jaiconruedas

Warrior : Behind The Ring

2011-12-12T20:40:00.000-08:00

If there are sport themed movies you have watched for long time, you might consider to give a shot of this excellent film. No matter how you love or hate mixed martial arts, it still trigger your senses with this one of a kind story behind the Warrior.

The Past, Pains and Triumphs

When Tommy (Tom Hardy) returned at home, he asked his father
(Nick Nolte), a former boxer to train him for a comptetion in a mixed martial art tournament where he came across to fight his family-man older brother, Brendan (Joel Edgerton).

As they go up to the final round, the Conlon brothers keep haunted by the skeleton of their family's past. They are becoming hard to their father who abandoned them but are longing for love of family.

The Battle

No tense, no rush, no pick-a-boo reiteration for such mixed martial arts, just emotional hardcore between two fighters and brothers with their father. The past had hunted them and kept on returning. Indeed blood is sticker than water. On one way to another, it fastcinating to learn how the story goes without being too cheezy. Which in fact made whole scene to be worth believing.

The fight scene is carried out well. It was something that will let movie viewers to be part of the audience in the arena. It nearly close from the real fight which makes you catching up some breath. However, it's odd to imagine that it's more real than real life UFC.

In the sport in a deeper aspect, the more it touches one's life, the more its meanigful to win the battle. As the old saying goes, love is worth fighting for. Not just all about, platonic, but also brotherly or of family.

Underrated Stream

It's just me or the attention its getting is so low down to the point, no one would ever know that the movie was just released this year. It may never catch your attention with just one or two poster, but that's getting cliche nowadays, same as trailers with excellent presentation until someone learned how disappointing whole thing was.

The truth is, people talk too much of the upcoming hyped movies, and ignore such as this film without giving a shot. The fact is, this film brought shiver all over my spine. Actors here: Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy and Nick Nolte, will deserve to bag from Oscars and other awarding bodies.

I would like to watch it all over again.

The Change Up: Does The "Switch" Really Matter?

2011-10-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

UpThat's Freaky Friday on the row. The concept is getting more cliche. Not bad. You wouldn't miss the concept because it's all over in the mainstream in the past years. Not a troll for a movie like this one.

It's not tiring to get in hook in The Change Up. Pretty not good for kids though.

This how the story goes. A successful married guy once wished he could do all the things he never did in his single life. Then, there's another guy, the single one who enjoys his freedom as man. That's not however he could really proud of. Although they have their worlds apart. It came to the point where they envied each other's life. The next thing they knew, well, they have their life wanted, in "switch" way. It's no surprise though.

Act to be someone else's body is one of the most difficult things to maintain throughout the line. It had to discover every inch of each other's portrayed personality. The first short encounter with original "oneself" were not enough to establish their true identity. Perhaps, we can imagine them pretending to be someone else. Jason Bateman (Dave) was good at this part. But it's hard to connect it to Ryan Reynold's character (Mitch). It seems more of blatant and mediocre portrayal.

In funny and awkward moments, there's a bit comparisons between Dave (Jason Blateman) and Cal (Steve Carell) of Crazy, Stupid, Love. The latter is better so far. However, I was laughing the whole time with The Change Up. Perhaps, it's about randomness, not in character itself.

Speaking of comparisons, the theme of the Crazy, Stupid, Love and The Change Up focused in the mid life idiosyncrasies, yet it came up with different approach. The "switch" is cliche as it really is. However, this could be more appreciated when the time shows the real purpose behind.

Captain America : The First Avenger

2011-07-29T00:14:00.000-07:00

Never thought it's a good idea to see Captain America. Not all viewers are American nor are vintage film lover. Frankly speaking, its trailer sucked it up. It's too much Americanized. Yet, it should not be judged that way as we can obviously see the title itself. Besides, it's not an average movie you usually see to kill times. Did I say it's not good idea to see this movie? Honestly, I was wrong.

The Hero of the Past

Steve Roger (Chris Evans), who was not physically fit and deemed rejected by the army, had to join in a research of Dr. Erksine. After the test given, he was chosen to become the super human soldier to defend the America's deals that lately made him known as Captain America. Along side, he had unassertive romance with an English Officer, Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell)

The war led to Captain America to fight the villainous German Johann Schmidt (Hugo Weaving), also known as Red Skull, who build hostile army and create mass destructive weaponry. He began to lead fellow soldiers in destroying Red Skull's stations.

Into the Action

There are few interesting scenes in this film. One particular is when Dr. Erskine was killed by Heinz Kruger, a German spy in lab where Steve was experimented. After the sight, he chased to bring in the spy. It's like the the same scene in the first Spider-Man when Peter Parker right away chased the one who killed his uncle.

Another remarkable part, is the fragile stage of Steve Roger. From small kid to a big guy. That was really crazy. Wish I could do that. Alas, will it be a hint for every underdog to go in a lab? From coward-into-brave kid in Cellular, to human torch in Fantastic Four, to a goon in Losers finally, Chris Evan gave a hand to the leader of The Avengers. This is real deal that will make him more mature in raw action scene.

First Avenger in Modern Generation

The film retains the original setting of the story. Although,low-tech weapons and apparatus in the setting looked like unrealistic, it appeared to be vintage and justified. Altogether with World War scenario, it's like watching (not reading) a live comic book.

No wonder if you see array of ladies dancing on stage with Captain America. In there, suits similar to Pearl Harbor and a commercial look of Captain America which, definitely were trying and later on, should not be blame the film, because that's what the setting supposed to be. After all, it's still interesting to see how it going to be work. Not just cup of everyone's tea though.

On the other side, people can relate on Steve's experience before he became super human. It showed that there's no room for apathy when being bullied by someone. But the hype was overflowed that it's almost impossible for it to internalize.

Expect the next

No tupsy-turvy things around the plot. All sequence are in proper place. Even if you leave in between, you can still figure it out. Even though, some lines are predictable, still, those are the lines that will surprise you. The best example is the last scene of the movie. I was expecting it from the beginning, but turned out to be more from what I expected.

Like the one said, this is not the only piece in a whole pie. There will be more action-heroes along the way. It's up to you, if you will bite them or not.

House of the Rising Sun

2011-07-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

Alright, after watching this film with about 1:27 minute run time, I uttered "What the f***k was that?" I gave that as compliment. Never been watched of Batista's (Dave Bautista) dramatic side. Well, this was supposed to be action. Indeed it was, but did not overwhelm the whole scenario.

The film is about Ray (Dave Bautista), an ex-con who worked for night club as watcher where in one evening was robbed and the owner's son shot in dead by unknown gunmen. While he became the prime suspect by the mob and cops, he went to find the person responsible for this crime to clear his name before they reached him.

As far as the hero's concern, the elevation of the plot should be taken for granted by giving out more intense scenes rather of full gun actions. It's perfectly carried out but seems to be predictable. Anyway, that's still plausible. Batista has his own remarkable brand in action. You should see it by yourself. You would fail in trying to compare him to Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson. Batista wasn't yet raw in his craft. Even in handling gun, which I think Matt Damon is better.

Going back to the story, there's a feel of deja vu of Bourne series and Salt (and some "I'm innocent" movies). It's not bad at all. Simple yet interesting. However, the major drawback is its weak plot. At first glance, the whole thing was random. Its not necessary to put topless whores out in the scene which made it more porn. A cliche should the film lessen a bit. It's not gross though.

Few connections of stories were not appeared strongly connected. But again, that's not bad at all. The end made me think of something like "that's not supposed to be the end".

Paul: Alien on Board

2011-07-16T01:57:00.000-07:00

Even the poster can tell you what the movie is all about. Heck, the more it seems familiar the lesser it seems to get attention. This is not true when you see Paul's comical yet brilliant act, which is very strange for an extraterrestrial alien. Hence, it's reasonable to say somehow, the film deserves a positive review.

Meet Paul Not the Saint

Greame (Simon Pegg) and Clive (Nick Frost) an English best friends who traveled to America to attend Comics Con and took a road trip to visit all known extraterrestrial place. Until they meet Paul an alien who escaped from The Big Guy's (Sigourney Weave) men who wanted his supernatural abilities. Along the road they had to keep a half blind woman, Ruth (Kristen Wiig), with them. It turned out to be more intense as they went to help Paul in getting back to his planet with space ship.

Brilliant yet comical

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost were really good as tandem. Actually, they were equally decent and hilarious in Shaun of the Dead. They delivered script that it looks more natural than usual. They could possibly bring the whole scene without Paul. But then again Paul mainly made up fascinating scenes which was certainly brought the house down.

It's crazy to see alien who's able to dance, to smoke to curse and makes jokes. Speaking of curse, everyone may not be happy with it. It's awkward to crack too much curse to something for us to laugh. Self mocking and sarcasm were much appreciated and more laughable. Definitely meant no harm.

On the other side, it's hard to internalize the "shaking of faith" when there were jokes around. But it doesn't mean there's lacking in putting out beliefs. The light mood was just catching more our attention rather than those deep core underlying ideas about science and fiction.

Inspired by copying

Well, if you notice the whole picture, its like seeing another movie. Its not huge like those of Spielberg's but that's not how the film wanted to deliver. It showed how really curiosity kills the cat. The effect was tremendous and was overrated.

Thor: Myths No More

2011-07-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

While Marvel keeps running on mainstream, comic fans were shouting at the top of their lungs. Of course not all are enjoying these real life characters. Thor could not be in the list. But there it was. Such was truly successful.

You might not want to see vikings. But the film's all-fantasy concept was irresistible. The storyline was typical though. Its development had a complicated history which brought into the middle of fairy tales and science fiction literature. The results were not good. There were random circumstances. Like, how the hell he got decent human clothes into the banishment in earth? This and other things would be noticeable.

Little did I know about Norse Mythology, except the Greek. Anyway, its no deal in making up Marvel's Avenger including Thor. The god bearing hammer wasn't myth at all. Besides, the film depicts the unending creation of fantasy with some unknown facts. Really confusing, huh?. Yeah, it more of delusions. I rather watch Transformers with though of that.

We can say above all these predicament, the film is impressive when it comes to set of production. I think, so far, this is one of the best films for Thor franchise. Take note, even there were mediocre characters beneath the Thor's perspective and it's unlikely to know you could find them in other B movies.

The lead character, Thor saved the day. This film supposed to be a prequel just like Green Lantern. Gladly, it did not disappoint common viewers on what production meant to be. I, too, did not expect that this would be greater than those Superheroes already on mainstream. It was frank and bold. It didn't expand the whole scenes with more complicated history.

It seems that plot will continue. Thor promised Jane in going back to earth. Will the next film draw our attention again? Let's see that in The Avengers in 2012. For the meantime, the next in line is Captain America.

Transfomers: Dark of the Moon

2011-06-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

I can feel the excitement of our peeps who are about to get seats in movie house. The premiere night here in the Philippines was supposed to be 12:00 midnight. But I was able to get pass for advance screening, 9:00 on July 28. You wouldn't tell how great to see this third sequel of the Transformers.

First off, there's a bit disappointment being Megan Fox out of the picture. Did anyone think that she's hot? Surely, all men, including me, were craving for her. But I guess it's time for another new hottie for Sam. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley played Melissa as new love interest of Sam (Shia LaBeouf). For a starter like her, do not expect on her acting skill. That was distraction while maintaining her role in the middle of intimate and action scenes. I could see her modelling prowess even in simple gestures. That's enough to make her sexy and hot.

The storyline had been set aside. The plot seems to be ripped off from the previous sequels. With that, I like the plot more from the Transformers (2007). But this film (The Dark of the Moon) is best for its thrilling effect. The film really puts more effort in production. The maturity of production is not overrated. It maintains it's position to keep the interest of the viewers. There's no question for its realistic settings. Michael Bay is great in doing it. In fact, you will like to applause it, trust me.

In my opinion, the best part of this film is when Sam, together with Melissa and soldiers, was in near-collapsing building where the Shockwave, a huge robotic tentacle razor, came to tear them apart. Its breath-taking scene that would drive you crazy.

There's nothing new with the apocalyptic battle between robotic aliens and humans. It's unexpected that the Transformers had come up with this so far. Still, it turned out to be blast and massive. Though the war of Autobots and Decepticons turned to tear down your interest, leveling up of raw visual effects will make you hold tight in you seat.

The trilobite-like warship was no different in old alien invasion theme films. You may never saw it in Independence Day (1995), War of the Worlds (2005) and Skyline (2010), but in there, you could feel the similarities.

There are maybe tons of reasons for you to fantasize those gigantic robots. From comic books,toy, video games, animations to films. Needless to say, its addictive if you are fan. On the other hand, common people used think that robots in disguise are just incredible and nothing so special. The fact still remains, it still invades our vivid imagination to the fullest. It's not simple to make detailed robots in just one snap of your finger.

A Glimpse to the Characters in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

2011-06-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

Its not only for kids. There's something more in the story that could somehow affect us. You should know it by yourself. Some grown ups had imagined before those things that Greg had in mind. Sense of confidence was just in mind, but still he's wimpy. His brother, Rodrick, his pain in the ass, made him more mature.

The characters make the whole story of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid more interesting. Maybe you could feel it better in the book which described each character in depth. The sitcom-ish act in the film is a good style in implementing the plot. The way each scene rolls, it brings the house down. So, is it more in positive sides? If you don't care how few of them overreact, then all things get in bright side. At least, it relieves you from your dreadful day.

On the glimpse of each characters based on the film, each of them had their own nature which's close to real life. Greg Heffley a kid you would not see happy doing kid stuff. He's every underdog with a big guy's mind. Self centered he seemed to be, but not a selfish. Rowley, his best friend, complement this with his youthful manner. Well, his innocence contradicts Greg's all-knowing attitude. With that, its a pity for Rowley in getting around Greg. In spite of this and their age, they keep their friendship tight.

You'd may never forget Patty Farrel, a strong girl adverse to Greg. She insists herself in every way to catch attention and seems trying to be feminine. Its funny how she defeated Greg in some way but not all that time. You might know somebody like her.

Speaking of knowing somebody, Fregley, though a nobody, had remarkable yucky behavior. You don't want to heed on him, but his act was too hilarious to notice . He's another spice for the story's comical side. Another spice is Chirag Gupta, an foreign exchange grader, who had a strange accent and odd knowledge.

As the title suggested, this film was for Greg's brother, Rodrick Heffley. Most people claimed this film was better than the first. Rodrick rules might be sickening, but that's his nature. We could see the upward development of the sequels. The message is clear; from friendship to brotherly.

Hanna : The Invincible Heroine

2011-06-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you should not dwell to extravagant productions. In Hanna, there's no way to put it. The aesthetic pace of the plot is enough to make you move in to it's deepest insight. If there would be dull moment in several scenes, its not noticeable.

Hanna Heller (Saoirse Ronan), a 16-year old who trained to be assassin by her father Erik Heller in a isolated forest in Finland, Erik trained Hanna to kill Marissa for revenge in her mother's death. After she departed to her father, captured by and escaped from ruthless agents with the help of Sophie, who became her friend, she finally went to meet her father in Grimm's house in Berlin. There, she unraveled the pieces of her. She found out that she's born in failed experiment designed to bring in an aggressive, strong with no pain and emotion soldier and eventually realized that Erik was not her biological father.

Hanna was not really pierce as what the film described her. She had several scenes which showed her weakness. Innocence and sense of belonging. In every film, its good to have something ironic character for leading protagonist, which anyhow is not necessary. Hanna was young and seemed to be vulnerable. It did not stop there, until you realize something beyond unexpected.

You expect pack of actions like those with Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil). She's rather vulnerable in front yet invincible in fight. You would see astounding fight scenes though its common and could feel the adrenaline and endurance of Hanna. However, the turning point is not consistently upward. There's moment that almost catch your breath and one moment in time, dropped your shoulder. You might hardly predict the entire scenario which in case is good for thrill.

It's impeding actions are not enough when the connections of each character is not perfectly established. Not convincing but somehow intriguing. Just like Saoirse, even in her very young age,can bring the whole film. Its no surprise though. See her in "Atonement" and "The Lovely Bones" and you'll know it.

Knowing that you have seen the plot in other film, it's no surprise to gather all the unraveled pieces in the end. What makes this movie stands among all similarities is the realistic implementation of the plot. No lab and monsters, just simple flow of the story. It closely internalizes the true mind-set of human born in lab.

Green Lantern (2011)

2011-06-16T19:30:00.000-07:00

Green Lantern 2011

When you're looking for a decent action hero, you resort to DC's and Marvel's. Green Lantern as we know it, is part of the Justice League. For those comic book fan, it's overwhelming to see Green Lantern in real life in big screen. It's hard to produce something that needs a matured graphics to feel it's "real existence". You can see it in this film. Along these lines, it's hard to be convinced. Yeah it failed. Anyhow, Green Lantern will never fail you to amuse with vivid imagination. It still makes you blown away

Although the plot was narrowed, there were several effective ideas, which incorporated in the film. One of these ideas is the flash back. This made the film less dense to viewers who had no idea of the entire comic series. Even if it's already told, it's not entirely predictable. The mood is not totally hard. In fact there are few scenes that will make you smile and some will make you laugh but's not hard as what you think it should be. Maybe beacause it's not spontaneous unlike in Spider-Man.

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively

The best part is the romance instilled in this movie. Well, its something that will remind you of other movies. Here, Ryan Reynold's charm works and Blake Lively's bearing is stunning. It's almost close to Tobey-Kristen (Peter-Jane). But the latter is less appealing compare to Hal-Carol. This compelling genre is not tiring to watch. Both Ryan and Blake delivered it so well.

The film has packed actions. Not to mention the extent of the thrill, the scenes were more larger-than-life. So, expect the ingenious power of Green Lantern and villains. Dr. Hammond (Peter Sarsgaard ), a villain you wouldn't forget not only for contributing thrills but also for making the film more dramatic. Aside from him, Sinestro (Mark Strong), a heroic figure had something that would make you confused about his stand beacuse of his picture. He seemed more of villain. Let see what he will become in the future Green Lantern. Sinestro would be a big deal.

Ryan Reynolds(as Hal) and Mark Strong (as Sinestro)

The thought, which had already been told, about the weakness of human and the great fear to overcome is rather a focal theme that would lead us to believe more of action hero. Yeah, the film worth my penny.

Priest : Doomed with vampires

2011-06-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

The premise's film is like a hot boiled water in a closed pot. It's waiting for someone to open it. You expect something that will explode yet it's not surprising. This is how I describe this film while following the storyline.

There were scenes that you might think necessary to make the entire film worth to watch. Needless to say, those are the things you would see in other sci-fi, horror, action movie. "Underworld" was the first thing that came into my mind. It's not a waste though to find few cliches but it keep you from wanting more. I also find it strange to see monsters (or the vampires as the film referred to) similar to "Doom (2005)". Nevertheless, people still tend to hold on human-to-monster battle, more particularly to vampires.

In most positive way, there were few improvements in cinematography. It took my breath away. You would almost believe the existence of the landmarks appeared in the film but not the futuristic side. As expected, there were impressive fighting scenes. The thrill was not disappointing which's something I could reason out for not taking coffee.

Speaking of thriller, remember the Legion? Paul Betanny (as the Priest) has great deed when it comes to sci-fi action. This film is not exception. However, lines delivered could have been better. It's predictable and unconvincing unlike in "Legion". Cam Gigandet (as Hicks), on the other hand, is also not a newbie in the genre. His west-side-outfit was just a little distraction, but's no big deal anyway. It's odd to see that it were still worn in the futuristic scenario.

Karl Urban (as Black Hat) who played the uncanny villain, had some funny gestures in his every scene. You could not take him seriously.

I was bit surprised that there's priestess (played by Maggie Q). For me she's a twist in the story aside from the mysterious relationship of the Priest to his niece. Her character as invincible fighter is always suited her.

As I said earlier, we expect something different in this film. But the film put itself to the risk which brought in familiar scenes. Yet, it's keeps you entertain.

Green Lantern First Launch in Philippines on June 16, 2011

2011-06-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, Philippines is one the first countries where to release Green Lantern. Its one day ahead to US. I'm one the few persons who look forward to the film. There were already lot of teasers in 2010. I had seen few of them.

What should we expect in this comic-book based-movie? Will there be deviation on the original storyline? Whether there will be changes or not, the bottom line here is, will it become too cheesy or be having some stupid cliches? But for now, I'm not sure of Ryan Reynold. It a bit of surprise that the supposed to be black is white. (You know what I mean?).On the other side, I will keep on eye to the blonde Gossip Girl Blake Lively. Her role as Carol Ferris is interesting. Beauty and brain, huh?

No more comparison to the X-Men series or Batman or Superman or Justice League or Wonder Woman or Captain America or Darna (what the?). These movies have their own edge to jump us. That's all there is to it.

This may be the first in trilogy. If it beats us madly, then surely, we will crave for the next level. Otherwise, the award given as "Most Anticipated Movie" by Scream Award is a waste. Oh wait, I have no intention to spoil the moment. In fact, this movie is absolutely in my watch-list.

Here is the official synopsis of the film.

"In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan.

Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. But Hal is clearly the missing piece to the puzzle, and along with his determination and willpower, he has one thing no member of the Corps has ever had: humanity. With the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris (Blake Lively), if Hal can quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears, he may prove to be not only the key to defeating Parallax…he will become the greatest Green Lantern of all."

LIMITLESS 2011 : Can You Handle It?

2011-06-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

"They have identified a receptor in the brain that trigger on a certain way. they say that we can access only 20% of our brain. This pill allows all of it.". Imagine that. The premise is intriguing, huh?

We normally interact the way we used to be. Maybe we could change something on ourselves. Attitude, that's it. However, I realized that there's always something left. That is the 80% of our brain! How is it true? Can a piece of pill make a difference? Well, its only a fiction. But a fiction may have few facts. Who experts could say that? Having a big brain is not enough? Is it necessarily mean that a genius use the 100%?

Film is based on the 2001 novel "The Dark Fields" by Alan Glyn. I haven't yet read that one. Although it is purely fictional, I can't help but to think the few possibilities. Its a compliment when the film made the audience think of "the experience far beyond" having a piece of pill. It's only degrading when one thinks it's only a drug like crank. Some part seemed to be exaggerated. A man can think as if he's at the top of the world and he can control anything like a superman (not the Man of Steel). A good point though here in the story is the use of ironic but realistic situation wherein the protagonist can decide his fate. For instance, Eddie (Bradley Cooper), before he got the pill, had been dumped by her girlfriend Lindy (Abbie Cornish) but lately successfully got her back after he became "superman".

Abbie Cornish might have few scenes with him, but it doesn't mean she's out of the picture. She did well in balancing extremities in plot. I have to see her more in Sucker Punch.

You may appreciate each line that Eddie delivered in some crucial moments. It's highly technical and appears to be exciting and appealing. I literally had risen from the edge of my seat seeing how things would be going to happen. Bradley Cooper nailed it! One the remarkable scene was when Eddie took a test with Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro).

Some critics react negatively towards the Cooper and De Niro tandem, I can't find the best reason for that. In my opinion, Bradley (same as his role in The Hangover) used his charm and funny side. On the other hand, Robert stood on being a man that can't be moved and more or less serious than to Fockers. Just figure few of the angles and surely you will appreciate the tandem.

For a one and half hours rough, the development of the plot went conventional. However it never came to the point that you would lose interest instead you would find yourself deeply absorbed.

Source Code : Another-Sci-Fi

2011-06-10T01:44:00.000-07:00

Source Code was one of the anticipated movies I ever wanted to see. I've already seen its teaser last December. The trailer itself almost told the whole story. Nevertheless, the plot was interesting which I think one of the best sci-fi. The hero is none other than the Donnie Darko. I used to think that character whenever I see Jake Gyllenhaal. I was a bit surprised in his character here. He's soldier here, as Colter Stevens, not a Donnie Darko typo.

There's Michelle Monaghan as Christina Warren. She is simply stunning. I could not find that in her role in Eagle Eye. Her character is enticing as in bewitching her hero (Stevens). I find it's awkward to see how she repeated some scenes whenever Steven came back in time. It's because she's the past. This made me think. How this plot will be going? Fortunately, its not all the same. Surprisingly, it came to be unpredictable.

The movie is not so hyped. It is simply a sci-fi thriller with a few of romantic scene. Nothing is new about this kind of film. Here and there are a few scientific phenomena, time-traveling, mission to be accomplished and some air of drama and romance. However, the excitement for the next things to happen is still there, not just superb.

The intense of the actions wasn't felt. Instead that genre was persistently brought in to the element in the plot. Anyway, it gains intensity on the characters emotions. I'm not psycho about it. But the latter is the reason that made the whole movie as great sci-fi thriller film.

Source Code Trailer by SFLTV

X-Men First Class 2011

2011-06-09T19:38:00.000-07:00

"In 1962, Charles Xavier starts up a school and later a team, for humans with superhuman abilities. Among them is Erik Lensherr, his best friend... and future archenemy. "

See X-Men: First Class (2011).

If you are fan of X-men series, you would know a little bit of "inconsistency" in this movie. But of course, in general, people still be captivated by the movie. Why not? It is as if fresh baked story. No need to compare it to "The Last Stand" and "The Origin".

I remember James McAvoy who starred as Wesley in Wanted. Indeed he's good in action. His role as Charles Xavier is definitely justified. I found his accent somewhat pure English. It's not cheesy anyway. Professor X described here as a strong man with soft heart.

But the movie went around to the story of Erik Lensherr aka Magneto. The plot begins when he was in Poland. I recall the conversation of Dr. Schdimit and him talking to German. Its authentic. It was fascinating. This is not a surprise if Michael Fassbender (Magneto) could speak German. He's really a German.

Back to the story, my favorite scene here is when Magneto lift up the huge submarine. I was actually amazed by the reactions of the marine troops while they are staring at the soaring submarine.

There are some quite actions but are not same as to X-Men: The Last Stand. What makes it interesting is its great stories which may not be consistent to previous one but has fantastic view of characters.

Watch this trailer of the movie.

Who is JRAquino?

2011-06-08T00:03:00.000-07:00

I don't know him at all (not personally). I just browsed a cover for a song and accidentally got into this Somebody to Love Cover by JRAquino. Oh wait, is it Aquino? As in Noynoy Aquino? Its latin name. He got latin name and looks asian. Is he Filipino then? Anyway, paid no attention to his last name, man, I envy his voice. I don't have talent in singing!

I checked some of his video in his site. I found video of him singing with Andrew Garcia. (di ba nasa American Idol siya?). Another video of him singing with other asian and stuff and Dtrix. Fortunately Dtrix is not singing just papansin lang. By the way Dtrix (Dominic Sandoval) is former member of champion group Quest Crew in America's Best Dance Crew a.I knew all this stuff because I'm inclined to dancing.

I'm surprised seeing all this guys with JRA's video. How bout Kobe here?

Appreciating Movies of All Time

2011-06-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

I do love movies. Who's with me? Maybe you are one of those people who grabbed some info and downloading some five stars movies OR just simply those who can afford to go in cinema even without someone with.

Anyway, it doesn't all mean that I have to be fan of "Twilight Saga" (haven't seen it) or "Harry Potter and the seven dwarfs" Just watch. Simply no more screaming their name. "Oh man! That's why I'm following it!". It is as if who cares if you wear Harry-Potter-robe in Halloween, sip on to tiny cup imprint in it wolves vs. vampires blah blah. I mean what's the point?

Alright let them do whatever they feel. Its not bad at all. However its just only a movie with series versions. Actors and actresses and superb special effects is plus. If you have seen "Fight Club", would you like to feel its normal to be with bad guys? Would you dream to be a mutant just like the cool guys in x-men having some cool stuff. Yeah. Cool stuff. You want to be cool like those cool guys you've seen.

Movies come up in different genres, sources, viewers, and productions. Actions, thrillers, horrors, romance and comedies might be one of your things. Maybe combinations of them. But if you are following some popular manga or comics and books, then you must have seen "Watchmen", "Spiderman", "Transformers: The Rise of the Fallen", "X-men: The Last Stand" etc.

Nothing is best in movie whether its from Indie Film or Big Screen. But I'm pretty sure there lot of great. Should I mention "Forrest Gump"? There are maybe haters, lovers, hate-haters, fanatics, and freaks. Those are bunch of people (including me) who get themselves in forums and reviews. Its ok. At least, they could share some insights and frustrations. Freedom is what we have.

It's frustrating that you spend the whole time watching your anticipated movie and finally felt nothing. Just wasting time. (But some would say "I'm just killing time, so its ok"). Alas, not everyone has the same taste. Watching movies is all but appreciating. You like the storyline, then you found out its slow moving and predictable. Actors and actions are good but not the special, sound, production effects. Ironic isn't it? I think, its not at all. How about enjoying it instead.

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