The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Movie Review

Saw "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" on it's first opening week.  I have to say it is better than the first, if you saw the first part of this movie. Although I think this movie, does not know what it wants to be at times.  You still have head decapitation, then cutesy dwarf intricate actions.  Which make me question who is exactly is their audience?

How was the Visuals?
Visuals are good, although it's really cheesy on the camera angles at times.  You will think the angles are taken that way as if to make you awe at the action sequence.

How was the Story?
Story was good, and they made the right decision to create a new character, that is not in the book to make it more interesting.  You won't notice the changes if you haven't read the book.

How was it overall?
Overall, I rate it a 4 out of 5 stars.  It's better than the first, and far more entertaining.  But will not keep you awake if you are sleepy.

If you haven't seen it yet, see it in 3D, most say it is better viewed that way, especially the dragon scenes.  This movie is almost 3 hours long...

Hunger Games: Catching Fire - Movie Review

I have one thing to say. I freak'n liked this movie.  Saw it on it's first weekend release.

It's far from perfect, but this movie will immerse you and make you enjoy it from start to finish.  I have to agree, there are some scenes, that I wish could be better.  It's fun to watch previous characters reprise their roles.  And also to see the book characters come to life.

People who haven't seen the first movie, seem to enjoy it.  Everyone in the movie theater liked it and not a single one commented on hating it, after watching the movie.  In fact, most are looking forward to the next installment of the movie.  Which I heard will be another 2 part movie, a single book divided into two.

How was the story?

Story was pretty good. The pacing is good.  There was a bit of a dragging part for me.  But the story was awesome all in all.

How was the visuals?

Visual is also good.  Has the same feeling to it as the first movie.  You won't get distracted much by the visuals and it enhances this universe and make you believe it is all real.  In my opinion, this is much better than the first, but then again animal CGI has a long way to go before it could fool us completely.  But all in all a good balance of CGI visuals and real elements.

How is it overall?

Overall I rate this movie a 4 out of 5 stars.  It's better than the first movie and a full story on it's own.  Comparable to the Starwars: Empire Strikes Back movie.  Recommend as a must watch for me, even if you are not a Hunger Games fan.

Movies Showing in the Philippines this last week of September 2013

The following movies are currently being shown in the Philippines, this last week of September:

• Runner Runner
• Prisoners
• Insidious 2
• Ang Kwento ni Mabuti (Filipino Movie - Drama)
• 2 Guns
• Momzillas (Filipino Movie - Comedy)
• Riddick

Enjoy the weekend everyone.

Horror Movies in Philippine Cinemas this September 2013

There are a couple of horror movies that will be shown in September.

The following horror movies will be available in September 2013 in Philippine Cinemas:

• Insidious 2 (currently showing)
• Sadako 2 (Japanese in 3D) probably limited release
• Puti [translates to White] (Filipino movie) limited release also
• Diplomat Hotel (Filipino movie) limited release

With The Conjuring just shown last month, I am good with what I saw for a while.  Probably gonna past up this movies.

Despicable Me 2: Movie Review

I was hesitant to watch Despicable Me 2, since the first one was a bit off and a bit lacking for my taste.  To be honest this was not in my movie list to watch in a cinema.

I went to this movie without any expectations at all.  And usually when I see a movie without any expectations, I enjoy it and praise it afterwards (like Argo).

How was the Visuals?

Visuals are very good.  Better than the 1st movie.  I watch the digital version, and it was very good.  I liked the way the color and visuals they used all thru out the movie.  It was consistent.  The faces of the kids have unique distinct features.

Explosions, effects and objects are good and visually appealing to the eyes.  Visuals makes the movie come alive, I won't mind watching it again at home.


How was the Story?

Story is very good.  Unlike the first movie, where I was lost on how funny would it be to be evil.  The second one focused on Gru, his kids and his love life.  Of course, the minions are always in the picture, that's what makes this movie more fun, than only with Gru and family.  I liked the simple story and fun characters they created.  None of those obnoxious character like in the first movie.  Total fun, and very good written story.


How was it Overall?

Overall the movie is great. I give it a 5 out of 5 stars.  Yes, it is that good.  I was very tired and sleepy when we watched this movie.  And I was awake laughing the whole time during the run of the movie.  There was not a dull moment, in the movie.  I would recommend it for the whole family, especially a family with a good sense of humor.  It's on it's last week in Philippine cinemas, since currently there is another animated movie showing, Turbo.

Twilight: Breaking Dawn part 2 - Review

On it's third week, I was able to watch the Breaking Dawn part 2 in a cinema.  After a long time, we were able to watch it.

How was it?
Not bad, actually. So guys, when your girlfriend asks you to watch it with her, it's okay to watch this one.  I was able to bare it till the end.  Just keep thinking it's the last one, repeat it over and over.

The film started great, the whole thing would have been a different experience for me if I was a teenage girl, dreaming to be a vampire with sparkly skin and super powers beyond human capabilities.

I have just one gripe on the film, the baby was really obvious of being computer generated.  Otherwise, decapitation like a Barbie doll, is cool with me. They have no problem with decapitation in the fight scenes.  See guys, we get to watch multiple decapitations as if they were dolls.  That alone, is a reason to watch this movie with your girlfriend.

Okay, overall the movie gets 4 out of 5 stars.  Why? Everything looks okay, except for the digital baby, plus the loop hole in the story, where the enemy took its time to go to the Collens to dispatch the child.  The Collens were able to travel all over the world to gather "witnesses" and other vamps were able to get to the Collens place, but the Volturi were nowhere to be found.  No reason why it took them long enough to get to the Collens.

Other than that, I enjoyed the movie for what it is.  It's probably on it's last week in cinemas.

Silent Hill Revelation: Now Showing in the Philippines

We have two horror movies showing in the Philippines right now, one is the Paranormal Activity 4, shown since last week, and this new one, Silent Hill Revelation .  I know a couple of people, who will watch this movie on its first week being shown in the Philippines.

It has a MTRCB rating of R16.  I don't know if they censored a lot to pass a certain criteria, but it is currently R16 and is only shown in some theaters.

The synopsis is that a girl has to go back to silent hill to save her father.  Pyramid head, looks cool in the trailer, but that character is darn scary.

Twilight: Breaking Dawn part 2 is now showing in the Philippines

I'm sure all are aware that the last installment of the Twilight movie franchise is now showing in the Philippines.

The Review can be seen on clickthecity.com link http://www.clickthecity.com/movies/?p=16870. I'm not gonna make a review of this film, since I will also be flamed by the fans.  Don't believe me?  Read the review from the clickthecity.com film critic and see how many comments/replies are there.  Usually there are only 2 or 3, but this film has multiple reply and comments.