Passengers

Passengers is a film about a therapist who investigates the cause behind the disappearance of plane crash survivors.

The script is marvelous, save for some glitches that need a lot of clarifying to do because plot development is not sufficient. "Get Smart" leading lady Anne Hathaway is superb in this movie and so is Patrick Wilson.

Passengers is truly a mystery movie with a human heart. The warmth of its message that time is too short and its invitation to value relationships is so effective. Though there is no explicit mention about the spiritual realm, this film mirrors so effectively the most important thing that goes beyond the material - the mystery of love that envelops us all.

Rating: 4.5/5

Madagascar 2: escape 2 Africa

Madagascar 2 brings again to life the four animal-friends who, together with an original cast of animals, want to return to New York but get sidetracked in Africa.

There must be something lacking in this script that makes one long to watch the first movie. Unlike the Shrek episodes, it seems that it is difficult to sustain the excitement of this second film that it tends to drag. However, the punchlines continue to work.

Madagascar 2 aims to bring out various virtues suitable for persons of all ages. A feel-good movie, children could emulate success stories of friendships, parent-child relationships, and uniqueness. The characters will always be lovable to us.

Rating: 3/5

Max Payne

Max Payne is a film about a man whose wife and child were brutally murdered and is passionately hunting for the killers.

Set in a fantasy mode, the presentation of Max Payne becomes interesting, almost resembling a horror film. Thus, its visual effects and digital animation are amazing. The main character is projected as a superhero who is always up and about and jumps immediately after a fall. What results is a film meant to entertain.

There is a penchant for violence in this film. It seeks to inform in a visual way what happens to those who are influenced by drugs. But drug addiction goes beyond imaginations and hallucinations - the dignity of life is compromised, and people are relegated to the level of dust. Never, never give in for a second to things that debase human dignity.

Rating: 3/5

City of Ember

This is a film about two kids wanting to save the city whose generator is failing.

The concept is rather very creative yet it somehow does not meet the expectations of children in fantasy and imagination. The whole world is packaged in a fantasy world yet its presentation is horrifyingly practical, almost as dull as day-to-day life. Probably the challenge is to make each day into an exciting saga; but there is no time to reflect on it in this film.

The City of Ember on the other hand is a truly remarkable film - of hope, sacrifice, and courage. "Pursue your dreams no matter what" echoes throughout the film. There is always a way out of things, and it begins inside our hearts.

Rating: 3.5/5