"A piece of crap" - 'Predators' Movie Review

What would you expect from a remake of this thriller film?Bloody, more violence, and more actions as what it shown on the trailer .Well sorry to disappoint everyone that the movie is not as what it appears to be. If you enjoyed the old film with Arnold Schwarzenegger this time you might just want to skip watching it 'coz it was nothing but a piece of crap. Forgive me, it was too disappointing. It is more dramatic than what expected to be as action-thriller film.

The movie focuses on the story of eight different people who were trapped in a woods after falling from the sky on a parachute. None of them remembered anything. They later found out that they were trapped with unknown creatures in the forest. With no way out, they should stick together as they struggle to fight for their own survival. With the help of one survivor who came before them they must learn to fight and face their predators to live. Starred by Adriene Brody (The Pianist, King Kong) with Alice Braga (Repo Men, Crossing Over) and Laurence Fisburne (The Matrix).

The movie is lack of action and thrill. It started just fine but got worst and worst as it continues especially when the actual predators showed up. Though the acting is not that bad, the story is really dull (1.5 out of 5 stars).

"Not outstanding but better than the first two films" - 'Twilight Saga Eclipse' Movie Review

Let me start with the review by saying that "Eclipse is the best Twilight film so far". With the direction from David Slade (who also directed the vampire film '30 Days of NIght' last 2007) the movie went a bit further from a traditional Twilight dilemma where it suffers from reaching to audience as the movie viewers and not as fans of the book who have read it several times. What I'm saying is, only those who have the read the books who can understand what's going on the film, if you are not a reader then just feel sorry for yourself as everything goes to oblivion and wait for the next film to come up to put the puzzle together. Or wait for twiligh-geek friends to tell you what's really going on which is a bit annoying (for some).

The film didn't pick up from the boring ending of the last film where Edward said "Will you marry me?" (don't know the exact line though). But instead it started decently with a young man missing who eventually became the leader of the new group of vampires, New Born. Meanwhile, Victoria (which starred by another actor for the third time) was still the main villain of the movie as revealed later in the film using the New Born to avenge her lover James (who died in the first film). Of course the film didn't forget about the Edward-Bella-Jacob love triangle. It is all about themm all the time, and this time competition almost became even (although we all know Edward would win in the end).

Acting didn't much improve, especially for Taylor Lautner, no one can blame him anyway,he is really a newbie. But the supporting cast is really superb. Charlie is pretty much convincing as Bella's father, Dakota Fanning as always delivers the best of the character of Jane. Jasper who has more exposure in this film has shown more enthusiastic when it comes to acting, it won't be surprising if he lands on bigger roles soon apart from Twilight series. Anna Kendrick just started to become my favorite, though with little role as Jessica, still managed to deliver a not-forgetful performance when she delivers a speech on a graduation scene.

What I really like about the movie is that there was an improvement in making the audience thrilled as they added extra violence, which is really the main ingredient in vampire-werewolves theme movie.Plus scoring is really better. I can't just spoil the whole movie. It is not really one of best movies released this year but at least it's better compare to its first two films. This might be the beginning of the Twilight series to be critically acclaimed as reviews are getting better. We'll hope and see what they have installed for us in 'Breaking Dawn' next year which will be released in two parts. (2.5 out of 5)

The Karate Kid Review

When I came to know that 'The Karate Kid' would have a remake and to be produced by Will Smith, I thought it was not really a good idea. Then later I found out that his twelve-year old, Jaden Smith will star, I said 'Oh no, they would be just wasting their time. My judgment was not based from Will Smith producing the movie, but because of his son, who is so young for the role and that the old 'The Karate Kid ' had its time and had lost its attraction from the audience today due to countless number of movies released since then. Honestly, the movie was not even part of my list, I even watched 'A-team' (which opened on the same week) over it. But due to positive responses from friends, user and critics, I decided to watch the movie and tried to see it

for myself on how Jade Smith relive the spirit of the forgotten 'The Karate Kid'.

Dre, starred by Jade Smith (son of a celebrity couple, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith) is a 12-year old from Detroit, who was forced to move to China with his mother which starred by Taraji P. Henson. As Dre started to make friends with the kids in the new place in Beijing, he met a chinese girl practicing playing violin. The two started to get to know each other when they were interrupted by a chinese boy who knows kung fu and later beat up Dre. At school, same chinese boy and his group of kung fu kids always bully him. He got a chance to get even with them by showering them with a pail of filthy water which resulted to chasing him and got beaten up again. Mr. Han (starred by superstar Jackie Chan) rescued Dre and later helped him with his wounds. The next day, Mr. Han and Dre went to the gym (where kung fu kids are practicing) to make peace but instead they were forced to fight. Mr. Han refused to fight but instead made a deal with the Kung Fu Master trainer that Dre would be joining the Kung Fu Tournament. Mr. Han trained Dre and got along very well with each other and made it to the final of the tournament.

Jackie Chan really fits the role as Mr. Han, so far I can't imagine any actor portraying the role. Taraji P. Henson on the other hand is really good (I really like her since 'Benjamin Button') she is really one of the brilliant actresses in Hollywood. And Jaden Smith, WOW!what a good start for a starring role, really like father like son.

I can't say that this is the best Karate Kid film, but there is one thing for sure about this movie, you will really enjoy it, and the thought about Jaden Smith as the new karate kid (although he learns kung fu in the movie), he really did it just fine. What I really like about the movie is that the story was not rushed, it took its time introducing Dre, Mr. Han and the rest of the characters till you start feeling them and understanding them. It showed every detail that left all questions answered. And just like the whole movie was created with perseverance as gambled Jaden Smith for the role, every thing came out just perfectly fine. (4 stars out of 5)

A Fun Roller Coaster Ride (Movie Review : A - Team)

As soon as I found out that Jessica Biel is starring on A-Team, I couldn't wait to watch the movie and hoped for a simultaneous release here in our country. After a few months of waiting, the movie didn't have a simul-premiere here in the Philippines, it was shown one day ahead the world premiere, but I was able to watch the movie on its third day. I didn't have any idea about ' the A-Team' before which later I found out was a successful tv-series back in 1983 to 1986, so the movie seems to have a strong reputation, no wonder the production cost is over $100 million and considered as one of the anticipated movies of 2010.

The movie started in Mexico with Liam Neeson as Hannibal, the leader of the A-team, was held as a captive of two Mexicans but escaped when he was left for two guard-dogs to be fed on. Somewhere else in Mexico, Face (Bradley Cooper) was also held as captive after seducing General Tuco's wife. Hannibal came to rescue Face with B.A. (Rampage Jackson), whom Hannibal met along the way. The three tried to escape General's people and headed to the hospital to rescue the funny and crazy-like pilot Murdock (Sharlto Copley). The four went on a chopper and General's people tried to stop them which lead to a thrilling aerial dogfight. The team later on involved in a dollar plate framed-up and killing General Morrison. They were sent to separate prisons for six months.

The movie went on with three other characters pursuing the team. Jessica Biel as Captain Sosa who is an ex-lover of Face, and completely believes that the team took the plates and killed General Morrison. Patrick Wilson as Lynch who framed the team and has a personal interest on the plates. Brian Bloom as Pike who later on revealed worked with General Morrison and also has interest in the plates.

The strength of this film is the powerful cast. Acting is just fair, thanks to Liam Neeson, Patrick Wilson, Brian Bloom, and Shorlito Copley. Jessica Biel and Brad Cooper had some few struggles but nevertheless they acted beautifully. Let's just forgive Rampage, acting was new to him though somehow he performed enough. The film itself suffers from focusing on the huge explosives and the thrill and somehow left small factors slid through hoping audience won't notice it. But it was a fun roller coaster ride packed with actions and laughter. (3.5 out of 5 stars)

Spotlight - Woody Harrelson

Just revived my movie blog today. I realized that I couldn't just let go of doing this. Especially now that I learned that blogging is one way of releasing stress. Not just blogging though, anything that you do outside work, where pressure, deadlines, scorecards are totally none of your concern. So here I am, filling up this site with movie contents. It doesn't matter if someone reads this or none, although it's a plus point if someone does hehe..

Anyway, my first article for this week would be a regular section on this site. I called it "Spotlight". It really sounds mediocre, but I don't think there are other words to use as this word relates to light of the camera focusing on something or someone in which as the title implies, this section would talk about an actor, director or perhaps writer or producer that has been contributing to movie industries. And my first ever Spotlight Victim is Woody Harrelson. Why him?'Coz I just watched his latest movie "Defendor".

Mr. Woody Harrelson is the actor who has the most movies that I've watched this past 365 days. And the irony of it, I just came to know him in Roland Emmerich's "2012" movie. Since then, I watched most of his latest films, though just got them in videos. And I'm telling you this guy is really versatile. He can be a crazy jackass or a very serious and scary person. No wonder he got 2 Oscar nominations both for leading and supporting roles.

The following are the movies of Woody Harrelson that I've watched this past 365 days:

1. 2012 - Who would forget Charlie Frost in this box-office disaster film. He played the radio announcer who predicted the end of the world. Acted alongside John Cusack and Amanda Peet, this is his highest grossing film with a world wide gross of $769.7.

2. Zombieland - played as Tallahassee, the zombie slayer alongside Jessie Eissenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin. This movie opened at number 1 in North America with $24,733,155. The highest opening for Mr. Harrelson as the lead actor.

3. Management - this movie was released in late 2008 but got the chance to watch it early this year. He played the husband of Jennifer Aniston in the film and a pain-in-the-ass of Steve Zahn who is crazily in love with Jennifer.

4. Seven Pounds - I watched this film last 2 years ago. But I didn't know that he was in that film, 'coz I didn't know him yet 'til I have watched again the film in HBO. He was the blind man whom Will Smith shouted at over the phone but eventually donated his eyes to when he knew that he was dying.

5. The Messenger - Played the role of elite Captain Tony Stone whose task was to train the messenger (played by Ben Foster) in informing the departed families of soldiers who died during the war. His role in this film earned his 2nd Oscar nomination as Best Actor in Supporting role.

6. Defendor - his latest movie, that really made him more as one of the best actors in Hollywood. He played the title role as a hero-wannabe in this comedic film. Played alongside Kat Dennings.

Aside from the films above, you can also see Mr. Harrelson in these known films: Semi-Pro, No Country for Old Man, North Country and Anger Management. And he has several movies in production including the sequel foe Zombieland, movies with Josh Hartnet and Demi Moore to be out late this year and an animated film with Owen and Luke Wilson called "Turkey" next year.