Kung Fu Panda 3

Kung Fu Panda 3 is the third episode of a Kung Fu fighting Panda on his third phase of maturity as the Dragon Warrior, the carrier of the "chi".

The film never fails to amaze the moviegoers in terms of story plot and development as well as comedic twists.  Po maintains his endearing character of being cuddly and down to earth which appeal to people of all ages.  But he can also be live up to his rightful role as the "Dragon Warrior".  With this third and the most challenging encounter with his nemesis, he must be able to transcend from his weaknesses.

Po's character should inspire everyone that no matter what the challenges we can make it through.  But more than relying our own strength is the admittance that we need the support of others and that friends and family could be our true strength..

Rating: 4 of 5

Hotel Transylvania 2

Hotel Transylvania 2 is an animated film about a vampire who trains his grandchild to be a vampire.

In the name of entertainment, the filmmakers bring us to examine the comedic and satirical side of the world of vampires and monsters.  Unfortunately, save for the humans, the backdrop of cast and characters belong to the the dark side; hence, the need for more creativity to fit it into the world of children and comedy.

Whatever the backdrop is, the story explores the world of bringing out potentials in children which may be forced or respected in time.  Here, children should be treated with paramount respect and honor, and more importantly, be safeguarded against evils and dangers.

Rating: 3/5

Inside out

"Inside Out" is a story of a joyful alter ego of a girl who wants to restore her to her former happy state.

It's a very creative concept to personify feelings, much more to create a script out of it.  The resolution also is very realistic and engaging.  Truly, this film contains the trademark of Pixar.

The story may depict the dynamics of the self and its seeming conflicts, but eventually, everything reaches a state of well-bring brought about by an integrated self.  The point really is geared towards accepting human beings as they are.  Self-acceptance is the starting point of true love.

Overall rating: 4/5

Rio 2

Rio 2 is a sequel of a rare city-bred bird and his family adjusting to their new life in the jungle.

The story is as thin as it gets. However, the Brazilian music is superb and the basic story line can pass.  Animation is fast-paced.  It's generally entertaining and meant for the whole family to enjoy.

Values passed on in this movie are love for family and environment. Despite the modern technology, the beauty of nature is still incomparable.  Of course, enjoy the Brazilian music!

Rating: 3/5

Man of Steel

Man of Steel is a story of a man who searches for his identity and makes proper use of this to win against the nemesis.

The animation is none like it!  No episodes of artistic portrayal or slow motions.  Everything is done fast paced.  I would consider noble the life-like portrayal of battles and destruction that leaves out nothing for the imagination.  The animated special effects plus the icon of Superman making itself alive in today's times are all meant to visualize in the mind, boost and perpetuate what is basically the American myth - invincible, confident, and and inherently gifted with the sense of righteousness coming from of old.

Undeniably, everyone would amazed at the feat of Superman.  All will fall in love with him.  But it is worth reminding ourselves that the gift of righteousness and courage is not what is out there but in each one of us.  This very identity that makes us human can also be our base to search for what is truly divine in us all - our capacity to change the world for good until we recognize the ultimate goodness that comes from on high.

rating: 3.5/5

Epic

Epic is a story of an unlikely hero tasked to save the smaller beings on earth from sure destruction.

Using animation, people’s imaginations are given limitless visual possibilities.  On the other hand, how long human existence is, its realities remain the same.  The good news is that complex realities can be given a chance to be explored through animation.

An important human reality is relationships; in this film, a father and daughter relationship.   No matter the present situation of separated parents, a child will still yearn to be united with his/her parents.  That is why this film is rightly called “Epic” because of its immortal value.  

Rating: 4/5

Wreck it Ralph

Wreck It  Ralph is a story of the nemesis in a computer program who wants to be a hero for a change.

The characters' desires are compelling enough that they drive the story to its proper conclusion.  Except for Ralph, everyone seem to be consistent with their characterization as computer programs.

The film obviously protects the sensibilities of children against violence as typified by the car race.  But the theme generally is about violence brought about by following one's own way at the detriment of others. In the end, it is a question of the real order of things vs. one's own way, or the common good vs. personal good.  Pick your choice.

It also gives emphasis to the beauty of friendships. It is an inspiring movie.

Rating: 3.5/5

ParaNorman

"ParaNorman" is a story of a boy who pacifies a troubled spirit that is causing the dead to rise from their graves.

The motivations of the characters are truly clear in bringing an end to the harm caused by the troubled spirit. This may cause the film to be so linear there aren't much space for creativity and more surprises.

In as much as it is hard to forgive, choosing to forgive is definitely a better option than unleashing all powers brought about by anger and hatred.  But how does one really forgive?  Watch the movie and see - there is a child in all of us, the child that doesn't harbor grudges.

Rating: 3.5/5

Megamind

Megamind is a story of a nemesis to a superhero that he really got what he wanted: the opportunity to rule the world!

This type of film is spoof to the conventional superhero movie; thus it is campy, funny, and a total entertainment.  It does present an alternative to the good guys and bad guys in film.  The presence of Will Farrell is a real plus in the movie.

Who is the good guy?  Who is the bad guy?  Who are we to judge who is good or bad?  The reality is that is us who put labels to people and even ourselves, branding us as good or bad.  But there is goodness in everyone, even ourselves.  It is up to us to kindle or care for that goodness.  And to be bad simply means nothing and going towards nothing.  It is the nothingness of goodness.  I'm sure we know what alternative to take instead of remaining in the boring, empty world of nothingness.

Rating: 5/5

Legend of the Guardians

Legend of the Guardians is a film about an boy owl who searches for the guardians of Ga'hoole to save his brother from the Pure Ones.

This digitally animated movie is now capable of bringing nearly to the real world only that which can be visualized by cartoons.  Now we see real trees, water, and mountains in 3D.  The world of talking and fighting owls just increases our curiosity to learn from the world apart from our own.

It's just too bad that we learn to project the evil human realities to the animal world.  Now there is a quest, a fight against evil.  Such innocence is gone.  May we learn from the brutal world of humanity and instill a ray of hope that life and love will still prevail. 

The film may need the guidance of the parents as children would be exposed to violence.

Rating: 3/5 

Despicable me

"Despicable me" is a story of a mad scientist out to steal the moon.

It looks like your typical good guy-bad guy story with a twist, "Not every bad guy is a bad guy."  Its comedic aspects cater more to adults rather than children.  But its script can pass as a typical Hollywood movie with a happy ending.  But something in script lacks luster.

"Despicable me" adheres to recognizing the dignity of every human being.  Even the bad has a story to tell; and of course he can change and is capable of loving others.  This is recommended for the whole family.

Rating: 3/5

Cats and dogs: the revenge of Kitty Galore

Cats and dogs: the revenge of Kitty Galore is a digitally animated film about cats and dogs banding together to thwart Kitty Galore's plan to rule the world.

In the world of animation: there's no end to surprises, tricks, and entertainment.  Fantasy is wild.  Yet, underneath it is the world of human ingenuity raring to express itself to everyone, children and adults alike.  Yup, the children are entertained in this wholesome action movie.

Cats and dogs movie also explores the world of unity amidst differences; may it be races, creed, or biological classifications as cats and dogs!  We can be united to fight a common enemy lingering, i.e. the selfish character.  Good still triumphs over evil in a definitive way and friendships save the day.

Rating: 3.5/5

Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3 is a film about a set of toys well-loved in the past but may have to be given away.

This seemingly predictable film ended up not predictable at all; in fact it is enjoyable and touching.  The script is fast-paced with a lot of exciting scenes; it also has some dramatic elements. 

Toy story always seeks to bring inanimate objects to life; that's where the excitement begins.  Memories cannot be buried in the past; they have a way of bringing themselves in the present and they they give inspiration to the future.  Value what you have.  For you may not have the same thing tomorrow.

Rating: 4.5/5

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Prince of Persia is a story of a street boy - turned prince who discovers the power of the magic dagger and protects it from getting into the wrong hands.

While it may be true other actors would play Dastan's role better than Jake Gyllenhaal, Prince of Persia still merits joining the high-budgeted computer-animated action-adventure films.  The script is also compelling; there is sense in joining the characters' quest to protect the dagger at all costs.

In real life, we may never turn back the hands of time; that is why prudence and the wisdom of the ages count a lot in making wise decisions.   We may also use the present to undo the harmful things we've done in the past and the future to instill a ray of hope the we can do something to change this world for good.

Rating: 4/5

Shrek Forever After

Shrek Forever After is a film about an ogre who wants his life without his back.

The challenge to sequels is to put in something new without sacrificing the formula of success of the past.  Shrek is subject to the extremist criticisms and watchful eyes.  For this writer, the plus factors are its script, storyline, and more detailed animation, rendering it 3D.  Facial expressions are more pronounced; thus giving it that realistic feel among the audience.

If given the chance to go back to the past, would you have gone through the whole process of relationship?  The answer is a great "Yes!"  The only problem is that love is not automatic; you have to go through the rigors of falling in love again, asking and receiving it from the one you love.  This is the core of Shrek's story.  There are no regrets about it, "I would fall in love with you all over again."

Rating: 4/5

Clash of the Titans

Clash of the Titans is a story of a demigod who intends to send Hades back to the realm of the dead.

With Sam Worthington playing the lead role of this box office movie, it seems that we're back to watching Avatar.  Yet, as the story develops, he gave justice to the character of Perseus.  Films produced in 3D are challenged to at least be at par or be better than the previous successful 3D movies, among them, Avatar and Alice in Wonderland.

The moral perspective should be seen in the context of Greek mythology as regards the genesis of suffering and man's relationship with the gods.  What makes life exciting is how both men and gods make choices that lead to consequences, more often, leading to more sufferings and death.  The Christian perspective is totally different - God does not make mistakes.  Moreover, He remains faithful to us and cares for us.  It is our iniquities that lead us away from Him.  Make no mistake to equate these two beliefs.

Rating: 3.5/5

How to train your dragon

How to Train your Dragon is a film about a young man who encounters the most notorious of all dragons.  Will he be able to train him?

This is the advent of the post-structuralist filmmakers who would rather present a message not through the live characters but through digitally animated ones.  Now, our fantasies come alive, giving fictional characters such as dragons a life, especially if they're viewed on 3D screens. Of course, these should be exceptionally crafted to please the mind of the audience.

The film places a high value on friendships and understanding the other.  Perennial concern among cultures, especially in the first world countries to be suspicious of other cultures or to impose its culture on them.  But the world can be a better place to live in if we live in harmony, respect, and interdependence.

Rating: 5/5

Alice in wonderland

After 19 years, Alice reunites with her friends to fight against the evil queen.

The weight of the entire film rests on Johnny Depp who performs quality roles very consistently. Ann Hathaway and Helena Bonhan Carter also gave such exemplary performances that made Alice a much sought-for film for this year. Of course, the world of animation is just going deeper and deeper, being enmeshed in the real world to give fantasy a chance to make itself real, even virtually.

Alice's world is topsy turvy, making the real world a caricature. And yet, the deepest realities of life especially those inside the heart challenge the conventional world outside. Inside the heart, darkness and evil find their home, but so too goodness and light. Eventually, one has to choose what state to live in, and in choosing, give life or death. Choose wisely then!

Rating: 4.5/5

The Princess and the frog

The Princess and the frog is a story of a young woman who dreamed of having her own restaurant only to find out she couldn't because she turned into a frog.

Inspired by E. D. Baker's novel The Frog Princess, this film gives a twist to the character of the Princess. The script is also seamless and believable; animation is certified Disney creation. By its mode, it may be geared to become a Broadway musical in the future.

The only disturbing aspect of the film is how the power of evil can convert people into beasts. Of course this is fictional and voodoo is a pagan ritual, but could children take it? Besides, Disney's preoccupation with its conventional evil characters may have gone a bit too far in this movie. They should opt to redefine their convention which by now is not only obsolete but may actually cross the line from entertaining children to actually inviting the power of evil to lurk in the world. Remember, no amount of evil can counteract the power of God and the good.

Rating: 3/5

Avatar

Avatar is an semi-animated film about a man who has to fill up the shoes of his twin brother to manage his avatar as he enters into a new world and learn its culture.

The most significant thing is how the script develops to make you glued to your seat in a span of three hours. There wasn't any dull moment with Avatar. The animated world blended seamlessly with the real world, thus, enmeshing these two. The digital world definitely awakens the viewer that the film he is watching could not be real. But he is left to look for any resonance of the film with the real life.

Many other "alien" films are produced with this kind of theme, i.e., picturing the humans' inhumanity and the aliens' innocence. These films pose a challenge to us, "What have we done to our own world?" We may have gone a long way in advancing technology, but we haven't become more humane. Unless we change our outlook, our world may actually disintegrate and die, leaving the next generation to suffer extinction and decay.

Rating: 5/5