Of Monsters and Memes: Why "Bird Box" pales in comparison to "A QuietPlace"

While curating my "2018 Movies List" I purchased a DVD copy of "A Quiet Place" since I missed it during its run in the theaters - I was hoping to include it in list and I loved it so much - I did! 

I didn't immediately see "Bird Box" when it became available for streaming on Netflix too - this was because I prefer to watch light, stress free films while wrapping Christmas presents. 

So I didn't  get to immediately write reviews for both movies and opted to do a comparative piece instead, I haven't done one yet and its hitting two birds (box) in one.

So off the bat I'm already calling it - John Krasinski's post apocalyptic thriller wins over the Sandra Bullock film of the same genre and here is why - 

Despite a shorter run time at 1 hour and 31 minutes (longer does not always necessarily mean better) "A Quiet Place" is more captivating, I was at the edge of the bed, I dared not make a sound for fear of those monsters claiming me as well. 

Okay, I did let out a couple of really loud gasps only because I was so scared for the characters!   

There were also tears! Hot tears were stinging my eyes and my heart hurt so much. I really felt that pain that a parent feels, the kind of fear a parent has for their child-a true and genuine horror. That horrible sinking feeling that you get in your gut or that feeling like your heart has been taken out of your chest. 

That is why that scene with the noisy airplane (I don't think I've ever hated batteries so much) just crushed me. Crushed every fiber of my being-and this is just a few minutes into the movie! 

This is true, probably because I am a mother now and I will definitely go Ellen Ripley on you if anyone or anything tries to hurt my son. 

Unfortunately, "Bird Box" failed to draw these emotions from me. 

In this day and age when movie monsters are not only feared by viewers but also admired by fans of the horror genre I think that having (literally) "no monster" for 'Bird Box' was a missed opportunity. 

"Jaws" relied on creating a terryfying experience with the use of music and score, it was able to effectively create a visceral terror that has been able to frighten generations of audiences. 

Even if you can't see the eponymous shark, you know what it looks like and you know that it's there and that is the stuff of nightmares and Jaws helped create this irrational fear, and which is also probabbly why sharks, to this day, have such a bad image. Thanks Spielberg. 

"Bird Box" fails in this because you don't know what the creature even looks like, 

In "A Quiet Place" you know what these creatures that hunt through sound look like and you they are terryfying. 

Aside from knowing what you're up against there's also that "trigger happy itch" of just wanting to shoot that *expletive* and shred it to ribbons (something Emily Blunt felt, I'm sure) again pointing out the Ellen Ripley-Aliens analogy, that satisfying feeling that you're giving this *expletives* creature a run for their money. 

We don't get that in "Bird Box" there's no "Take that you----" moment. 

In the following weeks after the release of "Bird Box" they have been able to maintain their popularity, significance and relevance on Social Media through memes (the whole "Bird Box challenge" is something else entirely).

It is interesting to note that these memes also compared the film to "A Quiet Place". 

Now this is definitely a good thing for both films since anything on Social Media is basically free advertisement but then again, every time you put "Bird Box" next to "A Quiet Place" you are reminded how the former is a mere shadow of the latter and not even a scary one at that. 

Review: Titans

Review  written by: Melisa Hontiveros

I have been a fan of the Teen Titans ever since I was in Grade 6 watching their 2003 TV series. Their perfect blend of serious and playful tones made the show popular and inspiring to our generation of viewers, with fans still clamoring for its continuation fifteen years later. (Yes, it’s been that long.) Since then, I’ve loved all of the iterations of these beloved characters, whether it be in TV, movies and comics (give or take a few comic book runs.) Understandably, I have been very excited for the live-action adaptation of my favorite heroes and I would like to share that excitement to all of you through a non-spoiler first season review of Titans. After all, who better to write a review than a fan of the main characters of our story?

Let’s start with a bit of background on how the live-action adaptation came into fruition. Since 2014, there have already been reports of a Titans TV show being developed under the TNT network. Now four years later, we find the show has become a reality under the DC Universe streaming service. So far it has only been available exclusively in the United States but it will be available globally on Netflix starting January 11.

Series Review: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

I was given early access to the first five episodes or "screeners" as we call them to "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" and as expected and as early trailers suggested is nothing like its campy 90's predecessor which was more of a sitcom (comedy). In fact, the 2018 version led by the producers of "Riverdale" seems to be cutting ties from its wholesome roots by turning to the occult. 

From the Gothic production design to curses, hexes, spells, a dark Baptism and basically a following to the dark lord, and no, I don't mean Voldemort but you know, the one that starts with an "S". Ssssssooooo....yes, you may gasp and clutch at your pearls as the series dips into a more traditional battle of good versus evil. 

The battle for Sabrina's soul. 

You see, Sabrina Spellman was born to a Warlock father and a mortal mother which makes her half witch and half mortal. The series opens to the days leading up to Sabrina's 16th birthday, which is a significant occasion in witch tradition as it is when Sabrina chooses between the path of night and the path of light, it is when she chooses one life over the other, leave her mortal life behind and in doing so saying goodbye to her friends (Roz and Suzie) and her boyfriend, Harvey to become a full fledged witch and join the "Academy of Unseen Arts" (sort of like Hogwarts but without the four houses or Quidditch) where Sabrina will learn how to become a witch. 

While Sabrina battles with this difficult decision, this also reflects one of the shows strongest themes, making your own decisions and choices against following a path and living a life that was "meant for you". I'm happy to see that the characters (well, the mortal ones) are not taking any form of bullying sitting down and that these teenagers' concerns don't revolve around prom and the trivial things in life. They're a pretty mature bunch and that's a relief. 

By the fourth episode, Sabrina, played brilliantly by Kiernan Shipka-whenever she is on screen, you just can't keep your eyes off her, as she approaches the role with both an innocence and a strength, comes with a sort of compromise to her dilemma, as well as a new found mission.

What keeps your interest in the show is not just the titular heroine herself but her family, made up of the icy Aunt Zelda (Miranda Otto) and the lovable Aunt Hilda (Lucy Davis). I appreciated how the series also explores the Spellman sisters very complicated relationship. Sabrina also has a housebound cousin, the robe wearing, coffee drinking Ambrose (Chance Perdomo) who at the beginning starts of as a source of advice for the troubled teen but slowly gets an arc of his own (Yehey! More Ambrose please!) 

Each of Sabrina's mortal friends (and Harvey) also have their own conflicts to face, sometimes they also seem to come out of horror movies, now whether having a half witch as a friend will be an advantage or a disadvantage is something left to be seen.

While Sabrina has a pretty strong system with her family and friends (even though they may not all have the same idea of what would be good/best for her) there are also evil forces who desperately want Sabrina on "their side". 

The Weird Sisters (basically Mean Girls but also witches -that is just one bad combination right there) are sometimes allies to Sabrina but most of the time bullies her and gives her a hard time in their often coordinating outfits and dark lipsticks. 

Father Blackwood (Richard Coyle) is the Headmaster at the Academy of Unseen Arts and is a high priest in their coven and will do all in his power to persuade Sabrina to the path of Night. 

Probably the most dangerous yet is Michelle Gomez who plays the once shy and timid Miss Bardwell but who has now been possessed by a powerful "demoness" and is not afraid to use a spell or two to get the job done. 

There are definitely a lot of interesting plots going on in "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" and unlike its counterpart over at "Riverdale" knows who they are and are unapologetic about it. 

Oh and they have goo choice in 70's rock music, "Devil Woman" by Cliff Richard is a favorite, the use of blurring camera edges is interesting, it either adds to the errie feel of the scene or it just makes the camera look dirty. 

Episode 5 was a fun mini arc, which featured a Filipino demon and part of our folklore and no, it was not an "aswang" so that was interesting, it reminded me a bit of "Charmed" and "Grimm" the episode ended in a bit of a cliff hanger so I what to know what happens next. 

"Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" will be available on Netflix on October 26 with 10 episodes. I read that a second season has already been ordered. 

Initial Rating: 7.5/10

Album Review: All My Friends

The thought of writing a review for a post-rock/math rock or 'instrumental rock' album can be overwhelming, especially when a portion of my album reviews focus on lyrics. 

So that's immediately scratched off. 

Its also daunting as I am in no way a musician and lack the background and technical know how to have the credibility to actually talk about music (I have a Nursing degree and don't play any sort of musical instrument whatsoever and have been working in the BPO industry for more than ten years) let alone one which relies on music-alone. 

I just like to listen to a lot of different kinds of music and like everything else am really, really passionate about it. 

Then I realized music isn't always about the technical details, sure being educated about genres will help you navigate through the many material out there and having general knowledge about musical terms is essential so your audience knows what you're talking about but in truth, its actually how the music makes you feel that really matters. 

And tide/edit's "All my friends" made me feel a lot of things. 

"All My Friends" is a positive and inspiring musical experience that doesn't even require words or lyrics to express this. I was actually working on another album review when I gave the album a quick listen and I immediately went on "writer mode" scribbling away on an open notebook in my chicken scrawl of a handwriting. 

You can check out the band's video for "Twelve" which is also part of "All my friends". 

Paul and I influence each other when it comes to music (he's actually sleeping when I listened to the album and I can't wait to share this with him when he wakes up) -our love for post rock / math rock definitely comes from him. If you have no idea what "instrumental rock" is all about - tide / edit 's "All my friends" is a great introduction to the genre. 

The album is made up of 12 tracks and once you listen to the first track "Pelagic" it just keeps on going from one track to the next with its steady drum rolls, sensual bass lines, harmonic guitars; playing and teasing, soothing and calling- it calls to you to move, to sway, to dance, to feel, (or in my case to write) -its the music that is the star. 

"Lakeshore" highlights an acoustic guitar with some subtle percussion and its just glorious and its abrupt end will leave you wanting for more.

"White Flag" which features the hauntingly beautiful vocals of Dee Cruz is the only track in the album with lyrics and as if by some sort of genius is the last track and makes you realize you did not miss the traditional lyrics with music accompaniment and it is as if the entire album is a prologue to this satisfying end. It creates this unique experience that you have to listen to the entire album that all of its tracks are pieces that make up one beautiful puzzle. 

4/5. "All My Friends" is now streaming on Spotify and is available for pre-order on the Spur of the Moment website. Click here. 

Movie Review: Hotel Transylvania 3

(c) Columbia Pictures.

Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation takes our favorite monsters away from their beloved hotel as they go on to open waters for the ultimate monster cruise. The story is ambitious as it introduces a pivotal character in the story in the form of Ericka Van Helsing (Kathryn Hahn) as the cruise's captain and the descendant of Drac's archnemesis; Abraham Van Helsing (Jim Gaffigan). 

In case you didn't know Abraham Van Helsing in Bram Stoker's "Dracula" (which I read and led to many sleepness nights) is the doctor who leads the group that defeats Count Dracula. Because of course in the original story its Dracula who is the bad guy.   

Things get complicated when Drac "zings" with Erika! 

Now I know that Zing's are supposed to be a 'once-in-a-lifetime' thing and I was disappointed (again) that apparently they can happen twice. I know its a bit too ideal and I want Drac to be happy and all (Yes I take these things very seriously) and this is coming from.someone who also lost a parent (my Dad) at an early age. So I totally get why Mavis (Selena Gomez) was a bit suspicious of "Captain Erika". 

This is true, especially when your dad's prospective date is the great granddaughter of his mortal enemy and is trying to kill him in between appetizers. 

(c) Columbia Pictures

Its an ambitious storyline as it takes Drac (Adam Sandler) and the gang out of their element and comfort zone. You can say that its a good thing because its something new but I felt the humor went down a notch, along with Drac himself who I thought was a bit "too silly in love". Johnny (Andy Samberg) and Mavis were at least able to hold themselves together. 

There were some plot holes for me too, like some of the characters were literally locked in a closet for the entire duration of the cruise. Also, if Drac's father is supposedly really strong were was he when the big battle went down?  Of course your kids won't mind these plot holes and are not exactly looking for character development. So that's just me and maybe a few adults. 

I also missed the more intimate focus on the family that was in the previous films. Buuut I did like the animation! The improvement in technology can easily be seen on the details and the characters movements and to see that on the big screen was a big delight. Plus points for the story introducing the value of accepting differences, hopefully the parents reinforce this to their kids. Favorite part was the ultimate music match at the end which featured Joe Jonas as an easily influenced kraken. 5/10. Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Adventure is now showing! 

Looking for the ultimate monster staycation with your family? Look no further! Novotel Manila Center in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc., is offering fans of the movie the chance to stay Superior themed-rooms branded with the “Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation” from now until October 31, 2018. You can read more about it here. 

Movie Review: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

"Jurassic Park" has always had a special place in my heart, being amazed by the gigantic creatures during the dawn of what was cutting edge special effects and being terrified by them will always be an awe I will never forget. 

 As a kid, that scene where in  the poor guy runs in the rain to take a dump despite there being a T-Rex and the lines: "If you got to go, you got to go" ~and eventually getting eaten by the T-Rex as he is taking a dump will always stick in my head. 

Fast forward to me becoming an adult and three more Jurassic movies and we now have Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. 

Following the events of Jurassic World, the dinosaurs that have been left alone on the island are now in danger as a volcano on the verge of erupting threatens their existence. (Why build an amusement park on an island that has a volcano on it? Even if it was dormant before it still puts your investment at risk right?) Just something that I thought about, don't mind me. 

Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) now a dinosaur-rights activist and founder of the Dinosaur Protection Group (she's dealing with a lot of guilt) is working on the clock to save the dinosaurs before they are wiped off from the face of the Earth (again). She gets her chance when she is contacted by Benjamin Lockwood, the former partner of John Hammond as they work together to bring the endangered dinosaurs to a sanctuary where they will be safe. Claire enlists the help of Velociraptor whisperer Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) ~ (lots of welcome sexual tension and complicated history there as well) to come along and rescue Blue, the brave and loyal raptor from the previous film. 

With new comers, tattooed badass paleoveterinarian (its a thing) Daniella Pineda as Dr. Zia Rodriguez and the hilarious Justice Smith as systems analyst and ultimate T-Rex fan Franklin Webb the team is complete and as they set out to rescue the dinosaurs, you might guess where the rest of the story goes: get in, rescue mission while a volcano explodes and get out but that's where director JA Bayona gets you as events quickly escalate and our dino lovers find themselves needing some rescuing themselves. 

You know how it is, human greed and the need to play God (all over again) drive the plot of "Fallen Kingdom" - you may be okay with where the story is headed or you may hate it  but you cannot deny those amazing and thrilling sequences from director JA Bayona, there are no crass jump scares here as he plays on the scenes with a tasteful horror suspense style that will surely leave an impression on a new generation of kids. 

You have dinosaurs trying to eat humans, dinosaurs fighting each other (check, check) but you also have dinos with lots of personality who endears themselves to the audience, yes, we have the loyal Blue but it is the hard headed Stiggy the Stygimoloch who really steals the show! (Stiggy plushie please!) So, yes, your emotions get played on too and I already shed a tear or two in an earlier scene!  

We must also commend the performance of newcomer Isabella Sermon, who plays Maisie Lockwood, the granddaughter of Benjamin Lockwood and possibly the future of the Jurassic Park franchise (queue John Williams score).  

A hard headed Stiggy the Stygimoloch and director JA Bayona are the real heroes of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. 

Despite being movie #5 in the franchise, "Fallen Kingdom" offers new and exciting sequences which will bring you to the edge of your seat. The story may not be for everyone but I did enjoy the surprise twists which had me let out an audible gasp. Director JA Bayona's horror expertise brings up the fear level and kids will definitely have something to think about as they hide under the covers tonight. The subtle horror elements were a treat; I particularly liked the use of light, shadow and even electricty to intensify scenes and bring out emotions in others. Yes, there was a tear in that smoke and lava fading away sequence. 


Jurassic World: "Fallen Kingdom" brings what we loved about the past Jurassic films-like running from dinosaurs in a shut down park and ups the ante by including...say an erupting volcano in the mix and its pretty much consistent throughout. Just so you know what you're in for. (7/10). 

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.

Netflix Series Review: Jessica Jones Season 2

Taking a back seat from its predecessor, Season 2 of Marvel Netflix's "Jessica Jones" fails to push the envelope and challenge the status quo, unlike the first season, which dealt with themes and issues like abduction, rape and abortion head on, something unprecedented at that time.

The new season also struggles to find its villain that it even had to bring in the ghost of Season One's past villain, David Tenant's incredible performance as Kilgrave in order to bring some semblance of the series' known darker themes.

Pursuing an ambitious plot, our reluctant heroine (Krysten Ritter), through the persistence of the now annoying wannabe superhero/best friend Trish Walker (Rachael Taylor) starts looking into her mysterious past and how she came about her powers. In the course of the investigation Jessica unlocks a dark secret which may change everything that she has come to know about her tumultuous life.

The different troubled and colorful characters of the series (Trish, Malcolm and Jeri) go  through a lot of changes and some character growth on their own. Eka Darville (Malcolm Ducasse) steps up on the plate and showcases his character's full potential. With Jessica always being reluctant to explore the potentials of her abilities and the possibilities of helping other people, Trish (Ittttt's Paaatsy!) is all for it, even if it means risking her own life to do so. We already know that Carrie-Anne Moss' Jeri Hogarth is one bad ass character but in this season we see her in a different light, an empty shell of her former self, the once powerful lawyer must use all of her abilities in order to stay on top, becoming this season's image of female empowerment. Something which ironically our titular character (Jessica Jones) fails to do throughout the season as she only reacts to situations rather than facing them head on. 

Without a doubt, Ritter delivers another impressive performance, possibly tying her to the character forever and making her face, the face of Jessica Jones. She brings her A game to a challenged plot and narrative and gets away with the audience cheering for her. 

6.5 /10 -Despite the lack of shock value like the first season, season 2 of Jessica Jones continues on the story of an anti-hero who never wanted powers but was given them anyway, the struggles she goes through and the sacrifices she had to make as she constantly goes through everyday doubting herself and her potential. The story has then expanded to her relationships to the people around her, people she has loved, hated and has been forced to work with. These characters have grown and changed but Jessica has stayed the same, how all of these will play through in Season 3 (should the show be renewed, which would most likely be the case) is something that you as the audience would still want to know and follow. 

Season 2 of Jessica Jones is now streaming on Netflix. 

Movie Review: Red Sparrow

When I first saw the trailers to "Red Sparrow" I couldn't help but feel that the film had too much "Black Widow" feels in it. Russian agents going through merciless and brutal training, being taught to use their minds and bodies to seduce and manipulate is nothing new and Jennifer Lawrence speaking in a fake Russian accent didn't really get me excited either. 

However, as I was sitting in the theater, I was quickly drawn in the thrilling game of cat and mouse, where good old espionage, double agents and double crosses will keep you thinking and guessing and at the edge of your seat. 

There are no fancy cars or fancy gadgets to get you out of difficult situations, its all quick thinking and using the resources that you have at your disposal. 

One of the things I enjoyed about the movie is that it takes you closer to the dark psychology which goes into being the ultimate secret weapon. I would have loved to have seen more chemistry between Jennifer Lawrence and Joel Edgerton (who plays 'the handsome' CIA agent in the film). I was a little confused with some of the props used in the film though-it was hard to establish the timeline of the movie because of the diskettes in one part of the film and what looked like a smart phone in the other. 

No doubt JLaw gave another strong performance of both strength and vulnerability in such a damned character I was just really bothered with the accent and that she would break away from it in some dramatic scenes. I know, I know I'm just being a big nitpicker here 

6.5/10 - you may get lost in the heavy plot or forget the Russian names you are supposed to remember but if you can keep up with the game, then you will enjoy it for sure. Especially if you are a fan of Jennifer Lawrence. 

Director Francis Lawrence (Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part I and Mockingjay Part II) reunites with his muse Jennifer Lawrence for a brutal game of deception and manipulation. Dominika Egorova is no James Bond, she is trapped in a dangerous espionage game but she will do what she must in order to survive. 

Movie Review: Arrival

ARRIVAL - is a masterful sci-fi movie which makes a badass out of linguistic expert Louise Banks (Amy Adams) as she tries to communicate with aliens who have landed on Earth-and she must do it before time runs out. The film is an intriguing puzzle, hidden behind layers and layers of little clues, which makes it fun to solve as you go along in the movie. Once you come to the culmination, it is an overwhelming feeling of world politics and personal struggles. Director Denis Villeneuve creates a movie experience you should not miss. Truly deserving of all its accolades. 

-is what I wrote weeks ago as a requested short reaction after the film's press screening (yes, we have those). Unfortunately I haven's been able to follow it up with a full review. Not because I didn't like the movie - on the contrary - I loved it! And I just hate myself for the delay in the review as it does a great disservice to the film. 

You see the baby in my belly has been very demanding on the number of hours of sleep I get (yeah, right blame it on the baby) but seriously, I can no longer do my 5-6 hours of sleep on the weekdays and I literally spend my weekends sleeping (no kidding). 

I've finally worked up the strength to get off my butt and to actually do some writing - so here I am telling you dear reader that Denis Villenueve's "Arrival" is indeed worthy of all the praises and raves it has been receiving. 

Aliens have arrived on Earth in twelve giant spheres scattered across the world, the Army asks the help of Dr. Banks to study the language of the aliens and to translate for them. It may seem an absurd request but Louise is up to the task. They arrive at one of the twelve 'shells' in Montana where Louise works with a team, along with Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner) - a scientist.  

Louise and Ian work tirelessly to come to understand the inhabitants of their 'shell' two giant squid-like aliens with seven legs, earning the name "Heptapods", Louise and Ian name their Heptapods 'Abbot' and 'Costello'. While working on understanding aliens is hard enough, there is an incredible pressure in a global political level since other countries are also dealing with their own shells and heptapods and of course as nations are tend to be known - each nation was keeping their own studies and discoveries to themselves. As if a possible alien invasion is not reason enough for human kind to put their differences aside and work together right? 

What I liked best about the "Independence Day" movies is the part where all countries get together to help each other beat the bad aliens and in "Arrival" we don't see that as each country is still looking for their own interests. 

In a race against time and with the fate of the human race on the edge, Louise finds something deep inside of her, a power she does not know she has, to unravel a great mystery. To reveal anything more about the movie would rob the viewer of the pleasure of enjoying the movie. All I have to say is that - it is a film which will have you thinking, the good kind of thinking. 


8.5 out of 10. What makes "Arrival" stand out from other Science Fiction movies is its deep rooted connection to very human themes that you can't help but feel that overwhelming feeling inside you. That despite advances in science and technology, it is human nature which pulls you in to  be lost in the incredible performance of Amy Adams whose strength comes in her perseverance hidden behind her being seemingly-delicate nature. 

Voyager: There Exists A Quantum God EP Review

We know him as Mad Hatter Day's bassist and if you guys follow the blog, you know that we love Mad Hatter Day, their refreshing take on rock and well written songs will have you convinced that OPM is churning out awesome music. 

Inside the confines of his room, Paco steps into a totally different spectrum of music and becomes 'Voyager' who dabbles into the world of synthesizers and midi music coming up with a medley of detoxifying music which always a good listen to after a stressful day.  

Got to check out his first EP and you can check it out too! Just go tot the link! https://soundcloud.com/voyagermnl 

My favorite from the EP is 'Parsec' you can let me know yours in the comment section! 

As an artist you can easily tell that there is growth in his musical journey as he steps out of his comfort zone and tries on a totally different pair of shoes. We talked about his new venture and while I told him that I found his work in the EP as mood music; he says he wishes would get drunk on the music. To which I reply a good kind of drunk. 

Talking about the EP, Paco says that his influences include Chromeo, Torro Y Moi, Snakeships and BANKS while the EP themes include Spirituality, Science Fiction (he's a fan) and Existentialism. 

Hopefully his continued nocturnal experiments will lead to more eclectic music that we can all enjoy and yes-get 'good' drunk on.