Movies 2012: Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)

Date seen: 06 January 2013

Rated PG-13, 93 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 7.5
Metascore: 86/100 (User Score: 7.4)
Tomatometer: 86%, Certified Fresh (Audience: 81%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.35/10
Recommendation: C - Selectively Recommended
Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:
This is literature converted perfectly into a motion picture. Considering it is a debut film, Beasts of the Southern Wild is well-directed. Brilliantly written. Excellently portrayed. Naturally moving. Certainly a best picture material.

After watching this film:
You'll learn what courage is.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Quvenzhane Wallis as Hushpuppy
• Acting: Dwight Henry as Wink
• Directing
• Adapted Screenplay
• Cinematography
• Film of the Year
• Costume Design

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Movies 2012: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Date seen: 15 December 2012

Rated PG-13, 169 mins

IMDB User Rating: 8.5

Metascore: 58/100 (User Score: 8.5)

Tomatometer: 65% Fresh (Audience: 81%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.75/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended especially if you have read the book.

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

Notes:

It is indeed very surprising that the single book was split into three movie adaptations, but what is more surprising is that the first installment of this franchise was able to satisfyingly live up to expectations provided that it has to be limited since there are still two movies succeeding it. If you have read the book, then you might as well try to have a picture in your mind as to what have happened in the first few chapters for it might appear perfectly converted into the big screen. This is certainly one of the movies that you should not miss this year.

After watching this movie:

You might want to (re)read the book.

For your consideration:

• Directing
• Visual Effects
• Musical Score
• Costume Design
• Art Direction
• Make-up
• Adapted Screenplay

~~~

Scores are as of posting.

Movies 2012: Rise of the Guardians (2012)

Image from google,com search. No copyright infringement intended.

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

Date seen: 06 December 2012

Rated PG, 97 mins

IMDB User Rating: 7.5

Metascore: 57/100 (User Score: 7.6)

Tomatometer: 73%, Certified Fresh (Audience: 84%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.50/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended for kids.

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

Notes:

Certainly one of the contenders this year among the animated films with its vibrant characters and clever screenplay. The kids will surely want to see this again after a single screen. One good movie for the whole family--worth the watch!

After watching this movie:

You'll ask your self as to what is your center.

For your consideration:

• Animated Feature of the Year
• Character Animation
• Music in an Animated Feature
• Animated Effects
• Production Design
• Storyboarding

~~~

Scores are of posting.

Movies 2012: THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 2

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

Breaking Dawn Part 2

Date seen: 20 October 2012

Rated PG-13, 115 mins.

IMDB User Rating: 5.9

Metascore: 52/100 (User Score: 4.0)

Tomatometer: 47%, Rotten (Audience: 88%)

Movie Notebook: 6.00/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended

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

Notes:

Whilst this is the best movie of the franchise, still the same weaknesses are evident. The dull spiels and the inconsistent "vampire-look" pulls down the satisfactory turn of events. The cheesy moments were far better portrayed than the previous installments--perfectly brewed, not much nor less. Michael Sheen delivers a wonderful performance even for a flick like this. This surpasses expectations, if you are the watcher who has put the threshold knee level.

After watching this movie:
You'll somehow feel more passionate.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Michael Sheen as Aro
• Soundtrack
• Cinematography

~~~

Scores are as of this posting.

Movies Philippines: TIKTIK: THE ASWANG CHRONICLES (2012)

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

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: Brave (2012)

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

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: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

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)

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

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: Dark Shadows (2012)

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

Dark Shadows (2012)

Date seen: 15 May 2012

Rated PG-13, 113 mins

IMDB User Rating: 6.6

Metascore: 55/100 (User Rating: 5.8)

Tomatometer: 42%, Rotten (Audience: 47%)

Movie Notebook Score: 6.5

Recommendation: B - Recommended

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

Notes:

I had high expectations for this one because Tim Burton always delivers. However, this one falls one notch below satisfactory--good enough. If you're planning to watch this film it is better to consider that you intend to because of Johnny Depp or Helena Bonham Carter who both delivered satisfactorily in this film. Also worthy of mention for a good showing are co-actors Michelle Pfeffeir, Gulliver McGrath, and Bella Heathcote. 

After watching this movie:

You'll think if there will be a sequel.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins
• Acting: Helena Bonham Carter as Dr. Julia Hoffman
• Musical Score
• Cinematography
• Make-up
• Costume Design

~~~

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

Movies 2012: Wrath of the Titans (2012)

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

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)

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

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: Dr. Seuss' The Lorax (2012)

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax (2012)

Date seen: 17 March 2012

Rated PG, 86 mins

IMDB User Rating: 6.5

Metascore: 47/100

Tomatometer: 58%, Rotten

Movie Notebook Score: 8/10

Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended for all ages, especially for children, politicians, those who care less, and those who do not care at all.

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

Notes:

We accept the fact that books will always be better than movie adaptations of them. Dr. Seuss' The Lorax might not be as good as the book but it still delivers the book's important message. The movie is a feast for the eye--the vibrant colors and excellent drawings, not to mention the editing. It's the combination of fun and relevance; worth the pay, worth the time spent.

After watching this movie:

You'll feel satisfied.

For your consideration:

• Animated Feature Film of the Year 2012
• Voice Act: Ed Helm as The Once-ler

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

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

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

Image from google.com search. No copyright infringement intended.

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.