PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST - Get to know the apostles Paul and Luke.

PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST

This is the story of St. Paul during his last days while awaiting execution by the Roman Emperor Nero. His friend, the apostle Luke, risks his life whenever he goes to Rome to visit him in the Mamertine prison.  Luke's recordings of their conversation would later become the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament.

This is a new film from Sony Pictures Entertainment's Affirm Films which focuses on the early days of Christianity where the followers were in their most vulnerable state. Blamed for a recent tragic fire in the city of Rome, Christians were regularly persecuted via sports events or flamed alive to be human torches in the streets.

It's good to see Jim Caviezel in a biblical film again after his unforgettable portrayal in The Passion of the Christ. He plays the apostle Luke, a Greek Physician who often visited his friend Paul in prison. James Faulkner, who appeared in Ben Hur, and X-Men : First Class plays the former persecutor who converted to be a firm believer of Christianity. 

If you're looking for a film which shows Paul's convertion to be the most influential disciple of Christ, this may not be the film for you. But if you want to know more about the apostles Paul, Luke, and the early Christians, then this is a good film to watch this lenten season. Written and Directed by Andrew Hyatt. Rated PG-13. Showing in PH, exclusively in SM cinemas. 

TOMB RAIDER - A new kick-ass Lara Croft is here !

TOMB RAIDER

This is a reboot of the film series which starred Angelina Jolie back in 2001 and 2003. The film is also based on the video game of the same name which got its reboot in 2013. This time, Lara Croft is played by Alicia Vikander. It tells the story of Lara from when she was a little girl, her training in archery and boxing, to the time when her father, Lord Richard Croft (Dominic West) went missing. And Lara will stop at nothing to search for her Dad's whereabouts.

Though most movies based on videogames turn out bad, this is a big improvement on the previous films. This one has an origin story, several amazing action pieces, and shows Vikander in a very physical role. She did a lot of running, jumping, falling, kicking - just like her character in the videogame. And she didn't disappoint.

Daniel Wu showed some potential as the drunk captain of the boat who Lara met in Hong Kong. Sadly, he wasn't given much to do in the second act of the film. Dominic West as Lord Richard Croft had a better role. He had some poignant father-daughter moments with Lara.

Overall this is an enjoyable update on the female Indiana Jones. Angelina Jolie was gorgeous in the first two outings, but Alicia Vikander showed a tougher and more bad-ass Lara Croft. Directed by Roar Uthaug. From Warner Bros. Pictures. 

LADY BIRD - Truly relatable !

LADY BIRD

LADY BIRD is about a senior high school student (Saoirse Ronan) and the people around her. It's a coming-of-age story that is actually many things.
It's a love-hate relationship between a mother & her teenage daughter. There's a tale of first love, and first time to have sex. It's also about finding a best friend, and losing her. And so on . . .

The central character is Christine McPherson, and Lady Bird is the name she gave to herself, just to be different. She's on her last year of high school, and she's been itching to get out of her hometown. She is headstrong, opinionated, yet good-natured. Not the smartest, nor the prettiest, but she's totally real. 

What I like about this film is that the supporting characters all have their own stories to tell. The mom (Laurie Metcalf) who works double-shifts to feed her family. The supportive dad (Tracy Letts) who's been laid-off from his job. The first boyfriend (Lucas Hedges)who's got a secret. The cute band member (Timothée Chalamet) who's not really honest. The best friend (Beanie Feldstein). The teacher/nun (Lois Smith). The priest (Stephen Henderson). The adopted brother (Jordan Rodrigues) and sister (Marielle Scott), etc. It's really a wonderful ensemble of actors.

Said to be a love-letter to her hometown. The film was written and directed by Actor/Director Greta Gerwig who grew up in Sacramento, California. It's funny, dramatic, quirky, and totally relatable. From Universal Pictures. Now showing exclusively in Ayala Malls Cinemas (Greenbelt 1 & Trinoma). Rated R.

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.