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 GOOD LIAR movie review

What started from a good relationship turns out to be a well-crafted swindling act in The Good Liar. Two amazing actors, Ian McKellen plays as Roy Courtnay and Helen Mirren as Betty McLeish begin as two lovable characters and their true selves reveal as the story unfolds.

Both started to be very lovable but when Roy shifts as a conman dealing with millions of money, you'll hate him very much and feel bad about Betty. His antics are very well planned and he can get away with it flawlessly.

Ian McKellen as Roy Courtnay

Meanwhile Helen Mirren gets to have your affection effectively and she'll draw you to be concerned of her character, Betty.

Helen Mirren as Betty McLeish

As the story goes along, the scenes are becoming predictable but exciting with hidden twists. You cannot really much distinguish which character is telling the truth as the title suggests. A good eye and playful mind will applaud this wonderfully written screenplay about truth and deception.

The Good Liar is now showing in the Philippines, distributed by Warner Bros. Philippines.

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LAST CHRISTMAS movie review

Written by Emma Thompson and directed by Paul Feig, Last Christmas gives a positive vibe on George Michael's song with the same title featuring Emilia Clarke (Kate) and Henry Golding (Tom).

After a series of unfortunate events in Kate's life working as an elf in a Christmas store, Kate meets Tom that gives a turn on events that seems too good to be true. I think a lot of people did not notice "Tom and Kate" tandem in this one but well-played, Emma.

Henry Golding (Tom) and Emilia Clarke (Kate) in Last Christmas

Aside from the songs of George Michael, you would not expect the twist that really has a "heart" in it. Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding are okay but you'll love Michelle Yeoh and Emma Thompson more. Especially when you see Michelle Yeoh play a different character from the serious ones she had in Crouching Tiger and Crazy Rich Asian. (This makes a reunion for Henry Golding and Michelle Yeoh from the successful CRA movie)

Michelle Yeoh

Emma Thompson and Emilia Clarke

For George Michael fans, you'll be served with many hits like, of course, Last Christmas, Freedom and more. I think that his songs fit well in the soundtrack of this film.

There are also many types of love covered in this movie. Last Christmas reminds us that there are no boundaries and labels when it comes to love and kindness and it doesn't also limits us to share goodwill in this time of the year.

#LastChristmas opens November 27 in the Philippines. Distributed by Columbia Pictures.

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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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DOCTOR SLEEP movie review

I actually watched Stanley Kubrick's The Shining first in time to prepare for the next chapter, Stephen King's Doctor Sleep. I must say that this was way more exciting, not really much of a horror movie but a psychological thriller that you can enjoy. I think that it made The Shining a prerequisite for you to understand more about this movie.

Providing that much reference to The Shining, it can stand on its own, less the overused symmetrical shots from the movie but still paid good tribute that you can connect the dots in Doctor Sleep. Here, they call "the shining" as "magic" and this provides new vision of a person's death or spirits.

Ewan McGregor as Danny Torrance

Ewan McGregor, who plays Dan Torrance, started off as a wasted individual, whom you'll suspect that he really had a trauma within almost 40 years after "The Shining." But he takes you on an adventure on how he endures a new phase of his life while still "shining."

Doctor Sleep opens in cinemas in the Philippines starting November 7 from Warner Bros. Pictures. #DoctorSleepMovie

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LINGUA FRANCA - more to life of a transwoman

QCinema 2019 offers Lingua Franca, a journey in the life of an undocumented transwoman in the US - featuring Isabel Sandoval as producer, director and the lead actor (as Olivia) for the said movie.

More than just the usual LGBT-themed movies nowadays, Lingua Franca was able to represent not just the LGBT community but also taking us along in her struggles under the political landscape and its effects to undocumented immigrants. Her story mirrors each Filipino's lives and makes us immersed in their emotions and how they wrestle life in search of greener pastures.

Aside from the green card that many immigrants are longing for in the US, Olivia had her share of ups and downs in love and job working as a caregiver to another elder immigrant.
 Lingua Franca is one of the international entries in the QCinema Film Festival 2019 and showing from Oct 13-22 2019 in leading cinemas within Quezon City.

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BABAE AT BARIL

Cignal Entertainment hosts the Rae Red's directorial debut film Babae at Baril featuring Janine Gutierrez in the lead role. The film was an official entry to the 2019 QCinema Festival competing with other full lengths and docus from here and abroad.

Cast and Creative Team with Cignal Entertainment Execs for Babae at Baril

At first I thought that it was as an action-packed film, as we have been missing these kind of movies from the 70s to the early 90s. But instead, Babae at Baril had been more of a mirror of life's situations as experienced by a simple department store saleslady who somehow "acquired" new "powers" by a gun. Janine's take on the role is quite believable -- her innocence and retaliation to those who wronged her made her appear very strong and empowered. She showed that every lady should be able to defend themselves and be very vigilant.

I also liked how the put out a backstory on the gun. How an object could transform a person with just a trigger. This has put very theatrical concepts with a few dialogues that is presented good in the film.

Babae at Baril is an official entry to the QCinema International Film Festival 2019. Playing in major cinemas around QC from October 13-22, 2019. Cast includes Felix Roco, Alan Paule, Elijah Canlas, JC Santos, and Sky Teotico with special participation of Ruby Ruiz and Archie Adamos.

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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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SPIDER-MAN FAR FROM HOME movie review

I think this is the best Spider-man movie to date! This contains many spoilers so read at your own risk.

When you're trying to move on from Avengers: Endgame's losses, you'll definitely miss Tony Stark at the first half of the film. Many of the movie's scenes are trying to remind us about the greatness of Iron Man in the MCU. You will surely empathize with Peter Parker (Tom Holland) how he loved Tony Stark as a father he never had.

And they just revived how Peter Parker was a whiz kid to begin with. A close distance from Homecoming, his geeky side flourished again and this makes him official to inherit Iron Man's ingenuity in science. It seems like Tony has groomed him well as the next tech man. Having your own EDITH would be cooler too.

The CGI scene are well-executed, like Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) has played a major part in the post-production of this movie. However, the scene when he acquired EDITH from Parker is a cringey moment. Sorry don't like that part.

This is even more fun than Homecoming. Ned (Jacob Batalon) steps up as new lover boy; Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) and Happy (Jon Favreau) had a thing going on, MJ (Zendaya) is more upfront and I like her more here. They all got to have a love life going on and that's a cute thing.

Jake Gyllenhall as Mysterio 

And JK Simmons is back as The Daily Bugle chief! How I missed him as J. Jonah Jameson even in the Tobey Maguire series. No one does it like him.

Spider-Man Far From Home is now showing in cinemas. Don't miss the 2 scenes mid- and post-credits.

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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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