Big Hero 6 MOVIE REVIEW

It was quite funny to hear the people at my cinema's reaction to the fact that Big Hero 6 is a Marvel franchise.. quite funny...

Right now is a good time for a comic book fan to be alive, with the upcoming film releases from both Marvel and DC, plus now we can get Marvel movies in the form of Disney animated films, oh yeah this is the good life. 

Big Hero 6 is the story of Hiro Hamada and his inflatable companion Baymax, who sets on an adventure that will bring the two of them and their "Nerd" friends to the path of becoming the superhero team of San Fransokyo.

The movie maybe titled Big Hero 6, but the very core of this film is Hiro and Baymax. Individually, they are likable characters, but together they're just so lovable you don't wanna let go of these two, especially Baymanx, everybody needs a hug from Baymax, The rest might fall on the background, but make no mistake they're still some really good side characters. 

The animation is easily beautiful. Especially San Fransokyo, I would move to that place if I can, and if that place existed. It's a combination of the best things from San Francisco and Tokyo, I'll leave the rest to your imagination. The amazing CG animation did help a lot to bring more flavors to an already roller coaster ride that is the big sequences, especially the action scenes. 

The movie seemed to borrow a lot of elements from previous blockbuster films, Familiar concepts, but new faces and believe me they still work. The action's fun and exciting and it plays the strings of your heart when it wants to.

Even if some concepts are familiar, even if didn't reach the epic-ness of previous Disney efforts, Big Hero 6 is still entertaining, amusing and one of the most beautiful animated films of 2014. It's a refreshing tale that has nothing to prove to the others, it is its own masterpiece. 

(+)

Entertaining from beginning to end 

Outstanding animation

The personal nurse (Baymax! duh!)

(-)

Borrowed elements, with refreshing takes

Score: A

Big Hero 6 now in theaters

SHOOT 'EM UP!! Promo Images for TERMINATOR: GENISYS

While the reason of the very existence of this film is still in question among fans, it's pretty obvious that remakes/reboots are the "in" thing in Hollywood these days, now Director Alan Taylor (Game Of Thrones, Thor: The Dark World) has given EW official stills to prove EVERYBODY that the Terminator franchise is no exception to the "in" thing. Alas..

EW's exclusive stills for Terminator: Genisys

The movie has some pretty interesting line-up of cast, both potentially good and potentially bad. But what made sit down on my thinking chair and decide to write a blog article about this movie is not because that I have moderate hype for this film. It's not also because I am interested to know if I'll ever love this movie like the first two, or at least like it. 

What made me want to write this article is because of these specific stills below..

I mean, seriously? I'm guessing this sounded good on papers, it's a pretty badass idea if you ask me. But I just can't point my finger to where did it went wrong?

(c) to the owner of this image. You are a genius.

Is it because they make this odd faces? Is it because they're firing their guns at the most absurd angles? Are they doing some blind shots? Even Emilia Clarke (Game Of Thrones) thinks it's ridiculous. 

But to end it all with a more positive note, here's our first look at AHNULD SHWAZSHENYEGAH as the T-800.

Here's hoping Terminator: Genisys would rejuvinate the positive spark of the franchise once lost. 

Terminator: Genisys will feature:
Director: Alan Taylor
Arnold Schwarzenegger as T-800
Emilia Clarke as Sarah Connor
Jai Courtney as Kyle Reese
Jason Clarke as John Connor
J.K. Simmons in an unspecified role
Matt Smith in an unspecified role
Aaron V. Williamson as T-800
Byung-hun Lee in an unspecified role
Sandrine Holt in an unspecified role
Courtney B. Vance as Myles Dyson
Dayo Okeniyi as Danny Dyson

Terminator: Genisys will hit theaters July 1, 2015

MARVEL STUDIOS' BIG ANNOUNCEMENT Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 3 Announcements THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS

So basically, Marvel Studios has invited a lot of press and fans alike to a mysterious event in Los Angeles that is probably still on going right now as I type this blog.

For those who haven't figured it out, I live in a different continent FAR AWAY from Los Angeles, so as all of these things unfold, I am at my bed quietly taking a power nap. 

But tonight I found a benefit for sleeping really early and then waking up early as well. A good friend of mine sent me a link to keep me updated on that specific event as I watch everything fall into their places, and what have I learned?

Marvel Studios is on a roll tonight!

A total of 9 movies consisting their Phase 3 act for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and I'm about to give my thoughts and opinions on this films one-by-one right now because I'm running out of ideas for intros.

First movie on the list is Captain America: Serpent Society...

nah, just kidding, Captain America: Civil War will see the return of Captain America: The Winter Soldier directors, brothers Anthony and Joe Russo (Arrested Development, Community, Captain America: The Winter Soldier DUH!), with actor Chris Evans returning as the Star-Spangled-Man-With-A-Plan and taking with him is MCU's resident armored avenger Robert Downey Jr. as.. you know.. Iron Man.

*insert duh! pic here*

Iron Man? on a Captain America movie!? Well to be honest, anything is better than an Iron Man 4 movie at this point. 

With very few heroes with secret identities in the MCU currently, it's interesting to see where will they take this specific story even as many of the comic's pivotal characters are not in Disney/Marvel's grasp, but only time will tell. Maybe some of this studios will change there, or won't.

and then an announcement was made for Doctor Strange, to be directed by Scott Derickson (Sinister, Deliver Us From Evil) starring every-fanboy-wishes-it-will-be-Benedict Cumbervatch-but-let's-be-honest-it's-still-not-confirmed and god knows who else. The film is to be released on November 4, 2016 and was suggested introducing us to the super natural side and parallel dimensions of the MCU. Not much has been announced for this one, will we see Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen? Who's going to be the villain? We'll wait and see. 

The following year will see Guardians of The Galaxy 2 or as some of friends call it the sequel to ther  ooga chaka ooga chaka movie. To be honest, this is the one I'm most confident seeing, probably because as how the first film suggested, it takes place galaxies away from where the heat is going on, so basically that alone gives this film more creative freedom than the others, but a certain Marvel movie might feature our beloved Guardians teaming up with Earth's Mightiest Heroes against a common threat, if you know what I'm talking about.

BTW, Guardians of The Galaxy 2 will see the return of director Jams Gunn and many of its cast, The film is to be released on May 5, 2017.

Taking Guardians of The Galaxy 2's original release date of June 28, 2017 is Thor: Ragnarok, starring Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston as Thor and Loki respectively. The movie is said to be "the end of all things", well atleast maybe for Thor and his godly friends (and family, maybe even his "girlfriend") and is said to pick up after Avengers: Age Ultron. I don't really have that much to say other than I hope this won't be as mediocre as Thor: The Dark World. Is director Alan Taylor returning though? They don't know so I don't know, but we'll see.

Finally, a Black Panther  movie to be released on November 3, 2017 (MCU's last film for 2017), starring Chadwick Boseman (42). Did anyone see this casting coming? If so, raise your hands, anyone? Exactly! To me this is a biggest surprise. I don't want to speculate too much on this one, I want my mind clear of speculations and expectations for this film, and just let this concept art here sink deep inside my brain as it should...

Let that sink in.

Moving on is Captain Marvel and The Inhumans to be released on July 6 and November 2 of 2018 respectively. 

You might be asking, why are did I put this two together? Well, these two happens to be fillers between Marvel's first two-parter film (or event). Captain Marvel maybe Marvel's answer to WB/DC's Wonder Woman and The Inhumans as replacement for X-Men which are on Fox? Maybe. No directors, writers and actors are announced as of the moment.

And then finally, the biggest event of Phase 3. An event so big they have to divide this film into 2 movies, Avengers: Infinity War..

Much like WB/DC's Justice League, Marvel Phase 3's biggest finisher is a two-parter. Other than the fact that this film will be based on Marvel Comics' The Infinity Saga, but knowing Marvel Studios I'm in for all changes and surprises. So like most of this films, I will clear my head for any speculation, but my expectations are off the roof, and I live in a very tall house. Part 1is to be released on May 4, 2018 and then Part 2 will be released on May 3, 2019. 

Now this is how you make an announcement!

So that's it, Marvel's 10 biggest upcoming movies. Are you guys excited to see all of them? Maybe just some of them? Are you happy we'll be getting 20 SUPERHERO FILMS IN TOTAL from Marvel Studios and WB/DC (excluding other franchises)?

Chef (2014) MOVIE REVIEW

I made a terrible mistake watching this movie with an empty stomach, true story. 

After directing big-budget movies for the past couple or so years, Directr Jon Favreau decided it's time to go back-to-basics and hence the idea of making a movie about cooking, titled "Chef". The movie follows professional chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau), who after an altercation that went public, decided to quit his job in Los Angeles and go back to his hometown in Miami to fix up a food truck. Thus embarks a journey of celebration of food that you could have easily seen in TLC, but the movie isn't really just about that.

As a kid who likes food, I've spent my sembreak watching TLC almost every chance I can get. Until my parent, my siblings and some of my friends started to tag along, we ended up being a bunch of people with an absurd interest with cooking and food. I remember watching this movie weeks ago and I was definitely blown by the experience, but the succeeding weeks was so hectic and heartbreaking I forgot to talk about this film . One night I was so burnout and hungry I wanted to eat and watch a movie, until I remember this particular film. The first time I saw this, I was devastatingly hungry, so what I did is I made a myself a bunch of sandwiches and watched this movie for the full experience. It was still as lovely as I remember it, a food porn movie.

The movie, to begin with, was well acted. The character Carl might seem like a Mary-Sue to director/actor Jon Favreau, as the character struggles on being connected to his broken family under a busy schedule, which is probably why we feel every aspect of Carl. He's also under illusion of freedom to do his thing, but realizes that as long as he's working for someone he's never going to get that freedom that he wants. So when he basically burst throughout his own barriers and have that freedom that he's so craving for, all you want to do is to cheer for him and buy food from his food truck. 

The movie is also a part-family road trip film, since he has his son Percy (Emjay Anthony) with him in his journey in the food truck. With the two, trying to strengthen their bond under the circumstances of being in a broken family, along with his ex-wife Inez (Sofia Vergara). Martin (John Leguizamo) was a surprisingly likable character, not gonna lie. 

The movie is simply a feel-good experience, when it starts to go down that path. There's so much stuff in this movie that just hits all the right moves, all the right ingedients and all the right flavors, I don't wanna talk about all of them. You'll have to see this film whenever you get the chance. 

I guess my only gripe would be the profanity. I know they were going on a realistic approach with this film, but the profanity was unnecessary for me.

If you want a real food adventure, go out there and find the best food that best suits your cravings, or you can watch this film before you go out or you can do both. Chef definitely tells you to do both. 

(+)

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD!

Simple, but dynamic story/script

Great cast

(-)

Vulgarity

Score: A

Chef is now available in DVD, Blu Ray and Digital HD.

You can order Chef and other movies online here at CD Universe.

Frank (2014) MOVIE REVIEW

Imagine Micheal Fassbender wearing the Frank paper-mache head, wearing Magneto's helmet.

Frank is a 2014 comedy-drama directed by Lenny Abrahamson. Starring Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Scoot McNairy and Michael Fassbender as the title character. 

The movie basically follows Domhnall's character, Jon, a hopeful musician, as he is burnout from his regular life and finds an opportunity to break free from his daily routine when he came across with this rather eccentric band led by Michael Fassbender's Frank. 

You know that feeling when you wake up in the morning and you have important things to do, but instead you found yourself looking through your window and outside you see a group of people just goofing around and you don't know why, but your curiosity might trigger your body to go outside and get to know these people more until you realize you started to play with them?

Jon is our window to over these people. He is always the one trying to get the answers we are looking for. Even with his talents he is so ordinary that our inner average selves relates to him. Until he finally goes outside and play with Frank and his band that we realize not only Jon is getting sucked into this madness, but so are we. Domhnall did a great job portraying our looking-glass character. Even the character Jon himself, he's a well written character.

Speaking of well written characters, there tons of them here, but Frank shines out of them the most. There's a lot of mystery about this guy, he's like a cartoon character, one who doesn't blend well with real people, but gives this film its primary flavors. Even Michael's performance as Frank wasn't too obvious, which adds up to the mystery backing his big paper-mache head. 

The movie is also hilarious. I don't say that a lot about movies, but when a movie makes something grim and depressing funny and you don't feel guilty about it, it definitely deserves the credit. 

The film's also something of a musical. The best way to describe the music is like listening to some very deep indie music. It's not made for everyone. It may not even sound music to some, but it is. It's not pop music, I'll tell you that much.

The film itself is an adventure/roadtrip/self discovery film. Watching it makes you think about how miserable your life can be and how you can just simply set yourself free from it. It also has interesting message about the art of music itself. Sometimes, taking away its uniqueness also means taking away its specialty and makes it plain, ordinary and boring, like how your everyday life is.

The thing is, the movie works so perfectly being bizarre. You take that away and this film is nothing special anymore. 

To be quite honest, watching this movie is a refreshing experience. Its got a lot of heart and spirit, but as how the movie suggest, taking something away from it would make it less unique. 

(+)

Uniqueness

Humor

Overall direction and screenplay

Soronprfbs

Frank

(-)

Not pop

Sudden ending

Score: A-

Pre-order Frank and other movies here at CD Universe

Sabotage LATE MOVIE REVIEW

Finally, he got tired of saying "get to the choppa!"

Sabotage is one of the most recent post-governor film of Arnold Schwarzenegger which also stars a ridiculous amount of star powered actors. Directed by David Ayer, the film centers around Arnold's character Breacher dealing with some sort of depression after facing some disadvantages of being an old DEA agent and other shenanigans as well.  

On the plus side, I can say that this is Arnold's best performance as of late. He really did justice to his rather dark character. I kind of feel sorry for the guy, most of his roles as of late had been kind of a joke aimed at himself, to the point where he felt like he had to make fun of himself while portraying those characters. At least here, he was given a more serious character and he did a good job portraying Breacher. 

But that isn't enough to cover up the 5#!+ that this movie is.

At least the story was thought through. Those two pages that tells the entire story with brief descriptions and only minimal dialogues, that's where they got it right. 

But there's this script with crappy, disgusting, unlikable characters. Some of them are even inconsistent and does things out of character. Granted a few of them were given each time to shine, but even the actors found it hard to shine through.

The movie also had this weird potential to be a good mystery thriller. There's this charade that's going on that even a summa cum laude would die to know the truth. Yet, all of this was mashed up with nonsense over nonsense. The movie terribly slowed down somewhere in the middle and when you get to the big revelation, you have already forgotten that there's this big mystery that you have to solve because your mind is crowded with other unrelated stuff from the movie.  

And what's up with the gore? I mean I can see they're going for realism. I have nothing against violence in films, you've seen me go fanboy on The Raid. As long as they are justified and makes a lot of sense. The violence in this movie is just simply unjustified, senseless and everything was only to throw it to your face. Are you still realistic even with a toned-down violence? Yes! This movie doesn't understand that. 

But overall, in spite of the negatives this movie had, I didn't hate it as much I should. It's just that I don't want to see it again.

With very few things to like about this film, Sabotage lingers on mindless story telling, unlikable characters and ludicrous violence way more than it should. 

(+)

Best Arnold lead since post-governor

"Okay" action set pieces

(-)

Terrible (looking) characters

Senseless violence

Too much junk covering the good stuff

Score: C-

Sabotage is now available on DVD, Blu Ray and Digital HD.

Buy Sabotage and other films online here at CD Universe!

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WHAT IS THE MAGIC WORD!? The Hunt For SHAZAM!

SHAZAM!

Big Red Cheese is finally getting some love in the big screen! After years of waiting, Shazam is finally in the works and set to be distributed Warner Brothers and New Line Cinema.

The first confirmed casting was from wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in his Twitter. "Kneel at his feet or get crushed by his boot" My honor to become... #BlackAdam #TheAntiHero #DCComics, this was tweet made by the actor that made the internet (mostly fanboys) go berserk. I mean, seriously, he looks like Black Adam! 

While Variety has recently said that writer Darren Lemke is on the scriptwriting duties for Shazam. Now everyone prays that he channel his inner good scriptwriting skills that he displayed with Jack The Giant Slayer and not the other of his talent that he has shown in Shrek Forever After.

With that said, it's only normal for a fanboy (like me) to speculate like crazy. Now I'm not the biggest Shazam fan out there, but I think that so far the filmmakers share my general and legit knowledge about the character. With New Line President Toby Emmerich quoted that the film will have a sense of fun and a sense of humor. But the stakes have to be real.

Here we will discuss 2 things:

1. What should be the tone of the film?
2. Who should play Shazam?

The Tone

I'll keep this one short, simple and to-the-point. 

Billy Batson is only 10-years old. He's maybe a kid that has been going through bad times for as long as he remembers, but never was he a bad kid. He is a young boy with the golden heart and most likely one of, if not, the most respectful, kind and loving kid you'll ever see. These are the qualities that The Wizard saw as to why he was chosen as the new Shazam. 

If this film does take place in the DC Cinematic Universe, it is only vital that he lives in a Post-Metropolis Invasion world. As suggested by the animated series and animated movies, Billy Batson is a fan of superheroes, especially Superman. If anything, he wanted to be like Superman. He lives in a world of divisive perception towards the Man Of Steel, and he believes that he is a hero that was just trying to do his job. Billy relates to the negativity of the people towards Superman, as he has been doing good deeds all his life and yet he's always been constantly being picked on. 

To see an aggressive and violent world through an innocent child's eyes is something that is rarely explored in any superhero movies. Shazam has the opportunity to be the first of its kind, With right balance of a kid-family friendly movie to a larger than life action-adventure, we might just have DC's best superhero movie. 

Seriously, this is a character that has out shined Superman in some point of time. It's not impossible for that to happen again. 

The Captain

I know he's no longer named Captain Marvel (you can thank Marvel for that), but I'll just leave that heading the way it is just for the sake of it. 

There are many actors out there that has a potential to capture the essence of the character and portray it flawlessly at the big screen. Here are some of the fan favorites or fan picks to play Shazam..

1) Brandon Molale

I am being honest with you, I've barely seen this guy in TV. But he has the built, the looks and he's even the same age as Dwayne Johnson so, why not?

2) Patrick Warburton 

Most of you might remember him as The Tick, and that is saying a lot why he should play Shazam. Though his age might be a big question mark to the casting department. 

3) Owain Yeoman 

I mostly know him as Wayne Rigsby from The Mentalist. As far as I've seen from him, he's pretty good at what he does. Even if he was a one-sided in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, it would be fun to see him play the titular character. 

4) Kellan Lutz

People might always remember him as a lifeless character in the Twilight Saga or that really crappy Hercules kid from The Legend Of Hercules, but believe me when I say this. Give him some good material and the director to show him the right direction and he has a potential to carry out a franchise. Have you seen The Expendables III? He was the (second) best actor of the bunch, Mel Gibson the first. 

5) Mark Whalberg

Please stay with me on this. I know this one's for laughs, but trust me I have an idea. I know he's a fun actor. Say what you want about Transformers: Age Of Extinction (I said it was bad, and I don't care if you don't agree with me), but he knows how to have fun with his roles, regardless of how bad these movies are. Just think of him from Pain & Gain, put him on a Shazam suit, I rest my case.

6) John Cena

Now this one's really for laughs. lol But think about it..