Real Steel Film Review

@Gateway Cinema 5 w/D Oct13,2011

Director: Shawn Levy

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Evangeline Lily, Hope Davis

Real Steel tells the story of Charlie Kenton played by Hugh Jackman who travels around with his fighting robots in tow. It is loosely based on the short story by Richard Matheson entitled Steel where fighting robots are the new form of entertainment through the sport of boxing.

While Charlie is on the road, he received bad news about the death of his old beau leaving him an 11-year old son named Max who now needs a guardian. He was then summoned to attend the custody hearing of his son whom he willingly gave to his sister-in-law in exchange of $100,000. His sister-in-law’s husband offered him half the money to take care of Max while they were on vacation. Charlie agreed and took Max with him who proves to be a very strong-willed kid and whose love for video games helps train his robots and Atom, a sparring robot found by Max in a junkyard and successfully fielded it into the World Robot Boxing Championship.

Dakota Goyo who played Max was an absolute darling on the big screen. His immense passion was clearly established with his relationship to Atom. I thought the dancing scenes were funny and it gives you that giggling feeling about the kid that served as an appetizer to an impending good fight, sort of like waiting for a Manny Pacquiao versus a Mexican boxer bout.

Hugh Jackman really delivered his role’s full potential. There were pretty touching moments that simply do magic into the film’s action-packed sequences. These sequences are well executed, as they do not exaggerate real battles but conform into the flow of the film.

The support was also impressive coming from Charlie’s love interest Bailey (played by Evangeline Lily) and his sister-in-law played by Hope Davis.

Another good thing about this film is that it has a vision. The cohesive storyline made it an enduring two-hour flick; you won’t even notice that it was that long. It was a normal story that does not need any twists or shocking scenes to lure you into watching it. It simply is just about robots and the father and son relationship. It may be the result of excellent special effects or good cinematography or maybe even good soundtrack but it boils down to the fact that it was one heck of a film that surely adults and kids alike would enjoy.

My Rating: 9/10

This film review was first posted at Pinoy Exchange. Read all my film reviews at Pinoy Exchange Official PEx Movie Reviews.

-paddylast

Contagion Film Review

@Gateway Cineplex 7, P191 w/D

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Starring: Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Jennifer Ehle

Contagion is a film based on the premise of a SARS / AH1N1 virus-like epidemic, its outbreak and the world’s attempt to contain the disease.

I didn’t actually expect that I would enjoy watching this film because I wasn’t so thrilled about the trailer. I thought it was very ordinary and some kind of an I Am Legend story kind of thing in a more “human way” if you know what I mean. In addition, the film boasted an all-star ensemble led by Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, Jude Law and Marion Cottilard to name a few. This isn’t always the case about “good” films.

I was however very surprised with the flow of the story and the characters that are easily relatable. Its premise is very possible to happen and it is actually a very scary thought. I also love how the film maintained its realistic approach until the end. It was a bit long and draggy at times but the intermittent scenes between the characters in focus will compensate for it.

Jennifer Ehle kind of reminds me of Meryl Streep in this film. Perhaps, it’s because they have similar features that is why I tend to compare her to La Streep. She was great though and very believable. Gwyneth, Kate and Marion are in unison of providing commendable performaces. Jude Law was annoying in this film but I’ve to say that it works really well with his character.

Overall, I did enjoy the film and I’ll give it a very complimentary 8/10 ratings.

Glee: The 3D Concert Movie Film Review

Press Screening Invitation with D.

This film is based on the FOX TV show Glee and its characters performing during their Glee Live in Concert Tour. It also focuses on how big the influence of this show to its audience where it features three different stories that include a girl with Asperger syndrome, a cheerleader with dwarfism and a teenage gay guy.

Since this was a concert film, it features most of the songs that they’ve sung on the show including Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way. Watching the film feels like watching a Glee episode since the cast are all in character throughout the concert with the montage of their fans being shown in between every production number.

The standouts for me are Rachel Berry (Lea Michele), Santana Lopez (Naya Rivera) and Amber Riley (Mercedes Jones) who I think are the three best singers on the show who can really sing good live. Brittany S. Pearce (Heather Morris) was also a scene-stealer as she danced a mind-blowing Britney Spears number while lip-synching I’m A Slave 4U. The rest sound auto-tuned and I am almost sure that most of the songs were lip-synched. There are also great moments though with a very special appearance of one of their professor that you have to watch out for.

Now, if you’re an avid fan of Glee, you’d truly enjoy the film since it’s on 3D, making you feel like you’re watching them live; but if you’re just a regular viewer of the show itself, watching this film isn’t that spectacular of an experience but it is good enough to have you locked on your seat for an hour and a half.

With that being said, I would give it a gleeful 7/10 rating.

The film will open on September 21st in the Philippines.

This film review was first posted at Pinoy Exchange. Read all my film reviews at Pinoy Exchange Official PEx Movie Reviews.

-paddylast

Larry Crowne Film Review

Director: Tom Hanks

Starring

Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, George Takei

I have always been a huge fan of Julia Roberts and her works so I was very excited to watch this film directed by her co-star Tom Hanks whom I equally adore as an actor. The whole scenario of the film is about Larry Crowne, an ex-Navy played by Hanks who got fired from his job because he lacks college education despite his good performance at work.

Losing his job and almost losing his home, Larry decided to enroll at the community college to get an education. There he met his unhappy married teacher Mercedes (Roberts) whom he immediately fell inlove with.

For some reason, I find the plot a bit too boring and very much ordinary. It only offers a bit of humor that I did not expect from Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks! I was maybe expecting some witty lines to come from them. Instead, the scenes of economic professor Dr. Matsutani played by George Takei entertained me more.

It’s still an okay film to say the least. I mean, both Roberts and Hanks are still very charming but it is just not a very spectacular one. After watching it, it’s like – so that was it? It’s like I kinda wasted my money on watching it. This directorial stint of Hanks isn’t what I’ve expected to see. There’s too much unnecessary lines and scenes! However, I still commend the way Tom Hanks effectively portrayed Larry Crowne as described in the film, it’s just too bad that everything about it is forgettable.

Rating: 4 out of 10

This review was first posted at www.pinoyexchange.com

Please read more film reviews at PINOY EXCHANGE Official Pex Moview Reviews

Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank Film Review

gateway cinema 6 - 199 w.d

This film has got to be one of the best Filipino films in years. From the actors to the scripts – it speaks volume and when I said volume, I mean it has its own voice! The film is funny, evocative and just pure genius!

It chronicles a day in the life of three budding filmmakers as they set out to create an Oscar-worthy film! JM De Guzman, Kean Cipriano and Eugene Domingo totally delivered on this one! I love how most scenes were written with humorous intent but it has its subtlety to provoke the audience’ thoughts.

Its mundane exterior was just a subplot to carry us through a ride where the actors delivered their lines with sheer conviction. Kean Cipriano stood out for me here playing the uber-OC director of the movie while JM De Guzman provided the support he needed to give a sense of additional sensibility to the screen.

Eugene Domingo’s portrayal as Mila, the mother of seven children and as her fictional ‘self’ helps the film to find its balance giving support to these newbies.

I won’t tell you guys any spoiler poops about the film but just trust my review. Your money’s so worth it for this one.

Oh and yes, my friend was asking me if I think that this movie is “in reality” an Oscar-worthy one – I say, Why not?

Rating: 9/10

The King And The Clown Film Review

On DVD - 2005 / Korea

Director: Lee Jun-ik

Starring: Gam Wu-seong, Jeong Jin-yeong, Kang Seong-yeon, Lee Jun Ki, Kwon Won-tae, Lee Jun-ik

I just finished watching this one. It's the story of two male street clowns and tightrope walkers, Jangsaeng (Gam Wu Seong) and Gonggil (Lee Jun Ki) whose fate led them to perform in front of the King in Soule who fell inlove with Gonggil and from there - the kings tyranny and his court's corruptin where revealed leading to the death of the clowns.

The film lacks narrative - I was actually waiting for back story to Gong-li's character but I didn't get any until the film ends tragically.

The actors were really good and I'm really impressed with Gam Wu Seong, he's a fine actor! The rest were as good as well, even the crazy king.

On the technical aspects, Costume and Set designs are exemplary as well as the cinematography. It's just too bad that those won't make up for a royally good story. I wished they elaborate more about each characters.

With that, I'd give it a 6/10 rating.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes Film Review

Gateway Cinema 2 - 199 w.d

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Starring: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, Andy Serkis

This was the first time that I’ve seen any “Planet Of The Apes” films. It started with Will (James Franco), a scientist who is trying to develop a cure for Alzheimer’s disease hoping that it would cure his father who is suffering from the it. They experimented the virus with chimpanzees and it mutates giving the chimpz a human level of intelligence. One of the subjects who secretly gave birth became upset and causes chaos into the lab and into the board meeting where Will was presenting, thinking that her baby is in danger. Will’s boss, Mr. Jacobs orders to put all the chimpanzees down but Robert, who was tasked to do it cannot bring himself to kill the baby so he gave it to Will who names him Caesar and raises him in his house. From then on, Caesar displayed the intelligence of a human that he inherited from his mother.

The film was actually a nice combination of technology and human emotions. The Chimpanzees all look real especially Caesar. Andy Serkis who played Caesar was very effective in portraying all the emotions that his character felt. I didn’t get much of James Franco but I love his command on the film. The whole “evolution becomes revolution” thingy was a very interesting plot but I find it too anti-climactic. The “revolution” was like 30mins of the film only. I love how the chimpz terrorize the San Francisco Bridge. Tom Felton was actually really good in here playing the cruel son of the primate facilities where Caesar was brought to after causing havoc at Will’s neighborhood.

Other than my cravings for more “Chimpz Terror,” I’d say the film execution was actually good. The graphics are amazing! I just wished that the film didn’t end like that, or perhaps – there would be a sequel huh?

Rating: 8/10

Cowboys And Aliens Film Review

@ the Philippine Premiere of Cowboys And Aliens

SM Noth Edsa IMAX Cinema c/o Pinoy Exchange

Cowboys and Aliens is based on the 2006 graphic novel byScott Mitchell Rosenberg, which I haven’t read prior to watching this film. The movie starts with a stranger (Daniel Craig) who wakes up in the desert town of Absolution with no memory at all. The only clue to who he might be is a weird bracelet attached to his wrist. Colonel Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford) whose power is feared by the town’s people ran the town of Absolution.

At the night when the mysterious alien spaceships arrive in town and abduct most of its people one by one, the stranger whose name is Jake and is wanted for several crimes according to the town’s sheriff, discovers the use of his bracelet and collaborates with the cowboys to hunt the aliens and save those who were abducted.

I was thinking upon seeing the film’s trailer that it’d be a really interesting watch and something that would be a mash-up between Indiana Jones and James Bond boasting both actors who played each character. I was however a bit disappointed with the several loopholes presented in the film. Everything got mixed-up for me. First, the aliens’ objective to attack to accumulate gold lacks narrative (this is from someone who have not read the book.)

Ella’s scenes (Olivia Wilde) were a bit off because she would just pop out and it was distracting in the serious tone of the film. She always looks good and clean in the film’s dusty setting which kind of reminds me of Megan Fox inTransformers. Although her character is somewhat important because she knows stuff about Jake and the aliens, her dialogue didn’t give much information. Moreover, what exactly do the aliens want from Jake? They remind me of theprawns in District 9 but more grotesque and cartoon-like. Also, the scene which I’m just totally clueless about was the “light” the abductees are looking at. Exactly what is that? A hypnotism device of some sort?

Both Craig and Ford were actually okay and delivered most parts like how they should be delivered, it’s just that you will not feel for them because there’s no connection from them at all. I am not saying that it is a bad film. In general, it took me to that level where I’m expecting a lot of guns shooting and killing with the humans winning. I am just surprised with its mediocrity. The concept may be new to the ear but the scenes – I have seen them before.

Rating: 5/10

This review was first posted at the Official PeX Movie Reviewsat Pinoy Exchange.

-paddylast

The Tree Of Life Film Review

Director: Terrence Malick

Starring: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain.

The Tree Of Life which won this years’ Palm d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival aptly closes the 16^th French Film Festival in Manila yesterday, and from the looks of it the film may garner varied reactions from its Manila audience come opening day.

The film is about the meaning of life from the main perspective of one family with Brad Pitt playing the dominating but loving father, his passive wife played by Jessica Chastain and their three little boys.

Technically, the film boasts of an enormous greatness from its cinematography, musical score and its wonderful shots but I was almost at a loss of words seeing all the imagery used by Malick to convey the beginning of everything. It was eye-catching but then I find all the symbolisms way too many that it almost drowned the film.

Its direct dialogues to the audience were almost religious and felt quite empty at times since most of the images were distracting, though, in a pleasant way.

Sean Penn, whom I truly admire, got lost in this film. Why is he there in the first place? I thought that Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain worked it big time together with their effective and relatable portrayals along with the boys. I love how realistic their scenes were.

I’m afraid though, that the film’s too abstract narrative was too high of an art that it may jeopardize its connection to the audience. I asked myself, did I enjoy watching it? The answer was not a certain yes or no but I have polarizing feelings towards it. I love that all the “family” scenes were all inspired and very heartwarming but the surrealist approach that the director is inserting every now and then was a bit too much for my taste. I feel that this film would be considered by some as a snooze fest flick like the Hurt Locker but it will actually force you to watch its entirety with the film’s almost magical presentation.

Rating: 6/10

*On a more personal note, I was able to relate with the kids here. It kinda reminds me of my Dad and how I hated him when I was very young when he cheated on my Mom. Although, there's a totally different circumstances --I totally felt that nostalgic painful feeling of my own experiences especially during the dinner scene when Brad Pitt suddenly got mad with his middle child. Don't get me wrong though, all is forgiven. My Mom passed away last year and my dad was left all alone now (not literally though) -ofcourse he's with us. It's just that, that almost vague feeling of loneliness will overtake your soul with all the images and the grandiose of the musical score of the film.

This review was posted at the Pinoy Exchange Official Movie Reviews where I regularly contribute. Please visit the site to read more film reviews!

-paddylast

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2 Film Review

Cinema: Gateway Cineplex 3 – P190

Director: David Yates

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Julie Walters

I was never truly a big fan of this franchise but I am always fascinated to watch each movie. I have never even read the books so I rely solely on IMDB, Wikipedia and the movies itself of course.

I have seen the part one of the Deathly Hollows last year but I fell asleep halfway thru the movie. For some reason, I just slept and woke up during the credits. A big epic fail for me, I know.

This time though, Harry Potter’s final film left a big impression on me that I am now considering on finally reading the books! This finale was perfectly created to leave something for its fans that would truly stay with them forever.

Harry, Ron and Hermionie were all so grown up here that you feel so attached to them watching them grow over the years that you feel like crying when the end credits started rolling.

The visuals are exemplary, the score – we all know how uniquely good it was and of course, the actors are simply superb.

This film though gave a very special homage to Severus Snape who had been one of the villains of this movie series from the start but his character was the perfect example of true redemption! His scenes really made me cry.

The magic, spells, the side characters all made this film a worthwhile film to really enjoy! And ofcourse the ending of Harry’s story will always live on as this franchise come to its end, it just gained a new fan in me.

My Rating: 9/10

-paddylast

Insidious Film Review

Director: James Wan

Starring: Rose Byrne, Patrick Wilson, Barbara Hershey

Insidious is about a boy who succumbs into an unexplainable comatose which leads to supernatural events involving the devil himself.

You can easily tell the similarity of its style to Paranormal Activity, though less canted in shots. That being said, it was mostly the shots that made the film scary. It was a bit slow-paced but I love how subtle each scene was presented in the first half of the film.

Rose Byrne was amazing as usual but the rest of the cast were such a waste. The evil “lurkers” acted much better than the rest of them. Patrick Wilson always reminds me of a one dimensional theater actor.

It actually felt like I was watching two different films forcibly joined together with all the dream sequences of Rose Byrne and Barbara Hershey and the idea of having spirit questors to fight off the evil spirits.

The latter part of the film started to become unbearable but I opted to finish it hoping that the film could redeem itself and fortunately, it did. The last few scenes were scary and give you that creepy feeling as if someone’s about to get you while you sleep.

If you are into the supernatural horror genre, you should go and watch it but do not expect it to be that good for it may disappoint you big time.

My rating is 6/10

Please Read Film Reviews at the Official Pinoy Exchange Movie Reviews. Thanks!

Water For Elephants Film Review

Robinson Galleria, Cinema 7 P171

Director: Francis Lawrence

Starring : Reese Whiterspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christoph Waltz

I actually have not read the book version of this film so prior to watching this film; I do not have the slightest idea about it. I just thought that its trailer look promising and I love the leading actors in it.

Water for Elephants is about the young Cornell Veterinary undergrad Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) who found himself in the midst of the Circus world as the inhouse veterinarian and fell in love with Marlena (Reese Whiterspoon) , the wife of the circus’s owner August (Christoph Waltz) who gave him special treatment but is greed for money and is cruel to his crew.

Jacob and Marlena had the same passion for animals and their love ensues until August suspect them having an affair. The two escape by jumping off the circus's train but August easily discovered them. Marlena appeared in her last show as August’s wife and Benzini’s Circus star attraction when that fateful fight ensues that would change hers and Jacob’s life forever.

I thought Christoph Waltz was amazing as the villain August and was very much effective as the cruel Circus head master. His acting here reminds me of his award- winning Col. Hans Landa portrayal in Inglorious Basterds. He’s got that subtle darkness in him that lures you to hate him terribly. Pattinson was rather disconnected into this film. I didn’t feel enough emotion from him, there was too -much “Edward Cullen-ish” in his acting which isn’t good at all. Reese on the other hand kinda disappoint as the circus’ star attraction. For a short period of time, how could someone be so inlove with a perfect stranger???? Moreover, there was no chemistry between Reese and Robert at all. I also thought that the dialogues were a bit off.

However, the cinematography and the musical score are to die for. The scenery are exquisitely shot and the music was perfectly rendered. It thought the whole film was trying to be melancholic but failed into that category and leaves the audience into deep thinking – what the heck was that???!!!!

I’ll give it a 5/10 ratings.

- paddylast

Thor Film Review

Cinema: Gateway Cineplex 3 / P181 May 1, 2011

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman,Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Kat Dennings

I am not a big fan of any Marvel characters or any Nordic myths, which means I don’t have the brightest idea about Thor. I just know that he is the God of Thunder from word of mouth. Upon seeing the film’s trailer, I’d say that I was quite impressed by it and was excited to catch the film in the cinema.

Last Sunday, I was finally able to catch it and true enough, it didn’t disappoint me one bit. The film was basically about Thor who is vanished by his Father from his kingdom to teach him a lesson –from then one, events took place to regain what he had lost.

The film was actually a typical superhero film for me. There’s the hero, his love interest, the goody-goody thing that he does and of course, the bad guys. Chris Hemsworth in my opinion was perfect for the role. He was very charming and looks great. Whilst Natalie Portman maybe a great addition to the cast as the Scientist Jane Foster, I find her character excessively flirty and not being there at all. Darcy, her assistant had stolen the scenes from her by delivering the humor of the film along with the lead character, Thor.

The best part about the film is its visuals. I daresay that it’s the best film I’ve seen this year so far - for this technical aspect alone. It has the perfect formula of a good film. Okay lines, kinda great characters and stunning visual effects. One will be able to understand and enjoy it thoroughly.

I’ll give it a 9.5/10 ratings.

-paddylast

Beastly Film Review

Director – Daniel Barnz

Starring – Vanessa Hudgens, Alex Pettyfer, Mary Kate Olsen, Neil Patrick Harris

Sucker Punch and I Am Number Four, both films unanimously lured me to watch this film starred by Vanessa Hudgens and newcomer Alex Pettyfer. It is the modern re-telling of the classic Beauty and the Beast, which tells the story of Kyle Kingston (Alex Pettyfer), an arrogant young man who thinks that he, could get anything because he was blessed with good looks. After humiliating his classmate Kendra (Mary-Kate Olsen) who is actually a witch, she casted a spell to disfigure him. The only cure is for him to find love in about a year or he would stay that way forever.

The film was actually the biggest disappointment for me this year so far in terms of the storyline. It didn’t quite work for me because it was very much predictable and was badly written. Every scene felt forced and there was no chemistry at all between Hudgens and Pettyfer. I thought Vanessa’s performance here was a far cry from her performance in Bandslam that I considered her best performance to date. I almost wished that she played Kendra and Mary Kate played her character. Neil Patrick Harris who played Kyle’s blind tutor seemed off to even be part of the film. Another actor could have played it better in my opinion.

The score was actually impressive but other than that, it lacks everything that you’ll be looking for a worthwhile film to spend your money into. It was a film that you may enjoy if you’re a big fan of its actors but as for the rest, it’ll just be a good two (almost) hours that you shouldn’t be wasting.

Rating: 4/10

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-paddylast

Let Me In Film Review

On DVD

Director: Matt Reeves

Based On: Let The Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist

Starring: Chloe Moretz and Kodi Smit-McPhee

This film is about a bullied boy who befriends a new girl in his neighborhood. She encourages him to fight back to his bullies and he discovered that she’s no ordinary girl – she’s a young vampire lusting for blood and is looking for a new companion.

This film was actually one of my must-watch films on my list. I love Chloe Moretz playing the young vampire, Abby. I thought she’s fantastic as the young and lonely vampire. You can feel her sadness and that vicious persona in her eyes.

The boy, Kodi Smit-McPhee was as good delivering a superb performance, which is rather a reminiscent of his performance in The Road.

I love that the film is not predictable and went more violent in comparison to the original Swedish version. There is such a subtlety in the film that lures you into watching its entirety. It’s a great remake that can stand on its own without the merit of the first one. My rating for this film is 9/10 for giving me the creep that I’m expecting from it.

-paddylast