UNSANE movie review

Reality is more terrifying than the paranormal.

Unsane's thrilling plot begins when Sawyer Valentini (Claire Foy) was involuntarily confined into a mental institution and being followed by her greatest fear. An estranged boyfriend David Strine stalks and follows her to the institution where she is then drugged and isolated that the stalker can get his control over her. Following Valentini's story inside the facility raises discomfort and excitement that you would be sitting hard at the back of your seat. Some things might go predictable, but have something to bite on when things go unexpected.

Though unconfirmed, it also angers me how insurance companies and hospitals go hand-in-hand in turning the money around where people are made victims for their business. Instead of helping for the cure, they create milking cows from us which is a bigger problem.

The movie is shot entirely on an iPhone without compromising the aesthetics and quality.

Directed by Steven Sodenbergh, Unsane is coming to SM Cinemas this March 21.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

A WRINKLE IN TIME movie review

What if we could snap to the universe just like that?

Well, I would ask, what if I can get back my time just like that? A Wrinkle In Time tried to be an exciting family movie. If not only for Chris Pine, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling who were cast in this film, I am not sure if I would be looking forward to it. A Wrinkle in Time also tries to be very intelligent that kids would not be able to comprehend and turned out boring instead.

And too young for a love plot for Meg (Storm Reid) and Calvin (Levi Miller)? I think so. I just thought that it was okay to have companions in the space adventure, but the love angle is too early to tell. Charles Wallace played by Fil-Am actor Deric McCabe had a better character than Meg and Calvin.

Sorry, 2 out of 5. For amazing visuals at least.

A Wrinkle in Time is now showing in cinemas. Distributed by the Walt Disney Company (Philippines)

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

TOMB RAIDER movie review

Alicia Vikander's Tomb Raider is a confident take on the franchise and made us forget the previous versions of it.

This fresh take on the video game is exciting given that Alicia Vikander is not before seen in previous projects. As Lara Croft, the young heroine can get her hands dirty and makes a strong mark for today's viewers.

However, we can see a few loopholes that spoiled the excitement about Tomb Raider. It missed how she was raised by her own father to become a smart lass that can solve puzzles from the crypt and how she acquired the skill for being a master solver. The reboot had a few flashbacks in it but doesn't justify how Lara became so smart, we could only accept that maybe it's innate intelligence. We're also wondering how can she beat up boys when she was beaten at a grappling match at the early half of the movie. I think her skills could have been more established more so we have a good character build for Alicia Vikander aka Lara Croft. Can't say much to Daniel Wu's character because he didn't do much aside from lending a boat and taking Lara Croft to the Devil's Sea.

But the adventures of Lara Croft do not disappoint because she may be more efficient in an isolated place. She had done so well at island where she finds her father and her strengths bloomed. Some shots are done close to the video game, I remember on scene where it looks like Temple Run. ;) I think with the developments and maybe if Warner Bros. could take the points above, Tomb Raider deserve a sequel as could have promised at the end.

Tomb Raider is now showing in cinemas. Distributed by Warner Bros Pictures (Philippines)

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

Give P50 for footsteps to a better future

Manna from Heaven PH, a non-government, non-profit organization formed by celebrity Marnie Lapus and son Zaq Mendoza who are conducting their Tsinelas Project in support of people who are in need of footwear for their everyday activities.

Like this little girl from Brgy Pampang in Villareal, Samar who came in her best dress bought from ukay-ukay but without any protection from her feet. She was very happy to receive Christmas gifts last December 26, and very excited as it was the first time that people from Manila came to their place. She danced, joined the games and activities but it is heartbreaking to see that she doesn't have anything to wear to come to the event. Thus, Manna from Heaven PH continues this Tsinelas Project for the benefit of children like her.
   For at least P50 or any donation of footwear to Manna from Heaven PH, they can go a long way. For all weekends of March, they will be bringing all collected footwear to less-fortunate barangays. It's a good Lenten activity for us Catholics to do an act of charity for the people.

To pledge or donate, you can contact Manna from Heaven PH at 09985121207 or send a message to http://instagram.com/mannafromheavenPH.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant face-to-face at the Santa Clarita Diet Bloody Carpet Premiere

It was a happy Monday for me when I got to see Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant last night at SM Mega Fashion Hall. Fans, including I, were ecstatic to see Sheila and Joel Hammond in the flesh, for the bloody carpet premiere of the Netflix Original series, Santa Clarita Diet.

While waiting for Drew and Tim, Netflix gave away merch notebook and free Netflix subscriptions to lucky fans who can answer Gelli Victor's questions in a short Q&A game.

As they arrived, everybody was shouting in happiness and they were very accommodating to sign autographs and get selfies with the fans. Unfortunately they didn't pass in front of me but I was in front of the audience so I am a few feet away from the two actors. Drew and Tim were very thankful to everyone who made the time to attend the red carpet and have a moment with them.
Did you know that they were not first-timers in the Philippines? Drew Barrymore is in her second time here and two years ago, she was already in talks with SM to launch her company in the Philippines that promotes empowerment of women. So we're expecting to see her again in the future when the business talks are in place. Timothy Olyphant, on the other hand, spent a short of his younger years in Davao where his father worked in Del Monte Company and his great grandfather was also an engineer at the University of the Philippines.

As a warm welcome, they were offered Strawberry ice cream with gore candies like eyeballs and teeth to still be in the theme of flesh-eating show.

We were lucky to watch the first episode of season 2 of Santa Clarita Diet and I must say that I love the character developments and excited on how things will turn out in the next episodes. There is also one character which we've just been laughing or ignoring about in the past season but now we're not sure if the person will be on the Hammond's side or not.

Here's an invitation from Drew and Timothy and thanking everyone for the support to Santa Clarita Diet. Drew is aware of the traffic in the Philippines!



Santa Clarita Diet also stars Liv Hewson as Abby, Skyler Gisondo as Eric and more. Starts streaming on Netflix on March 23.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

A Lenten exhibit at Sta. Lucia Mall

As a Catholic, traditions are well-preserved especially in Church occasions like Christmas or Lent. Growing up, I can hear Pabasa in different parts of the community which sadly is no longer visible today. However, I am still thankful for the tradition of showing to the public different imagery portraying the suffering and crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ is seen in different churches until processions during the Holy Week.

And for many years, Sta. Lucia Mall hosts the annual Lenten exhibit featuring santos and santas xrom different families and owners who devote their time in adorning them with lavish and regal outfits and jewelry, offering beautiful and fragrant flowers.

Aside from the depictions of the different scenes during the suffering and death of Christ, there is also a Marian exhibit.

The Sta. Lucia Lenten Exhibit 2018 is ongoing until Palm Sunday, March 25. Located at the Ground Floor of Phase 2, beside Home Gallery.

You can give a donation or buy souvenir items, rosaries or stampitas at the entrance when you visit.

For more info, you can follow @staluciamall on Instagram or visit https://www.facebook.com/staluciamall/

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant to visit Philippines for Santa Clarita Diet Season 2 Red Carpet

To promote the upcoming new season and to thank their fans, Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant will visit the Philippines on March 12, 2018, 7PM for the Red Carpet of Netflix's Santa Clarita Diet Season 2 happening at SM Megamall.

Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant star as Sheila and Joel Hammond, husband and wife realtors with their teenage daughter Abby, until Sheila goes through a dramatic change sending their lives down a road of death and destruction but in a good way.

Picking up right where we left off, Season 2 of Santa Clarita Diet finds the Hammonds trying to adapt to Sheila’s now-advanced undead state — even though she’s desperately working to hold on to her suburban lifestyle and not be defined as just another monster. Unfortunately — while the family has become markedly better at murder — the number of missing people in Santa Clarita is starting to pile up and it’s no longer going unnoticed. Meanwhile, the Hammonds are chasing the source of the virus so they can stop it from spreading and save humanity — which seems important. Through it all, Sheila and Joel are grounded by their unconditional love for one another. Sure, being undead — or loving someone who is — isn’t always easy, but don’t all relationships have their challenges?

Santa Clarita Diet Season 2 begins streaming on Netflix starting March 23.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More