Gone Girl (2014)

Gone Girl is one of the types of movies that really interest me a lot because the theme is about mystery and psychological thriller - the type of movies that made me analyzes the situation of the characters, puzzles me about the story and makes me curious about the mystery that surrounds the plot. And this is the type of movie that I like. Gone Girl made me analyze its story, character and plot from a closer look to an in-depth analysis. This is a highly recommended psychological themed movie. Aside from the theme, Gone Girl has a very catchy story that is worth to watch and would really get your interests - a missing America's famed sweetheart writer with an angle of mystery murder and unanswered clues that leads to a shocking revelation? Who wouldn't be enticed to watch this thriller and mystery film? And I mention that there are tension moments and suspense themes in the film that would really excite your watch of the film? The film also get the best of acting of Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike whom I feel a little miscast for the role of Amy Dunne but nonetheless she was stellar here that it earned her a 2014 Oscar Best Actress nomination for portraying a sweet but psycho wife. Gone Girl runs too long (2 hours running) but it’s interesting mystery story about marriage gone mad and unnerving ruin of one's personality due to failures in relationship was worth to watch and spend your movie night with.

Going Popcorn Review: 4/5 Popcorns

The Harvest (2013)

A thriller and mystery film, The Harvest is sure to glue you until the end with its witty mystery and suspense themed scenes. And what makes this movie a one-of-a-kind suspense film is that the lead characters of the story are kids and not adults. So think of tense moments and thriller scenes were children are involved. Sounds, interesting right? The Harvest makes use of the leads to convey a real thrill and suspense moments by exposing them to those scenes intentionally. It also doesn’t need dark backgrounds or scary places to make it a solid thriller movie. An appropriate music background and enough mysterious plots are all The Harvest needed to play a good thriller movie. Maryann’s character as a very curious young girl may seem unreal but in real life, there some kids that are smart and very curious about things that happens like Maryann, right? Kids are different nowadays and Maryann exemplifies that modern children. The Harvest starts with Maryann (Natasha Calis) moving into her grandparents house after being an orphan. Trying to look for a friend, she founds a bed-ridden boy Andy (Charlie Tahan) in their neighbourhood. But Andy’s parents disapproves their friendship especially their attempts to play outside their house. Something that Maryann is puzzling about and that is the time she’s started to be curious to discover a horrific truth about Andy’s family.

  
Going Popcorn Review: 3/5 Popcorns

Notes on a Scandal (2006)

Notes on a Scandal is strong drama thriller lead by strong performances of outstanding actresses – Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. Based on a novel of the same title, Notes on a Scandal has a scandalous story to tell. A new teacher in a public school gets into an illicit relationship with her pupil and the only one witness to this affair was her friend co-teacher that a secret motive of using the scandal to her personal use while writing it on her diary. The story is psychological-thriller drama with enough mystery to be curious of. I was hooked to the story because the story has many scandalous secret being kept that only the audience knows and I’m curious by how the characters are handling to keep it a secret up to the moment it of its revelation. The movie also shares that over protecting friendship can destroy the friendship itself. Dench and Blanchett gave strong performances that you’ll be confusing which of which delivered the best. It’s hard to pick the best as the two are outstanding actresses especially in this movie but I can say Dench is the lead because of her character and Blanchett is secondary. Both receive nominations at the 2007 Oscars as Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress respectively.

Going Popcorn Review: 3.5/5 Popcorns

The Wolverine (2013)

I have yet to watch X-Men Origins: Wolverine, but this film about one of Marvel's famous franchise character is a good stand-alone film about Wolverine. The plot of the movie basically follows what happen to Wolverine after the end of X-Men 3: The Last Stand film which gave not just a story of what happens-next-after-the-end but also a chance to show a deeper story about Wolverine. The story showed an in-dept personality of the Marvel hero and chooses a great setting about Japan that runs smoothly as a background in the entire film. I'm satisfied with the story and action-packed sequences as I myself is a fan of the X-Men franchise. And I'm sure watchers will surely like it as well with its tension-binding and suspense action sequences. Plus the 4 women character leads were well played and well notable in their movie moments. Hugh Jackman largely deliver the goods in the movie for portraying Wolverine. He was simply fit for the role and he made the movie entertaining, alive and crave fans for more.

Going Popcorn Review: 3.5/5 Popcorns

Midnight in Paris (2011)

I don’t see Midnight in Paris as romantic movie, maybe comedy but as a travel movie and you love Paris, then this film fits to my eye. I don’t see it as a romantic film though the movie synopsis says it is because there’s no chemistry between Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams. There’s nothing wrong in their act, it’s just that, the two don’t work in romantic themes of the movie.  McAdams was good here by playing semi-antagonist Inez. I think should blame the story and their characterization since their characters seems to be north and south pole type. But if you love Paris, then this movie is for you! Director, Woody Allen made sure that you won’t just see, feel and live in Paris for this movie but love Paris in this movie. Every scene and places, the setting was made sure capture best places of interests of the city. Even the raining scenes was beautifully captured that you want to hop on the plane going to Paris. Aside from the beautiful shot of Paris, the film shows us a story of a man’s love of living in a different era and thinking that is better to live in those era than the present to which his sanity is being questioned. But I think the movie is trying to show us the writer’s side of Woody Allen and his adoration for the great writers like Ernest Hemingway and Scott Fitzgerald. 

Going Popcorn Review: 3/5 Popcorns

The DUFF (2015)

A teenage movie about coping up being a “DUFF” – designated ugly fat friend in circle of friends and teen community but ends up as a feel good movie. A good ensemble of upcoming Hollywood actors in the lead and some supporting acts but Mae Whitman carried to movie notch higher with her crazy and funny antics. I enjoyed this film as it is entertaining and funny. The comic side made me stick to watching it. It could have been better and the story is already a recycled theme movie about teen movies but The DUFF offers a modern twist on preaching teenagers dilemma about character labeling which anyone could relate to. Aside from its attractive casts, wonderful story and hooking comedy what I like in this film is that it teaches us not to be under or always look on the labels of other people because each of us has our own definition of who we are and we should learn to embrace and love it. The DUFF is a feel good-movie. 

Going Popcorn Reviews: 3.5/5 Popcorns

X-Men: Days of Furture Past (2014)

This one of the best X-Men movies I saw to date! All-star casts, action-packed movie and great story from Marvel - What could you ask for X-Men: Days of the Future Past? It’s a complete action-superhero movie! The film’s story starts years after the story of X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) where the X-men heroes must teleport back in the past to change an event that would destroy the whole mutant community in the future. Hugh Jackman was the main lead here as his character Wolverine is the lead in the story too. Too bad, Halle Berry’s role as Storm was limited due to her pregnancy but nonetheless she exuded a great performance as Storm again and I’m delighted to see her again reprising the role. Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart were a sure delight to return to their original roles and meeting their younger self roles James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, both of which delivered great acts again. And Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique has her role expanded fully and gave more importance again but nonetheless Lawrence shown her acting prowess in both action and drama. I’m also delighted to see original X-men original actors and actresses reprising their original roles from first X-men movies like Famke Janssen, Shawn Ashmore, Anna Paquin and James Marsden. 

Aside from having an all-star casts, what makes this X-Men movie successful is the great story detail put on it and how it put together the past film’s story into a good continuity. There’s also a good balance in the story and between the characters that’s why it didn’t suffer over characterization even though it has an ensemble cast. This film is highly recommended not just X-Men fans but to every superhero movie fans.

Going Popcorn Review: 4.5/5 Popcorns

Halik Sa Hangin (2015)

Halik sa Hangin is a romance thriller that deals with psychological and supernatural themes but lacks consistency and drops a lot of its potentials to be a memorable romance thriller film. A movie of should-have-been and could-have been, Halik sa Hangin has so many potentials of both drama, thriller and psychological theme with little support for a romance theme. It has good background already, actually, a good story too in the premise. Baguio is a perfect setting and was beautifully displayed and used throughout the film given its theme. But it was wasted when the film’s story turned itself into confused plot loopholes and fails to use extensively those turning point plots within the film like the psychological and family issue. Halik Sa Hangin could have been better if it is re-written to focus on those themes instead on the romance angle of the story that wasn’t solidly establish by visuals and rely only on romantic dialogues. It could have reminisce the memorable Nasaan Ka Man (2005) with romance and supernatural theme but Halik Sa Hangin lacks in consistency and solid establishments like its characters and plots.

When it comes to performance, Julia Montes and Gerald Anderson have screen chemistry and potentials even with JC de Vera at the love triangle theme. All delivered a decent act but I feel it was wasted because of the story which has a lot of potentials if fully explored but left us wishing for more. A decent set of supporting casts along with Ina Raymundo’s return to movies after years but I feel too many casts for this movie but maybe because they have a bigger budget. I think Halik Sa Hangin will flourish as a good movie and better movie if it is explored more on its psychological theme and if it didn’t end just a simple horror flick but with a little romantic theme to make it appealing. The last ending scene was unnecessary.

Going Popcorn Review: 3/5 Popcorns

In Secret (2013)

In Secret is a period drama and thriller movie based on Emile Zola’s novel Therese Raquin. The story of an illicit affair, obsession love and revenge is interesting yet some of the scenes were boring to watch because of the slow pacing of the film and sometimes used of gloomy background colors and scenes. The wardrobe and costumes used were beautiful and appropriate since this is a period movie set in 1860’s Paris. But the ending of the story feels weak. It could have been better rather than leaving it with a feel of escaping and running on a dead end with no choice but commit suicide. Still, In Secret is worth to watch as it is entertaining with its story of period drama about adultery and murder. One of the best acts from the movie comes from 2-time Oscar winner Jessica Lange who provided a notable and solid portrayal of Therese Raquin.
 

Going Popcorn Review: 3/5 Popcorns

The Help (2011)

The Help is an inspiring period movie about life struggles, friendship and gaining dignity. I was touched by the drama of the story and for some it may shed tears. Yet, The Help also tries to be light and comic like the funny dialogues and scenes with Minny and Celia which was unforgettable. The ensemble casts provided strong performances that made this movie truly remarkable. Octavia Spencer’s performance as Minny Jackson is great enough to earn her an Oscar Best Supporting Actress. Jessica Chastain’s performance as funny crazy and care-free Celia Foote was so remarkable that her support role gain her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress! I didn’t even realize Chastain was in this movie because her character is eccentric and offbeat. Viola Davis is notable too especially for heavy drama but Emma Stone who seems to be the lead seems her act is limiting. Bryce Dallas Howard’s character as Hilly Holbrook was really an effective antagonist that you’re going to hate after watching this film. Yet the inspiring story of the film is what makes The Help a great movie to watch even though the ending is quite disappointing for some. But it does end in a good way.

The Help is an American period drama film directed and written by Tate Taylor, and adapted from Kathryn Stockett's 2009 novel of the same name. The Help is about a young white woman, Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan, and her relationship with two black maids, Aibileen Clark and Minny Jackson, during the Civil Rights era in 1963 Jackson, Mississippi. Skeeter is a journalist who decides to write a book from the point of view of the maids (referred to as "the help"), exposing the racism they are faced with as they work for white families.

Going Popcorn Review: 4.5/5 Popcorns

Boy Next Door (2015)

A psychological thriller movie that stars Jennifer Lopez as a Claire Peterson who gets tangled in obsession of her neighbour next door Noah Sandborn played by Ryan Guzman. It has the right amount of suspense and tense moments to make it an effective thriller movie but its story is kinda predictable already with themes of obsession and stalking. I don’t see any wrong acting to Jennifer Lopez here or to Ryan Guzman to have this movie panned by other critics. But I think the story is kinda not new in Hollywood movies and many find it rehash story about stalking and obsession. Some parts of the stories are said to be stupid like forgetting to put password on computer to protect sex tape files and no early involvement of police in the story, yet I just find them shallow parts of the story. Boy Next Door may have not achieve what it should and appears to be - a smart thriller and serious movie but I find it an entertaining film to watch.  

Going Popcorn Review: 3/5 Popcorns

Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

One of the best Hollywood biographical movie stories that I’ve watched! Dallas Buyers Club is based on a true story of Ron Woodroof who has been seeking a drug to cure AIDS being infected he himself with the illness. It was good drama movie about life and friendship but the most important of all is the stigma of being an AIDS/HIV infected person. Actually this movie is quite moving that it raises awareness on AIDS and HIV and how people infected with it deals with as an everyday struggle of their lives. The movie does not only shares the drama of being an AIDS/HIV infected person but the drama behind on how to live their daily life in facing the illness that has no cure until now and the trauma of knowing that you’ll die on a certain time. This movie also has a nice story about friendship and life challenges that boost one’s morale and confidence. Matthew McConaughey was phenomenal in acting in this movie! Jared Leto as transgender Rayon is so memorable and remarkable! Both got a 2014 Oscar awards for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor respectively. Jennifer Garner played Dr. Eve Saks gave a decent act but she her character limited to supporting cast only that’s why her shining moment to act is limited only. Dallas Buyers Club is an inspiring movie about acceptance, human spirit and resilience. This is highly recommended.

Going Popcorn Review: 4/5 Popcorns

Dementia (2014)

Dementia is a horror movie and a psychological movie at the same time but is also a travel movie. Mara Fabre played by superstar Nora Aunor (first time I saw her played in a horror movie) was diagnosed with dementia and to help her recover, her closest kin Elaine (Bing Loyzaga) along with her husband Rommel (Yul Servo) and daughter Rachel (Jasmine Curtis-Smith) relocated to their ancestral house in a remote place of Batanes where an evil apparition starts and secret mystery is unlock that eventually plays and confuses Mara’s recollection between memories, illusions and realities. I didn’t know that Nora Aunor can also be good in a horror movie as we all know she is a great drama actress. But in Dementia, Aunor’s acting is reveting, powerful and superb! Even with few words to utter because of the nature of her character, Aunor delivered a stellar performance a dementia patient. And those dramatic beholding eyes of her were used effectively to convey drama and emotion particularly in face close-up scene that proves that Aunor is really one great actress. Among the supporting cast, Chynna Ortaleza and Bing Loyzaga were memorable. While Jasmine Curtis-Smith needs a few more polishes but she decently delivered her act well. 

Dementia rely its horror effects on reality effects rather using computer-generated effects to convey an effective horror film is which is good since it gave the movie a reality grip. But the most effective element used to give it a real horror theme was the place locations of Batanes. The vast spaces and lonely sceneries of Batanes gives a feel of isolation and fear of what one might see from beyond the vast spaces of a place. Even the house used to be the set of the ancestral house was creepy and dark enough to give scares and tension. Batanes was used immensely as a backdrop to create horror, fear and mystery to Dementia. But I cannot also help but admire the beauty of Batanes which makes Dementia a subtly travel movie. But for some, Dementia might not be enough to be a scream-fest flick or horror movie to fear which I think the reason might be mysterious story of the film which overshadows the horror theme. Yet Dementia for me is successful for being a psychological movie because it makes me think and analyze the mystery that it presented throughout the film even after the credits rolled out.

Going Popcorn Review: 4/5 Popcorns

Careful What You Wish For (2015)

A thriller and suspense movie about Summer vacation of teenager Dough (Nick Jonas) who got involve in an adulterous affair with their neighbor’s alluring wife that gone murder and dangerous. The story is quite predictable but an enjoyable drama thriller movie to watch. There is adult content love scene to generate more fans but the story as a whole was simple, shallow and predictable. It has the right amount of thrill and suspense to make an entertaining thriller movie but not enough to be best remembered. Perhaps the story could have been better if it has re-written. Fans of Nick Jonas will surely enjoy this movie as he got a decent act played here unlike Isabel Lucas whose emotionless face expression and stiff acting may deemed her not fit for acting but just on runways. – has a more promise in acting and I hope to see her in other projects. Careful What You Wish For is an enjoyable movie even though I find the ending unsatisfying and don’t take it seriously.  

Going Popcorn Review: 2.5/5 Popcorns