Movies 2012: Life of Pi (2012)

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Life of Pi (2012)

Date seen: 11 January 2013

Rated PG, 127 mins
IMDB Rating: 8.2
Metascore: 79/100 (User Score: 8.1)
Tomatometer: 88% Certified Fresh, (Audience: 88%)

Movie Notebook Score: 9.75
Recommendation: A - Highly Recommended
Grade: QT - Watch if you want to have Quality Time

Notes:
Undeniably almost flawless, Life of Pi (2012) is a melting pot of entertainment formula. This film is the one to beat in cinematography and visual effects. Excellently created, magically translated for the silver screen, thought-provoking.

After watching this film:
You might want to spend a night in the Pacific.

For your consideration:

• Acting: Suraj Sharma as Pi Patel
• Film of the Year
• Directing
• Visual Effects
• Cinematography
• Editing
• Sound
• Production Design
• Musical Score
• Adapted Screenplay

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Scores are of posting.

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

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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

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Scores are as of posting.

Movies 2012: Rise of the Guardians (2012)

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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

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Scores are of posting.

Movies 2012: THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 2

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Scores are as of this posting.

Movies 2012: Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012)

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Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012)

Date seen: 13 July 2012

Rated PG, 94 mins

IMDB User Rating: 7.0

Metascore: 50/100 (User Score: Not yet available)

Tomatometer: 46%, Rotten (Audience: 65%)

Movie Notebook Score: 6.80/10

Recommendation: B - Recommended for kids and for the kid-at-heart.

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

 

Notes:

While the series has always provided us installments that can stand alone as a film--that benefit those that haven't seen the previous movies--the same formula has been employed from it's predecessors. And the dangerous trend common to all series, maybe except for a few, is that waning appeal. Nevertheless, the movie manages to make you laugh and the kids will surely adore this fun film.

After watching this movie:

You'll think about the sequel--if there will be, would Ice Age: The Dawn of Man be next? 

For your consideration;

• Voice: Wanda Sykes as Granny
• Soundtrack: Chasing the Sun as sung by The Wanted

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Scores are as of 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

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Scores are of this 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

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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.

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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

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

Movies 2012: Mirror Mirror (2012)

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Mirror Mirror (2012)

Date seen: 16 March 2012

Rated PG, 106 mins

IMDB User Rating: 5.9

Metascore: Not yet available

Tomatometer: Not yet available

Movie Notebook Score: 3.0/10

Recommendation: D - Not Recommended for all ages

Grade: WT - Watch if you want to Waste Time

Notes: 

One important rule to remember when you are at the movie house in front of the poster gallery is that posters and titles are almost always deceiving. Mirror Mirror is... wha! I can't find any word to describe it. This movie will make you regret that you paid for it from the very beginning of the film until its end. This could be the worst adaptation of the famous and loved fairy-tale Snow White--we're patiently waiting for Snow White and the Huntsman. The screenplay apparently was not written neither for children nor young adults and certainly, it was poorly written. Expecting humor? Better not, old jokes are in. The costumes--whilst not that exemplary--was the only eye-candy. Lastly, you'll wonder why Julia Roberts, Armie Hammer, and Sean Bean accepted to play their roles.

After Watching this Movie:

You might think that you could have torn your money into pieces instead of watching this.

For your consideration:

• Worst Movie for 2012
• Worst Screenplay
• Worst Actress: Julia Roberts 

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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.






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