The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies MOVIE REVIEW

Goodbye, Middle-Earth. 

Writer and Director Peter Jackson has dedicated 14 years of his life bringing Middle-Earth to life on the big screen with hopes of having us audience engage on this phenomenal journey on a personal level as if we are part of this fantasy world. After 5 films, we have now come to this point where we have to see Peter Jackson's final last journey to Middle-Earth. The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies has duties to accomplish..

1. The film has to be a fitting ending to The Hobbit trilogy
2. The film has to tie-in very well with The Lord of The Rings trilogy
3. The film has to be a satisfying end to Peter Jackson's Middle-Earth saga
4. The film has to be amazingly entertaining in itself 

Biggest question, is The Battle of The Five Armies a fitting end to The Hobbit trilogy? Yes and no. The film did what it could to end on a really high note. Every story arc that we've explored in the preceding films at least had an emotional and satisfying closure in them. Perhaps the arc with Bilbo Baggins and Thorin are the most emotional ones. The film is relatively short, which makes us feel the the first two films should have been a lot shorter, making the trilogy less over stuffed. 

The one character who surprisingly shined out the most was Luke Evan's Bard, making him the equivalent of Aragorn from The Lord of The Rings. For a film that is called The Hobbit, Martin Freeman's Bilbo Baggins took a back seat on this film though he made the most out of the screen time he has and so does other main characters. 

Many criticize the film for being a bit cartoon-y compared to The Lord of The Rings movies and while it's true it's a bit unfair to judge it that way since this is a film that is adapted from a children's novel, so it's expected to be more colorful than the much darker LOTR films. Though it;s hard not to miss the practical effects the previous LOTR films since this film is over-packed with CGI. I never saw the film in 48fps and it still looks shinier than any LOTR films.

The main highlights of this movie though is the battle of the five armies which takes up half the run time of the film, give or take. There's never a shortage of it in this film, but at the same time it won't tire the viewers like other action packed films. When the brief build-up moves out of the way, everyone and everything goes to war. 

How does it stack up as ending to both a saga though? Not much since it's both the ending to The Hobbit trilogy and the bridge to The Lord of The Rings films. Return of The Kings might seem more of a fitting ending to the saga than this film. 

In its own The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies has it's shortcomings that prevented it from being as epic as The Return Of The King, but it is a great ending for The Hobbit trilogy and surely is the best of the three and if this is Peter Jackson's swan song to Middle-Earth, then he sure did went out with a bang. 

(+)

Great character/arcs

Brief build up

Everything else goes to war

(-)

Sudden ending 

Weighed down by its predecessors 

Score: A-

The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies now in theaters.

Interstellar MOVIE REVIEW

Oh.. Nolan... 

Interstellar is a modern day Space Odyssey film starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Michael Cain, Jessica Chastain and a lot of actors you probably didn;t see their names at the movie posters. This film is also the latest addition of director Christopher Nolan to his impressive resume. 

In terms of scale, this is most definitely Nolan's most ambitious and humongous visual journey, it has Nolan's signature of grand, extravagant and BEAUTIFUL visuals using practical effects for the most part. Seriously, the movie looks so BEAUTIFUL, typing the word beautiful in caps lock isn't just enough. If you guys have the extra bucks, go watch this on IMAX 3D, it's so worth the money. 

Another great aspect of Nolan's talent is his story telling. The best bits of the story and scriptwriting are human elements of the film. Almost every essential characters of this film is layered at best and the awesome performances of their respective actors gives us the best flavors of the film. The film is also a family drama and is surprisingly the best element of the story. This film packs with a lot of emotions and you'll definitely want our heroes to succeed on what they do. 

Unfortunately, the film's weakest point us the plot that surrounds the space odyssey itself. With the focus of it bounces from the film's own interpretation of relativity, black holes to its connection tot he power of love, somehow you'll find yourself wanting to pull out a remote control, put the film on pause and call Christopher Nolan to just help ease the intake and process of this knowledge.  

Interstellar is definitely a film that must be first experienced in the theaters, especially on IMAX. Even if you'll find a hard time taking in some of the crazy absurd ideas and explanations, you'll still have plenty of time to awe at the visuals.  

Despite being too convoluted, Interstellar is Christopher Nolan's most ambitious, most beautiful, most stunning and most emotional project ever. Plus, he definitely brought the right cast and crew to make this project a masterpiece. 

(+)

Stunning visuals

Great performances

Nolan's most human project

(-)

Broken logic and ideas

3 Hours, seriously!?

Score: A-

Interstellar now in theaters. 

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