FilmReviews: World War Z

*Note: This review may contain spoilers,so for those who haven't seen the movie,proceed at your own risk.

How far will one man go to save his family?

Just watched World War Z today and I liked it even though it was part-disappointing.World War Z is directed by Marc Forster (Quantum of Solace) and stars Oscar Nominee Brad Pitt (Fight Club/Se7en),Mireille Enos (Gangster Squad),Daniella Kertesz,James Badge Dale (The Departed/Iron Man 3),David Morse (The Green Mile),Matthew Fox,Fana Mokoena and Ludi Boeken.The film is about United Nations employee Gerry Lane who traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself.



Despite the fact that World War Z is a zombie movie,it isn't that "typical" as the trailer suggests.The film and the plot line actually has something more to it.Well,sure part of WWZ's plot line focuses on humans clashing through a large amount of the undead but the film isn't literally about  soldiers fighting off a large amount of zombies,but instead also focuses on how the zombie pandemic started.But wait,there IS much more in store than that.In WWZ,the government doesn't create a cure,but instead a kind of "camouflage" serum that allows humans to "camouflage" through the zombies.But...wait,the zombies aren't "zombies" at all but just humans infected by an epidemic.Aw! It feels like I Am Legend and Zombieland again! but I forgive it.Despite the plot redundancies,I still liked the film for the smart and clever plot that is exceptional by scope and scale which made the movie epic also by the globe-trotting plot line.But even though I liked the film's plot,I had some problems about the biggest plot-hole which regards where the pandemic started.I don't know why the hell they didn't explain where it began,but the possible reason on how they left it out is probably because they were planning for a sequel and because maybe,that's what the "sequel" will be about.I really don't know.But sneaky bastards,they are.Knowing the fact that World War Z is not a typical zombie movie after watching it,the storyline succeeds by "epic" means despite the big plot hole that might be the sequel's story...but damn,they should've just included that (big) plot hole to refrain from the cramming and complaints from the audience.

World War Z (literally) stars at least 1 famous Hollywood star,and that is Brad Pitt.We've seen him gloriously kill Nazis in Inglorious Basterds and pour his heart and emotion out in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.But now,we get to see him kill zombies in World War Z.Pitt's "decent" performance is what anchored the film in terms of acting.He was Gerry Lane,your typical family man who saves the day.I wouldn't refer his performance in WWZ as bad-ass like in Inglorious Basterds and Se7en but I would instead like to describe him here as "awesome". Awesome because he kills zombies,but not much of a large amount.Nonetheless, Pitt's performance was decent and not bad.Mireille Enos' performance as Karin Lane was (sort-of) almost awful.Her acting wasn't that bad but her dialogue is just so typical as a family man's wife would say in a film.I don't know whoever the hell she is but her performance was bad.Oh and yes,I forgot! We have at least one more known Hollywood star in the name of David Morse.Some people may know him best from Contact,but I knew him for his good performance in The Green Mile.Actually,Morse didn't play a major character in the film,but he plays an Ex-CIA Agent whom Gerry finds out how the pandemic started.Even though he is a small and supporting character in the film,he manages to be an important one as he serves a big part in the film's plot.Brad Pitt anchored World War Z in means of performances,as the others were good,but almost awful.But thank God for David Morse.I kinda liked him in this one even though he had just one scene.But the rest,gone.But Pitt was a good choice as the main character.He really "owned" it.

The trailer for the film includes a scene running zombies,a pile of zombies reaching a wall,and yes,Brad Pitt.But other than that,the film doesn't include more money shots 'cause yes,they used it ALL in the trailer so nothing more from the film can be left.Ugh.The opening scene of the film was immediately the money shot from the trailer that includes the "infected" running through the busy streets of ol' Philly.That scene pumped my heart and was just really exhilarating as if my heart stopped for a while.Then through the 30-45 minute mark,we have the Jerusalem scene that has the "infected" piling up part that was one of the trailer's money shots.Like what I said,other than that there's nothing more to the film's action.Wait,I forgot that we also have the plane scene where the plane tears up a hole sucking out some "infected" in the air.That scene was awesome no denying,but I still am dismayed due to the lack of action.But I forgive the lacking of action for the story redeems the film.But needless to say,that big opening sure was spectacular and amazing at the same time.Marco Beltrami's score was sort of haunting with a mix of dubstep.It fit the film well,and sets the film in the right mood.The film includes a lot of helicopter shots,that emphasizes on the city's destruction which made it look good.'Cause in an infected's words,it says "that is our work,we did it".Something like that.Either way,the cinematography was good,specially during the big opening scene and the Jerusalem scene.

I have to say,Marc Forster directed this well,but the dialogue really needed more spice and the cast needed more "known ones" rather than the "unknowns" and "not have heard of".I'm talking to you,Mireille Enos and the rest of the supporting cast except you,David Morse.I liked your acting in that short scene of yours.But back to topic,Forster did a good job on directing this one,he was able to bring a new twist to the zombie movie genre.Good job! You have redeemed yourself from the almost awful Quantum of Solace.

All the way around,World War Z entertains,thrills and shocks but doesn't impress much.Even though WWZ lacked a lot of action,the story redeems.But the cast wasn't that good though.It needed more known stars.

World War Z gets 7.5 stars over 10.


World War Z is now showing in theaters in 2D & 3D distributed by Solar UIP Philippines and is rated PG-13 by the MTRCB.

*Catch Brad Pitt kill some Nazis in Inglorious Basterds and solve a mysterious case in Se7en.Both available to own on DVD & Blu-Ray distributed by Magnavision Home Video.Like their Facebook page in the link provided.

**For now,check out a clip from the film that includes those "infected" hammering down an armed chopper.



(C) 2013,Paramount Pictures,Plan B Entertainment,Skydance Productions,GK Films and Hemisphere Media Capital.

TrailerZone: The Teaser Trailer For "The LEGO Movie" Has Just Been "Assembled"

Unexpectedly,the first teaser trailer for the long-waited "The LEGO Movie" has dropped.Watch it in the link below,and I'll talk about how I felt while watching the said trailer.



I really didn't expect that the trailer would arrive today.But I'm thankful it did 'cause the movie looks good and I love how they shot it as if they used real LEGOs but really,they used a handful of CGI.But it was no problem,I loved it.To be honest,the opening of the trailer looked EPIC as if it felt like it was a trailer for a Justice League movie but it was not.Either way,after that epic 20 seconds,the funny part came in and it was good to see/know that this movie about LEGOs use stop-motion animation even though it's CGI.The trailer had a lot of epicness just by knowing that it is a movie about those crazily addictive block toys almost all of us definitely played with called LEGOs and also by seeing those epic characters we all love in LEGO form.I forgot,the cast is epic also thanks to Morgan Freeman,Liam Neeson and renowned comedian Will Ferrell.And since this is directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller (Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs/21 Jump Street) we can expect that it will have genuine,clever laughs.

The LEGO Movie tells the story of Emmet,an ordinary LEGO mini-figure who is mistakenly thought to be the powerful and extraordinary MasterBuilder.He then gets recruited to join a quest to stop an evil LEGO tyrant from gluing the universe together.


The LEGO Movie is directed by Phil Lord & Chris Miller and as of now stars Will Ferrell (The Campaign),Liam Neeson (Taken/Batman Begins),Alison Brie (TV's Community/Scream 4),Nick Offerman (TV's Parks and Recreation),Morgan Freeman (The Shawshank Redemption/Se7en),Elizabeth Banks (Pitch Perfect/The Hunger Games),Chris Pratt (Moneyball) and also features the voice talent of Will Arnett as LEGO Batman.


The trailer looks cool,epic and all and it might be hailed as the next Wreck-It-Ralph probably because of the nostalgia it will give.The LEGO Movie assembles in theaters 2014 in 3D distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures (Philippines).

Oh,to end this post properly,I would also like to show you the latest poster for the film:


(C)2013 Warner Bros.Pictures/Village Roadshow Pictures/LEGO

DVD Haul: June 15,2013

This is the first post about my DVD Haul regarding the latest movies I bought on DVD.As for now,I have only 4 DVDs which I have recently purchased.Take a look at them below:

*Pardon me for the low-res pics,I took them with my phone's camera.



Last night,I bought those 4 DVDs and I will give a detailed look at each of them in a little while.



*Back To The Future Trilogy Boxset DVD:

I actually bought the first Back To The Future movie on DVD individually.I loved it so much that I planned to get the entire trilogy soon on DVD.And just last night,I did so.Right now,what I have is The Back To The Future Trilogy Boxset on DVD which includes all three films on DVD with exclusive bonus features.Like what I said,I loved the first film so much and now,I can't wait to watch the two sequels.I am so happy I have this in my hands right now.This boxset is available on DVD for P300.



*Django: Unchained DVD w/T-Shirt:

This is the second Tarantino movie I have on DVD.First is Inglorious Basterds,and now this.I haven't seen the film but I am very interested because of the positive reviews I've read regarding the film.I am lucky I got the edition that has free T-Shirt.Bad thing is,the T-shirt is too large.But that way,I could keep it as a collectible.So it's still a plus.I love the bloody slipcover too,by the way.The cover is a little bit bloodier than Inglorious Basterds' because of the spray of blood.The film won 2 Academy Awards,so I have no doubts whatsoever that this film is gonna be great.I loved Inglorious Basterds because of the stylishness and brilliance so I much as well can't wait to watch this.Django: Unchained is available on DVD with 2 editions.The regular DVD with the slipcover is on sale for P750,while the other one is the same only with added T-shirt for P895.



*Martin Scorsese's Hugo:

I have seen this on HBO previously but now I finally have this.And this serves as my 4th Scorsese film alongside Taxi Driver,Casino and The Departed.Hugo is often described as Scorsese's love letter to cinema,both old and modern.I agree with that 'cause it really does feel like one.I can't wait to see this again.I loved this movie and it is one of my favorites.Hugo is available on DVD for P275.It is a definite must-own for a movie-geek.

Last but not the least...Pitch Perfect:

Get pitch-slapped.This actually isn't mine,it is my little sister's but since she told me to put it in my DVD shelf,I asked her if we can share and she replied yes.End of story.I have seen this movie before,and I liked it.It is electrifying and entertaining.A nice stress-reliever and a good film all the way.Pitch Perfect is available on DVD for P550.If you're gonna buy this,look for the one with the slipcover if you're a sucker for slipcovers.Good thing I saw this one.

*All of those DVDs pictured above are available on DVD & Blu-Ray all distributed by Magnavision Home Video.

Stay tuned for my next DVD Haul post...

FilmReviews: Man of Steel (3D)

*Before proceeding to read,I just want to inform you that this review may contain spoilers.So for those who haven't seen this film,proceed at your own risk.

"I have so many questions. Where do I come from?"
-Clark Kent (Man of Steel)

Finally watched Man of Steel last in 3D.The cinema was packed last night and almost all seats were occupied.Meaning,the film would really be great 'cause that's what usually happens during some blockbuster movies' screenings.And you know what,I wasn't wrong.The audience I was in laughed and applauded once the credits started rolling.Man of Steel is directed by Zack Snyder (300/Watchmen) and produced/written by Christopher Nolan and stars Henry Cavill (Immortals/The Cold Light of the Day),Amy Adams (The Fighter/The Master),Michael Shannon (Mud/Premium Rush),Diane Lane,And Oscar Winners Russell Crowe (Gladiator/A Beautiful Mind) & Kevin Costner (Dances With Wolves/The Untouchables).The film tells the story of a young itinerant worker who is forced to confront his secret extraterrestrial heritage when Earth is invaded by members of his race.



Man of Steel's storytelling reminisced me very much of Batman Begins'.And that's the reason why (for me) it felt more like a Nolan-directed film rather than a Snyder-directed one.I loved how the film's plot jumped from a present plot point to past plot point.I think that's what they call "Non-linear storytelling".And just like The Dark Knight Trilogy's storytelling,Man of Steel's is also brilliant,masterful and compelling thanks to the story written by Christopher Nolan and David S.Goyer.The film's story had some plot points that reminded me of some movies'.For example,the terraforming plot point easily reminded me of Transformers: Dark of the Moon's part where they try to rebuild Cybertron by shifting it into Earth.Nonetheless,even though that plot point was repeated,it didn't bother me whatsoever.And for those big fans of the comic books,the ending might give you nerdgasms.So,I give a big two thumbs up to both of them for helping in making this a great movie by writing an incredible narrative for the film.Zack Snyder didn't make a wrong/bad choice by choosing Christopher Nolan and David S.Goyer as one of the writers of the film's story.

Man of Steel has a stellar cast,and a well-chosen one.The best thing is,not even one member's talent from the main cast was wasted.Just to be honest,this is the first Superman movie I've seen,meaning I haven't seen the other actors who played Superman's performances though I heard they're quite good.Either way,I felt that Henry Cavill was a great choice to take on the Clark Kent/Kal-El/Superman role.Though the way he portrayed the role seemed to be very serious,he performed really well.I could sometimes felt affected by how he feels in some emotional scenes.Specifically while he was watching his Earth-dad Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner) fall to his untimely demise.I almost cried in that scene,and maybe some of the audience shed some tears.That scene was heartbreaking and just by seeing Henry Cavill's Clark Kent scream in sadness as he watches his dad die is just really painful but all the way great due to Cavill's amazing acting.Also,his portrayal was very heroic and inspiring in some aspects.He was just really great in the film.He was emotional,very serious and the way he delivers his lines by his deep,awesome voice was simply incredible.That's just my opinion anyway.In Man of Steel,Amy Adams plays Lois Lane,Clark Kent's love interest.Adams became one of my favorite actors/actresses after watching her act in The Fighter.And just like in The Fighter,She performed well in Man of Steel though I felt she needed more screentime.Kevin Costner plays Jonathan Kent,Clark's adoptive father.Costner's character in MoS guided Clark as he grew up and told him a lot of life lessons.Costner's performance was very emotional and heartfelt and perhaps his best scene in the film for me is his death scene because during that scene,he sort of connected to the audiences' emotions.Opposing to Costner's adoptive-father figure role is Russell Crowe's incredible performance on the biological-father role.Crowe's character dies early in the film but still appears throughout its' entirety as he is sort of the ship's guide.Russell Crowe's gravelly,deep voice felt very powerful and sort of guided the movie all throughout as if he was the film's vehicle,engine and motor because of his powerful guidance on the plot.I think I'm forgetting something here...Oh I forgot Michael Shannon! Regarding Shannon's performance,he was villainous and sinister.But behind his villainous aspects is his sort of love for his fellow by terraforming Krypton into Earth 'cause that way,the Kryptonians could be born again.But still,it was a villainous act.All the way through,Shannon portrayed General Zod very well.Man of Steel has a very talented cast,both main and supporting.And all of them performed well,I had no problems with them whatsoever.

Man of Steel combines the incredible talent of two incredible directors Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder.If Christopher Nolan wrote a brilliant story for the film,then Zack Snyder provided amazing,jaw-dropping,breathtaking visuals as always.But if you're looking for Snyder's cool trademark slow-mo shots,well Man of Steel doesn't have it.Not at least one.But what it has in exchange for that is edge-of-your-seat entertainment and heart-stopping action,and from what I noticed,the film has several lens flares in the likes of JJ Abram's.Man of Steel started with Lana giving birth to Kal-El (Who will be later known as Clark Kent) and alongside that scene has a shot of Krypton facing war.That scene which has the shot included in the trailer was amazing,it opened the film both dramatically and awesomely by adding some spice to Lara's birth to Kal-El.And the parts where Jor-El (Russell Crowe) kicks ass was just awesome.And as the film gets close to the middle and final act,the action heats up and just never stops.And most of those might make you jump out of your seat.But one of the most astonishing and awesome parts in the movie for me was the first time Clark wears the Superman suit and tries to fly.That part left me completely breathless.That was very breathtaking.Because of the non-stop action once it reaches the mid-act,this might just be the most action packed Superman movie yet thanks to Zack Snyder's stunning,breathtaking visuals.

John William's iconic and legendary "Superman March" does not make it in the film but instead it is replaced by Hans Zimmer's "An Ideal Of Hope" which made the film even more dramatic and heartfelt thus it fit the film perfectly because of the tone and themes the film had.Hans Zimmer is a great composer and he just does it again in Man of Steel.Now,everytime I hear that said score,it gives me the goosebumps and chills.But of course,John William's score is still very legendary and iconic up to now.The film was shot really well,and the way they captured the action scenes will make you jump to the edge of your seat.MoS had a lot of close-ups on explosions,and they reminded me mostly of last year's The Avengers.But it was no fuss.And yeah,the way they shot Superman's first flight was astounding.I saw Man of Steel in 3D,and the 3D was really just nothing special.It was as if I was just watching it in plain 2D.So if you're planning to see this,my best recommendation is to see it in regular 2D.But it still depends on your choice.

Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan does an incomparable tandem in Man of Steel with Snyder as director and Nolan as one of the writers/producers and together they make an effective duo.Like what I said above,Nolan did a great supervision on the film's story and Snyder gave us jaw-dropping visuals,and great movie moments.This might just be the best film from director Zack Snyder ever since Watchmen.

Prior to watching this film,I always thought of Superman as a really lame Superhero and just simply corny but after watching Man of Steel,my entire perspective on the superhero changed.Man of Steel is one of this year's most anticipated movies and unlike Iron Man 3,this didn't disappoint me in any aspect.It lived up very much to my expectations.MoS provides a great amount of action,amazing performances from the well-chosen cast,incredible non-linear storytelling,and breathtaking movie moments.If Man of Steel could speak directly to Iron Man 3,it might probably say "Suck on these Kryptonian nuts!".Hahahaha.I just can't wait for the green-lighted sequel to this.I'm ready for more Superman action.

Entertaining,emotional,heartfelt and just brilliant,Man of Steel gets 8.5 over 10 stars.A perfect film for Father's Day.


Being a record-breaker in the Philippine box-office,Man of Steel is still flying high in theaters in regular 2D,3D and IMAX 3D theatrically distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures (Philippines).

*If you want more to see the Man of Steel's previous heroic acts,Superman: The Movie,Superman II,Superman III,Superman IV and Superman Returns is available to own on DVD & Blu-Ray distributed by Magnavision Home Video.

**Catch the next Zack Snyder produced film,300: Rise of an Empire in theaters coming March 2014.

*For now,why not check out this clip from the film:



*Videoclip courtesy of Movieclips.com and Warner Bros.Pictures.

(C) 2013,Warner Bros.Pictures/Syncopy,Legendary Pictures & DC Entertainment.

TrailerZone: An Empire Rises In 300: Rise of an Empire's First Trailer

The newest poster for 300: Rise of an Empire was unveiled yesterday and alongside that poster unveiling was the announcement of the first trailer's release.It said that the trailer will be online June 13,2013 and as expected,the trailer just arrived today.Watch the trailer in the link below:




The trailer is dosed with a lot of action,epicness,fight/battle scenes,and more action.And since that it is a sequel to 300,it will definitely use a big dosage of slow-motion potion according to the trailer.The trailer looks really good,but I just hope that this won't be another Immortals,Clash of the Titans or other crappy period piece CG-fests.But it seems to be that it won't turn out like that since Zack Snyder will come back in this as one of the writers and producers in this.I just hope that director Noam Murro won't fuck this up,'cause It looks pretty epic and great.Craving for more 300 epicness? Well,why don't you give another look at the bloody cool poster released just yesterday:




It is not yet determined whether the film will be a sequel or a prequel.But it can be theorized that it will be a sequel due to the absence of Gerard Butler's character Leonidas since his character died in the first film.But who knows? It might take place before the events of the first film and we might see Leonidas in battle...again.But as for now,here's the plot summary:

In 300: Rise of an Empire,The Greek general Themistocles battles an invading army of Persians under the mortal-turned-god, Xerxes.

300: Rise of an Empire is directed by Noam Murro with a screenplay from writers Zack Snyder & Kurt Johnstad.The film stars Lena Headey (Dredd 3D),Eva Green (Casino Royale),Rodrigo Santoro (Rio/Che),Andrei Claude,David Wenham,Sullivan Stapleton,Jack O' Connell & Hans Matheson.

Since the trailer released today was just a teaser,we can expect that more and more marketing ads such as trailers,interviews,posters,merchandise,etc. will arrive as it gets closer to the film's release date.


300: Rise of an Empire is set to open March 2014 in 2D,Digital 3D & IMAX 3D for the best movie experience distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures (Philippines).

300: Rise of an Empire's producer/writer Zack Snyder's latest movie Man of Steel is now showing in Philippine theaters nationwide in 2D,Digital 3D & IMAX 3D.Also distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures (Philippines).Like their Facebook page in the link.

*Before heading to see the "Rise of an Empire" check out the battle of the 300 Spartans in 300,available to own on DVD & Blu-Ray distributed by
Magnavision Home Video.