Night Court | Indecent Cancellation

Modern Television shows are hard to come by when it comes to making a string of hits these days. It has to conform to the contemporary audience, as these days you can’t just put up a modern sitcom that will give you backlash because of a specific theme or scene by a character that would be offensive to conservative critics. The recent cancellation of Frasier’s spinoff is one example of why older fans have been up in arms about the concept that the lead character had to move back to Boston and undo the happy ending that he had cherished that lasted only to the second season, with an open-ended narrative that can be considered the end or can be revisited.

Across the Spider-Verse | Redefining a Franchise

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is superior to “Into the Spider-Verse,” where there is a lot to unpack in terms of scope visually and the number of characters that appeared in this animated film from Sony Animated Pictures. If the first one was something to be elated about in terms of visual style and narrative the producers and directors really went to it in making sure the original was just an appetizer. There is an amount of Spider-People in this film that have their own story to tell, and you’re only seeing it revolve between Miles and Gwen. The main protagonist in the film expands not just Miles growing up and getting acclimated to his new role as Eath-1610’s Spider-Man, but dealing with everyday life like most young adults in the world. For Gwen, the struggle of trying to prove herself to his father, Captain Stacy is the only two parts of a bigger story that unfolds in 140 minutes of a visually impressive world where all these characters exist. Every Spider-Man fan is treated to this epic adventure as a love letter that the people behind this film listened to from the original. It shows that this superhero genre is no longer just for kids to enjoy but for the fans and ‘True Believers” out there to show that they care for this franchise and will continue to support it.

Ted Lasso | "Two Aces"

The sixth episode of “Ted Lasso” is slowly taking quite an impression that no one is taking notice in these challenging times. Perhaps it’s being buried by films and TV series that have worthy of attention. It is also rare that there’s a sports comedy series that definitely trolls and satirizes some of the moments in real-world sports history. This series certainly brings out the best of the theme that is not rarely seen on television.

Toy Story 4 | Reached For The Sky...

06.24.2019 – Toy Story 4 is the latest installment in the film series that ushered Pixar Studios in the mainstream. It has been almost two and a half decade with this successful franchise that became the face of the studio that developed it. Every kid in the 1990s and the succeeding generation have grown up to Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the gang. It has been almost a decade since the third installment and everyone thought the last film would have closed the franchise, but for a surprising fourth film, there were still stories to tell about these toys. From the very first Toy Story, there was a progression to the aesthetics and the ever-evolving technology that improved the animation and in that span of 25 years with this latest film some would say everyone would say it never goes old. The franchise has been timeless on its own even though the imagery from the very first one seemed outdated as Pixar was really ahead of the curve. But what makes Toy Story one of the favorite CG animated feature films is the well-written narrative for each film. The evolution and character development that began in Andy’s room to Bonnie’s playroom was not just about the adventured of these toys it was about the film in general that made it timeless.

P*CHA, E `Di Komiks | Pinoy Culture in a Nutshell

01.31.2019 – Filipino Komiks have so many stories to tell from Supernatural Folklore to localized inspirations from Japanese Manga to Western Comics namely the Superhero genre that has been the most interesting part of why most people connect and get into this medium. But one sign that most of these things connect to is the slice of life and what mirrors reality from everyday life. You’ve probably read more material from this because it relates to the greater populace in the Philippines how the culture from social media that satirizes that’s been happening before and now. Toto Madayag’s “P*CHA, E `Di Komiks” is more than just a graphic novel that would encompass all that’s happening in this country through social media. In general, it’s something worth noting how everything mirrors reality and most people who got to read this book won’t even realize it until it hits them. From subtle political commentaries that most people try to avoid from to simple dad jokes that are sublime, that gravitates how Madayag was ahead of the curve to think this small idea that he started posting on social media would become a word of mouth that some creators would find inspiration from.

The Upside | Odd Pairs of Friendships

01.26.2019 – Movies that are inspired from actual events or true story is a hit or miss. Sometimes it surprises you how these films real it hard with reality and definitely find inspiration to the viewer who needed motivation the most, but sometimes it’s more than just entertaining at the same time finding its way to be that interesting. “The Upside” is one of those films that play it straight at the same time making you laugh for its simple but benign scenes. It features an interesting cast in Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart, Julianna Margulies, and Nicole Kidman rounding up the leads.

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.

Doco Films | Spitfire: Inspiration of a Nation

11.30.2018 – Documentaries are rarely appreciated as compared to theatrical films. They may not entertain you but it tells you about real life and most of them is experience in history that also includes events that change a culture. In the Philippines there is no market for documentaries being shown in cinemas. They go straight to home video editions. There’s not much interest to seeing documentaries in cinemas that appeal to other countries.

Ralph Literally Wrecks the Internet!

11.28.2018 – Animation featured films have evolved not only aesthetically, but also the content of its narrative. For younger kids, they may appear funny and entertaining but as an adult, you’ll see the complexity of how it was written and why some of these films take longer to come up with a sequel. Wreck-It Ralph has now become a franchise after its sequel Ralph Breaks the Internet brought in a massive box office and critical reviews all around the world. There are very few animated featured films but this one certainly was a home run.

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.

Superman: Birthright | A Man of Steel Story

07.16.2018 – Action Comics has made monumental number reaching issue #1000 a couple of months back and bringing back the red tights that he’s been known for. The comic book that introduced this character revolutionized the industry still continue to fight for truth, justice, and not only the American way but representing the world. Whenever in other mediums like animation, television, movies or video games “The Man of Steel” has been an icon and what shape him are these stories. There have been many origins, but “Superman: Birthright” was those you might forget.

Solo: A Star Wars Story | Does a Kessel Run

05.27.2018 – The Star Wars franchise continue to expand its live action films as well as their television, and other forms of media that encompass the galaxy from far away and with the addition of Solo it gets bigger. Origin stories are no longer tall tales or half mentioned conversations they are now movies that bridge the gap. With Han Solo in the spotlight A Star Wars Story.

Deadpool 2 | Delivering the Goods

05.23.2018 – Like the original Deadpool 2 stormed out the gates and made sure this sequel was far better. With all the Meta and fourth wall breaking going on this one takes it to heart that it got a bit serious with the plot. As part of the writing team Ryan Reynolds surely put the right words in Wade’s mouth. There’s not a bad thing about Deadpool 2 and this time it has a huge budget. The narrative plays it straight about saving a mutant boy and tries to give you another perspective how Wade Wilson would be a better character than everyone has known him in the comic books and you can’t also avoid Cable and Domino.

The Shape of Water | Fills Your Heart

03.21.2018 – For a film that’s totally unknown to a dominated superhero and science fiction genres “The Shape of Water” proves that you can watch a love story taken from a different perspective. When you talk about Guillermo Del Toro what comes to mind is giant robots punching monsters or supernatural outwardly films like Pan’s Labyrinth that shiver down your spine. But romance is something most people would like to see. But through the vision of Del Toro is told.

"The Orville" is Star Trek You Need to See!

11.05.2017 – Catching up on the first two episodes of “The Orville” for the first time, which recently aired its 8th episode in the US and it seems this “Star Trek” rip-off, is getting some positive raves from longtime Trekkies. Taking a look at the pilot episode “Old Wounds” and “Command Performance”, it appears this series is like your alternate ‘Star Trek Flavor’ with nostalgia from the time the series which inspired it was campy at the same time the 'usual' Trek you know.

"Cars 3" | It was Lighting before the Storm

11.04.2017 – Disney Pixar’s Cars 3 may appear it’s targeted for kids but on a serious note they seem to even appeal to adults too. I missed seeing it in cinemas back in July but now it’s available in Digital HD finally get to see it. Perhaps after seeing its predecessor, I felt that the original film was lost its roots with the 2011 sequel. But after seeing it I break down on what I’ve seen in this third installment that gave a renewed interest.

"Gifted" | That's Keep on Giving

04.25.2017 – There are underrated films out there that clearly tell the simplest stories that sometimes can relate to most people in real life. There’s nothing like ‘life imitates art’ when you talk about movies you’d be surprise they really meant for the few. “Gifted” is one of small art house films that’s hardly noticed and under the radar due to money making blockbusters that dominate the cinemas nowadays. In the Philippine market this type of film should be appreciated more since it’s a rare gem.

Film Press Review | Keeping Up with the Joneses

10.19.2016 – There have been memorable comedy films that mix it up with action and suspense. Then there are films that tried to capture that moment but in the long run things might not turn up as what you expected to be. “Keeping up with the Joneses” is that sort of fun film that try to be what the title is and at the same time going the extra mile for making it a movie that you’ll find the entertainment value featuring an ensemble cast that found its chemistry. But there’s more than just a film about family relations that made it watchable.

TV Review | The Adventures of Supergirl

10.11.2016 – Welcome to the second season beginning with “The Adventures of Supergirl” to start a new narrative for National City based ‘The Girl of Steel.’ The much anticipated kick-off episode also introduces the ‘Arrowverse’ version of Superman portrayed by Tyler Hoechlin. This is also the debut of its new series being aired in the US on The CW from last season’s CBS. The new season had many upgrades besides adding Superman as a guest cast and it wasn’t that obvious until it was finally aired.

Film Press Review | Bad Moms

08.02.2016 – “Bad Moms” in the on set can be relatable to most mothers in real life. Some of them are single parents who have overly committed themselves that they put family first before their personal life. But this domestic life had its own twist and turns that you might not find some of its humor entertaining. There are no contradictions just fact how this was underrated in the first place as one of those non-epic films.