Movie Notebook

Weapons (2025) Movie Review: Zach Cregger’s Mind-Bending Horror Epic

2026-03-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

Is Weapons (2025/2026) the scariest movie of the decade? After the viral success of Barbarian, director Zach Cregger returns with a multi-layered, non-linear horror masterpiece that has critics and audiences from Manila to Madrid buzzing.

Whether you are looking for the Weapons movie release date in Thailand, box office updates in China, or a deep dive into the Josh Brolin and Julia Garner performances, our definitive review covers everything you need to know.

The Plot: The Mystery of the Maybrook Disappearances

At exactly 2:17 a.m. in the small town of Maybrook, 17 children from the same classroom vanish simultaneously. Only one child, Alex Lilly (Cary Christopher), remains.

What follows is a Pulp Fiction-style horror anthology where the lives of a grieving father (Josh Brolin), a haunted teacher (Julia Garner), and a local police officer (Alden Ehrenreich) intersect in a terrifying puzzle box. As the community descends into paranoia, the truth behind the "disappearances" reveals something far more malevolent than a simple kidnapping.

Global Appeal: Why 'Weapons' is a Worldwide Hit

1. Southeast Asia (Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia)

The Weapons movie release in the Philippines (August 2025/2026) saw massive turnout in IMAX theaters. Fans of "elevated horror" in Thailand and Malaysia have praised the film's "Black Comedy" elements, drawing comparisons to the surrealism found in modern Asian horror classics. The inclusion of Benedict Wong as the school principal has also been a major draw for regional audiences.

2. China & East Asia

Despite the strict genre regulations, the Weapons movie in China has gained significant traction on platforms like Douban and Weibo. Viewers are captivated by the "Butterfly Effect" narrative structure and the film’s exploration of collective community trauma, a theme that resonates deeply in East Asian cinema.

3. Europe & the West

In Europe, specifically the UK and France, the film is being hailed as a "prestige slasher." Critics at the Cannes Film Festival noted that Cregger’s use of practical effects and 65mm cinematography (by EEAAO’s Larkin Seiple) elevates the film beyond standard jump-scares.

Cast & Performance Breakdown

Josh Brolin (Archer): Delivers a powerhouse performance as a father pushed to the brink. His arc provides the emotional anchor of the film.
Julia Garner (Justine): The Ozark star shines as the teacher caught in a "witch hunt."
Amy Madigan (Gladys): Winner of Best Supporting Actress (2026), Madigan’s performance is the secret weapon of the third act.
Benedict Wong: Adds a layer of gravitas and mystery to the small-town setting.

Technical Excellence: A Visual Nightmare

The film’s cinematography, handled by Larkin Seiple, uses "pockets of darkness" to create a constant sense of dread. The Weapons movie soundtrack, composed by the Holladay brothers alongside Cregger, uses dissonant tones that make the theater seats literally vibrate during the climactic "Basement" sequence.

Is Weapons Better Than Barbarian?

Feature	Barbarian (2022)	Weapons (2026)
Structure	Linear with one big twist	Non-linear, multi-chapter
Tone	Claustrophobic / Dark Humor	Epic / Supernatural Mystery
Vibe	"Don't go in the basement"	"The whole town is cursed"

Final Verdict: Weapons is a "righteous" genre-bender. It is more ambitious, sicker, and more technically refined than its predecessor. It’s a 5-star experience for fans of original horror screenplays.

Sinners (2025) Movie Review: Michael B. Jordan’s Dual Role Shines in Coogler’s Vampire Epic

2026-03-29T23:27:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re catching the Sinners movie in the Philippines or following the global box office buzz in China, Ryan Coogler’s latest masterpiece is the "must-watch" cinematic event of the year. Moving away from the Black Panther franchise, Coogler reunites with Michael B. Jordan to deliver a haunting, IMAX-shot Southern Gothic vampire horror that has already grossed over $370 million worldwide.

Local Connection: Hailee Steinfeld and the Cast

A major draw for Southeast Asian audiences is Hailee Steinfeld, who plays Mary. Steinfeld, who has proud Filipino heritage, has noted that her role as a biracial woman in the 1930s South allowed her to connect deeply with her own family history.

The film also features a notable subplot involving Grace and Bo Chow (played by Li Jun Li and Yao), Chinese shopkeepers in the Mississippi Delta. Their inclusion highlights the historical "Mississippi Chinese" community, adding a layer of cultural depth that resonates strongly with international viewers.

Plot Summary: The Smokestack Twins vs. The Undead

Set in 1932, the film stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twins Smoke and Stack Moore.

The Setting: The brothers return to Clarksdale, Mississippi, to open a juke joint, bringing the "sinful" sounds of the Blues to a town gripped by Jim Crow laws.

The Twist: The "sinners" aren't the musicians—they are the vampires. Led by the eerie Remmick (Jack O’Connell), a coven of supernatural predators begins a siege on the community.

The Stakes: Unlike traditional horror, Sinners uses vampirism as a metaphor for cultural extraction, where the villains literally consume the life force and creativity of the local people.

Why 'Sinners' is Trending in the Philippines & China

Michael B. Jordan’s Star Power: Following the success of Creed III and Black Panther, Jordan remains a top-tier draw in Manila and Shanghai. His performance as two distinct brothers is a masterclass in acting.

IMAX Visuals: Shot on 65mm cameras, the film’s "Southern-fried" aesthetic and high-octane action sequences are designed for the largest screens possible (SM Cinema IMAX, etc.).

Genre Fusion: The "vampire musical" element—featuring a soul-stirring score by Ludwig Göransson—offers a fresh take on the horror genre that is trending on social platforms like TikTok (PH) and Weibo (China).

Quick Facts for Moviegoers

Philippines Release Date: April 19, 2025 (Widely available in major malls/cinemas).

Rating: R-16 (Gory and visceral violence).

Run Time: 2 hours and 18 minutes.

Key Search Terms: Sinners movie review, Michael B. Jordan twins movie, Hailee Steinfeld Sinners PH, Ryan Coogler vampire movie.

Verdict: A New Classic

Sinners is more than just a horror movie; it is a soulful, violent, and beautiful exploration of survival. It’s a bold swing from a director at the top of his game.

Pro-Tip: Stay through the credits to appreciate the full scope of the "Timeline" musical sequence—a visual trip through Black musical history that is already being called one of the best scenes of the decade.

#Philippines #China #Movies #Sinners #MovieSuggestions #Oscars #GoldenGlobes #ActorAwards #CriticsChoice #PH #ItsMoreFuninthePhilippines #WestPhilippineSea #SoutheastAsia #Thailand #Cambodia #Vietnam #Indonesia

2025 Oscar Awards Predictions

2025-03-02T05:56:00.000-08:00

In a few hours, Hollywood will feat the best in film for 2024. Here is Movie Notebook's choices for this year's awards. BEST PICTURE. The top price for best movie of the year will be a toss between Anora and Conclave. Movie Notebook's Choice 2025 is CONCLAVE. BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE: This is quite challenging since Mickey Madison was strikingly convincing as a sex worker in Anora and Demi Moore as an embattled victim of ageism. Either of the two will be deserving winners. Movie Notebook's Choice 2025 is DEMI MOORE for THE SUBSTANCE. BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE. Looks like a sweep for Kieran Culkin in A Real Pain. While the chances of Yura Borisov winning is a surprise, he surely deserves more exposure in films for wider audience outside Russia. Movie Notebook's Choice 2025 is KIERAN CULKIN in A REAL PAIN. BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE. While Zoe Saldana is praise-worthy in Emilia Perez, she plays a lead role in it (most might disagree). Movie Notebook's Choice 2025 is ISABELLA ROSSELLINI in CONCLAVE. BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE. Oscar winner Adrien Brody is leading this year's pack. While excellently portrayed, we have witnessed this acting in The Pianist. Movie Notebook's Choice 2025 is RALPH FIENNES in CONCLAVE. But, Timothee Chalamet might just pull a surprise. BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: CONCLAVE. BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: A REAL PAIN. BEST DIRECTOR: SEAN BAKER for ANORA.

Oppenheimer (2023)

2024-02-11T17:42:00.000-08:00

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Oppenheimer (2023)

Rated R, 3 hours
IMDB User Rating: 8.4/10
Metascore: 89 (Universal Acclaim); User Rating: 8.6 (Universal Acclaim)
Tomatometer: 93% Fresh; Audience Score: 91%

Movie Notebook: 9.10/10
Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended
Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

Quite drowsy in its opening 15 minutes or so. But, will hook you 'til the end. Trophy-worthy performances from Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., and Emily Blunt. A frontrunner for best film and best direction.

For your consideration:

Best Picture

Best Director

Best Actor in a Leading Role - Cillian Murphy

Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Emily Blunt

Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Robert Downey Jr.

#oscars #oscars2024 #oppenheimer #movies #moviereviews #bts #bestpicture #cillianmurphy #emilyblunt #robertdowneyjr #bestmovies

The Invisible Guest (2016)

2020-11-12T00:04:00.005-08:00

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The Invisible Guest (2016)

Spanish: Contratiempo (2016)

Date seen: 14 October 2020

Rated 13+ (Netflix), 106 mins

IMDB User Rating: 8.1/10

Metascore: No score yet

Tomatometer: 67% Certified Fresh (Audience: 86%)

Movie Notebook: 8.90/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

Fair plot delivered by a powerhouse cast--one of the best that I have seen this 2020.

For your consideration:

Actress in a Supporting Role - Ana Wagener as Virginia Goodman

#TheInvisibleGuest

#Netflix

#MarioCasas

Kilo Two Bravo (2014)

2018-02-08T03:49:00.001-08:00

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Kilo Two Bravo (2014)

Date seen: 06 February 2018

Rated R, 108 mins

IMDB User Rating: 7.1/10

Metascore: No score yet (Audience: 6.8)

Tomatometer: 100% Certified Fresh (Audience: 81%)

Movie Notebook: 8.50/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

A welcome addition to films that paints the realities of the struggles and losses of the war in Afghanistan.

Coco (2017)

2018-01-28T07:45:00.000-08:00

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Coco (2017)

Date seen: 22 November 2017

#Rated PG, 105 mins

IMDB User Rating: 8.7/10

Metascore: 81 - Universal Acclaim (Audience: 8.0)

Tomatometer: 97% Certified Fresh (Audience: 95%)

Movie Notebook: 9.75/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

The best animated film of the year is #Coco (2017)! Vibrant colors coupled with moving narrative and outstanding animation makes #Coco special.

For your consideration:

Best Animated Film of the Year
Best Original Song (Remember Me)

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Scores are as of posting.

Non-Stop (2014)

2014-07-20T01:39:00.000-07:00

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Non-Stop (2014)

Date seen: 05 July 2014

Rated PG-13, 106 mins

IMDB User Rating: 7.1

Metascore: 56/100 (User Score: 7.1)

Tomatometer: 59% Rotten (Audience: 66%)

Movie Notebook: 8.25/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

Highly engaging and thrilling that will keep you guessing until the end. Non-Stop (2014) is one of the best action/thriller movies of the year.

For your consideration:

None

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Scores are as of posting.

Jack and the Cuckoo Clock Heart (2013)

2014-07-11T04:08:00.001-07:00

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Jack and the Cuckoo-clock Heart (2013)

"Jack et la mécanique du coeur" (original title)

Date seen: 04 July 2014

Rated PG, 94 mins

IMDB User Rating: 7.1

Metascore: Not yet listed.

Tomatometer: No score yet.

Movie Notebook Score: 7.75/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: ST - Watch if you can't Sleep

Notes:

Eccentrically intriguing and darkly emotional to the point of being creepy, Jack and the Cuckoo-clock Heart (2013) is an oxymoron for boringly-interesting for the blockbuster-loving movie-goer. Not really for kids but for young adults and adults. However, it is among the quality movies around cinemas right now.

For your consideration:

Adapted Screenplay

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Scores are as of posting.

The Amazing Spider Man 2 (2014)

2014-07-08T17:19:00.000-07:00

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The Amazing Spiderman 2 (2014)

Date seen: 03 July 2014

Rated PG-13, 142 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 7.4

Metascore: 53/100 (User Score: 7.1)

Tomatometer: 53% Rotten (Audience 71%)

Movie Notebook Score: 7.95/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

It's not debatable on how the delivery and chemistry of Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone has become a good reason to follow The Amazing Spiderman 2 (2014). But despite the excellent cast and visuals, the screenplay falls short. It drags you to all directions and losses you around in the end. One of the best blockbuster movies recently though.

For your consideration:

None

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Scores are as of posting.

Grace of Monaco (2014)

2014-07-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

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Grace of Monaco (2014)

Date seen: 28 June 2014

Rated PG, 103 mins

IMDB User Rating: 5.6

Metascore: 21/100 (User Score: No score yet)

Tomatometer: 10% Rotten (Audience: 74%)

Movie Notebook Score: 8.15/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

Saved by an imeldific production design and its cast's strong performance from an dull and fragmented screenplay, Grace of Monaco (2014) will somehow satisfy its viewer. Though not really the level of The Queen (2006), The King's Speech (2010), and other royal biopics in terms of content; this still must be in your must-watch list.

For your consideration:

Acting: Nicole Kidman as Grace Kelly
Acting: Tim Roth as Prince Rainier III
Production Design
Costume Design
Music
Make-up

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Scores are as of posting.

Only Lovers Left Alive (2014)

2014-06-29T22:22:00.001-07:00

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Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Date seen: 28 June 2014

Rated R, 123 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 7.5

Metascore: 77/100 (User Score: 7.8)

Tomatometer: 85% Certified Fresh (Audience: 80%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.55/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: QM - Watch a high Quality Movie

Notes:

Only Lovers Left Alive (2014) sends all of the other known films to date with a vampire genre to the trash bin. Sophisticated, intelligent; and a potpourri of melancholy, music, and art--this film must be a strong contender as this year's best film. An undeniably powerful cast that magnificently delivers makes Only Lovers Left Alive (2014) a must-watch for movie-lovers around. Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton make a very convincing deeply-in-love couple.

For your consideration:

Acting: Tom Hiddleston as Adam
Acting: Tilda Swinton as Eve
Acting: Mia Wasikowska as Eva
Directing: Jim Jarmusch
Original Screenplay
Film of the Year
Cinematography
Musical Score
Costume Design
Production Design
Make-up
Editing

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Scores are as of posting.

The film's wide release was in April 2014, but was screened in 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

A Fighting Man (2014)

2014-06-21T22:35:00.002-07:00

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A Fighting Man (2014)

Date seen: 21 June 2014

Rated R, 88 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 5.9

Metascore: Not yet listed

Tomatometer: No score yet from critics (Audience: 43%)

Movie Notebook Score: 6.85/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: ST - Watch if you can't Sleep

Notes:

While the movie is good enough to spark the viewer's interest after the first ten minutes of sequences, the unconventional method might just be dizzying for the rest of its length. The film is full of moral premises that in contemporary times affect each one of us. Good material, but, not for the blockbuster-loving audience.

For your consideration:

None

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Scores are as of posting.

Endless Love (2014)

2014-06-21T02:34:00.001-07:00

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Endless Love (2014)

Date seen: 20 June 2014

Rated PG-13, 104 mins

IMDB User Rating: 6.3

Metascore: 30/100 (User Score: 3.4)

Tomatometer: 15% Rotten (Audience: 61%)

Movie Notebook Score: 5.50/10

Recommendation: D - Not Recommended

Grade: WT - Watch if you want to Waste Time

Notes:

Probably the most insincere supposedly-romantic Hollywood flick I have seen in years. Fast-paced in terms of "romantic" antics with its crappy screenplay that centers all issues to the troubled father of the lead female (Gabriella Wilde). While it seems the cast did their best--Alex Pettyfer, Bruce Greenwood, and Joely Richardson--the weak plot pulls them all down.

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Scores are as of posting.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

2014-06-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

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The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Date seen: 16 June 2014

Rated R, 100 mins

IMDB User Rating: 8.3

Metascore: 88/100 (User Score: 8.3)

Tomatometer: 92% Certified Fresh (Audience: 89%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.35/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

Fueled by an all-star cast lead by the Oscar-worthy Ralph Fiennes, magnificently written screenplay, grand cinematography, effective costume and make-up, and Wes Anderson captainship--The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) is surely Oscars 2015 bound. The film is story-telling in style, making a dark tale as light and delightful as possible.

For your consideration:

Acting: Ralph Fiennes as M. Gustave
Acting: Willem Dafoe as Jopling
Directing: Wes Anderson
Film of the Year
Cinematography
Original Screenplay
Art Direction
Ensemble
Make-up
Costume Design
Musical Score

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Scores are as of posting.

300: Rise of an Empire (2014)

2014-06-12T03:33:00.000-07:00

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300: Rise of an Empire (2014)

Date seen: 05 June 2014

Rated R, 102 mins

IMDB User Rating: 6.6

Metascore: 48/100 (User Score: 6.3)

Tomatometer: 41% Rotten (Audience: 58%)

Movie Notebook Score: 6.98/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

The visual effects, costumes, Eva Green's soulful delivery, and story-telling style are all in. But, the plot lacks spirit just like how empty and non-connecting is the performance of Sullivan Stapleton as the lead character Themistocles. 300: Rise of an Empire (2014) is less compared to the impact of its predecessor 300 (2006).

For your consideration:

Visual Effects
Costume Design
Music

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Scores are as of posting.

X-Men: Days of the Future Past (2014)

2014-06-08T18:11:00.001-07:00

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X-Men: Days of the Future Past (2014)

Date seen: 07 June 2014

Rated PG-13, 131 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 8.5

Metascore: 74/100 (User Score: 8.6)

Tomatometer: 92% Certified Fresh (Audience: 94%)

Movie Notebook: 8.80/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended

Grade: GT - Watch if you want have a Good Time

Notes:

Equipped with stunning visual effects, perfect-fit cast, and well-written screenplay, this just might be the best among the X-Men movies to date. Certainly, the best to see among the movies currently playing in local cinemas--worth the money, worth the time.

For your consideration:

Visual Effects
Sound

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Scores are as of posting.

Maleficent (2014)

2014-06-08T06:18:00.000-07:00

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Maleficent (2014)

Date seen: 06 June 2014

Rated PG, 97 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 7.5

Metascore: 55/100 (User Score: 7.1)

Tomatometer: 51% Rotten (Audience: 76%)

Movie Notebook: 7.00/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

Undeniably a visual spectacle, it fails in terms of screenplay. It makes us ask why such a reinvention for the widely beloved classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. It appears that Angelina Jolie was cast to play as a cherry over wasabe.

For your consideration:

Costume Design
Make-up
Visual Effects

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Scores are as of posting.

Pompeii (2014)

2014-06-01T02:25:00.000-07:00

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Pompeii (2014)

Date seen: 25 May 2014

Rated PG-13, 105 mins

IMDB User Rating: 5.7

Metascore: 39/100 (User Score: 5.6)

Tomatometer: 28% Rotten (Audience: 40%)

Movie Notebook Score: 4.85/10

Recommendation: D - Not Recommended

Grade: WT - Watch if you want to Waste Time

Notes:

Disappointingly tragic with a poorly written screenplay, dull cinematography, and trying-hard visuals. This is one movie you'd like to watch if you have plenty of time to be wasted or if you can't sleep despite taking sleeping medications.

For your consideration:

None

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Scores are as of posting.

The Great Beauty (2013)

2014-05-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

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The Great Beauty (2013)

La Grande Belleza (2013)

(Italy)

Date seen: 14 May 2014

Rated NR, 142 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 7.7

Metascore: 86/100 (User Score: 7.8)

Tomatometer: 91% Certified Fresh (Audience: 79%)

Movie Notebook: 7.85/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: ST - Watch if you can't Sleep

Notes:

Packed with exquisitely magnificent shots and deep tone, The Great Beauty (2013) opens the door for you to see what it is to be in the shoes of someone who has gone to experience the luxury of the world. There is resonating emptiness in the lead character as he ventures to find his pursuit. This flick will bring you in between boredom and curiosity.

For your consideration:

Cinematography

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Scores are as of posting.

Ender's Game (2013)

2014-04-25T23:34:00.001-07:00

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Ender's Game (2013)

Date seen: 25 February 2014

Rated PG-13, 114 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 6.8

Metascore: 51/100 (User Score: 6.8)

Tomatometer: 60% Fresh (Audience" 68%)

Movie Notebook: 8.10/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

It is always acceptable that movie adaptations are less than the books where they were derived, and this works for Ender's Game (2013). Filled with stunning visuals and promising acts from the growing Asa Butterfield and Hailee Steinfeld, it captures attention while you try to relate to some of its themes. Pretty engaging but fails to move you that much--it only tickles.

For your consideration:

Visual Effects
Costume Design
Production Design

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Scores are as of posting.

Blue Jasmine (2013)

2014-04-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

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Blue Jasmine (2013)

Date seen: 19 February 2014

Rated PG-13, 98 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 7.4

Metascore: 78/100 (User Score: 7.7)

Tomatometer: 91% Fresh (Audience: 78%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.25/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

For a time, I thought this was a one-woman show with the standing-ovation-worthy performance of Cate Blanchett. However, the supporting cast was not to be discounted from their respective excellent deliveries. Easily one of the best movies for 2013 featuring Blachett's best performance in years.

For your consideration:

Acting: Cate Blanchett as Jasmine
Acting: Sally Hawkins as Ginger
Original Screenplay
Make-up
Costume Design
Production Design

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Scores are as of posting.

Captain Phillips (2013)

2014-04-19T19:10:00.003-07:00

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Captain Phillips (2013)

Date seen: 15 February 2014
Rated PG-13, 134 mins.
IMDB User Rating: 8.0
Metascore: 83/100 (User Score: 8.2)
Tomatometer: 93% Certified Fresh (Audience: 90%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.60/10
Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended
Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:
Undoubtedly the one of the ten best movies for 2013. Tom Hanks never fails to give a top caliber performance. Barkhad Abdi simply delivers it all, you'll think is he is a real-life pirate pushed to the limits by struggles for survival in Somalia. Captain Phillips (2013) is almost perfect, one movie you shouldn't miss.

For your consideration:

Acting: Tom Hanks as Captain Richard Phillips
Acting: Barkhad Abdi as Muse
Film of the Year
Adapted Screenplay
Editing
Sound
Directing

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Scores are as of posting.

Blue is the Warmest Color (2013)

2014-02-25T23:53:00.000-08:00

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Blue is the Warmest Color (2013)

La vie d'Adele (2013)

Date seen: 15 February 2014

Rated NC-17, 179 mins

IMDB User Rating: 8.1

Metascore: 88/100 (User Score: 8.2)

Tomatometer: 90% Certified Fresh (Audience: 87%)

Movie Notebook Score: 8.45/10

Recommendation: D - Not Recommended

Grade: ST - Watch if you can't Sleep

Notes:

Blue is the Warmest Color (2013) has a Palme d'Or on its plate to condition the viewer of high expectations. The film is quite lengthy told in a quintessential manner with irrelevantly long shots of physical exposure. However, this is neutralized by exquisite performances from its lead acts.

For your consideration:

Acting: Adele Exarchopoulos as Adele
Acting: Lea Seydoux as Emma
Directing

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Scores are as of posting.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

2014-01-28T16:34:00.000-08:00

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The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Date seen: 28 January 2014

Rated PG-13, 146 mins

IMDB User Rating: 8.0

Metascore: 75/100 (User Score: 8.1)

Tomatometer: 90% Certified Fresh (Audience: 92%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.70/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

Probably one of the best adapted movies in recent years. With a strong cast, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) makes it sure to make the viewers as enthralled as the second book by Suzanne Collins for her Hunger Games trilogy--Catching Fire. As the movie runs more gripping, it all of a sudden ends--makes your gut ache and makes you lust for more. A literary masterpiece with social significance by the craft of Collins' adapted into a magnificent film, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) is a must-see--not just for young adults but also for the young-at-hearts.

For your consideration:

Acting: Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
Acting: Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
Acting: Jena Malone as Johanna Mason
Cinematography
Costume Design
Make-up
Adapted Screenplay
Ensemble

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Scores are as of posting.