Train to Busan is a 2016 South Korean zombie apocalypse thriller film directed by Yeon Sang-ho and starring Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi and Ma Dong-seok. The film had its premiere in the Midnight Screenings section at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival on May 13, 2016. On August 7, 2016, the film set a record as the first Korean film of 2016 to break the audience record with over 10 million theatergoers. Since then, the film has grossed over $80 million worldwide.
The story goes like this:
Sok-woo and his daughter Soo-ahn are boarding the KTX, a fast train that shall bring them from Seoul to Busan. But during their journey, the train is overrun by zombies which kill several of the train staff and other passengers.While the KTX is shooting towards Busan, the passengers have to fight for their lives against the zombies.
Train to Busan is of action, thriller, drama genre, which runs
for approximately 118 minutes. It's Rated R-13 in most countries for intense sequences of violence, blood and gore. I'm not really into Korean movies but this was one hell of a great movie. It was like World War Z meets Snakes on a Plane kind of movie. While the story line is not something new especially for zombie apocalypse-themed movies, for a Korean film, it's quite refreshing. The effects used were realistic compared to most Hollywood movies that rely a lot on CGI. The acting of the cast was very commendable especially that of Gong Yoo (fund manager) and Kim Su-an (his daughter). But what I liked best about the film was the portrayal of different people reacting differently when in distress or during times of crisis and emergency. And yes, it was very sad and tragic but I won't spill the beans. Overall, I highly recommend this movie.
The Huntsman: Winter's War is a 2016 American fantasy adventure film and acts as both a prequel and sequel to Snow White and the Huntsman. The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, and Jessica Chastain, among others. Launched in April 2016, the film has received generally negative reviews from critics.
The story goes like this: As a war between rival queen sisters Ravenna and Freya escalates, Eric
and fellow warrior Sara, members of the Huntsmen army raised to protect
Freya, try to conceal their forbidden love as they combat Ravenna's
wicked intentions.
The Huntsman: Winter's War is of action, adventure, drama, and
fantasy genre, which runs for approximately 114 minutes. It's Rated
PG-13 in most countries for fantasy action violence and some sensuality. Well, despite being heavily panned by critics, I can say that it's not a bad film though it's not great either. The story line was very predictable and many parts of the film were actually boring. The use of special effects was good but the narration of the story and acting could have been better. If they want more movie goers to see its sequel, then the director and producers must try harder next time.
Miracles from Heaven is a 2016 American drama film based on the memoir of the same name by Christy Beam, which recounts the true story of her young daughter who had a near-death experience and was later cured from an incurable disease. The film stars Jennifer Garner, Kylie Rogers, Martin Henderson, John Carroll Lynch, Eugenio Derbez, and Queen Latifah.
The story goes like this: Miracles from Heaven is based on the incredible true story of the Beam
family. When Christy (Jennifer Garner) discovers her 10-year-old
daughter Anna (Kylie Rogers) has a rare, incurable disease, she becomes a
ferocious advocate for her daughter's healing as she searches for a
solution. After Anna has a freak accident, an extraordinary miracle
unfolds in the wake of her dramatic rescue that leaves medical
specialists mystified, her family restored and their community inspired.
Miracles from Heaven is of drama genre,
which runs for approximately 109 minutes. It's Rated PG in most countries for thematic material, including accident and medical images. For me, Miracles from Heaven is the ultimate tearjerker movie of the year (to date, at least). Make sure you bring lots of tissue paper or a hanky when you see it. I haven't watched a film like this in so many years that moved me to tears. The last movie that made me sob was probably The Impossible. Anyway, back to Miracles from Heaven. The movie would really bring hope, faith, and love to anyone who wishes to see it. The story of Anna Beam should serve as an inspiration to many, considering everything she had gone through. Better see it for yourself as Miracles from Heaven is definitely one underrated movie that will make you believe in the impossible.
Our Brand Is Crisis is a 2015 American comedy-drama film directed by David Gordon Green and written by Peter Straughan. It was based on the 2005 documentary film of same name by Rachel Boynton. It is a fictionalized account of the involvement of American political campaign strategists "Greenberg Carville Shrum" (GCS) in the 2002 Bolivian presidential election. The film stars Sandra Bullock, Scoot McNairy, and Billy Bob Thornton to name a few. It was theatrically released by Warner Bros. on October 30, 2015 but only reached the Philippine shores in January 2016 both with mixed reviews and disappointing box office turnout.
The story goes like this: In 2002, Bolivian politician Pedro Gallo hires American James Carville's
political consulting firm, Greenberg Carville Shrum, to help him win
the 2002 Bolivian presidential election. GCS brings in Jane Bodine to
manage the campaign in Bolivia. Battling her arch nemesis, the
opposition's political consultant Pat Candy, Bodine successfully uses
American political campaign strategies to lead Gallo to victory against
Victor Rivera.
Our Brand Is Crisis is of drama and comedy genre, which
runs for approximately 107 minutes. It's rated R-13 in most countries for language including some sexual references. I went to see the film expecting that it was going to be a very funny movie but it turned out that there's lot of drama involved. Good thing is that it was very timely for it to be shown in the Philippines since the national elections is coming. If you like drama and politics, then this movie is easy to relate with. If not, you should consider watching something else. Overall, it was an okay film, probably better to see on cable TV or DVD. But that's just me.
In the Heart of the Sea is a 2015 American biographical adventure thriller film based on Nathaniel Philbrick's 2000 non-fiction book of the same name about the sinking of the American whaling ship Essex in 1820, an event that inspired the tale of Moby-Dick. Directed by Ron Howard, the film stars Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy, Tom Holland, Ben Whishaw, and Brendan Gleeson. The film had a budget of $100 million and is shown in 3D as well as IMAX.
The story goes like this: In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted
by something no one could believe: a whale of mammoth size and will, and
an almost human sense of vengeance. The real-life maritime disaster
would inspire Herman Melville's Moby-Dick. But that told only half the
story. "In the Heart of the Sea" reveals the encounter's harrowing
aftermath, as the ship's surviving crew is pushed to their limits and
forced to do the unthinkable to stay alive. Braving storms, starvation,
panic and despair, the men will call into question their deepest
beliefs, from the value of their lives to the morality of their trade,
as their captain searches for direction on the open sea and his first
mate still seeks to bring the great whale down.
In the Heart of the Sea is of action, adventure, biography, drama, and thriller genre, which
runs for approximately 122 minutes. It's rated PG-13 in most countries for intense sequences of action and peril, brief startling violence, and thematic material. I didn't really expect much from the film as there was not much buzz
about it but since it was directed by Ron Howard, I thought I'd give it a
chance. The film started a bit dull and boring, with its setting in the early 1800's. As the film progressed, things started to get exciting especially when they started their whaling. There were a lot of action scenes and the effects were really cool. But the drama part was the one that struck me, and it was something I didn't expect. I suggest that you see it. And for some weird reason, some scenes reminded me of the 1997 movie Titanic. Maybe because there was sinking involved or the way the story was narrated. But I could really draw comparisons between the two films. Overall, it was a good movie. It's probably not meant to be a blockbuster hit but still beautiful on its own.
Inside Out is a 2015 American 3D computer-animated comedy-drama adventure filmproduced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The film is set in the mind of a young girl, Riley Andersen (Kaitlyn Dias), where five personified emotions—Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black) and Disgust (Mindy Kaling)—try to lead her through life as she moves with her parents (Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan) to a new city. The film grossed $90.4 million in its first weekend—the highest opening for an original title. It has grossed over $701 million worldwide against a budget of $175 million. It was well-received by the general audience and it attracted critical acclaim.
The story goes like this: Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it's no exception for Riley, who is
uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San
Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions - Joy, Fear,
Anger, Disgust and Sadness. The emotions live in Headquarters, the
control center inside Riley's mind, where they help advise her through
everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new
life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy,
Riley's main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive,
the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and
school.
Inside Out is of animation, adventure, comedy, family, drama, and fantasy genre, which
runs for approximately 94
minutes. It's rated PG in most countries for mild thematic elements and some action. Inside Out is a different kind of movie, not your typical animated film that caters mainly to children. It was somewhat dragging at first and not easy to comprehend but as the film progressed, you'll understand the whole picture. I think the biggest strength of Inside Out is its originality. It had a very refreshing take on a person's growth and development. It successfully elicits different emotions from the audience, literally. Towards the end of the film, some tears may be shed but for good reason. While it can be considered a good movie overall, the ending seemed lacking and definitely warrants a sequel.
Paper Towns is a 2015 American mystery comedy-drama film directed by Jake Schreier. It is based on the 2008 novel of the same name by John Green. The film stars Nat Wolff and Cara Delevingne and was released on July 24, 2015 in the United States by 20th Century Fox. The film has grossed more than $50 million worldwide against a budget of $12 million, which makes it a box office success.
The story goes like this: Paper Towns is a coming-of-age story centering on Quentin and his enigmatic neighbor Margo, who loved mysteries so much she became one. After taking him on an all-night adventure through their hometown, Margo suddenly disappears - leaving behind cryptic clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his quick-witted friends on an exhilarating adventure that is equal parts hilarious and moving. Ultimately, to track down Margo, Quentin must find a deeper understanding of true friendship - and true love.
Paper Towns is of comedy, drama, mystery, romance genre, which
runs for approximately 109
minutes. It's rated PG-13 in most countries for some language, drinking, sexuality and partial nudity - all involving teens. The movie was off to a great start, where the characters were introduced as the plot developed. The concept of paper towns was also explained, which is quite interesting. The actors were okay but as far as their looks are concerned, they are not the boy-next-door type of guys and drop-dead-gorgeous type of girls. As for the story itself, it is shallow but quite entertaining. It is also not your typical boy-girl relationship movie, and like The Fault in Our Stars, it had a very sad ending.
Magic Mike XXL is a 2015 American comedy-drama film directed by Gregory Jacobs, which stars Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Amber Heard, and Jada Pinkett Smith. It is a sequel to the 2012 film Magic Mike. The film has received generally positive reviews from critics. To date, it has grossed over $75 million worldwide from a budget of just $15 million.
The story goes like this: Three years after Mike bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his
game, he and the remaining Kings of Tampa hit the road to Myrtle Beach
to put on one last blow-out performance.
Magic Mike XXL is of comedy, drama, musical genre, which
runs for approximately 115
minutes. It's rated R in most countries for strong sexual content, pervasive language, some nudity and drug use. It was a very boring and dragging movie with its last 20 minutes as its saving grace. It was not as good and as entertaining as the first movie. For me, Kevin Nash and Andie MacDowell were a miscast. Kevin looked awkward while Andie seemed too wholesome for her role. The role of Jada Pinkett Smith was irritating and even Channing's performance was lackluster. It was only Joe Manganiello and Matt Bomer who delivered well in their role. Overall, the movie lacked depth and was not a deserving sequel at all.
San Andreas is a 2015 American action-adventure disaster film directed by Brad Peyton. The film stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario, and Paul Giamatti. Australian singer-actress Kylie Minogue also made a cameo appearance. Principal photography
of the film began in Australia and wrapped up in San Francisco. The film was released worldwide in 2D and 3D on
May 29, 2015 to mixed reviews.
The story goes like this: After the San Andreas Fault causes a devastating earthquake hits California, a Los Angeles Fire Department rescue-helicopter pilot (Dwayne Johnson) and his ex-wife (Carla Gugino) attempt to leave Los Angeles and head to San Francisco to find and rescue their daughter (Alexandra Daddario). San Andreas is of action, drama, thriller genre, which runs for approximately
114 minutes. It's rated PG-13 for intense disaster action and mayhem throughout, and brief strong language. It's probably one of the most heart-pounding films shown on film ever. It's like Armageddon, 2012, Deep Impact and The Day After Tomorrow taken to a whole new level. The level of destruction was just unfathomable. The use of CGI was outstanding. Everything was life-like. What I probably didn't like is the forced inclusion of dramatic moments. Seriously, when a disaster of this scale strikes, there won't be time for drama. All you'd think about is your survival. But overall, this was really a good movie. It's quite entertaining. I just hope this film won't turn out to be ominous, as many locations around the world are prone to large earthquakes.
Cinderella is a 2015 romantic fantasy film directed by Kenneth Branagh. The story was inspired by the fairy tale Cinderella by Charles Perrault with many borrowed elements from Walt Disney's 1950 animated musical film of the same name. The film stars Lily James, Richard Madden, Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine, Sophie McShera, Holliday Grainger, and Helena Bonham Carter.
The film was released on March 13, 2015 and is expected to be a box office hit.
The story goes like this: The story of "Cinderella" follows the fortunes of young Ella whose
merchant father remarries following the tragic death of her mother. Keen
to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother Lady
Tremaine and her daughters Anastasia and Drizella into the family home.
But when Ella's father suddenly and unexpectedly passes away, she finds
herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally
relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and
spitefully renamed Cinderella since she used to work in the cinders,
Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted
upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother's dying words and to
"have courage and be kind." She will not give in to despair nor despise
those who abuse her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in
the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an employee
at the palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears
as if her fortunes may be about to change when the palace sends out an
open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella's hopes
of once again encountering the charming "Kit." Alas, her stepmother
forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But as in all
good fairy tales, help is at hand as a kindly beggar woman steps forward
and, armed with a pumpkin and a few mice, changes Cinderella's life
forever.
Cinderella is of drama, romance, fantasy, adventure genre, which
runs for approximately 112 minutes. It's rated PG in most countries
for mild thematic elements. To be honest, I didn't know who were the actors for this specific film but since it's a Disney Classic, I still decided to watch it. It's Cinderella for Christ's sake! What I really love about the film is that it stuck to the original storyline unlike last year's Maleficent. Moreover, the acting of Cate Blanchett, Lily James, and Helena Bonham Carter are really commendable. It's a must see for every family. Children and adult alike will surely enjoy watching this movie.
And oh, as a bonus for watching Cinderella, there is this computer-animated short film called Frozen Fever shown before the feature film. Like the original Frozen, it was directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. It is a sequel or spinoff to Frozen, which stars Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad. Here's the plot summary: It's Anna's birthday and Elsa plans to throw her the perfect surprise
party with the help of Kristoff and Olaf. However, after planning the
huge party and as Anna is being led on a "party treasure hunt," Elsa
finds that she has caught a cold. She starts sneezing and produces a
group of small, cute snow people, much like Olaf, with each sneeze.
After some near-misses, a very exhausted Elsa finally makes it with Anna
to the courtyard where the party has been arranged. It is a big hit,
and at last Anna manages to convince Elsa into letting her to lead her
to bed and take care of her. Meanwhile, Olaf has taken the tiny snow
creatures under his wing and takes them to Elsa's ice castle with the
help of Kristoff.
Predestination is a 2014 Australian science fiction film, written and directed by Michael and Peter Spierig. It is based on the Robert A. Heinlein short story "All You Zombies", and stars Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook and Noah Taylor.
The story goes like this: The film chronicles the life of a Temporal Agent sent on an
intricate series of time-travel journeys designed to ensure the
continuation of his law enforcement career for all eternity. Now, on his
final assignment, the Agent must pursue the one criminal that has
eluded him throughout time.
Predestination is of drama, mystery, sci-fi, thriller genre, which
runs for approximately 97 minutes. It's rated R in most countries
for violence, some sexuality, nudity and language. When I decided to watch this movie, I didn't know what I was getting into. I had no idea what it was about but watched it anyway. The movie started with a flashback then a narration of the story of one of the main characters. During the first half of the movie, I'm still able to follow the storyline. Then suddenly things got very confusing. The concept of time machine and traveling through time is not really original but when one can travel through time and meet your younger or older self, it makes the story really confusing and mind-boggling. I left the theater lost, still confused about everything that had happened. While the film could gain some points for its twist, in general, I'm not a fan of movies like this.
The Judge is a 2014 American drama film starring Robert Downey, Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga, Vincent D'Onofrio, Dax Shepard, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Lancaster, and Billy Bob Thornton. The film received mixed reviews from critics with some praising the performances of Downey and Duvall but criticized the formulaic nature of its script and the lack of development for its supporting characters. The film has grossed $72.3 million worldwide.
The story goes like this: Hank Palmer is a successful defense attorney in Chicago, who is getting a
divorce. When His brother calls with the news that their mother has
died, Hank returns to his childhood home to attend the funeral. Despite
the brittle bond between Hank and the Judge, Hank must come to his
fathers aid and defend him in court. Here, Hank discovers the truth
behind the case, which binds together the dysfunctional family and
reveals the struggles and secrecy of the family.
The Judge is of drama genre, which
runs for approximately 141 minutes. It's rated R in most countries
for language including some sexual references. The film's trailer actually caught my interest. That's why I decided to see it. The film did match my expectations. It was full of heavy drama. The cast was okay. The only part where it fell short was probably the lack of twist in the plot. Every scene was predictable. Other than that, it is a great drama movie that focuses on family.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is a 2014 science fiction film directed by Matt Reeves. It stars Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, and Gary Oldman. A sequel to the 2011 film Rise of the Planet of the Apes, it is the eighth theatrical film in the franchise. The film, which proved to be a box office hit, received highly positive reviews, with critics praising its special effects, story, direction, and acting.
The story goes like this: A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth's dominant species.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is of action, drama, sci-fi genre, which runs for approximately 130 minutes. It's rated PG-13 in most countries for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and brief strong language. I haven't seen the previous Planet of the Apes films but I must say that this movie is a good one. The humanistic behavior of the apes really gave the audience an understanding of their world and how they view the human race, which is not very different from how we humans view them. The use of emotions and empowering statements can be seen and heard throughout the film, which makes the film more engaging. And considering it is a relatively lengthy movie, the storyline did not feel dragging at all. The actors and the script were commendable as well. It goes without saying that the use of special effects was superb. Overall, it is a great film for everyone. The film is also available in 3D and Dolby Atmos.
The Fault in Our Stars is a 2014 American romantic comedy, drama film directed by Josh Boone, based on the novel of the same name by John Green. The film stars Divergent's Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort.
Woodley plays Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen-year-old cancer patient who is forced by her parents to attend a support group, where she subsequently meets and falls in love with Augustus Waters, portrayed by Ansel Elgort. With a budget of just $12 million, the film has proved to be a box office hit, earning more than $100 million worldwide.
The story goes like this: Hazel and Augustus are two teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain
for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them on a journey. Their
relationship is all the more miraculous, given that Hazel's other
constant companion is an oxygen tank, Gus jokes about his prosthetic
leg, and they meet and fall in love at a cancer support group.
The Fault in Our Stars is of drama and romance genre,
which runs for approximately 125 minutes. It's rated PG-13 in most countries for thematic elements, some sexuality and brief strong language. It is truly one "sick" love story. If you are after an ultimately tear-jerking movie, then this is the film for you. From the actors to the set to the scoring to the dialogues, every thing will just make you grab that tissue. If you have not read the novel, then you are in for a treat. If you have read it anyway, then you'd probably be surprised for some inconsistencies. Nevertheless, the actors were great and it is just sad to see a love story end in death but not misery. I'd go on to say that this is the best "sick" love story movie of 2014 just yet.
RATING: 4.5 out of 5 STARS
Transcendence is a 2014 science fiction film directed by Wally Pfister and produced by Christopher Nolan. It has a powerhouse cast, which includes Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Paul Bettany, Cillian Murphy, and Morgan Freeman. The story revolves around Dr. Will Caster working towards his goal of creating an omniscient,
sentient machine. Then a radical anti-technology organization fights to
prevent him from establishing a world where computers can transcend the
abilities of the human brain.
The story goes like this: Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is the foremost researcher in the field of
Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that
combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the
full range of human emotions. His highly controversial experiments have
made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of
anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him.
However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently become the
catalyst for him to succeed-to be a participant in his own
transcendence. For his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and best friend Max
Waters (Paul Bettany), both fellow researchers, the question is not if
they can...but if they should. Their worst fears are realized as Will's
thirst for knowledge evolves into a seemingly omnipresent quest for
power, to what end is unknown. The only thing that is becoming
terrifyingly clear is there may be no way to stop him.
Transcendence is of sci-fi, drama, mystery, thriller genre,
which runs for approximately 119 minutes. It's rated PG-13 or R-13 in most countries
foraction, violence, some bloody images, brief strong language, and sensuality. While many critics lashed at the film, I can say that it's not really that bad. In fact, it's not bad at all. While there may be some lacking elements in the plot, the actors were pretty much convincing on their acting and the special effects used were superb. The film may be dragging at times and a bit confusing but the thought of creating sentient machines is quite entertaining. This film may bombed at the box office because of the lashing critics but I think it is underrated and deserves more credit and praise.
300: Rise of an Empire is an American fantasy war film directed by Noam Murro. It is a follow-up to the 2007 film 300, taking place before, during, and after the events of that film with a fictionalized retelling of the Battle of Salamis. It is based on the as-yet-unreleased Frank Miller graphic novel Xerxes. Zack Snyder, who directed and co-wrote the original film, acts as writer and producer on Rise of an Empire.
The cast includes Lena Headey, Rodrigo Santoro, David Wenham, Andrew Tiernan, Andrew Pleavin and Peter Mensah reprising their roles from the first film, alongside Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Hans Matheson, Callan Mulvey, and Jack O'Connell. It was released in 3D and IMAX 3D.
The story goes like this: After its victory over Leonidas' 300, the Persian Army under the command
of Xerxes marches towards the major Greek city-states. The Democratic
city of Athens, first on the path of Xerxes' army, bases its strength on
its fleet, led by admiral Themistocles. Themistocles is forced to an
unwilling alliance with the traditional rival of Athens, oligarchic
Sparta whose might lies with its superior infantry troops. But Xerxes
still reigns supreme in numbers over sea and land.
300: Rise of an Empire is of drama, action, fantasy genre,
which runs for approximately 102 minutes. It's rated R in most countries
forstrong sustained sequences of stylized bloody violence throughout, a sex scene, nudity and some language. It still uses the same special effects used in the previous film. It is still bloody and gory all throughout. It is an interesting take on the Battle of Salamis. I think that Artemisia, played by Eva Green, was the real star of the film because of her cunningness and beauty. All in all, it was an okay movie with superb special effects but I still prefer the first movie. The film is available in 3D, IMAX 3D, and Dolby Atmos.
Starting Over Again is a Star Cinema Valentine's Day offering, which stars heartthrob Piolo Pascual and multimedia star Toni Gonzaga. It is a story about pair of exes who run into each other again years after a breakup that left them with plenty of unresolved questions. The film also stars Iza Calzado. It is directed by acclaimed director Olivia M. Lamasan.
The story goes like this: The movie is about the love story of Ginny (Toni Gonzaga) and Marco
(Piolo Pascual). They met in a university campus where Ginny was an
Architecture student while Marco was a professor. Marco became Ginny's
ultimate crush since the day she enrolled for the former's history
class. Ginny kept on pursuing the love of her life until they began a
one-of-a-kind love story. Everything was perfect between them. They have
made plans about their future together until one day, Ginny decided to
leave for Barcelona and never looked back. This left Marco hurt,
betrayed and confused. What went wrong? After four years, on her
birthday, she received a letter from Marco which was written on the day
she left. The letter contained the words "I won't lose hope." When she
went back to the Philippines, she held on to that letter and wished that
they would rekindle the past. But she realized that things have
changed. Marco has become the man she's always wanted him to be and
this time, he is already with someone else. The major question to ask
is, "Will they get back together?"
Starting Over Again is of romance, comedy, drama genre,
which runs for approximately 130 minutes. It's rated PG-13 in most countries
forstrong language and some sexual content.
It is probably Star Cinema's best romantic film since One More Chance. There is really chemistry between lead stars Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga. Iza Calzado really owned her role and acted convincingly. The plot is unlike any other recent Filipino films. So if you are expecting a One More Chance ending, you are in for a disappointment. There are a lot of tear-jerking scenes and several other scenes that would elicit different emotions from the audience. I highly recommend this film to all lovers out there. Starting Over Again is available in 2D.
Captain Phillips is based on the story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by
Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, which was the first American
cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred year. It is simultaneously a pulse-pounding thriller, and a complex portrait of the
myriad effects of globalization.
The story goes like this: When a cargo freighter passes just outside Somalian waters, some men in a
motorboat approaches the freighter and starts shooting at it. The
Captain, Robert Phillips deduces they're pirates so he tries to keep
them off the ship but fails. They come on board so Phillips instructs
the crew to hide. The pirates go to the bridge and tells Phillips they
want money and when Phillips offers what they have which is about
$30,000, the leader has his mind set on getting millions. He plans to
take the crew hostage and hold them for ransom. But since they are
hiding he goes off to find them. Eventually the crew captures the
leader. His companions who have Phillips, demands they be allowed to go
in the lifeboat. They let them but they keep Phillips. They try to go to
Somalia but the U.S. Navy arrives and tries to stop them even if it
means losing Phillips.
Captain Phillips is of action, adventure, thriller, drama genre,
which runs for approximately 134 minutes. It's rated PG-13 in most countries
for sustained intense sequences of menace, some violence with bloody images, and substance use.
The film started a little boring as Captain Phillips prepared for his journey. Things got a little exciting when the pirate motorboat had started chasing the cargo ship. Unless you are familiar with the true story of Captain Richard Phillips, you really would not know how the hijacking of the cargo ship would end. Some action scenes were intense and the suspense/thriller aspect was always there. Tom Hanks's portrayal was flawless. He was convincing and he really played the part. He truly deserves an Oscar nod for that. This film is probably in the same league with the film The Impossible, which is also based on true story about the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Call Center Girl is a 2013 Filipino family comedy drama film directed by Don Cuaresma, starring Pokwang, Enchong Dee, and Jessy Mendiola. The film is produced by Skylight Films and was distributed by Star Cinema nationwide last November 27, 2013 as part of their 20th Anniversary presentation.
The film also marks as Pokwang's 11th film under Star Cinema.
The story goes like this: She is an overseas worker, slaving away in a cruise ship for the
survival of her family. She returns just to be widowed and to find out
that her youngest daughter abhors her. Just to repair
her relationship with her wayward daughter, she works with her in a call
center, spending her nights selling useless fitness products to
depressed Americans just to earn enough money to pay for her daughter’s
whims.
Call Center Girl is a comedy movie,
which runs for approximately 115 minutes. It's rated PG-13 in the Philippines for suggestive language and sexual overtone.
The film basically revolves around a mother-daughter relationship. Set in a call center/BPO company, many Filipinos will actually be able to relate to it. The script is actually very shallow but Pokwang did a great job in executing those punchlines. There were even near tear-jerking scenes. Jessy Mendiola really looked beautiful in the movie but something is missing with her acting. Enchong Dee looked manly too for the first time. Lastly, Alex Castro was a revelation, where he played the role of a closeted gay man. If you want a really good laugh, then you should go see this movie.
A re-imagining of the classic horror tale about Carrie White, a shy girl outcast by her peers and sheltered by her deeply
religious mother, who unleashes telekinetic terror on
her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom. Based on
the best-selling novel by Stephen King, Carrie is directed by Kimberly
Peirce, which stars Julianne Moore and Chloë Grace Moretz.
The story goes like this: Carrie White is a meek, shy
young girl at her high school located in the small town of Castle Rock,
Maine. Considered an outcast and a weirdo by everyone, she was bullied by her peers. On prom night, Carrie and her escort Tommy won Prom Queen and King, respectively. While savoring the moment, pig blood cascades down and drowns Carrie, which was planned by Chris and Billy. Carrie had lost control and force-pushed the entire crowd back, people
hitting tables and each other. Carrie chased Chris and Billy's red car to seek justice. In the end, an explosion guaranteed Billy and Chris's demise. Carrie went home and had a confrontation with her mother ultimately resulting in their tragic death. Carrie's ultimate fate is left ambiguous.
Carrie is of drama and horror genre,
which runs for approximately 100 minutes. It's rated R in most countries
for bloody violence, disturbing images, strong language, and some sexual content. The film basically revolves around Carrie and her telekinetic powers. Some scenes were actually disturbing and hard to watch. The special effects used were so-so but perhaps the make-up and props made up for it. As for the cast, Julianne Moore did a great job portraying the very conservative mother of Carrie. As for Carrie, Chloë Grace Moretz did just fine. Films tackling telekinesis is not so common these days, so this one is refreshing. The film is available in 2D.
