that Akerman's Wyden had a rather distasteful end. I mean, yeah she was mean and probably deserved but it just didn't sit well with me.  

6 out of 10, at the end of the day, "Rampage" is the action, CG intense film that it promises to be and it delivers, with a few surprises here and there and while we expect Dwayne Johnson  to bring the entire movie on top of his ridiculously well sculpted biceps, its George who is the star, he not only steals the show but your heart as well.  

   

Movie Review: Ready Player One

Here's another "FYI before the movie review". I've already read the book by Ernest Cline, to which the movie is based on (long before I saw the movie) and I just loved it! I still consider it as one of the best books that I've read recently. So yes there will be book to movie comparisons (sorry, can't help it) but let me just say this off the bat-the movie is so much better than the book! 

Steven Spielberg works his movie magic in this pop-culture filled adventure, even fixing some things from  the book, which I didn't really like. There are some parts of the book which won't exactly translate well on the big screen and Spielberg made sure to fix that for a more exciting time in the cinema. I love how Spielberg brought back that good old movie feel of having a hilarious (bungling) antagonist (don't leave your password lying around!). 

I realized how much I missed the good old movies with the "funny bad guy" because -you don't have to give all the bad guys a dark back story. They can simply just be a conflict in the story and if they were silly and funny at the same time-well then so much the better and Ben Mendelsohn as Nolan Sorrento definitely delivers on that account. 

What's interesting about "Ready Player One" is that it is also a social commentary, as much as it is a love letter to pop culture and an all around exciting cinema experience.   

It's a social commentary as it reflects how we tend to escape from the real world; in the movie its through the virtual world of the Oasis (more on that later) right now - its through social media, games and basically what the world wide web has to offer. All we have to do is to look at kids nowadays who are glued on to their mobile devices and suddenly a future of adults trapped in a virtual world doesn't seem so far away. 

I may not be the most physically fit person but I would like my son to grow up running and playing outside and using his imagination to play and discover life and not live it from behind a screen, that's for sure. 

The movie serves as a homage to pop culture and while this meant staying indoors playing video games, watching movies, TV series and reading books (which are basically my hobbies) the story still revolves around appreciating what is real, the real world and real friends.  

The year is 2045, and the OASIS, a virtual reality software is where everybody goes to for...basically everything...work, play...you name it (in the book, this is where the kids go for school).It should also be mentioned that a large part of humanity live in slum areas and the OASIS is a pretty good way to escape from the depressing reality of life. The premise that you can be anybody in the Oasis through Avatars has everyone rushing to satisfy their deepest desires. Of course, there is also earning money by killing off other avatars and grabbing their items and gold coins for your own. You can go on quests and adventures, you either succeed and become a stronger avatar with a higher level or you are killed off and all your hard earned gold and items are gone (you basically lose your sh*t, when that happens). 

Things shake up when James Halliday, the founder of the OASIS passes away and leaves  "Anorak's Quest" (Anorak is Halliday's avatar) in his will. A game which has countless of avatars searching for "Easter eggs" left by Halliday in the OASIS. The winner of the game will gain full control of the OASIS and basically become really, really, really rich. 

Many have joined in the game to find Anorak's Easter eggs, from hopeful avatars to obsessed "gunters" (egg hunters) forming clans to help each other out and of course there is IOI (Innovative Online Industries) a company which manufacturers equipment for the OASIS and who seek to control the virtual reality software as well (talk about monopoly). IOI is led by Nolan Sorrento, who with his army of debt-indentured players *you see, those equipment are really expensive and when you buy them on credit, you tend to find yourself drowning in debt and before you know it, you are working it off in an almost slave like existence, yup, another social commentary right there*  and a room filled with Halliday scholars will stop at nothing to win the game. 

Wade Watts AKA Parzival (Tye Sheridan) is your ordinary boy next trailer living in the slums and poverty of "the Stacks" in Colulmbus Ohio. He's been constantly researching the life of Halliday and hopes to winning the game in order to leave "the stacks" and everything that it represents. 

After Wade ingeniously solves the first challenge in Anorak's quest he becomes the most famous avatar in the OASIS, everyone wants to be his friend and IOI wants to recruit him. He has no idea that aside from his new found fame, he is suddenly in grave peril. Its up  to his knowledge of Halliday trivia and help from his real friends (should he be able to determine them) to stay alive both in the OASIS and in the real world. 

I'm not sure if movie goers will get it but much of the 80's reference in the film is because Halliday grew up in the 80's and his love for the video games that he played, the TV shows and movies he watched were from that time period. Hence the many references in the movie. For a big pop-culture buff like me, it was a treat to get to point out characters and items you know in the film. I can still hear the cheers and shouts from the audience when a certain "character" flew across the screen to save the day. Multiple viewings definitely needed!. 

A love letter to geeks everywhere, Steven Spielberg creates movie magic with Ernest Cline's ode to pop culture "Ready Player One". Fixing problems from the original source material, Spielberg creates an unforgettable nostalgic experience, where the audience themselves becomes immersed in the most thrilling pop-culture egg hunt ever.

9.5/10 Best seen in IMAX 3D, "Ready Player One" acknowledges the movies, books, games and songs that we love but also teaches us that there's nothing like living in the real world-because its the only one we've got.

*The reason why I didn't give it a perfect 10 is because I wasn't happy about the setting of the last scene, would have preferred it outdoors, you know, just to make a point*. 

Movie Review: Pacific Rim: Uprising

Before I proceed with this review, you must be warned dear reader that I am a  big fan of the first movie and consider it one of the films that I can watch again and again. So much of this review will have comparisons with the first movie. 

Going into the movie, I knew it was going to be very different from its predecessor; with (now Academy Award Winner) director Guillermo del Toro stepping away from the helm (although he does serve as a producer). The trailers alone showed a lighter cinematography and feel for the movie, a far cry from the darker and grittier first film. 

With the breach destroyed and "the Apocalypse" cancelled, Pacific Rim: Uprising begins in a more peaceful time, where on duty Jaegers' missions are to contain rogue Jaegers (yes, that's a thing now) -yup! No Kaijus here!   

We first meet Jake Pentecost (John Boyega)-the son of Idris Elba's Marshal Stacker Pentecost from the first film. You know he has "Daddy Issues" since he makes a living off bartering old Jaeger tech for hot sauce (?) and other curious items. Also, what's up with the English accent? Stacker Pentecost didn't have that. 

In a Jaeger Tech pick up gone wrong, Jake crosses paths with Amara Namani (Cailee Spaeny) a feisty mechanic with trust issues. 

The two make a reluctant and unlikely pair and are shipped to "Jaeger school" with Jake resuming his former occupation of a Ranger and is assigned to train young cadets. All this as part of a deal of not throwing him in jail, for you know stealing Jaeger tech. This new assignment also means reuniting with his old rival Nate Lambert (Scott Eastwood) who can't keep the disappointment from his well chiseled handsome face.  

Meanwhile, Amara is in Jaeger highschool, which is complete with the Russian bully and the friendly Asian kids. I just have to point out that there are too many of these young cadets, you won't really remember any of them and as a member of the audience, you are unable to form a bond with any of them. It becomes pretty obvious that the powers that be are looking to target (and market) the film to a younger audience and fanbase, something which del Toro's first film failed to do. Of course a younger market, inevitably translates to merchandise and sales. 

 And why not-if my son wants a Gypsy Avenger figure, I'd get him one, I just have to make sure his father does not play with it first. 

While our young cadets train to pilot Jaegers, the threats start to creep towards our unsuspecting heroes; beginning with a move to completely eliminate the need for drift compatible pilots and instead have the Jaegers controlled remotely through a drone technology. After a rogue Jaeger attack opens up a can of worms, a plot twist within a plot twist keeps the audience guessing-then and only then do we finally see that Mecha-Kaiju showdown we've been waiting for! 

Going into the movie, my expectations were pretty low considering Guillermo del Toro was no longer on the director's chair and keeping in mind that this sequel almost never happened! I'm just happy that I get to see Jaegers and Kaijus battle it out on the big screen again. There were some improvements, I did like that most of the battle scenes were now during the day, so you can actually see them, as opposed to the night time sea battles of the first film. Just wondering how come the buildings seemed to shrink in the second film? I seem to remember the Jaegers being as big, if not bigger than buildings from the first film. 

Wasn't so happy with the hit and miss comedy delivered by John Boyega's character. I was happy with Cailee Spaeny's performance, it was really impressive how she carried herself alongside more experienced actors, definitely someone to look out for, if she plays her cards right. 

Despite a painfully necessary first act with cliche characters and a predictable plot for a sequel, this is just to set Jake Pentecost in the story. "Pacific Rim: Uprising" shifts gears and goes full throttle for a massive Mecha-Kaiju showdown, because isn't that what the people came to see?

Appreciated the plot twist, within the plot twist , which was probably what kept the movie interesting, aside from you know-the giant robots and monsters fighting.

6.5/10 - Bringing a different tone and feel than its predecessor, Pacific Rim: Uprising is a must see for fans of the franchise and a chance for kids (and the big kids) to marvel at a genre that has been around since the 1950's.

Movie Review: Lady Bird

There are very few films, where the setting is so important that it also becomes a character in the movie, such is the case for the city of Sacramento in Director Greta Gerwig's award-winning film "Lady Bird". 

The colors of the film itself will make you feel the warmth of California, it is as if the "filter" used is named "Sacramento". I don't think I've seen a character, have such a love-hate relationship with a place, which is one of the conflicts that Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson, (Saoirse Ronan) a high school senior (in a co-ed Catholic school!) who is ready and eager to spread her proverbial wings and leave the nest, of which her kind depressed father, Larry (Tracy Letts), her equally strong willed mother, Marion (Laurie Metcalf) and her newly wed brother Miguel and wife Shelly live in. 

Christine insists on being called "Lady Bird" ('its given to me- by me' she says.) and dreams of leaving Sacramento to attend college in New York, much to her mother's disapproval as the family is struggling financially and would not be able to afford the tuition. 

Lady Bird spends her senior year falling in love, discovering heartache, learning about friends and coming to terms with her difficult relationship with her mother. 

The plot of "Lady Bird" is so simple- that it is so real. I may have an unfair advantage of also attending Catholic Schools (all the way from pre-school to College) and going through some financial difficulties myself when I was studying, which is why I could relate to most of Lady Bird's conflicts, although I couldn't be as stubborn and determined as she was. Don't worry though, you don't need to have come from a Catholic school or have been a angsty teenager with a difficult relationship with your mother in order to appreciate and enjoy "Lady Bird". The film is presented in such a way that despite being another coming-of-age story, it comes of as 'fresh' and captivating, thanks to the award winning performances of the cast Ronan and Metcalf are a dynamic duo, so powerful and vulnerable in their performances that they could actually be mother and daughter!  

Greta Gerwig's directorial debut should be celebrated as it brings us this gem of a film and promises of more in the future (crosses fingers). 

9.5/10-In what could be the best "coming of age" story. "Lady Bird" soars high, anchored on strong performances, a genuine understanding of the film's setting and an impressive directorial debut from Greta Gerwig.

A must see for mothers and daughters and all the awkward teenagers trying to discover themselves, or even the clueless adult, trying to make sense of things until now. It is an ode to growing up and the ode is so real that it celebrates everything that comes along with it-beauty, heartache and self discovery. 

Movie Review: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri

One of the things I loved about "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" (and there are a lot ) is that you never really know what direction the story is going. It has that unique "tragic comedy" element which is both unexpected and endearing at the same time. 

Frances McDormand's award winning performance (which is already reason enough to see the film, although there are more) of a grieving, in search of justice for her daughter who was brutally killed and raped, becomes frustrated that there have been no arrests and takes matters into her own hands by renting three billboards with this sequence of messages: 

"RAPED WHILE DYING", "AND STILL NO ARRESTS?", and "HOW COME, CHIEF WILLOUGHBY?" 

The small town is immediately against Mildred (McDormand) as they choose to rally behind and support the local Chief, Bill Willoughby (played by Woody Harrelson) who is also suffering from terminal pancreatic cancer. 

What follows is a mix of tragic and comedic exchanges between Mildred and the people around her, particularly racist officer Jason Dixon (also an award winning performance from Sam Rockwell) who confronts Mildred and harasses her friends. 

With the effective use of dark comedy and powerful performances from its veteran cast, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" is a beautiful and powerful film about a small town who is forced to come together amid a grieving mother's struggle to find justice for her daughter, which during the course of the film turns into healing and acceptance through the most hilarious and shocking circumstances. 

With powerful performances from its stellar cast, led by the tough and grieving Mildred (Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell is also a winner!) "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" won't go the way you think it would and that keeps it interesting and in turn would keep you guessing throughout. Shoutout to Peter Dinklage who is hilarious in the film! 

10/10 a film filmed with lessons on life and how sometimes it does take a village to get things done, in this case, find peace, forgiveness and acceptance.   

This Oscar contender opens on Feb.14 in the following cinemas: Eastwood, Shangri-la Mass, Century City Mall, Commerce Mall, Festival Mall, Fisher Mall, Gateway Mall, Fora in Tagaytay and at Vista Cinemas: Evia, Las Pinas, Sta. Rosa, Bataan, Pampanga and Daang Hari. 

Movie Review: The Greatest Showman

Heeelloooooo! I'm back to writing movie reviews (hopefully, on a regular basis), after receiving a diagnosis of Heart Failure, two months after giving birth, it was a complication from my Gestational Hypertension. 

Honestly, I'm still not sure what the future holds, I took an extended medical leave for three months to rest. I'm back to work, taking care of my son during the weekends and hopefully back to my good old self. In the mean time, here is my first review for 2018-the historical period drama musical "The Greatest Showman" !!!

I came in the theater with no expectations about the film, I haven't listened to any of the songs prior to seeing the film, which is unusual for me given that I'm such a music nerd. I only saw this special on Fox Movies, which really didn't reveal much, except that Hugh Jackman is really the ultimate performer (as if we didn't already know that already!) and that the original song from the movie, "This is Me" recently won "Best Original Song" during the recent Golden Globes. So, despite not knowing any of the songs, there I was, wanting to get up from my seat to stomp my feet and start to singing and dancing.

I loved the transitions used in the film, it had that theater feel, where one dance twirl would move the story nine months forward, aside from that it is visually appealing, it keeps the story at a quick pace. 

Additional praise for incorporating sound effects in the film to give emphasis to the songs. I'm a real sucker for that!   

The story follows a pretty simple format, P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) is a poor tailor's son, who works for the rich Halletts, P.T. falls in love with the Hallett's daughter Charity (Michelle Williams) and they marry years later and have two daughters. 

Charity is happy with their simple life but Barnum wants more, after being laid off work, he gets a bank loan (through not so honest means) and starts his "business venture" which through some changes becomes "Barnum's Circus". 

Aside from being a music nerd, I'm pretty much a history buff and while I already mentioned that the artistic liberties taken and historical inaccuracies in the film can be disappointing and deceiving, there really is more to the story of P.T. Barnum and his circus than the movie lets on. 

Some of the characters in the film, are even composite characters (composite characters are made up of more than one individual). A quick Google search will make for additional history lessons, just in case you are interested. 

Its also interesting to note that when the film was released in the US in December of 2017, this was seven months seven months after the circus stopped operating (after a 146-year run), amid animal cruelty cases and a decline in ticket sales.    

Okay. I know its not a happy thought but just in case you guys needed a little reminder, you might also want to think of it in a way, that this is the closest to a Circus you will probably be, also so you know what to say to your kids when they ask. 

Historical inaccuracies aside, the film also celebrates being different and unique and raising your freak flag high! Nowadays, we have supermodels who suffer from skin disorders like Vitiligo but its always a good reminder for us to be more accepting of the outcasts of society and those who are different from us. It still makes me sad when I hear of stories of bullying and this goes beyond being bullied for your physical appearance but other aspects as well (interest and passions, mental health, social status, among others).         

This review will not be complete, without singing praise for the performance of Hugh Jackman, Zac Effron, Zendaya and Michelle Williams. 

We all know that Huge Jackman-errr Hugh Jackman (watch the hilarious Crosswalk Musical of "The Greatest Showman" on The Late, Late Show With James Corden here) is the ultimate triple threat and he definitely delivered on the expectations of him, being 'the greatest showman' -so to speak, so I will just leave it at that. 

Michelle Williams has a slew of awards under her name but I didn't know she was such a good singer and dancer! Okay, so she does Broadway too-my bad! 

It was really a pleasant surprise to see her sing and dance with Hugh Jackman! 

Can I just say that I am so happy to see Zac Efron put his High School Musical props to good use in this film, I've kind of gotten tired of him doing adult romantic comedies. Its nice to see him put those pecs to good use with those impressive dance moves while belting out those tunes. 

Now, I don't really follow the career of Zendaya since she is from a younger generation of entertainers, I first saw her in Spiderman: Homecoming and I must say that this Tita of Manila was really impressed with her voice, her trapeze act and chemistry with Zac Efron was on point.  

8 out of 10. "The Greatest Showman" is a musical spectacle which will make you stomp your feet and whose music will stir and move you; its story telling through music is a sensory overload. Although liberties taken with the artistic license, AKA historical inaccuracies and a rather simple and predictable story was the price that had to be paid but its all worth it, for a memorable cinematic and musical experience. 

"The Greatest Showman" will be having previews on January 22 and 23, before being released nationwide on January 31. 

The soundtrack to the film is already available for streaming on Spotify, you can follow me ica_cheng for my personal favorites from the OST. :)