The Batman | Gotham's Tragic Hero

When it comes to reboots things are uncertain, it is either a breakthrough or a bomb. The mere term is like something people mostly won’t like to associate with an iconic film or series. ‘The Batman’ is no slouch in terms of a superhero film with Matt Reeves and Peter Craig put in the work to create a new take painting a new canvas. There’s so many aspects of the previous Bat-films have been retold with a different take, but this one breaks that monotone and adds layers gritty and what could be considered a scarier Batman as the Bruce Wayne persona doesn’t pretend to be, but deals with his own mental health and trauma without even re-telling the story how he lost his parents at the back alley of a theatre as a young boy. The best part of it how grounded this world building that it is more of a crime noir-film with superhero elements. The opening just goes straight to the branded red logo taking over the big screen in bold letters and then straight to the Robert Pattison’s narration as how Gotham City has been drowning in fear and darkness. The usual feel how it gets you immersed in the same city with a new perspective. WARNING: Proceed with caution when reading this review as it might contain some minor plot point of the film that would be considered as a SPOILER. But in case you have seen the film or just want to read and don't care for this do read on...

Birds of Prey | In Harley Quinn's Mind

02.07.2020 – When you thing about the DC Extended Universe or the DCEU it’s convoluted continuity that you try to appreciate how they take their franchise to the big screen. They’re slowly changing course and making good films with the recent success of Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Shazam, which also include the non-DCEU connected Joker film. It’s time for Harley Quinn’s solo outing to take the next step in a bold, colourful, and adventurous outing. When this was announced years ago, which was originally titled ‘Gotham City Sirens’ the idea of Harley Quinn to be the lead character of the said film would add a few more characters from Batman’s rogue’s gallery. But it turns out DC Films and Warner Bros re-clarify that it is going to be Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), which Margot Robbie claims to be her most recent favorite long titled film to date that she also have the title as producer. Though there have been teasers and trailers the expectation was not here, but to see the curiosity what made the higher ups made the decision to green light this film. Sure, Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn caught fire on everyone’s radar on Suicide Squad, which she will reprise in the James Gunn helmed sequel. The concept though invited curiosity despite the hype that produced when word of mouth started to go around for those who were given the opportunity to see the movie a week earlier than the regular screen date.

Ford v Ferrari | An Intense Race to the Finish

11.14.2019 – There are movies and then there’s a biographical film retelling true to life stories in the form of entertainment at the same time staying true to the facts with a little bit of difference based on what really happened. It is rare nowadays that there’s a biographical film that hold interest and most of it is about human lives. Ford v Ferrari is another of those biographical films that is related to Motorsport with more about the man behind the wheel than the car itself. But this film is more about the heritage that put Ford Performance racing division to the world stage retelling the story how an American car manufacturing competed in 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is also the story how Ford produced the iconic GT-40 that had won several championships competing in Le Mans during those tumultuous days. Behind engineers and drivers at Ford’s disposal they put together what would become one of the high performance cars in history. With the lead cast portrayed by Matt Damon (Carroll Shelby) and Christian Bale (Ken Miles) this was an impressive film that was both intense at the same time educational to how Ford was dead set in beating Ferrari at their own game as premise to the film.

Terminator's Dark Fate?

10.31.2019 – There are so many things to take in when considering taking an optimistic precaution viewing a film that failed so many times. With Terminator: Dark Fate it was something to take a lot of caution having been failed to recapture the essence of what a badass film Terminator 2: Judgement Day was in the 1990s. But this time around it is different; well a lot of people say that all the time if presenting a sequel that has been trying to bring itself to be a better version of the previous is going to be difficult. This is such the case of the Terminator franchise in which considered one of the films that defined Arnold’s career in the action genre. It put Linda Hamilton at the forefront as one of the OG badass women next to Ripley’s Aliens. It also defined James Cameron’s career as a director to his succeeding films. It was ahead of its time when Judgement Day followed up the ‘indie film’ cyborg slasher flick ‘The Terminator.’ When I was young I only saw the original Terminator on home media renting it on Betamax or VHS. But T2 Judgement Day cemented the franchise to new heights with ‘The Terminator’ becoming the protector to John Connor and father figure that he never had. It was also Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor in the spotlight as a badass single mom with a shotgun fighting a T-1000. It was action as you get and after that three Terminator films followed that never had the same energy as the two previous films.

Aquaman | A Redeemed Hero

12.15.2018 – There have been popular DC heroes most people are familiar with the trinity of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. The fans gravitate to these characters compared to the rock stars they follow, and none of them would be interested on the underrated ones that would make them relevant. Aquaman is not your cup of hero as previous representation of the character is ridiculed in the past for his lame abilities in communicating with sea creatures. This is the reason his comic books where rebooted several times in the past.

Creed II | For Family & Friendships

12.01.2018 – There are sports films that are built upon the underlying drama that defined its identity, which has become an iconic franchise like Rocky and its continuing saga where the fictional athlete evolved throughout the years. Of course, Rocky Balboa steps back and becomes the mentor of the former Apollo Creed’s son. Adonis Creed is going to have new challenges and Rocky will be with him all the way. They will face insurmountable odds that tie to their legacy and it is an interesting narrative that makes you appreciate the little things about this sequel to Creed even if you’re not a fan of the previous films.

Bohemian Rhapsody | A Star from Mercury

11.05.2018 – The Meteoric Rise of Queen did not happen overnight it started with a few good men that were led by Freddie Mercury. “Bohemian Rhapsody” was a fitting title for a movie that almost never made possible due to the challenging process from casting who would portray Mercury and how this biopic’s narrative will come into play like the way a song is made. But there’s one thing that makes this film interesting is not about the beginning or the ending it was the challenge of the remaining members of the band to make it possible to stir the ship on the right direction focusing the life of Freddie Mercury and how history was written.

Ocean's Eight | Cleverly Underrated

07.25.2018 – There have been numerous heist films that has been adapted with diverse concepts, but there’s nothing like the original. The Ocean’s Trilogy changed the way you watch these types of film. It became commercialized that many had follow suit to produce their own heist movie. With that you got to find something original worthy of the audience’s attention. Ocean’s Eight seems to be a refreshing look that spins-off from the trilogy. This time its features an all-women ensemble cast featuring Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett leading a new crew.

"The Predator" | Deadliest Hunter

05.10.2018 – “The Predator” one of the best action films ever produced synonymous with sci-fi suspense thriller that made it as an icon. 20th Century Fox finally reveals the first trailer of “The Predator” where a young boy unknowingly opens a path towards Earth for the most dangerous of hunters in the universe. Helmed by blockbuster filmmaker Shane Black (Iron Man 3), “The Predator” is an action-packed and intensely high-octane movie that will open in Philippine cinemas on September 12.

Red Sparrow | Provocative Trailer Reveal

01.11.2018 – Deadly spies and suspenseful drama all the right ingredients that makes a good action film that thrills making you want to think. But add provocative with an attractive award winner like Jennifer Lawrence you’ve got something here. “Red Sparrow” has provided some tease with J Law’s take on the Edward Award-winning novel based on the same name that 20th Century has released the full trailer.