Movie Review: HAPPY FEET TWO (3D)

MOVIE INFO


Happy Feet Two returns audiences to the magnificent landscape of Antartica in superb 3D. Mumble, the Master of Tap, has a problem because of his tiny son, Erik, is choreo-phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters the mighty Sven - a penguin who can fly.  Mumble has no hope of competing with this charismatic new role model. But things get worse when the world is shaken by powerful forces. Erik learns of his father's "guts and grit" as Mumble brings together the penguin nations and all manner of fabulous creatures-from tiny Krill to giant Elephant seals - to put things right --- (C) Warner Bros


Genre: Animation. Family Adventure
Directed and Written by: George Miller

The Voices behind the Characters

Elijah Wood as Mumble
Alecia Moore as Gloria
Brad Pitt as Will the Krill
Sofia Vergara as Carmen
Robin Williams as Ramon
Hank Azaria as The Mighty Sven
Matt Damon as Bill the Krill
Ava Acres as Erik

REVIEW:

Happy Feet Two is fascinating but somehow quite a disappointment in respect with its predecessor. 

Generally, Happy Feet Two wasn't bad at all. The movie still has its charms and entertainment factor but it was just not as relevant and rich compared with the first film. I think what is the Major Problem of this film is that it failed to deliver a concrete story line and plot to the point that the whole film was sort of a mess. There are so many unnecessary add-ons to the film that made it look like a circus at some point.

The Director and the Writer left the premise blank. It was supposed to focus on Erik, Mumble and Gloria's son, but it somehow went back to Mumble instead. There were no Major Conflict and Resolution of the film that is why it didn't appeal to the fans of the franchise.

The film lacks depth and profundity with its revolving concept to fight the indifference of a penguin having the ability to tap using its feet instead of a beautiful voice. On the other hand, it lack coherent relationship with Mumble and his son Erik. The film must have its focus on the struggle of Erik to become accepted like what Mumble received in Happy Feet One.

There were no progression in the sequences of the film. I even can't remember there was a highlight or climax. There were less adventures and thrills this time. The singing part were kinda less this time compared with the first one. At some point, the film is over-crowded, noisy and disorganized. It was somehow flat and draggy.

On the other hand, Happy Feet Two boast of funny characters such as the Krills and the Seagulls. Animation was also pretty good. The movie is indeed a visual sparkle of effects and 3D technology. The 3D was good and definitely, it added on the film's overall performance.

The singing parts were less but it was still good and well-crafted. Amidst its star-studded voices behind the characters, Happy Feet Two failed to make a worthy-sequel to the Academy-Award Winning Predecessor. 

RATINGS: 3 STARS  

Movie Review: IN TIME

MOVIE INFO


When Will Salas is falsely accused of murder, he must figure out a way to bring down a system where time is money – literally – enabling the wealthy to live forever while the poor, like Will, have to beg, borrow, and steal enough minutes to make it through another day.


GENRE: Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy


DIRECTOR and WRITER: Andrew Niccol


CHARACTERS:

Justine Timberlake as Will Salas

Amanda Seyfried as Sylvia Weis

Cillian Murphy as Raymond the Time Keeper

Vincent Kartheiser as Philippe Weis

Olivia Wilde as Rachel Salas

Matthew Bomer as Henry Hamilton

REVIEW:

In Time effectively introduced a whole new aspect of Technological Advancement that does not need any robotics at all.

I really loved the premise and the concept of the film. I commend the Director and the Writer for bringing a whole new flavor of the future by introducing Time as an essential element and substitute for money and status symbol.

This film may lack a sort of impact and may not be your high-octane film but “In Time” delivers its thrill and excitement through its creative, stylish and original plot that will glue you until the end. It may not be as profound as other films, but this movie gives you a great ride of saving your time by all means.

Upon watching this film, you’ll learn to give importance to every minute of your time and be able to make the most out of it for your loved ones.

What this film lacks is its profundity in terms of storytelling and plot scheme. The movie did not fully contain a good background on the whole concept of TIME. The film must focus their premise on the Company that started the whole thing. The plot lacks the exposition of such Company and how they were able to steal time all over the world. The timekeepers were not also given much emphasis on their roles in the film. With enough background and in-depth approach, the film would be better as it should be in terms of execution.

But nevertheless, In Time still delivers its whole new concept. Cinematography-wise, the film is good and smooth. Production may not be as impressive as it should be, but the concept of different Time Zones make this film distinct. You could really identify the status symbol of every individual through the Time Zone she or he is in. And with this concept, the film effectively delivered at an average note.

Justine and Amanda were also good in the film but not exceptional. I see their Chemistry and charm together. I must say this one of the greatest film of Justine and Amanda to date. Although Justine lacks emotion at some point, he was able justify his role until the end. Amanda, on the other side, is as beautiful as her portrayal in the movie.

It is a good popcorn movie that will literally ratify the saying that “TIME IS GOLD”.

RATINGS: 3.5 STARS

Blogfest SOCCSKSARGEN 2.0: The Bloggers' Eyeball Event

Photo Courtesy of www.gensantos.com

"Kapag Eyeball, para sa mga chatmates at textmates agad, hindi ba pwedeng sa mga Bloggers rin muna."

This is a famous Joke format popularized by Vice Ganda in the Blockbuster movie Praybet Benjamin. And I think, this line fits the 2nd Year of the GandaEversoMuch Blogfest SOCCSKSARGEN. 

Yes, you heard it right! Following the huge success of the First Blogfest SOCCSKSARGEN last December 11, 2011 held at East Asia Royale Hotel (with over 120 participants), comes another version of this Grand Eyeball of Bloggers in Mindanao. The Blogfest SOCCSKSARGEN 2.0.

This years' Eyeball and Convention of talented Bloggers was duly organized by GANDAEVERSOMUCH (Mr. Ormal Manansala), GENSANTOS.COM (Mr. Avel Manansala, Bariles, Founder of SOX Bloggers) and the every energetic and funnest SOX Bloggers.

Thanks to Bariles himself (Mr. Avel Manansala) for making this event an annual affair for all bloggers in the Mindanao to meet in one venue of skills development and enhancement. Thus, creating a more intimate relationship with fellow bloggers and be able to share knowledge and tips with each other to become better in the World of Blogging.

The second wave of the Blogfest SOCCSKSARGEN will be happening on November 26, 2011 at the City by the Bay and Home of the Champions, General Santos City. (See posters and blog posts for the Final Venue in GenSan)

And the poster below (Courtesy of www.gensantos.com) is just a teaser of the star-studded Guest speakers that will be gracing the event.

Photo Courtesy of www.gensantos.com

The Blogfest SOCCSKSARGEN 2.0 has a theme, "The Emergence of Blogs and Social Media". The theme is just perfect for today's trend wherein Social Media is really creating a great impact to our society. Thus, with the help of the respected pool of Guest Speakers and VIP's above, I'm pretty sure that the bloggers will surely learn great insights out of this meaningful event and gathering.

Not only SOX Bloggers are encouraged to attend, but also all students and individuals who wanted to enhance their Blogging Skills and be well-acquainted with the Emergence of Social Media nowadays.

For registration and other inquiries, kindly visit the following websites:

www.soxbloggers.com (SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers)

www.gensantos.com (Bariles, Mr. Avel Manansala's Blog)

www.gandaeversomuch.com (Mr. Orman Manansala's Blog)

How I wish I could attend this great event but unfortunately, I have a duty on the said date. But being able to blog about it and let others know about this momentous gathering of Bloggers, is already a great pleasure for me. What more can I say! Kudos to the Organizers especially to Bariles!

Way to go SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers and all the Bloggers here in Mindanao!

Mabuhay tayong lahat! Magandang GenSan everyone!

The 2011 Grand Christmas Centerpiece Light Up Ceremony at SM City Davao

Get a load of your favorite things as we usher in the most wonderful time of the year.

It's Christmas!

Catch the Grand Launch of the Christmas Centerpiece Light Up Ceremony

at SM City Davao on November 12, 2011, Saturday, 5 PM.

(2nd Floor Exhibit Area, between SM Appliance Center & SM Dept. Store)

Catch the handsome PBB Teen Big Winner, JAMES REID, along with Nica Tupas,

 Davao's Top Chorales: UIC Girl's Choir, USEP Harmonica Chorale, Sta. Cecilia 

Chorale, Matina Apalaya's Children Choir and 

University of Mindanao Choir. And of course, SANTA CLAUS!

"Celebrate your favorite Season at your favorite mall, only here at 

SM City Davao, where we all come together".

Movie Review: PUSS IN BOOTS 3D

MOVIE INFO

Long before he even met Shrek, the notorious fighter, lover and outlaw Puss in Boots becomes a hero when he sets off on a adventure with the tough and street smart Kitty Softpaws and the mastermind Humpty Dumpty to save his town. This is the true story of The Cat, The Myth, The Legend... The Boots --- (C) Dreamworks/Paramount

Genre: Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantsay, Comedy

Directed By: Chris Miller

Written by: Tom Wheeler, Brian Lynch, Will Davies

Featuring the VOICES of:

Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots

Salma Hayek as Kitty Softpaws

Zach Galifianakis as Humpty Dumpty

Billy Bob Thornton as Jack

Amy Sedaris as Jill

Constance Marie as Imelda

REVIEW:

If you were entertained and fascinated with Puss in Boots addition to the Shrek Series, you'll surely love more his character in this fantastic visual sparkle of charm and humor that even dog owners will surely love to watch.

Puss in Boots is not as outstanding as other Animated Films but it will surely entertain audiences of all ages.

I really love cats and this movie made me even love cats more.

What is charming and great about this movie is that it focuses on the history and journey of Puss in Boots before he met Shrek. The movie started with the premise on how Puss got his boots and even the history of his childhood. Puss' childhood became colorful and adventurous when he met Humpty Dumpty. Puss and Humpty were one of the adopted or orpahns of a very good lady, Imelda, which later became their foster mother.

Puss and Humpty's friendship grew stronger as they both fulfill their dreams of finding the magic beans that will lead them to the Castle above the skies where they could find the Golden Goose that poops gold. 

But their friendship and quest was tested with Trust on a night the will changed their lives forever. Years later, Puss in Boots and Humpty Dumpty met again. This time, with the help of Kitty. They worked altogether to get the Magic Beans to the wicked couple JACK AND JILL.

The story is very visually appealing and the plot is good. The premise of the movie is clear. It gave a detailed history of how Puss in Boots became a legend. I love how the director played with storyline as it involved Famous Fairy tale and Fictional Characters such as HUMPTY DUMPTY, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, JACK AND JILL, THE GOLDEN GOOSE and many more.

And of course, there are so many cats in this film that made the story cute and very appealing to cat lovers and even audiences of all ages. You'll be mesmerized with the Spanish-inspired accent and aura of Puss. There are many exciting and fascinating moments to watch out for this film. 

Of course, the star-studded voices behind the characters made it even more fabulous. I couldn't think of any other Hollywood Actor other than Antonio Banderas that could fit the voice behind the legendary Puss in Boots. Salma Hayek was also as beautiful as her voice behind Kitty, the love interest of Puss in the film. 

What I love most about Puss in Boots is its impressive use of the 3D technology. I am very much pleased on how the Technical Team of the film maximized the technology. Actually, Puss in Boots is full-length 3D film. The 3D stuff is not only on selected scenes but almost all part of the movie. It feels like you are inside the movie. I really think it is one of the Animated Films that is really worth-watching with those three-dimensional glasses. 

It's solid entertainment from start to finish, with enough adventurous moments to delight most viewers are just enough reasons why you should watch this film.

I must say, PUSS IN BOOTS 3D is still one of the most charming Animated film of all time and one of the films that has the best use of the 3D technology.

RATINGS: 5 STARS