MOVIE REVIEW: Ne Zha 2

We were invited to the special screening of Ne Zha 2 hosted by SM Cinema with special guest, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian.

Ne Zha 2 delivers a thoughtful and valuable story that explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and power while also highlighting the importance of family. At its core, the film emphasizes how love, trust, and understanding within a family can shape one's destiny. Ne Zha’s journey is not just about proving his strength but also about understanding his connections with those who care for him. The emotional depth in the film makes it more than just an action-packed adventure—it’s a touching reminder of how the support of loved ones can help overcome any challenge.

Visually, the film is nothing short of breathtaking. The animation quality is so stunning that it feels like watching a PlayStation cutscene in 4K resolution. Every detail, from the fluid combat sequences to the richly designed environments, enhances the cinematic experience. The battle scenes are especially exhilarating, with smooth choreography and dynamic camera work that make every fight feel immersive. The vibrant colors and incredible visual effects bring the mythical world to life, making it a feast for the eyes.

Beyond the spectacle, Ne Zha 2 balances intense action with humor and warmth, keeping the film engaging for audiences of all ages. The comedic moments are well-placed, lightening the mood without detracting from the story’s emotional weight. The interactions between characters, especially between Ne Zha and his family, highlight the importance of love, patience, and sacrifice. These heartfelt moments add layers to the narrative, making the characters feel more relatable and their struggles more meaningful.

With its compelling story, stunning visuals, and strong family values, Ne Zha 2 sets the stage for an even more exciting third installment. The film ends on a thrilling note, leaving fans eager to see how Ne Zha’s journey will continue. If this sequel is any indication, Ne Zha 3 is bound to be another powerful blend of action, emotion, and life lessons.

Ne Zha 2 is now showing in theaters, in Chinese Mandarin with English subtitles.

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TWISTERS movie review

I can still remember a scene wherein we are able to see inside the eye of a tornado in the 1996 version of Twisters. In this remake from the same producers, Warner Bros. Pictures, Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, our characters are braver to get into it and apparently were able to find a solution to "tame" nature's wrath.

In Twisters, it advances the technology of forecasting a tornado and tracking its course which somehow our characters would be able to prevent its destruction and help in the survival of the communities it may hit.

The difference between the 1996 and this versions, is that they injected a love factor between Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Tyler (Glen Powell) while they are pursuing their passion with science. And what's more scary if a tornado hits at night? If I remember correctly, the 1996 version sends you in the experiences of the characters and it's very original at that time. That would make it a hit especially when played in a 4D theater house.

Daisy Edgar Jones and Glen Powell's on screen chemistry was at least not cringey and lines were not cheesy. Anthony Ramos at least got his character arc which I also thought if he was ever going to be in a love triangle with Kate and Tyler. But are conversations in Kate's old lab and scientific explanations accurate? Hope someone can explain to me in the comments.

Twisters is now playing in theaters.

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SRR Extreme 2023: Spine-tingling scares before the holidays

WARNING: Contains major spoilers.

Continuing the tradition of the Shake, Rattle and Roll trilogy during the holidays, Regal Entertainment Inc. presents the new line up of scary movies that puts the variety of film experience Filipinos were accustomed of. And this year, they have come extreme with three stories that are worth watching. I was happy to attend and gala night on November 26 at Market! Market! cinema in BGC and sharing my thoughts about this set. Themes were almost all Gen Z, I think, in general.

Glitch (by Joey De Guzman)

A demon captures vulnerable children's attention as their families were slowly torn apart through technology. In the modern times, Iza Calzado is a busy mother that no longer believes in prayers while she displays the Nativity scene in time for Christmas. Her daughter was lured by "Gary The Goat" in a kid's show and it was invited into her home with a bewitching chant. None that she is aware of but the goat is actually a demon that hurts and kills the people that disagree with the child. Appearing as a friend to the child but actually a punisher in disguise. The story gives a religious premise which is already predictable.

Lesson: Don't spoil the kids with gadgets and monitor what they're watching. 6/10

Mukbang (by Jerrold Tarog)

A group of social media influencers gather in a "dream collab" hosted by a couple. While they enjoy their stay in a collab mansion, feast on a delectable meat lovers buffet, their personalities change one by one. Strange as it seems, it was just ignored until they discovered they're in a monsters' lair that transfigures to their victims and eats human flesh to stay immortal. This movie is a balanced mix of fun, Gen Z spirit, a non-cringy romance and horror that social media savvies will enjoy. 8.5/10

Rage (by Richard Somes)

An alien life form from the meteor shower infests and transforms a provincial barrio into an angry zombie district that kills everyone in sight. In this story of survival, Jane de Leon and her friends try to escape the place through all means. This zombie-slasher segment knows how to do it. 8/10

Shake, Rattle, and Roll: Extreme stars Iza Calzado, Paul Salas, Jane de Leon, Jane Oneiza, Paolo Gumabao, with social media stars, AC Bonifacio, Ninong Ry, Esnyr, Phi Palmos, and more. Opening this Wednesday, November 29, only in theaters nationwide.

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SUPER MARIO BROS. movie review

It's a total nostalgia for 80s and 90s kids who grew up with the best video game franchise. The Super Mario Bros. Movie takes us to all the worlds where the Italian plumbers Mario and Luigi have taken their adventure to.

The animation from Universal Pictures and Illumination has lots of elements from the video game that gamers will be spotting throughout the movie. It's an eye candy for the fans actually.

Though the plot is quite simple, Mario saving Luigi from the wrath of Bowser, needing lots of help from Princess Peach, Toad and the King Kongs, it excites the viewers to every scene. You'll be taken to the dark forests, rainbow road for a kart ride while powering up with mushrooms and fire flowers. It's a blockbuster treat that we really did not want to miss.

Super Mario Bros. Movie opens tomorrow, April 19 in theaters nationwide. Featuring the voices of Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Keegan Michael Key, Seth Rogen and more.

Don't miss the scene at the end of the credits.

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I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY movie review

For our first movie of the year, it's nothing but the biopic of one of the greatest voices in entertainment -- I Wanna Dance Somebody,  a movie about the life of the one and only Whitney Houston is already playing in cinemas. It could have been in theaters last Christmas but we have to give way to our local film festival.

Entering the cinema for the first time this year gives lot of chills especially if you're really in for an exciting movie. We've been waiting for IWDWS since the first trailer was released last October. From the writers of Bohemian Rhapsody, you can also watch out for a great show. The theater lobby of TriNoMa cinema 7 during the premiere last Thursday booms with Whitney's iconic songs and you really can't stop yourself from singing along.

IWDWS reveals lots about the life of Whitney Houston (Naomi Ackie). Nippy as she's called was pushed by her mother Cissy Houston (Tamara Tunie) leading to a fruitful partnership with her good friend Clive Davis (Stanley Tucci). You'll admire Whitney's talent in making her songs bigger than the demos, delivering her amazing voice to the waves.  She also relates her songs to her experiences, women empowerment, and family. It's great to know the story behind each song and appreciate it to the core.

Whitney's life is not all fame and glamour. The movie takes you to her journey and relate to her. Her ups are glorious and downs drop to the lowest. You'll love her friends who wished her success and hate the people that brought her down. Bobby Brown and her dad were two different antagonists on her life and influences, at least she learned to fight and get up again. But old habits are hard to stop.

There are 22 songs that are featured in the movie, and you will ask to grab a mic like how you've seen Bohemian Rhapsody. Though some of the songs didn't finish all throughout, at least they were included in the list.

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody is now playing in theaters, directed by Kasi Lemmons from Columbia Pictures.

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BLACK ADAM movie review

DC's new character on screen Black Adam is paving the way for a new and exciting universe for new heroes and villains. Maybe Warner Bros. already realized the formula to get a good origin story for this new character.

While we are focused on Dwayne Johnson in the lead character, his story was well established in the whole movie and giving us reasonable flashbacks why he came to be. We are introduced with his magical beginnings and how he got his powers.

On the other hand, we wish there are also some back stories for our Justice Society. Dr. Fate (Pierce Brosnan), Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell) and Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo). The team up works but maybe their potential could been showcased more and highlighted. Who knows, maybe we'll get spin offs of their characters.

Atom Smasher

Cyclone

Dr Fate

Hawkman

Black Adam injects dark humor, full of action and interesting story. It builds up an exciting element at the end that you don't want to miss.

Black Adam is now showing in cinemas from Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Comics.

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DC League of Super-Pets movie review

Heroic, cuddly and furry friends are up to save the world in the family film DC League of Super-Pets that will be in theaters today. Warner Bros Pictures and DC Comics brought our fur-riends to the big screen to showcase their superpowers and show us how they treasure their master's care and reciprocate their love unconditionally.

In this film, we are taken back to the cute origins of Krypto (Dwayne Johnson) and his loyalty to Super-Man / Kal-El / Clark Kent. Living the lifestyle of the super dog in town, Clark felt that he could endanger his love to Krypto so he went to a nearby pet shop to find his dog a companion while he is with Lois. There Krypto meets pets for adoption of unlikely blend, Ace the Hound (Kevin Hart), Merton the Turtle (Natasha Lyonne), PB the Pig (Vanessa Bayer) and Chip the Squirrel (Diego Luna). An event that also involved the guinea pig Lulu (Kate McKinnon), Lex Luthor and the Justice League has turned Krypto's new found friends into unexpected team of animal heroes that will later on save the world.

I personally recommend parents to bring their kids to see DC League of Super Pets for your quality time. Aside from seeing the Justice League and these fur friends save the world from evil, the movie is a lot of fun and touch. There are quite a number of familiar banters that are excessively funny and unimaginable to be included in this movie but does the work well.

It also encourages the kids to be good owners of animals and to be responsible to their friends. It's an overall enjoyable movie that kids and parents will both love.

DC League of Super-Pets also gives us two end-credits scenes so stay tuned until the end. Also features the voices of John Krasinski, Keanu Reeves, Olivia Wilde and more. Directed by Jared Stern and Sam Levine, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

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THE GRAY MAN movie review

Netflix's The Gray Man features two of our favorite actors, Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, throwing punches, kicks and bullets in this high-octane action flick.

Ryan Gosling_The Gray Man

Ryan Gosling plays Six, an ex-convict chosen by the CIA that eventually triggered a worldwide manhunt against him before exposing a top secret information. And to protect a young girl from the group of assassins lead by Lloyd (Chris Evans) who are also in quest for him.

The Gray Man is a film with a simple plot but you'll be served with action-packed sequences. Ryan Gosling could have made his audition as 007 (but he had an inside joke that this was already taken so he chose "Six") because of his intense stunts. From parks to train, even underwater, Gosling has proven his versatility as an actor. Evans was also an effective villain, creating a new page to his portfolio. Also Ana De Armas really goes by her name with her strong kicks and punches in this movie.

Ana De Armas_The Gray Man

Chris Evans_The Gray Man

The Russo Brothers really did well with The Gray Man that is good for both streaming and theater platforms. We're missing a lot of action movies nowadays so The Gray Man is a great movie to watch on. Grab your popcorns as it streams on Netflix July 22.

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THE ADAM PROJECT movie review

There are many reasons to like Netflix's new sci-fi movie The Adam Project starring Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Zoe Saldana, Walker Scobell and Catherine Keener. You're looking at familiar MCU actors and a story that's more than just sci-fi effects.

The MCU-lifted cast means you're going to love how it trolls MCU movies, especially the latest ones in that "multiverse" reference. It's not a spoiler, it's already mentioned in the trailer. In true Ryan Reynolds fashion, you'll be expecting more of this throughout the movie.

It's also a time-travel movie that you're going love. Its family theme really gets in the feels especially if you're one of those people who would like to turn back time and amend the wrong things you've done in the past. Your family relationship, how you dealt with other people, the old (Reynolds) and the young Adam (Scobell) have some provisions up to the end of the movie. It will also help you to think about your decisions in the future and eventually make yourself proud if you've made the right one.

Ryan Reynolds, Mark Ruffalo, Walker Scobell in The Adam Project

The Adam Project starts streaming tomorrow, March 11, only on Netflix.

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THE BATMAN movie review

The Batman movie will be out on March 2 so you have to get your tickets in advance. While we have a new caped crusader in Robert Pattinson, right now we have to applaud him in his performance as Bruce Wayne and the Dark Knight.

Slowly parting from the "animated" presentation in the comics, The Batman gets the villains into darker and less kid-friendly costumes but still they are distinguished as Batman's enemies. The villains were established not just as Batman's enemies but of society that were corrupted of their freedom and resources. The movie strongly talks about each character's struggles which gave them their reasons to disturb Gotham. 

And then I did not realize that this is Colin Farrell. Great job on the make up!

The Batman also revealed a different Robert Pattinson. This opened up a new element and something that I've never seen before. So deep and serious but really sends the feels. Somehow you may be able to connect to his character than the previous ones. WB also made some deliberate tweaks on the character that worked well. No fanfares on his costume and Batmobile and you're really in for the story.

The Batman opens in theaters, March 2. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures PH. Follow #TheBatman on social media for more updates.

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VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE movie review

I wasn't able to watch Venom in 2018 so I had to see it before I got out to see Venom: Let There Be Carnage in theaters which opened last December 8 here in the Philippines. So I am glad that I did it to follow the events of the latter.

In Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) interviews Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson) from confinement. And when things heated up, because we know Venom tends to get offended easily, he accidentally infects Cletus and becomes a host himself. Brock and Venom's relationship is breaking up, both wishing that they could live freely without one another but in the end tends to be they are depended to each other. The Lethal Protectors are about to fight a new symbiote, Carnage, that owns Kasady terrorizing the city.

Tom Hardy's screenplay is shorter but it gives you anticipation for the next movie. It gave lots of parallels with Spider-Man, from symbiote's weaknesses and saving their love interests, giving a nod to former Spider-Man movies from climax through the end of the movie. May I also add you really have to watch until the end. An exciting reveal will have you on the edge of your seats.

Andy Serkis' director had made it more interesting with his better understanding on the Jekyll & Hyde persona of Eddie Brock. His many credentials on puppetry on LOTR, The Hobbit, Planet of the Apes used more help in this movie masterpiece.

Catch Venom: Let There Be Carnage in theaters. From Sony Pictures and distributed by Columbia Pictures Philippines.

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MOVIE REVIEW - Cinderella (2021)

We have seen a lot of adaptations of the fairy tale Cinderella and Amazon Prime's version takes us into a surprise. The movie that was released in the streaming app on September 3 not just gave us a dose of magic that we needed, but it livened up the senses for a musical production with a modern twist.

The start already sets the mood for a good musical with Rhythm Nation cover by the ensembles. While some songs have a pop-py arrangement like Somebody to Love, Material Girl, and more, 2 original songs are also great to hear with their unique melodies. But I'm so thankful that they stopped Pierce Brosnan to belt a tune -- which I think is an inside joke here.

Cinderella stars Camila Cabello in the title role but instead of the character that we are accustomed to, this girl has her dreams. Think about having the skills and won't really need a man and she knows how to rely on her own. Idina Menzel playing the stepmother is somewhat likable and not too mean compared to Cate Blanchett's Lady Tremaine. Media favorite Billy Porter gave his entertaining portrayal of the rather fierce fairy godmother as the Fab Godmother. Prince Robert (Nicholas Galitzine) on the other hand, while belts out good tunes for his songs, comes as either the one being saved here. It was a very different approach on the characters by Kay Cannon which main aim is to entertain.

Nicholas Galitzine and Camila Cabello

Charlotte Spencer, Idina Menzel and Maddie Baillio

Overall, Cinderella's beguiling show also sets some underlying themes if you assess it deeper. Women making their choices, being strong and wiser could deserve a nod for many audience.

Cinderella is now streaming in Amazon Prime.

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MOVIE REVIEW - Reminiscence

Warner Bros. Pictures new sci-fi and crime movie gives a subtle message on the effects of climate change with an inception case going on. Reminiscence stars Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Ferguson.

Hugh Jackman is Nick Bannister, a mind investigator who looks on the memories of his clients. He is being challenged by his new client (Rebecca Ferguson). A simple case becomes an obsession after she disappears and he fights to learn the truth about her.

In a world getting submerged under the water due to the effects of climate change, there would be new opportunities grabbed by the rich. In Nick Bannister's technology, the memories become of high value as these become new evidence of crimes. It also has become a person's prized possession to review again and again to feel the memories.

While the movie concept is nice and the storyline is just light, I think there is something lacking that will glue you into it. It didn't have to be the police or whatnot, but solving the crime that transpires is already okay. Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Ferguson's reunion brings you back to The Greatest Showman with that irky feeling and expectation that they'll sing again -- at least for Ms. Ferguson.

Reminiscence is already playing in theaters in the US and you can also access it in HBO Max.

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MOVIE REVIEW - The Suicide Squad (2021)

When I was dosed off with Suicide Squad in 2016, this new version by James Gunn got me interested in the characters and unseen twist of events. James Gunn's Suicide Squad is altogether wickedly funny, colorful, and more exciting than its predecessor.

The initial team that we meet at the beginning were a distraction to what we're really being served throughout the movie. But their features are not to be ignored as they have great unique abilities and served a purpose to the real ones. My personal fave from that team is TDK. His detachable limbs, naming him The Detachable Kid is one crazy literal sh*t that ended soon.

In the real Suicide Squad, I think Gunn has provided equal screen time for all the characters. Idris Elba, John Cena, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman and the others were highlighted with their skills and emotions. But the most adorable one is King Shark (Sylvester Stallone), his massive size and modest presence was made even more special in his aquarium scene.

The Suicide Squad is now in theaters and streaming on HBO Max.

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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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MOVIE REVIEW - SPACE JAM: A New Legacy

Warning: Contains spoilers

After 25 years, the Tunes are back in the game with now a new human was forcibly taken from the real world in Space Jam: A New Legacy. Bugs, Lola, and the Tunes get to know LeBron James, as he goes on a mission to save his son, Dom (Cedric Joe) from Al G. Rhythm (Don Cheadle) through a game of basketball.

When you already have something to expect from the movie, this was even more exciting because you will have a Warner Bros. geekdom in more than half of the movie. You get to spot a lot of characters from animations, movies, and series which I have already discussed here. We'll get more and you'll be excited and busy looking for them in every scene. The ones we haven't spot in the trailer gave a surprise in the basketball spectacle.

Justice League Easter Egg in Space Jam: A New Legacy

There's also one thing that crossed over from one animated universe. I was amazed to find another Easter Egg with the flying saucer A-113 -- if you're familiar with it, A-113 is always present in Pixar movies. The artists of Space Jam: A New Legacy I think deliberately put in on the scene to give tribute to their classroom while they start in animation at the California Institute of the Arts.

It is good that they somehow were able to connect it with the original Space Jam as the aliens of the Mean Team were also present as spectators of the game. If you're looking for Michael Jordan, you'll get a Michael Jordan as well. 😉 That's only the connection of these two movies and it's well-executed.

The Tunes are also getting an upgrade. Space Jam: A New Legacy combines 2D and 3D animation. Would this pave the way for them to be in 3D in upcoming movies and series? I hope so. Warner Bros. could create a new experience for its loyal and new audience with the new look of the Tunes.

On a serious note, this opens up the avenue for families to bond despite the available technology and discover their potentials. LeBron's acting was okay and not cringy if I'll assess it. I think he did better than Don Cheadle, no offense. 😉 I was also expecting more of Zendaya voicing Lola Bunny but I think she had enough airtime here to balance it with LeBron. But you still did a great job, Z.

Space Jam: A New Legacy is now streaming on HBO Max.

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MOVIE REVIEW - My Amanda

Alessandra de Rossi's directorial debut My Amanda revolves around the strong relationship of Amanda and TJ who are both attached to each other but not romantically. They probably teasing with no sexual attraction but denying their true feelings for each other.

The story goes with TJ's voiceover that seems like his heartfelt story for Amanda while we are being taken to their moments of comforting each other in dealing with their complicated relationships. They experience both ups and downs and they prove to us that friendships are unlabeled commitments. They also have the funniest memories, there also the saddest times, but TJ and Amanda held on to each other up to the last. The surprising twist was a little heartbreaking in the end.

My Amanda can be classified as good and Alessandra deserves an applause for coming up with the story and directing it. She and Piolo showed the journey on how the audience can relate to their characters.

My Amanda is now streaming on Netflix.

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MOVIE REVIEW - Black Widow

After being delayed by more than a year, Marvel movie highlighting Black Widow did not disappoint, as it served well of much-anticipated solo movie for the strongest woman Avenger.

Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff Black Widow

Starting by tracing Natasha Romanoff's (Scarlett Johansson) younger years, which I thought she was Alexei (David Harbour) and Melina's (Rachel Weisz) younger child because it looked like a boy, we can already sense or her strong will and strenght to protect anyone who tries to harm her family. We've already seen a part of her past in Age of Ultron but I thought we're going to see more of her growing up in the Red Room. Then after many years of being separated, and her values changed becoming an Avenger, it was not really the happiest family reunion because all of them had become weapons of the group that they serve individually.

Scarlett Johansson, David Harbour, Florence Pugh

They also acknowledged the characters that we're missing in the MCU like Captain America, Ant-Man, Iron Man and Clint Barton. Her dark past was also explained further so we're going to feel her sadness despite she being so stiff and focused on her missions. Becoming an Avenger has changed her a lot. At least we also get some humor with Yelena disowning Natasha's landing pose in every fight.

 The action scenes hightened up from the first half of the movie to the second part but I think her sky fight was breathtaking. The punches and kicks are so solid and I almost felt it. I wish it could be seen in IMAX.

Like every other Marvel movies, you have to stay until the post-credits as it may usher another chapter in the MCU. Scarlett Johansson has given her best performance as Black Widow and this exit was a great achievement for her and the MCU. Her character will surely be missed. Kudos!

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