MOVIE REVIEW: INSIDIOUS

When I first saw the trailer of this film, I already got interested to see it. But when I ended watching it, I was not totally impressed. One of the few horror/suspense films to make a buzz in 2011, "Insidious" takes us to a story of one family wherein suddenly one of their sons just went into coma. Seeking medical advice yet to no avail, the child's mother sought help to people who know of the other world.

Her thoughts were that their house was haunted and that her son was possessed by some evil creatures residing in their new house. But turns out to be that the house was not haunted but instead her son is the one that actually cause himself to be coma. It takes us to a place where soul travelling and astral projection is a reality. The twists just become bigger when they found out a shocking truth about the boy's father and his past.

Though Insidious surprised me in some scenes, the element of fear and shock was missing and I was not really engaged in the story. The story seems to be shallow founded and the actors and actresses seem to come from B-list movies. The marketing and trailers were good making me wanna watch it but the film as whole is something one could actually miss.

3 out of 5 popcorns

MOVIE REVIEW: X-MEN: FIRST CLASS

The fifth movie on the X-men series takes us to the beginning. X-men: First Class is a reboot of the popular X-men franchise after dismal showing of the Wolverine film. The film was far removed from the original Uncanny -X-men where the first cast were Angel, Cyclops, Beast, Iceman and Jean Grey. But despite the diversion, First Class actually did well.

Starring relative unknown or not so familiar stars, the newest X-men fared well despite that. What I liked the most is the way the story was told - compelling and emotional. This is the first X-men that actually has the brains and the heart to accompany with and not just brawn and fighting. We were flash backed to the past and there we understood how it all began. The story of Magneto and Charles Xavier (Prof. X) was well presented and vividly portrayed. As for the cast, I liked the portrayals of the two casts, James McAvoy (Prof X) and Michael Fassbender (Erik- Magneto). They showed how good relationships can turn out differently with differences in views, ideals and beliefs. Jennifer Lawrence as the new Mystique was also a great casting move. And then the villains were just stunning and great. Kevin Bacon puts evil to the word enemy as he portrays the role of Sebastian Shaw with ease. Sexy vamp January Jones proved that not all telepaths are boring and that they could be scorching hot as well.

The visuals were okay and the effects were good. Some might criticize this new X-men as lame due to not so many action sequences but I still enjoyed every bit of it. There are a lot of values embedded in the film such as being proud of who you are and equality & justice. All of these were perfectly sewed into the storyline of X-men which makes this film more human and more real.

4 out of 5 popcorns. Good but not yet great!

MOVIE REVIEW: PRIEST

This movie review might come in a bit late already because I was actually not able to catch this in cinemas that quick. But this warrants a review for all others who have not watched this film yet. "Priest" takes us to a different world where the church is the core of the society. People are believing them because they were able to protect them through the priests. The priests battle the vampires and have put them into place. But after seeing that the weaponry the church created is a threat, all priests were banished and just became mere parts of the society.

Conflicts arise when a new breed of vampires capture the lead priest;s daughter. Then the story just kicked into a different gear. The action sequences were wicked and Paul Bettany was convincing as the priest. Cam Cigadnet playing Hicks was also a good addition to the film showing that even ordinary people can have the courage to protect their loved ones. And with Maggie Q around, the movie just mad kicking ass much more sexy. Aside from the fight sequences, the film's cinematography is one to be praised. The effects were not superb but still commendable. The storyline might be quite familiar but still it did justice to the entire film. By the ending of the film, it seems a sequel was thought of but with a lousy box office return, this might not push through.

Still, I was entertained. A 4 out of 5 popcorns.

MOVIE REVIEW: KUNG FU PANDA 2

Po and the gang are back for another adventure that spells Kung Fu.
Over-all this is a good movie with the usual wit and fun that we loved from the first movie. The sounds and music were again wonderful taking us to the journey of our hero, Po (voiced by Jack Black) The support cast was again wonderful in lending their voices. Are the names of Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman and Lucy Liu not enough?

The movie somehow lacks in the kicking punch most of the viewers were expecting. The storyline was quite divided as it shifts from the struggles of villain, Lord Shen (Gary Oldman) to the personal search of Po of his real identity. It seemed that the focus was lacking in the movie. But that is forgivable as their stories seem to intertwine in the end. Now, in this new film as Po searches for his inner peace, we are taught a lot of great life lessons. It was evident in the film that they want to teach us to not live by the past but instead thrive in the present and look towards the future. Only when we accept our past are we truly free from that and will find inner peace.

I still enjoyed the movie by a lot. 5 out of 5 popcorns!

MY TOP 10 X-MEN HEROES

Well, just in time before the X-Men First Class gets to be shown here in the Philippines, I am also listing my top 10 superhero choices in the X-Men universe. Well, most of them are not in the movie but I still would like to watch it.

1. Gambit

- Touted as a villain sometime in his existence in the Marvel universe, I love Gambit out of all the X-men characters. He has character, charisma and great abilities as well. Most people call him the man on cards and stick, and yes he can truly burn the house down. His love story with Rogue has been one of the good points in the Marvel universe much more for an avid fan that has lived in the Uncanny X-Men era.

2. Wolverine

- Perhaps the most iconic symbol of the X-men because oh his claws, Wolverine is the most famous and most loved of all the X-men superheroes. His adamantium claws coupled by great agility and speed added to his super ability t heal and regenerate is one cool set of abilities. His somehow dark past and a conflicted love path is also a great storyline most of the fans like.

3. Rogue

- Super strong and has abilities to fly, I see Rogue as possibly the sexiest of all the X-men ladies. Her strength outside is somehow offset by her seemingly fragile personality. Prone to break downs and self-pity, Rogue is one character most people relate to. Mutant but still perfectly human. Hers and Gambit's love story is always a tearjerker.

4. Storm
- Powerful. Storm has been one of the best members of X-men. Her great abilities combined with her great composure and intellect makes her one formidable force in the Marvel universe. Her ability to control nature with use of wind, lightning, ice and the likes is something that would come handy in battles. Plus she flies!

5. Jean Grey
- I like Jean Grey better as Jean Grey than as Pheonix. I liek to see the strength of her mental prowess more than her fire wielding abilities as Pheonix. Plus I see a more humane side of her as Jean Grey, someone who loves unconditionally. Perhaps following the steps of Prof. X, she has the best telekinetic powers in the planet.

6. Iceman
- One of the original X-men, Iceman has so far been outshadowed by his more valiant counterparts but still he is one great superhero. Not as imposing as others physically (Wolverine) or power-wise (Storm), he can slide through the opponents and freeze them at will. His feud with former friend Pyro is also a joy to watch.

7. Psylocke
- Not gaining much airtime in movies, cartoons and even the comics, Psylocke has been a household name in the gaming world -X-men game series, Marvel Vs. Capcom. This lady ninja can sure kick some butt and surely is one great addition to the X-men. And did I say she's definitely sexy?

8. Cyclops
- One of better knowns X-men, I don't like Cyclops by much perhaps because he seems to have it all, great intellect, nice powers, a good life and a wonderful girl in Jean Grey, He is a good long range fighter with his optic blasts and likes his battles with Mr. Sinister. But I think there's a bot of personality missing to make me love him more.

9. X-23
- Like Wolverine in most ways but only a female, this new X character is one that makes up for the lack of female short range fighters in the X universe. It's good to see female characters slug it out physically from time to time. She's gaining more fans as well as she's part of the Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 game.

10. Archangel
- I like him more with the steel wings rather than as Angel, with the soft wings. As Archangel, he seems to have the imposing will to knock out those evil villains.

MY TOP 10 X-MEN VILLAINS

In time for the upcoming reboot, X-Men First Class, I am sharing with you guys my top list of villains of the X-men universe. My choices are a varied array of characters ranging from cool, greatly evil or just plain nasty. Here they are.

1. Mystique
- The shape shifter blue lady. Gorgeous yet deadly. That said, Mystique is my top X-men villain. She can copy anyone's form making her a deadly weapon that can pounce nearby. She is Nightcrawler's mom and Rogue's adoptive mother. Now, I never thought blue could be this sexy.\

2. Magneto
- The story of having a former ally and close friend become an enemy is always a very intirguing one. Magneto, Erik as he is more commonly known was a former friend and ally of Professor X. The difference in ideas, beliefs and motives just kept them apart. And aside from that, Magneto truly possesses one great ability -  the power to manipulate the electromagnetic force to achieve a wide range of effects. Cool but deadly!

3. Sabretooth
- Wolverine's rivalry with Sabretooth is always a joy to watch. Their battles are really physically draining and one could see that they are realy made to match each other. If you are looking for a villain that could pounce on the physical aspect, then Sabretooth is your man. Strong, huge and quick. Sabretooth surely always poses threat to the other X-men.

4. Lady Deathstrike
- I am always fascinated by lady villains matching toe to toe with their hero countreparts. And one kick-ass villain on that end is Lady Deathstrike.  She has supehuman strength, speed, stamina, durability, and agility. Deathstrike's skeleton has been artificially laced with molecules of adamantium, rendering her skeletal structure practically unbreakable. Her battles with Wolverine were simply awesome.

5. Pyro
- Touted to be one of the X-men, he defected the group and joined Magneto instead. With pyrokinesis as his main powers, his rivalry with Iceman is surely something every enthusiast wait for. Hot tempered and all but truly Pyro can heat up the whole area and make you scream for help.

6. Juggernaut
- If you see a barraging man of steel on your path, you sure don't want to mess around. That is true with Juggernaut. Agile and physically strong, he can bash around anything or anyone that comes in his way. Though he may seem weak once his helmet is removed, it still is a daunting task to do so.

7. The Sentinels
- Big lean killing machines. The sentinels truly pose big threats to the X-men. These robotic villains have nothing in them but to kill and created chaos.

8. Apocalypse
- Apocalypse was long a picture of doomsday in the X-men universe but with not much to offer physically, I find the strengths and abilities of Apocalypse rather unamusing. Still, he is one of the most feared enemies of the X-men as he can really kill and the heroes know that.

9. Omega Red
- Not yet given a movie break, Omega Red is definitely one of the more difficult villains of X-men. Cunning, witty and otherwise pesky, Omega Red uses his ability to create Death Spores to make a killing. Super agile and armed with  long retractable tendril-like coils made of carbonadium, he can attack foes from long range and make them pay big time.

10. Toad
- I like Toad's character in the X-men series. Sort of funny yet when needed to strike, evil is written all over his face. Fast and spits thta disgusting saliva to immobilize opponents, Toad is one of the yuckiest X-men villain which I know they want to take out first on any battle.

Photos from: Wikipedia, Marvel Universe, Yahoo and Google

MOVIE REVIEW: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

In the film industry where franchises are usually made to fail sometime, Pirates braved the storm to start anew with its 4th movie of the series. After a successful trilogy which stars Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley and from which director Gore Verbinski is on the helm, the new Pirates presented us with new possibilities - a new director, a new cast and a new world to conquer.

On Stranger Tides bravely moved into a somewhat fresh start. With Rob Marshall taking the directing chores from Verbinski and Bloom and Knightley not part of the cast, it was sure a giant task to put the new Pirates afloat together with the first 3 films. But it successfully did. I feel that the real charm of the Pirates franchise really lies with Johnny Depp's portrayal of Capt. Jack Sparrow. As usual he was funny, cunning, brave and even sometimes quite annoying in a good way. He has somehow mastered the part making us believe that Jack is for real. The addition of Penelope Cruz is a welcome plus to the film as we see her character and Depp's character often collide with each other. The action sequences, visuals and sounds were again off the hook. The new world presented is actually a good one to explore. And with the love interest going with Jack and Angelica plus the true emotions involved with clergyman Philip (Sam Claflin) and mermaid Syrena (Astrid Berges-Frisbey), it seems the new Pirates have somehow soften up and focused more on human emotions.

I still miss the old gang with Bloom and Knightley but this film is note-worthy on every piece of it. Not as flashy as the first 3 films but still a wonderful experience and a welcome addition to the Pirates franchise. Still a 5 out of 5 popcorns for me.

Nuffnang and Hapee Special Screening

How is Nuffnang and Hapee similar? What is one thing that is common for both of them. Simple, they are both First Class.

Yup, Nuffnang is truly First Class as it is the best blogging community around the metro. It is a family of bloggers who are all united for one goal and purpose - that is to spread news and info to people who love to read. It is not just a group or an organization, it is a family. Its members are people that share same values, interests and "special powers" (yup, writing is a special power). Much like Hapee, a proud Filipino brand which is truly First Class. It is one toothpaste that is truly ours and is of great quality.

Both Nuffnang and Hapee are both a cut above the rest. Just like the upcoming X-Men: First Class movie, truly FIRST CLASS.

Photo Badge courtsey of Nuffnang

MOVIE REVIEW: IN THE NAME OF LOVE

“Where do I begin.. To tell the story of how great a love can be.. The sweet love story that is older than the sea..” 

These lines from the theme song of the film just kept on playing on my mind hours and even days after I watched the movie. mind you, as of writing I have already downloaded the Gary V. version and just keeps it playing whenever I like to. "In The Name of Love", Star Cinema's 18th anniversary offering looked like an ordinary love story upfront but you will find out that you are wrong - very wrong! Aside from the wonderful music that sets it apart from other films, the cinematography was really of high quality. Star Cinema again raised the bar in terms of filmmaking. This film has all the makings of a great movie. The location from Japan up to the Philippine shooting sites were wonderful. The story telling was just superb as you would keep with the movie just not to miss a thing. It is not linear as there are plenty of flashbacks within the film. It gets you engaged and one could really feel the emotions portrayed by the cast.

What impressed me is the element of surprise the film has presented. The story is not the predictable one and there were plenty of twists one could not imagine being there. Direk Olivia Lamasan rarely does a film nowadays but she still has the magic hands that turned "In The Name of Love" into a wonderfully crafted masterpiece. Aside from that the casts were simply wonderful. Aga Muhlach once more has shown that up to now he's one of the better actors in the industry. He made me cry on the confrontation scenes as if he really feels the pain. Jake Cuenca was a revelation as he played the part of being a goody and then in just a snap could turn into evil. As for Angel Locsin, she has really come a long way since her showbiz debut. Her performance here speaks well for her growth as an actress. You can see the fun part in her in the light scenes but when she dives into the drama chops, you can really feel her agony.

"In The Name of Love" shares the story of 2 people who have met again after 7 years of not seeign each other. One would be treated to several emotions as the film try to unravel each mystery, each secret and the true events that have occured within their lives during those years. One of the best films so far this year. Dubbed as an "almost tragic love story", it has combined the elements of love and danger quite superbly resulting into a prized piece. 5 out 5 popcorns!

Photo Credits: Star Cinema

MOVIE REVIEW: FAST FIVE

And yes, this one's a winner! Zooming past all competition so far this year is "Fast Five", the fifth installment to the Fast and The Furious franchise. I was a fan of all the FF movies but did not particularly love the 4th edition. This time around, the guys are back for what they say is their final heist. It is wonderful to see the big players on the first four movies convene and join forces for this wonderful blockbuster.

The main cast is back with Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) leading the pack once more with now fugitive and once police officer Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker). Both are still equally hot even if Diesel has gained some extra pounds. Jordana Brewster is also back as Mia Toretto and still showed her skills behind the heists. The other casts from the 4 other films are back - Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris (2 Fast 2 Furious), Matt Schulze (The Fast and the Furious), Sung Kang (Tokyo Drift and Fast & Furious 4), Gal Gadot, Tego Calderon and DOn Omar (Fast & Furious 4). Two important new cast members are also added Dwayne Johnson who plays as the new officer chasing the gang and Elsa Pataky who plays new love interest to Vin's character.

Aside from the stellar cast, a lot of things really worked for "Fast Five". The setting was wonderful as the streets of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil makes one helluva chase with cars with every corner and every street. Again the action sequences were superb from the car chase scenes, the running scenes and even the big fight with Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson. The sounds and effects were also commendable making you feel like you are in a real heist and that you are really in Brazil. The acting were just fine but what separates this from the first four is that this has the most heart of them all. There were some scenes that really could pinch hearts. The story maybe based on the normal heist plot but the delivery was just outstanding. And while I am ready to clap my hands already with the very good movie while the credits roll then comes the big surprise. There is a teaser at the end of the credits showing Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) being confronted by guess who? Eva Mendes (2 Fast 2 Furious) about a new heist. But that is not the shocker. the best part was when she points out that the one responsible is a lady and it is Letty (Michelle Rodriguez). Now that calls for a monstrous sequel.

It's a blazing 5 out of 5 popcorns!!! 

Photo Credits: Yahoo Movies

CHRIS HEMSWORTH OF THOR IS WAY HOT

Speaking of Thor, its main lead Chris Hemsworth has really made great waves recently. Even from before he is considered one of the hotter dudes in Hollywood and taking the role of "Thor" even required him to buff up more.

And having the suit of Thor in the initial parts of the movie shows how he has really muscled up but the big part is during a scene where he is shirtless and I guess all jaws just dropped. A sexier and more defined Chris Hemsworth was unveiled. For more of him, here are some of his great bod pictures then and now.



MOVIE REVIEW: SCREAM 4

Back in the 90s, the face of horror and suspense thriller was reinvented by Wes Craven's Scream. Now in 2011, the franchise gets a second green light with three of the remaining casts returning for what they say is a final blood bath and stabs.

"Scream 4" reunites Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) with former friends Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox) and Dewey (David Arquette). Sid returns to Woodsboro as a promotional campaign for her new book but alas, the killing spree just started as soon as she stepped her foot back to her hometown. The newest addition to the Scream franchise introduces a new line of fresh talents that include Hayden Panettiere, Rory Culkin and Emma Roberts.

Godo thing to see them back but the desperate attempt to actually revive a franchise did not really do well. Instead of having audiences super scary or fright moments, I actually did laugh at some of the movie scenes. The surprise factor was still there but not as much as the original. And though this sequel is way better and way well-thought than Scream 3, it still did not do much to the franchise. I believe that they should have let it finish on part 3. The guessing part on who the killer was was just too obvious. Still 3 popcorns out of 5.

MOVIE REVIEW: THOR

Marvel's line-up for this year comprises the X-Men, Captain America and of course "Thor".
"Thor" has been touted as one of the potential blockbusters of 2011 and man I am sure this one would definitely bring home big dollars. The story takes us to Asgard where the powerful but arrogant warrior Thor lives together with his father king and his brother Loki. A series of unfortunate events and misjudgements has cause his father to send him to earth and live amongst humans on Earth.

With a nice support cast including Academy winners Anthony Hopkins and the gorgeous Natalie Portman, "Thor" has all the makings of another Marvel success. The story is akin to most superhero flicks where the good guy either loses his powers or fails at the start but redeems himself in the end and finally triumph over evil. It has a very solid family storyline that is based on relationship, envy and trust.

If this is an indication of how good the 2012 Avengers would be then we are certainly up for a big treat. And did I forget to tell that Chris Hemsworth (Thor) was just plain hot without his clothes on? Thor is a 4.5 out of 5 popcorns.

MOVIE REVIEW: RIO

"Rio" was not one of my most anticipated movies for the year. I don't know but there was hesitation in me to watch a cartoon about birds. But I guess when I saw the trailer, I told myself that I'll give it a try. And good thing is I did. Because you know, it is one of the better films of 2011.

"Rio" has fun spelled all over it. It's not just a fun movie but also a movie about self discovery and emotions. We are taught here that we need to spread our wings for us to fly or else we would be stucked at where we are. Belief in one's abilities and talents is one main point of the movie. And aside from its good story base, "Rio" succeeded in having a stellar voice cast. Blu as voiced by Jesse Eisenberg was superb in his portrayal of the oftentimes afraid and naive bird. Anne Hathaway as Jewel was convincing in all aspects as she played the domineering and strong willed character in the film. A wonderful support cast that includes George Lopez, Will.i.am and Jamie Foxx added to the brilliance of the voice ensemble.

Another great thing to note is the great soundtrack and visuals this film has to offer. The energy and the vibrance can be felt so much that one thinks he/she has experienced Rio De Janeiro even if he/she hasn't yet. For all that it's worth, this film is truly something to watch. 4 out of 5 popcorns!

MOVIE REVIEW: BEASTLY

Two hot stars collide in one of the films I am anticipating in 2011. Welcome Alex Pettyfer (I Am Number Four) and Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical series). The film is a modern retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" and makes us revisit our values about beauty being skindeep. Well, generally marketed to the younger generations, "Beastly" surely has succeeded in giving us "kilig" moments. And who could forget the hotness of Kyle (Alex) The storyline is a tried and tested one and it just makes you feel the beauty of love.

Although at some points, the movie tends to be slow in pace, it still made up for most of its parts. The visuals and the songs used in the film were commendable. Aside from 2 gorgeous cast, it is good to note a worthy performance by Mary-Kate Olsen who played the goth princess role with much gusto. She truly made a remarkable performance on this one.

Directed by Daniel Barnz, "Beastly" was somehow a wake-upper for all people. On today's modern world, we tend to give more importance to eathly stuffs, material things and outside beauty. We tend to forget that the best there is usually lies in beauty that is not seen by the naked eye. It's a 3.5 out of 5 popcorns.

MOVIE REVIEW: GNOMEO AND JULIET

 

The most famous of all Shakespeare novels make its way to the big screen anew. This time via an animated retelling of the beloved "Romeo and Juliet". And unlike the tragic novel we have long known, this new animated feature takes us to a different setting and different tone.

We are all welcomed to the world of the Gnomes, thus the monicker of Gnomeo rather than Romeo. We all dive into the world of two warring family of gnomes - the reds and the blues. Gnomeo is from the Blue family while her love interest Juliet is from the Red family. The film has fun spelled all over it as even the trailers suggest. The music from Elton John adds to the humor of the scenes as well. The supporting characters also give the added spark to this animated feature. Not as brilliant or moving as "Up" or "Toy Story" and not as much fun as "Kung Fu Panda", still this film made me laugh and smile.I am not too much happy with the seemingly abrupt ending but overall the story was nice.

We all need to believe not to live in the past. We are created to have lives of our own - free from conflicts from the past and just share love to whomever we want to share it. Overall, Gnomeo is a 3.5 out of 5 popcorns!

MOVIE REVIEW: RED RIDING HOOD

Set in a medieval village, this modern retelling of the classic children's tale surely did create some stir. I included "Red Riding Hood" in my list of most anticipated films in 2011 and boy it did not disappoint.

Caught in a conflict between love and family tradition, Valerie aptly played by Amanda Seyfried must brave all the problems along the way. The texture of the film is commendable as it can be seen with the sheer cinematography and nice editing. For people who loved the children classic, it surely is a brave retelling of that. In some ways or another, the film may be a bit dark and disturbing to young viewers but it was all worth it. It combined the great appeal of the tale and the "Twilight" inspired setting to create a new world of make believe.

Aside from the outstanding scenes, Seyfried was exceptional and played her role perfectly. If you enjoyed the complexities of the werewolves in Twilight, then you'll surely take a bite on this film as well. This one's a 3.5 out of 5 popcorns.

Photo Credits: Yahoo

MOVIE REVIEW: CATCH ME, I'M IN LOVE

 

Star Cinema has again triumphed in giving us another rom-com. This time it is with an untested tandem yet the results were still overwhelming. The success of "Catch Me, I'm In Love" has boiled speculations of a sequel.

The film revolves on a heaven and earth romance with a presidential son and a regular volunteer worker. The story is the normal story that we see on Philippines love stories but still it was nice to watch. At first I was hesitant to watch it as I don't think Gerald Anderson and Sarah Geronimo has that chemistry. But after watching the film, I think they do have the love connection. They played their parts really well. Gerald was convincing in his portrayal of a hard headed presidential son while Sarah was funny as usual.

The support cast was also good and there were plenty of fun moments in the film. There were some dramatic moments but I guess they did not put much on it as they feel making this film fun would attract more audiences. The story has loopholes and some of the characters like the one played by Matteo Guidicelli did not grab much highlights.

Overall, this is 3.5 popcorns out of 5.

AJ BIDS US GOODBYE

Young ABS-CBN talent and rising star, AJ Perez has bade his last farewell at the age of 18. He died in a vehicular accident last April 17, 2011 at 12:10 a.m. on MacArthur Highway, Barangay San Julian, in Moncada, Tarlac.

The whole showbiz industry and Filipinos alike were shocked to hear such sad news. Aj is a member of Star Magic Batch 13 and has been a regular in Tv shows for his mother studio ABS-CBN. Most notable of which is his starring role as one of the leading men in "Sabel" opposite Jessy Mendiola. His last film was with Eugene Domingo "Mamarazzi".

His death surely is a saddening moment. Let's all pray for his soul and for the peace of all his loved ones. You will be missed, AJ. Thanks for the nice days you have given us.

MOVIE REVIEW: SUCKER PUNCH

Zack Snyder takes us to a different ride with his latest film "Sucker Punch".
And yes, you will be treated to a different world as well. We all dive into an imaginary world created by one of the story's leads, Baby Doll (played by Emily Browning). As she gets into the mental institute, she finds herself entangled with different people and finding 4 other female souls who are all eager to get out. She dances her way to her imaginary world and we are all taken into it as well. The story and the way it was presented might be a bot mind boggling for most people but it is really the movie's appeal. We get to experience the world of the mentally distressed and see how they survive. In here we enter a world way beyond our realm and thinking. We are somehow asked to dive into the world of those mentally unstable ones.

The story is different but in a good way. Some of the portions might be predictable but still this one is a good ride. The action sequences are wicked and the graphics are commendable. The other ladies giving up the added spice to this action flick are Amber (Jamie Chung), Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens), Rocket (Jena Malone) and her older sister Sweet Pea (Abbie Cornish). The film was virtually entertaining and for the guys the sexiness of the ladies especially Abbie Cornish is a plus. The message was sent across towards the end of the film. Yup, it is true that we ourselves are the keys to our own freedom. And although we discover it usually when some have been lost already, it is still important that we find that key and use it to open the doors of our lives. Never get trapped into a world that you don't want. We have choices.

4 out of 5 popcorns.

Photo Credits: Yahoo movies