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 !