Metro Manila (2013)

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Metro Manila (2013)

Date seen: 13 October 2013

Rated R-13, 115 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 6.8

Metascore: Not yet listed

Tomatometer: 100% Certified Fresh, (Audience Score: 85%) 

Movie Notebook Score: 9.97/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

This UK entry to the Oscars' Best Foreign Language Film 2014 category excels in depicting the life of a family drastically twisted by poverty and urbanity. Realistically portrayed by great cinematography and sincere cast, it is a genuine picture of some aspects of our humanity. Metro Manila (2013) cuts through the flesh and makes you feel the desperation and agony in an almost perfect form.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Jake Macapagal as Oscar Ramirez
• Acting: John Arcilla as Ong
• Foreign Language Film of the Year
• Directing
• Cinematography
• Production Design
• Original Screenplay

~~~

Scores are as of this posting. 

Movies Philippines: TIKTIK: THE ASWANG CHRONICLES (2012)

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Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles (2012)

Date seen: 25 October 2012

Rated ??, 102 mins

IMDB User Rating: 5.4

Metascore: Not yet available

Tomatometer: Not yet available

Movie Notebook Score: 9.50/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended for appropriate ages.

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes: 

While not much was to be expected, it delivered much! Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles (2012) is perfectly brewed with its magnificent cinematography, simple-yet-excellent screenplay, great ensemble, and undeniably noteworthy sound and visuals. This quality comedy-horror-fantasy flick is convincingly Hollywood-material. If you're going out to watch a flick tonight or tomorrow, this one is definitely worth-watching.

After watching this movie:

You'll be reminded of the movie 300.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Dingdong Dantes as Makoy
• Acting: Lovie Poe as Sonia
• Acting: Joey Marquez as Nestor
• Acting: Janice de Belen as Fely
• Acting: Ramon Bautista as Bart
• Acting: Mike Gayoso as Ringo
• Directing: Erik Matti
• Cinematography
• Editing
• Visual Effects
• Sound
• Screenplay

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Movies 2012: Taken 2 (2012)

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Taken 2 (2012)

Date seen: 12 October 2012

Rated: PG-13, 91 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 6.8

Metascore: 45/100 (User Score: 5.9)

Tomatometer: 21%, Rotten (Audience: 61%)

Movie Notebook Score: 6.00

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended for those who simply want to watch something on the bigscreen.

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

Poorly written. Won't stand as a lone movie, relies much of its developments to its predecessor Taken (2008). 

After watching the movie:

You'll be reminded that Liam Neeson is not that young at all.

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

 

Movies 2012: The Bourne Legacy (2012)

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The Bourne Legacy (2012)

Date seen: 18 August 2012

Rated PG-13, 135 mins

IMDB User Rating: 7.2

Metascore: 61/100 (User Score: 6.6)

Tomatometer: 55%, Rotten (Audience: 59%)

Movie Notebook Score: 7.0/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

It is fair to say that the film deserves a credit in terms of achievement in action sequences whilst the weakest point is on the screenplay. While casting Jeremy Renner was a very good idea which resulted into a commendable performance, Edward Norton's character appears to have been deprived in terms of overall participation due to sloppy dialogues. They should have saved money if they've given the lousy role to someone with lower professional fee who could play the less-than-mediocre role other than the brilliant Edward Norton. 

For your consideration:

• Sound
• Cinematography

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Movies 2012: Brave (2012)

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Brave (2012)

Date seen: 07 August 2012

Rated PG, 100 mins

IMDB User Rating: 7.6

Metascore: 69/100 (User Score: 7.3)

Tomatometer: 77% (Audience: 81%)

Movie Notebook Score: 8.0/10

Recommendation: A - Recommended for all ages.

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:

Honestly, this film has always been consistently among the most anticipated this year, however this falls short of your highest expectations. Though you can give it the credit that it was created more for the kiddie audience, still it lack the flavor that is expected of a Pixar produce regardless of its target audience. Nevertheless, this does not go down to waste your money and it still entertains a lot somehow. This is the best animated film of the year to date. 

After watching this movie:

You'll be emotionally neutral.

For your consideration:

• Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production: Kelly McDonald as Merida
• Character Design
• Effects Animation
• Animated Theatrical Feature
• Animated Feature Production
• Musical Score

~~~

Scores are as of posting:

Movies 2012: The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

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The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Date seen: 24 July 2012

Rated PG-13, 164 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 9.0

Metascore: 78/100 (User Rating: 8.7)

Tomatometer: 87%, Certified Fresh (Audience: 93%)

Movie Notebook Score: 8.95/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended for appropriate audiences.

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have a Quality Time

Notes: 

The strengths of this film rely on its all-star cast, excellent visual effects, cinematography, and screenplay. Noteworthy performances by Tom Hardy who plays opposite to Christian Bale's character while Anne Hathaway outstandingly delivers as Cat Woman--and not to forget the teary Michael Caine which convincingly moves you. Nolan's final installment to the Batman franchise may not have reached the bar set by its predecessor The Dark Knight (2008) but it is surely among the best movies this year. 

After watching this film:

You'll feel satisfaction and dismay at the same time.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne
• Acting: Tom Hardy as Bane
• Acting: Michael Caine as Alfred
• Acting: Anne Hathaway as Selina
• Ensemble
• Visual Effects
• Sound
• Cinematography
• Costume Design
• Directing
• Screenplay

~~~

Scores are as of this posting.

Movies 2012: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)

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Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)

Date seen: 10 July 2012

Rated R, 105 mins

IMDB User Rating: 6.5

Metascore: 42/100 (User Rating: 6.6)

Tomatometer: 34%, Rotten (Audience: 59%)

Movie Notebook Score: 8.80/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended for appropriate ages.
Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:
The plot may be an oxymoron but this film deserves a nod not only in the technical aspects but  as well as in acting, writing, costume design, and make-up. It is a well-brewed fantasy-horror-drama flick.

After watching this movie:
You should always remind yourself of what you've learned about Lincoln in your history class.

For your consideration:

• Visual Effects
• Make-up
• Costume Design
• Sound
• Editing
• Ensemble

~~~

Scores are as of this posting.

Movies 2012: The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

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The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Date seen: 04 July 2012

Rated PG-13, 136 mins

IMDB User Rating: 7.8

Metascore: 66/100 (User Rating: 7.5)

Tomatometer: 71%, Certified Fresh (Audience: 84%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.0

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended

Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes: 

Way much better than the previous films of the Spider-Man franchise. The cast delivers their craft in acting, a movie-goer does not usually expect that in a blockbuster movie especially when it's all about superheroes--and, that is surprising for those who does not know Andrew Garfield, Martin Sheen, Sally Field, Emma Stone, and Rhys Ifans. The screenplay was satisfactory than the previous Spidey movies. Visual effects, editing, sound, and cinematography were commendable. The Amazing Spider-Man was amazingly moving, exciting, and undoubtedly entertaining.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man/Peter Parker
• Acting: Martin Sheen as Uncle Ben
• Acting: Sally Field as Aunt May
• Visual Effects
• Sound 
• Editing
• Cinematography
• Screenplay

~~~

Scores are of this posting. 

Movies 2012: Men in Black 3 (2012)

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Men in Black 3 (2012)

Date seen: 28 May 2012

Rated PG-13, 103 mins

IMDB User Rating: 7.3

Metascore: 58/100 (User Rating: 7.0)

Tomatometer: 68%, Fresh (Audience: 78%)

Movie Notebook Score: 7.5

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended for audience 13 and up!

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

This film was not really expected to deliver much--just like how you should expect with every movie made for the money. But, this one has the ability to slap the face of a movie-goer who thinks that way about blockbuster-designed films. The screenplay is satisfactory and this is coupled with the convincing portrayal of Josh Brolin as the young agent K. Men in Black 3 is indeed a must-see and not-a-waste-of-time-and-money. 

After watching this movie:

You'll think that "finally, you saw a movie this year that feature fleshy aliens instead of mechanical ones".

For your consideration:

• Acting: Josh Brolin as Young Agent K
• Acting: Will Smith as Agent J
• Acting: Michael Stuhlbarg as Griffin
• Acting: Jermaine Clement as Boris the Animal
• Ensemble

~~~

Scores from IMDB, Metacritic, and Rottentomatoes are as of posting.  

Movies 2012: The Avengers (2012)

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The Avengers (2012)

Date seen: 25 April 2012

Rated PG-13, 142 mins

IMDB User Rating: 8.9

Metascore: 69/100

Tomatometer: 93%, Certified Fresh (Audience: 96%)

Movie Notebook Score: 5/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended for those who enjoy super heroes and action.

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

With an undeniably powerful cast for a supposedly powerful ensemble, this one falls below what it is expected to be. There seems to be a consensus among film-makers on how aliens in science fiction or action movies must look like. Apparently, this one can't stand alone--one must see the prequels or else this would leave you in limbo. Although, this one's entertaining enough.

After watching this movie: 

You might ask if they hired those aliens from another movie.

For your consideration:

• Visual Effects

~~~

Scores from IMDB, Metacritic, and Rottentomatoes are as of posting.  

Movies 2012: Battleship (2012)

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Battleship (2012)

Date seen: 20 April 2012

Rated PG-13

IMDB User Rating: 6.5

Metascore: 43/100

Tomatometer: 49%, Rotten (No consensus yet.)

Movie Notebook Score: 6.5/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended for those who enjoy action/fight movies.

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

As expected, this one satisfied my expectations. The screenplay was not that bad but falls way lower than good. The acting was just fair--fit and what is usually expected for a science fiction film. The film's strengths include the satisfactory visual effects, sound editing, and sound mixing. Nothing much special compared to its Hasbro-game-turned-movie like Transformers and GI Joe, Battleship (2012) is worth-watching for a film of its genre.

After watching this movie:

You might think that they borrowed a metal from a Transformers movie.

For your consideration:

• Sound Mixing
• Sound Editing
• Visual Effects

~~~

Scores from IMDB, Metacritic, and Rottentomatoes are as of posting.  

Movies 2012: Wrath of the Titans (2012)

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Wrath of the Titans (2012)

Date seen: 31 March 2012

Rated PG-13, 99 mins

IMDB User Rating: 6.5

Metascore: 37/100

Tomatometer: 24%, Rotten

Movie Notebook Score: 5/10

Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended for those who love action and adventure.

Grade: WT - Watch if you want to Waste Time

Notes:

The plot is simply boring, just like a written project in high school that you submit "for the purpose of compliance". The visual effects are acceptable enough to the gut. The characters are more-than-dull, can not find the exact word for it. I thought it was "Wrath of the Titans", more appropriate would have been "Sway of the Titan". Overall, this one's disappointing. The prequel "Clash of the Titans" was way better.

After watching this movie:

You might ask where the other gods were, and learn that "Titans" is singular.

For your consideration:

None.

~~~

Scores from IMDB, Metacritic, and Rottentomatoes are as of posting.  

Movies 2012: John Carter (2012)

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John Carter (2012)

Date seen: 24 March 2012

Rated PG-13, 132 mins

IMDB User Rating: 7.1

Metascore: 51/100

Tomatometer: 51%, Rotten

Movie Notebook Score: 6/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:

This one's an adaptation of the Edgar Rice Burroughs' "A Princess from Mars" which was published almost a century ago. While the cast seem to fit their roles, their delivery falls between poor and fair. The costumes may be eye-catching, sometimes you'll get to think whether it was appropriate in a planet farther away from the sun compared to Earth. Anyway, we can not question that much since John Carter is sci-fi. The visual effects, sound, and cinematography are satisfactory. The movie brings a lot of memories from some of the famous movies with the same genre. Some spiels are way damaging. However, it still deserves a "good one".

After watching this movie:
You might remember other inter-galactic and inter-world movies sewn together for a fresh reboot.

For your consideration:

• Visual Effects
• Sound Mixing
• Sound Editing

~~~

Scores from IMDB, Metacritic, and Rottentomatoes are as of posting.  

Movies 2012: The Hunger Games (2012)

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The Hunger Games (2012)

Date seen: 23 March 2012

Rated PG-13, 142 mins

IMDB User Rating: 8.2

Metascore: 68/100
Tomatometer: 87%, Certified Fresh

Movie Notebook Score: 8/10
Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended for ages 13 and above.
Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:
With an immensely wonderful cast which include Academy Award Nominees like the lead actress Jennifer Lawrence, Stanley Tucci, and Woody Harrelson--who all of whom play their roles excellently--this certainly will be among the best of adaptations this year. The movie is well paced that the viewer will be able to understand its plot even he/she did not read the book. Though the shaky shots were helpful to minimize some of the scenes with violence, most of the "shaky" shots were annoyingly tiring to the eye. Nevertheless, this one's worth-watching. It has the power to move you in a touch.

After Watching this movie:
You might need to rest your eyes due to eye fatigue from the exaggerated shaky shots of the cinematographer. But, while your eyes are closed you feel the satisfaction of watching a good movie.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
• Acting: Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
• Acting: Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
• Acting: Amandla Stenberg as Rue
• Acting: Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman
• Acting: Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
• Ensemble
• Adapted Screenplay
• Costume Design
• Visual Effects

~~~
Scores from IMDB, Metacritic, and Rottentomatoes are as of posting. 

Movies 2012: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012) 3D

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Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)

in 3D

Date seen: 06 February 2012

Rated PG, 94 mins

IMDB User Rating: 6.4

Metascore: Not yet available

Tomatometer: 58%, No consensus yet. (Audience: 79% )

Movie Notebook Score: 6.0/10
Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended for kids and the young-at-heart
Grade: GT - Watch if you want to have a Good Time

Notes:
The movie is perfectly baked for children, and perhaps for parents who want to spend a good time with their kids at the movie house. This sequel to the 2008 film Journey to the Center of the Earth is better than the latter except for the dull and obviously desperate attempt to highlight the tweenhood of Sean (Josh Hutcherson) by pairing him with Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens). However, that dullness is overshadowed by the rich visual effects in 3D.

For your consideration:
None.






~~~
Scores from IMDB, Metacritic, and Rottentomatoes are as of posting.

Movies 2012: Underworld Awakening (2012) 3D

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Underworld: Awakening (2012)

in 3D

Date seen: 21 January 2012

Rated R, 88 mins

IMDB User Rating: 7.2

Metascore: 40/100 (User: 6.7)

Tomatometer: 25%, Rotten (Audience: 84%)

Movie Notebook Score: 4/10

Recommendation: D - Not Recommended

Grade: WT - Watch if you want to Waste Time

Notes: 

For the fans who have seen the previous Underworld movies, be ready for a shift of plot. The movie is 70% action with unnecessary violence and 30% flavorless screenplay. The consolation for the viewer is the undeniably eye-candy visual effects working with the 3D format. 

For your consideration:

None.