RED SPARROW - J.Law like you've never seen her before.

RED SPARROW 

             

It's the story of Dominika Egorova, a Russian ballerina whose career ended due to a tragic accident. No longer able to support her sick mom, she was forced to attend sparrow school where she was trained to use seduction to control her enemies. 

After playing strong women like Katniss Everdeen and Mystic, Jennifer Lawrence tackles her boldest role to date. This role required her to show more skin and endure grueling pain. Boys would surely love to see her gorgeous body, and how she fearlessly handled the demands of her role. Girls who like women-empowerment would also enjoy watching her.

Joel Edgerton plays a CIA agent who crossed paths with J. Law's character. Edgerton is an accomplished actor, writer, and director but there seems to be no chemistry between him and Lawrence.

There's not much action here, but plenty of graphic sex and violence. Most of the characters are playing mind-games with each other. It's like an endless guessing-game on who's gonna die next. 

If you like thrillers, you will enjoy this one. Based on the best-selling novel written by former CIA agent Jason Matthews. Directed by Francis Lawrence who also helmed the last three of the Hunger Games films. Rated R-16. From 20th Century Fox.

DARKEST HOUR - This is Gary Oldman's finest hour !

DARKEST HOUR

DARKEST HOUR tells the story of the early days of World War II when Winston Churchill became Prime Minister. Germany has invaded the United Kingdom. Suddenly he was faced with the biggest dilemma of that time - to have peace talks with Adolf Hitler or not. Churchill went against the party that appointed him by refusing to negotiate.

At first I didn't recognize Gary Oldman who played Winston Churchill. The make-up & wardrobe department must be commended in transforming Oldman to one of the most respected political figures in history.

Gary Oldman is at his best here. He looked, and walked and talked like Churchill. From the way he dictated his letters to his secretary, to the several speech he delivered to the British Parliament. Oldman just nailed it. Definitely worthy of an Oscar ! He has already won several Best Actor awards including the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild.

Notable support were from his personal secretary Ms. Layton (Lily James), his wife Clementine (Kristen Scott Thomas), and King George VI (Ben Mendelsohn) who all gave memorable performances.

This film is a good companion to DUNKIRK, which gave an in-depth look at the rescue of 300,000+ military troops.
Directed by Joe Wright. Now showing exclusively in Ayala Malls Cinemas (Greenbelt 1 and Trinoma).

MAZE RUNNER : THE DEATH CURE - A fitting finale !

MAZE RUNNER : THE DEATH CURE

The first film showed the young adults in a giant labyrinth filled with monsters. The second one brought them to a desert wasteland. This time the kids are forced to enter the Last City to save their friends. In the third and final installment of the Maze Runner series, our young heroes are faced with more challenges that will determine their fate.

The movie opens with a death-defying train sequence that is comparable to some of the biggest action movies of late. Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) and his friends are out to save Minho (Ki Hong Lee) and other kids on their way to the WCKD headquarters. Several gunshots ensued before the kids were rescued. But alas, Minho was not among them. Thomas & company regroup to plan on how to save Minho.

Dylan O'Brien, who first gained fame on MTV's TEENWOLF, continues to prove that he is leading-man material. He suffered a major accident while doing a stunt which halted production for almost a year. Too much time was focused on saving Minho but the actor wasn't given much to do but kick and run. For fans of Thomas Brodie-Sangster, something awful happened to his character Newt. I will leave it to the audience to find out when they see the movie.

The girls however, got meatier roles. Kaya Scodelario's Teresa, somehow redeemed herself on why she had to turn her back on her friends. Rosa Salazar as Brenda showed she's a bad-ass warrior especially in that bus chase scene.

This could be the biggest film in the series. With so many spectacular action pieces, and the most explosives yet. Director Wes Ball is back for the third time. Based on the best-selling YA novels by James Dashner. Distributed by 20th Century Fox. Rated PG-13.

FATHER FIGURES - A comedy with a heart !

FATHER FIGURES

Fraternal twins Kyle and Peter have always been at odds with each other. At the recent wedding of their mom (Glenn Close), the twins realized that their father, who they thought was long dead, is not who their mom claimed to be.  Their mom confessed that she had been lying all these years, and she's been with many men back in the disco era (70s). And so began a long road trip in search of the twins' real dad. It was a bonding adventure that would make the twins know & appreciate each other better; aside from finding out who their real father is.

At first I thought it was just another comedy which stars Owen Wilson and Ed Helms. I was pleasantly surprised to find it funny and endearing. Wilson and Helms have great chemistry, even though they don't really look like brothers. Wilson have always been this rugged-looking funny guy, while Helms is the nerdy, over- critical dude. Glenn Close who plays their "wild" mom is perfect for her role.

Most of the critics hated the movie, but I find it a real treat ! It's a "gem" of a movie that should be seen by everyone who's been having family issues. There are plenty of twists & turns until the mom finally reveals the truth about the actual father. Not all jokes worked though, especially that peeing scene between Kyle and a boy. But there are plenty to laugh about. Co-starring Terry Bradshaw, Ving Rhames, J.K. Simmons, Katt Williams,  and Christopher Walken. Directed by Lawrence Sher who was a cinematographer in the HANGOVER movies. Produced by Warner Bros. Pictures. Rated R.

JUSTICE LEAGUE - Can't get enough of the Superfriends !

JUSTICE LEAGUE

Justice League has always been my favorite superhero group ever since I was a kid. I grew up buying comics and watching them on their animated shows. I lined up in the 1st Superman movie, and watch the sequel 10 times in the cinema. Yes you could say I'm a Huge Fan ! I've seen all the superhero movies & tv shows that followed - Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, Supergirl, even the heroes of Marvel.

So when WB finally announced that they are coming out with a live-action film of the JL, imagine my feelings as a fanboy. I've been waiting for decades to see my favourite group on the big screen.

I'm well aware of the negative reviews about DC movies. From Man Of Steel, Batman v Superman,  Suicide Squad, (With the exception of Wonder Woman) and now Justice League. I'm still wondering why does the DCEU gets all the flak, while the MCU gets all the praise ?????

Let me enumerate the things I like about this JL movie : First, they did great with casting the 6 heroes. Henry Cavill,  Ben Affleck, & Gal Gadot have all proven that they are the perfect choice for their roles. Ezra Miller who got mixed reactions when he was cast as the Flash, came out a welcome comic-relief for the film. Jason Momoa's Aquaman is quite different from the hero we know in the comics, but he brings a fresh new take on the King of the seven seas. Ray Fisher is good as Cyborg and we'll see his full potential in the upcoming movies.

Directors Zack Snyder & Joss Whedon gave the movie a good balance of darkness & light. They may have different styles in directing, but they sure gave the diverse audience what they want. You can see Snyder's work in his spectacular visuals, and Whedon's in his humorous dialogues.

The movie is not perfect though. I didn't like the CGI removal of Cavill's facial hair, and Steppenwolf looked like a video game villain. But aside from that, the visuals are amazing, and the fight scenes are fantastic !

This film finally showed a Superman that avid fans want - a positive symbol of hope & role model. I would love  to see more of this Superman. Ben Affleck surprized us with a powerful, physical Batman in BvS, this time he's showing us his analytical side. And Gal Gadot continues with her awesomeness as Wonder Woman, as she shines in every frame she's in.

I only wished that WB will release an extended version of JL. I'm so pumped-up to see these heroes in their next adventures ! Thank you Zack Snyder and Joss Whedon ! Thank you Warner Bros. for giving us the Justice League !

My advice ? Go watch the film for yourselves, and make your own opinion. Don't listen to the critics.

THOR : RAGNAROK - This is the best of Thor !

KINGSMAN : THE GOLDEN CIRCLE - More over-the-top action !

KINGSMAN : THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

The first movie introduced us to the elite English secret agents of Kingsman, this time we are presented with their U.S. counterpart - the Statesman. Meet Tequila, Ginger Ale, Whiskey, & Champagne. While the Kingsmen are suited in formal coats & ties, the Statesmen are booted with their

cowboy outfits.

Julianne Moore plays the new villain Poppy Adams. The druglord who's got monopoly of all the illegal drugs in the world. She's charming, filthy-rich, and CRAZY ! Sir Elton John who plays himself in a scene-stealing role is Hilarious !

Taron Egerton as Gary "Eggsy" Unwin continues his streak as the leading man to watch. While Colin Firth's Galahad coming back from the dead is both ingenious & wild.

Except for Pedro Pascal who showed his agility with the electric lasso, most of the Statesmen didn't do much here. They're being set-up for the third installment.

I don't know why there's so much negative reviews, but I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment of Kingsman. There's plenty of action, humor, and surprise that will keep the audience glued to their seats.

Expect a lot of those high-adrenaline action which made the first one truly enjoyable ! With Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Julianne Moore, Elton John, Channing Tatum, Pedro Pascal, Hale Berry, and Jeff Bridges.  Directed by Matthew Vaughn. Rated R.