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My Top 20 Favorite Movies
Reviews
Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2 (2014)
Plenty of funny moments but a toned down version of everything else in Tiktik.
Kubot is a sequel to another MMFF entry Tiktik the Aswang Chronicles which once again stars Dingdong Dantes in the role of Makoy. It is however a toned down version of Tiktik. Toned down version in terms of gore, in terms of special effects, in terms of scare factor, in terms of storyline, in terms of acting and counting and counting. It is however funnier than the first one. Lolot de Leon (who plays Dingdong's sister in the film) provides great comic relief though corny most of the times.
Isabelle Daza plays the role of a good Aswang and who became an ally to Makoy. Joey Marquez is still present in the movie while Lovi Poe was only good in the first few minutes after being sucked dry by the new breed of Aswangs who can elongate their hair (headed by Ms. Elizabeth Oropeza.
Kubot strayed from what Tiktik did best. In doing so, it lost its steam and magic. It became corny and tiring to watch given that it was a festival movie. The character of Dingdong became as tiring as well. The character was a pain to watch. The charisma was no longer there.
The ending showed Marian Rivera (Dindong's wife and regular FHM's sexiest candidate) on a cameo role who vows vengeance for the death of their kind. I do not think this sold well either leading to another sequel. The MMFF for this year have no entry for a third offering (sigh)
Don't expect Kubot to be a better movie than its predecessor. No wonder it was a flop in the box office. It din't even have a DVD release to date. I like Erik Matti's work but he definitely sucked from this one.
Batman vs. Robin (2015)
Enjoyable and entertaining but nothing out of the ordinary
One thing going on for DC Universe Animated Original movies is, they're violent. But when in comes to violence, expect nothing less from Batman story lines. Afterall, Bruce Wayne's life was labored in violence.
The movie is a follow-up to Son of Batman, where Damien Wayne now living with his father Bruce, tries to fit in with the code and discipline that his father live by even if it is a total turnaround from what he was raised for by Ra's Al Ghul. Damien still acts the role of Robin against his father's will.
This plot of the story supplements the other plot concerning the Court of Owls. As the Owl's main assassin, Talon uses Robin's differences with his father as a perfect tool to corrupt him and join his group.
Story ends of course where Batman, Robin and Nightwing and the ever reliable butler, Alfred winning against Talon and his group and Robin deciding to seek help elsewhere on what he should really be.
This movie though an animation is not meant for kids. It is dark and violent.
The action scenes are too physical as you can see Batman and Nightwing being stabbed several times by the Owl's assassins.
The movie focuses on the relationship of Bruce and Damien. It also shows that the Dark Knight being as strong and authoritative as he is have his weakness when it comes to giving discipline to his own son. There were a couple of scenes in the movie where he suggests Damien could be helped by Monks in a monastery somewhere in the Himalayas. This shows that Batman how mighty he may be, may not be ready to be daddy after all:-)
The way Damien Wayne is being projected is little bit exaggerated. Even if he was trained by Ra's, I really do not think he's capable of defeating or out thinking both Batman and Nightwing. The physical built of a 10 year old boy dismantling a similarly trained adult with heavier built is astonishing for a fact. I really think they should have toned down Robin a little bit when he faced Nightwing and Batman. Just saying.
This movie is enjoyable but definitely not better than Batman: Under the Red Hood. Give it a try though.
7-beon-bang-ui seon-mul (2013)
A Father's Day Special
How are movies rated? By way of cinematography? By how the characters act? By how wonderful the CGI are? By how real the movie is? Or by how much the producer spent in the movie?
I do not really care for all of the above.. For me, I rate a movie 10 if I felt the desire to watch it again after a week. If I selflessly share it with others or brag about how good it was or feel proud when I hear somebody else praise it..Those are my parameters.
I wouldn't have mind if you didn't care how a rated this movie or how I reviewed it if I only wanted it for myself. But I really wanted others to watch it. Watch it especially with their daughter if they have one.
I promise you, this movie will make you laugh so hard but in the end it will make you cry so much..One thing good about movies is, they can make make you laugh and you'll love them, they can make you cry but you'll still love them nonetheless:-) This movie is all about that.
I advise you .. DON'T JUST WATCH IT!.. WATCH IT AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN...
The Marine 4: Moving Target (2015)
Action Packed-Non-stop!!
Story/Plot: Shallow Acting: So-so CGI: So-so Action: BOOOOOOOOOM
If you're looking at non-stop action, this movie is for you. This is a direct sequel from Marine 3 where Mike "The Miz" Mizanin reprises his role as Jake Carter, former marine now working as a private security. He was tasked to protect a whistle blower (Tanis) played by Melissa Roxburg.
Fast pace action starts from the ambush (while Carter and company are on their way to the safe house) and ends when no more villains breath. That's an understatement!
Real guns in assorted flavors flood the action scenes. There's just no stopping the body count.Summer Rae plays the role of Rachelle Dawes, the mercenaries' resident sniper and oh boy she's hot on that role.
The Marine 4 is for you if you like fast paced action sequences.. Don't look for a deep story line though. You won't find it in here. But hey.. this was produced by WWE what do you expect..?:-) I say, try it..
Monsters: Dark Continent (2014)
Why do they keep tagging this Franchise as "Monsters"?
This is a War Movie. Period. It is a war about men fighting men. Soldiers against insurgents. If you expect something like Battle Los Angeles, you're in for a big disappointment. Like its predecessor, Monsters Dark Continent uses monsters as backdrop to another story.
I was awed by the trailer and got too excited to watched the actual movie. It didn't bore like the first one. I would say the action sequence are okay but not that awesome. If you like hardcore gun fight, might as well check-out the 3rd installment of "The Marine". This one deals most on how soldier's react when faced with tough decisions.
The drama is there but it's hard to take part in how the character feels. You won't feel any attachment on the characters as the movie failed to build-up their persona along the way.
I would rate this 5 if only for the monster's design. It's a big leap from it's predecessor.
Would I recommend it? Yes watch it please. It's a good way to waste some time if you don't have anything to do.
Monsters (2010)
Is it a Movie or A Travel Documentary?
I would rate this movie according to how I viewed it. How I viewed it is boring. I watched it expecting something like Battle Los Angeles or Skyline. I was wrong. The movie is about travel. It's a story about a photo journalist, Kaulder who needed to escort back home Samantha, the daughter of his employer.
The pace is too slow that it got me bored asleep for 4 times before I was able to finish the whole movie.
The CGI quality is poor (anyway, it only got a $500K budget according to Wiki). The monster designs are poor as well. There is no originality at all. Why would aliens look like giant octopus? Why would their seeds look like mushrooms on trees?
There was not much established rapport on the two characters. In the end they kissed and appear to fell in love. I just don't get it. They have all the chance to show it in more than 1 and a half hour but didn't and suddenly.. there they go.. passionate and all and then the credit rolls.
I do not advise you to run from it.. But I do not advise you to watch it either..
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
Brutally Entertaining.. Kill Bill meets James Bond meets Wrong Turn
This movie was based from the Comic Book, "The Secret Service". I have not read the comic book so I do not know anything about this movie. I was expecting somewhat a Spy Kids type of movie. What with the lead character being on his teen (or at least he still looks like his on his teen). You wouldn't expect something "BONDish", BOURNEish" or "MIsh".
But lo and behold.....this movie is not for kids.. definitely. Limbs are flying everywhere, a human torso was cut into pieces, heads blown off....it's just like James Bond meets Wrong Turn out there. Though you can't actually say the premise as being too dark, I can safely say that it juggles between being serious and being comedic..
The movie is about a young man's (fondly called "Eggy" by his peers) journey on being a Secret Service agent for the secret group only known by their name, Kingsman where the agents names were taken from Camelot's Knights of the round table. He is to follow on the footstep of his deceased father who died heroically in one mission.
Unlike most movies where the main hero passes the test, this one chooses a different path. Eggsy (played by Taron Egerton) was made an agent not because he qualified but because he needs to be qualified given the predicament. By the way, I didn't find much significance between the agents training and their soon to be missions. The training and tests are just there I think as training and tests. That's all. I also find the training on caring for a dog and then as a final test, you'll need to kill that dog truly odd. Though there were blank bullets, I'd say, this test is stupid. The teens are being trained as agents and not as assassins. This portion of the movie reminds me of Azumi part 1 and Naked Weapon where part of the assassin's final training is to kill their partners. The final test in those movies is just appropriate given the fact that the protagonists are being groomed to kill without mercy. The agent's training in this movie is supposed to be on becoming a hero and to protect others. Why the hell would they be tested to kill a dog and then fail if they couldn't? It didn't make sense at all.
I will not go on into so much details. The movie is fun. It was a thrill ride from beginning to end. The action sequence are spectacular. The fight scenes are wonderfully choreographed especially those from Valentine's (name of the main villain played by Samuel Jackson) female assassin, Gazelle. Not to be outdone with were those coming from Eggsy as well as action sequences from Collin Firth who plays the role of Galahad, Eggsy's mentor. You may compare them with Kill Bill's but more fast pace.
It's a fun fun fun movie, the music is great, you'll love it. But if you're not into movies of the violent kind, stay away from this one.
Strange Magic (2015)
Enjoyable but not for everyone
My teenage daughter loved it. I am not a fan of musicals but I also enjoyed this movie. The animation makes you wonder that it's a movie with a darker tone (similar with Dragonnest). Don't expect over the top violence though. This movie was meant to be cute even if the characters aren't so cute. In fact, they're "UNCUTE"!
As most fantasies are, it is a tale of true love against magic though the character love teams are quite odd ( a fairy and a bog creature, an elf and a fairy). The lines are too cheesy but the situations are mostly funny and entertaining.
If you expect something dark, this movie is not for you. If you want something deep, this wouldn't suffice. But if you love musicals and cheesy love stories, this one will suit your taste.
The story is cool but not great.It's not the best animated movie I've watched this year but I must say, it boasts of wonderful visuals
Give it a try.
The Road (2011)
Stylish but not Creepy
As a Filipino, I was so excited to hear a movie from the Philippines getting a worldwide audience and being screened at North America. Seeing the trailer, my expectations are mixed. That's what most Filipino movies are most of the time. They tend to show stylish trailers which tend to leave audience curious, "Wow!", "Uh-ah..", " Will the whole film be as good as that?"
I decided to watched it not because of all the hype but because I like Yam Laranas' previous work, "Sigaw" . Sad to say, it did not lived up to my expectations.
The acting was horrible. All the shouting is pointless. Very typical on a Filipino horror film when teenage actors/actress are being cast. I could say that the acting of Barbie Forteza as Ella, is the most horrible.
The ending, though presented with a twist is not commendable. Spoiler Alert!! How could Luis (played by Renz Valerio) suddenly become a policeman (played by TJ Trinidad)after 10 years? This was not properly established in the film. On the 1988 story arc, it was shown that his parents both died. It was not mentioned whether he was adopted or raised by a relative.In the 1998 story arc, Luis is depicted as a lonesome teenager who massacred Lara (played by Rhian Ramos) and Joy (played by Louise delos Reyes). In this story arc, the house became older and disorganized. It is implied that no one lives there except for Luis. This goes to show that Luis might not have gone to college to pursue a career as a policeman. And what's with the driving skills?
The 3 story arcs are meant to be joined as branches. This is where the movie failed. Being a suspense movie, you should leave the audience guessing until the end. But there's no real suspense here. The burnt car where Lara was, is obvious in the 2008 story arc along with the founding of the heart pendant of Lara by the policeman Luis. It's obvious that it came from 1998 story arc. It is very visible being worn by Lara during her captivity. I don't know. Maybe Yam liked it that way. Maybe the 3 story arcs are not meant to surprise the audience in the end.
So many holes to mention here one by one but if you are a big fan of visual delight, this movie is for you. The environment is very stylish. The view of the road is shot magnificently. The inclusion of butterflies as a background thing is also commendable. How many films do that?
But if you are looking for a deeper storyline, this movie is not for your. If you want to get scared, this is not for you. I know when a movie gets scary. When I watch it with my nephew and he closes his eyes, I know it is scary. But this one, nah.. not a hand in his eyes this time...