Pinoy Movie Blogger

Hitman Trailer Impressions: Helping Out with the the Revival Action Film Genre?

2012-01-30T18:20:00.002+08:00

Hitman is a 2012 action film from Viva Films and CM Productions starring Cesar Montano, Philip Salvador, and Sam Pinto. After the reaction to Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story last 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival, it looks like Film Studios mainly Viva Films finally realize that there is still something about action films after all. Cesar Montano himself has made it his mission and stated that he wants to revive the action film genre starting this year, first with Hitman. So what does this first attempt by Viva Films and Cesar Montano on the action film genre this 2012 has to offer? Let's find it out here.

Hitmant
Plot / Synopsis

“Hitman” is about a man out to avenge the death of his family in the hands of those who used to hire him to kill people even as new love figures in the compendium.

The cast includes Phillip Salvador, Ricky Davao, Joko Diaz, Rommel Montano, Jeffrey Tam, Sunshine Garcia, Onchie dela Cruz, Alexis Navarro and Sam Pinto as Cesar’s leading lady. Directed by Cesar Montano. Screenplay by Willy Laconsay and Cesar Montano

Watch Hitman Official trailer here:

Hitman Trailer Impression
Hitman Film Trailer Review

There are two things that made this trailer good and bad. The first thing is the actual fact that the action film genre in the Philippines is BACK! Well, at least after Asiong Salonga, this is the second mainstream film that falls under the genre. I can finally say that the action film genre is back if they made two to five films under the genre with one or two titles that is actually worth it, a quality action films if I should emphasize. The second thing that made this trailer and possibly may ruin this first attempt of the action film genre revival this 2012 is Viva films very own press release.

Whatever you do please limit yourself from actually checking out the details of Hitman on its official Viva Films website (Hitman's press release page) or the video source (from Youtube) of the trailer I embedded here. Why, if you should ask? Well, because the freaking press release spoils the entire film! What were they thinking? Why did Viva Films hired people who do not know what they are doing? They literally summarized and spoiled the entire film with that stupid press release! The film is slated for a February 2012 release, and yet they've already summarized Hitman like it was just like a year or even months ago?!? It really turned me off. Disappointed on Viva Films! Hopefully they read the initial reactions of Filipino film fans on Youtube, Facebook and Viva Films website itself. Hopefully next time they would come up with a good teaser synopsis without the spoilers. Mahy ghulay! that is pretty elementary in building hype in films! Sheesh!

Let us just go back to the actual 2012 Philippine action film trailer. Hitman's trailer made me smile from time to time. It made me remember the cheeziness of what Philippine action films were back in the days. They seem to brought back all of the cliche of what the action film was as well. You have a pretty leading lady who obviously got hired because of popularity and beauty, we have that old school plot device that would cause any man to seek out revenge and go on a killing spree, and then we have the cheezy sequence of the main protagonist running with two ridiculously huge guns. Hitman may not be the quality action film that Pinoy fans might be looking for this 2012 but at least a major film studious took a shot and chance with it. Hopefully this film feature some high intensity action scenes to make up for the unnecessary cliches that have been brought back.

What about you guys? What are your thoughts about this first action film this 2012? Share your thoughts about Hitman trailer in the comments section below:

My Cactus Heart Trailer Impression: A "Trending" Love Story?

2012-01-12T08:54:00.000+08:00

My Cactus Heart Heart is a 2012 romantic comedy from Star Cinema (ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc.) and Skylight Films Production. My Cactus Heart is directed by Enrico C. Santos starring Starring Maja Salvador, Matteo Guidicelli and Xian Lim and has a January 25, 2012 nationwide (Philippine) release. What can we say about this first romantic comedy title from Star Cinema, find it out here.

My Cactus Heart
Plot / Synopsis

How do you win over a heartbreaker's cactus heart? A romantic comedy film of trending proportions, follow this unlikely love story when My Cactus Heart gets released on January 25 on theaters nationwide.

Watch My Cactus Heart Official trailer here:

My Cactus Heart Movie Trailer Impression
My Cactus Heart Film Trailer Review

"Whaaaat? A ROMANTIC COMEDY UNDER STAR CINEMA?! This is never heard of!?!?!". You'll be asking that same question if you are live under a rock. Star Cinema has been ans still is one of the most industrious, if not the only Filipino film company that has been known to make "quality" (~highly subjective) and popular love stories. This year (2012) they are starting it with another romantic comedy together with Skylight Film Productions, so what has My Cactus Heart has to offer?

My Cactus Heart is Matteo Guidicelli's first starring film, so you know what to expect right? Fans of Maja Salvador, Matteo Guidicelli, or the Kapamilya romantic tandem itself will definitely love this first of many romantic films that Star Cinema will offer this year. Well as for the story it is an averagely themed one. A similarly themed Star Cinema romantic comedy film will also be released this year, and this is why I can say that Star Cinema is somehow deviating from the known and cliche-d concepts. In a way this is good. Well, it is way better than a "rich boy falling in love with a poor girl love story" variant, right? Besides a lighter tone and a more younger cast, the My Cactus Heart trailer uses more contemporary themes with the use of Twitter related concepts like hash tags and trending statements which is obviously is part of the film's marketing strategy and to make its target audience relate to the story. Besides the very obvious, the trailer has a decent mix of humor (mostly slapstick) and does a good job not spoiling the entire film. Spoiling the film will obviously be the death of this film, so at least they got it correct with that. A film directly marketed to a more younger ABS CBN (Kapamilya) teenage audience, and this is why this film will work.. for them that is. Why fix something that is not even broken right? If there is something that I have realized in my time as a film enthusiast is to never underestimate the teenage movie crowd. Twilight became this immensely popular to teenage girls right?

What about you guys? Do you fall under the target audience that this film is aimed for? Share your thoughts about My Cactus Heart movie trailer in the comments section below:

Why Philippine Cinema No Longer Make As Much Action Films Like It Used To

2012-01-10T16:32:00.000+08:00

The Decline of Action Film Creation in the Philippines: Why Philippine Cinema No Longer Make As Much Action Films Like It Used To

by Christopher Aquino, January 10, 2012.

There once was a time when action films are as many as the stars in the sky, but look at it its current state now. 2011 only has one action mainstream action film in the form of Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story. What could be the reason behind the dwindling life of the Philippine action film genre?

Fernando Poe, Jr., Eddie Garcia, Joseph Ejercito "Erap" Estrada, Ramon Revilla Sr., Robin Padilla, Ace Vergel, Jeric Raval, Lito Lapid, Rudy Fernandez, Philip Salvador, and Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr., are some of the most notable action stars that I personally grew up watching as a Filipino child. Sure every story can a rehashed or a minor deviation of another action film's plot, but one can obviously state that a Robin Padilla's story of a wrongfully accused ex-convict out for vengeance is completely different from the same plot starring the late Fernando Poe, Jr. Each as their signature acting amidst the similarities in concept. The Filipino Male movie going fans appreciate every film featuring their favorite action stars whom they can relate to. But if there was a market to the action film genre then what happened? Why has the action film genre slowly died out after the golden age of action films back in the 80's all the way up to the 90's?

The first, and probably the main reason is piracy. As time goes by, the very affordable cinema fee started to increase while the minimum wage of working class Filipinos remained the same. So what was left for hardcore action film fans on a tight budget? The most practical solution is to go buy or rent pirated copies of such action films. Piracy in general affected all film genre. Film making requires funds and a business, without money there can be no film. This reality is where piracy strike the hardest. It is only by late 2000 that the government and the Philippine entertainment industry cracked down on their fight with piracy, but unfortunately the action film genre didn't made it. Film companies and producers shifted their attention to other film genres mainly comedy, fantasy, horror and romance.

It can also be said that the action film genre has seemingly used up every possible scenario to make a unique action film. There is a limit on how many variant of a dedicated father out for vengeance for his murdered family or loved one can action films used, and action film fans and producers themselves might have gotten fed up with it. Not to mention, action film stars of the past have already retired, became politicians, ruined their lives with substance abuse, incarcerated, or just died. So whoelse is left to play as a new action hero? Almost every upcoming new male stars that the Philippine entertainment industry have given birth to have this goody good teenage image that completely goes against the macho image required for action films. What happens is that such shows (talent search and reality shows) dropouts and winners eventually are primed and stereotyped into various teenie bopper roles and eventually land a role in romantic films.

Times are changing, the Philippine cinema somewhat "evolved" in its views on the male macho image. The new macho male is warm, romantic, and witty still willing to fight for their one true love. In a way this is more closer to reality compared to over the top action film characters. Just imagine, how can one ma fight an army of armed thugs, talk about classic action film miraculous cliche. This can also be the reason why action films died out, not every actor has this grand action star aura on him. Not every celebrity can convincingly hold out a gun or deliver blow after blow of punches and look cool doing it. We can say that today's leading men are not action star material o has been so primed to be romantic stereotypes that it has become their curse, to be typecast into romantic or drama films, nothing more.

International (Hollywood) action films may also have a hand in the diminishing life of action films in the Philippines. I for one has this presupposition that since Hollywood already got the action film genre covered, then Filipino film companies and producers can set their focus on other film genres like comedy, fantasy, and adventure. Well that is just me . I can't completely say that the action film genre is really dead per se. Remnants of it can still be seen adventure, drama and fantasy films, but a full blown action films, that is what convinced me to make this post. I am not saying that action films is the best genre of film in the Philippines, but as a male movie goer who grew up with classics, I just felt left out and missed the action films, cheesy as they sometimes may seen. The Philippine movie industry has been so set on making romantic films after romantic films, which kind a left out the other film genre and film fans.

If ever does action films comes back to glory, and I believe Manila kingpin: the Asiong Salonga Story might be the first to lead this campaign, I would like to see a full feature quality action film that has a unique and compelling story. Good writing and acting and does reminds me of the golden age of action films. An intelligent action film done in a very tasteful manner where both male and female movie going audience can relate to and appreciate.

Unofficially Yours Cinema Teaser Trailer Impressions: Your Typical Star Cinema Romantic Comedy with an Adult Theme Twist?

2012-01-05T09:22:00.001+08:00

Unofficially Yours is a 2012 romantic comedy (drama) film from Director Cathy Garcia-Molina from ABS CB Productions Inc. (Star Cinema) which stars John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin. Will this romantic film be another rehashed of what we have been spoiled for years or it offers something different? Find out what we think about Unofficially Yours here.

Unofficially Yours
Plot / Synopsis

What happens when love beats to a different drum? This is what happens when Macky Galvez (John Lloyd Cruz), a hopeles romantic average guy had a one night stand and eventually falls in love with Ces (Angel Locsion), a modern-day woman who is afraid of commitments. What happens when these two unlikely people try their luck on love?

Unoficially Yours is directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina under Star Cinema, starring Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz.

Watch Unofficially Yours first teaser trailer here:

Unofficially Yours Cinema Teaser Trailer Impression
Unofficially Yours Teaser Trailer Review

Star Cinema, the home of industrious romantic film making will start 2012 with another romantic comedy, but this time it has a more adult element to it, sex. Well, don't expect this to be as bold as the Hollywood counterparts that it draws inspiration with, we are still in the Philippines and they would be as much as family problem as possible... or not.

In a way, Star Cinema has somehow ranked up a bit in terms of how they create love stories for the big screen. There is a limit to how many times we can be fed with the same repetitive romantic film cliche of "rich guy falling in love with poor girl or vice versa" variant, and believe me some of movie goers have been fed up with such cliches. Luckily with their last few films, Star Cinema has been showcasing and incorporating more adult themes and issues with the films they make. Unofficially Yours looks like one of them that deals with one night stands and commitment issues. Fans of Angel Locsin, John Lloyd Cruz, Star Cinema produced films, and romantic films in general will definitely support and love this film. It might even be a good date film for adult couples, but please older movie goers, this is film is not a film for the kids or tweens film if I should add. As much as possible try to limit the kids with raging hormones from seeing this film. But who am I kidding right? If there is a will, there is a way.

Star Cinema has been one of the most industrious film studios in the Philippines and it is refreshing to see well-written and well-portrayed stories in the big screen that tries to break the convention of what is thought to be what the Filipino movie going public prefers. This is why we have cliche after cliche of films being created annually, because of the notion that don't fix or deviate on a theme that isn't broken. It is nice for Filipino film studios to take risks. Hopefully this film only draws inspiration from internationally released films of the same genre, because we don't want another "Friends with Benefits" or "No Strings Attached" clone. Hopefully it still stand as a very Filipino romantic film that guys and gals can both appreciate. This is more of a prediction and analysis of the romantic films created nowadays than an official trailer review for the Unofficially Yours. Call it an unofficial trailer impression of Unofficially Yours of sort. Guess I'll just reserve my full impressions on the film once the official movie trailer for Unofficially Yours gets released.

What about you guys? What do you think of this Angel Locsin - John Lloyd romantic comedy film this 2012? Share your thoughts on Unofficially Yours first cinema teaser trailer at the comments section below:

A Mother's Story Trailer Impressions: Another Drama Dedicated to the Filipino OFWs Starring Pokwang

2012-01-04T15:47:00.000+08:00

A Mother's Story is a drama film from ABS CBN's The Filipino Channel and Star Cinema which primarily stars Marietta "Pokwang" Subong (or simply "Pokwang") in her first lead dramatic role as a mother who left her family to work abroad and chose the wrong path to take. What can the Pinoy Movie Blogger say about Pokwang's A Mother Story movie trailer? Find it out here.

A Mother's Story
Plot / Synopsis

Medy (Pokwang), a make-up artist, was given the chance of a lifetime to accompany a concert star to the United States for a performance. She promised her family that she will return after a week. However, while in America, she stumbled upon a former classmate Helen (Beth Tamayo) who convinced her to stay for good in the land of milk and honey. She initially refused, but eventually gave in, when she got a call one night from her husband that they need a big amount of money to bring her youngest daughter to the hospital. America has not been the friendliest to her and our story begins with her coming home to Manila literally with nothing.

Medy’s two kids, King (Rayver Cruz) and Queenie (Xyriel Manabat) are now 19 and 7. King struggles with the return of his mother. Animosity, resentment, shame, and anger are issues he has built with Medy. For the young Queenie, it’s getting to know Nanay… who she thought would one day come out of a Balikbayan Box. And as for her husband, Medy discovers something she least expected.

How will Medy put her life and that of her family’s back together, now that she’s back after 7 long years?

A Mother's Story is produced by TFC and distributed by Star Cinema; directed by John D. Lazatin, starring Pokwang, Xyriel Manabat, Rayver Cruz, Beth Tamayo, Daria Ramirez, Nonie Buencamino, Ana Capri, Jaime Fabregas, Aaron Junatas, and K Brosas.

A Mother's Story official movie trailer here

A Mother's Story Trailer Impression
A Mother's Story Trailer Review

A Mother's Story is a drama film which first premiered/shown in selected theaters in the US on November 2011, and will later be shown in Philippine theaters by January 8, 2012. By this fact alone, it is obvious that this film pays tribute to the thousands of Filipino overseas workers and their struggles. Yes, it is another OFW drama film that will try to pull your heart strings, but this time it stars a Kapamilya (ABS CBN) comedienne, Pokwang.

Although not being a fan of drama films, I find A Mother's Story film trailer to be decent, even good for a film under the drama genre. It has all the necessary elements that I am looking for in a trailer. Well it might be necessary to include, but the trailer seems to sum up the entire plot of the film, and this somehow disappointed me. Although what people might be looking forward to on films of these genre (drama) will probably be the tear-jerking scenes and the journey leading to that ultimate happy ending (if this film has one). It is another OFW film where a mother left her family, took the wrong choices, unfortunately assigned to a family that doesn't treat her fairly and ultimately failing to establish a connection with her family in the Philippines. After all her pains and struggles, she returns home to her family who now becomes indifferent towards her. Now if you haven't heard that sort of story, then good for you. A Mother's Story is a cliche-filled drama film. Don't get me wrong with that statement, people will still support this drama film from TFC. According to a saying, if it is not broken then don't fix it. Expect people who can relate (families of OFWs or OFWs themselves) to the story, drama film enthusiasts, and fans of the ABS CBN comedienne or some of the cast to watch and appreciate a Mother's Story. In the end, A Mother's Story movie trailer looks cliche but charming; especially if you put together the most adorable child star (Xyriel Manabat), a popular comedienne (Pokwang) playing in her first drama lead role, and a very formulaic and sensitive story line, then expect a decent drama film.

How about you guys, what do you think about this drama film from TFC and Star Cinema? Share your thoughts about A Mother's story movie trailer in the comments section below:

The Importance of Movie Reviews Online: The Reason Why We are Here

2012-01-02T11:02:00.004+08:00

The internet has been the home of opinion and expression ever since it emerged, thus we have blogs. Pinoy Movie Blogger is probably one of the hundreds (if not thousands) of review blogs dedicated to Filipino movies (film), and so what does that make it? Well it makes it just one voice among the hundreds of blogs, but it still matters. Why are movie review blogs like Pinoy Movie Blogger relevant, important?

Movie Reviews gives you an idea of what other people or movie goers think of movies, and believe me not everyone has the same preference and taste. Thus we have negative film reviews. The question is do movie reviews matter? Well in a way, yes. But if you are dead certain and serious to watch a specific film, then no negative movie review can dissuade you from watching a movie in question.

In a way, movie reviews opens up one's mind. One can be so excited and entertained on one film, that he or she may fail to recognize the film in question's various shortcomings. It may not be easy to accept other people's opinion at first, but keep an open mind and try to think if their argument is valid. Thus. movie reviews in a way helps movie enthusiasts become more objective on how their opinion on movies and appreciate films better. One can also say that movie reviews increase your taste in the movies.

Movie reviews gathers people together, both in a good and bad way. If the film review reflects what most online people think towards a film, then they will find the movie review site a place to relate to; if they don't then it is a perfect place to have an argument and point out what the review fails to appreciate. Whether a movie review site gathers or isolates people, one thing is certain that a community is formed. It also educates the movie going public on what film to get excited for and what to avoid.

Movie review sites like the Pinoy Movie Bloggers hopes to change how the Philippine movie industry work and how the Philippine movie going public think. There is a reason why we have the same formulaic films done year after year, it is because we, the Filipino movie going public allows them to. How many times have you seen a rich girl falls in love with a poor boy (or vice versa) but circumstances like their parents not approving of it, a third party created conflict, etc? How about a rehash after rehash of films, a perfect example of these are the Okay Ka Fairy Ko's Enteng and Shake Rattle and Roll film franchise. Movie review websites or channels, once proven to be a reliable source of opinions and reviews may actually influenced the movie going public to think and Philippine film producers to consider where they put their money into. If that ever happens then that would be a winning scenario for everyone.

Not every movie review will fit to everyone's liking, and this is alright. Movie reviewers or film critics come from various backgrounds; not to mention have varying taste and preference when it comes to films, so conflict of interest is inevitable.But what should one do? Let's be just. Don't be a perfect example of a bad internet troll, well not too much. One's review on a film doesn't make your review or opinion about a movie wrong, it is just another person's perspective of it. You can take it or leave it. But try to appreciate the effort and understand his perspective, if by then you still feel passionate to react, then do so in a civilized, educated and entertaining way, thus we have a healthy exchange of opinions and reviews.

Filipino Film Rewind Reviews: Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews Oldies But Goodies

2011-12-14T14:50:00.000+08:00

There once was a time when Filipino films were as plenty as the the country's own population. It does not not necessary mean that all the films produced by the Philippine cinema were as good as its numbers. All I am saying that there were more movies to check out that time so there is a high possibility of finding be one or two Philippine movie gems amongst the load of poorly conceived ones.

The Philippine cinema took a devastating blow from piracy. The declining amount of created and produced Filipino films is a perfect testimonial for that. Thanks to the resilience of a few Filipino production studios, an ongoing campaign to fight piracy here in the Philippines, and the aggressiveness of the indie film makers, the industry is starting to get back on its knees, back to the golden days of Philippine cinema. It is a slow process, but the industry is slowly (hopefully surely as well) getting there. So there will not be that much content to play with here in Pinoy movie Blogger. So what is left to review or preview?

This is why the Pinoy Movie Blogger will go down memory lane and review some oldies but goodies Pinoy movies. Join me from time to time as I review various films from the 80's, 90's and early 2000. We will be reviewing every possible Filipino film genre, even the already dead ST genre. So sit back relax and let's enjoy some old Filipino movies with the Pinoy Movie Blogger's Rewind Reviews.

If you have any old Pinoy movies that you would like us to review or discuss with here at the Pinoy Movie Bloggers please feel free to suggest one here.

Segunda Mano Trailer Impressions: Ladies, Beware of Antique Handbags!

2011-12-10T13:57:00.001+08:00

Segunda Mano is a 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival horror entry from Star Cinema under the direction of Joyce Bernal starring Philippine's "horror" queen Kris Aquino. What does this MMFF 2011 horror entry has in store for Filipinos who likes being scared to death this Christmas? Let's check the trailer out.

Segunda Mano
Plot / Synopsis

Segunda Mano which directly translates to "Second hHand" tells a story of various cursed antique objects that haunts its unfortunate new owners.

Segunda Mano official movie trailer here

Segunda Mano Trailer Impression
Segunda Mano Trailer Review

Watch out for that seemingly expensive looking antique handbag, it might be cursed! Silly as it might sound, that is what seems to be main evil that would linger in the entirety of the film. A malevolent spirit or a curse in a bag or in whatever antique object offers the film showcase. Antiques have always been used as a good source of curse or evil in various horror film and that is what Segunda Mano is all about. Of course, the fun in such preposterous idea is how each victim gets to be killed by such evils.

Segunda Mano is probably guilty of being using second (third or how many times) hand concepts that most horror films have been using from day one. But guess what, even if that is the case, this film will still get a good number of Filipino movie goers watching it this Metro Manila film Festival 2011. Who does not want to see that ever sophisticated and controversial sister of the Philippines President Noynoy Aquino get smothered by water. That scene alone is funny and would convince me to go check it just for the laughs hahaha. Seriously speaking, given to choose only one horror film to watch this MMFF 2011, I do not think Segunda Mano will be my choice. Well, that is me, but many may beg to differ.

What do you think about this horror film starring the "Philippine horror queen" Kris Aquino. Does she deserve the title? Share your thoughts on the Segunda Mano 2011 film trailer at the comments section below:

Yesterday Today Tomorrow Trailer Impressions: A Regal Films' Metro Manila Film Festival 2011 3-in-1 Drama Extravaganza

2011-12-09T13:57:00.001+08:00

Yesterday Today Tomorrow is a 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival entry from Regal Entertainment Inc. starring Philippine cinema's best and new faces in a drama film this Christmas. Yesterday Today Tomorrow is the only MMFF 2011 entry amongst the list, so will it mean that it will bag the most when it comes to awards? Let's check out the trailer first.

Yesterday Today Tomorrow
Plot / Synopsis

Yesterday Today Tomorrow is an official entry to the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival directed by Jun Lana and stars Maricel Soriano, Gabby Concepcion, Ronaldo Valdez, Agot Isidro, Jericho Rosales, Lovi Poe, Dennis Trillo, Carla Abellana, Paulo Avelino, Solenn Heussaff, Eula Caballero. Yesterday Today Tomorrow tells three different stories of love, family, passion and lost.

Watch Yesterday Today Tomorrow official movie trailer here

Yesterday Today Tomorrow Trailer Impression
Yesterday Today Tomorrow Trailer Review

Yesterday Today Tomorrow is the only drama entry in the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival which could possibly spell two outcome for the film: First is that the film may bag most of awards in the Metro Manila Film Festival Awards night, specifically the best actor, best actress, etc. The second is that there is also a good chance that the film will not do good when in it comes to sales as families will usually prefer a much happier films and there is quite a lot to choose from on the entry. But that does not mean the film will suck as it features Philippine cinema veterans like Maricel Soriano and Gabby Concepcion, not to mention some of the more contemporary actors like Lovi Poe, Dennis Trillo, Paulo Avelino, and Jericho Rosales. But what about the trailer?

There is nothing much to tell about the trailer, that it is much a straightforward drama with all of the complications that you can regularly see in one. A cliche of some sort. The only difference is that the film does not ponder on a single story alone. That is why they made it into a 3-in-1 kind of drama. The film features three complicated stories that may eventually intertwine or interconnect onto one single event (shown in the trailer) which may very well be the climax and turning point of all three stories. For fans of any of the actors involved in Yesterday Today Tomorrow, or drama films in general, there will not be any second thoughts when this film hits the theaters this Christmas. As for regular Filipino movie going audience though, I am really not so sure about it. In a festive season when everyone feels so happy, I do not think that they would first prioritize a drama title over a list of comedy and drama.; not unless they consider such title as a masterfully crafted film.

What do you think about the Yesterday Today tomorrow, the only drama entry in the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival? Share your thoughts at the comments section below:

Shake, Rattle & Roll 13 Trailer Impressions: Your Annual Triple Horror Treat from Regal

2011-12-08T20:36:00.001+08:00

Shake, Rattle & Roll 13 is a horror thriller film and an official entry to the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival entry form Regal Films. Regal Films has made it to the point to make the Shake, Rattle & Roll series an annual thing ever since Shake, Rattle and Roll 2K5 back in 2005. So what is in store for Filipino movie goers this Metro Manila Film Festival 2011?

Shake, Rattle & Roll 13
Plot / Synopsis

The 13th installment of Shake, Rattle and Roll trilogy will provide you with complex characters and side plot stories mixed with excellent editing. Shake Rattle & Roll 13 will be one of the entries for the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival. The stories in Shake, Rattle & Roll 13 include "Rain, Rain, Go Away" (formerly "Lunod") directed by Chris Martinez, "Tamawo" directed by Richard Somes, and "Parola" directed by Jerrold Tarog.

Watch Shake, Rattle & Roll 13 official movie trailer here

Shake, Rattle & Roll 13 Trailer Impression
Shake, Rattle & Roll 13 Trailer Review

Besides having a variety of film to choose from, the Metro Manila Film Festival has also become the permanent venue of the Shake, Rattle & Roll film franchise. Shake, Rattle & Roll 13 is an official 2011 MMFF entry from Regal Films which features three tales of horror which does not always ends in your regular "happy ending". So what is there to say about Shake, Rattle, & Roll 13? It has always been a requirement that in order for a trailer to be considered "good" it has to actually need to be able to have a good balance between showing and not showing things. So far, the Shake, Rattle & Roll 13 movie trailer features both. Although it featured the monstrosities in the film, there is this element of mystery as behind them. How will each episode use them?

What is there not to say about the SR&R film series? It has its share of good and bad parts, installments, acting, direction, and special effects. Hopefully the latest installment has the good ones outshining more of its bad parts. I for one am against too much dependence on computer graphic effects. I not for the bad quality of CGI used in past films, I will not be saying this but they have proven to be a headache everytime a film depends on CGI so much. When it comes to providing the scares, nothing beats a good old wax molding and makeup for the creatures, convincing acting and an engaging plot. After seeing the trailer, all I can say hat it has its bard parts (especially the CGI water in the car), but hopefully it doesn't take that much away from the whole film experience. I am looking forward to see the kind of directing, acting and writing provided by each Shake, Rattle & Roll 13 episodes.

What can you say about this latest annual installment of Regal Film's Shake, Rattle & Roll? Share your thoughts in the comments section below:

Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story Trailer Impressions: A Black-and-White Retelling of the Story of Metro Manila's Kingpin

2011-12-06T11:39:00.001+08:00

Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story is a 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival entry starring Jeorge "E.R." Estregan as the 1940's notorious gang leader and Metro Manila kingpin Nicasio "Asiong" Salonga. The film is under Viva Films Production and the direction of Tikoy Aguiluz. Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story is in full black-and-white presentation which is a first in 21st century mainstream Philippine cinema. Check out what is the Pinoy Movie Blogger thinks of this biographical and period film about the film retelling of the Asiong Salonga's life.

Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story
Plot / Synopsis

Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story is an official entry of the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival. Produced by Scenema Concept International (released through Viva Films) and under the direction of Tikoy Aguiluz, the film stars Jeorge "E.R." Estregan in the title role, with Carla Abellana and Phillip Salvador. "Manila Kingpin" is based on the story of the notorious gang leader in Tondo named Nicasio "Asiong" Salonga, whose true-to-life accounts had been portrayed in several movie versions since 1961 (starring Joseph Estrada). It is also the the first Filipino major film produced in black-and-white in the 21st century as well as the returning action genre movie.

Watch Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story official movie trailer here

Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story Trailer Impression
Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story Trailer Review

When I first heard that there is an Asiong Salonga film included in the 2011 Metro manila film Festival, I was really skeptical. They don't make entertaining action films nowadays and I somehow thought that the action film genre already died out together with the ST genre. But as the saying goes never judge a book by its covers, so eventually my skepticism was replaced by genuine interest after seeing the Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga trailer.

Manila Kingpin: the Asiong Salonga story has kalesa gun fight chase sequence now where else can you find that badassery? Only in the Philippines my friends... only in the Philippines. Hahahaha

Let me ask you, when was the last time you actually watched and appreciated a good Philippine-produced action film? As for me the last time that I could remember was way back on FPJ (Fernando Poe, Jr.) days. I regularly watched it with my father. So it was quite a surprise to see the return of action film back to mainstream Philippine cinema this 2011. Not only did it return with the Manila Kingpin: the Asiong Salonga Story, but it returned in a very classy and artistic manner. The 2011 MMFF biographical period action film is beautifully shot and presented in black-and-white which gave it the period look without making it feel cheaply dated or low quality. The trailer proves that you do not need any expensive or flashy 3-D CGI effects in a trailer to actually captivate and convince movie goers to go watch a film. Some of my cinephile friends who usually prefer a more sophisticated, complex, artistic, and "Cannes Film Festival" like films seems to really like this film, so that has to account to something, right? But even as an ordinary movie goer/reviewer (with simple and non-sophisticated nitpicking taste), I appreciate and liked The Asiong Salonga Story 2011 film trailer.

How about you guys, what do you think about watching a biographical period black-and-white film this Metro manila Film Festival? Share your thoughts on what you think about The Asiong Salonga Story here:

My Househusband, Ikaw Na! Trailer Impressions: A Modern Filipino Marriage Family Arrangement?

2011-12-05T15:51:00.001+08:00

My Househusband, Ikaw Na! is a comedy drama film under OctoArts Films starring real life celebrity couple Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo. My Househusband, Ikaw Na! is also an official entry to the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival. So what do we get when Philippine cinema tries to make an entire film out of this seemingly modern family set up? Check out the Pinoy Movie Blogger trailer review for My Househusband, Ikaw Na!.

My Househusband, Ikaw Na!
Plot / Synopsis

When Rod (Ryan Agoncillo), a father of two decided to quit his job, his wife (Judy Ann Santos) eventually decides to pursue a life of a career woman. As if this arrangement was not difficult enough (for an ordinary middle class Filipino family) for the two loving couple, a new neighbor (Eugene Domingo) comes along which may possibly put the couple's marriage to the test. That plus the malicious rumors spread by neighbors and the meddlesome relatives of each party. Thus the comedy ends and the family drama begins.

Watch My Househusband, Ikaw Na! official movie trailer here

My Househusband, Ikaw Na! Trailer Impression
My Househusband, Ikaw Na! Trailer Review

Filipinos have a strong affiliation and love to their families. So when you put two highly a list of highly acclaimed and adored actors into a film about family, then that is one perfect mix of a Metro Manila Film Fest Entry this 2011.

The trailer is pretty much straightforward, husband loses job, wife gets an executive position, and the couple struggle with the arrangement not usually seen on traditional Filipino families. You can obviously tell where the drama would come from the trailer alone... via its meddlesome relatives (which has always been the case for most Filipino families). But that is what Filipino movie goers like... the reality of married life; and the the joys and complications that goes with it. Thanks to the real life chemistry of Judy Ann and Ryan, plus the funny and lovable aura of Ms. Eugene Domingo the movie trailer is just oozing with appeal. But do not let the humor shown in the trailer fool you as it could just hide a more heavy drama inside it. A very easy recommendation for Pinoy Movie Blogger.

What do you think about this modern setup where the wife is the one providing for the family and the husband is in charge of all the housework? share your thoughts about My Househusband, Ikaw Na! movie trailer at the comments section below:

Ang Panday 2 Trailer Impressions: A CGI-Heavy Sequel from Imus Productions

2011-12-03T10:48:00.001+08:00

Ang Panday 2 or Ang Panday Ikalawang Aklat is a 2011 fantasy action sequel to the 2009 film Ang Panday. Ang Panday 2 is a 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival entry from Imus Production and GMA Films starring Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. as the iconic Flavio or "Panday".

Ang Panday 2
Plot / Synopsis

Ang Panday 2 is a fantasy action sequel to Imus Productions and GMA Films' 2009 for the Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Ang Panday. Ang Panday 2 features impressive CGI and special effects and will be shown in 3-D.

The world is once again thrown in turmoil and destruction from the forces of evil and it is up to Flavio and his mythical sword to stop it.

Watch Ang Panday 2 official movie trailer here

Ang Panday 2 Trailer Impression
Ang Panday 2 Trailer Review

I have a couple of rules that would make me call a movie trailer an effective and successful in creating buzz and building hype to attract movie goers to watch it. One is that you should never spoil the film audience by summarizing the entire film in a trailer. Second is to to not show the best parts of the film or just simply give a small glimpse of it to engage and intrigued the movie goers to actually see it. And that ladies and gentlemen is what the Panday 2 did not do.

Do not get me wrong, I am still hopeful that the Philippine movie industry can once again get back to its golden age state like what it was before, but only if they learn to adapt the ever increasing and changing demand and taste of film fans. Although Ang Panday 2 features an impressive array of computer generated effects not regularly seen on a Philippine produced film, this does not mean that it is automatically considered or be called a good or quality film. There are so many factors that constitute a good film, but let us discuss that for another time. Let us go back to Ang Panday 2 2011 movie trailer. The trailer to me is very sloppily made, first you see an old fairy saying about his experience about the war, then you jump to someone reminding the protagonist that he is relying too much on the sword, and he next the hero is making some twisted belief that sacrifices are needed to fight for peace. Maybe that is the underlying plot featured here but it is so vaguely touch and if that is what the entire story is about, Flavio undergoing a confusion of what truly matters then it might just spoil it a bit, for those kinds of struggle are best watched than stated in a trailer. Then we have those other characters which just made it more chaotic. We have computer generated fairies, dragons, sea monsters, "aswangs", giant scorpions, sandhenchmen, and a witch who introduced herself as the queen of darkness but is obviously just a henchwoman. Seeing the last Ang Panday film, the trailer has once again made its same mistake as it had before. Throw in all the good CGI part in the trailer for they believe it is enough marketing for the film. In a way, it works especially when trailers for Ang Panday 2 have proliferated in various commercials in the Kapuso Network (it really helps that a television station is a producer of the film), but to those who have been disappointed by Imus Production created films know better than not to be fooled twice. The trailer is really aimed for the children. Cashing in on the sense that parents are forced by their children to watch Ang Panday 2 because of the shiny stuff rather than the actual story itself. I maybe wrong in pre-judging it but the trailer isn't just convincing me that it is any better from what it was before. A film that does not explore and give justice to the popular iconic comics character Panday, but rather rely on CGI to do the work for them. I remember seeing a classic Panday film starring the late Fernando Poe Jr. and it was something. Although it is unfair to compare the before and after as film audience might have a strong sense of nostalgia in the past, I believe that it is more important for studios to emulate the writing and progression of the story, than depending too much on CGI and a more Hollywood-ish effect. I will no longer touch touch the very obvious as everyone has already notice the "Clash of the Titans" and "Eragon" computer graphics that "inspired" the look of Ang Panday 2 characters. The argument that every movie takes the inspiration from another is valid, so I will end it with that.

The funny thing is that families will still flock the theaters to watch Ang Panday 2. I know I would which is a quite a surprise actually as how I negatively receive this trailer. I also believe in the "if you do not like it don't watch it" kind of thinking, that's what I did with the Twilight series... a boycott. But like I said I am still hopeful that this is just a case of ineffective film trailer creation that at its core there is something special in it. I am more critical of this trailer review than my Enteng ng Ina Mo one because the film wants to be taken seriously but fails. At least to critical and film veterans (let us not include the "high class taste" of the Cannes film fest cinephiles into the mix), the films falls short as the trailer is obviously aimed for children. So will I recommend you guys to see it? Well, yeah. But i wished that ang Panday 2 trailer made it abit easy for the Pinoy movie Blogger to recommend it without doing this massive trailer impressions. This seems already a movie review itself Hahahaha.

How about you guys, what do you think about Ang Panday 2 movie trailer? Do you agree or disagree with my impressions of it? Share your thoughts at the comments section below:

Enteng ng Ina Mo Trailer Impressions: This is it! The Ultimate Blockbuster Film of MMFF 2011

2011-12-02T14:30:00.001+08:00

Enteng ng Ina Mo is the second crossover Enteng Kabisote film and the eighth installment in the Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! film franchise. "Enteng ng Ina Mo" puts two blockbuster actors into one mega movie for the entire family this 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival. So what is there to say about this seemingly ultimate MMFF 2011 blockbuster film?

Enteng ng Ina Mo
Plot / Synopsis

Enteng Ng Ina Mo tackles the two completely different worlds of Enteng Kabisote (Vic Sotto) and of Ina Montecillo (Ai Ai delas Alas) as they cross-over to eachother's lives and face challenges beyond their expectations.

Watch the Enteng ng Ina Mo official movie trailer here

Enteng ng Ina Mo Trailer Impression
Enteng ng Ina Mo Trailer Review

We somehow had it coming when the Enteng Kabisote franchise started to feature a character outside of its universe with Agimat last 2010. This 2011, Star Cinema, M-Zet TV Productions, APT Entertainment Production and Octo Arts Films made it happen, another Enteng Kabisote movie crossover. Featuring the mega-movie that everyday ordinary Filipino masses have been praying for since the very beginning, a movie starring the Metro Manila Film Festival Blockbuster King Vic Sotto and Comedy Queen Ai Ai delas Alas.

Enteng ng Ina Mo has the best of both worlds, well the latest from those worlds. Don't expect Christine Hermosa (Enteng Kabisote) or Heart Evangelista (Tanging Ina Mo) in this film. The characters featured in this film are taken from the both of the film franchise's last films, but it doesn't take anything away from it. As long as you have Vic Sotto, Jose Manalo, Ai Ai delas Alas and Eugene Domingo then you are usually guaranteed with laugh out loud moments; and effective writing I just hope that the MMFF 2011 crossover title will have decent writing in it. We are not really watching it for the special effects, but for the humor. I hope they flesh out a little more of Enkantasya on this one. The trailer made me smile a bit, so that should count for something. Knowing the humor of Tanging Ina; and the usually slapstick and "sexual innuendo-filled" comedy of Enteng Kabisote (and this is supposed to be a family film), we can expect a perfect blend of comedy (or an awful horrendous mix) this Metro Manila Film Festival. One thing is certain though, that Enteng ng Ina Mo will definitely be another blockbuster success (in terms of sales).

How about you guys? What do you think of this Metro manila Film Festival movie tie-in featuring two of Philippine cinemas blockbuster actors? Share your thoughts at the comments section below

The Road (2011) Movie Review

2011-11-30T22:35:00.001+08:00

The Road is a 2011 Filipino psychological thriller with minor elements of supernatural horror produced by GMA Films under the creative control of internationally acclaimed film director Yam Laranas. Does GMA Film's The Road meet the hype and the positive reviews it got from international critics? Check out the spoiler-free Pinoy Movie Blogger's review on The Road.

The Road
Synopsis

The Road is about a 12 year-old cold case which is reopened when three teenagers are missing in an abandoned road. In the course of the investigation, deeper and gruesome stories of abduction and murders are discovered. After more than two decades, the secrets and mysteries of the road are finally revealed and the ghost lingering the dark and desolate pathway is out to make sure nobody leaves alive.

The Road Movie Review
The Road (2011) Film Review

Thanks to The Road's intriguing movie trailer which was shown on the Kapuso TV Station, it somehow made an impression that it is a really good horror film. Being a fan of horror movies and quality films in general, yours truly (the Pinoy Movie Blogger) did not miss out the opportunity to watch it on its first day that it hit the theaters (a while ago). As a horror cinephile, my mind and expectation was generally set high as soon as GMA Films logo faded.

Right off the bat, there is no denying that Yam Laranas' The Road has really excellent cinematography. The abysmal darkness of the road at night is balanced (if not contradicted) by the wonderful variety of shots of it during the daylight. As for the musical scoring, it is generally done well with some really complaints. One in particular is a scene where you obviously know that there is no hint of anything scary that is about to happen but the film still tried to pull it off just to try it and just because the production team can. As a veteran horror film enthusiast this somehow disappoints. As for the acting, I can say that it is generally alright. The Road is not a drama film so some lame acting on some selected parts are forgivable. Now let us now move to where the Road may possibly shine, the story.

The Road features three different segments which unfolds the mystery behind a seemingly haunted and abandoned road; and a reopened case that paved the way to answer questions from past to present. It is refreshing to see a Filipino film somehow uses creative retelling of stories through flashbacks, but I believe that there is no need to feature the word "PART" in different time interval. A mere date and changing of cinematography would do, but that is just a very small observation I had as the film flowed nicely. Since the film is currently on continuous viewing, trust me when I saw that it is best viewed from beginning to end. Entering the theater halfway or a quarter way to the film will generally ruin the film as most fun of the film is figuring out who did what and who appear when. I hinted before that it just had minor elements of horror because generally the movie could do without the spooky parts. Maybe because I was already prepared for to be scared (my defenses are up) or because I am a horror film fan, I somehow failed to appreciate the few scares that the movie tried to pull off. This might only be me as most of the movie audience had different reactions which was screaming and jumping out of their seats. I later found out that it was not really a horror film but a psychological thriller and that is when I started to appreciate The Road. There is still an element of horror to it as if you would try to makes sense of all the scares that the woods/the road showed its unfortunate passersby.

The Verdict for The Road (2011) Film

GMA Films and Yam Laranas' The Road (2011) is a psychological thriller film, and not the usual horror film that the Philippine film industry has fed us throughout the years. Thus, it is advisable to leave your defenses down as soon as the film starts rolling. You will appreciate the scares better in The Road this way. The Road is far from perfect. It not really revolutionary overall or something that would put title in pedestal when it comes to horror and psychological film genres. What can be said about The Road is that it is a well-crafted film with a decent story line and execution. The Pinoy Movie Blogger recommends The Road to be best seen in theaters and a definite own when it is out on home video version. Pinoy Movie Blogger gives The Road (2011) an eight out of 10 (8/10) film review rating.

Pinoy Movie Blogger Changes

2011-11-29T16:40:00.001+08:00

A big change has come to Pinoy Movie Blogger. The infotainment blog will not just feature movie reviews from both local and international films, but will also feature trailer impressions of upcoming films hitting the local theaters. Every once in a while PMB shall feature informative and entertaining articles and opinions about anything under the Philippine film industry. Change is inevitable and this time it is for the better. Join us once again as we feature week after week of great content featuring the Philippine movie industry.

The lovely Gwen Zamora as Fae in Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote. Why she's here? Well, I wanted to feature a magical transformation for this blog and this is the best pic I can get. Although I would prefer a Giselle Toengi, Charito Solis or Alice Dixon doing the finger hand gesture when doing magic.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011) Movie Review

2011-07-14T13:14:00.001+08:00

After a decade and seven films under its wing, the Harry Potter film franchise comes to a conclusion with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Just what does the Pinoy Movie Blogger think of this last Harry Potter film? Check out my spoiler-free review for HP7: Part 2 here.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Movie Review

Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews

What hasn't been said about the Harry Potter series? You either love it or hate it. But one thing that the movie going audience would probably agree on is that this is the best commercial theater adaptation of the similarly phenomenal novel by J.K. Rowling. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 or simply HP7: Part 2 is the second part and the conclusion to the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows film adaptation.

What can't be said about the film? They really gave it all on this last film. From set designs, special effects, to sound, almost all the production concepts are top notch. The people working on and behind the film had been doing this for ten years, so the acting is really excellent and the actors delivered what is expected of them. The story explains everything what there is to explain. You might eventually sympathize with a character who you previously hated, or lose admiration to another one whom you adored so much in the past films. In terms of action, it also delivers. The siege in Hogwarts felt like the siege in Lord of the Rings the Two Towers. When you compare a Harry Potter film to a Lord of the Rings films, it only means they made something really great in order to pull it off.

Some really minor complain I had is the lack of gimmicks in the credits of the film. This is the last film anyway so it wouldn't hurt that much to at least put some creative and fan service to movie goers. They could have at least put up collages of past and present production photos, set designs, or some artwork of Hogwarts or the character themselves. Well that is just some minor gripe, but I know that would be addressed in its DVD or Bluray release. I raised my eyebrow a bit after seeing the last few scenes of the film, I don't know if it is just me but tell me what you think about it after you've seen it.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 7 is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Pinoy Movie Blogger easily recommends you to go see HP7: Pat 2 in the theaters nationwide this July 14, 2011.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) Movie Review

2011-06-01T00:00:00.001+08:00

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a a 2010 comedy film based on the graphic novel series entitled "Scott Pilgrim" by Bryan Lee O'Malley. The film is about Scott Pilgrim (played by Michael Cera), a young musician with a simple life and a dream of greatness (reaching a rock band status for his music band) when everything turns upside down as he fell in love and started dating Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). He later found out that he definitely MUST defeat Ramona's "seven evil exes", who are coming to kill him.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Movie Review

Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews

Scott Pilgim vs. the World has some very flashy special effects and a humor that compliments it. It features various video game and other popular geek culture references which is its greatest strength and probably its weakest. Greatest strength in a sense that most video game enthusiast and most male movie going audience will get the various winks and nods to their favorite and sometimes popular video game franchise, or alienate the movie going public whose not into video games and geek culture, thus the film at its weakest. Don't be discourage to try this on home video as it is still a fun movie.

To whether you have seen the movie or not. We recommend you to try Scott Pilgrim vs. the World in DVD as it is packed with additional content like alternate footage, six featurettes, production blogs, Scott Pilgrim vs. the Animation, trailers and TV spots, and storyboard picture-in-picture.

Unknown (2011) Movie Review

2011-02-18T13:54:00.003+08:00

Unknown is a 2011 action thriller film which stars Liam Neeson as Dr. Martin Harris who wakes up in a car accident in Berlin only to discover his wife not recognizing him and another man has taken his identity. What do I think about the film? read out this spoiler-free Pinoy Movie Review of Unknown.

Unknown Movie Review
Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews

Giving anything that is related to the mystery behind the Dr. Harris (Neeson) memory loss and his stolen identity is going to do you injustice and will gravely spoil you. I can suggest to avoid seeing additional trailers for Unknown to keep you guessing. All I can say is that Unknown does not innovate much on the genre it falls under but thanks to Liam Neeson's phenomenal acting, the film became one of the most easily recommendable action movies that movie goers must see during this first quarter of the year. Unknown has an excellent musical score that accompanies every scene which brings out every chase and action scene.

I did't know what to expect from the film and thank the movie gods for that as my interest sucked me from the very beginning of the film. I was continually guessing what could be the mystery behind of his identity which was gradually satisfied and resolved at the latter half of the film. This made me want to watch Neeson's last film "Taken" which I failed to see last year.
After seeing the film, you might also say that it haven't deviated from the genre it is under but with an excellent musical scoring, over the top chase scenes and action sequences, and seemingly flawless performance from the Neeson, Unknown is a good action film.

"Unknown" 2011 Film Trailer

Dr. Martin Harris (Liam Neeson) awakens after a car accident in Berlin to discover that his wife (January Jones) suddenly doesn't recognize him and another man (Aidan Quinn) has assumed his identity. Ignored by disbelieving authorities and hunted by mysterious assassins, he finds himself alone, tired, and on the run. Aided by an unlikely ally (Diane Kruger), Martin plunges headlong into a deadly mystery that will force him to question his sanity, his identity, and just how far he is willing to go to uncover the truth.

Unknown was originally entitled "Unknown White Male" a film based on a novel by Didier van Cauwelaert entitled "Out of My Head". Unknown is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Pinoy Movie Blogger recommends you to go see Unknown in the theaters nationwide this February 18, 2011.

The Rite (2011) Movie Review

2011-01-29T08:32:00.002+08:00

The Rite is a 2011 supernatural thriller film adaptation of Matt Baglio's The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist which is said to be based on true events. Does The Rite have The Rite to be in the league that of The Exorcist and other decent horror titles? Find out in this Pinoy Movie Blogger's review of The Rite.

The Rite Movie Review
Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews

I was a bit let down after seeing the film as I had this first impression that it was actually a back to form scary horror film which The Rite isn't. The Rite is just a supernatural film that tries to ground the overly exaggerated (by Hollywood) art of cleansing the spirit from demonic influence through exorcism.

You won't find spinning heads and vomit-puking exorcee on this film, The Rite is not your over the top 1973 classic horror The Exorcist. Though demons can probably push the limits of the human body to do so, The Rite doesn't milk that exaggerated way of exorcism that The Exorcist did... not until the finale though. There are some scenes that throws some cheap scares to startle, if not shock the audience. The Rite may have gotten away with some cheap scares, but the film delivers short in horror in my honest opinion. I am a movie horror fan and I prefer a slow creeping horror which can take you by surprise and that is a what constitute a perfect horror film which The Rite hasn't completely deliver.

Right off the bat, I knew what was going to be the climax of the film but the transition to that finale is what I am curious to see and I can say that The Rite delivered. The film started by stating that it is based on true events, this is probably why I didn't expect much extensive character development from the film. The film tried though, as it focuses more the story of Michael Kovak, it is a bit hard to route for the main protagonist especially with his bland performance of the confused and skeptic seminary student. Then of course there is Anthony Hopkin's who was pretty impressive with his role as Father Lucas, the mentor. The Rite has a pretty impressive musical scoring which I think stood out. Sound always play a big role in delivering a chilling horrific feel to any horror film, which the film done quite right. The cinematography and visual effects for the demonic possession was pretty impressive as well, not over the top... just realistically good, if those are the right words to use.

A movie goer should have an open mind about this film, as non-Catholic movie audience may find The Rite too preachy and biased over the Catholic religion. Although the Catholic church is not the only religious body which can do exorcism, it sure has established itself as one. The Rite usually tends to favor Catholicism which shouldn't be a surprise.

PMB Recommendation
The Verdict

The Rite is a decent supernatural thriller film which may throws some few scares, but it is one of those movies that saves the best for last. If you are looking for a somewhat close to reality exorcism film, this is probably the closest Hollywood might have gotten. Don't let the bland performance by the main character, a predictable storyline, and the theocratic nature of the film deter you from seeing the film... on the smaller screen. A decent film which okay to see on the big screen but it is better to wait for The Rite to come out on home video format, then watch it.

Pinoy Movie Blogger gives The Rite a two point five out of five frogs.

Shake, Rattle & Roll XII (2010) Movie Review

2011-01-09T21:01:00.001+08:00

Shake, Rattle & Roll is probably one of the longest running horror film franchise in Philippine cinema. Now on it's twelfth film Shake, Rattle & Roll features three new tales of horror with "Mamanyika", "Isla", and "Punerarya". Does the Shake, Rattle & Roll film franchise end with this twelfth film or is it just a start of better things, check out this Pinoy Movie Blogger Review on Shake, Rattle & Roll XII.

Shake, Rattle & Roll XII Official Full Trailer
Movie Related Videos

Shake, Rattle & Roll XII Synopsis
Film Premise

Mamanyika

A young girl found a dirty doll half-buried in a freshly made grave when she and her elder sister went to the cemetery to visit their deceased mother. She brought the doll home with her. The girl's elder sister became wary of the doll when strange things began to occur, and wanted to get rid of it. But the little girl didn't want to be separated with her newfound "Mama Doll." And when death began to surround them, the elder sister then realized that the "Mama Doll" was possessed, and it had an axe to grind on anyone who wished to separate it from its "daughter."

Isla

A group of three female tourists came to an isolated island for a vacation secluded from the outside. No Internet, no cellphone service, no way out but through boat. Unknown to them, the island itself was the home to an "Engkanto" who commanded evil fairies called "Lambana." To make matters worse, the engkanto had set its eyes on one of the girls. And there was nothing that could stop it from getting what it wanted.

Punerarya

Becoming a tutor to two children living right next to a funeral parlor can be a little disturbing at first, but the tutor believed she'd get used to it. But that belief had shattered when she unraveled the secrets concerning the children and the eerie inhabitants of the "punerarya." Curiosity killed the cat, but unfortunately satisfaction might not bring it back. The inhabitants of the place are revealed to be cadaver-eating ghouls, with the "punerarya" used as a front of their devious acts. Can she escape the strange inhabitants before she gets eaten too?

Shake, Rattle and Roll 12 Movie Review
Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews

Since Shake, Rattle & Roll XII comprises of three tales of horror, three different directors and cast, Pinoy Movie Blogger will review each individual story.

Shake, Rattle & Roll XII Mamanyika Review

Mamanyika has decent performance from its main cast with some minor complaints on the delivery of the minor characters and voice cast. The first of three films is generally just an appetizer of better things to come so it is quite decent. Thank goodness that they didn't rely too much on CGI to pull off scary scenes on this first story. I wished they'd used a bigger doll or graphically altered the child playing the killer doll for the sake of consistency, but that is just a minor complain.

Pinoy Movie Blogger gives Shake, Rattle & Roll XII's Mamanyika a three out of five scary doll head rating.

Shake, Rattle & Roll XII Isla Review

Isla, the second of the three has a unique look and feel to it. Isla has generally decent special effects and cast cosmetic make-up, with only one major drawback, the CGI vine. Nice acting from all the cast with some comic relief courtesy of John Lapuz. The ending made sense and connects everything from what the story throws from the start.

Pinoy Movie Blogger giving Shake, Rattle & Roll XII's Isla a three out of five cornucopias.

Shake, Rattle & Roll XII Punerarya Review

Punerarya, the last but definitely not the least has the best plot and acting amongst the three stories. This is an instant favorite as it uses less CGI effects (my preference) and relies solely on the creep factor and its shock value. Though the ending is nothing new, how it unfolded to that haunting finish is remarkably well done. This is why Pinoy Movie Blogger giving Shake, Rattle & Roll XII's Punerarya a four out of five scary black dogs.

PMB Recommendations for Shake, Rattle & Roll XII
The Verdict

Shake, Rattle & Roll XII returns to its original form with its nice roster of three stories this twelfth install of the popular Regal Films horror franchise. If ever they would create another Shake, Rattle and Roll film, which is really likely to happen (milking the established name) they should at least create something that would be in the league of XII's to the last story and use less CGI effects. If it can't be avoided, at least minimize the use of CGI effects as it can usually ruin a horror film, unless production studios learn to properly utilize the technology to create realistic effects. With three different stories, you would be getting your money's worth in watching this film. A definite must see.

Based from the three story reviews, Pinoy Movie Blogger gives "Shake, Rattle & Roll XII" a three and a half out of a perfect five drop of blood rating.

Gulliver's Travels (2010) Movie Review

2011-01-06T02:30:00.008+08:00

Gulliver's Travels is a comedy adventure film loosely based on a 18th-century fantasy novel of the same name. Though I have vivid recollections of what the original story is like, all I can say is that this new spin-off of the classic Gulliver's Travels is an entertaining voyage amidst a seemingly deadly rapids of critics negative reception of the film. Here is what Pinoy Movie Blogger thinks of Gulliver's Travels.

Gulliver's Travels Movie Review
Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews

The film does not claim that it is a movie that directly adapts the Jonathan Swift's classic Gulliver's Travels, so expect the unexpected as this modern adaptation deviates from its origin and transforms into something bite size comedic film that you either hate or love. Throw Jack Black into the picture and what you will be getting is just that. Though it would be very informative and entertaining to watch a film adaptation that is very close to its classic novel roots, you won't have that opportunity in this movie. A more family friendly comedy adventure featuring Jack Black's brand of humor as you've always seen him in films like in 2003's School of Rock and the 2009 video game Brutal Legends.

Though I may favor the films humor most of the times which can range from okay to outrageous, it can't hide the fact that there are missed opportunities for the film to effectively use the original novel's chapter to further develop its characters and progress its story. One good example is the scene in the Island of the Giants (Brobdingnag) which is shrunk down to mere scenes of awkwardness with a few chuckles on the side but no further exploration whatsoever. The scenes in Brobdingnag can just take place anywhere and the effect would still be the same. Lemuel Gulliver's character development may feel a bit rush but how long should the transition from being a self-serving loser and lier into a noble hero take anyways? I just wished it was given more emphasis together in Brobdingnag.

Gulliver's Travels' visual graphics are okay. With some nice looking CGI effects (e.g. robot controlled by the main antagonist) with some minor flaws in chroma keying, but doesn't take away too much. The film is also nice to watch in 3-D though I don't the same entertainment value in watching it in ordinary theaters. The film has nice sound and musical scoring which features some retro and rock music.

PMB Recommendation
The Verdict

Not being overly exposed to too much on brand of American comedy has its perks, because I can't help but laugh out loud Gulliver's Travels humor and awkwardness; that or maybe I just like Jack Black's brand of humor. If you are looking for a funny film this weekend and like a Jack Black film, you might want to try Gulliver's Travel's with friends or together with the entire family. There is also a bonus Ice Age short which you will surely love, "Scrat's Continental Crack-up".

This is why Pinoy Movie Blogger gives Gulliver's Travels a three out of five video game guitars.

Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote (2010) Movie Review

2011-01-04T06:44:00.007+08:00

Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote, features two box office kings (Vic Sotto and Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr.) is one of the biggest Metro Manila Film Festival movie tie-up for the year which transcended to a box office success. Does "Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote" blockbuster success means that it is a similarly good film? That and many more is what you can find out in the Pinoy Movie Blogger Review on Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote.

Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote Official Full Trailer
Movie Related Videos

Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote Synopsis
Film Premise

After chasing a monster from his realm, Agimat (Bong Revilla) ends up in Engkantasya where he encounters Enteng Kabisote. They later teamed up to chase the same monster which escaped to the human world (Enteng Kabisote's world) to avoid the chaos that the monster might cause to the humans. Enteng Kabisote series' main villain Satanna has once again resurfaced to revive another diabolic villain from the world of Agimat. The two villains then abducted the loved ones of Agimat and Enteng to make them fight each other.

Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote Movie Review
Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews

Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote is generally an Enteng Kabisote film with a special participation of Agimat, or more likely Bong Revilla in a Vic Sotto film. Okay Ka, Fairy Ko (both the television and film series) and Enteng Kabisote (film franchise) have created and established a colorful and magical world of fairies, magic, family life and epic adventures which is a perfect set up to put similar character like Agimat. I have seen past Imus Production Films which usually features Bong Revilla as its main protagonist. It can easily be noticed that most of the Imus Productions entries wanted to attract most of the Filipino movie going audience but usually fails unlike its fellow MMFF competitor, the Enteng Kabisote film series. Thanks to longer airtime in Eat Bulaga, the film is properly marketed which would later reflect in ticket sales. So it is only natural that the team up of the two past Metro Manila Film Festival box office kings would yield favorable results. Besides this analysis what else can "Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote" has to offer?

In pursuit of a monster, Agimat crossed dimensions which transported him to Engkantasya where Enteng also ended up to search for his wife. The rest unfolded itself in a mediocre fashion but tries to project an epic adventure feel to the entire film. Not to be mistaken for an Enteng Kabisote movie all throughout, some scenes deviate from the comedic nature of the Enteng Kabisote universe which was achieved by focusing more on Agimat’s more dramatic and action-pack heavier nature. This uneven separation and focus of the two separate characters sometimes feel forced which might hurt the overall feel to the film.

The humor is a mixture of slapstick and situational comedy. Some of its humor also makes reference to segments and personalities of Eat Bulaga (the longest running noontime show in the Philippines) which may not usually appeal to some selected movie goers. There are also scenes having sexual innuendos; blood, gore and violence which goes against the target audience it generally wants to cater, the entire family.

The CGI and special effects range from okay to horrendous which one can easily notice on film trailer alone. That particular scene is Agimat dodging a CGI double edged axe thrown at him. Some visual effects set pieces looks okay but other pieces really look artificial and out of place. The graphics is not the main focus of the film and luckily it didn't for it would ruin the entire film. With big production studios backing up the biggest Metro Manila Film Festival team up pf the year, one would have thought that the film would have at least tried to invest more on a better and more realistic visual effects, but sadly "Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote" didn't which is such a waste of opportunity. Another headache inducing effects is the constant slowdown and speed ups effects on all action sequences which gets tiring and irritating early in the movie and drags it along until the end.

I have seen all of the Enteng Kabisote film series, thus I should gave it a more favorable review (for a possibility of being labeled as an avid fan or sort), but as they say with age comes wisdom and Enteng Kabisote could no longer hide its mediocre nature. Even if it adds up another character or an entire film franchise under its title, there will come a time that it gets really tiring and that time is now. An Enteng Kabisote film is no longer enough to satisfy more critical Filipino film fans looking for quality and content. Enteng Kabisote is a film franchise that has been milked so many times that there is nothing new that it can offer. Rather than exploring the rich magical world of Engkantasya which has repetitively teased the moviegoers on glimpse of its entirety on past Okay Ka Fairy Ko and Enteng Kabisote series, the film simply focuses more on just the same repetitive villains and set pieces. But if you are looking for a more relax film with general appeal and familiarity with the characters (actors) and a film that doesn't take itself too seriously, then Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote will do just fine but PMB barely recommends it.

PMB Recommendations for Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote
The Verdict

Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote is your average Vic Sotto film with Bong Revilla as an added character. I really want to give this a favorable review but the film just won't allow me. The film is not really that bad and you might get a laugh or two from a trusted and proven formulaic humor, a sometimes forced moral values but this can’t hide a weak plot, poor character development, a frustrating CGI and visual effects, and various plot holes.

If you prefer quality over just big names and collaborations, then you are better off looking for other MMFF entries and believe me when I say there are far superior MMFF entries than this. Though it generally appeals to the Filipino movie going audience by mixing recognized box office MMFF names, Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote falls short and fails to deliver a more engaging storyline, character development and an epic adventure. It maybe a box office success in terms of ticket sales but don't expect something phenomenal on this film. Rather than milking a Filipino pop culture television and movie series (the Okay Ka Fairy Ko and the Enteng Kabisote film series), the production should take this challenge to create a more engaging story, better visual and special effects, in-depth character developmen without loosing the appeal it has established.

This is why The Pinoy Movie Blogger gives "Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote" a similarly frustrated rating of one and a half out of a perfect five "Agimat" medallion. A first low rating in Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews.

RPG: Metanoia (2010) Movie Review

2010-12-30T01:10:00.013+08:00

Another first in Philippines film history, RPG: Metanoia is the first full length Philippine animated film presented in 3D. With more than two years in the making, a Grade A from Cinema Evaluation Board, a first animated film presented in 3-D, does RPG Metanoia live up to its hype or is it or not? Find out more about on this spoiler-free RPG: Metanoia Pinoy Movie Blogger Review.

RPG: Metanoia Movie Review
Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews

RPG: Metanoia starts slow and when I say slow, I mean the very beginning of the film featured constant dropping of frame rate which is by the way in "3-D". Though it can affect the viewing experience, it doesn't take too much away from the overall experience. It is still watchable, if not enjoyable. I maybe nitpicking a bit because of the countless excellent Hollywood 3-D films I have seen in the past, but knowing that this is a first in Philippine cinema then I guess it will do. But this should definitely be not an issue next time film studios and distributors! I still managed to oversee such lack of polish and look for other waiting treasures from this seemingly long delayed (to be made) discovered treasure chest.

RPG: Metanoia has good musical scoring and this has been recognized by the Metro Manila Film Festival as it won the Best Sound Recording in the highly acclaimed awards night. Some voice acting may feel a bit unnatural like that of Vhong Navarro's real world character, if only he has maintained that consistency both offline and on. Most of the voice acting grows up on you especially those of Zaijan Jaranilla, Mika Dela Cruz, Aaron Junatas, Basty Alcances, Aga Muhlach, and Eugene Domingo.

The first Filipino animated film presented in 3-D starts out slow. So slow that it seems like there is no exciting plot to follow and just a bunch of kids with wild imaginations. Luckily I was wrong as the film introduces an odd plot which affect not just the characters and their online roleplaying games, but the whole world in general. Pretty clever if I may add, but also very good. Nice character development with some cheesy and over the top dialogue. I just can't seem to relate with kids saying "Astig" everytime they can. The film is very Filipino as you will be in a treat seeing classic Filipino past time games in RPG: Metanoia.

I can't help but to review the RPG: Metanoia as a gamer. There are things that I like and don't like about the animated film. Being an avid RPG or MMORPG fan, there seems to have some headache inducing concepts going around the Metanoia universe like why does a player have a need to save his file in an Online Role-Playing Game? It is already online so it means that every transaction and quest a gamer do should automatically be saved. I think MMORPG gamers would also noticed this mistake in concepts. What I do like about the the role-playing game world of Metanoia on the other hand is the new concepts that has slowly been integrated to various mmorpgs nowadays, highly customizable characters. So customizable that the in-game characters looks exactly like their real world counterparts, or it is just the film playing tricks on us as the world of Metanoia is seen in the eyes of these "Astigin" group of kids... and adults.

I was able to watch most of the scenes without the 3-D glasses. I even favor watching it without them if not for some scenes which really demands the 3-D peripherals. One would often get a clue when to wear the 3-D glasses and that is everytime the animation frame rate drops. RPG: Metanoia is not really 3-D, but rather a pseudo-3D a.k.a. 2.5D. It may still be the first full length CGI Filipino film but not a full length 3-D one. One can really noticed that it is really a first of its kind here in the Philippines because of the constant frame rate drop everytime the animation goes into 3-D.

RPG: Metanoia Official Full Trailer
Movie Related Videos

Nico's (Zaijan Jaranilla) hundrum daily existence simply cannot compete with the fantasy life he leads in the world's most popular MMORPG—METANOIA, as the swashbuckling vagabond Zero, together with his friends: the spiritist Mang Ernie (Jairus Aquino), renegade chi-master K'mao, apprentice weapon-smith Sumpak (Aaron Junatas), folk hero Ahdonis (Basty Alcances) and the beast master Cassandra (Mika Dela Cruz), they explore Metanoia's vast virtual landscape in search of untold on-line fortune and glory!

When a malevolent force surfaces and threatens to consume everything they hold dear, the fate of two worlds fall upon the shoulder of one very unlikely champion. One who must first find way to burst out of his shell and discover the true hero within-before it's too late.

PMB Recommendations for RPG: Metanoia
The Verdict

RPG: Metanoia is a nice and decent animated film for the whole family. Though it lacks the necessary polish, it doesn't greatly deter its shortcomings from the overall viewing experience. An animated film which brings you back to the age of innocence. For a game about online video game, it can be the most anti-video game film one can ever watch. Tow hy was I able to come up with such statements? Well you just have to find it out for yourself by watching the 36th Metro Manila Film Festival entry RPG: Metanoia.

Pinoy Movie Blogger gives RPG: Metanoia (2010) Movie a two point five out of five yoyos:

Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews for the 36th Metro Manila Film Festival for 2010

2010-12-29T23:08:00.003+08:00

Pinoy Movie Blogger is authored by a film enthusiast and proud Filipino, thus it is only natural for this blog dedicated on giving its readers honest film reviews to feature local Filipino movies. The best way to start this review is by reviewing all of the entries in the 36th Metro Manila Film Festival for 2010.

So if you still haven't seen the 2010 MMFF entries then let Pinoy Movie Blogger do the watching and reviewing for you. Don't worry Pinoy Movie Blogger is Spoiler-Free and will only say if the film is a "must-see" or a "definite-pass".

Here are the the 36th Metro Manila Film Festival Entries for 2010 Reviewed by the Pinoy Movie Blogger
Italicized 2010 MMFF entries means that the review is pending

Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na 'To!)
Dalaw
Father Jejemon
Rosario
RPG: Metanoia
Shake, Rattle & Roll XII
Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote
Super Inday and the Golden Bibe

Tron: Legacy (2010) Movie Review

2010-12-17T02:48:00.000+08:00

1982's Walt Disney Film entitled Tron marked the first time that movies and video games converge into one amazing movie experience. If one is to look back or watch the original 1982 Tron movie then he might find the graphics and presentation primitve but during the 80's it was phenomenal. Who would have thought that Hollywood would once again pick up another classic which seems to be a complete movie in itself and create a direct sequel to it? Tron: Legacy is that latest sequel and here is Pinoy Movie Blogger's Review on Tron: Legacy.

Check out Tron: Legacy's movie posters, trailers, synopsis, and links at A Classic Makes a Comeback with Tron Legacy

Tron: Legacy Movie Review
Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews

Tron: Legacy starts off with a brief message that some of the parts of the film are in 2-D but the audience are advice to wear the 3-D glasses through the entire film. The film then start off with a very impressive opening light cycle to real world sequence which shows us Kevin Flynn played by Jeff Bridges while he tells his son about his adventures with Tron from the first film. His character then disappears until some years and Sam has grown up into a happy go lucky successor of ENCOM International, the company his father drove to success. After sabotaging ENCOM's latest software endeavor he was later visited by the executive consultant for ENCOM International, close friend of Kevin Flynn, and a father image to Sam, Alan Bradley. Alan (Bruce Boxleitner who played Tron in the first film) then tells Sam that he receive a mysterious page from Sam's father which Sam later checks out. Ultimately, Sam entered the grid and this is where he realized that all his father's stories where true, the Grid is real. He is immediately thrown into a gladiator type of entertainment simply called the "games" where he meets Clu 2, which he mistakes for as his father but then later revealed as the one pulling the strings in the seemingly twisted digital world of the grid. He is later saved by Quorra played by Olivia Wilde and was later reunited with his father. Then the story began to further unfold into a climatic ending which is for you to find out. Pinoy Movie Blogger is a spoiler-free movie review blog, if you can remember.

Tron Legacy has great musical scoring thanks to Daft Punk and some very interesting nostalgic 80's music. The main villain in the film, Clu 2 is also played by the Jeff Bridges except younger. Clu 2 is the exact duplicate of the 1982 Kevin Flynn, which is either a hit or a miss. Knowing this, I think we are mentally conditioned to look for flaws on the 3-D rendering of a young Jeff Bridges which I eventually did. The model sometimes feel plastic and facial expressions stiff, but it doesn't take too much away from the film. Tron: Legacy has a good amount of hight intensity action scenes. Not to mention various Grid vehicle transformation sequences are just simple awesome, jaw-dropping, and what pop culture refer to as it can induce "nerdgasm". The writing is nice which may provide some chuckles as Kevin flynn occassionally use classic 80's remarks and expressions along the way.

PMB Recommendation
The Verdict

Tron: Legacy is an exciting, eye candy, engaging, entertaining, action pack film with a decent storyline. You don't have to see the original 1982 to get the gist of the film but it is highly advisable to see it, just have an open mind if you are to see such classics. I believe it is unanimous amongst everyone who watched this film that Tron: Legacy is a nice Hollywood 3-D film. Though some parts are in 2-D, most of it is in awesome 3-D, so if you can, I recommend you to go see it on various IMAX Theaters nationwide: SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Cebu.

Pinoy Movie Blogger gives Tron: Legacy (2010) Movie a four out of five Tron Identity Disk:

Toy Story 3 (2010) Movie Review

2010-06-17T04:55:00.000+08:00

If there is one movie that set the standards for 3D animation it is definitely Toy Story. After two successful film, the toys are back with the Toy Story 3. Believe me when I say that it IS the best commercial film of the year. Well, that is one big conclusion for an introduction, here is why.

Check out the Toy story 3 trailer and movie posters at Complete Set of The New Toys from Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3 Movie Review
Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews

The Philippines is one of the first countries to screen Toy Story 3. The animated film premiered at SM North Edsa's IMAX Theatre on June 16, 2010 (Wednesday) in full 3D and yours truly was there to watch, appreciate and review Toy Story 3, the latest installment of the popular Pixar classic.

Toy Story has already made two successful movies back on 1995 with Toy Story, and on 1999 with Toy Story 2. The biggest challenge of any movie sequel or follow ups is topping up what its first (few) movie franchises has achieved, whether it is a successful plot, characters, production, feel, etc. Many movies has fallen victim to the curse of bad sequels but Toy Story 3 didn't. With over ten years of span, it has already created a cult following of movie goers and home theater viewers. Thus the movie would have definitely have millions of once kids and movie goers of the first two films looking forwatd to seeing the film, and as one of them let me say that Toy Story 3 is the Bomb!

Toy Story 3 trailer

Toy Story 3 reacquaints us with the beloved characters of the first two movies with Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Hamm, Rex, Mr. & Mrs. Potatohead, Slinky Dog, and the Squeeze Toy Aliens. It's been over ten years, and what I like about the concept of the movie is that the toys owner, Andy has also grown up and you know what that means for old toys. This is basic plot which is no spoiler at all is that Andy is going to college and the toys wound up at a Day Care Center which holds many dreaded secrets, one of them is Ken. Alright, that was my cheap way of pulling a joke, but the trailer when Barbie and Ken met in the first time is "epic". What secrets does Sunnyside Day Care Center have that made the plan a great escape, you should eventually find it out pretty soon, as in 2 days soon from the date of this review.

Great musical scoring with a very nostalgic retro music feel playing in some scenes blended with a seemingly perfect voice casts, I have no complaints against the music of Toy Story 3. In terms of visual presentation, what can I say or even comment? Only two words... it's Pixar (well that's three words if you count 'is'). Pixar won't be cheating on you on this one as you will need your 3D glass the whole time that the film is rolling. Toy Story 3 is best experienced in true HD full 3D.

Toy Story 3 has an excellent writers behind it and with perfect execution of the voice actors, direction, and the awesomeness of the production of Pixar the film turned into a cinematic masterpiece. With all of the main characters as toys, there are countless of ideas that the writers can explore and utilize to incorporate in Toy Story 3, and guess what they did! This is one of the best hilarious animated film from Pixar. I am a witness to this as everyone laugh their hearts out almost all at once, from the young viewers to the not so old ones like us. A very rare feat especially as people these days tends to have loss humor on their lives. Besides the humor, great character build up, or just great everything, what really makes Toy Story a phenomenal success (from Toy Story 1-3) is it's heart. Toy Story 3 brings you back on a time when everything seems so simple, so innocent, so magical and creates these lovable and memorable characters that you will associate yourself with and with the closest people around you. Toy Story 3 brings out that mushy feeling in all of us which we have unknowingly hidden in the darkest depths of our minds and soul as we mature. Toy Story 3 is that good, believe me tears just gush out of my eyes on two or three times on the duration of the film. You'll know when you watch it.

I think Toy Story will have a very favorable good reviews and I am not saying this because it is what I have experienced. Me, with all of fellow Filipino movie goers says this is a great comeback for the toys. Even the popular movie review aggregate Rotten Tomatoes reports that 100% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 17 reviews. It is that well crafted people.

Toy Story 3 Interviews
Movie Related Videos

Toy Story 3 Featurette: Old Friends, New Places

PMB Recommendation
The Verdict

Well, from the start of this review you already know that I am all thumbs up with Toy Story 3. A unique movie experience that will bring out the inner child in you. You'll laugh, cry, sympathize, rejoice, and celebrate life with Toy Story. If you haven't seen the first tow, go see it to know the story about how these toys came to be the best of buddies as they are on the film. Watch it in full 3D and believe me it is worth every single penny.

Pinoy Movie Blogger gives Toy Story 3 (2010) Movie a first time perfect five out of five Woody's cowboy hats rating:

The Karate Kid (2010) Movie Review

2010-06-06T03:58:00.000+08:00

The Karate Kid is a remake of the 1986 movie of the same title. The only difference is that it isn't really Karate but Kung Fu. Want to learn more about the film and the trailer? Check out the movie trailer and some interesting screenshots here at The Karate Kid - East Meets West All Over Again

Karate Kid Movie Review
Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews

To start off, our country the Philippines is one of the few selected countries that have been chosen to first screen the 2010 Karate Kid movie. So yours truly will give you a sneak peak and recommendations for the movie so don't you not worry as like any reviews PMB has done in the past, this is a Karate Kid 2010 spoiler-free movie review.

The Karate Kid 2010 movie can be called one of those few good movie remakes that could be as blockbuster, if not beat its predecessor in terms of blockbuster sales. Though the issue of a remake actually beating the original film is highly debatable.

I do not know if it is just the audio set up of the cinema where we watched the Karate Kid premiere, or could it be on the actual film itself but the first few parts and some noticeable parts of the film has some really poor background music. I do hope that the experience we had here in the Philippine on the Karate Kid premiere was just a cinema audio problem and not the actual film itself, because if it is then it would definitely raise some eyebrows for having such poorly rendered or edited background music. With that issue being on question as of the moment, I will focus on some other aspects of the film.

One thing I also notice that there are some parts which also lacks the necessary subtitles which you will eventually find out when you watch the movie. It isn't really that big of a problem but if only they have completely subbed all the Chinese conversations then it would really complete the experience. I wished that they also subtitled Mr. Han (Jackie Chan)'s "special moment" on the film... Man! his English was so fast on that very dramatic moment, it seems like he is eating his (English) lines which became very hard to comprehend most of the word that he is saying to Dre (Jaden Smith). That is one particular scene which plays a key role on understanding one of the main character, but for me... sad to say it failed.

The Karate Kid remake doesn't really create a particular feeling of nostalgia in the film which is also a good thing, rather it creates an almost completely different film from it. If they only named it Kung Fu Kid and just included a small line "inspired by the Karate Kid", then it would not really be compared that much or rather not too many would notice (specially the younger audience) the similarities to the old movie which has a different martial art discipline theme included on the core of the movie.

As usual the action scenes were really good, as expected on a Karate Kid remake and Jackie Chan movie. I somehow feel that there is also a subliminal message that tends to promote the tourism of China, but its all fine to me. You will appreciate the scenic spots shown in the film as well, believe me... you will. Though the film has some very cheesy (probably cliche) moments near the final end of the film (ahem, "recovery"), which you will only know once you've seen it yourself, it doesn't really make the pull down the whole movie but rather it became the critical and decisive moment on the remake. Did I got you too pep up to see it for yourself or what?

The Karate Kid is a very heart warming and feel good family movie. Come on, who doesn't want to watch a good movie about a bullied kid who's seemingly weak at first but would later transformed into this strong-willed powerful "karate" kid. This has always been one of the many the elements of The Karate Kid movies which was also adapted by the its 2010 remake. Unlike other movie remakes, The Karate Kid did not fall on the movie remake pitfall (or curse) of copying in every noticeable bits and pieces of the originals. Rather than being an homage or a tribute it turns out to be a lack of creativity and does not really give justice or rebirth of the title... other remakes just recently did. It took good elements of the classic film franchise and took a different yet interesting route from there to create a good entertaining remake for the family.

The Karate Kid Cast Interviews
Movie Related Videos

Jackie Chan Interview: The Karate Kid

Jaden Smith Interview: The Karate Kid

PMB Recommendation
The Verdict

The Karate Kid 2010 movie tells about life, hope, and achieving greater heights once we put our minds and body to it. A remake which is not really a remake, rather is loosely based or inspired by the classic coming of age-drama film of the same title which stars Pat Morita as the ever dependent mentor. With an additional mix of humor, The Karate Kid is definitely a complete package for the while family which includes elements of action, comedy, drama, self-discovery, friendship, and many more. The Karate Kid is best viewed on the big screen together with your family, I watched mine together with my (action movie fan) father and he is all praise for it.

Pinoy Movie Blogger gives The Karate Kid (2010) Movie a three out of five jackets:

A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) Movie Review

2010-05-12T08:15:00.000+08:00

Nightmare on elm Street is a reboot of the classic slasher horror movie franchise slash cult classic brilliantly titled as Nightmare on Elm Street focuses on the villainous exploits of a deranged and murderous nightmare demon Freddy Krueger. After seven movie franchises (1984-1994) ending with an iconic crossover between Krueger and Jason on Freddy vs Jason back on 2004, the movie has been rebooted for the new generation of movie goers on May 2010 with Nightmare on Elm Street. Here is the Pinoy Movie Blogger Review on Nightmare on Elm Street.

Watch the trailer and synopsis of the 2010 A Nightmare on Elm Street Reboot here:

Nightmare All Over Again - A Nightmare on Elm Street Reboot Trailer

The Losers Movie Review
Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews

A Nightmare on Elm Street is a 2010 reboot of the classic slasher-horror pop culture movie genre of the same title which then stars Robert Englund who gave life to the horror icon Freddy Krueger. The 2010 reboot features Jackie Earle Haley (Rorschach of Watchmen) as the new Freddy Krueger. Yours truly is a big horror fan and have followed the series long ago, so does the new Nightmare delivered?

Even with its shortcomings and comparison to the original film, A Nightmare on Elm Street is a good remake of the slasher-horror cult classic. Reboots has always this tendencies of garnering comparisons from its predecessors and A Nightmare on Elm Street isn't excluded on that note.

If there is one loud-mouthed and cheeky serial killing demon, it is definitely Krueger. Haley's performance could be classified under a bad Christian Bale Batman (Batman Begins and The Dark Knight) voice acting and a refreshing take on the infamous nightmare demon. Prior to the screening, I saw some interviews of Haley saying that he may not live up to the Robert Englund's version of Freddie, but would want to create his own version of Krueger. Well, I think he did made his own version of Freddie, but probably to many fans of the A Nightmare in Elm Street franchise his performance could garner a mediocre to good review.

One particularly scene may disappoint a movie goer, this is the somewhat unpolished 3D effect regarding Freddie's facial silhouette and his unlikely victim on the bed (as much as possible no spoilers here). That particular scene is luckily be the first CGI failure in the movie and it generally doesn't affect the overall impressions of the remake.

The new and realistic look of Freddie Krueger's burned face is more terrifying to look at than the Robert Englund's version. How do I put this, Robert Englund's original Freddie Krueger's skin is a more flexible (showing a lot of expressions especially when he laughs) and mischievous
unlike the 2010 version which tends to be more stiff as what it should really be when one's face is technically burned to an unimaginable degree.

A Nightmare on Elm Street reintroduces the Nightmare on Elm Street universe to the new generation of movie goers. The movie is packed with out of the blue thrills and shocks but being a veteran on this type of genre I usually can predict when will the surprise be at next. Like the 2010 reboot of Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street is a refreshing homage to the original with similar elements and shock value from the original franchise for the new generation of slasher-horror movie enthusiasts.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) Featurette

PMB Recommendation
The Verdict

A good nostalgic movie to A Nightmare on Elm Street fans but generally is a reintroduction to the new generation of movie goers. If you like change and a new take on the beloved or hated pop culture icon of Freddie Krueger then A Nightmare on Elm Street is a movie for you. A slasher-horror genre best viewed on the Big Screen.

Pinoy Movie Blogger give the A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) Movie a three out of five Freddie Krueger bladed glove:

The Losers (2010) Movie Review

2010-04-23T02:26:00.000+08:00

The Losers is a 2010 movie based on a Vertigo comic series of the same title about a team of elite government unit sent on a special mission to Bolivia and later double crossed by some diabolical mastermind, only known as Max was later double crossed. The plot is a very common action movie cliche where the main protagonists gets back at the people who do them wrong which either ends up in a happy or tragic conclusion. So what does The Losers have that other action movies don't? Read the rest of the review to find out, don't worry Pinoy Movie Blogger is spoiler free.

Before you read the rest of the review you can check out The Losers trailer, synopsis and movie posters here:

The Losers - Revenge Has Always Been Sweet Specially if It's Against the CIA

The Losers Movie Review
Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews

The Losers 2010 movie is is based on a Vertigo comic book series, The Losers. Highly acclaimed Vertigo (DC Comics), known for its mature, controversial, violent, and graphic published stories, expect these said elements and so much more on The Losers.

One of the best factor that made The Losers a winner is the perfectly blended of action, comedy, and a very few yet warm family moments. With six main protagonists, one would probably ask if is there would be enough movie time to give justice to each of the characters in the film. Well, the answer is an astounding Yes! The Losers presented the main characters to its audience as these already established team of elite government soldiers, with no much drama on telling how and why did they become what they are. This made the movie give more time to breathe life to each of the comics adapted characters, show their relationship, camaraderie, and respect towards each other.

The Losers shot in many locations around the world and presented it in a very unique comic-ish style. Chris Evans performance in this movie is good, from being a cool human torch into this witty and very skillful tech extraordinaire, Jake Jensen. You will also find Max, the villain in this film pretty entertaining as a villain, a brand of acting which reminded me of Heath Ledger as the Joker in The Dark Knight.

The Losers could be considered a successful action comedy film of 2010. There are a lot of scenes where you will just crack up laughing at the circumstantial humor and jokes that the movie throws at you. I won't tell you what these scenes are to preserve the value of humor until you see it yourself. With almost all the recent and upcoming movies jumping on the 3D bandwagon, The Losers sticked to the original and proven classic big screen presentation. Though it would be better to see those cool explosions, and slow motion gun fights in 3D. Well maybe in a sequel, perhaps? (whoopsie!)

PMB Recommendation
The Verdict

The Losers is an entertaining action film which I recommended for everyone to see on the big screen. You will find yourself laughing, scratching your head, laughing again, moving on the edge of your seat with its brand of action, laughing again, feeling nostalgia, and making you realize that at the end of the day, your family is still the best place to go home into.

Pinoy Movie Blogger give the The Losers (2010) Movie a Four out of Five Dog Bobbleheads:

Clash of the Titans (2010) Movie Review

2010-04-04T00:40:00.000+08:00

Clash of the Titan is another movie adaptation based from the classic Greek mythology of Perseus. There are a couple of differences regarding its original mythology (books) and the 1981 Clash of the Titans, so Pinoy Movie Blogger will approach this in a completely fresh perspective to cater to the modern Filipino viewers.

Clash of the Titans (2010) Movie Synopsis, Poster and Trailer

Clash of the Titan Movie Review
Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews

Clash of the Titans is a 2010 retelling of the Greek mythology hero Perseus and when I say retelling then do not expect it to be as loyal as the 1981 stop motion movie version (if you have watched the movie back in the days). Overall, the movie was completely rendered in 3D as I once in a while remove my 3D glasses to take a peek. The emerging and the rampage of the glorious beast, the Kraken was probably one of the best 3D moments of the film. Well, the acting was just okay but definitely needed a bit more umph to it.

Another one of those epic adventure movie about one man against the Gods. A quest of godly proportions. Well, it can not (or can it?) be blamed on the writers since the movie was loosely based from the popular Perseus Greek mythology itself so expect a some very traditional lines like (if you'll excuse me) "Let's get that bitch!"... whut the? Yup, you got that right "bitch" and "hell" have been used in this movie of epic and ancient Greece setting which made me scratch my head. Besides these two inappropriate words incorporated in the movie, I have also noticed a lack of smooth transition from some scenes.

Seeing it in 3D, I think it delivered some nice 3D moments but there are somethings missing. When the "Woah" factor from the audience came from a pre-movie trailer about owls rather than the actual movie itself (or maybe my fellow movie audience were just too silent about expressing their awe regarding the movie), then you can't help but think that the effectiveness of the movie falls short in some strange ways. The probable reason behind this might be because of the 3D rendering of the movie in just a short span of time, and for what? Just because 3D is the latest "hype".

PMB Recommendation
The Verdict

Clash of the Titans is one of those movies that is better seen on the big screen (or better yet in full 3D or Digital cinema). The movie is definitely not a reboot of the 1981 Clash of the Titans, but a new one which was inspired of that and the book. Through flashy graphics, beautiful women, and a classic storyline the movie has overshadowed its shortcomings to some extent.

Pinoy Movie Blogger give the clash of the Titans (2010) Movie a three out of five Medusa heads:

Alice in Wonderland (2010) Movie Review

2010-03-04T17:05:00.000+08:00

Alice? The Alice! The Alice is back this time in a whole new adventure in Underland... I mean Wonderland. This is the very first Movie Review of Pinoy Movie Blogger and join me peek into the looking glass down the rabbit hole in Walt Disney Pictures' Alice in Wonderland (2010) movie.

A Sneak Peek
Synopsis

Thirteen years after the young Alice Kingsleigh's adventure in Wonderland, she has completely forgotten about her adventure in the enchanted world of Wonderland until one fateful day she is summoned by the "people" of Wonderland.

Alice is a free-spirited girl living in a sophisticated Victorian era setting. Eversince her childhood days she kept in dreaming about a world that could only exist on dreams, and this is probably why she lacks concentration and can easily be distracted by such the littlest of things that comes to her mind.

Alice was invited to a special event which was set up by her mother and sister for her to wed a "not so" sophisticated Lord. Alice has no intention of marrying but came to a conflict that she couldn't disobey the wishes of her family. Eventually she was accidentally helped by an unbelievable circumstances as she followed a strange rabbit on a waist coat.

What happens next is a series of events that lead her back to the place that she formerly called Wonderland. There Alice meet her old friends which she could no longer recognize, and to her surprise she is the prophesied Champion who will rid of Underland of the tyrant reign of the White Queen with her infamous and most feared underling.

How will Underland be saved if the prophesied Champion is not what she seem like? Catch how she transformed to become the one key that unlocked the chains of despair that haunts the whole Kingdom of Wonderland with Tim Burton's continuation of the world that Lewis Carroll craftily created, Alice in Wonderland.

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland Review
Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews

The world down the rabbit hole of Alice in Wonderland is truly visually stunning, especially if you'll see it in 3D. Even for a world destroyed and terrorized by the of The Red Queen's tyranny and her "Jabberwock", Wonderland is still presented as both creative and dreamy, and at the same time seemingly realistic world that only Lewis Carroll has imagined it to be.

Some of the character's of the beloved Lewis Carroll novel "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass" makes a comeback and has been given much more exposure and emphasis on the film rather than just Alice's adventures. Almost all the beloved characters from the novel comes back to add color to the dark world that Wonderland came to be. Johnny Depp's portrayal of the Mad Hatter seemingly gave more of the human aspect (saner side) to the almost loony character from Carroll's novel. You will see what I am talking about and what role did The Mad Hatter portray in Burton's Alice.

There are a few barely noticeable bad cuts on the film which would make you wonder what could be that omitted scene? Also it is not really just for the kids as but the movie also appeals to the general public movie goer.

PMB Recommendation
The Verdict

A movie blended with good humor, great visual presentation and superb acting, Alice in Wonderland is commendable for the young ones, young at hearts and people who haven't even read previous Alice in Wonderland or Through the Looking Glass literary pieces or seen classic movies.

If you are an enthusiastic and movie junkee like I am and you haven't even read the previous books or just barely knew the story then be prepare because after watching this film your curiosity will be hungry with anything and everything that concerns Alice in Wonderland. Where did the queen of hearts go? Is the Red Queen the Queen of Hearts? Walt Disney's 2010 Alice in wonderland movie will make you go back to the down the rabbit hole to the classic wonderland and through the looking glass just to know who the characters are.

Alice in Wonderland's movie soundtrack is entitled Almost Alice, and let me derived my conclusion from the soundtrack and my general review on the movie. It is almost an excellent movie but there are some questions that you'll eventually ask yourself or someone who knows the previous novels and that doesn't really mean that the movie delivered all that it has to see. You may blame me for not researching or failing to see the previous versions but it should have at least clarified some parts of the scene, but don't get me wrong about this. It is still a great 3D movie and with all of the positive remarks I noticed on it...

I gave Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland an almost perfect Four out of Five Mad Hatter Hats.

I am a Filipino, I am A Movie Goer, and I am a Blogger

2009-02-03T15:20:00.001+08:00

Greetings from the Pinoy Movie Blogger!

This movie blog is dedicated to classic and new movies which I have took interest at. I will be featuring some reviews, summaries, biographies and some commentaries on the movies which I will be featuring on this blog.

I am a proud citizen of the Philippines. a Filipino or "Pinoy" at hear who loves watching movies either on the big screen or through home movie rentals. The Pinoy Movie Goer is a blog dedicated to one of my (and countless of people whose...) favorite past time, watching movies.

So let me tear off your ticket and you may now enter the world of a Pinoy Movie Blogger