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. 

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: Halloween

I usually shy away from slasher/horror films but it was under special circumstances that I found myself at the premiere of "Halloween" and I'm glad to say that I actually enjoyed the film and by "enjoy" I mean it delivered on its promise of horror and fright, fear and suspence. 

I don't know what it is but there is something about a good horror/slasher genre film that stays and lingers with you, long after you've left the cinema (years, even) and I'll definitely be thinking about "Halloween" for some time. 

A direct sequel to the original 1978 film (it ignores all sequels and the story that followed) "Halloween" picks up forty years after the fateful night when Michael Myers changed the sleepy town of Haddonfield, Illinois forever. 

Jamie Lee Curtis, reprises her role as Laurie Strode 40 years later and shows you just what surviving a horrific night can do to a person; it examines the trauma of surviving and knowing that the killer is still out there. she's definitely one badass grandmother, that's for sure. She reminds me a bit of Carol from "The Walking Dead". 

But it's not all "cool" and "badass" with her as the viewers find out the price that she had to pay. 

Becoming obsessed that Michael Myers, would one day come back, she has become some sort of a doomsday prepper, complete with an arsenal of guns and weapons, a secret and fortified panic room she also prepared her daughter, Karen (Judy Greer) and that means training her at a young age and well, social services may not be too keen about that. 

Estranged from her daughter and trying to build a relationship with her granddaughter, Laurie becomes a recluse with her obsession on Michael Myers, her worst nightmares coming to life when he escapes and goes on a killing spree. 

Yes. You will squirm in your seat and cower in fear as Michael Myers strikes fear in the heart of his victims on the most frightening night of the year-Halloween. 

With the retro 80's music, paying homage to its roots and the clever use of muted sounds, even Myers heavy breathing beneath his mask is enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, the clever use of every nook and cranny of the screen is also an effective way to get you to jump from your seat. The body count is high and the manner of deaths is grisly, there is indeed a lot to be afraid of. 

What sets this slasher thriller apart is its interesting take on the relationship between hunter and prey, monster and victim. 

Do we stop to ask, what happens to the survivors? 

Throughout the movie,I was stopping myself from screaming but finally gave in at a particularly stressful moment, it was a satisfying scream because what else are you to do in while watching slasher films? 

6/10 -"Halloween" is now showing in cinemas. 

Movie Review: Venom

Despite the negative reviews, "Venom" is actually pretty enjoyable. Its reminiscent of the era of super hero movies from the 2000's (and no, not like the bad ones). It's not "good" per se but it is super FUN to watch. 

The film opens to a space ship crash landing into Malaysia -which was a bit of a dissapointment to me since I was hoping it would continue the ending of the 2017 science fiction horror film "LIFE" which ended with Jake Glyenhall's character crashing into the ocean in an escape pod (from space) carrying the first sign of life from Mars (it already killed of the rest of his crew). You should check it out if you haven't.

Anyways.....

The film does keep the "LIFE" name, in "Venom", it is known as the "Life Foundation" -a bioengineering corporation, to which Riz Ahmed's Carlton Drake is the CEO. The space ship carries alien life forms, which will be later be known as symbiotes. Drake and his scientists discover that the symbiotes need a host to survive. Drake becomes obsessed with combining symbiotes with humans, thinking it is the only way to survive in space, as he is on a crusade to find a new home, believing that Earth will soon be inhabitable in the future. Drake orders experiments to be done on vagrants, promising them money and having them sign waivers they don't understand. This of course causes in numerous deaths when the host body is not compatible with the symbiote. 

This catches the attention of investigative reporter Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) who scores an interview with Drake and with confidential documents he stole from his fiancée Anne (Michelle Williams) he confronts Drake with the questionable deaths. 

In an instant, Eddie's world is turned upside down when he losses everything that ever meant something to him and in a wicked twist of fate finds himself as an unwilling host to a very snarky symbiote- "Venom" who gives him super powers and even offers relationship advice on the side. 

The delivery of Venom and Eddie Brock's unconventional relationship is a welcome surprise; from the comedic banter to the reluctant dependency, Tom Hardy brings it all in a performance you know he put his heart in. Venom is actually likeable, his lines are hilarious and the way that he looks out for Eddie will make you want to have a symbiote of your own (you know, except for the eating people part). 

Yes the plot is rather thin with a few holes here and there and you feel like the film is missing about 30 minutes but it is Tom Hardy's performance that makes the film worth seeing. He carries the entire movie and shows us why he is one of the most talented actors of our generation. 

There a few remarkable sequences, particulary an exhilarating motorcycle-car chase where Eddie flies through the streets of San Francisco on his motorcycle while he is still discovering his powers as Venom, with Carl Drake's goons chasing him. I won't say what the other one is, so not to spoil it. 

(6.5/10) There are a few surprises here and there and stay after the credits. It'll be worth it.

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: Sierra Burgess is a Loser

Netflix is continuing with their Romantic Comedy streak with the highly anticipated "Sierra Burgess is a Loser" everyone has been counting down the days for it's release thanks in part to Noah Centineo, who is the current internet obsession after starring opposite Lana Condor in the runaway hit "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" -also a Netflix Romantic Comedy. 

I think audiences are also eager to see Sarah Purser take on a lead role, after being killed off in the first season of "Stranger Things" she became a fan favorite despite her short screen time. There were even petitions to #BringBarbBack. She also currently plays Ethel in "Riverdale" but in this version she doesn't get Jughead (in case you didn't know, in the comics, it's Ethel and Jughead) and just becomes a supporting character. 

With all of these Netflix shows under her belt, it was only a matter of time before Sarah would get the spotlight and her much anticipated take on a lead role in a romantic comedy does not dissapoint and could even be a precedent to more non traditional casting for lead roles. 

In the film, Purser plays Sierra Burger, a senior in High School working her way to getting into Stanford for College by "resume padding" and if that means doing community service and trying out for the boys track team (for that "wow" College application). Despite her average looks and body figure, Sierra is pretty confident as to who she is as a person. She brushes off jocks who bump into her in the hall and corrects mean girl Veronica (Kristine Froseth) when she calls her 'Frodo'. 

"You mean, Quasimodo" Sierra says and she is not bothered at all. 

It is mean, popular, pretty girl Veronica who sets things in motion when she gives Sierra's number to Jamey (Noah Centineo) who is a quarterback for their rival school. 

So when Jamey texts Veronica it goes to Sierra and while he thinks that he is texting with Veronica, it is actually Sierra on the other side of the screen. Of course Sierra can't bring herself to tell Jamey the truth, especially when he sends her a couple of selfies and you know, he's really smart and funny and the two of them are really hitting it of. 

"Isn't that catfishing? I'm pretty sure it's illegal." Sierra's best friend Dan (RJ Cyler from Saban's "Power Rangers") says. Despite the very reasonable warning, Sierra continues the ruse, eventually stringing Veronica along, in exchange of Sierra tutoring the mean girl so she can get back at her College ex, who called her dumb. I would have personally wanted Veronica to have gotten a "I'm more than just a pretty face moment and really shove it in Spencer's face. 

So while Sierra tutors "Ronnie", they continue to catfish Jayme, with Veronica being the face and Sierra being the voice of the relationship. In the course of time, the Ice Queen and Miss Popular facade of Veronica crumbles away as Sierra sees her troubled family and eventually the two girls become friends.  

While getting away with FaceTime can be easy, what happens when Jamey asks for a real date? Someone is bound to get hurt. Will this trio make it out in one piece? Teenage romance and social pressure can just be too much sometimes. 

As I was watching I was worried about two things, first was how were they going to reconcile the "looks and social class above everything" mindset, what with society being obsessed with looks, which is only enhanced by social media (no. of followers, no. of likes, selfies) but a surprise twist towards what would have been a predictable plot is a welcome curve ball. Second, a poetry assignment to be read out loud in class. I was worried it was going to be very "10 Things I Hate About You" -thankfully that didn't happen. (That scene is only for Julia Stiles!!!) what we have instead is another sweet surprise I won't spoil. 

Purser is perfect for the role and is lighted in such a raw and natural way, with hardly any make up on, her freckles all out. Dressing her in unflattering clothes and there isn't even a make over scene! Just a "plucking the eyebrows" bit. Which just just goes to show how the film challenges character stereotypes and teen rom-com troupes. Centineo's Jamey is a quarterback who is obsessed with Astronomy and loves his younger deaf brother (cue ovaries exploding). Veronica is the mean girl who turns out to be just understood and I was really glad they spent time on her character too and we see a growth in her. 

Minus points for not having the text conversations on the screen, especially for someone with bad eyesight as me, all we see as a conversation between Jamey and Sierra are funny animal pictures.

Netflix delivers on its promise for that slumber party "kilig" movie but also gives some talking points and reflection here and there, you know just in case you guys want to talk about it. Or we just enjoy Noah Centineo's shirtless selfies. 

(7.5/10) now streaming on Netflix. 

Series Review: Atypical S1

I wasn't actually planning on finishing the entire first season of "Atypical" but Paul and I couldn't help it. We were hooked. 

This coming-of-age drama about Sam Gardner an 18 year old boy with autism (played brilliantly by Keir Gilchrist) and who is obsessed with everything Antartica, (I learned so much trivia about Antartica on the show than my 32 years worth of general knowledge) his family, his one "suave" friend and confused therapist will have you laughing and crying. It of course also offers a deeper insight about people on the spectrum and also how it affects the people around them. 

Such as Sam's mom, Elsa Gardner (Jennifer Jason-Leigh) who after Sam's diagnosis throws herself into the care of her son. She does all the new techniques, special diets, autism walks, group therapy, getting only Sam's preferred type of clothing-100% cotton "my favorite percentage of cotton" Sam says. 

When Sam reaches 18, he starts to seek more independence prompted by his sudden interest in girls and dating and wanting to have a girlfriend. This throws a wrench in Elsa's daily routine and she now suddenly finds herself with a lot of time in her hands; and you know what they say about idle hands...

On the opposite side of the spectrum (pun intended) is Sam's dad, Doug, played by (Michael Rapaport) who has always had a difficult time accepting Sam's diagnosis and as a consequence is distant from his son but now that Sam has questions about girls, could this be the chance that Doug is waiting for? To finally be closer to his son? Will he ever be able to build the perfect igloo? 

Casey Gardner (Brigette Lundy-Daine) -(probably my favorite character in the series) is Sam's younger sister who is protective of Sam and tries to look out for her brother in the cutthroat world of High School. She loves her brother but has to deal with his needs and him having the focus and attention of their parents. Casey is the star of their school's track field team and when an opportunity to literally chase her dreams come up; will she be able to leave Sam? And will that cute bad boy be a distraction? 

Comic relief is brought on by Sam's best....err...only friend "Zahid" -played by Nik Dodani. Will his fashion tips and tasteless methods to get girls ever work? 

With these merry band of characters that make Sam's world it is only a matter of time when things change -big time and if there's anything that Sam hates, it's change. Was not a fan of some of the more predictable plots buuut they can definitely be forgiven. (8/10). 

We were pretty bummed that there were no more episodes to watch - good thing S2 will be up for streaming on Netflix on September 7. 

You can check out the trailer to S2 of #Atypical on the blog. Click here. 

Album Review: JCON Mixtape

R&B has never really been considered mainstream in the local music scene but Filipino-Irish singer/songwriter Jess Connelly is changing that and redefining the genre with her impressive 13 track album "JCON Mixtape". Her sophomore effort after an EP release in 2015 entitled "How I Love". 

Connelly has been building up to this release, dropping tracks like “Turn Me Down,” “deep + involved,” “Mine,” and “On My Way Up”before leading up to "Call Me" which she released last week. This is my favorite from the album, from the moment I first heard it. I was in love and listened to it on loop. 

She sings: 

“Call me when you’re lonely / I need someone to hold me 
 Call me when you’re lonely / I could make you want me” 

-and you know that she means it, in a subtle confidence where she knows she's going to get that call. Now, I'm pretty much your punk-rock chick but there's just something about Connelly's sensual vocal tone that draws me to her and besides, good music is good music no matter the genre. 

JCON opens with "Awake" which quickly sets the tone and mood for the entire album with the smooth beats and perfectly timed keys, making you just want to kick back in your most comfortable ensemble. 

"Turn Me Down" follows, I remember when the MV of this was released my admiration for Connelly was cemented. She was an artist to watch out for sure. Giving any pretty teen pop act with their godforsaken covers a run for their money. 

You know she is the real deal. 

Check out her video for "Turn Me Down" which feature a unique look and aesthetic that Connelly owns and in translates for the perfect audiovisual experience. 

Throughout the album, Connelly works with local producers such as Eyedress, Similarobjects and CRWN her tracks also feature collaborations with artists such as Awhich and P.Lo, further strengthening the growing hold of RnB in the local scene. 

In "deep + involved" she paints a picture of a love that wasn't supposed to happen but she now finds herself too "deep and involved" she says: 

Never planned to get personal
Never meant to stay now I wanna put you first and all
Now you taking up my day, never knew I'd be the first to fall
Don't know what to say cos you the only one that I wait for

"Process" (feat. Awhich) is a fun danceable track with a touch of Janet Jackson here and there and we also get to see her rap skills, where she drops rhyme and beat effortlessly. You know that she's in her element, she's not even trying, its all natural for her.  

Prior to the release of JCON, Connelly also opened for Chance the Rapper and hosted an intimate listening party for JCON. (Would have loved to have been there). I have yet to see her perform live and its definitely on my list of things to do and I know that there will definitely be more opportunities for that, you get the sense that Connelly is serious about her craft and that she is only beginning. (5/5). 

JCON Mixtape is now available on all streaming platforms. 

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. 

Series Review: Insatiable

"Being skinny, don't mean sh*t if you are ugly on the inside" is probably the best thing to come from the Netflix Original series "Insatiable" -which I am probably dropping from my #NowWatching list (I officially gave up on episode 6) but just continued watching so my review will have some merit. 

The dark comedy from 'Dexter' producer Lauren Gussis tries to be relevant and earn "woke points" by having an overweight lead character who deals with themes like body image and bullying. The show having a racially diverse and queer cast but they seem to be doing more harm than good as they present a plot wherein the female lead, Patty Bladell (Debby Ryan) -who used to be overweight; can only be happy if and when she becomes thin. She loses the weight by punching a homeless guy who was trying to take her chocolate, breaks her jaw and goes on a liquid diet for a number of months. 

The show manages to make fun of religion, sexual identity, body image, Southern society, statutory rape, molestation, adoption, pageants and honestly, abortion and honestly every topic under the sun. 

Patty says: "Now that I'm thin; its my turn to get the guy"  

I actually know of couples wherein the cute boy next door goes for the chubby girl. There is such a thing as "chubby chasers" you know and its disappointing to think that the boys in the series only take a second glance at Patty now that she's thin and pretty but wouldn't have given  her the time of day before. 

Now that Patty is thin, all that she wants to do is to get revenge on all those people who ever made fun of her but she ends up just hurting everyone around her. She is a selfish character with no redeemable quality whatsoever. Its so hard to root for her, when all that she thinks of is herself. 

When the trailer dropped I didn't that there was a lot of backlash with the possible fat shaming that the show will be projecting. It got so bad that there was even a call to cancel the show and probably Netflix should have. 

With the backlash from the series, Netflix has defended it saying that it is all 'satire' but the thing with satire is, in order for it to work, it has to be intelligent, your audience must be in on the joke, you must be winking at them and they should be laughing with you and with "Insatiable" trust me - no one is laughing. 

The characters are all annoying, they are all selfish and seem to live in their own bubbles, its so suffocating that they all seem to run circles around each other, as if their small town in Georgia is the smallest place on earth. They all seem to all have done some twisted, sick, unforgiving thing to each other. 

One of the few things that I liked about the show was the relationship of Patty's pageant coach Bob Armstrong (Dallas Roberts) and his social climber wife Coralee (Alyssa Milano). Yes, they both are weird in their own insatiable needs, him to  be the best pageant coach and her to be the ultimate Southern socialite but they are both partner in crimes who love and support each other, until the show ruins it. 

Also, all the parents in this show seem to allow their children to run wild and do as they please and alright just abandons them. No wonder these kids are so confused and just keep finding themselves in one bad situation after another.  I hate how the show leaves so many plots hanging and unexplored. Its as if the writers are just throwing everything at the wall and trying to see whatever will stick. 

3/10. Given that the finale was a cliff hanger-I am curious about what will happen next but not out of concern for Patty that's for sure. You just never get to like her to care about her. If the series survives another season, they should think of a major overhaul. 

Movie Review: To All the Boys I've loved Before

Not having read the book, I dismissed "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" (which will henceforth be known as "To All the Boys"...)  as a Young Adult Romantic novel with not much to offer. The title itself is a mouthful and just oozing with the kind of cheesy cheap romance plots found in paperback books. 

Netflix's adaptation of Jenny Han's book though had a very promising trailer, which featured a rather interesting plot. Wallflower and romance novel (the bodice ripping type) fan Lara Jean (Lana Condor) writes (very descriptive) love letters when she has a crush so intense, she doesn't know what else to do. These are kept safe, in a special box, teal in color, with a big bow on top of it (of course). 

Lara Jean's world turns upside down when "the letters are out" -meaning they somehow got mailed to those five intimate crushes that she's had. Now, Model UN and summer camp crushes didn't get their letters but what could she possibly do when her older sister's ex (Josh) and her former friend, now popular girl in school's boyfriend (Peter) get their letters? 

In order to avoid confronting Josh and hurting her sister, Lara Jean strikes up a bargain (with a contract and everything of course) with Peter to be fake boyfriend-girlfriend. Peter on the other hand wants to make Gen (his bitchy on/off girlfriend) jealous. 

So what could possibly go wrong-right? 

Netflix seems to be hitting it with Rom-Coms this year (with the surprise success "Set It Up") and its refreshing to have one set in High School and still have it very PG. Its cool, you can watch it with your parents. I really miss those rom-coms back in the 90s that were set in High School ("10 Thing I Hate About You", "She's All That", "Clueless", "Never Been Kissed") albeit it didn't follow the whole characters from stereotype groups formula. Another thing I loved about "To All The Boys" -it also focused on family; the relationship of Lara Jean with her sisters is something to be jealous of. I myself am a part of a tres Marias, I depend on them a lot and I would like to think that they depend on me too. There was a subtle nod to Lara Jean's Korean roots (Hello Korean Yogurt, we all know as Yakult) it wasn't overplayed and I loved her Dad (John Corbett) who was super cool, even if he's a gynecologist its weird Dad. 

There is much talk about Lara Jean's mom who passed away, how they tiptoe around their dad when it comes to him trying to recreate her cooking and how they all miss her and how they each go through a different sort of grieving and healing and I appreciated that. Since I also lost my Dad at a young age, I could really relate to the characters on screen. 

The film also alludes to its Rom-Com roots like "Sixteen Candles" (and "Fight Club") which is a super plus, plus for me. :) 

Praise must be given to director Susan Johnson's visuals which translate perfectly in the movie, from Lara Jean's teal colored room, to the beautiful pink cherry tree in one scene and her very modest outfits (those boots are killer).  

Props on  the representation of the cast, from the lead herself, an Asian starring in a romantic comedy and she's not even your usual stereotyped Asian, she's not skin thin, she's actually a bit on the plump side and looks damn good. There was no mention of her being a straight A-student, because not all Asians are bookish and studious you know? 

There is also a gay character, who I will not be naming as it will spoil a plot in the movie. All I can say is he wasn't your typical gay character and it was nice that he turned out to be a surprise confidant of Lara and also, who can say no to Korean face masks? 

Lana Condor plays the part of the quiet female lead on point, she is that beautiful wallflower, much like Leigh Nash in "She's All That" minus the make over, because 'our girl doesn't need it' with a mix of Drew Barrymore's literature obsessed geekness in "She's Never Been Kissed".

Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) is that dreamy hunk that could give you butterflies in your stomach (very Freddy Prinze Jr.) I was so 'kilig' (giddy) with the chemistry of the two that I wanted to wake my sleeping son and give him a tight, tight squeeze. 

9/10 -minus a barreling third act, "To All The Boys" made me laugh, it made me cry. It made me feel giddy all over. All checks for a highly recommended High School Rom-Com. 

I haven't read the book so I couldn't compare the two or give more insight, now that I've seen and loved the movie, I will definitely be reading the book. Oh, I might have failed to mention that its based on the YA novel of the same name by Jenny Han. 

 If you have a copy and you're willing to sell yours, I'm willing to buy. Or if you trust me that I will return it (I will)-you can lend it me. Send me a message. 

"To All the Boy's I've Loved Before" is now streaming on Netflix. 

Movie Review: The Meg

(c) Warner Bros. Pictures

When I first saw the trailer for "The Meg" I didn't know whether to take the movie seriously, I mean its a HUGE prehistoric Shark versus Jason Statham! As I was watching the film though, it sure gave me a lot to think about. Aside from the wheels in my head turning (in a good way) I was also at the edge of my seat with jump scares and going into one exciting scene to the next. 

Its interesting to note that the movie is actually based on a 1997 Science Fiction book by Steve Alten, which means there's plot to it. Its not just a "Sharknado" wannabe, its not just sharks eating people. There are actually a lot of themes (if you know where to look for them) in the film which I appreciated. 


Let's not get ahead of ourselves though, "The Meg" knows what it is-a glorious B-movie with a creature feature that will bring back all those fears and doubts about going into the ocean. I remember when I was a kid, my dad would chase us around the swimming pool with pretend shark fins and humming the "Jaws" theme.  While "The Meg" will never be at par with "Jaws" it is something that this generation can enjoy being frightened of, or you know, just enjoy it for the popcorn flick that it is. Its funny how audiences anticipate "something" is about to happen and end up either feeling silly if they are wrong or completely vindicated when the big bite does come. 

(c) Warner Bros. Pictures

The film opens with a deep sea underwater rescue headed by Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) and a couple of colleges, who try to rescue a submarine with a number of injured victims in it. As they attempt to escape, an unknown entity threatens to kill all of them if Taylor does not make the call-save his friends or let everyone else die? 


Five years later, an underwater research facility called "Mana One" is leading a mission to discover the possibility of an even deeper depth than the Marianas trench. The research is led by Dr. Minway Zhang, along with his oceanographer daughter Suyin Zhang (Li Bingbing). The project is financed by Jack Morris (Rainn Wilson). The mission goes well until the submersible, which has three crew members in it is attacked by an unknown creature and loses contact with Mana One. 


Jonas (I only realized now, is the perfect name for this character ~ you know? Jonas and the whale? Get it?) is asked to help rescue the trapped crew members and possibly come face to face with the Megalodon, a prehistoric shark, long since thought of to be extinct.  

(c) Warner Bros. Pictures

"We do, what we always did. We discover and we destroy". 

Yes, man, who is supposedly the steward of the earth can get really selfish and really stupid at the same time. 

There's a scene which points out to the issue of shark pouching and how cruel it is. Pouchers would cut off the fins of the shark and throw them back in the ocean for them to die - "just for a bowl of soup" and the Megalodon destroying a "shark boat" is just poetic justice. 

"Its not about the people you left behind, it's also about the people you saved."

Lots of personal sacrifices and survivor's guilt in this film. 



Probably my favorite Jason Straham movie to date (loved the "Finding Dory" reference by the way). It was so nice to see him interact with audience favorite, child actor Shuya Sophia Cai who played Meiyin, the daughter of Suyin. I thought they had better chemistry than Jonas with Suyin. Who were unfortunately the subject of some ill timed flirting and something that the film could have just left off. 

I thought that maybe it was too "Chinese" for me? Produced and distributed alongside China's Gravity Pictures, we all know making the film appealing to Chinese audiences is a technique to break into their coveted market. 


Also why no Philippines when they raised the alarm for the Megalodon? Warn Australia but not us? (LOL). I know, I know. Given the political climate we weren't going to get a mention, unlike in "Jaws".

(c) Warner Bros. Pictures

"The Meg" is more than just a shark movie. There are fun plots, lots of relevant themes, a character with a drive and a purpose. Jason Stratham wasn't just a macho dude who was going to take on a giant shark. He also has excess baggage and issues and its nice to see that vulnerable side of him. Although that was only there for an instant and he's back to his steely-eyed, heavy accented self (deeeeym those abs sure got me distracted for a second).


There is stills some cheesy and corny dialogue ("That living fossil ate my friend!") but that's forgivable.  

Lots of complaints about the film being PG and not being bloody enough. Well, look at it this way, at least the kids can go see and enjoy it right? Granted of course, they are accompanied by adults. One officemate was asking me about the film, since her son has shown great interest, correcting his mom with "Megalodon" instead of "The Meg".  I assured her of its rating and if kids can watch Jurassic World then they can watch "The Meg". 


Also, given the ratio and proportion of the Meg and a human adult, you really won't see much tearing flesh and blood, its just all one big gulp. Its the chase and the question of survive or snack that becomes important.   



5.5/10 - "The Meg" is one fun creature feature popcorn flick, just leave your expectations at the door and enjoy it for what it is- entertainment best enjoyed in the big screen.