Hercules (2014)

Based on the graphic novel Hercules: The Thracian Wars, this film illustrates the adventures of the Greek mythology hero Hercules. Dwayne Johnson has the guts to play the role and the film was highly entertaining. But the entertainment value of the film and Johnson's performance wasn't good enough to save the film from being feel mixed and lukewarm. I find the story deviated from the original epic tale but as I look closely the plot has a fault to it. Yes, the movie changes the way we know Hercules' tale and presented us - what if there's a foul play on his family's murder, what if he has comrades on his adventure and what if there is really no God-father he has and no gods involve in his adventure? This many innovation in the film made Hercules suffers an in-depth characterization. The story also turned a little soap-opera style with too much emotions and drama on revenge-from-the-past theme. 

Hercules is another mythology story turned film that deviates from the original story. Read the original mythology, it's more fascinating and adventurous than this type of movie. I find it quite tiring to see this kind of movie that really doesn't stay faithful to the original. Yet it is understandable since it is based on a novel which I assumed changed parts of the Greek epic story. But this Hercules version seems lacking the charm of an epic story that other films of same type has. Good thing, Dwayne Johnson was playing the titular role and he played it convincingly.

Going Popcorn Review: 2.5/5 Popcorns

Feng Shui 2 (2014)

The much-awaited sequel of the 2004 hit Filipino horror movie comes with a new twist to its plot and story revolving around the curse of Chinese lucky charm – Bagwa. There’s a big difference from the first sequel to this sequel because the story starts exactly 10 years since the first sequel where the elements of the movie is updated to the current year. Since the story will be 10 years after expect to have new characters in Feng Shui universe like Lester Anonuevo (played by Coco Martin) who is current owner of the cursed Bagwa. Martin was particularly stellar in his first horror acting that I saw. I like how Director Chito Rono came with the idea of linking the past with present story in which Joy Ramirez will show rising again from the curse played by Kris Aquino who presented improve acting this time from the first movie. Cherry Pie Piccache reprises her role again as Lily Mendoza adds as a comic relief due to her greedy and vain character but nonetheless she has a notable acting here.

Feng Shui 2 has a nice story but it lacks the originality of the first sequel. The new horror twist makes it an interesting horror movie but it only complicates more the story making it hard to ind the real solution to end the curse. Great story overall, but some loopholes in the plot is dissatisfying especially the congregation of the owners of Bagwa – I find it a strong plot but undeveloped further. I also think they overdone the link of death cause to the birth animal zodiac finding it funny is not appropriate a great horror movie like this plus it becomes silly and corny anymore. Is Feng Shui scary? It is a horror a movie and its scares and tension moment was effective so it is a scary movie. Caution: double scares and suspense this time from the first one and it is open-ended. But the lack of originality and complicating new twists makes it less scary and horrifying from the first Feng Shui. I’m still glad that it stayed faithful to the story of the original film and it effectively interweaved the two stories together. Overall, though I feel mixed and lukewarm about it, this sequel is a worthy sequel of one of the best Filipino horror movie of all time.     

Going Popcorn Review: 3/5 Popcorns

Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)

I really don’t know the point of this movie and its story even it is based on the erotic and pornographic novel of Marquis de Sade, I still don’t get the purpose of the story. They say it’s an art film but what I’ve watched was a story of men’s greed for power tripping, weird sexual pleasure and dominance. It is one of the most disturbing movies I have watched! I don’t get the value of this movie. Maybe catered to those who have a weird sexual pleasure and dominating individuals? Whatever it may be, no one can deny that this is one of the most controversial during its time (1975). Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom is a French-Italian art film written and directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini. For me, it is one of the most disturbing movies around. My verdict: Proceed watching it with caution.

Going Popcorn Review: 2.5/5 Popcorns

Deliver us from Evil (2014)

This movie was has a scary start and premise and it was overall a combination horror and action theme movie. It like urban cops meets the paranormal and goes on investigating it which was interesting. Although it involves not cheap scares and a lot of suspense moments, Deliver us from Evil just suffers in memorable scenes and a well-written story that’s why some moments of the film are really boring. Yet, I appreciate its new approach about exorcism type of movies but I wish it could have a better story and a solid ending as well. The story was forgettable. This film was scary but the good acting chops of Eric Bana and Edgar Ramirez saved it from being a disaster horror action movie.

 
Going Popcorn Review: 2.5/5 Popcorns

Mga Mumunting Lihim (2012)

This is one of the movies that I highly recommend because anyone who’s in a circle of friends can relate much to it. But I think anyone can relate to it, not just girls but also gents. This indie film of Jose Javier Reyes was very real-life based story about trust, white lies, pains of envy, hidden truths and broken promises in friendship. The story of the film itself is the star and glory of the movie that makes it one of the best movies I’ve watched in Philippine cinema! This is probably because the story happens in real life and I can relate so much to it. I bet everyone who has friends can relate to it! Another thing that made it a great film was the natural delivery of the lines backed by the most talented actresses of the cast. The lines and scripts weren’t too trying hard to convince you and makes you think that it was delivered the way it is in real life as the topic is very much happening in real world. Judy Ann Santos, Iza Calzado, Janice de Belen and Agot Isidro were all brilliant and were all given enough exposure to shine their moments in the film. No wonder they all share winning the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress trophy in the 2012 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Calzado’s last scene was the most memorable scene of the movie, if not her last line was. Others might find it boring and confusing because it involves a lot of dialogues rather than action and series of flashbacks but you’ll get through it once you get the gist of the story especially the climax of the movie. 

 

The film also lightens us on how a dying person deals with her knowledge of it – a view to her perspective, pain, fear and reflection. Mga Mumunting Lihim makes you examine your real experiences in friendship especially in white lies, secrets and jealousy but also makes you feel good that there’s a reason behind it – good or bad. And despite of pains and unspoken secrets in friendship, the film emphasizes that all the things that will remain unchanged is the great camaraderie and love that was already established and strengthen by true friendship.

Going Popcorn Review: 5/5 Popcorns

No Other Woman (2011)

I initially thought that this movie would be just like another-romantic-Pinoy-movie out there but it wasn't when I watched it! It was carefully thought-out movie especially the story and the plot of the film. It was non-traditional, creatively fresh and something new for movie watchers that it started the trend of other woman and mistress themed movies. The three lead actors - Anne Curtis, Derek Ramsey and Cristine Reyes did a superb acting job to justify their roles and effectively deliver the drama and emotion that the watchers would like to see and feel in the movie. The quotable lines may seemed cheesy to others or funny but some lines has a deeper meaning that one should look into. The memorable quoted lines of the movie only adds color to it but it made No Other Woman trending and a memorable movie. Who wouldn't forget Kara Zalderiaga's memorable one-liners like "Shut up and kiss me. And don't you dare fall in love with me." Or Babygirl Dela Costa's Lucy Torres and Quiapo line? Very memorable. 

In the end of No Other Woman, there were many lessons to learn about relationships, commitment and faithfulness. It gave importance to the concept of marriage as well as true love. Yet it also showed  how far one would go in the midst temptation, lies and infidelity and its consequences to one's life. I also like that it gave emphasis on forgiveness despite of betrayal and pain which others find it a weak ending. Actually, No Other Woman gave a lot of morals about love, marriage and faithfulness that's why no wonder it went out as box-office highest grossing film of 2011.

Going Places Movie Review: 4/5 Popcorn

ABNKKBSNPLAko?! (2014)

A great throwback memory movie about school life days, ABNKKBSNPLAko?! is based on the popular book written by Bob Ong of the same title which tackles his school life days up to the first few years of his work life that everyone who has been a student can relate much to. ABNKKBSNPLAko?! is a phonetic to the phrase Aba, nakakabasa nap ala ako?! which translates “Wow, I can read now?!” Actually the movie translates what is in the book of Bob Ong which has become a huge hit because of its conversational style of writing and injected with Filipino humour while recalling best days in the schools. If you read the book, the movie is an autobiography of the author which focuses on his school days.

In case you didn’t read the book, this movie still worth to watch as it has a lot of scenes and plot that everyone can relate to. The film also proves that highschool is the best stage of school life. This is why it’s a throwback movie - because it recalls the popular things that happened to every student in school. Remember your first high school crush? Your terror teacher? Your hardest school project? Your most embarrassing moment? Your struggle to finish college? Your first love? All are in this movie! Fans of Bob Ong books will surely like this movie but caution on the limited length of the movie, as it definitely cannot translate the whole book into the movie. But it summarized the whole book very well. This is a feel good movie and makes you remember the best days of your school life. I like how it also paid tribute to all “teachers” of our life.

Going Popcorn Review: 4/5 Popcorns

The Mistress (2012)

One of the best Filipino romantic movies I've watch and one of the best John Lloyd Cruz-Bea Alonzo-tandem since One More Chance (2007). I think the main reason why this movie was hit among movie watchers is because it has a unique story explored this time and not the usual love theme movies that we used to watched in Philippine cinemas. The story was beautiful, well-written and script lines are great that I'm confused if it surpasses the great quality of the same tandem movie of One More Chance. Aside from love story, it is also a heart-warming movie about family, relationships and self-emotional struggles. 

Another factor that made this movie terrific, marked and notable are the stellar performances of the casts. Aside from Cruz and Alonzo's perfect chemistry and act, Hilda Koronel and Ronaldo Valdez were also great and commendable for their convincing acts and roles. Overall, this is an unforgettable movie for its beautiful story shared but warning, the ending is sappy and it is either you like-it or hate-it part. Although, I wish it could have a better and a happier ending, but I think it was just appropriate since everything happened to the characters in the story happens at the wrong time but unfortunately with the right persons. Highly recommended!

Going Popcorn Review: 5/5 Popcorn

Maleficent (2014)

This movie was simply carried by one and only actress in the titular role of the movie - Angelina Jolie. She was stellar and superb in this act and I consider this as one of the best film ever by Jolie to date. If she was convincing as protagonist of movies, then she's also magnificently convincing as antagonist for this movie. The writers seem to have written the character of Maleficent with Angelina Jolie in mind which was perfected by her portrayal. I love how she portrayed the iconic evil villain of Sleeping Beauty but I also love how Disney put a surprising twist to this famed fairy tale.

Aside from Jolie's superb and unforgettable acting, Disney is commendable for bringing the fairy tale story of Sleeping Beauty in live-action movie with a different but likable twist which I truly did not expect but something that I like how its story goes. I also commend the film's effects and fantasy. This movie retells the popular fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty but this time in Maleficent's perspective and focuses on her background story.  The film also importantly tells us that true love doesn't only come from a prince charming or lover but also love from family, friends or someone who is cares for you. Maleficent is a dark fantasy movie that kids and adults will surely like.

Going Popcorn Review: 4/5 Popcorn

One More Chance (2007)

The reason why so many people loved this movie is because it has a unique romantic story and original plot that you won't find in other Filipino romantic films that has same formula story over and over again. Joined by powerful acting of the lead stars and love team of John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo with a great script writing, this movie is sure to melt your heart and capture your senses. The memorable lines about love, getting hurt in love and triumph in pain because of love, only adds appeal to this movie.

It's theme song, I'll Never Go covered by Erik Santos which was heavily played throughout the film made it memorable. One More Chance by Piolo Pascual was also a great song that is part of the movie's soundtrack. Though others might find that some scenes were over in melodrama theme, one thing that made this film remarkable is its story itself where there are many people can relate very much to the story about getting one more chance again in love and moving on in hurt and pain of relationships. One of the best Filipino romance and drama movie I've watched. It's never tiring to watch it over and over again so this is highly recommended!

Going Popcorn Review: 5/5 Popcorn