INTERSTELLAR - Mind-blowing ! Spectacular visuals !

INTERSTELLAR

With our mother Earth coming to an end,  a team of astronauts undertakes  the most important mission in their lives. To save the human population, and find a new home among the stars.

This has got to be the most ambitious project of Christopher Nolan. The man who gave us The Dark Knight trilogy and Inception, now brings us to a world we've never seen before.Watching it on IMAX, one can't help but be enthralled by the astonishing visuals appearing onscreen.

I've seen plenty of sci-fi films before but never a story like this.  It may be convoluted or complex, but hey I came for the space journey. And what a ride it was ! I didn't even notice the time while the movie was playing.

It's not all about science though, the film is full of emotions. Solid performances from Mattew McConaughey and Jessica Chastain. Watch it on the cineplexes to fully experience the Interstellar travel !

THE BOOK OF LIFE - Have a taste of Mexican culture !

THE BOOK OF LIFE

It's the story of three childhood friends - Manolo, Maria, & Joaquin, who grew up together in Mexico. When they grew up, they had to go their separate ways. One had to pursue her studies; the other two had to find their true calling. 

This could easily pass as one of the top animated features of the year. Colorful, vibrant, magical ! Director Jorge Gutiérrez and Producer  Guillermo Del Toro  bring to us a taste of Mexican folklore through the festivities of Dia de los Muertos (day of the Dead). The animation is unconventional as they make use of hand-painted figurines made of wood. While the story is about family, courage, and love. 

 

Featuring the voices of Diego Luna as Manolo, Zoe Saldana as Maria, and Channing Tatum as Joaquin. Kids and grown-ups will love this ! 

GONE GIRL - Powerful, Shocking !

GONE GIRL

On the day of his fifth wedding anniversary,  Nick finds his beautiful wife, Amy, has gone missing. As police continue investigating, causing a media circus; Nick seems to be more and more guilty. Now everyone is asking : Did Nick kill his wife Amy ?

I haven't read the book so when I came into the theater, I knew nothing about the story - which is a good thing. It kept me glued to the screen thinking should I believe in Nick or listen to Amy ? 

The movie, which is based on the best-selling novel by Gillian Flynn is totally engaging. Brilliantly adapted onscreen by Master Director David Fincher (who gave us Se7en, Zodiac, The Social Network ). Ben Affleck delivers one of his best performances as Nick. While Rosamund Pike in a career-changing role owns the show.  She is just amazing ! Catch it in cinemas if you still can !

RUROUNI KENSHIN : THE LEGEND ENDS - Best manga film so far !

RUROUNI KENSHIN : THE LEGEND ENDS

The first film introduced us to the former assassin Kenshin Himura, who promised to defend those in need without killing anymore. Kenshin  (Takeru Sato) has now become a wandering samurai. Protecting those in need as atonement for his past deeds. During this time Kenshin Himura met and helped Kaoru Kamiya (Emi Takei).

In the second film - RUROUNI KENSHIN : KYOTO INFERNO, Kenshin has adopted a peaceful life since the new age in Japanese history.  But now he is faced with a new villain, Makoto Shishio. The Shadow Killer who succeeded him as Battosai/assasin for the new government. Betrayed by those who employed him, Shishio vows to overthrow the new regime.

The third film brings us to the final battle of Kenshin and Shishio. And what a fight it was  !  This could probably be the best  Manga series turned to film so far !  I have never seen a cartoon-based live-action film this good !  Director Keishi Otomo did an amazing job by bringing the cartoon series to life. With a rich storyline, that stayed close to its origins. Brilliantly choreographed action scenes, and well-trained actors that resembled their fictional characters.  (Photos courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)       

THE MAZE RUNNER - a thrilling joyride !

THE MAZE RUNNER

This is one of the best Young Adult novels turned movies of late. Set in a strange world where young boys are trapped behind massive walls of concrete where they have no memory of their past.  They are forced to live with each other and under dire circumstances. The film stirs your interest and builds the tension on what's lurking inside the maze. 
When danger finally arrives, you will feel like you want to run as fast as you can. 

 

Dylan O' Brien (who plays the sidekick/bff on MTV's Teen Wolf) shines on his own as the one who is different from the rest. Ki Hong Lee as the lead runner also has his moments; so does Will Poulter as the resident bully. 

First time feature Director Wes Ball presents the film with intense action, spectacular visuals and an intelligent storyline. Based on the first book of the best-selling trilogy by James Dashner. It's a thrilling joyride !

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - Totally Entertaining !

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

 

Peter Quill becomes the target of a bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain that threatens to destroy the entire universe. Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits namely Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon. Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora, and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the true power of the Orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to gather these outcasts to save the fate of the galaxy. 

Marvel made a big gamble by bringing these relatively unknown characters into their cinematic universe, and it paid off big time ! Not only is Guardians . . . one of the most action-packed movies this summer, but it's also the most fun group of superheroes. 

Chris Pratt as Peter Quill (a.k.a. Star Lord) has the look and charm of an action hero, with a good mix of humor as well. Zoe Saldana proves that she's very capable of handling the action scenes. Bradley Cooper delivers his best performance as the voice of Rocket. While Vin Diesel and David Bautista are both effective as Groot and Drax. 

Written and directed by James Gunn, Guardians Of The Galaxy is a lot of fun, with amazing visual effects and several entertaining scenes. Watch it on the biggest screens !
 

Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes - An Excellent Sequel !

Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes

 

Ten years since the events of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," Caesar and his fellow apes have  settled on the outskirts of San Francisco as the majority of humans in the country have been wiped out by an unstoppable virus. The apes are living peacefully until a group of humans come upon their home hoping to reactivate a nearby dam to help bring power back to their city. 

This is a compelling sequel that expands the series to greater heights - literally and figuratively. It's an intelligent, action-filled, visually exciting spectacle that will make us wanting for more. 

Andy Serkis gives a remarkable performance as the grown-up Caesar.  He showed varied emotions even as his character is played via motion-capture technology.

There were several  well-staged combat scenes, skillfully presented by Director Matt Reeves. But there's so much more than that. It's touted to be the best film of the summer.

TRANSFORMERS : AGE OF EXTINCTION - Wide-scale Entertainment !

TRANSFORMERS : AGE OF EXTINCTION

After the devastation caused by the events of Transformers:Dark Of The Moon, humanity picks up the pieces. Autobots and Decepticons have all vanished from the face of the Earth. Or so it seems. . . . . 

 

However, a group of powerful, ingenious businessmen and scientists attempt to learn from the past and build their own army of  Transformers.

 

 Michael Bay has given the franchise a good shot in the arm; with its new set of human cast (Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Stanley Tucci), a good story,  and breathtaking action. I went into the theater expecting to see lots of explosions, fast cars, and huge robots. And I wasn't disappointed.  This is wide-scale entertainment at its best !

 

BLENDED - Funny, touching, and highly entertaining !

BLENDED

After a disastrous blind date, single parents Lauren and Jim agree on only one thing: they never want to see each other again. But when they each sign up separately for a fabulous family vacation with their kids, they are all stuck sharing a suite at a luxurious African safari resort for a week.

 

I don't know about the critics, but I really enjoyed watching Drew and Adam on their third collaboration. (They appeared previously on "The Wedding Singer" and "50 First Dates").  They have undeniable chemistry. And this time, they're older and wiser. It's nice to see them work with the kids, as both are now parents in real life.

Drew Barrymore remains a very likeable leading lady, and yeah, she's still Hot ! While Adam Sandler is still funny ! Despite negative reviews from the critics. The kids are cute ! And very natural ! 

Don't believe the critics ! If you want a family movie that's funny, touching, and highly entertaining, this is the one to see ! There are some adult jokes though, hence the PG-13 rating. I didn't fall asleep on this. I was laughing through-out the film !

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 The best work of Dreamworks Animation !

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2

 

It's been five years since Hiccup and Toothless successfully united Dragons and Vikings on the island of Berk. When one of their adventures lead to the discovery of a secret ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace. 

 

This time Hiccup finally meets his mother,  the long-lost and presumed dead Valka (voiced by Cate Blanchett). And she happens to be the Dragon Lady, with several dragons under her care.  What a sight to see the dragons - in all size, shape, and color.

There are more dragons, more characters, and more battles in this second installment. And the story arcs are bigger and darker.

 

Written and directed by Dean DeBlois.. Featuring the voices of Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Kit Harington, Kristen Wiig, Djimon Hounsou, etc. With a smart script, fantastic animation, and correct dosage of humor & heart, this is clearly one of the best sequels in animation.. And the best reviewed  CG film to date.

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS - the"Love Story" of the new generation !

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

 
Based on the best-selling young adult novel by John Green, about two extraordinary teenagers who fall in love at a cancer support group. 16 year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley), who's got thyroid cancer meets 18 year-old Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort), who lost the lower half of his leg due to osteosarcoma.  Together they struggle with the cards life has dealt them, exploring joy and anger, excitement and frustration. 

Shailene and Ansel appeared just recently as sister and brother in the sci-fi film "Divergent".
But in "The Fault  . . . , their bond is even stronger.  The pair succeeds in making the film not too depressing, as the two leads are both charming, witty, and fascinating to watch. I can see both their careers soar even higher. 

Inside the cinema where I watched this movie, there were plenty of giggling and laughing at the start. Then complete silence, followed by sniffing towards the end.  Ladies, be warned ! You will never leave the theater with your eyes dry.  

This is the"Love Story" of the new generation !

EDGE OF TOMORROW - It's what summer blockbusters used to be !

EDGE OF TOMORROW

 

Set in the near future wherein an alien race known as Mimics, attacked the Earth in an unrelenting force,  Major William Cage (Tom Cruise), an officer who's never been in combat  is suddenly thrown into battle against these alien invaders, but upon his almost immediate death on the battlefield, he discovers that he somehow acquired the ability to relive the last 24 hours of his life over and over. With the help of a legendary soldier Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt) who experienced the same thing, he's able to hone his skills in battle and come up with a plan that just might be the key to saving humanity from being wiped out.
 

How would you like to live, and die, over and over again ?  This is the premise of Cruise's  new movie, based on Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s popular illustrated novel All You Need Is Kill. It does feel like a video game where the player  holds multiple lives  and  able to play again and again.  But the concept is unconventional  on film. Add to that some sense of humor, impressive visual effects, and lots of massive action scenes. 

And it helps that the lead actor is a major star who's been around for more than three decades. Cruise is charming as ever. He is  funny & witty, and moves around like a 20 year-old action star. It's great to see him start out as a cowardly officer,  gets killed in so many ways,  and transforms himself into a super soldier, but  not in a fast way.  While Emily Blunt holds her own as the  female soldier extraordinaire.  She's like the new version  of Sigourney Weaver's Ripley.

Director Doug Liman who previously helmed "The Bourne Identity" and "Mr. and Mrs. Smith",  delivers a fast-paced, exciting and engaging action-packed sci-fi movie. It's what summer blockbusters used to be ! 

MALEFICENT - Magical, Mystical, & truly Magnificent !

MALEFICENT

Maleficent is the updated story of one of Disney's most beloved fairy-tale, Sleeping Beauty. This time the central character is the so-called "Mistress of all evil" and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turned her pure heart stone-cold. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent mercilessly places an irreversible curse on the human king's newborn baby Aurora.

Angelina Jolie fits the role to a T ! I mean who else would come to mind when it comes to portraying a strong, powerful female ? From her huge horns, those piercing green eyes,  to the way she moves - she's perfect as the villainness/heroine ! And don't forget those famous lips ! 
The movie is filled with spectacular scenes of fairies, and other unearthly creatures, but they all pale in comparison to Jolie. This is clearly one of her best roles to date. 

 

Princess Aurora is played by Dakota Fanning's younger and prettier sister Elle Fanning. She exudes both the innocence and endearment required of a young, lovely princess. While  Maleficent's assistant Diaval is played effectively by Sam Riley whether as a human or as another being.

I just wish that the filmmakers added more scenes of Jolie as a bad-ass fairy or witch. She's really good when she's bad.  Overall, this is one adaptation that I would recommend for everyone to see. It's Magical, Mystical, & truly Magnificent !

THE FLASH - The fastest man alive is coming this fall !

THE FLASH

The fastest man alive is coming this fall to The CW !   
The Flash -- It won't be long before the world learns what happened to Barry Allen,  who suffers a freak accident that turns him into a superhero with the power of incredible speed.

 

X-MEN : DAYS OF FUTURE PAST - Best X-Men film so far !

X-MEN : DAYS OF FUTURE PAST

The most number of  X-Men gather together to fight a war for the survival of their species across two time periods. The beloved characters from the original "X-Men" film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from the past, "X-Men: First Class," against  the giant Sentinels in order to change a major historical event and fight in an epic battle that could save our future.  

I've never been this excited to watch an X-men movie since I'll be seeing the old (?) and the younger mutants  in one film. And man, I wasn't disappointed ! This is by far the best X-Men film with an intelligent story, amazing action, and fantastic special effects. Director Bryan Singer redeems himself in bringing together all these mutants with all their different storylines. That is no easy task ! 

The actors who played major characters were just excellent ! James McAvoy & Patrick Stewart as Professor X,  Michael Fassbender & Ian McKellen as Magneto, Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique, and of course Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.  And Evan Peters as Quicksilver was so COOL ! You'll definitely see some of your old favorites here.  Now I love the X-MEN even more ! Catch X-MEN : DAYS OF FUTURE PAST in the nearest multiplexes. You won't regret it !

GODZILLA The king of monsters has reawakened.

GODZILLA

The king of monsters has reawakened. This time the story revolves around a young army lieutenant named Ford Brody (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson) whose father Joe (Bryan Cranston) and mother Sandra (Juliette Binoche) were at the center of a mysterious nuclear power plant disaster in Japan. Joe is convinced a government cover-up is taking place at the disaster site. Ford leaves his wife and son behind to track down his father. 
What follows is one of the better renditions of the giant monster. 

This new film takes its time to bring about the myth of Godzilla. There is a good build-up of suspense before the titular character is finally revealed. Also Godzilla resembles the original 1954 version. And there is no shortage on the amount of destruction onscreen.  Definitely one of the more enjoyable movies this summer !