X-Men: First Class (2011)

I just recently watched this movie. I actually watched its sequel X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) first before this film which is its prequel movie. And I did not expect that X-Men: First Class would be a superb prequel movie for the X-Men movie series! I love the story of the beginning and how X-Men were born. The movie answered a lot of questions in the past stories of X-Men series. It was well-written scripts and the story was interesting especially for X-Men fans like me. I actually feel it as a good compensation movie after X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) which is a disappointing X-Men movie in the first trilogy. Cast were superb too! James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender were totally mind-blowing in acting the younger versions of Professor X and Magneto! And Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique, she was good but I feel her character was expanded and gave importance due to Lawrence's popularity. But I do not discredit her good portrayal of Mystique. Lawrence was still notable here. X-Men: First Class has superb performances, strong script, beautiful direction and action-packed movie that truly appropriate for grand comic saga like X-Men.

Going Popcorn Review: 4/5 Popcorns

The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014)

A horror thriller movie shot in a found footage style similar to the likes of Paranormal Activity and Blair Witch Project. So ready yourself for a shaky viewing of this movie about a thesis project gone to devil possession investigation with a very shocking climax. Mia, Gavin and Luis went to Virgina and makes a film about Alzheimer's patient for their thesis but they discover otherwise evil entity that is disturbing their subject. And they are drawn to it until finding real sinister behind the paranormal behaviour of Deborah Logan. Although the theme tries to copy the themes of other found footage/documentary movies, it never failed to surprise watchers from having the suspense moment; scream-inducing scenes and surprise horror tension that horror movie fans were looking for.  I find the story interesting and very hooking to watch until the end but I won’t deny the fact that demonic possession theme is already saturated and rehash in this kind of films which could either turn-off movie watchers or expect more from this movie. Unfortunately, The Taking of Deborah Logan has nothing fresh to offer for this type of film but of reuse of an already use theme in this kind of found-footage film except that it took a different circumstances and angle in its story. It is still worth to watch if you’re looking for decent horror movie.  

Going Popcorn Review: 3/5 Popcorns

Blue Jasmine (2014)

This the second movie of Woody Allen that I’ve watched and it keep me interested in watching more because of its interesting stories. Blue Jasmine tells a New York socialite and ex-housewife Jasmine’s struggles through a life crisis after losing all the comforts and fortunes of her life and resolves to move to her middle class sister until she makes amends for her new life. Cate Blanchett just owns this movie. She was remarkable and unforgettable as Jasmine. And it is no wonder why she won the 2013 Oscar Best Actress for this movie because this is one of her best acting portrayals that I saw. Even Sally Hawkins as Ginger, Jasmine sister was also superb in supporting act but had shining moments of her own in the film.  This is a dark-comedy and drama film written and directed by Woody Allen. Yet I like the comedy injected in the scenes that makes Jasmine’s character a truly unforgettable one over the drama she had in her life. I find Blue Jasmine a good balance between comedy and drama film. The story is interesting and hooking to discover more of its seemingly light but serious conflicts. But the characters gave life to the story! Each character has an important contribution to Blue Jasmine that made it light yet dark humor and funnier comic flick with drama story. At the end of the film, Blue Jasmine perhaps teaches us not to be over-confident on things that we achieve in life because it can ruin our lives and do not underestimate and forsake our loved ones because in the end our family is our last resort for comfort.

Going Popcorn Review: 4/5 Popcorns

The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug (2013)

The adventure of Hobbits continues on this installment of book-turned-movie fantasy series. The film motions for a third movie installment and I can’t wait to watch it. The adventure quest of the movie are exciting and thrilling that you won’t get bored in watching it making it better than its predecessor film – The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The production is grand as the film was invested with a bigger budget. And a lot of popular actors and actresses on cameo roles for the characters they portrayed in the cross story novel and movie, Lord of the Rings were on this movie.  Unfortunately, it ended on cliff-hanger mode and it just hungers you to watch the next chapter movie. Amazing effects for amazing action sequences and the story gets me hooked even though I’m not a super fan of this movie series. I will definitely watch The Battle of The Five Armies!

Going Popcorn Review: 3.5/5 Popcorns

Addicted (2014)

Addicted is a drama film about marriage, infidelity and addiction to sex. The first half of the movie is has a good potential for a memorable drama movie aligned with flashbacks and happy family story. But the second half of the movie where the climax is revealed, Addicted slowly slopes down because of its ridiculous turn of plot revelation and shallow ending. Yet it is a highly recommended psychological movie where one can do analysis on its psychological themes about addiction and marriage and family counselling. It further shows the struggles of Sharon Leal as Zoe Reynard as a sex addict and its negative implications on her life. This movie could help someone who shares the same problem but the scripts could have been better if it will be re-write again.

Going Popcorn Review: 2.5/5 Popcorns

In Your Eyes (2014)

In Your Eyes is a paranormal romance movie where lead characters Rebecca and Dylan have been oddly psysically connected though being separated on a different place but later falls in love with each other. The movie explores the theme of how one falls in love without using modern technology of social websites or communication devices but of psychic connections only. I find it a fresh take on romance movies and I find it hooking on the story, yet I have hesitancy on explanations regarding the mystery connection between the two lead characters. It was appropriately acted by the casts and the loophole I see in this movie is the action-packed and adrenaline chasing-to-running ending which I think would have been better if it is not resolve that way.  I just wish that the movie explains this phenomenon on the lead characters by the end of the film and provide answers on how it will be deal or how the story goes now with two mysteriously psychic connected person reunited. But maybe director Brin Hill and writer Joss Whedon wants us to learn from this movie that there are certain distant soulmates that we have in life and we can find them.

Going Popcorn Review: 3/5 Popcorn

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

A story of two friends who each have their own story to tell got a chance to explore Spain and meets unexpected self-discovery and truths in life while on adventure. This comedy and travel movie will surely delight you with its twist and turns. Barcelona was beautifully depicted in this movie that you would want to visit it after watching this movie. This is a highly recommended travel movie for travel-lover. While the story has genres of romance, it was injected with comedy and life lessons. If I summarize this movie, it’s about going someplace to discover yourself and finding your own path in life. Javier Bardem was good in this movie but Penelope Cruz’s portrayal of crazy Maria Elena was so remarkable that she garnered a 2008 Oscar Best Supporting Actress for this movie. Scarlett Johansson could have a notable character but her portrayal wasn’t memorable, whereas Rebecca Hall as is more notable than her in this movie based on performance. It’s my first time to watch a Woody Allen directed film and I say this film has a surprising plot and he gave it a good artistic touch.

Going Popcorn Review: 3.5/5 Popcorns

The Best of Me (2014)

A Nicolas Sparks’ novel-turned-movie, The Best of Me tells a story of a past love that has a bitter ending but been given a second chance. A beautiful romance movie though with few loopholes in the story conflict it presented yet it is still likable. The love story may seem typical on the start but it has a different twist yet still with Sparks’ formula of romantic movies. While some may find it boring or predictable because Spark’s formulaic love story, I still say that The Best of Me is still worth the watch because it has a beautiful love story to tell and unfortunately a sad mixed with a happy ending. It is melodramatic and tear-jerker flick just like previous Sparks movies but the ending this time is mixed emotion. I find the ending that despite of pain and heartaches, you can still find happiness and optimism. I think this is the movie that is trying to tell us. Yes, it is a love story but it also taught us to give the best of us in love so we won’t regret in the end. 

I praised Michelle Monaghan and James Marsden for giving a best portrayal of Amanda and Dawson as lead of the story. Their acting made it a heart-warming movie. This is another Nicolas Sparks film that has been filmed in beautiful locales thus giving a stunning backgrounds and scenic backdrops. This time the film is shot in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Going Popcorn Review: 4/5 Popcorns

The Gifted (2014)

A Filipino comedy film about friendship and betrayal, The Gifted stars Anne Curtis and Cristine Reyes as super genius friends Zoe Tuazon and Aica Tabayoyong with Sam Milby as the lead male character of Mark Ferrer. The movie explores the story of academic world and experiments on how character clashes in a world where intellect is valuable than heart. The lead casts were so effective for their roles even though they are on prosthetics and not the usual beautiful face and body we always see – fat and obese Anne Curtis and pimpled and tidy Cristine Reyes. It is not romance movie where love triangle is involve that we usually see in films but an unusual comedy movie that has humor and fun. And this fun and humor is centered on its two lead quirky characters. This is the 2nd tandem movie of Curtis and Reyes after a serious drama of No Other Woman (2011) but this time we see comedic side of their acting. Reyes has her own shining moment in The Gifted but Anne Curtis’ act is memorable as a villain from obese teenager to a sexy vixen. A great film from Chris Martinez which was truly entertaining! While I enjoy the comedic moments that truly made me laugh, I also enjoy the film’s imparting the lesson of forgiving and valuing friendship because this is what The Gifted is wholly about.

Going Popcorn Review: 3/5 Popcorns

Sanctum (2011)

Sanctum is a thriller adventure and survival movie about a group of explorers who goes to Papua New Guinea to discover unexplored cave systems and then an accident happens. This movie will surely made you ask about choices and judgement that is between hanging life and death. It will ask your morals on which is to choose and which is not. Actually, Sanctum, the title itself means free from intrusion. In this movie, Sanctum feels like how to be free from guilt of one’s judgement and choices. I wish this movie would have a more resolve ending. It ended with an emotional drama because of tragedy yet it failed to be a compelling movie. It also didn’t show a climax that will be memorable like putting a solution to the problems that occurred or do a rescue mission to have it ended with a good story. Yet it just simply ended plainly as a one-man survival movie.   

Going Popcorn Review: 2.5/5 Popcorns

47 Ronin (2013)

This fantasy and epic movie depicts a fictional account and loose basis about the 47 Ronin, a real-life group of masterless samurai in 18th-century Japan who avenged the death of their lord, in the style of Chūshingura. This is a kind of movie that would intrigue you about Japanese history and culture as it somewhat motivates watchers like me to be more curious about Japan’s history and beliefs about self-respect and honor which was shown in this film. The action, adventure and effects were admirable and thrilling in sequence but the story was lacking in excitement and few originalities. Though, it has an ensemble cast with Keannu Reeves on the lead, it did not help the movie from having a higher grade for its story is slow paced and long character establishment plus it has a long range run of the film that you would find it too long to be stretch out. 

Going Popcorn Reviews: 3/5 Popcorns

Trophy Wife (2014)

Trophy Wife is a suspense drama thriller with an intriguing story about trophy wife and neglected past relationships hunting the present life. I can’t help but notice the stellar performance of Cristine Reyes in this movie as Lani. Reyes was notable here for her shape-shifting act like from good to bad and from kind to evil. I think this is one of her best acting performance since No Other Woman (2011). John Estrada is also memorable in this film and showed his true prowess in acting. The story was not just intriguing but the twist was interesting. It’s not just an ordinary drama about mistresses theme that we were used to be in the past which was the trend of Filipino drama movies in the past 2 years. This time, Viva Films shifts the story of marriage in connection to past relationships and how revenge will affect the present life of marriage.  While some clamor in the issue of continuity in the sequences of the story and teleserye-type of line banter of the film, I find only the climax not much resolve enough for a happy ending. The movie ended forgetting to address the main issues of the story and effectively establish a memorable ending. Thanks to the casts, it save it from having another less popcorn in my rating. 

This is the 4th adult drama film of Viva Films after No Other Woman (2011), A Secret Affair (2012), and When the Love is Gone (2013).

Going Popcorn Review: 3/5 Popcorn

That Thing Called Tadhana (2015)

This is one of the best independent Filipino movies that I’ve watch! Why? It’s a simple romance movie but with a brilliant concept, script, acting and story that you don’t need to be in Rome or Netherlands to prove that this movie big enough for mainstream. Don’t expect too much in it in terms of casts and background. Remember, this is an indie film - minimal casts and production but rich in story and concept. The story is unique and differs from the usual mainstream romance movie that we have watched before. It’s like reading a life lesson book about pains of broken heart, moving on and letting go. Many of the scenes were symbolic in connection about the story of the arrow and the heart being told in the movie which a lot of us will surely pick a lot of lessons in love life.

Angelica Panganiban and JM de Guzman were brilliant as the main casts of the movie. The throw of lines is very reality based (including no holds barred bad words!) and the acting is superbly realistic as if it happens in real life! They don’t only have a good on-screen chemistry but they have good jive of romance act as well as comic act which was convincing and made me laugh. Seeing them again in a movie together will be much waited especially if it has this kind of great story movie project.

That Thing Called Tadhana has a wonderful story that’s why it was a hit to the public even though it was an indie film. I hope more valuable film like this will be produce in the future. But surely this film will be forever memorable because it has taught us lessons that love shouldn’t be hope for a gust of a wind like destiny, if you love someone, do an action, and go for it. 

 Going Popcorn Review: 5/5 Popcorns