FANTASTIC BEASTS And Where To Find Them

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

It's been five years since we last saw the Boy Wizard Harry Potter. And just when you think we're done with all those magic and wizardry,  here comes Fantastic Beasts . . . . From the author of all Harry Potter books, J.K. Rowling wrote her first screenplay and came up with an all new magical world.

It's 1926 New York and great Magizoologist Newt Scamander is on a quest to find and deliver these fantastic beasts. But aside from the beasts, there's more to it than the title suggests. New characters, new creatures, and new dangers are in this new world which is actually a prequel to the Harry Potter films.

With names like Niffler, Erumpent, Obscurus, etc.,  only the mind of a J.K. Rowling can conjure. This promises to be another exciting film franchise that whole generations of fans would love to follow.  David Yates, who helmed the last four Harry Potter films, proves that he's got more tricks up his sleeves as he presents the first of five new films in this brand new series. 

Expect excellent performances from the stellar cast led by Eddie Redmayne,  Catherine Waterston,  Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Colin Farrell,  Ezra Miller,  Samantha Morton, etc.

This is truly Fantastic !

TROLLS - Infectious !

TROLLS

This is about the popular toys of yesteryears. Trolls with their candy-coloured hair that seem to rise to the skies. Definitely not the trolls on the internet who know nothing but put negative remarks online. By the way, the trolls in the movie are way cuter than the original 60s toys.

The Trolls are creatures who love to sing, dance, and hug. They lived in a world where they are always happy. However, there came a day when one ugly giant Bergen found their happy place and abducts some of the trolls to bring to her hometown. The princess named Poppy (Anna Kendrick) took it upon herself to rescue her friends with the help of a reluctant, grumpy troll named Branch (Justin Timberlake).
What follows is their adventure filled with laughter, danger,  bravery, love, & music.

             

Yes the music,  which is geared towards the adults accompanying the kids, is filled with 70s and 80s retro, plus some originals performed by Ariana Grande and Mr. Timberlake.

Even though the story is not quite original, the trolls are cute & cuddly.  Kids & grownups will still enjoy the movie.
And you gotta love the soundtrack ! 

DR. STRANGE - Amazing visuals, perfect casting !

DR. STRANGE

I've always been fascinated with magic since I was a little boy. I've been reading books and watching videos about magic when I was much younger. So when Marvel announced that it's coming out with a Dr. Strange movie, I've eagerly anticipated how it would turn out to be.

It's the story of a top neurosurgeon named Stephen Strange who lost the dexterity of both his hands in a fatal car crash. Wanting to find a cure, he travels to Nepal to meet the Ancient One - a master of Eastern Mysticism, who later teaches him more than what he is looking for, eventually becoming the Sorcerer Supreme.

Watching DR. STRANGE on IMAX made the long wait worthwhile. With spectacular visuals and the perfect casting of Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular character, Marvel has done it again ! It's unlike any other superhero film we've seen so far. Combined with great storytelling, fine acting, and some of the best fight sequences on film, Marvel scored another breakthrough ! Inception + Harry Potter + Sherlock Holmes = Dr. Strange

STORKS

STORKS

Where do babies come from ? Many kids were told that  babies were delivered by storks from the clouds. And this is how things used to be at Cornerstore.com. Nowadays, the storks are delivering more consumer-friendly products, like smartphones.

The movie is actually more about finding your family, or belonging to one. We see a boy who feels neglected by his workaholic parents, wishing for a baby boy, to spend more time with Mom & Dad.

Writer and Co-Director Nicholas Stoller presents an animated film which is both heart-warming and hilarious.
Lots of cute and funny moments. Watch out for the wolfpack !

SULLY - A tribute to everyday heroes.

SULLY

This is the story of an everyman pilot named Captain Chelsey "Sully" Sullenberger who saved the lives of all those people aboard an Airbus A320 which crash-landed on the Hudson river on Jan. 2009; and the drama that comes after. 

Tom Hanks plays the titular character, while Aaron Eckhart is the co-pilot Jeff Skiles. Both Hanks and Eckhart give an understated, but warm portrayal of the two men responsible for the safety of US Airways Flight 1549.

Director Clint Eastwood presents the film in a simple, minimalistic way without lessening the courage and bravery of the pilots. Eastwood  and cinematographer Tom Stern make very good use of the IMAX technology by making us see the plane, the city, the river on this much bigger scale. They framed the crash landing of the airbus like it's happening before our eyes.

It's compelling, dramatic, with a little bit of comedy. This film is a fitting tribute to our everyday heroes.

PETE'S DRAGON - A classic updated and expanded.

PETE'S DRAGON

I have seen the original film way back 1977, but I can only recall a few
details since it's been so long. Now Disney has updated and expanded the story of a boy who's bestfriend happens to be a dragon.

This one starts with how the boy ended up in the woods, left alone in the dark surrounded by predators. And then fast forward six years later where a kindly forest ranger is doing her rounds.

Bryce Dallas Howard gives a solid performance as Grace, the mother figure; while Oakes Fegley is effective as the boy Pete.
Elliott the dragon is more like your favorite pet dog, only bigger and with wings.

This is a charming remake of an almost forgotten classic which will tug at your hearts and make you cry, in a good way.
Another gem in Disney's animation turn to live action.

Directed by David Lowery. Produced by Walt Disney Pictures.

SUICIDE SQUAD

SUICIDE SQUAD

Put a bunch of the deadliest, incarcerated bad guys into a suicidal mission for the government and you've got one big disparate group of maniacs saving the world. Yes it's a suicide mission, hence the name Suicide Squad.

Haven't read the comic book, I came in the theater with less expectation. For how could a gang of renowned villains be heroic in any way ? That's for me to ask and for you to find out.

Margot Robbie as Harlequin is easily the stand-out. She lights up the screen everytime she's on it. Also making a mark is Will Smith. He makes a good Deadshot. As for the rest, well good luck to them. (Laughs) Maybe they'll get better exposure in the sequel.

Jared Leto as the Joker failed to make a good impression. Probably due to lack of screen-time. Heard a lot of his scenes were left on the cutting-room floor. I'm still hoping though that he'll do justice to his role soon. Perhaps in Justice League ?

Yes there was a lot going on. And there was plenty of mess around. But what do you expect when there are so many characters most of whom are making their big-screen debut ?

I really enjoyed watching the Squad ! Finally there's a DC movie that's not so dark and serious. Again don't believe the critics ! They seem to hate everything that is DCEU. See it for yourselves. Watch and enjoy !