The Conjuring (2013)

James Wan and his creepy dolls.

Based on events in real life, Carolyn and Roger Perron, together with their children, move in a farmhouse in Rhode Island back in 1971. As they move in, strange things starts happening around the house that terrifies their entire family. Carolyn seeks help from paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren to take a look at their house. True enough, the couple finds out that a malevolent creature (it is clarified that it is not a spirit) is haunting their house and is threatening to harm their family by possessing Carolyn. The Warrens must now do what they can in order to put a stop to this demon before it hurts everyone involved, including them.

It's been a while since I've seen a horror movie that will really haunt me before I go to bed. Usually I'd just forget them after watching it.

The Conjuring is great in so many levels. What I really love about it is its smart and witty scares. This is what I look for in the horror movies I watch. There's nothing I hate more than a movie which uses cheap scares. Though Evil Dead also did a good job in turning the cliche into something new and scary, The Conjuring takes it up a notch and makes sure to send chills down your spines and keep you at the edge of your seat. This is the film that I needed to see after watching The Purge which uses the oldest tricks in the book when it comes to scaring people. 

The story is very simple yet very effective. It's about a family that moves into a house that turns out to be haunted. There is a minor twist to who or what is haunting the house but aside from that detail, the rest is your normal horror story line. What makes is so different and unique from the rest is its execution. There are numerous horror movies out there that sound so good when you hear about it but you end up being disappointed when you watch it because it is not executed properly. The Conjuring, right from the start will literally scare you witless. The introduction of Annabelle, the haunted doll, is a great teaser to the entire film. Some were disappointed though since Annabelle is not given much spotlight since it turns out she is just a filler, well sort of. However, I look at it the other way around and I believe that Annabelle's story is a great stepping stone for the rest of the film. Right after Annabelle's story, the film allows the people to relax a bit but makes it impossible to do so since everyone is now wary of what might be lurking around the corners of the screen. I like how it does not rush into things. It keeps the film's mystery and thrills the audience even when nothing is happening yet. I am in love with how the film keeps on teasing and making the audience imagine the scariest thing that could happen, which would eventually not end up happening. When the moment comes wherein you start to relax, even for just a second, the film will suddenly surprise you with all of its might. I have to add that the trailer for this movie is also well done. When you see the film, having watched the trailer beforehand, you think you know where the scary parts are but it turns out the trailer is another ploy to add thrills and to scare the audience when they finally watch the movie.

Despite being a great film, it is not completely perfect. As the movie progresses, I keep on waiting for a twist that will happen in the end. Sadly, nothing happens that will blow my brain. Not unless if you count its suggestive thought for a sequel at the end, which there will be. I guess they took the simplicity to heart. The film is not completely void of twist and turn of events though since it did keep a few secrets of its own that will be thrown right at you as you watch the film but you wouldn't really count them as plot twists.

The scare and thrills in the third act of the film wanes from what was established in the earlier parts. It is still good but the decline is quite noticeable. It's probably because I keep on thinking of The Exorcist which is a really creepy and scary film that will never be forgotten. The Conjuring is a good film but probably can't hold a candle near The Exorcist.

The film is set to have a sequel which is a good excuse for numerous plot holes they leave in the movie. So if you have seen the movie and felt dissatisfied because of the plot holes, then worry not because hopefully the sequel will satisfy your hunger for closure. I'm not really a fan of sequels since they are mostly of low quality compared to their predecessor, but I'll give the sequel a chance for closure.

Overall, The Conjuring is a great horror film and it is a great addition to the horror/possession/exorcism genre we have today. We need more of these films since people have been so engrossed to the 'vengeful ghost' movies that they can't take these types of films seriously. This is probably one reason why some people thought that this film was not even scary. They now probably think that when a movie is of the horror genre, it's all about a vengeful ghost of a girl in a white cloth.

Rating: 4/5

Kick-Ass 2 (2013)

You call that a kick? What an ass!

After the events of the first film, Dave Lizewski is apparently done being Kick-Ass and is living the normal life. Ironically, the world outside his bedroom has been so inspired by Kick-Ass that some normal citizens are now living their lives as superheroes. Meanwhile, Mindy Macready, Hitgirl, is still pursues crime fighting behind the back of her guardian Marcus. Dave approaches Mindy so that she can train him and proposes that they become a team. Reluctant at first, Mindy agrees to train Dave to become a better superhero. Eventually, Marcus finds out what Mindy's been up to and makes her promise to be a normal girl, to which she reluctantly agrees again. Dave now finds himself a member of a new team of superheroes he has inspired. Together, they fight crime and do charity in the idea of making the world a better place. On the other hand, Chris D'Amico, the son of Frank D'Amico, whom Kick-Ass killed in the previous film, is plotting his revenge on Kick-Ass and all his loves ones. 

One reason why this sequel didn't work is because it downgrades a lot of aspects that made the first film awesome and its upgrades which are supposed to be an asset to the film turns out to be a liability. 

What made the first film memorable and worthy of its name is the violence and cool action sequences it had. Sadly, this sequel is not able to live up to its predecessor's promise. Not only is the film less violent, it is also less funny and entertaining. The jokes are half-baked and the punchlines won't even hit you hard. With regards to the less violence, I'm not saying I'm a sadist or that I promote violence, but if I'm not mistaken, what made the comic book (yes, it's a comic book adaptation) so unique and unlike any others is the fact that it is realistic. The characters are normal people who decide to don the cape and mask and be vigilante heroes or villains out to save or destroy the city. The comic book tries to be realistic as possible and it can and will kill the hero if it has to, just to make it real. Now that I mentioned realistic, what can be more realistic than violent people out in the streets fighting one another. Just to be clear, I'm not a sadist, I'm just someone who's looking for the real essence that the comic book wanted to show. 

One thing I like from this movie is that they added more characters. It brings more joy and happiness to a geek's heart and soul. A whole new set of heroes and villains. Sadly, this is the upgrade I'm talking about that eventually becomes a liability. It became a liability and a burden to the film's character development area. So many characters and not enough time to give each and one of them the spotlight they deserve. There were so many things going on from one scene to another and you can barely keep track of who the protagonist is in contact with. In one scene, Hit-Girl is in high school and is stuck in a Mean Girls predicament, then the next scene would be with Kick-Ass in his own type of Justice League, and then we have The Motherfucker who is forming his own group of villains as well. Imagining these scenes seems so exciting but the film's execution of it is mediocre. Every scene is seems to be so focused on the main protagonist and antagonist that the other characters around him/her is overshadowed. An example would be of Mindy/Hit-Girl's high school life. She may be a complete bad-ass outside school but inside it, she finds herself dominated by the people around her. The question here is Why? Who are these people she meets in school that can intimidate her. Then again, she is in high school where everyone is evil, so I guess I can let that go. So on to another example, when Kick-Ass joins the hero group Justice Forever. It is in this part where the characterization drops miserably. For all we know Kick-Ass is the hero in the entire series but the moment we are introduced to the other heroes, we see that it is not all about him after all. But due to the poor characterization, you would feel no sympathy to the other heroes. You're just gonna be like, "Who are you? Where's Kick-Ass?" or "The hero-chick Kick-Ass is sleeping with is hot." Such a pity since those characters could have been utilized more for the film. One character I like from the Justice Forever is Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey). He's an eccentric and extraordinary character that rises above the rest. It took me quite a while to appreciate him though since I thought of him as weird throughout the film until his demise. For the villain's side, I was sad since the film didn't really dwell much into the character of Mother Russia. All it wanted to show was that she was freakishly strong and freakishly huge. Javier, who became The Motherfucker's guardian, was supposed to add depth in The Motherfucker's character but it ended up being mediocre. I could go on about how the film lacks in the character development field but I would be digressing already and I'm sure you get the idea. 
However, I did like some of the technical things like the editing and the action choreography. I really like the scene where Hit-Girl used her adrenaline to defeat Mother Russia. It was like watching a video game and it was cool. Though I have mentioned that the jokes are not even funny, it can make you smile once in a while but that's the best it can do, at least for me. I personally like the arc of Hit-Girl in high school. We see a whole new side to her and it's more exciting, not knowing how she will handle her problems through normal means. Her story is more exciting than that of Kick-Ass to be honest. 

Hopefully, the sequel would do better and close the series in a good note.

Rating: 2/5

Red 2 (2013)

Maybe it's finally time to retire.

Retired black-ops CIA agent Frank Moses is in for another ride as he and his team of elite operatives are on the mission to locate a missing portable nuclear device built during the Cold War. Along the way, they cross paths with terrorists, assassins, and government officials who are all itching to get their hands on the weapon that will turn the tides of hegemony. If this isn't bad enough, Frank must also deal with his relationship with Sarah which seems to be in trouble as well.

This movie is a whole lot different from the first one, and that's not a compliment. What bothers me the most in this sequel is that it has more comedy than action. What's worse is the fact that it's barely even funny at all. The action scenes fail to deliver as well. This was a comedy film with action when it should have been the other way around. What this film missed that its predecessor had was the balance. Red was able to balance the action and comedy quite well. It entertains you and gives you the great action you deserve unlike the sequel we have here. Watching the film felt like a giant goose chase around the world. It bothers me how I was so detached to the film despite the fantastic, yet overused, locations they have for the movie. Paris, London, and Moscow: these are gorgeous places yet watching the film feels like I can easily see them across the street. The film is fond of travelling from one place to another without giving much importance to the current place they stay on. In one scene you are in Paris and the next you are in London. It doesn't give you the time to appreciate and understand what's going on. By the time the places shift again, your brain would still be in the previous location trying to piece together what happened. 

The ensemble cast doesn't help either. For some reason, the film probably thinks that the more characters they put, the better it will be. Well it definitely thought wrong. The fact that they added more characters was a risk in the field of characterization. That many characters require a great need of character development or depth or else they will come off as flat and shallow. However, I am more lenient with character development in action films compared to other genres. What I usually look for in action films is how smart the characters are, the decisions they make and their relevance in the film that can contribute to the development of the film. What irks me the most in this film is how bipolar its characters are. At one point, they are allies and then in a not-so-surprising turn of events, that ally turns out to be a villain. Some go the other way around. This is a cliche in the genre of action films, wherein an ally turns out to be the villain or vice versa. Red 2 makes use of this cliche and to be perfectly honest, it's fine with me. But what's not fine is how they used the same concept over and over again until it got so old that you would just have to wait for the next twist. If you can still call it a twist that is. 

Bruce Willis was less badass in this film. I expected so much more from this man. This does not seem to be his year since A Good Day to Die Hard and G.I. Joe: Retaliation were both failures. It's probably the other cast members that are stealing his spotlight especially Helen Mirren. Helen Mirren is one hell of a woman in this film, just like in Red. She was able to pull off her character quite well and was able to give a performance worth praising despite being stuck in an upsetting movie. The other woman in the film is Catherine Zeta-Jones who was okay. Not that good and not that bad either. Her character was bad though, but that's another aspect. In terms of acting, she did what she could do to save her character's uninteresting life. Byung-hun Lee had so much potential in this movie. I love his character except for the third part where it all went downhill. Not his fault though, once again, all the blame is on the script. Last actor I'll mention is Anthony Hopkins. He is one of the reasons why I really wanted to watch the movie. It's Anthony Hopkins for heaven's sake. Watching Anthony Hopkins was entertaining but with a little bit of annoyance from time to time but still tolerable. I like how flexible his character is and how he plays it. Anthony Hopkins is able to put on a good show despite being in a movie that no one may want to see twice. 

In terms of the technical aspects, I noticed how the film had some trouble in terms of its continuity. I usually don't mind them as long as it only happens once but I noticed more than couple of them throughout the film. Other than that, the rest were all good. 

Overall, Red 2 was a good try but a miss. If you're looking for some good old action-comedy film, then you have nothing to see here. If you're looking for a good action film, still nothing to see here. A comedy film? Not even close. But if you just wanna kill and waste time, then you might want to consider this.

Rating: 1.5/5

The Purge (2013)

Who would you kill first when this happens?

In the year 2022, the United States is a nation reborn. The economy is good. Employment rates are up and crime rates are way down low. This is all because the government has approved a law called The Purge, wherein for 12 hours, all criminal activity is legal. The Purge acts as a way for the people to cleanse themselves of all the hatred and negative emotions in their hearts. All the victims of the Purge are then given thanks for sacrificing their lives for the betterment of the country.

The very first thing I like about this film is the concept that fuels it. Though the thought of it alone is highly improbable, one really can't help but think of what they will do if they are in the shoes of the characters in the film. More than its genre of being a thriller, it is a film that challenges society's value and morals. The thought of the purge may be very unlikely now but one will never know if it can really happen in the future. The establishing sequence of the film which is a series of CCTV footage of various crimes and murders alone is gruesome enough that one may actually consider the purge as a solution to the problems of society. The film questions the morals of man: would you be a realist or an idealist?

The film, aside from being thematically driven, is character driven as well. It offers a variety of different characters that have their different beliefs and perspectives with the concept of the Purge. James Sandin (Ethan Hawke) is a successful security developer that has gotten wealthy thanks to his sales of home security systems designed for the purge. His character is stuck in reality and is thinking of the practicality and logic of things. He is married to Mary Sandin who is the closeted idealist in the family. She follows what her husband says because she trusts him and she believes that it is the best for the family. They have two children, one of them is Charlie whose conscience and ideals have set the film in motion. It is this little dude that opened the door for the bloody strangers that is being hunted down. In a world inhabited by human beings, Charlie is the only character that is humane in it. Though his actions and decisions may be the cause of annoyance from the audience, it further shows his idealistic nature and humanity, in contrast to the people around him. The film has good characterization and character development. As the film progress, the characters that are initially blind and naive are shown to have learned what they needed to learn. The characters' attitude and personality have deeply changed by the end of the film. There is great contrast in their characteristics from the film's beginning until the end.

However, the film is mediocre in the field of thriller and horror. Though the concept may be new, it still relies on heavy cliches and old-fashion tricks and scares that fail to deliver. The film is actually a reminder of the thriller film The Strangers. Though they may differ in concept, the execution and technique is very similar. So zero points for originality right there. Not to mention, it was very anticlimactic. The build-up could have been better but it was good enough for a one hell of a ride climax, but instead it offers us cold and stale performances of the antagonists. I can't blame you if you would expect so much by the third part since you have been led to believe in the beginning that the villains are a force to be reckoned with. There is too much anticipation for nothing. There is a twist at the latter part of the film but that as well is only a slight improvement from its previous problem. 

Overall, the crazy concept of the film is the only interesting thing to see here. Don't expect to be blown away with its so-called thrills and horror. It's such a pity for an interesting concept to go to waste. Could have definitely been executed better. High hopes for the sequel perhaps? But do expect a good performance from Ethan Hawke though. The guy just knows how to do it.

Rating: 2/5

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013)

A sea of convoluted mythological mess.

After the events of the first film, Percy is now living like any other demigod in Camp Half-Blood. However, nothing stays normal for so long in the world Percy lives in. He finds out he has a cyclops for a half-brother named Tyson, whom he has difficulty accepting at first. But that's the least of his troubles as the camp finds itself vulnerable after the magical tree protecting it has been poisoned. Percy, together with Grover, Annabeth, and Tyson, must embark on a quest to find the Golden Fleece that has the power to heal Thalia's poisoned tree. Along the way, they will cross paths with an old foe and face an ancient enemy that only the gods themselves defeated a long time ago.

Those who read the novel will definitely hate this film adaptation. Having read the book as well, I have noticed how the film took a different path in telling the story. To be fair, I understand why the film deviated from the original story since Rick Riordan's novel is not exactly 'film-adaptation-friendly.' The book has too much going on that if the film follows it, it would most probably be five hours long.  So the main concern is, how will the writers be able to make the film interesting and somewhat faithful to the story of the novel at the same time? Whatever answer they came up with this question is definitely the wrong one.

Sea of Monsters suffers from losing a sense of direction halfway through the movie. It does not know its destination. It's lost in a sea of disoriented and unwanted ideas. It has too much going on that it almost did not make any sense. One difference from the novel and the film is that the former manages to make sense despite having lots of ideas and story arcs. The film tries to incorporate the same technique but it only results to the lack the creativity and depth to entertain the audience. There was nothing mythical and magical about the film and no matter how much CGI they use, it wouldn't save it even if its life depended on it. The ending was very anticlimactic as well, not to mention illogical. How is one demigod supposed to beat an ancient titan that took three Olympian gods to defeat before? But of course, the film finds a way. The characters are not exactly the smartest out there. When faced with a decision to make, they choose the dumbest option which would eventually lead to the dumbest result. The movie is not as funny as it thinks it is. Often times I would just sit with a poker face whenever they would deliver a punch line. 

The CGI isn't the most impressive either. There is only one scene in the entire movie where I find the use of CGI very effective. It was during the time where the Oracle of Delphi was telling Percy the history of the Titan War. It was presented creatively by using the stained glass as an inspiration. Other than that particular scene, the rest were either mediocre or a failure. 

In conclusion, the film is one hot mess that will only exhaust and drain your energy until it ends. It may probably entertain a few people below ages 12 but if you're older and you know better, then the film is definitely a disappointment. 

Rating: 1/5

Cinemalaya: Sana Dati (2013)

A romantic film but not really.

Under the Directors Showcase for the 9th year of the Cinemalaya Film Festival, Sana Dati tells the story of a woman named Andrea as she is about to get married but on that fateful day, a man comes and throws everything into disarray, causing Andrea to remember the man she truly loves. 

Reviewing this film is difficult without having to spoil some scenes in the movie, but I will do my best not to. Director Jerrold Tarog said it himself that this is a film about flawed characters who makes flawed decisions. Writing the film seven years ago, he wanted a break from the usual, typical, and shallow romantic films in the industry, hence the creation of this film. As romantic as the movie may look and sound, believe it or not, it is actually an anti-romantic film. But the way he executed the real purpose of the film is subliminal which would require a deeper understanding of the film for you to get it. 

I have given you the biggest spoiler it has, which is its anti-romanticism. However, it is up for you to find out how it became like that. How did something so melodramatic and romantic on the surface had a different meaning after all. This is well-crafted film proves that you don't need the cliche and typical love stories to satisfy you. As a matter of fact, the realism of the film will haunt you. Maybe the concept of the film doesn't always happen in real life but it shows the brutality and the harshness of the world we live in. It shows that not everyone gets a happy ending like the fairy tales we always heard of as we were children. The prince charming in the white horse may never come and that's life. Deal with it, the movie tells you.

The film takes place in the present during the wedding day, but just before the ceremony begins. However, it would always have flashback sequences that develop the entire plot of the film. It's like an unsolved puzzle at first but as the film progresses, the pieces starts falling into places and you start seeing the bigger picture. Everything would eventually make sense. There may be times where the constant flashbacks can be a bit disorienting and would leave you lost. Nevertheless, you will still find your way back and appreciate the film.

The film has good characterization. I love the character of Paulo Avelino the most. His character has so many secrets that it keeps bothering you throughout the movie and when all is revealed, you feel a sense of relief yet sadness as well. Avelino is able to give life to his character well. He was able to make the audience sympathize with his character and make the audience believe and be naive just like the character of Lovi, Andrea. Lovi Poe on the other hand also manages to captivate the audience. Her character Andrea, isn't really the most charismatic girl out there. Andrea is a confused and troubled woman whose past keeps on haunting her which causes her to make bad decisions in life. I did not like Andrea but that's not a bad thing since I'm sure that her character was meant to be like that. Lovi Poe is able to give justice to the character. She was able to portray the characteristics needed for Andrea to come into reality. Tj Trinidad's character is also well-played. He plays the character of 'the other man' in the movie, but unlike in typical films where you despise the other man, you would feel pity for Trinidad's character. He is only a man who gets caught in the middle of a conflict he doesn't know about. The audience can sympathize with him rather than hate him.

Overall, the film is beautifully made and a great and unique addition to the genre of romantic films. Great casts, great story, great cinematography, great director, great movie. Hopefully this would be the start of a revolution in the field of romantic films here in the Philippines.

Rating: 4/5

Cinemalaya: Ekstra (The Bit Player)

The crowd brings the scene into reality.

Ekstra is a film under Directors Showcase for the 9th year of the Cinemalaya Film Festival in the Philippines. This film directed by Jeffrey Jeturian tells the story of Loida (Vilma Santos), an ordinary woman who, most often than usual, gets to be in soap operas and movies. In addition, she also gets to act alongside high-profile celebrities. As fun as it all may sound, unfortunately for Loida, in all her acting career, she is just an ekstra (bit player) who is rewarded with a meagre salary. To make matters worse, Loida has a daughter in college whom she is financially supporting alone. Despite all her worries, she still dreams of making it big someday. But until then, she must continue her work as a bit player in yet another job offering. Will this be her big break or will it be another typical day for her?

Ekstra explores the world of the lonely voice in the world of entertainment. The film is meant to bring justice and honor to the little people who makes a scene complete. Without them, a scene is empty and useless. In a thought from the film, a setting from a movie or soap will be meaningless and awkward if the only ones present in it are the lead actors.

The entire film is a satire about film making like the film Ang Babae sa Septic Tank (The Woman in the Septic Tank) but this time, it is centered on the world of the bit players. However, every once in a while, the audience are pulled away from the satirical approach whenever Loida is interrupted by her daughter with text messages coming from the world outside of showbiz. This sudden interruption allows the audience to see that people in the entertainment industry are also human beings who experience problems just like everyone else. Aside from that, it also serves as the film’s way of snapping its fingers at the audience who might find some parts of the film draggy. The film’s running time of two hours might be fine for some but for me, it didn't need two hours to establish what it needed to say.

The moment the film starts the harsh world of the bit players are already established. In a world where looks matter, even the bit players need to meet a specific look requirement or else they’ll get the boot. Even children are not excluded in the shallow world of showbiz. In once particular scene, children who were not good looking enough were rejected and asked to leave the vehicle that is supposed to take them to the location for the shooting. 

Vilma Santos' acting does not fail to deliver, as expected from a veteran actress. However, there is some concern about how much justice she gave to the role. Vilma Santos is one of the biggest names in the history of Philippine Cinema and that name will definitely go down in history. So in relation to this, the role of being a bit player given to her can draw skepticism. For one reason, she is a well-known star who has established an image and persona for more than a decade that can't be easily brushed off in a single film. In a film with an ensemble cast like this, how is Vilma Santos supposed to downgrade her semblance and be the bit player we want to see? The concept in paper works well, no doubt about that. The harsh world that the bit player lives in is established and well-understood but what raises a question is the portrayal of the role. In one particular scene where Loida asks to have her picture taken with Pilar Pilapil, what I saw were two veteran actresses, who each made a name for themselves, taking a photo. There are lots of big names in this movie, from Cherie Gil and Eula Valdez to Marian Rivera and Piolo Pascual. How is THE Vilma Santos supposed to keep a low profile alongside them? What would have served as a better challenge and social experiment in the film would be "what if they had a nobody play the role of the bit player?" Would the audience have watched it for the story and purpose itself or would they have watched it for the cameos of the famous celebrities in it? Whatever the answer may be, the film would have definitely did its job.

Rating: 3/5

The Wolverine (2013)

After all those years, Wolverine still manages to stay sharp.

Some time after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, Logan is living a life of solitude in the forest just outside the small town of Yukon, still living with the guilt of killing Jean Grey. He is soon visited by a mysterious Japanese girl named Yukio who has been looking for him for a year upon orders of his master, Yashida, who also happens to be a friend of Logan after saving him during the Nagasaki atomic bombing. Logan is informed that Yashida is dying and he wants to personally see Logan to say his goodbyes. Logan reluctantly agrees but soon finds out that saying goodbye is the least of his problems.

The film is based on the 1982 Wolverine arc by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, which is very popular and is considered as being one of the best arcs in X-Men. Despite not reading the comic, it's quite an honor to see the movie based on the comic even though changes and revisions have been made. The film itself is laid out like a comic book. The arcs are very noticeable and distinct from one another. We start off with Logan in Yukon where he lives a life of of recluse and having friends with a grizzly bear. It transitions to the next arc by the arrival of Yukio and their travel to Japan. The moment he arrives in Japan is another arc where we see him meet his old friend and finds out the real reason why he was called in Japan. The transition to the next arc would be his involvement with Yashida's granddaughter kidnapping and eventually the romance between them. The second half of the film mostly focuses on his growing love for Mariko, Yashida's granddaughter, but at the same time, being haunted by the ghost of Jean Grey. Jean Grey appears throughout the entire film but the real purpose of her appearances is given further meaning when Logan starts loving another woman. The last arc would have to be saving the day as typical of any superhero movie. 

One thing to look out for in this film is the vulnerability of Logan. We see him get tired, get hurt and get wounded, a side where we are not used to seeing or even imagining when we think of the Wolverine. This plot twist gives more meaning and depth to the character that Hugh Jackman has been playing for more than a decade now. The constant visits of Jean Grey in Logan's dream are a debatable topic since some like it while some don't. Personally, I find it very effective in giving more character depth not only for Logan but also the Wolverine in him. Her constant visits remind Logan of who he really is and the guilt she brings to him only makes him stronger despite being troubled at first. In this film, Logan has two women he loves; one is a ghost who torments him with guilt while the other is very much alive and is willing to help him move on. Both characters are very essential to the character development of Logan. The character Mariko is the key to changing Logan. She is the reason why Logan should continue living. The juxtaposition is always seen with Jean Grey's ghost visiting Logan. Through Jean, the point of transformation for Logan is clear and perfectly understandable.

The film is not as perfect as it sounds though. It does have a few things that are off about it. The third and final act of the film is weak. After so much character development and great build up towards the end, it surprisingly fails to give the awesome ending you want. The first two acts would tease so much about different things especially with regards to the other characters such as Viper and Harada, Mariko's childhood sweetheart, that you will expect something significant from them by the end. The twist is fine. I didn't see it coming but it is not that much of a shock. Other than this, one concern is how watching it will make confuse you on where you should put out all your emotions. The movie can be about Logan and his emotional battles or it can be about Logan's battle against the other villains. You can choose but either way, something feels off about it. 

In terms of production design and location, Japan is a great choice of setting for the movie. It gives off the feeling of new yet traditional and old. It is actually parallel to the character of Wolverine who lives in the modern world despite living for decades already without aging. The film really shows the two faces of Japan. From a busy and modern city where the young and hip are to the country side where peaceful and traditional Japanese people are. I'm pretty sure it even promotes Japanese tourism at some point since the cultures and traditions of the Japanese are also introduced to the audience. 

In conclusion, The Wolverine is one of the best films of the year. Great action, great story, and great characters. It may have flaws of its own but one would always over-look them if the film is entertaining, which it is. A piece of advice, there is a scene in the middle of the credits which serves as a great teaser for the upcoming film X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Rating: 4/5

Turbo (2013)

Starts off fast but soon runs out of fuel. Still an enjoyable ride though.

Theo, a garden snail, always dreamed of living the fast life and racing in the Indy 500. However, his brother, friends, and Mother Nature herself seems to disagree. After one freak accident, he finds himself living the fast paced life he always dreamed of. After leaving the garden he never considered his home, he and his brother find themselves under the care of the socially-awkward fast-food worker, Tito. Just like Theo, Tito dreams of something bigger than being a simple Mexican selling Tacos to tourists. Risking all the money Tito and his friends have, they decide to go to Indianapolis and enter Turbo in the Indy 500 in hopes for achieving their dreams.

After Despicable Me 2 and Monsters University, Dreamworks enters the competition with Turbo. It did not disappoint but it did have some troubles in terms of keeping the creativity alive until the end. Needless to say, it still possesses what an underdog story requires and good enough to keep little children entertained.

The premise of the film is quite interesting and it brings something new to that small dreamer with big dreams concept. It reminds me of Pixar's Ratatouille but does not come close though. There are lots of similarities such as the tiny dreamer being an animal, the big dream of being a racer and being a chef, the challenges the main characters had to face such as the unbelieving and not supportive family, the company and love they receive from a human and finally, just like any animated film, the happy ever after they get when they reach their dreams. What lacked in Turbo that Ratatouille had was the craziness. Turbo started off great and was on the run but soon finds itself slowing down and ventured into familiar and predictable territory. 

Another aspect wherein it might have failed is the lack of conflict. When Turbo was still Theo, in other words: slow, he had so much conflict in his life that you would sympathize and feel sorry for him. You would want to help this little guy achieve his dreams of racing in the Indy 500. However, the moment his life is sped up, most if not all seems to fall into their rightful places. There are problems he would encounter but they would all be given a solution easily. Just like the name, there is a feeling of hastiness leading towards the climax. It somehow feels rushed that you would be surprised that you are already in the climax of the film without having felt the build-up before it. In relation to the climax and build-up, I had some concerns with regards to the establishment of the characters' plan of action in order to achieve their dreams. Theo dreams of racing while Tito dreams of making his brother's restaurant known. Each of them has a clear goal in mind but the problem they face is how will they achieve their individual dreams by working together. I'm more than confident that the answer is clear even to the youngest viewer in the audience. Question is, why did it take so long for the movie to give us the obvious answer? This is for Theo to race in order to bring fame to Tito's brother's restaurant. 

In another aspect of the film, I really like the different characters in the movie. They were very entertaining especially the racing snails. The voice cast were perfect and they managed to bring lots of laughter and variety to the movie. Each were memorable in their own distinct way. Turbo also manages to set the bar high for animated films in terms of animation and editing. The environment was great and it was visually stunning. I personally like the part where Theo was looking at the passing cars on the highway, the use of time lapse was very pleasing to the eyes and also a great juxtaposition to the slow moving snail that's observing them.

Overall, Turbo is a fun film filled with hope and dreams that encourages children to never give up their dreams no matter how small they are and how big their dream is. It manages to entertain and gives a few good laughs from the audience without the need of innuendos for the adults. I just have to say that this film is really more focused for the children's entertainment. The faults and shortcomings noticed by the adults would most definitely not interest the children. 

Rating: 3/5

The Lone Ranger (2013)

Another Disney disappointment.

In the 1930s, an elderly Tonto tells a young boy the story of John Reid and how this man of the law turned into the Lone Ranger. John Reid, together with his brother and other rangers are in pursuit of the notorious Butch Cavendish but find themselves ambushed and left for dead. Tonto, a Comanche, reluctantly helps John Reid with the insistence of a white horse that is said to be a spirit. John Reid is brought back to life by the white spirit horse and together with Tonto, they must bring Butch Cavendish to justice. But as they go on their journey, they soon find out that they have more enemies to face aside from Cavendish himself.

I would like to believe that the short summary I wrote here sounds very exciting and would make me want to see the movie. That's my way of making me feel better whenever I think about this movie.

Straight to the point, what makes this movie a failure is its bland and draggy script. To think this is an action only makes it worse. It had a lot of nerves to run for more than two hours but cannot even keep up to its promise of keeping the audience entertained and alive. 30 minutes into the film, I felt obligated to finish it just for my money's worth. The film did not have that emotional drive for the audience to relate to. I felt like there was an invisible wall between me and the screen when I was watching it. Very ironic since the two main characters had to go through a lot of hell in their lives yet you would feel no sympathy for them at all. You are very much aware that this is only a movie and none of this is real. That's probably the main reason why it felt so long and draggy. Another reason would have to be in relation to the main character himself, the Lone Ranger. It took more than an hour for him to realize that the mask means something to him. The character development was so slow that by the time he finally accepts the title of the Lone Ranger, everyone watching it would only say "Finally!" It would always come to a point wherein I would start looking for something that it missed or something that is supposed to be there but is taking too long to be revealed. As a result, during the climax of the movie, some of them felt cliche and predictable. As I mentioned, you already know what will happen, you just need to have the patience to wait for it.

However, not all is worth despising. Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp made a good team. Their humor would most often give a few laughs and giggles whenever the movie would start to go downhill. The fact that they can keep the audience awake is already worth praising. Johnny Depp portrays the role of the Comanche Indians quite well. It was impressive since he actually learned how to speak the Comanche language. Just can't help but feel that somehow, a little Jack Sparrow made his way into this movie. Armie Hammer on the other hand did a commendable job with his acting skills. It could have been better but good try nonetheless. 

I did find one aspect of this movie witty and worth noting. The story is told by an elderly Tonto so obviously the entire movie is a flashback sequence. However, once in a while, it would shift back to the present where we see the elderly Tonto still telling the story to the little boy and the little boy asking questions at the same time. It's like the movie is snapping its fingers at the viewers and keeping them all awake. It's its way of telling the audience that this is only a story being told by some American Indian to a boy at a fair in San Francisco. I find their approach of using the 'unreliable narrator' a smart move. It gives more variety and an explanation to all the plot holes in the film. By the end, you would be as confused as the little boy if the entire story was real or not. But just as Tonto replied, "Up to you."

Rating: 2/5

Before Midnight (2013)

I would have loved to see their wedding day.

It was summer of '94 when Jesse and Celine first met on a train for Vienna. On that fateful day, they knew it was love they had but eventually, they had to take different paths as soon as the sun rose. After a failed tryst, nine years have passed and Jesse was in France for a book tour and there they meet again. Before sunset, Jesse had to decide if he was to stay with Celine or catch that plane back to the United States. Finally after nine years, Jesse is at the airport bidding his son from his ex-wife goodbye going to the US. Here we learn that he did stay with Celine before sunset nine years ago and to everyone's surprise, they are now parents to twin daughters and are on a vacation in Greece.

Just like the previous films, the movie mainly comprises of Jesse and Celine walking around in some place, this time Greece, and talking about their life and views on all the things this world has to offer. What makes it different though is that first of all, before they go on with their one on one conversation, they now have other people with them to join their conversation. Just like married couple do. Talking to other couples and exchanging notes and ideas on how they live their married life. Just like the movie Before Sunset, this film offers quite a development of its characters. The trilogy runs on a concept that all of the films take place in real time with real people. So given this fact, indeed, nine years have passed since Before Sunset and no human being would not change after nine years. Especially after getting married. So what this film shows is the life that couples go through once they are married. 

As established, Jesse and Celine are no longer just a couple, they are now husband and wife and parents to twin daughters. Just like any couple do, especially the married ones, they would fight over things such as jobs, fidelity, hierarchy, sex and a whole lot more. Their type of conversation is now different from what it was compared to the first time they met on the train and the time they met again in France. One of the most memorable conversations they had was probably the one in the beginning of the film. After bickering about Celine's plan of changing her job, they proceeded to talk about a friend of theirs and his love life. I find it really funny since never did they talk about any other couple in the first two films. One can say that this comes naturally at the point where people are already married and talking about other people's relationships can be a good and interesting subject matter. 

The film, as expected, is still philosophical and psychological as ever. There were lots of things they talked about and one conversation was entirely devoted to the evolution of love. The conversation in that scene was very interesting since they had prepared a conversation between a young couple, a middle-aged couple, and an old couple. The exchanges of ideas were very insightful yet still natural. The topic of feminism and masculinism (yes there is such word), just like the previous films, were also brought up, but this time with more information and perspectives coming from different generations and experiences.

By the time Jesse and Celine are now given the chance to be alone and talk with one another, they give us a brief background of what happened during the nine years they had together after their reunion in France. They bicker a bit but soon patch things up but it is clear that there is an ominous air between them. They end up going to this hotel since a friend of theirs encouraged them to stay the night there and be alone together. Sexy time happens but let me tell you now that it doesn't push through (no pun intended) since they end up fighting. 

I won't spoil the rest but basically, what this movie tells us is that life is not always a fairy tale. There will always be ups and downs and it can never be avoided. What's always important is that by the end of the day, you patch things up and understand one another. 

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy's acting is worth praising as always. I love how they give life to the entire movie. The way they deliver their lines, they make it so natural it looks like it was filmed spontaneously with the actors improvising their lines. Never has endless talking been so dramatic and exciting at the same time. I don't think any other film could imitate this film, and if they do, I wish them luck. The film just like its predecessors again is shot in continuous takes whenever they have a sweet conversation. You don't need to have a sharp eye to notice that when the two of them were fighting in the hotel room, the shots are now different. From a once continuous shot, it now makes use of cuts and is focused on who is speaking. I find this simple trick genius in order to show the speaker's anger and make the audience feel it.

Once again, Richard Linklater's did not fail in giving us the realistic romance we all want. He is back with this masterpiece to produce a trilogy of classic pieces of romantic films. Right here, right now, I want to say that I am pretty confident that this trilogy would definitely be remembered forever as one of the most romantic films ever made.

Rating: 5/5 

Before Sunset (2004)

Time goes by so fast.

Nine years after Jesse and Celine met on the train in Vienna, they meet again in France during Jesse's book tour in the area. They stroll around France and catch up before Jesse will leave again for a plane back to America.

After a failed tryst in the past, two people cross paths once again but this time, with a nine year gap between the two of them. The movie is very exciting and nerve-wracking. You wouldn't know what happened and you would only understand as the movie progresses. A romantic film that keeps you at the edge of your seat is something worth noting.

The movie, just like its predecessor, is Jesse and Celine walking through the streets of France, catching up with all the things they missed with one another. Director Richard Linklater makes use of long takes just like the predecessor. Such skills are really remarkable for both the director and the actors themselves. Imagine having to deliver numerous lines for 7 minutes straight without interruption and mistakes while walking through the streets of Paris. But of course, it probably helped since Hawke and Delphy helped in writing the screenplay this time so they know what to say and how to say it.

If the first film did not have character development, Before Sunset offers a lot of it. The movie aims to take place on real time. Nine years have passed since Before Sunrise was released so it seems proper that nine years passed as well in the world of Jesse and Celine. Each of their character's development is very well-crafted and well-written. Their conversations are more mature and the way they see ideas and philosophies are more profound compared to their younger selves.

With nine years of difference between the two of them, the conversation and screenplay would be difficult I imagine but the product from this movie was a success. The way they talk to one another first is that of a friend meeting another friend after not seeing each other after a long time. They catch up on small and trivial things such as their jobs, hobbies, and whatever easy things they can talk about. As the movie goes on, the conversation gets deeper and more revealing. The emotion that was bottled up for nine years are slowly revealed and they start to say what they really feel after that encounter in the train nine years ago.

Aside from love and reunion, the film talks about the irony of life. In the nine years that the two of them were apart, they managed to get the things that they needed. They were able to build a name for themselves, they have a stable job, so on and so forth, yet they did not have each other. Having those things were always never enough, none of them mattered when the other one was not with them.

The film ends in a very hopeful note. That much I can tell you.

Rating: 5/5 

Before Sunrise (1995)

If only it was this easy to meet a girl.

In the summer of 1994, Jesse Wallace, an American, is on a train going to Vienna to catch a cheap flight back to the United States. It is in this train where he meets the beautiful Celine, a French girl on her way back to France. They talk for a while and when the train stops at Vienna, Jesse boldly asks Celine if she would accompany him for a while before he leaves for the US. The rest of the movie was on the shoulder of Celine's decision if she would go or not. Thankfully, she chose the former.

I am not really a fan of romantic films and if given the choice between a horror or romantic film, I would choose the former. So the fact that I enjoyed this movie and giving it a positive review means it's beyond good. What makes this movie very interesting and romantic is the fact that it doesn't try hard to please you. There are no dramatic deaths or crying or slapping each other in the face. The film basically revolves around a man and a woman, strolling on the streets of Venice from mid-afternoon until dawn, talking about their life and perspectives about different things, and it definitely works!

Watching the movie feels like more than like you're spying on a couple, rather it feels like as if you're watching a documentary on how a couple goes on their first date. How they act with each other, what they talk about and the simple and little things they do when the other is not watching. The movie is very realistic and honest. It doesn't rush things the way blockbuster films do.

Ironically, these couple are not even extraordinary. Moreover, as much as Vienna is beautiful, the movie made it look so mundane. What kept this movie alive is their conversation. The script. As you read this, you might be thinking of your other half or even glancing at a couple across your table and wondering what they might be talking about. What make the two beyond ordinary is the things they talk about, the insights and opinions of many different things. They would agree on some but they would mostly disagree with one another but it's still romantic. Their philosophical conversation brings color to the mundane world they live in.

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are superb actors in this film. The way they deliver their lines and how smoothly it all goes deserve an applause. This type of movie would fail miserably if the actors are not capable. The characters they portray are very lovable and memorable. Each has a distinct personality of their own and makes sure that one does not overpower the other. Instead of character development, there is The movie has great characterization. The movie does not offer character development since it would be difficult to develop a character in the span of less than a day. So what this movie does is it gives the audience a chance to get to know the character more. There is character depth. The characters are 3-dimensional and not some paper thin character you see in some movies.

Before Sunrise is a film not only about love, but about the human person and the world he lives in. It's a movie about hope, dreams, living the moment and the uncertainty of the future.

Rating: 4.5/5

Pacific Rim (2013)

This would make a good video game. As a matter of fact, this should have been a video game instead.

In the near future, specifically near 2013, an alien force emerging from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean attacked the Earth resulting in millions of people killed. These monsters are called Kaijus which literally translates as 'monsters' in Japanese. In an attempt to turn the tide against the invaders, the human race decided to settle all their differences and unite and build monstrous robots of their own called Jaegers, which is a German word for 'hunter'. The Jaegers prove effective but only during the first part of the war. The kaijus eventually learned how to properly combat the Jaegers and not only that, they have been appearing more often than usual to the disadvantage of the Jaegers. A former pilot of a Jaeger is called back to duty in hopes of finally ridding the world from the kaijus.

The concept for the film is definitely an interesting one. The idea of monsters coming from another dimension and using the bottom of the ocean as the gate to earth is new to me. What makes it more interesting is the reason why these monsters are invading earth in the first place. It makes you wonder who really are the rightful inhabitants of this planet. Guillermo del Toro and writer Travis Beacham made a great film in paper I presume but the final product was less than great but more than okay.

I'll start off with the good things in the movie.

As I have mentioned, the concept for this movie is really interesting. Other than that, the themes present are also worth praising. This is a great and exaggerated example that when humanity is losing against nature, then that will be the only time that everyone will be united for a cause. In this case, when we are on the brink of extinction against monsters who aim to colonize the earth, only then will we start cooperating with one another. This is further shown in the concept of having two people to pilot a Jeager instead of one because of neurological strain. One person would not be able to handle and control a Jaeger unless he/she has another person to share the strain with. Only then will controlling the robot be successful. The movie talks about trust, bond, and connection we have with one another. Sacrifice and love is also present but not entirely the romantic kind of love, rather, the love you give a person out of respect and admiration.

Being a sci-fi film, the success of the movie would also rely on the effectiveness of CGI and editing. Proud to say that the movie did not disappoint. I really love the design for both the Jaegers and the Kaijus. The Jaegers, or the robots, seem to have a character of their own. It's a given they have their own nationality depending on the country that built them but other than that, the way they move and fight in battle is very enticing and jaw-dropping. The pilots and the robot are synchronized and sometimes, you would even forget that there are human beings controlling it. The kaijus on the other hand are my favorite. Guillermo del Toro himself said he didn't want to make the monsters look post-modern. He wanted them to be different and unique. I like how each monster has a characteristic of their own and how each of them is inspired by an animal such as sharks and gorillas. The film is very pleasing to the eyes its grandeur would never go unnoticed. Of course, there were a few mishaps as well. One that really bugged me off is the fact that ajority of the fight between the Jaegers and the Kaijus are during the dark and when it's raining. I don't know if they really did it on purpose with the idea that monsters come out at night but it did not work with me. It made the kaijus more menacing in a way but you would not be able to fully appreciate its design unless they're well lighted. There were also instances where the scenes can be very messy and chaotic. But I guess you couldn't blame them since it's a monster and a robot fighting after all.

Since I started talking already about the bad parts, might as well continue.

One major disappointment in this film is it prioritized action over characterization. If you've been reading a few of my reviews before this, you would know how specific I am with the characterization. This is not the movie to watch when you're looking for character depth and development. Even in 3D, the characters are nothing but cardboard cut outs given lines and asked to deliver them. What really irks me off is the fact that it teases you at the early part of the film about the characters. It gives you hope that you would have that connection with the character but it leaves you hanging until the end. On the bright side, it has some memorable characters, but the bad news is that these memorable characters don't even have the lead roles. Charlie Day, Ron Perlman, and Burn Gorman who serves as the comic relief of the movie outshine the lead characters. 

The acting was mediocre. They're good at crying though but the deliveries of some lines were off and felt stiff. However, Idris Elba, who played the commanding officer, was really good. I wouldn't want him for a commanding officer if ever the world really came to this. He knows his character and he is able to act it well. He doesn't need to tell you who he is. You just know that he is the guy who you wouldn't want to mess with. 

Overall, the movie is great in terms of visual appeal and action sequences but fails miserably in the characterization department. The movie can be a bit draggy in some parts but it would eventually know how to wake you up when you end up dozing off.

Rating: 3/5

Monsters University (2013)

Needs more schooling.

Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are the best of friends and partners for life. But of course that wasn't always the case. Flashback to when they were younger, college to be exact. When Mike and Sulley first saw each other, the only mutual understanding between them is to hate one another. Hence, their college life began. Flash further back, it focuses on Mike and how he always wanted to be the best scarer ever. Things don't go smoothly for him in Monsters University as he has to prove himself to everyone that he is capable of being a scarer.

There was so much excitement the moment this movie was first announced. The 2001 film Monsters Inc. Is one of Pixar's most prized jewels and I bet they thought that an additional jewel wouldn't hurt. Well... let's just say it stumbled a lot and got a few bruises on the way. However, I would choose Monsters University any day compared to the last film Pixar released which is the 2012 film Brave. Ironically enough, both films currently have a 78% rating in Rotten Tomatoes.

When Pixar officially announced Monsters University, I figured it carried two burdens on its shoulders. The first one would have to be its audience. Yes, this is an animated film intended to be watched by children. How about the children at heart though? One particular sector in the demographics that will absolutely be watching Monsters Univ. are the young adults or specifically college students. The children who watched Monsters Inc. back in 2001 will surely not miss out on a prequel of a movie that was part of their childhood. So pleasing the children and the young adults is a difficult task that Pixar definitely must have considered. The second burden that I thought of primarily concerns the plot itself. In the trailers, it is established that Mike and Sulley were not on good terms before they became the best of friends. Thing is, even before watching this movie, majority, if not all, of the entire human population might have watched Monsters Inc. already and know that they are friends. So the question that a viewer has on his mind when about the watch the film is that "How are you gonna tell the story and how are you gonna make me stay and watch?" Because technically speaking, the entire movie is spoiled to us already because of the first film. The latter of the problems I mentioned should have been carefully thought of because as I was watching the movie, I found myself checking for the time. Definitely not a good sign when you're watching a movie.

So was it a bad film? No it wasn't but Pixar could have definitely have done better. I appreciate how the movie makes the viewers, especially the old ones, nauseous of the first film and makes them go "Oh look! It's..." during the movie. I also like how they put certain twists and unexpected situations that negates the first film but explains it in the latter part of the film. It offers great historical background on the characters of Mike and Sulley. You get to know more about the two of them and why they act like they do in Monsters Inc. 

Moreover, certain themes and subject are also present in the movie such as the idea of false hope versus chasing your dreams despite all odds. Would you fight and pursue or give up and find something better? This is probably one of those rare films that tell you to give up something which you're not good at. Majority of the films keep on telling you to just keep on believing in yourself no matter what the people around you say. Idealism vs. Realism.

One of the things I look for in animated films is the character development. There must always be a character development or else there would not be an emotional hook to the audience. Monsters University manages to execute great character development not only in the two protagonists but also in the supporting characters. It deserves a round of applause since it's quite rare for the supporting characters to also undergo development. Now with regards to the emotional hook I mentioned, I find it weird that despite the character development in the film, it lacked the emotional drive present in the previous works of Pixar. It didn't have a single scene where it made me go "Awwwwwwww..." (hope you read this the way I wanted it to sound)

In conclusion, the movie despite some shortcomings is still great and manages to bring out laughs and enjoyment from the audience. Just needed a better way to keep the viewers interested not only in certain parts of the film but as a whole.

Rating: 3/5

P.S.

Before Monsters University started, a Pixar short "The Blue Umbrella" was really cute and entertaining. As a matter of fact, 6 minutes of it gave me more feels than the movie I came for.