THE MARTIAN - One of the best films this year !

THE MARTIAN

If you haven't seen The Martian, head to the cinemas now.  Definitely one of the best films this year.  It tells the story of Astronaut Mark Watney who, after a fierce storm, is left behind by his crew and presumed dead. However, Watney survived and finds himself alone and stranded on a hostile planet. He must use all his wits and ingenuity to try to survive before any hope of rescue comes along.

Matt Damon is at his best here. He's funny, smart, and worth cheering for. Even the supporting actors are perfectly cast - Jessica Chastain, Sebastian Stan, Kate Mara, Michael Peña, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig, Donald Glover, to name a few.

It also has amazing visuals which make you feel like you're actually on planet Mars. This film will hold your attention as you find out what happens next. I didn't fall asleep even for a bit. It's got a good balance of action, comedy, and suspence. And by the way, I love the soundtrack too !

Based on the best-selling novel, and directed by Ridley Scott.
Watch it on the cineplexes !

THE INTERN - Funny, Charming, Relatable.

THE INTERN

 

A 70 year-old former businessman is hired as the new intern for the young 30-something CEO of a successful fashion website. What follows is something no one expected to see.

Robert De Niro who often played grumpy old men is credible as the charming gentleman who is looking for something to do after his retirement. While Anne Hathaway is believable as the young quirky founder of her own company. The two lead actors have great chemistry which is evident in most of their scenes. 

This is by far, the best employer-employee I've seen on film. It's funny, charming, relatable, and heart-warming. Written and Directed by Nancy Meyers (It's Complicated, Something's Gotta Give, The Parent Trap, etc.).

MAZE RUNNER : THE SCORCH TRIALS - Bigger, Darker, Faster !

 MAZE RUNNER : THE SCORCH TRIALS

It's the next chapter of the Maze Runner, Thomas and his fellow Gladers are brought to a high-security facility where they were fed, bathed, and given clean shirts. But alas, what they thought was their safe haven doesn't seem to be. They're up for their next challenge - searching for clues about this mysterious and powerful organization called WCKD.

Their search leads them to the Scorch. A vast space of wasteland, where buildings have collapsed and people have turned to zombie-like creatures called Cranks. Once again, these kids have to run for their lives. 

This time, the story gets bigger and darker. As these teens try to escape their captors, and meet other beings out there. Director Wes Ball created an expansive world filled with adventure and danger. The chase scenes are just breath-taking !

Dylan O' Brian is more of a leader here, unlike in the first one where he was confused. The other youthful cast members - Ki Hong Lee, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster - showed more of their characters. It's a visually appealing and exhilarating sequel to The Maze Runner !

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Based on the 1960s tv series, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (United Network Command for Law and Enforcement) is a fun, stylish spy thriller that showcases the feel of the early James Bond films 
and the fashion of the 60s. 

Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer have great chemistry as two opposing spies who must join forces to stop a global threat. Cavill is the suave American agent Napoleon Solo, while Hammer is the fierce Russian Illya Kuryakin. Add to that the girls Alicia Vikander and Elizabeth Debicki. They've got wit, humor, and the looks to make you stay glued on the silver screen.

Director Guy Ritchie manages to bring several funny scenes with the action. Just like he did with the two Sherlock Holmes he helmed. All in all, this is a surprisingly good tribute to the spy films of the 60s.

PAPER TOWNS : A story of love - amongst friends.

PAPER TOWNS

Quentin or Q (Nat Wolff) has been in love with Margo (Cara Delevingne) ever since they were kids. They were close at first, but grew apart as Margo became everything Quentin is not. She's popular,  exciting, and mysterious. Quentin, on the other hand, is the nerdy type who has never skipped class and is headed for college.

Up until one night when Margo enters through his window, and talks him to a crazy night that will change the course of his humdrum life.

Nat Wolff, who played the blind friend in The Fault In Our Stars, is given the major part here.  And he fits his role to a T. While Cara Delevingne as the object of Q's attention is praise-worthy. And so are the friends of Q who joined him on his journey. They looked good together.

Based on the popular novel by John Green (The Fault In Our Stars), it's a coming of age story about a bunch of friends in search of the popular girl, but found themselves instead. It has drama, comedy, and mystery.  In the end it's a story of love - amongst friends.

MAGIC MIKE XXL - Bigger, Funnier, More Daring !

MAGIC MIKE XXL

It's been three years since Mike Lane (Channing Tatum) bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game. He is reunited with his old dancing buddies on their way to the annual Strippers Convention in Myrtle Beah. On the road to their final show, with whistle stops in Jacksonville and Savannah to renew old acquaintances and make new friends, Mike and the guys learn some new moves and shake off the past in surprising ways.

The dances are extraordinary. Each character is given his moment to shine. Ken (Matt Bomer) showed us that, not only can he dance, but he can really sing. While Richie's (Joe Manganiello) turn in the gasoline shop is Hilarious ! Even their new M.C. (played exceedingly well by Jada Pinkett Smith) is a sight to behold.   But it's Mike who brings it all together - his performances are show-stoppers ! 

This sequel to MAGIC MIKE has more dance numbers, more fun, and surprisingly, more substance. You'll get to know more about Mike's friends especially Richie and Ken. It's actually a road movie about friendship, self-discovery, and the women they entertain. Rated R-16.

POLTERGEIST - Better visual effects, more suspense !

POLTERGEIST

An updated version of the 1982 Classic Horror film about a family whose suburban home is haunted by evil forces. When the youngest daughter was held captive and terrifying elements escalate their attacks, the family must come together to rescue her before she disappears forever.

This remake follows the same storyline as the first. House hunted, girl taken. But this has more modern-day updates like the use of iPhone, a plasma tv, a drone camera, and GPS devices. Also, it is well-acted by the cast led by Sam Rockwell (the Dad), Rosemarie Dewitt (the Mom), Saxon Sharbino (the sister), Kyle Catlett (the brother), and Kennedi Clements (as the little girl Madison).

First-time viewers will find it scary, while fans of the original will welcome the new takes. Better special effects, fast-paced, more suspense ! I loved the original, but I enjoyed this one too ! 

ENTOURAGE - the Gang's all here !

ENTOURAGE

The girls of SEX AND THE CITY had two movies already. So now it's the boys' turn. I'm a fan of both shows, but I can relate more with the boys of ENTOURAGE. Of course !

It's been a thrill to follow the adventures of Vinnie, Johnny, E, Turtle, & Ari all these years. From their humble beginnings to where they are now.  The film picks up where the tv show left off some four years ago.  Super Agent Ari Gold is now a Studio Head who gets Vince to direct his next film. What follows is a slew of funny dialogues, celebrity cameos, bromance, sex, etc. which made the show very successful.

Yeah you may say that the movie feels like an extended version of the tv series. But hey that's what the fans want ! Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara, & Kevin Dillon all get back to their characters with ease. But it's Jeremy Piven still, who gives the best performance as Ari Gold.

Fans of the tv series will definitely enjoy this film. New viewers may find it likeable, or sexist. A friend of mine who has not seen a single episode enjoyed it as well. That's Hollywood for you.

SAN ANDREAS - Enjoy the wild ride !

SAN ANDREAS

I'm always excited to see a disaster film, as this would mean lots of running, several destructions, non-stop action - without thinking too much. I remember many years ago when my favorites were The Towering Inferno, The Poseidon Adventure, and Earthquake.

Now comes SAN ANDREAS, about the fault line that could trigger a massive earthquake all across the state of California.
Dwayne Johnson plays a Los Angeles Fire Dept. helicopter pilot who tries to rescue his estranged wife ( Carla Gugino ) and his daughter ( Alexandra Daddario ). Johnson flies, crashes, and swims into all sorts of death-defying situations just like a superhero. This is his film through and through.

Director Brad Peyton presented some of the best CGIs you'll ever see onscreen. There isn't a shortage of eye-popping action. And watching it on 4DX Cinema (at BGC High Street) makes it more realistic as you can feel all the tremors of an earthquake. Even the strong winds during the helicopter rides. I was shaking literally on my seat. It's like being inside the movie !

This is exactly what a disaster film should be ! Enjoy the wild ride !

(Photos c/o WarnerBrosPictures)

KINGSMAN : THE SECRET SERVICE - One of the Best Spy Films Ever !

KINGSMAN : THE SECRET SERVICE

 

If  you haven't seen  KINGSMAN : THE SECRET SERVICE, go to the cinemas now !  This has got to be the most FUN movie I've seen for quite awhile ! With a great story, interesting characters, and very-well choreographed action scenes.  Based on the 2012 Marvel comic book series,  Kingsman: The Secret Service is about a super-secret spy organization that recruits an unrefined but promising street kid into the agency's ultra-competitive training program.  Meanwhile, a global threat emerges from a megalomaniac tech genius/billionaire.

The casting of actors is just perfect ! Colin Firth in his first action role is excellent ! Who would have thought Mr. Darcy could be this deadly ? After watching Nick Fury in all those Marvel Superhero films,  it's refreshing to see Samuel L. Jackson as the baddie. His assistant Gazelle ( Sofia Boutella ) is surprisingly amazing with her razor-sharp prosthetic legs. Add to the great cast are Michael Caine and Mark Strong. And the central characer Eggsy (Taron Egerton) ?  He's Fantastic ! We're looking at a new major star here. With a combination of good looks, fine acting chops, and derring-do of an action hero, we'll be seeing more of him in the future. And this is just his first movie.

A word of caution. There are some very violent scenes. I can only describe them as jaw-dropping and over-the-top. But these are presented in a comic, stylish way. not the kind of gore we see in horror movies.  Directed by Matthew Vaughn, who also helmed KICK ASS and X-MEN FIRST CLASS.

The film not only pays tribute to the spy genre; but also gives it a fresh modern update. Definitely one of the best spy films ever !