MOVIE REVIEW - Jungle Cruise

The Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt starrer, Jungle Cruise, hits the theaters recently. The joys of exciting scenes and surprises on-screen are what I missed the most.

Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt

Based on Disney Park's Jungle Cruise, this production elevates the experience of the attraction with water rapids, wild animals, enchanted forests, and even hidden jungle tribes -- so brace yourselves as you go aboard the Amazon adventure.

Dwayne Johnson plays Frank Wolff, who currently works as a tour guide to the Amazon rivers caught in the adventure of an archaeologist Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt) and her brother MacGregor (Jack Whitehall). The search for an enchanted tree that is believed in legends had them cross with another hunter and the unknown mystics of the Amazon trail.

Jack Whitehall, Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson

It's like I'm watching a combination of Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean in the themes and adventure. You'll have lots of trees, snakes, piranhas and also mystical creatures that are coming from the dead. Expect the same good Dwayne Johnson injecting humor that you can buy and Emily Blunt and her British self that works on a good chemistry. Visuals are also great but the leopard Proxima is too obvious CGI. Above all, Jungle Cruise is still an enjoyable flick for the family.

Jungle Cruise also casts Paul Giamati, Edgar Ramirez, and more. Directed by Jaume Collet-Sera for Walt Disney Pictures.

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ZOOTOPIA movie review

ZOOTOPIA returns Disney-style of telling fables and now a story that can be very relatable in the likes of light CSI and even everybody's everyday life. This cute animal story plays February 17 in cinemas and full of representations that we encounter in our everyday lives.

Zootopia looks like the Disney castle from a glance. You can also see many familiar icons throughout the movie and make sure that you find them. There are exposed past and upcoming Disney movies within scenes.

In Zootopia, we see a lot of representations of people. Starting with Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin), a farm-town dreamer of making it to the big picture. Like everyone, we like to see our full potential despite of the little size. She is also perked up in her first day of work and putting the best foot forward to impress everyone around. Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), a fox which is very unlikely to partner up with a bunny could represent as the most unusual people who could become as friends as they could be helping us in the difficult time when we least expect it. Turns out, that they are the most qualified people that we would like to be with every time. Ms. Bellwether, the sheep, might be the type of person you have to be careful with. She may look like a sweet and calm angel, you'll never know that she is capable of pulling people down behind their backs. There are also the big guys, the animals who bullied Judy Hopps because of her size and doubted of her capabilities and were of no help of pursuing your own dreams.

The funniest scene about Zootopia is with the sloths at the transportation bureau. Flash and the other officers will be testing your patience and it clearly reflects how people share their experience in the government agencies (at least here in the Philippines).

Zootopia also reflected how we would like to see our own world. Where people, big or small, live harmoniously. But it reminded us that it is not perfect but can release our potential to be great and push for the greater good for people living in one community. You can hear it from Shakira's song playing all through the movie. It also got the African beats that you'll love.

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Disney's ZOOTOPIA

First Disney movie for 2016 gives an energetic take where all animals, predator or prey live together in one community that is Zootopia. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything.

We follow rookie officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) prove herself as a good and lawful servant, cracking a case even if it takes her to partner with a scam-artist fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman). Being the first bunny officer, she finds herself within big and tough fellow officers.

Joining Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde is an assembly of unique characters that will surely become future fan favorites.

Chief Bogo (Idris Elba), a cape buffalo and the stern (yet goofy) head of the Zootopia Police Department. He is reluctant to add Judy Hopps to his squad of hardened rhinos, elephants and hippos.

Mrs. Otterton (Octavia Spencer), a desperate otter who turns to Officer Judy Hopps for help in solving her husband’s mysterious disappearance.

Leodore Lionheart (J.K. Simmons), a lion and the noble mayor of Zootopia who coined the city’s mantra that Judy Hopps lives by: “In Zootopia, anyone can be anything.”

Assistant Mayor Bellwether (Jenny Slate), a sweet sheep with a little voice and a lot of wool, who constantly finds herself under the foot of the larger-than-life Mayor Lionheart.

Duke Weaselton (Alan Tudyk), a small-time weasel crook with a big-time weasel mouth, who tries to give Judy the slip during a police chase.

Yax the Yak (Tommy Chong), the most enlightened, laid-back bovine in Zootopia. When Judy Hopps is on a case, Yax is full of revealing insights.

Benjamin Clawhauser (Nate Torrence), Zootopia Police Department’s most charming cheetah who loves two things: pop star Gazelle (Shakira) and donuts. From his reception desk, he greets everyone with a warm smile and a helpful paw—covered in sprinkles.

Flash (Raymond Persi), the fastest sloth who works at the DMV (that’s Department of Mammal Vehicles).

Bonnie Hopps (Bonnie Hunt), Judy’s mom, and Stu (Don Lake), Judy’s carrot farmer dad. They are worried about Judy moving to Zootopia and the untrustworthy big-city mammals who live there—especially foxes!

Finnick (Tommy Lister), a fennec fox with a big chip on his adorable shoulder.

"Zootopia” is directed by Rich Moore and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures. Follow the official social media accounts of Disney in the Philippines, namely, (FB) WaltDisneyStudiosPH, (Twitter) @disneystudiosph and (Instagram) @waltdisneystudiosph and use the hashtag #ZootopiaPH. Watch the trailer below:

Zootopia - Full trailerHere's a funny take on the world's bureaucrat system with animals as characters.Zootopia opens February 17 from Walt Disney Studios. Distributed by Columbia Pictures Philippines. #ZootopiaPH
Posted by Ohmski on Monday, February 1, 2016

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DISNEY movie line-up for 2016

Presenting the exciting Disney movie line-up for 2016.

“Zootopia.” From the directors of “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph” comes this new comedy adventure. Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin), the very first bunny on Zootopia’s police force, jumps at the opportunity to crack her first case—even if it means partnering with fast-talking, scam-artist fox Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman) to solve the mystery. (Opens Feb. 17)

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” finds Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in two camps—one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey, Jr.) surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability. (Opens April 27)

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” The first entry in Lucasfilm's new standalone Star Wars stories series, “Rogue One” tells the story of resistance fighters who have united to steal plans to the dreaded Death Star. The film is directed by Gareth Edwards (“Godzilla”) and produced by Kathleen Kennedy. The stellar cast is led by Oscar-nominee Felicity Jones. (Opens Dec. 16)

“Finding Dory.” This animated adventure reunites everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, with her friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale? Directed by Andrew Stanton, the film features the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O'Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton. (Opens July 20)

“Alice Through the Looking Glass.” An all-new spectacular adventure featuring the unforgettable characters from Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories, Alice (Mia Wasikowska) returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp). (Opens May 26)

“The Jungle Book.” Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub raised in the jungle by a family of wolves, who embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery when he’s forced to abandon the only home he’s ever known. (Opens April 07)

“The BFG.” The talents of three of the world’s greatest storytellers – Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg – finally unite to bring Dahl’s beloved classic “The BFG” to life. Directed by Spielberg, Disney’s “The BFG” tells the imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country. The BFG (Mark Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. (Opens Aug. 10)

Marvel's “Doctor Strange” follows the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions. The film will show audiences corners of the Marvel Cinematic Universe never before explored, thanks to director Scott Derrickson. (Opens Nov. 04)

“Moana.” Native Hawaiian newcomer Auli’i Cravalho, 14, joins Dwayne Johnson in this big-screen adventure about a spirited and fearless teenager named Moana (voice of Cravalho) who, with help from demi-god Maui (voice of Johnson), sets out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder. (Opens Nov. 30)

“The Finest Hours.” This heroic action-thriller is the remarkable true story of the most daring rescue mission in the history of the Coast Guard. Presented in Digital 3D™, and starring Chris Pine, Casey Affleck and Eric Bana, the film will transport audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale. (Opens March 02)

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ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS teases with trailer

Alice returns to Underland for a new mission. Now to save the Mad Hatter and Underland from destruction of time. "Alice Through the Looking Glass" is the sequel to the Tim Burton and Disney hit, Alice in Wonderland, which features our beloved Wonderland characters. The movie is set for release in summer 2016 (May 27).

“Alice Through the Looking Glass” reunites the all-star cast from the worldwide blockbuster phenomenon, including: Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska and Helena Bonham Carter along with the voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall. We are also introduced to several new characters: Zanik Hightopp (Rhys Ifans), the Mad Hatter’s father and Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen), a peculiar creature who is part human, part clock.

Alice Kingsleigh (Wasikowska) has spent the past few years following in her father’s footsteps and sailing the high seas. Upon her return to London, she comes across a magical looking glass and returns to the fantastical realm of Underland and her friends the White Rabbit (Sheen), Absolem (Rickman), the Cheshire Cat (Fry) and the Mad Hatter (Depp), who is not himself. The Hatter has lost his Muchness, so Mirana (Hathaway) sends Alice on a quest to borrow the Chronosphere, a metallic globe inside the chamber of the Grand Clock which powers all time. Returning to the past, she comes across friends – and enemies – at different points in their lives, and embarks on a perilous race to save the Hatter before time runs out. See the trailer below:

Are you ready to follow Alice on another adventure? Get a first look at the teaser trailer of Alice Through The Looking Glass, in cinemas May 2016.
Posted by Walt Disney Studios on Thursday, November 5, 2015

Alice Through the Looking Glass is also the reunion of Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter after Les Miserables in 2013. Here's some first look images of Sacha as Time:

Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” opens across the Philippines on May 27, 2016.

“Alice Through the Looking Glass” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures. Follow the official social media accounts of Disney in the Philippines, namely, (FB) WaltDisneyStudiosPH, (Twitter) @disneystudiosph and (Instagram) @waltdisneystudiosph.

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OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL movie review

finally seeing it before it ends the theaters is the movie that i very much anticipated. OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFU from Walt Disney Pictures made me to like it even more than the trailers. though others may have seen it and didn't like it, i don't know how would i explain it to them but the movie was really good.

if you're basing the story from two books, Wicked from Gregory Maguire and Wizard of Oz from L. Frank Baum, of course you'll in for a great disappointment. but connections have been very very close from L. Frank Baum's book.

politics is a very prominent issue in the story. sisters Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Theodora (Mila Kunis) are in conspiracy to rule Oz. notice the dynasty going on and they are agreeing over one brain that is greater evil. greed and power is what would Evanora has been eyeing for quite a long time. while Theodora, the more vulnerable one, takes her revenge from a heartbreak with Oscar Diggs. earlier manifesting her weakness of decaying in water, the Wicked Witch of the West likewise afraid of new things that happen in Oz.

the young wizard, Oscar Diggs (James Franco) gives a new perspective of how we knew the Wizard of Oz. the jolly carnival magician was indeed a womanizer, attracting beauty around him. a clever man, his resourcefulness caught him to make the people of Oz to believe that he is the actual wizard they expecting. the lesson, never fail anyone and forget to doubt yourself. you create your own destiny and aim for greatness.

with all the high production value with the beautiful set and costumes invested in this movie, i think there might be some flaws, however, in the actors' execution of stunts. flying Glinda and Evanora seem like they don't have balance in their weights and looked like they're wiggling on air. i just didn't imagine that Glinda had fogs as power. on the positive note, items are consistent in connecting with the later scenes and gives a clear rationale in the development of the story. right now, i am more excited on how they immerse Dorothy and her three comrades in connection with Oz.

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A magic carpet ride

i was transported back in time when i saw Atlantis Productions' newest musical, Disney's ALADDIN. starring Tom Rodriguez as Aladdin and our new Disney Princess from the Philippines, Kayla Meagan Iovan as Princess Jasmine. opening November 16 to December 9 2012 at the Meralco Theater, this is one musical that you have to take your kids and kids-at-heart to.
one of the very famous Arabian Nights tales, ALADDIN takes us all into the adventure of a street rat getting lucky rubbing a magic lamp and assisted by a genie (Aiza Seguerra) to grant his wishes. including to impress a girl who happens to be the princess of Agrabah and whose title throne would be sacrificed when not married at the right time. living in a lie and adding to the big ambition of Jafar, a wizard with an evil plan to rule Agrabah, Aladdin discovers that greatness is not what found on the outside, but what is inside.

when Atlantis Productions makes this musical to happen, i already had a lot of things to think on how they will do the set, the Cave of Wonders, grandiose productions and most of all, the magic carpet. some characters from what we know of the Disney animation, Abu the monkey was replaced by three men who also come as narrators and comic relief of the story. when Tom and Kayla went out, everybody was already expecting A Whole New World over the magic carpet which flowed gracefully onstage. both of them are in their prince and princess aura. Tom also had that Aladdin role very well suited for him from a playful street rat and to a gallant prince. Kayla, on the other hand, is a strong-willed princess. and she sang almost like Lea Salonga! A Whole New World turned very romantic while seeing them up the magic carpet.

ALADDIN takes us more to the Arab culture with the set and costumes. the market to the palace and to Genie's production numbers, are wonderful.

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BRAVE movie review

"everybody can change their own fate, you just have to be brave to face it." that would be an inspirational line i heard at the end of Disney and Pixar's latest movie collaboration, BRAVE. which opens today in theaters in 2D and 3D formats.

the story is about Merida, a princess who doesn't act like one. she is passionate about making her own adventures instead of staying inside the castle waiting for a knight or a prince to take her hand. this worries her mother, Queen Elinor, for not acting like a princess for one, setting aside all her plans for Merida. the conflict between mother and daughter raised Merida's anger to her mom and when she gets the chance, she puts magic to change her fate.

despite this conflict, the family keeps intact and she's got the coolest democratic father. King Fergus who leads the kingdom lets his children where they want to go and what they want to do. a perfect opposite of the queen and whom Merida goes very well.

Brave is sure to be a good movie but it just follows all the "prove-yourself" type of stories unlike Up and Wall-E. and here, there's no direct antagonist but herself, making the curse to work. it just signifies that we are our own enemies.

opening in August 1 in the Philippines, Brave scores a new princess through Merida but she's not a damsel in distress. in fact, she may save you from danger. but she's a little stubborn.

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THE AVENGERS movie review

it was just really exciting scene after scene watching the collective Avengers in one screen. Thor, Ironman, Captain America, Black Widow, the Incredible Hulk, Hawkeye and Nick Fury giving us a serving of what they can do in the (hopefully) first installment of The Avengers by Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Pictures.

even not as a comic fan, i just enjoyed the whole movie with all those not-Michael Bay blasts and action. the more interesting execution of the characters by Robert Downey, Jr. (Ironman) and Chris Evans (Captain America) is that in spite of their superhero abilities, the more human persona gets out of their wits. even gods Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) were even deceived by the earthlings in their stay. the mission is to acquire the Tesseract, a strong mineral from space capable of producing power for living or to destroy. aimed to be protected by S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), he secretly forms a plan of bringing together incredible humans to resist evil plans when the Tesseract was acquired by other individuals.

my only thing from the promotions and movies produced that Black Widow and Hawkeye were not given as equal billing like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and the Hulk which weve known the origins from previous movies. but they were given equal shining opportunities throughout the movie. what i mean are the stunts and fighting techniques that they all used. everything is super though maintained to be human: Hawkeye recycles his arrows, Captain America and Tony Stark's funny dialogue and the Hulk -- just smashes! Mark Ruffalo, by the way, did a splendid job on the character. even the graphic Hulk is incredibly fascinating, the closest modifications to Mark's face.

seeing it in 3D is ok with those pointing things coming out of the screen. you can maximize the great movie experience with the good quality of sound from the cinema. but all in all, the movie isn't too stressing from all the blasts and violence. but parental guidance is still recommended.

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JOHN CARTER movie review

it may be funny with all the hate for Taylor Kitsch referring to his bad airport experience, this guy has been getting lost. and not just locally, i mean, in intergalactic distances. his movie, John Carter, may be one evidence.

this is based from the novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs which Walt Disney has developed into a movie. it's about John Carter who was fugitive in his hometown, Virginia, and accidentally discovered a gateway to another planet.

the said planet is next to the earth known as Mars. but John Carter was told that it was called Barsoom by the locals. here he gets into an epic adventure.

for me, John Carter is a combination of most sci-fi and epic movies. found out resemblances from Star Wars, Xena: The Warrior Princess (Lynn Collins as Princess Dejah Thoris), Independence Day, etc. but i must say that these movie elements weave a good story in John Carter. adventure and action is the main genre of the film and it didn't really focus on the love element but it's something to watch out for, hopefully a sequel is on its way.

CGI effects, puppets and even machines are way too advanced at least for the time of the earth set (1800's) but i'm just not really convinced on the continuity how John Carter was able manage all of his adventures. i guess some scenes are still needed to give background to the character.

Lynn Collins (Princess Dejah Thoris) and Taylor Kitsch (John Carter)

John Carter opens Friday, March 9 in the Philippines.

Photo Credits: Walt Disney Studios

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PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4 movie review

Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is off to his new quest and now to search for the fountain of youth in the fourth installment of Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides which opens today at cinemas nationwide. brought to us by Walt Disney and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

a new treasure hunt is on from the valid reason for the existence of the fountain of youth. and now, Jack Sparrow is off to get his lion's share of the fountain. but he has to be with the crew of Queen Anne's Revenge which is led by the feared Captain Blackbeard (Ian McShane). his past lover, Angelica (Penelope Cruz), also joins them in the quest.

in search of the fountain, they will encounter deceiving mermaids and long, difficult jungle trails. at the end is the treasure that can bring eternal youth and power. as others have also made their own expeditions, it was a struggle of who comes first. not only a race but also a greed on religion. Spanish expedition who came to the cave of the fountain of youth had other beliefs. thus, they destroyed the sanctuary and the banished the fountain forever.

i think this movie lacks action sequence, weird sea creatures and amazing scenes and effects. but it can stand alone from the previous Pirates movies. mainly centered on Jack Sparrow as he was the lead character. costumes and make up are all good especially with Blackbeard. as drawn in Spongebob Squarepants, they really look very much alike. there is a slight unnecessary content on the movie. just as i thought that they will look back on the love story of Jack Sparrow and Angelica but it was something else.

check out Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides showing in all cinemas. brought to us by Walt Disney Pictures International.

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TANGLED DVD out now!

Walt Disney’s latest princess hit “Tangled” featuring the voices of Zachary Levi and Mandy Moore as Rapunzel is now hitting the video stores. The Tangled DVD is available right now for only 11.95. you must reserve now a copy to relive and remember Rapunzel’s adventures with Flynn Rider.

In Tangled, I can remember that they gave the back story of how Rapunzel was put into the tall tower since she was a baby. And there’s something magical with her that’s why the wicked woman kidnapped her from the Royal Family. With curiosity in her mind, she wants to get out to the real world. But she was forbidden by her stepmother because of her selfish agenda.

Crossing her way was a thief-at-large, Flynn Rider, who was like the Robin Hood of their kingdom. With a schemed incident, he befriends Rapunzel and he had given the lost princess’ one-of-a-kind adventure. Their tandem is one fun and exciting combination and a very memorable one. With Flynn, Rapunzel even discovered her true roots.

But for every success story there’s a big pitfall, since Flynn had discovered that Rapunzel is a royalty, he had the chance to get rich himself. Using Rapunzel as lure to the wealth, she was unaware that she will be used. Flynn’s conscience had to fight for had fallen in love with the girl, for real.

Tangled was more that fun. It’s a nice combo of songs, story, humor and magic good for the kids. I have noticed that some scenes are patterned from other Disney Princess story.

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