MOVIE REVIEW - Lady and the Tramp

This review is quite late but at least I remembered that there was a live-action remake of Disney's Lady and the Tramp. I think this was the first movie they promoted when they released Disney+. So I went to watch it and to tell you honestly that the movie isn't quite bad.

Just how cute Lady and Tramp are if you look at them getting to know each other at the start, then sharing great moments together, especially during that iconic candle-lit dinner by the restaurant listening to a romantic song.

The opening really sets its mood but it felt like I'm watching a similar story of the guy who isn't from a rich family while the girl is, they met, they fight, they discover and understood their differences, get attached, get separated, then guy gets into trouble and the girl saves him. If you knew a familiar story, please tell me in the comments. 

Lady and the Tramp features the voices of Emma Thompson, Justin Theroux, Sam Elliott, Ashley Jensen, Benedict Wong, Janet Monae and more. It is still streaming on Disney+. 

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JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL movie review

We're going back to the video game after 2 years in Jumanji: The Next Level. It's a next level of adventure, comedy and friendship that has greatly improved from the 2017 movie.

Bringing back Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan as avatars of the teenagers who found the wicked jungle video game, they are off to a new quest that absorbed Spencer (Alex Wolff). New quest to restore Jumanji's world balance that is threatened by a tyrant leader. Not knowing that the game also captured two, seniors Eddie (Danny Devito) and Milo (Danny Glover), who had a long time grudge.

Danny Glover and Danny Devito as Milo and Eddie for Jumanji: The Next Level

Nick Jonas, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Dwayne Johnson, Awkwafina and Kevin Hart
for Jumanji: The Next Level

The game is more intense and the characters discover new skills (and new powerful avatars) that weren't there in the jungle. There's even a new feature that added to the comedic factor of the game that will have you laughing harder than the first one.

JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL is now showing in cinemas, distributed by Columbia Pictures PH.

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A SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE: FARMAGEDDON - movie review

This is the first time that I saw a Shaun the Sheep production and I can recommend it for you to watch it with your kids. It's 97% FRESH on Rotten Tomatoes so you'll have fun watching it.

Farmageddon has a familiar plot but I won't spoil it for you to watch with your kids. Also, the alien is so cute that I wish it could have a merchandise available.

I admire the clay-animation that the producers gave a lot of effort to. I really had no idea that this was close to a Mr. Bean show which has very minimal dialogues but the effects and visuals are fit for your kids to enjoy. The soundtrack also rocks and don't miss an mid-credits scene.

A Shawn the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is showing on December 4, from Cartoon Network.

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THE TWO POPES movie review

Habemus Papam! A phrase that keep the Catholic Church rejoicing for centuries and continuing the faith in the Doctne. Fortunately, Netflix made an extraordinary movie that talks about the relationship of the two leaders of the Church in our time. Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce play Popes Benedict XVI and Francis in The Two Popes that will start streaming in Netflix on December 20.

When I saw the trailer, I noticed that they resemble pretty much of the two popes. And what's more interesting is that we had a deeper look into controversial events that involved Ratzinger and Bergoglio.

The Two Popes gives us a peek of the conclave as we've never seen it before. The selection process involved politics and more importantly, the virtues of Christianity has been looked in scrutiny. At least, for me I can say that we have a great pope in Pope Francis right now who ushers in modernization and reform in the Catholic Church with his ideals.

Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Bergoglio in conclave (The Two Popes)

This also reminds us that they are not divine and they've shown their pure human and funny sides. Being a pope has given them so much pressure to preserve the faith of 1 billion Catholics around the world and that we should also continue to pray for them to have the wisdom and faith to lead us to holiness.

Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins as Cardinal Bergoglio and Pope Benedict XVI in the summer residence (The Two Popes)

The exchange of dialogue between the two moves me and it preaches to you to be spread kindness. One line is so powerful, "Mercy is a dynamite that destroys walls." To give you the full context of this statement, you need to watch the whole conversation that is written very beautifully. The Two Popes contains great lines from two great actors about the great relationship of two great persons.

The Two Popes will be streaming exclusively on Netflix starting December 20.

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Why watch Himala: Isang Musikal again?

Aside from it's one of the greatest stories ever told in cinema, the iconic "Walang himala!" cry of Nora Aunor on screen, Himala: Isang Musikal is a masterpiece that still very relevant and moving. Combining the great achievement by Ricky Lee and music by Vince De Jesus, seeing it for the second time at Power Mac Center Spotlight, I was still in awe of the spectacular story and performance of this exceptional cast.

The mystical plot while you're immersed in the black box theater where you get to experience how Brgy. Cupang turned from "cursed to blessed" is a one-of-a-kind experience. The cast, led by Aicelle Santos as Elsa, (with Neomi Gonzales as Chayong, Kakki Teodoro as Nimia, Sheila Francisco as Nanay Saling, David Ezra as Orly, Floyd Tena as Pari, Vic Robinson III as Pilo) I was more drawn into the emotions and the story than the first time I saw it. Himala is something that makes you appreciate more and more every time you see it.

Sheila Francisco gives great emotions with just a stare of the eye. The depth of her performance is quite felt. Vic Robinson III is a stronger Pilo than of Sandino Martin and I think they have more chemistry than Neomi Gonzales.

 

Collectively, the whole cast did an amazing job reliving this timeless piece and still worth another award and should not be missed. The story needs to be retold again and again, to wake us from blind beliefs and put faith where it's due. And our Filipino artistry deserves your applause.

The Sandbox Collective's Himala: Isang Musikal is playing (September 20 - October 20, 2019) at the Power Mac Center Spotlight. Tickets are sold at 1000, 1300, 1700 and 2300 via ticketworld.com.ph

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IT CHAPTER 2 movie review

The Losers Club is back in Derry in Stephen King's It: Chapter Two are about to bring us the creeps from childhood and bring them back in a more terrifying way.

In 27 years, every one has separated and moved on with their lives to forget the horrific clown. However, Mike has summoned them back as more persons go missing and Pennywise (Bill Skarsgaard) might return soon. This has started when a man was disbodied after he was tortured by a bunch of homophobic boys at the beginning of the movie.

Now back to the Losers. It's amazing to see that they had huge resemblances to their adult selves. And to know that every child has specifically pointed who will portray them in It: Chapter Two is uncanny. Bev grew up to be Jessica Chastain, Bill to James McAvoy, Richie to Bill Hader, Mike to Isaiah Mustafa, Ben to Jay Ryan (some coin him as Ben Handsome), Eddie to James Ransone, and Stanley to Andy Bean. You can find the perfect casting in the adult versions of the Losers Club.

Isaiah Mustafa, Bill Hader, James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Jay Ryan for It: Chapter 2

If you've seen the first trailer of It: Chapter Two where Bev returns to her old home and met an old lady named Mrs Kersh, there are more horrors in store for each member of the Losers as they all went back to remember their childhood days in Derry. There are also a lot of Easter Eggs that you might discover especially when you've read the book which has more details of scary stuff. I was actually covering under the sheet, thanks to my seatmate who offered to share his blanket so I can cover, aside from that the Powerplant Cinema is cold.

Easter eggs and a good cameo would not be enough for It fans especially if they read the book. But if you're in for Pennywise's evil laugh and sharp teeth and some mystery findings, you'll enjoy this flick that's playing in theaters now. It's a 3-hour horror ride so you better pee before anything else.

It: Chapter Two is based on Stephen King's novel and directed by Andy Muschietti under Warner Bros. Pictures.

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ALADDIN 2019 movie review

The 2019 remake of the Arabian tale Aladdin is a feast to the eyes and gives pure nostalgia with fresh twist for everyone who've seen it before.

Featuring majority of the cast that makes Hollywood diversity alive, Mena Massoud's portrayal of Aladdin inks in the books. Naomi Scott's Jasmine also gave a more stronger character than the animated movie and puts women empowerment a concrete picture. Will Smith gave a credible Genie that has a hip hop and pop approach to our blue friend and they gave him a love interest! Who says magical creatures can't fall in love? However, the lovable Sultan was very serious and lost the connection to the audience. Marwan Kenzari's Jafar would be a more connection to the audience with his younger features than the animated counterpart.

Mena Massoud and Will Smith in Aladdin

Navid Negahban and Naomi Scott (Sultan and Jasmine)

Marwan Kenzari as Jafar

An ambitious production especially when they sang "Prince Ali" is what gave me the whole theatrical feels. It was so grand, better than "A Whole New World" actually, and all I can say is it's glorious.

Will Smith (Prince Ali)

With new songs from Alan Menken and the team, each of the characters were given quite a deeper meaning of their joys and obstacles. Jasmine's "Speechless" moves us to fight for what is right. We also felt Aladdin's sorrows in "One Jump Ahead." In "Friend Like Me" and "Harvest Dance," Mena Massoud wows us in his dancing skills -- it was also like Bollywood greatness combined with an HSM twist.

Aladdin is still showing in cinemas.

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MOVIE REVIEW - Dark Phoenix

20th Century Fox finishes the X-men saga with Dark Phoenix, starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hault, Tye Sheridan and Sophie Turner who plays the title role (Jean Grey/ Phoenix).

Since this was last of the X-Men series, and we are all looking forward for their appearance in the next chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, unfortunately, Fox did not usher some introduction whether they will be somehow be encountered by the Avengers. Sorry but I kind of lost interest in the series, blame it on mutant fatigue.

The X-men still stands on its own and inflicted a conflict with their own kind. The 90s animated series could give a great reference on how she got her power but you can read it on Wiki as well. Dark Phoenix was not at all bad, but most of those who followed the story will disagree. For me, Dark Phoenix has the best effects since the X-men movies conception in the early 2000s and this is a great way to finish the saga.

Jessica Chastain (Vuk) and Sophie Turner (Jean Grey/Dark Phoenix)

Director’s Club by SM Cinema takes watching movies up a notch with its La-Z-Boy chairs, in-your-seat butler service and state-of-the-art projection system. Snack Time also offers a wide array of food including Bacon-wrapped German Frank Sandwich, Aloha Hotdog Sandwich, Cheeseburger, Beef Nachos and Flavored Fries makes watching movies extra fun.

I love this remote!

Catch X-Men: Dark Phoenix is now showing at SM Cinema’s 64 branches, or at IMAX and Director’s Club Cinemas nationwide. Book your tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app. You can also follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for updates. Satisfy your cravings at Snack Time, the official food concessionaire of SM Cinema, which offers a wide array of snacks like popcorn, hotdogs and burgers to complement your movie watching experience. Follow SnackTimeOfficial on Facebook for more information.

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GODZILLA: KING OF MONSTERS movie review

Long live the King! Godzilla is a massive mythical adventure in the modern world. Setting the human drama aside, the titanic fights can stand on its own.

For Millie Bobby Brown's first big screen movie, Godzilla: King of Monsters could unite fans of the strange and old, as this movie combines mythological and ancient creatures. Godzilla whom we thought was a threat to mankind turned out to be a "friend" for the humans. Warner Bros. introduced massive and amazing creatures: the Rodan, Mothra and the fiercest three-headed Ghidora, all fighting for supremacy on the world and its resources. As I've said, you can eliminate the human element which should be to blame in the release of the monsters. I didn't even notice Zhang Ziyi was included in this movie! Felt bad too for Ken Watanabe's fate on this. 😔

Millie Bobby Brown in Godzilla: King of Monsters

 

There are also some Easter eggs to watch out and it will be very exciting to see the big beasts in one epic and massive battle.

Godzilla: King of Monsters is now showing in theaters and it is better seen on IMAX 3D. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

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THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR movie review

Saw a new millennial romance entitled The Sun is Also a Star, based on the young adult novel of the same name by Nicola Yoon who also wrote Every Thing, Every Thing. Starring

I haven't read the book but as what I can sense from the movie, I felt the shallowness of the plot and characters portrayed by Charles Melton (Daniel) and Yara Shahidi (Natasha). I got the point of making most of the time but come on, you have priorities! Especially for Natasha who was supposed to worry about her family's deportation the next day, but instead, she put it aside and flirted. Who does that? I may not be the target of this movie but I think it's ridiculous.

Also I am thinking of the realities of the distances of the places they went to within New York. From the lawyer, to the planetarium, to the park -- they already had wasted a lot of time for travelling. If someone who is in New York who is reading this right now, kindly confirm if I'm right.

I just got excited to see John Leguizamo who happens to be the two's lawyer on different issues. The only character who is real throughout the movie. To the Natasha and Daniel, forget it. They just do not contribute something good to the minds of the audience. 4/10 for the New York trip and the absurd love story.

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THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA movie review

Warner Bros' The Curse of La Llorona is another horror flick to watch out this summer and it will give you chills and even be scared of brides and crying ladies in the dark.

 

Following an old Hispanic legend about a murderous mother who suffered from infidelity, the Curse of La Llorona threatens a social worker and her kids who were drawn into the supernatural realm. I was actually almost covering my eyes in the anticipation of something might happen to the children in the movie but more scared when the ghost of La Llorona appears to capture their innocent lives.

Roman Christou (Chris), Linda Cardellini (Anna), Jaynee-Lynn Kinchen (Sam)

In the climax of the movie, managing a way to end the curse could be a tedious work and tried to inject a bit of humor through a former priest Rafael Olvera (Raymond Cruz) which spoils the scares. But it's more exciting when you'll find out that there's a special connection in James Wan's horror universe. Find out why when you see the movie.

The Curse of La Llorona has special sneak previews today and tomorrow, April 22-23 in cinemas. Opening May 1 in theaters nationwide, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

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Cute Piggy plushies from Miniso this Chinese New Year

If you want a cute display as we usher in the Year of the Pig, Japanese fast fashion brand Miniso gives a wide collection of cheerful and huggable pig plush toys that will surely give you good luck and positivity this year.

For children born in the Year of the Pig are distinguished by a rare cheerfulness, optimism, and never lose heart. It is impossible to find a sad child of this sign, he or she finds happiness in small things: communication with close people and friends, favorite toys, delicious food. He believes that life is given for happiness, any problems are easily solved, the main things is health, a positive attitude. It's advisable to get close with this kind of children to bring you happiness in the new year.

Behind kindness lies a determined nature that always follows their goals, but acts gently and tactfully without offending the dignity of others. Pig girls are gentle, kind, and caring. Pig boys, on the other hand, are valiant knights with a good heart. He reads a lot, knows countless interesting stories, strongly achieves his goals with dignity. Surround yourself with pig-sign people to attract positive vibes and to stay focused.

Channeling the positive, joyful vibe of the Year of the Pig, Miniso has adorable and fluffy pig plush toys in dinosaur and bunny costumes as well as huggable pillows, creative eye masks and novelty neck pillows.

Check out these Year of the Pig inspired plush toys available this February at Miniso stores in most SM Supermalls nationwide. Also follow @MinisoPhilippines at Facebook for more stylistic and quality affordable products.

   

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SILENT SKY review

From Reine Productions and Repertory Philippines, based on the story of a lady that followed the stars and made a great discovery about patterns that has changed the course of astronomical history and studies. Silent Sky has led Henrietta Leavitt (Cathy Azanza-Dy) to a breakthrough, though she left everything that made her -- family, and even raising a family of her own -- to pursue her dream.

In Silent Sky, we can learn how women were almost deprived of their abilities and left domesticated as what happened to Margaret Leavitt (Caisa Borromeo). How their rights were stooped down by the men and to do the hard work which pushed them to do greater things.

In a way, Silent Sky has this approach of making a totally nerdy play into something enjoyable and funny. Like the Big Bang Theory but tables have turned and there are more female than male cast (Topper Fabregas). There were also some cheesy line exchanges from Peter Shaw and Henrietta that will take your emotions above the moon and stars. The rise and fall of emotions will take the audience to an emotional whirlwind that are exciting. There is one great line between Shaw and Henri that will swoon us "...we're far, but not apart."

Adding to the great casting of Azanza-Dy, Borromeo and Fabregas are Ms Bibeth Orteza (as Annie Cannon) and Naths Everett (as Williamina Fleming) that can actually steal the show with their antics and presence. Ms Bibeth has this domineering but powerful dialogues that you will agree with and Naths performed a natural Scottish astronomer that also fueled Ms Bibeth's teases to Henri and Peter Shaw.

The production design that depicts the cosmos, the laboratory and the costumes that define the period are well executed that it didn't have to work on special effects made it extraordinary.

Silent Sky runs for 2 weekends only, starting from Feb 1-3 and Feb 8-10 at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

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MARY POPPINS RETURNS movie review

My heart smiles as well upon seeing Mary Poppins Returns now showing in cinemas. The nostalgic film that features Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda gives a nostalgic feeling of the old Mary Poppins movie that marries animation and live-action in a single screen that inspires the young and the young at heart to believe to the impossible and enhance their imagination.

Mary Poppins Returns continues the story of the Banks children and Jack who are all adults now and with a new conflict as they were about to lose their home to a Wolf (Colin Firth). Through her unique magical skills, and with the aid of her friend Jack, she helps the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives.

It was a wonderful cinematic and theatrical experience dance sequences that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy and new songs that you can sing to your children to keep the glow into their faces. It is also feel a good reunion movie for Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada and now they're both singing and dancing. Julie Walters, though not sharing a scene with Meryl Streep, for Mamma Mia! for another musical memory. Emily Blunt proves again her versatility as an actress in doing this movie and it's funny that you'll forget A Quiet Place where she doesn't even say a thing, and now she lets it all out with the singing and dancing.

Thank you to Disney Ph and Vista Cinemas for letting us into this magical experience in their VIP cinemas.

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