'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' - Puss in Boots Faces Final Life in Dreamwork's Newest Mashup of Fairy Tales

Felines as we know them are supposed to have nine lives and the Shrek universe as we know it is a twisted and sometimes dangerous fairy tale land, and as a cat who's a self-proclaimed legend, who's as adventurous as other princes and super heroes, and who has a severe case of hero complex, it is imperative that Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) has reached his final existence. Now with only one life left, he embarks on a journey into the Black Forest to find the mythical Wishing Star and restore his multiple lives. This time with new fairy tale characters including Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek Pinault), the friendly little dog that no one cares about Perrito (Harvey Guillen), Goldi (Florence Pugh) and her three bears (Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone, and Smason Kayo), Jack Horner (John Mulaney), and Wolf (Wagner Moura). All serve as either instrumental or a hindrance to PiB's adventure

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

The first half of this sequel reminds us of Puss in Boots as a character--a hero to some, an outlaw to others--and most definitely a devil-may-care feline who feels he can conquer anyone, until Wolf who appears like 'Death' of the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse put him into the reality of his existence. This drives him to be more careful, even hiding among a house full of cats, while he seeks to restore his mojo through the legendary wishing star. But alas, danger always seem to follow his trail especially when Goldi and her three bears and Jack Horner are also hunting for the same treasure.

It's in the second half, which is the search through the Black Forest, that made this film interesting in its themes, characters, story-arcs, and visuals. As PiB is accompanied by Kitty Softpaws and Perrito, his arrogance is put into perspective when as powerless and tiny as Perrito could find easier ways through the thorny dark forest where the wishing star lies. On the other hand, grumpy Goldi along with the family of bears reflect on their family-hood while big and greedy Jack Horner seeks redemption from those who made him feel worthless during his younger years as a performer.

The Black Forest as a setting makes for a visual feast especially that it changes into colorful, dark, folklorey, dangerous, and easy depending on whoever has it in hand. It even captures an animated colorful and transparent forest wall of Alex Garland's Annihilation.

The voice acting is also commendable with Olivia Colman's British accent voicing Mama Bear as my personal favorite. She's able to consistently blend both the fun and emotional bits of her character while staying true to her schtick and sound. Antonio Banders and Salma Hayek Pinault's voice also meshes really well. Doesn't hurt that they both play alpha characters in the forefront.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, overall, is a surprise. As a sequel, it has a completely different story to tell that doesn't only elevate the characters, it also has something to say about family, friendship, and one's legacy. While the first half feels like a narrative summary, the second half completely feels like a full throttle in adventure, visuals, and jokes with the last act appropriately including an epic duel that showcases 'Puss' as a tough as nails character.

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A DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures feature, 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' opens in PH cinemas, December 7.

'Violent Night' - Gory Night, All is Fun, All is Wild

Often times, Christmas movies especially in the country are always associated with a heavy family drama with a big confrontation as its climax. Then there are few horror movies, thanks to MMFF. This film festival that literally opens during Christmas day knows that horror is a fun and perfect genre that bonds cousins and siblings together in a jampacked theater. Then there are way more unconventional holiday movies that pop out from time to time--the Krampuses, the Office Christmas Parties, the Die Hards, and now Violent Night, the newest and craziest semi-origin film about the real Santa Claus we've never seen before. Played by David Harbour, Santa is now jaded, old, cranky, but he still has reindeers, he still has gifts to give, and he still has a list of people who are naughty and nice.

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

The film is set during Christmas eve when Santa is supposed to go house-to-house to give the nice kids their awaited gifts. His silent night turned unexpectedly violent when he enters the mansion of the corrupt, filthy rich Lightstone family who's being hostaged by criminals searching for their stolen millions of dollars.

Given the title, it's truly entertainingly violent. Not only in its action, but even in its script. The Lightstone family's matriarch played by Beverly D'Angelo has a lot of savage things to say about her family, and her children who now have families of their own also have their personal banter for each other. Their crisis is even more magnified when their lives are threatened by these robbers, apathetic, pointing at anyone to be killed first.

Yet, ironically, it still captures the Christmas spirit. As Santa enters the scenario to the family's rescue, they realize each other's importance. Thanks to the youngest and only nice Lightstone Trudy, they were forced to believe in their family and even believe the magic of Santa. These scenes are supposed to be heartwarming but you're already busy laughing and being disgusted by its gore to be touched, which is a welcome reaction for anyone who likes to have silly fun at the movies.

As again, it's terrifically violent. It speeds up during its intense, bloody but fun action scenes and slows down when it shows Santa Claus' origin which is less about him being a saint and more of him being a hardcore Viking, which again shows why he could fight off criminals with such power and intensity. David Harbour's aesthetic and characterization as Santa could even qualify as Jeff Bridges' The Dude.

The best parts, however, are the evident homage to Die Hard and especially Home Alone. Think of Macaulay Culkin Kevin's fun and homemade booby traps but make it way more sadistic and brutal. Some A Quiet Place moment even comes to mind.

Violent Night overall may not be the perfect Christmas movie to watch with conservative relatives. But if your family likes to laugh and banter with (and at) each other, this is a foolproof popcorn flick. Doesn't hurt that the blood in this could even be thicker than your family blood ;).

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A Universal Pictures International feature, Violent Night is NOW SHOWING in PH Cinemas.

Rated R-16 by the local censors board. 

'Plan 75' - A Quiet Contemplation of Life and Death in Dystopian Japan

The film's premise is simple. It's an imagined time in Japan where the elderly aged 75 and above can choose the time of their own deaths. It's a government program where it's advertised as something positive and is akin to the country's culture of suicide--their way to get burden off of their families, or so they say. 

Plan 75 carefully dissects this culture by opening it with a brutal suicide, not of an elderly person, and then proceeding it with an introduction of the protagonist Micho who's at 78 struggles to find an apartment, a stable job, and love and care from loved ones. Life ain't easy for the other characters--a Pinay nurse (Stefanie Arianne) working in Japan who needs more income for her daughter's surgery living in the Philippines; and a Plan 75 employee who coincidentally received the processing inquiry of his old widowed uncle he hasn't seen for years.

Photo Credit: TBA Studios

The simple premise becomes complicated once it introduces the lives of these several strangers. The narratives seem disjointed at first until the film reveals that they're interconnected with each other one way or another because of the program. It's a long, quiet journey to get there and I am not quite sure it showed the importance of each characters to the story in the end.

Micho, played by the wonderfully subdued veteran Chieko Baisho, seems to get the complete focus and storyline treatment as a senior citizen brimming with life despite her misfortunes. Her character alone could achieve the film's message about life and death in Japan but the film is also busy showing different ironies for the Pinay OFW and a Plan 75 employee who tries to stop his uncle from availing the program. The result sometimes ends up being uneven especially for the Pinay character whose existence is only to make a point about another character’s life, and another country’s culture and government.

Still, there's a lot to admire in this quiet film. The film captures a consistent melancholic vibe which enhances its life-affirming ending, at least for some of the characters. It's also very clear about its stand about the program and there's a warm abundance of love about life even when its subject is also evidently depressing.

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PLAN 75 opens in Philippine cinemas nationwide on Dec. 7.

'Bones and All' - Luca Guadagnino's Bloody Refreshing Blend of Romance and Gore

Bones and All is one of those movies that has a certain cinematic magic or what I would call, cinemagic :3, for how it's able to blend poignant scenes of romance and disgustingly morbid gore and make both of those aspects work at the same time, while giving the whole vibe of the movie another certain flavor that makes it distinctive as a whole.

Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

There is no surprise there when you have a confident helmer in Luca Guadagnino, re-teaming with his muse Timothée Chalamet, adding yet another memorable character to his resume. Whether it's Guadagnino's skills or Chalamet's charisma or both, it doesn't matter as Bones and All has that cinemagic, soaring as one of the bests of the year so far.

In Bones and All, a young woman named Maren (Taylor Russell) is forced to live on her own until she finds sanctuary in a young man living what seems to be a nomad life, Lee (Timothée Chalamet). They join together for a roadtrip odyssey until young love dawns on them and the reality of their situation bites ruthlessly.

It's a unique movie that involves blood, coming-of-age, and love, only a few like Guadagnino can blend its otherness perfectly. Supporting actors and characters of Mark Rylance and Michael Stuhlbarg (reunion with Chalamet and Guadagnino) provide effective horror through their creepy performances. Stuhlbarg's resemblance with Joaquin Phoenix actually helps. While Taylor Russell and Chalamet's young romance accompanied with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' soundtrack score deliver the sensitivity and heart of the film. Put them together and it's a tender juicy fresh kind of movie we rarely see in each of its own genre.

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Bones and All opens in PH Cinemas, November 23.

MTRCB Rating: R-16

'Triangle of Sadness' - Ruben Östlund's Riotous Take on Differing Class and Power Play

Watching this with a crowd of Filipinos, no less than the scene stealing star of the film Dolly de Leon literally in the middle of the theater, is already a memorable cinematic experience by itself. So to witness this riotous ride of double Palme d'Or-winning auteur Ruben Östlund's take on classes and power is truly an overwhelming reward I can imagine for any Pinoy cinephiles. Not to mention, that it's  bring compared to Joey Gosiengfiao's iconic classic <i>Temptation Island</i> which is a reminder for me to finish it the next time I bump into a copy. Lastly, its third part which is set in an island gives off major Survivor vibes, not only in its setting, but most of all in its outwit, outplay, outlast theme of survival. Case in point, this is a movie for me even when I have some reservations with some of its aspects.

Photo Credit: TBA Studios

Triangle of Sadness is divided into three parts which could all stand on their own as short stories although these parts are related to one another and has connected themes about class and gender roles that Östlund tells in the least subtle ways. The first introduces two influencers who boost each other's IG followers, Carl (Harris Dickinson) and Yaya played by the late Charlbi Dean. It revolves around their character's lovers quarrel that's rooted from the bill of the fancy dinner Yaya suggested for both of them. A seeimingly tad shallow issue from the onset but the takes and insights by Östlund are bitingly valid as it went on.

The second part finds the two lovers in a yacht where other rich passengers aboard. Here Östlund continues his takes on gender roles and extends its satire on philosophies about class, power, and politics. This isn't new. Currently, there's even The White Lotus that tackles the same themes but Östlund takes it to the literal extreme involving numerous projectile vomits and overflowing of shit. Apart from the two drunken face-off of words heard throughout the ship from a filthy rich Russian and the yacht's American captain that admittedly could probably be cut in the film and it would still work.

Finally, in an ironic fate for some of the passengers, they find themselves in an island where they're stripped off of the luxury they're used to have with them 24/7. Although in a film like this, irony is part of what to be expected. And here's where our unsung Filipino actress Dolly de Leon start to shine where her character Abigail, a toilet manager OFW, starts to command the survivors and refuses to give up the power she's started to gain. Same can be said with the actress who's stolen the spotlight from any of them and never holds back even in the film's last few seconds.

These three parts are riotous and no one from the audience who will see it will come out of it unscathed of the shit, the vomit, and thankfully the laughter it's intended to grant. It's not all laughs though when some of its commentaries are truly dark and alarming. Story of our lives told in three wild parts.

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Triangle of Sadness opens on Nov. 30 in the Philippines nationwide.

'Black Adam' - DC and Dwayne Johnson Level Up Their Action and Comedy

DC has once again extended their universe and seems to be starting to finally reach the same level as Marvel during its glory days and whether that's good or bad, it's a matter of preference at this point. Sure this doesn't have the brooding atmosphere of Matt Reeves' The Batman nor it has the groundbreaking storyline of the women in and out of Wonder Woman, but this has the same ingredients the audience are going to look for when they watch a superhero movie. Black Adam has it all and with this, it seems like DC is proclaiming that it's their turn or at least they're giving their rivalry a higher competition.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Black Adam wastes no time in the action department, to a point where there's almost no breathing room in between each of the action sequences and if there's any, it either introduces a couple of new characters and superheroes--some are fleshed out, some exists for the needed humor they're usually criticized for, and all are generally likable. This movie also offers a new world with compelling history that elevates this movie even more, and it's great at world building. It's good to see a superhero movie move away from the usual city these movies are accustomed to be set. The middle-eastern inspired Khandaq is actually my favorite part of the film.

Then there's Dwayne Johnson, the go-to person of studios that want to make more money out of their ideas. Here, he's not afraid to be savagely brutal and murderous because the thing is people are going to like him whatever he does. That's probably problematic but it's just what it is. The character he's portraying, Black Adam, the antihero doesn't like to be noble. He only cares about his family and dark sense of justice he likes to wield onto the world. Good thing is there's Justice Society of America, a team of modern day heroes who neutralizes him whenever he wants to be vengeful. So there's him and there's them and the conflicts surrounding their background and goals make for a great popcorn superhero movie. It doesn't hurt that the cast consisting of Pierce Brosnan, Noah Centineo, Aldis Hodge to name a few are in it to have fun and give Johnson more of the spotlight.

Johnson is known for blockbusters and he doesn't veer away from that and instead, DC uses his appeal and what he's known for to make a superhero movie that will capture even more fans. They created a formula that's infused with different kinds of action sequences involving slow-mos, the desert, CGI, flying and all, a character-centric comedy that again is very reminiscent of the Marvel humor, and a cast that's going to make people root for, cry for, and laugh about throughout the film. It's going to bring back the superhero movies people loved during the 2010s and for that it's easy to declare that people are going to love it. Even when it's probably going to be criticized for the same old thing all over again. Case in point, it's entertaining point blank and sometimes that's the only thing that matters for moviegoers and superhero comic and movie fans.

'Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile' - Weirdly Charming--Singing Crocodile, Scraps-Eating Humans, Warts and All

It doesn't matter whether the title "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile" is giving you LSS of Don McLean's American Pie or that TikTok Pinoy novelty, Paro-Paro G (fly high, butterfly) going into the movie because you're going to have a different one when you come out of it. It's the newest musical movie with songs from the composer of The Greatest Showman. That's the only thing you must know to be convinced that this one has a great set of songs and numbers. Because the more you get to know its premise, the more you might find it weird and random. But that's not necessarily a bad thing when its oddliness would charm anyone with a heart. It's weirdly charming--singing reptiles, scraps-eating humans, warts and all.

Columbia Pictures

To make the premise of this singing crocodile film become less random, let it be known (especially if you don't) that this is based on a book series by Bernard Waber of the same title. It stars a larger than life showman Javier Bardem, a comeback star Constance Wu, and the voice of award-winning vocalist Shawn Mendes as the voice of Lyle, the singing crocodile.

Instantly, the film introduces Javier Bardem as a washed up magician searching for new tricks to include in his performances. He discovers a little singing Lyle and decided to take care of him so he could be his prop in his performances in return. He's a bit of a charlatan, a con man, but definitely not one dimensioned. After all this is a family film--so as much as his character uses Lyle for money, we get to see his nicer side. And whether his intentions are good or bad, we get to see Javier Bardem dancing and absolutely enjoying himself with his comical dance numbers to the tune of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul's earworms.

Not only Javier Bardem was put to the test, because the film also shows a happy and lively Constance Wu dancing and singing with a crocodile. Her character takes a while to warm up with the reptile, understandably so, but we also get to see her bond with Lyle and even eat scraps as one of their bondings. It's crazy, but again it's cute at the same time.

As most family movies are, it's expectedly heartwarming. So there's also that for families to enjoy when they watch this film together. It's honestly just a harmless, stress-free, feel good movie... that it got me to enjoy it even if there's a lot of it that are too random and strange. That's probably the film's number one appeal next to its music.

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Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is now showing in PH Cinemas.

MTRCB Rating: PG

'The Woman King' - Like a Live Action Disney Princess Movie, But Make it Regally Bloody

Big-budget blockbusters have become exhaustingly repetitive in the past few years so when something as epic like The Woman King, or Top Gun: Maverick, RRR, and even The Batman happen, it already feels easily like a theatrical experience gamechanger. Gina Prince-Bythewood's The Woman King, for one, feels like a live action Disney princess movie, but make it regally bloody. It’s a fierce coming-of-age tale as much as it is an epic display of heroism by none other than Viola Davis as General Nanisca, an aging warrior who has a vision to assist the kingdom of Dahomey from engaging in the slave trade. Here, she is ferocious (as usual) and restrained at the same time, and she's backed up by the next generation of powerful talent in Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, and a whole lot more.

Columbia Pictures

Starting with a prologue that's going to remind of any Star Wars film, it establishes the crisis yet remarkable story of the Agojie in the 1800s, a woman-centric unit of warriors who protect their King (John Boyega) and especially their African Kingdom of Dahomey with battle skills and savagery like no other. Just by this premise, it already feels fresh when most historical epics have men fighting against men for their male leaders. Here, apart from Viola Davis' Nanisca, she's also assisted by her two unique but equally lethal sidekicks--Izogie, an Agojie lieutenant; and Amenza, as her right hand in the army.

It is with Thuso Mbedu's Nawi, a young woman in a village outside the walls of the kingdom that makes The Woman King even more interesting. Her story as an orphaned girl who has had to learn and fight for survival that gives this movie its beating heart. After resisting all of her father's attempts to have her married for wealth, she is handed to Agojie where she makes an impression and possibly a familiar blood to the eyes of Nanisca. Here the film slightly becomes a bit similar to the like of Mulan or The Karate Kid.

But what those other films don't have is this cast of amazing performers where each character, lead or supporting, makes a case for the prize of best scene stealer. Everyone could hold a candle against Viola Davis even when Davis herself gives another commanding performance who knows when to be predominant and when to be subtle. Of course, the credit also belongs to the writers Dana Stevens and the actress and now also a writer Maria Bello who created these layered characters that has significance in each other's lives and the kingdom of Dahomey.

It sounds dramatic but the film boasts of several war battle scenes as well and while they might not be the most compelling we've seen, they're still decently bloody and brutal that made the audience squirm several times. Blood, tears, flesh, bruises, you name it, and all in an elegant African war style.

The Woman King, overall, is a standout among its contemporaries because it knows how to flesh out its characters and provide a good stake of risks for the leads apart from the usual war battles people already expected to come out of something like this. Something that's basic on paper but difficult to execute and this movie skillfully did.

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The Woman King opens in PH Cinemas today, October 5th.

MTRCB Rating: R-13

'Smile': A Harmless Gesture Turns Sinister

Parker Finn's feature film Smile, which is adapted from his 11-min short film, Laura Hasn't Slept, is the newest confident horror directorial debut that has the same formula as Asian horrors where there’s a sinister pattern in several mysterious deaths in which the main character is trying to solve... or avoid... or both.

Paramount Pictures

The main character is Dr. Rose Cotter, played with conviction by Sosie Bacon, a clinical psychiatrist who starts experiencing menacing occurrences after witnessing a traumatic incident with her patient. A patient who turned a harmless gesture of smiling into something sinister.

The plot is very similar to The Ring, or The Grudge, or any other horror movies wherein the lead tries to solve and survive a curse that plagues a series of mysterious deaths. This time, the ploy is neither watching a cursed videotape or seeing oneself in a bagua mirror. As you have guessed, it's when you see a person smile. And not your ordinary smile, a smile that's either going to creep you out or make you uncomfortable because of how unhinged it looks. It doesn't help when that smile is associated with several jumpscares that could give one nightmares.

More than that, Smile has an underlying message about how society treat people with mental illnesses. But sometimes that feels like a stretch when the curse itself is revealed to be an evil entity that goes beyond mental health. It does however exploit people with traumas so there's that.

Smile somewhat struggles to find the perfect balance of dramatic and frightening tone to reach its full potential in incorporating an entity that exploits people’s trauma. A terrifying popcorn horror nevertheless. It's scary, seldom funny, and a decent addition to horrors of the same kind.

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"Smile" opens in PH cinemas September 28.

MTRCB RATING: R-16

'Don't Worry Darling' - The Movie is an Intrigue in Itself

Not mentioning the drama surrounding the making and the press tour of Don't Worry Darling is hard but it is imperative to mention that the movie is a big intrigue in itself--whether it's the uber-perfect atmosphere of the Victory community, an experimental company town where husbands work for a top-secret Victory project led by Frank (Chris Pine), or Alice (Florence Pugh) and Jack's (Harry Styles) handful of steamy love scenes that recall Lady Gaga and Adam Driver in House of Gucci.

Warner Bros. Pictures

These however might be merely just an attractive façade. As when cracks start to happen in Alice's luxurious life as a housewife, she couldn't help but question her reality.

Don't Worry Darling's premise is probably something that many have seen before, and whatever one's thinking about it could be true, but Olivia Wilde knows how to make sinister and intriguing things look cool, flashy, and entertaining to watch. This director knows what she's doing and was able to create some of the coolest sequences I've seen this year. And even as a supporting character Bunny, she knows how to command a spotlight. Florence Pugh as the lead however is the true star and heart of the film. She's already a star as we know but she's able to shine brighter here as a mid-century woman who can also convey modernity at once. If there's a reason to watch this, it's to see the parallel of Pugh, Styles, and Wilde's character in and out of the movie. That is if you're also malicious and suspicious of everything behind the scenes like most people are. But the movie's cast is truly its strongest suit. 

Also worth mentioning is the evident craft. The costumes, the hair, the score, the choreographies, the production design are as perfect as the veneer the movie is trying to display. All are captured by Matthew Libatique's playful and always moving lenses and John Powell's score that will remind us of another Florence Pugh movie, Midsommar. It's breathy and heartracing reminiscent of the synchronized crying and breathing in the Ari Aster cult film.

Don't Worry Darling is better seen without any knowledge of what it's about so it's better to stop here. But again, whatever you're thinking might be correct. It's just a matter of enjoying the cast and its cool sequences.

'Bullet Train' - A Full Blast of Eye-Popping Action Comedy in a Train

Brad Pitt and co. is undoubtedly having a blast in this epic action comedy Bullet Train--literally and figuratively. And along with Everything Everywhere All at Once, 2022 is clearly having a barrage of memorable action comedies moviegoers are going to talk about in the coming years.

Columbia Pictures

Bullet Train stars Brad Pitt as Ladybug, an unlucky assassin who's just trying to do his job peacefully until fate, yet again, brings him with other manic characters in a bullet train, all with connected and clashing purposes. 

Often times funny, most of the time gory, and it feels like it simply exists to make people have a crazy good time in the cinema. Whether it succeeds or not, it really depends on the person's brand of humor. This is after all directed by David Leitch who helmed the second Deadpool.

The cast and their characters are ironically charming, though. Everyone's obviously insane to a degree, they're after all assassins. But their backstories and dynamic that anchor their lunacies are what makes them fun to root for. Most especially Ladybug who clearly just wants to do his job, finish it, and be a better person. Then there's this comical duo of Lemon and Tangerine played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Bryan Tyree Henry who both provide the silly quips and heavy banters we often see in these action comedies. All I could warn is their existence is a very specific type of acquired taste probably half of the people would laugh at them, and the other would roll their eyes.

It isn't only the combination of the cast, their characters, and the impressive web of stories that made this an overall crazy good time. Leitch's unique take on Japan as seen through the bullet train's windows, the eye-popping cuts and transitions, and the sleek, neon, and colorful interiors also adds to the grandeur of this film. That's why there's no hesitance to call this 'epic'. This clearly is intended to defy physics and logic, and sometimes there's nothing wrong with that.

'DC League of Super-Pets' - Wacky & Likable Super-Pets to the Rescue

DC League of Super-Pets is fun and wacky, complete with good superhero action, unexpected touching moments, and inspiring lessons for everyone. These superhero pets would easily grow on anyone superhero movie fans or not.

Warner Bros. Pictures

In DC League of Super-Pets, Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends reminiscent of Andy and Woody of Toy Story. Because of an accident, they share the same superpowers and eventually grew up as superheroes of the Metropolis. When Lex Luthor and his pint-sized guinea pig Lulu kidnapped the Justice League, Krypto along with his newly found rag-tag shelter pack—Ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle, and Chip the squirrel—gather together to save Superman and his team.

Consider this an origin story of these Super-Pets, ticking every checkboxes of origin film tropes. One might say that it's predictable and nothing new. Fair. But it's still funny, touching, action-packed and overall very entertaining. The voice actors consisting of Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Vanessa Bayer, and Natasha Lyonne to name a few are a huge reason why this is good. But it's the continuous mix of mindless and sassy jokes, and earnest character development of the script that makes this a worthy-of-your-precious-time movie.

What Toy Story did with toys, Super-Pets applied to furry cute pets. Pets that are designed not entirely outstanding, but their characters and their arcs make up for it. There's something about pets and their loyalty to humans that is incredibly endearing. It's one of the main themes of the film, apart from the superheroes and superpowers viewers are probably going to watch this out for.

Overall, this is a pleasant surprise for me. As someone who's probably getting tired of the never-ending superhero movies, I had a great time with the titular super-pets and their stories.

'Top Gun: Maverick' - Above and Beyond Its Legacy

A film with a mission to defeat forces of evil through bombs may be the last thing the world needs right now regardless of when it was intended to be released. Yet Top Gun: Maverick proved to be well-intended and good-hearted despite its political aspects.

                                            Paramount Pictures 

Tom Cruise returns as Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell on a mission to build his legacy though service to the country and to reconcile with the past he struggles to let go of, especially when he stumbles upon the son--now a Top Gun pilot--of his old wingman, Goose. This additional layer to what used to be more about being a cool pilot, flying cool planes, getting cool chicks, winging with cool bros, and achieving cool heights creates a more visceral viewing experience. But that's not to say that it doesn't have the abovementioned qualities that the original possesses. This sequel still has them, it just went way above and beyond. It's less concerned about being iconic and more interested on the emotional beats.

Let it be known that it also achieved greater heights when it comes to action that it's unimaginable to learn anyone who's seen it to be underwhelmed. Because the mission per se isn't a walk in the park, but the journey and conflicts to accomplishing it is way more complicated than anyone could imagine. And I suppose those are the reasons why the film is extra satisfying. Add the fact that it's super immersive and the exposition is clear enough for the viewers to be affected and involved.

Apart from it are the characters new and old. Maverick is still as dangerous and stubborn as ever but there's indeed maturity in him that could be a personification of Tom Cruise both as an actor and as a movie star. He's never washed out but it's quite justifiable that his stardom has lustered less over the years. Hence, there's a feeling of earnestness and groundedness even when he's up in the sky forcing himself to achieve beyond what's expected of him. Then there's Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Jennifer Connelly and the rest of the crew whose characters created a few more complications to Maverick's already complicated disposition.

Here's a flick that's going to make one forget about the uselessness of war and would appreciate more the values of camaraderie, holding on and letting go as cheesy as that may sound, and family and friendship. There's going to be a lot of hype and it will be able to hold if not exceed expectations.

'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore' Blends Political Espionage with the Wizarding World

This is easily my favorite Fantastic Beasts and one could say that doesn't say much because its first two are lackluster but this is a confident return to form by David Yates and the whole production. While it still has not reached the heights of the Harry Potter series and even if the titular secrets are not that intriguing nor surprising, overall The Secrets of Dumbledore blends a compelling political espionage with the ever adventurous and beguiling wizarding world. It has the right balance of layered stories from family affairs, legendary wizards and witches that are deep rooted from where everything is based on to new characters and beasts that are indeed fantastic.

© 2022 WBEI
Publishing Rights © J.K.R.
TM WBEI

J.K. Rowling's detailed writing is still apparent as this instalment has the vibe of what reading a novel feels like. This time, Newt Scamander and his friends are not solely on the forefront and Dumbledore and his not-entirely-shocking lover Grindelwald take the spotlight. The film revolves around their falling out which fascinatingly branches out to other storyarcs including Credence's family origins, new beasts that are pivotal to the film's climax, and Newt's mission to help defeat the rapidly growing evil force Grindelwald.

Also noteworthy is its parallels to the world's current climate where dangerous people are often triumphant during dangerous times. Yet even with this serious message, the film has returned to its adventurous side, something fans have missed after The Crimes of Grindelwald. The visual effects are wild and playful. The side missions are a combination of dangerous and fun. If only the cast of characters match the charisma of the main Harry Potter series.

Even then, what is most admirable about The Secrets of Dumbledore is it is not entirely a fan service in a sense that it could stand on its own even without nostalgia gimmicks most franchises overuse in their instalments nowadays. There are a lot of stories to hook about. There are a couple of characters and beasts to root for. And there is almost no need to rewatch the first two just to be engaged with this third instalment. 

'Sonic the Hedgehog 2': Review

This sequel would not surprise anyone who watched 2020's Sonic the Hedgehog as its end credit scene previewed that Dr. Robotnik's villainous ways ain't over yet. No one would also be surprised if there's a third instalment as anyone could pigeonhole this movie as one who's yet again join the numerous franchise the movie industry is known nowadays. There will be a third instalment and it's best to watch 'til the end.

Yet the journey to this movie's ending is fun. A barrage of jokes throughout even in its most climactic moments. Some worked, some didn't, but its weirdest moments that are not necessarily related with the hedgehog characters worked in odd ways. Natasha Rothwell for one is nowhere near any of the forefront characters but her character's wedding is a huge out of place moment that worked for me immensely. Her moments are probably my favorite in the movie which wouldn't be a shock since they obviously were added for the adults because this movie based from the Sega videogame is surely made for either kids or kid-at-heart folks who enjoyed Sonic when they were kids. Even then, this is a massive improvement from the first. The addition of Knucles and Tails made for a great adventure for Sonic. Their scenes together are way more entertaining compared to Sonic's scenes with the humans. So the next one would probably still be as fun because of this threesome.

'The Batman': Less Superpowers, More Heroism

Here's another Batman superhero movie that naturally aims to be another hit but does not walk the conventional route. Matt Reeves' The Batman is less interested in the ‘super’ and ‘cool’ and is more focused in ‘heroism and justice’ and an intriguing detective drama, yet not devoid of visual appeal and Batman tricks.

Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

It is also that Batman movie that finally is more about Batman himself and Gotham city, and less about its villains who usually steal the spotlight. That even if it has both The Penguin, The Riddler, and other corrupt Gotham civilians, it managed to put Batman in its heart. Even his sidekicks Alfred (Andy Serkis) and Lt. James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) have more airtime, especially the latter which fits the film's overall detective fun side. Catwoman's story arc also adds another layer to the film's overall drama without being out-of-place. Her relationship with Batman helps both Batman's investigation and Bruce Wayne's overall frame of mind.

Visually, this is also a standout from the usual slick Batman appearance. His batsuit doesn't look shiny or expensive. Instead it looks a little more metallic which again deviates from the typical costume we've seen before. Even the design of Gotham city looks grimy as hell and yet Greig Fraser's framing made it look arresting. The grainy appearance of the half-lit city from Batman's rooftop is just breathtaking. Michael Giacchino's score on the other hand is a little familiar compared to the rest of its technicalities. Its uncanniness with John Williams' The Imperial March is a little distracting.

In all of its positives, what's most respectable is it freed itself from the cheap and tired humor superhero movies tend to over infuse just to fit in a certain superhero movie trope. It is very serious. When it's not busy investigating Gotham's mysterious killings, most of the time it revolves around Gotham's politics and Bruce Wayne's trauma. Which perfectly fits Robert Pattinson’s appeal and performance. It's also about time a Batman movie puts its titular hero on the forefront instead of being outshined by its villains. It’s a Pattinson movie through and through and his turn is someone both fans, even his doubters, are probably going to appreciate. That's not to say the supporting characters are sidelined. Zoë Kravitz' face is perfect for Selina Kyle's seductive character and she brings depth and emotions apart from Catwoman's criminal ass-kicking skills. Jeffrey Wright and Andy Serkis as Batman's sidekicks are aces. While villains Paul Dano and Colin Farrell also delivered. Colin Farrell's airtime is just the right amount before he becomes overbearing.

Matt Reeves' The Batman is above serviceable overall. With its 3-hour running time, it rightfully accomplishes enough intrigue, drama, visual flair, action, and entertainment viewers may or may not be looking for. There is not much of a surprising factor but its above and beyond quality from its predecessors is enough to commend it.