Movie Review: Ready Player One

Here's another "FYI before the movie review". I've already read the book by Ernest Cline, to which the movie is based on (long before I saw the movie) and I just loved it! I still consider it as one of the best books that I've read recently. So yes there will be book to movie comparisons (sorry, can't help it) but let me just say this off the bat-the movie is so much better than the book! 

Steven Spielberg works his movie magic in this pop-culture filled adventure, even fixing some things from  the book, which I didn't really like. There are some parts of the book which won't exactly translate well on the big screen and Spielberg made sure to fix that for a more exciting time in the cinema. I love how Spielberg brought back that good old movie feel of having a hilarious (bungling) antagonist (don't leave your password lying around!). 

I realized how much I missed the good old movies with the "funny bad guy" because -you don't have to give all the bad guys a dark back story. They can simply just be a conflict in the story and if they were silly and funny at the same time-well then so much the better and Ben Mendelsohn as Nolan Sorrento definitely delivers on that account. 

What's interesting about "Ready Player One" is that it is also a social commentary, as much as it is a love letter to pop culture and an all around exciting cinema experience.   

It's a social commentary as it reflects how we tend to escape from the real world; in the movie its through the virtual world of the Oasis (more on that later) right now - its through social media, games and basically what the world wide web has to offer. All we have to do is to look at kids nowadays who are glued on to their mobile devices and suddenly a future of adults trapped in a virtual world doesn't seem so far away. 

I may not be the most physically fit person but I would like my son to grow up running and playing outside and using his imagination to play and discover life and not live it from behind a screen, that's for sure. 

The movie serves as a homage to pop culture and while this meant staying indoors playing video games, watching movies, TV series and reading books (which are basically my hobbies) the story still revolves around appreciating what is real, the real world and real friends.  

The year is 2045, and the OASIS, a virtual reality software is where everybody goes to for...basically everything...work, play...you name it (in the book, this is where the kids go for school).It should also be mentioned that a large part of humanity live in slum areas and the OASIS is a pretty good way to escape from the depressing reality of life. The premise that you can be anybody in the Oasis through Avatars has everyone rushing to satisfy their deepest desires. Of course, there is also earning money by killing off other avatars and grabbing their items and gold coins for your own. You can go on quests and adventures, you either succeed and become a stronger avatar with a higher level or you are killed off and all your hard earned gold and items are gone (you basically lose your sh*t, when that happens). 

Things shake up when James Halliday, the founder of the OASIS passes away and leaves  "Anorak's Quest" (Anorak is Halliday's avatar) in his will. A game which has countless of avatars searching for "Easter eggs" left by Halliday in the OASIS. The winner of the game will gain full control of the OASIS and basically become really, really, really rich. 

Many have joined in the game to find Anorak's Easter eggs, from hopeful avatars to obsessed "gunters" (egg hunters) forming clans to help each other out and of course there is IOI (Innovative Online Industries) a company which manufacturers equipment for the OASIS and who seek to control the virtual reality software as well (talk about monopoly). IOI is led by Nolan Sorrento, who with his army of debt-indentured players *you see, those equipment are really expensive and when you buy them on credit, you tend to find yourself drowning in debt and before you know it, you are working it off in an almost slave like existence, yup, another social commentary right there*  and a room filled with Halliday scholars will stop at nothing to win the game. 

Wade Watts AKA Parzival (Tye Sheridan) is your ordinary boy next trailer living in the slums and poverty of "the Stacks" in Colulmbus Ohio. He's been constantly researching the life of Halliday and hopes to winning the game in order to leave "the stacks" and everything that it represents. 

After Wade ingeniously solves the first challenge in Anorak's quest he becomes the most famous avatar in the OASIS, everyone wants to be his friend and IOI wants to recruit him. He has no idea that aside from his new found fame, he is suddenly in grave peril. Its up  to his knowledge of Halliday trivia and help from his real friends (should he be able to determine them) to stay alive both in the OASIS and in the real world. 

I'm not sure if movie goers will get it but much of the 80's reference in the film is because Halliday grew up in the 80's and his love for the video games that he played, the TV shows and movies he watched were from that time period. Hence the many references in the movie. For a big pop-culture buff like me, it was a treat to get to point out characters and items you know in the film. I can still hear the cheers and shouts from the audience when a certain "character" flew across the screen to save the day. Multiple viewings definitely needed!. 

A love letter to geeks everywhere, Steven Spielberg creates movie magic with Ernest Cline's ode to pop culture "Ready Player One". Fixing problems from the original source material, Spielberg creates an unforgettable nostalgic experience, where the audience themselves becomes immersed in the most thrilling pop-culture egg hunt ever.

9.5/10 Best seen in IMAX 3D, "Ready Player One" acknowledges the movies, books, games and songs that we love but also teaches us that there's nothing like living in the real world-because its the only one we've got.

*The reason why I didn't give it a perfect 10 is because I wasn't happy about the setting of the last scene, would have preferred it outdoors, you know, just to make a point*. 

Movie Review: Pacific Rim: Uprising

Before I proceed with this review, you must be warned dear reader that I am a  big fan of the first movie and consider it one of the films that I can watch again and again. So much of this review will have comparisons with the first movie. 

Going into the movie, I knew it was going to be very different from its predecessor; with (now Academy Award Winner) director Guillermo del Toro stepping away from the helm (although he does serve as a producer). The trailers alone showed a lighter cinematography and feel for the movie, a far cry from the darker and grittier first film. 

With the breach destroyed and "the Apocalypse" cancelled, Pacific Rim: Uprising begins in a more peaceful time, where on duty Jaegers' missions are to contain rogue Jaegers (yes, that's a thing now) -yup! No Kaijus here!   

We first meet Jake Pentecost (John Boyega)-the son of Idris Elba's Marshal Stacker Pentecost from the first film. You know he has "Daddy Issues" since he makes a living off bartering old Jaeger tech for hot sauce (?) and other curious items. Also, what's up with the English accent? Stacker Pentecost didn't have that. 

In a Jaeger Tech pick up gone wrong, Jake crosses paths with Amara Namani (Cailee Spaeny) a feisty mechanic with trust issues. 

The two make a reluctant and unlikely pair and are shipped to "Jaeger school" with Jake resuming his former occupation of a Ranger and is assigned to train young cadets. All this as part of a deal of not throwing him in jail, for you know stealing Jaeger tech. This new assignment also means reuniting with his old rival Nate Lambert (Scott Eastwood) who can't keep the disappointment from his well chiseled handsome face.  

Meanwhile, Amara is in Jaeger highschool, which is complete with the Russian bully and the friendly Asian kids. I just have to point out that there are too many of these young cadets, you won't really remember any of them and as a member of the audience, you are unable to form a bond with any of them. It becomes pretty obvious that the powers that be are looking to target (and market) the film to a younger audience and fanbase, something which del Toro's first film failed to do. Of course a younger market, inevitably translates to merchandise and sales. 

 And why not-if my son wants a Gypsy Avenger figure, I'd get him one, I just have to make sure his father does not play with it first. 

While our young cadets train to pilot Jaegers, the threats start to creep towards our unsuspecting heroes; beginning with a move to completely eliminate the need for drift compatible pilots and instead have the Jaegers controlled remotely through a drone technology. After a rogue Jaeger attack opens up a can of worms, a plot twist within a plot twist keeps the audience guessing-then and only then do we finally see that Mecha-Kaiju showdown we've been waiting for! 

Going into the movie, my expectations were pretty low considering Guillermo del Toro was no longer on the director's chair and keeping in mind that this sequel almost never happened! I'm just happy that I get to see Jaegers and Kaijus battle it out on the big screen again. There were some improvements, I did like that most of the battle scenes were now during the day, so you can actually see them, as opposed to the night time sea battles of the first film. Just wondering how come the buildings seemed to shrink in the second film? I seem to remember the Jaegers being as big, if not bigger than buildings from the first film. 

Wasn't so happy with the hit and miss comedy delivered by John Boyega's character. I was happy with Cailee Spaeny's performance, it was really impressive how she carried herself alongside more experienced actors, definitely someone to look out for, if she plays her cards right. 

Despite a painfully necessary first act with cliche characters and a predictable plot for a sequel, this is just to set Jake Pentecost in the story. "Pacific Rim: Uprising" shifts gears and goes full throttle for a massive Mecha-Kaiju showdown, because isn't that what the people came to see?

Appreciated the plot twist, within the plot twist , which was probably what kept the movie interesting, aside from you know-the giant robots and monsters fighting.

6.5/10 - Bringing a different tone and feel than its predecessor, Pacific Rim: Uprising is a must see for fans of the franchise and a chance for kids (and the big kids) to marvel at a genre that has been around since the 1950's.

Movies: “The Darkest Minds” Trailer Debut

Brooks, Cech, Stenberg and Dickinson in "The Darkest Minds"

From the producers of “Stranger Things” comes the latest YA book-to-movie “The Darkest Minds” based on the book by author Alexandra Bracken and directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson (Kung Fu Panda 1&3).   

Trailer links:  YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGyrqOIMp-Q&t=1s 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/DarkestMindsMoviePH/videos/436454993454969/

“The Darkest Minds” breaks out when teens mysteriously develop powerful new abilities, they are declared a threat by the government and detained. Sixteen-year-old Ruby (Amandla Stenberg), one of the most powerful young people anyone has encountered, escapes her camp and joins a group of runaway teens seeking safe haven. Soon this newfound family realizes that, in a world in which the adults in power have betrayed them, running is not enough and they must wage a resistance, using their collective power to take back control of their future.

Netflix Review: Santa Clarita Diet S2

Sooo...I just finished the second of the horror-comedy web television series "Santa Clarita Diet", I would have probably finished it earlier, if it were not for work, each series after all is just around thirty minutes. 

Santa Clarita Diet is always an easy binge, its not too long, its short, funny and sweet, "fast food" if you choose to use the show's flair for terms of food. Season 2 immediately picks up where Season 1 left off, Joel (Timothy Olyphant) in a psychiatric hospital and Sheila (Drew Barrymore) chained to the basement. You can read on my S2E1 review here. 

Season 2 moves quickly along and explores the question "What if there were more of the undead?" -these ones different from Loki, whom Sheila infected in Season 1. The question refers more to the undead, who were infected the same way Sheila was. How? Well, that is what Team Hammond continue to investigate throughout the season and its surprisingly pretty common, you would want to take a second thought on some of your life choices. 

Now, this is something pretty satisfying to know as early as the second season how the virus came to be, unlike some Zombie shows that have already gone on for how many seasons, without looking into the origin of what made everything undead. Its nice to have that question answered. 

I also have to mention that I loved how small details in the first season, interestingly make their way into Season 2, making you think that all those details were meant to be remembered, as they fit a bigger puzzle eventually. 

Team Hammond, which now consists of the hilarious tandem of Abby (Liv Hewson) and Eric (Skyler Gisondo) along with Sheila and Joel, raise against the clock to make sure that the "way of the undead" does not spread. All the while, dealing with nosy police neighbors, an infuriating and condescending boss at work and something from their past that has come back to haunt them. 

All in all, Season 2 of "Santa Clarita Diet" proves to be even better and funnier than its predecessor, the story progresses in a satisfying way, while still maintaining the elements which made the series endearing to its fans-the love and importance of family and the crazy things that we would do for them. 

8.5/10. -Season 2 of "Santa Clarita Diet" is now streaming on Netflix. 

Movie Review: Annihilation

Following in the tradition of female-led Science fiction films, such as Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley in the "Alien" movies, who has easily become one of the most recognized characters in pop-culture; and recently Golden Globe winner Amy Adams as Louise Banks in the critically acclaimed film "Arrival", Natalie Portman is stepping up on the plate as Lena, a cellular biology professor and former US army soldier in Alex Garland's science fiction horror film "Annihilation". 

Easily enough, "Annihilation" starts of as a typical Science-fiction film, debriefing in a quarantined room, flashback to a lesson in biology, but then it immediately shifts gears into a horror-thriller, whose images and thoughts will linger in your subconscious long after you've seen the film. 

Natalie Portman is Lena, a combination of Ellen Ripley and Louise Banks, she has both the brains and the brawn (she knows how to shoot) to beat whatever alien threat is slowly creeping its way into humanity. It must be said though that this is not your typical heroine as she seems to be an empty shell of her former self, as she struggles in dealing with the loss of her husband Kane (Oscar Isaac) who is assumed KIA (Killed in Action) in a mission, over a year ago and as she wallows in her sorrow and despair, Kane mysteriously comes home; although there is something very different about him. 

Kane collapses and seems to be deteriorating rapidly, on the way to the hospital, they are intercepted by a government security force and are taken to "Area X", where what seems to be a shimmering electromagnetic field known as "the shimmer" has been steadily growing over the past three years. Failed military missions, including Kane's unit have not been able to collect any information from the shimmer, nor have they had any survivors before, except for Kane, who is now in a coma.  

Psychologist, Dr. Ventress (Jessica Jason Leigh) recruits Lena to be the 5th member of a  female group of scientists which includes: physicist Josie Radeck (Tessa Thompson), anthropologist, Cass Sheppard (Tuva Novonty), and paramedic Anya Thorensen (Gina Rodriguez). Rodriguez and Thompson deserve a shout out for their performance, you are used to seeing them in light and cheerful roles and their roles in their films are anything but. 

As the women step into the shimmer, they lose concept of time and feel their minds and bodies slowly changing with their environment. Will they be able to survive the horrors that wait for them in the shimmer? 

"An ambitious, poetic Sci-Fi thriller that will flex your intellect-'Annihilation' is that rare film with both beautiful and terrifying visuals that will give you nightmares. It stays with you long after the end credits roll, easily one of the best cerebral sci-fi films to date."

Now streaming on Netflix. 

Movies: Production Underway On Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel”

Principal Photography Has Begun In Los Angeles For March 8, 2019 Release

Manila, March 2018 – Marvel Studios has begun principal photography in Los Angeles, California, on its newest film, “Captain Marvel.” The production is shooting in and around the greater Los Angeles area, which will also serve as the production base for the film. The production will also shoot on location in Fresno, California, as well as locations in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Set for release in the United States on March 8, 2019, Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is directed by the writing/directing team of Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, whose credits include “Mississippi Grind” and “Half Nelson.” An all-star collective of accomplished writers penned the screenplay, including Meg LeFauve (“Inside Out,” “The Good Dinosaur”), Nicole Perlman (upcoming “First Man,” Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy”), Geneva Robertson-Dworet (“Tomb Raider,” upcoming “Sherlock Holmes 3”), Liz Flahive & Carly Mensch (“Glow”), and Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck.

The film stars Academy Award® winner Brie Larson (“Room,” “Kong: Skull Island”), Samuel L. Jackson (Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “The Hateful Eight”), Ben Mendelsohn (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Ready Player One”), Djimon Hounsou (“Blood Diamond,” Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy”), Lee Pace (“The Book of Henry,” Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy”), Lashana Lynch (“Brotherhood,” “Fast Girls”), Gemma Chan (“Humans,” “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”), Algenis Perez Soto (“Sambá,” “Sugar”), Rune Temte (“Eddie The Eagle,” “The Last Kingdom”), McKenna Grace (“I, Tonya,” “Gifted”), with Clark Gregg (“Live by Night,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”), and Jude Law (“Spy,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel”).

The story follows Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races.  Set in the 1990s, “Captain Marvel” is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Kevin Feige is the producer of Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel.” Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Jonathan Schwartz, Patty Whitcher and Stan Lee are executive producers, with Lars Winther serving as co-producer/first assistant director and David Grant serving as co-producer.

Directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck’s creative team includes director of photography Ben Davis (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri,” Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange,”), Oscar®- nominated production designer Andy Nicholson (“Gravity,” “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”), costume designer Sanja Hays (“The Fate of the Furious,” “Star Trek: Beyond”), editors Elliot Graham (“Steve Jobs,” “Molly’s Game,”) and Debbie Berman (Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming”), two-time Oscar nominee, visual effects supervisor Christopher Townsend (Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”), stunt coordinator Jim Churchman (Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange” and “Ant-Man” ) and six-time Oscar nominee, special effects supervisor Dan Sudick (Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Black Panther”).

Based on the Marvel comic character first appearing in 1968, “Captain Marvel” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Ant-Man,” “Captain America: Civil War,” “Doctor Strange,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Thor: Ragnarok” and, most recently, “Black Panther.”

With the release of “Black Panther” in February, Marvel Studios continued its unprecedented success. At the time of release, the film recorded the second biggest opening weekend of all time with $202 million and is on track to the become the highest grossing superhero film at the domestic box office. The film has grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide to date. “Black Panther” propelled the Marvel brand’s #1 domestic box-office opening streak to a record-breaking 19 consecutive films.

7 Reasons To Watch A Series Of Unfortunate Events Season 2

Malina Weissman, Presley Smith, and Louis Hynes as the Baudelaires in Netflix’s adaptation of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. Photo by Eike Schroter / Netflix.

“Look away, look away…” goes the first line of A Series of Unfortunate Events’ opening song.

But between that and Patrick Warburton as Lemony Snicket’s constant reminder to the faint of heart to stop watching because a series of unfortunate events is about to unfold, anyone watching would want to stick around ’til each episode’s unfortunate end. Unfortunate schmunfortunate.

When last we saw the Baudelaire orphans, they had just been dropped off by Mr. Poe at boarding school, their future bright and hopeful because Count Olaf was finally behind bars. But as we’ve seen in the trailer for the second season, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny’s misadventures with the mysterious count are far from over.

This long weekend, binge watch A Series of Unfortunate Events, currently streaming on Netflix, with 10 new episodes set to premiere on March 30, Friday. Below are the Top 7 things to look forward to in season 2.

Movies: Scale And Strength: Kaiju VS Jaegers In “Pacific Rim Uprising”

In the Pacific Rim universe, the Kaiju are giant monsters that erupted from the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Entering our world through the dimension-spanning portal called the Breach, they are living weapons of mass destruction, bio-engineered to terraform planets. In Universal Pictures’ new epic action-adventure Pacific Rim Uprising, the Kaiju evolve into a deadly and unexpected new species.

(Watch the Pacific Rim Uprising featurette “A Look Inside” at https://youtu.be/aA1Z3KUJ1rA.)

In Japanese, the word “Kaiju” literally means “strange beast,” but is more commonly translated as “giant monster.” Director Steven DeKnight, who grew up watching the Japanese Kaiju movies of the 1950s and ’60s, reminisces: “I loved them as a kid, back when it was the man-in-a-suit approach. What I love about doing a Kaiju film now, with the technology we have, is that we have a chance to make it that much more spectacular. As much as I love the nostalgia of those original films, even as a kid I knew it was a guy in a rubber suit—stomping on miniatures. When our Kaiju attack a city, it feels completely real. The threat and the drama feel immediate.”

Netflix And Formula 1 Announce Exclusive Docu-Series

Formula 1 and Netflix are proud to announce a season-long collaboration culminating in an original docu-series of the 2018 FIA Formula One World Cham pionship, to be screened in early 2019.

This Netflix original series will be the first to truly immerse the audience inside the cockpits, the paddock and the lives of the key players in Formula 1. The series will have unparalleled and exclusive access to the world’s fastest drivers, team principals and owners, as well as Formula 1’s own management team.

Netflix has commissioned 10 episodes from the 2018 season, and the production team will film and reveal the intense fight for the heart, soul, and direction for the future of this multibillion-dollar business.

This series will be executive-produced by Academy-Award winner James Gay Rees (Senna) and Paul Martin for Box to Box Films. Sophie Todd will be the showrunner.

"This partnership with Formula 1 furthers our mission of working with world-class brands and production partners to produce best-in-class unscripted series," said Bela Bajaria, Vice President of Content for Netflix.

“Formula 1 is a global sport that we are actively repositioning from a motorsport company to a media and entertainment brand,” Sean Bratches, F1 Managing Director of Commercial Operations said. “The agreement with Netflix serves to chronicle the fascinating story of what transpires behind the scenes during a grand prix season. This is a perspective of the sport that has yet to be unveiled to fans around the world. This series will unleash a compelling vantage point to the sport that will delight fans and serve as a catalyst to entice new fans.”

Added Ian Holmes, Director of Media rights: “We are delighted to welcome a Netflix Original to Formula 1, a brand which has screened so many successful productions. This collaboration represents a new way of capturing our sport in all of its exciting aspects. There is nothing like F1, its layers of engineering complexity, allied to the enormity of human endeavour required to get through a Grand Prix season. The chance to present our sport through Netflix, to their worldwide audience, in an original and unique format, is something that we are very much looking forward to. This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase F1 and attract new fans to the sport.”


ABOUT NETFLIX:

Netflix is the world's leading internet entertainment service with over 117 million members in over 190 countries enjoying more than 140 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

Movies: Meet The Geek Friends Known As The High Five In “Ready Player One”

Meet the young geeks who comprise the High Five in Steven Spielberg's epic sci-fi adventure Ready Player One – Wade/Parzival, Samantha/Art3mis, Helen/Aech, Toshiro/Daito and Zhou/Sho.

The film is set in 2045, with the world on the brink of chaos and collapse. But the people have found salvation in the OASIS, an expansive virtual reality universe created by the brilliant and eccentric James Halliday (Mark Rylance). When Halliday dies, he leaves his immense fortune to the first person to find a digital Easter egg he has hidden somewhere in the OASIS, sparking a contest that grips the entire world. When an unlikely young hero named Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) decides to join the contest, he is hurled into a breakneck, reality-bending treasure hunt through a fantastical universe of mystery, discovery and danger.

The quest becomes much more than a treasure hunt, as Wade and his friends, collectively called the High Five, come to discover there is something more important than money at stake.

Wade/Parzival. Wade’s a smart but somewhat disenfranchised young man who is in a very unhappy place in his life: his parents have died and he’s living with his aunt and her current boyfriend in a rundown vertical trailer park called the Stacks. His only personal satisfaction comes in trying to win Halliday’s contest in the OASIS. Once in the OASIS, Wade disappears into his avatar, Parzival, a name inspired by the knight who found the Holy Grail.

Movies: “The Walking Dead's” Jeffrey Dean Morgan Has A Blast In “Rampage”

Jeffrey Dean Morgan freed up some time from his busy schedule on TV's The Walking Dead, so he can star opposite Dwayne Johnson in New Line Cinema's epic adventure Rampage (in Philippine cinemas Thursday, April 12).

And he obviously enjoyed himself doing the actioner. He shares, “For one scene, I’m firing four clips of machine gun fire into a giant monster, and the director yells cut and walks up to me and says, ‘Can you stop smiling?’ – because I’m having such a good time with Rampage!”

In the film, primatologist Davis Okoye (Johnson), a man who keeps people at a distance, shares an unshakable bond with George, the extraordinarily intelligent, silverback gorilla who has been in his care since birth. But a rogue genetic experiment gone awry mutates this gentle ape into a raging creature of enormous size. To make matters worse, it’s soon discovered there are other similarly altered animals. As these newly created alpha predators tear across North America, destroying everything in their path, Okoye teams with a discredited genetic engineer to secure an antidote, fighting his way through an ever-changing battlefield, not only to halt a global catastrophe but to save the fearsome creature that was once his friend.

Movies: ​Creepy ​Posters, TV Spots Arrive For “A Quiet Place”

Paramount Pictures has ramped up the buzz for its modern horror thriller A Quiet Place, directed by John Krasinski and starring Emily Blunt, with the reveal of its two new posters and two new spots.

Check out the one-sheets below and the spots at https://youtu.be/vdu0zVZOF7o and https://youtu.be/Fz5FHhDWCHQ.

In the modern horror thriller A Quiet Place, a family of four must navigate their lives in silence after mysterious creatures that hunt by sound threaten their survival. If they hear you, they hunt you.

With A Quiet Place, Krasinski’s aim is to keep the audience actively submersed in the center of this quiet world that can suddenly explode with discord and horror at any moment.

He says: “I want the audience to be asking the whole way: What would I do in this situation? How would I stay quiet? What would I do to make sure my family makes it through?”

“I hope the movie provides a thrilling, frightening experience but also one that shows you the strength of a family,” Krasinski concludes. “The family have only each other to rely on and there is nowhere else to go, nowhere they can escape. They have to stay on their family farm and learn how to survive together. In that sense, it is their love for each other, their understanding of each other, that becomes their greatest power and how they might find a chance to live another day.”

*

In Philippine cinemas April 11, A Quiet Place is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

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Movies: Scott Eastwood, Fierce And Furious In “Pacific Rim Uprising”

Most recently seen in Fast & Furious 8 and Suicide Squad, Scott Eastwood has quickly emerged as one of Hollywood’s most highly sought-after actors. Now, he stars as Nathan Lambert, one of the world's best Jaeger pilots in Universal Pictures' new epic action-adventure Pacific Rim Uprising (in Philippine cinemas Black Saturday, March 31.)

(Watch the Pacific Rim Uprising featurette “A New Beginning” at https://youtu.be/UVt33lmn99I.)

Nathan Lambert is a Pan Pacific Defense Corps (PPDC) Ranger, and heads up the training program for the in-coming pilots called Cadets.

A Series Of Unfortunate Events Awaits You @ The Ruins

This weekend, experience a series of unfortunate events with a uniquely Filipino twist.

“Unfortunate Things Await @The Ruins” is a special pop-up event organized by Netflix to create buzz and excitement for the upcoming second season of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, launching on the streaming service on March 30. The dark comedy TV adaptation of the popular books of the same name stars Patrick Warburton as the author; Malina Weissman, Louis Hynes, and Presley Smith as the Baudelaires; and Neil Patrick Harris as Count Olaf.

Open to the public from March 22 to 24 at 6:00 pm until late, “Unfortunate Things Await @The Ruins” combines iconic sets in the series with popular Filipino superstitions -- such as turning one’s plate before leaving the table for good luck, and never opening an umbrella indoors to avoid bad luck -- to create a uniquely Pinoy series of unfortunate events. The entire experience will provide numerous photo opportunities and entertaining and unforgettable moments to be shared with friends, and that can be easily shared on social media.

Experience “Unfortunate Things Await @The Ruins” any day from March 22 to 24, 6:00 pm until late, at The Ruins, 5852 Alfonso Street, Poblacion, Makati.

A Series of Unfortunate Events season 2 premieres on Netflix on March 30, Friday.

On Instagram: @unfortunate
On Twitter: @unfortunate
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnfortunateEventsNetflix/

ABOUT A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS SEASON TWO:

Based on the internationally best selling series of books, season two of the Netflix original series plunges further into the epic world of this darkly comedic mystery. Starring Emmy and Tony Award-winner Neil Patrick Harris, A Series of Unfortunate Events recounts the tragic tale of the Baudelaire orphans – Violet, Klaus, and Sunny – and their extraordinary encounters with the devious Count Olaf who will stop at nothing to get his hands on their inheritance. Foiling his many dastardly plans and disguises, the young siblings discover clues to their parents’ mysterious death, links to a covert organization, and begin to unlock long-held family secrets.

Malina Weissman, Louis Hynes, Presley Smith, Patrick Warburton and K. Todd Freeman (among others) return for season two. New additions to the cast include (but are not limited to) Lucy Punch, Nathan Fillion, Tony Hale, Robbie Amell, Sara Rue, Roger Bart and David Alan Grier. Featuring ten cinematic one-hour episodes, season two of A Series of Unfortunate Events launches globally Friday, March 30 on Netflix.

Movies: “Deadpool 2” Full Trailer Reveal – Redband And Greenband

Red-dy yourselves as 20th Century Fox unravels more in the latest full trailer of what’s in store in the hugely anticipated “Deadpool 2” that will open on May 16 in Philippine cinemas.

Redband trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4Oi8Wthiew  / Greenband trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPEkPhS8JMs

Starring Ryan Reynolds as the returning titular character, “Deadpool 2” trailer explodes with familiar and new characters, friends and fiends of Wade Wilson aka Deadpool in a series of non-stop, high-octane action. 

Movies: Johnny Depp Is Out To Solve The Mystery As “Sherlock Gnomes”

Someone is stealing London’s yard ornaments, and there’s only one detective small enough for a mystery this big: Sherlock Gnomes.

Johnny Depp lends his voice to the titular character Sherlock Gnomes, while Chiwetel Ejiofor plays his long-suffering sidekick, Watson, in the eagerly anticipated sequel to hit comedy Gnomeo and Juliet.

The beloved garden gnomes from Gnomeo and Juliet are back for a whole new adventure in London. When Gnomeo and Juliet first arrive in the city with their friends and family, their biggest concern is getting their new garden ready for spring. However, they soon discover that someone is kidnapping garden gnomes all over London. When Gnomeo and Juliet return home to find that everyone in their garden is missing – there’s only one gnome to call… Sherlock Gnomes. The famous detective and sworn protector of London’s garden gnomes arrives with his sidekick Watson to investigate the case. The mystery will lead our gnomes on a rollicking adventure where they will meet all new ornaments and explore an undiscovered side of the city.

Movies: Jeremy Renner Introduces The First Trailer Of New Comedy “Tag"

Jeremy Renner, Ed Helms and Jon Hamm play an impromptu game of tag as they introduce the outrageous official trailer 1 of New Line Cinema's upcoming comedy “Tag.”

Check out the trailer at the links below and watch “Tag” in Philippine cinemas soon.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ warnerbrosphils/videos/ 2013519342010930/

YouTube: https://youtu.be/x23la8B_9zQ

Based on a true story, the New Line Cinema comedy “Tag” shows how far some guys will go to be the last man standing.

Movies: A Cursed Cruise Awaits Drac In New “Hotel Transylvania 3” Trailer

Drac and the gang go on a cruise that's turning into a monster trap! Watch the new trailer for Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation now at https://youtu.be/2Zf1pj2gXW4.

In Sony Pictures Animation’s Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation, join our favorite monster family as they embark on a vacation on a luxury monster cruise ship so Drac can take a summer vacation from providing everyone else's vacation at the hotel.

It’s smooth sailing for Drac’s Pack as the monsters indulge in all of the shipboard fun the cruise has to offer, from monster volleyball to exotic excursions, and catching up on their moon tans. But the dream vacation turns into a nightmare when Mavis realizes Drac has fallen for the mysterious captain of the ship, Ericka, who hides a dangerous secret that could destroy all of monsterkind.

Movies: The cast of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War – Robert Downey Jr., Benedict Cumberbatch, Karen Gillan and Director Joe Russo – assembles at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore

Manila, 21st March 2018 – Marvel Studios and Marina Bay Sands are proud to announce that Singapore will be receiving the formidable team of Avengers this April.

To celebrate the release of the highly anticipated Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War, Singapore will host an unprecedented assembly of three Avengers Super Heroes - Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Benedict Cumberbatch (Stephen Strange/Doctor Strange), Karen Gillan (Nebula) and director, Joe Russo – at a show-stopping red-carpet style fan event on 16th April.

The cast and the director will thrill fans at the fan event, taking place at the integrated resort, Marina Bay Sands. This event will be free and open to the public. More information on the event venue, time and admission details will be released on 2nd April, Monday at 12noon via http://www.marinabaysands.com/ avengers/

Movies: Rooney Mara Portrays A New, Revisionist Version Of “Mary Magdalene”

Two-time Oscar nominee Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network) stars in the titular role of Universal Pictures' new Biblical drama Mary Magdalene (in Philippine cinemas March 21).

(Watch the new Mary Magdalene footage featuring Rooney Mara at https://youtu.be/l7b2exWNOMY.)

Directed by Garth Davis (Lion) and also stars Joaquin Phoenix (Inherent Vice) and Chiwetel Eijofor (12 Years a Slave), Mary Magdalene is the story of a young woman who leaves her small fishing village and family to join a new movement. Inspired by its charismatic leader, Jesus of Nazareth (Phoenix), and his teachings, Mary sets out with the disciples on the journey to Jerusalem, where she finds herself at the centre of the founding story of Christianity.

Movies: “X-Men's” Cyclops Tye Sheridan Invites PH Fans To Watch “Ready Player One”

Audiences loved him as the young Scott Summers / Cyclops in Bryan Singer’s 2016 flashback of the superhero franchise, “X-Men: Apocalypse.” Now, Tye Sheridan stars as the underdog Wade Watts in Steven Spielberg's epic adventure “Ready Player One” (in Philippine cinemas Saturday, March 31.)

Watch the short video of Sheridan and his co-stars inviting Filipino fans to watch the movie in the link below.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warnerbrosphils/videos/vl.104549400226619/2011834925512705/?type=1

YouTube: https://youtu.be/p5JkP8fikrI

Movies: Multi-awarded sci- fi horror flick “Ghost Land” set to hit PH theaters on March 31

Soaking in the glory of multiple awards, the thrill-seeking horror “Ghostland” (aka Incident in a Ghost Land)  is set to show us why it’s captivating and mind-boggling story is a must-watch horror film this 2018. With versatile actress Crystal Reed (“Teen Wolf”) as the main lead.

The film begins with a mother and her two daughters inheriting an old house, during their first night in their new home, murderers enter the home, putting Colleen in a situation where she must fight to save her daughters’ lives. When the girls suffer a terrible trauma during the night, their disparate personalities diverge even further.

The eldest daughter, Beth (Reed), becomes a famous horror author with a perfect family and life in Los Angeles, while her sister, Vera (Anastasia Philips), can’t cope, and loses her mind to an unshakable sense of paranoia. Sixteen years later the daughters and mother reunite at the house where Colleen and Vera continue to reside. It is then that strange events begin to take place.

Brace For Impact As The Robinsons Take You Behind The Scenes Of Netflix’s ‘Lost In Space,’ Launching April 13

Molly Parker as Maureen Robinson, Maxwell Jenkins as Will Robinson, Mina Sundwall as Penny Robinson, Parker Posey as Dr. Smith, and Toby Stephens as John Robinson in Netflix’s Lost in Space, premiering on April 13.


The Robinson Family Trip Checklist:

○ Go sightseeing  Crash land on a lost planet

○ Meet new people  Pick up an alien robot

○ Relax  Work together to survive


The Robinsons’ trip hasn’t gone exactly as planned, but one thing’s for sure, they always stick together. Ride along and go behind-the-scenes of their epic adventure with Lost in Space stars Toby Stephens, Molly Parker, Mina Sundwall, Taylor Russell, Max Jenkins, and showrunner Zack Estrin, in this all new featurette. Lost in Space premieres April 13 on Netflix.

Movies: ​As More Missing Gnomes Spotted: "Sherlock Gnomes" Reveals More Posters

MANILA, March 19, 2018 – Following the reveal last week of the Philippine-themed poster for Sherlock Gnomes, Universal Pictures has also unveiled the special artworks exclusively created for other countries.

So, besides the Philippines, where else in the world are the missing gnomes? Turns out, they were also sighted in Egypt, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, Singapore and Spain.

Check out the posters below and watch Sherlock Gnomes in Philippine cinemas March 21.

Movies: The War Awakens John Boyega In “Pacific Rim Uprising”

John Boyega, the breakout star of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, plays the lead role of Jake, wayward son of the legendary war hero Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba), in Universal Pictures' new epic action-adventure Pacific Rim Uprising.

The original Pacific Rim had made a big impression on Boyega, in the days before he broke out as a star. “Seeing Idris Elba in the first film was very important to me. At the time I was involved in acting on a small scale in drama clubs, and in 2013 I saw a print ad while I was on the bus—Idris Elba as Stacker in an all-black Jaeger suit. The image, and what it represented, immediately struck me and motivated me.”

Director Steven S. DeKnight offers, “John’s a classic hero, but can play the hero and the anti-hero at the same time. Jake Pentecost starts out as a thief and ends up saving the world. John has all the qualities you would want for that type of role; he’s charming, smart and funny. He brings a real Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones quality to the character.”

Movies: Visionary Novel “Ready Player One” Gets Spectacular Movie Treatment

Little more than 30 years ago, it seemed almost inconceivable that you could log onto a computer, create your own profile—true or not—and connect with people anywhere on the globe in real time. But what if, 30 years from now, you could log in, become your own personal avatar—true or not—and interact with people in an infinite virtual world? Consider the possibilities...and the perils.

That is the basic premise of Ernest Cline’s bestseller Ready Player One, which captured the imagination of one of the most revered and successful filmmakers of all time: Steven Spielberg. “It’s a huge, sprawling adventure that intercuts between two completely different worlds,” he says. “I think Ernest Cline is a visionary who wrote of a future that’s actually not so far away from where we’re heading with the evolution of virtual reality.”

(Check out the new trailer of “Ready Player One” titled Dreamer.)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warnerbrosphils/videos/vl.104549400226619/2007122575983940/?type=1

Movies: Destiny Arrives With The Brand New 'Avengers: Infinity War' Trailer

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is nearing the culmination of the last decade with the release of Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War,” in Philippine cinemas April 25.

To mark the occasion, take a look at the thrilling new trailer at https://youtu.be/QwievZ1Tx-8.

As the Avengers and their allies have continued to protect the world from threats too large for any one hero to handle, a new danger has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos. A despot of intergalactic infamy, his goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment – the fate of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain.

An unprecedented cinematic journey ten years in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War” brings to the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time. The Avengers and their Super Hero allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.

Anthony and Joe Russo direct the film, which is produced by Kevin Feige. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo and Stan Lee are the executive producers. Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely wrote the screenplay.

Marvel Studios' Avengers: Infinity War is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Follow the official social media accounts of Marvel, namely, (FB) MarvelPhilippines, (Twitter) @marvelstudiosph and (Instagram) @marvelphilippines.

Can’t Burn Him. Can’t Blast Him. Can’t Break Him. Season Two Of Marvel’s #LukeCage Premieres June 22 On Netflix

Netflix has confirmed that Marvel’s Luke Cage season 2 will launch on the streaming service on June 22 this year. To whet your appetite for more #LukeCage, watch this date announcement video:

About Marvel’s Luke Cage Season Two: After clearing his name, Luke Cage has become a celebrity on the streets of Harlem with a reputation as bulletproof as his skin. But being so visible has only increased his need to protect the community and find the limits of who he can and can’t save. With the rise of a formidable new foe, Luke is forced to confront the fine line that separates a hero from a villain.

About Netflix

Netflix is the world's leading internet entertainment service with over 117 million members in over 190 countries enjoying more than 140 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

Netflix Review: Santa Clarita Diet S2E1

We were fortunate enough to catch an advanced screening of episode 1 of Santa Clarita Diet's latest season, which will still be available for streaming on Netflix on March 23.

Immediately following the events of Season 1, in the first episode of the new season, we see Sheila (Drew Barrymore) chained in the basement, Joel (Timothy Olyphant) in a psychiatric facility and Abby and Eric basically left on their own to complete the serum which will not cure Sheila but keep her from becoming worse. (Yeaaay!).

The episode progresses with Joel meeting an unexpected confidant in the mental facility and Abby using her wit and resourcefulness to complete the serum but with an unknown threat just a step behind her, can she help Sheila who is becoming more feral?

Despite a little "setback" which the family encounters, the day comes to an end with Sheila proving that she is still an awesome mom by having pizza/dinner delivered home. Special shout out to Joel's shrimp cocktails. This is a testament to the show's core value of family-no matter how crazy and impossible circumstances get.

Meanwhile, Eric meets Ramona our favorite helpful, deadpan grocery assistant who may or may not be hiding her own frozen stored secrets.

A surprise twist towards the end of the episode opens the season to an even bigger arc and the possibility of more of the undead in Santa Clarita. (Hey, the more the merrier right? Riiight?).

After seeing the first episode you just want to dive in and binge-watch the rest of the series, which becomes available for streaming on Netflix on March 23.

Movies: Pinoy Jeepney Featured In Official “Sherlock Gnomes” Poster!

MANILA, March 15, 2018 – Where in the world are the missing gnomes? Well, based on the newly released poster of Sherlock Gnomes, they're in the Philippines, traveling aboard the iconic Jeepney somewhere in Bohol.

Check out the Philippine-themed one-sheet art and watch Sherlock Gnomes in cinemas March 21.

In Sherlock Gnomes, the beloved garden gnomes from Gnomeo and Juliet are back for a whole new adventure in London. When Gnomeo and Juliet first arrive in the city with their friends and family, their biggest concern is getting their new garden ready for spring. However, they soon discover that someone is kidnapping garden gnomes all over London. When Gnomeo and Juliet return home to find that everyone in their garden is missing – there’s only one gnome to call… SHERLOCK GNOMES.

The famous detective and sworn protector of London’s garden gnomes arrives with his sidekick Watson to investigate the case. The mystery will lead our gnomes on a rollicking adventure where they will meet all new ornaments and explore an undiscovered side of the city.

This action-packed sequel features the voices of returning cast, James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Stephen Merchant and Ozzy Osbourne, plus Johnny Depp as Sherlock Gnomes, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Watson and Mary J. Blige as Irene.

Sherlock Gnomes is based on Characters by Rob Sprackling & John Smith and Andy Riley & Kevin Cecil and Keely Asbury and Steve Hamilton Shaw. Story by Andy Riley-& Kevin Cecil and Emily Dee Cook & Kathy Greenberg. Screenplay by Ben Zazove and Directed by John Stevenson.

Sherlock Gnomes is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Netflix News: Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant Thrilled During Manila Visit

Drew Barrymore and Tim Olyphant wave at fans during the Red Carpet Event of Netflix's Santa Clarita Diet.

In town to promote Season 2 of Netflix's horror comedy "Santa Clarita Diet" Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant were met by eager fans who met the actors on the red carpet event last March 12, 2018 at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall. 

The two surprisingly felt at home surrounded by a sea of screaming fans as they talked about their first trip to the Philippines, surprisingly the Netflix event not being the first time. Barrymore was in the country a few years back for her company "Flower Beauty", while  Olyphant once lived in Davao when he was younger, his father worked with Del Monte. He added that his great grandfather was an engineer in the University of the Philippines, much to the amusement of the audience. 

Bird's eye - View from above of eager fans waiting for Barrymore and Olyphant.

Drew and Tim signed memorabilia for fans and took selfies with them, before answering some questions about the series, which will be available for streaming on March 23 on Netflix. The Red Carpet event was followed by a premiere of episode 1 of the new season. Thoughts and review on that will be posted soon :) 

One of the things that I loved about the first season was the strong relationship of Sheila and Joel, whom Barrymore and Olyphant play in the series. The husband and wife, who live a normal suburban life as realtors in sunny Santa Clarita suddenly have everything turned upside down when Sheila becomes the undead and suddenly has a craving for human flesh! Joel, who because of his love and devotion for his wife, helps her with her new lifestyle, despite the challenges that come along the way. It was nice to see the comedic tandem and undeniable chemistry of the two leads in person as they each gushed about how it was a pleasure to work opposite each other. 

Before wrapping up the press con, they were served with dirty ice cream ala Santa Clarita style, blood red, with red syrup and topped with an eyeball and a thumb! :P 

It was an incredible experience for us to see them in person-we're fans. You can click here to read more on me gushing about Drew Barrymore as well as see the trailer for Season 2 of Santa Clarita Diet. 

Click HERE for MORE PHOTOS! :) 

Netflix Series Review: Jessica Jones Season 2

Taking a back seat from its predecessor, Season 2 of Marvel Netflix's "Jessica Jones" fails to push the envelope and challenge the status quo, unlike the first season, which dealt with themes and issues like abduction, rape and abortion head on, something unprecedented at that time.

The new season also struggles to find its villain that it even had to bring in the ghost of Season One's past villain, David Tenant's incredible performance as Kilgrave in order to bring some semblance of the series' known darker themes.

Pursuing an ambitious plot, our reluctant heroine (Krysten Ritter), through the persistence of the now annoying wannabe superhero/best friend Trish Walker (Rachael Taylor) starts looking into her mysterious past and how she came about her powers. In the course of the investigation Jessica unlocks a dark secret which may change everything that she has come to know about her tumultuous life.

The different troubled and colorful characters of the series (Trish, Malcolm and Jeri) go  through a lot of changes and some character growth on their own. Eka Darville (Malcolm Ducasse) steps up on the plate and showcases his character's full potential. With Jessica always being reluctant to explore the potentials of her abilities and the possibilities of helping other people, Trish (Ittttt's Paaatsy!) is all for it, even if it means risking her own life to do so. We already know that Carrie-Anne Moss' Jeri Hogarth is one bad ass character but in this season we see her in a different light, an empty shell of her former self, the once powerful lawyer must use all of her abilities in order to stay on top, becoming this season's image of female empowerment. Something which ironically our titular character (Jessica Jones) fails to do throughout the season as she only reacts to situations rather than facing them head on. 

Without a doubt, Ritter delivers another impressive performance, possibly tying her to the character forever and making her face, the face of Jessica Jones. She brings her A game to a challenged plot and narrative and gets away with the audience cheering for her. 

6.5 /10 -Despite the lack of shock value like the first season, season 2 of Jessica Jones continues on the story of an anti-hero who never wanted powers but was given them anyway, the struggles she goes through and the sacrifices she had to make as she constantly goes through everyday doubting herself and her potential. The story has then expanded to her relationships to the people around her, people she has loved, hated and has been forced to work with. These characters have grown and changed but Jessica has stayed the same, how all of these will play through in Season 3 (should the show be renewed, which would most likely be the case) is something that you as the audience would still want to know and follow. 

Season 2 of Jessica Jones is now streaming on Netflix.