The Campaign

The campaign is a story of a man who's running for reelection unopposed when an unknown contender fights him back.

All characters are definitely compelling - Will Farell and Zach Galifianakis as Cam Brady and Marty Huggins respectively, as well as the host of stars who try with all their might to outwit each other, creating a zany election campaign and all dirty stories behind it.   This is what makes this film very entertaining.

Corruption in government and elections may already be a universal malady.  Thus, it pays even to make a satire of the whole thing, perhaps to cast a ray of hope just to correct it, all for the sake of the good of the citizens of a country.  Unless politicians and the whole stakeholders change their outlook in governance and gaining the people's trust, this film that has the potentials of political change will just be viewed with skepticism.

Rating: 3.5/5

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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

Harry Potter and the deathly hallows: part 1

Ever planning to watch or have you watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 1?  It's really getting nastier as Voldemort is now more aggressive than ever to kill Harry Potter while Harry, Ron, and Hermione decide to finish Dumbledore's work and find the rest of the Horcruxes to defeat the Dark Lord.

Still consistent with the books earlier published for children, Harry Potter is leaving any vestige of a child's world in order to become an adult who is totally exposed to the evils of the world.  Left orphaned and alone by his parents, his 2 friends are his sources of strength.  Also at this point in time, people around have metamorphosed into good and evil.

With all the children in the world growing up together with Harry Potter who was left by his parents and vulnerably subjected to the "cruel" world, could this also have an impact on the way the children are being formed outside their families?  Remembering the words of the father who adopted Harry but left him saying, "It is not safe around here," this may imply that the next generation of Harry Potters may give little emphasis to the last bastion of human existence which is the family.  May this film serve as a challenge to parents to upgrade the way they bring up their children, because the real strength of a child lies in the strength of character of his/her parents.

Rating:  3/5

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

Splice

Splice is a film about scientists going overboard to combine other cells in a human DNA.

For a science fiction film, this could be an eye-opener to the unimaginable consequences of an ethically irresponsible human research.  Splice is also supremely apocalyptic as it signals the end of all human rationality.

It may also be a realistic movie in terms of realizing the consequences of an immoral action and decision.  In this world, there is no redemption, only destruction of the human sensibility.  Worse for humankind, there's nobody to be blamed for this folly than man himself.  May we be awakened against tampering with the the natural world and what man can ethically do to serve it, not tamper with it.

Rating: 2.5 / 5

Vampires suck

Vampires suck is a spoof of the Original Twilight saga of a girl who falls desperately in love with a vampire.

Using the genre of comedy, the film never ceases to smack the original film to the delight of the audience, indeed, to trivialize overpowering vampire movies and to detach us from being glued to the filmmakers' maneuverings.  Twilight, just enjoy, it's just a movie!

In a comedic setting, the more the audience should stay awake for any undertones that may also trivialize sensitive issues as sexuality and immorality.  Other than that, take this film for what it is: a rib tickler!

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

Expendables

Expendables is a story of a man who wishes to free a revolutionary fighter in another country.

Using well-known actors as Sylvester Stallone, Jet Li, and Jason Statham among others, its box office success is undeniable.  Its special effects and actions stunts are competitive, and its script is realistic.

However, undeniably, films produced nowadays trivialize violence and its effects over the unsuspecting viewers.   The values of justice and friendship are laid in the background.   It may well signal the beginning of the death of the audience's moral sensibilities in watching these high-level action packed films.

Rating: 2.5/5

Inception

Inception is a film about a man who engages in entering into other people's dreams and altering their personality.

With the advent of digital technology anything is possible under the sun.  Where will these digital technologies lead us to?  In this movie dreams and realities are intermingled.  All through the power of digital technology!

In the world of fantasy where the subconscious rules and the imaginations run wild, desires are limitless.  The conventions of disrupting time, space continuum to the realm of the uncertain, the wild and raw fantasies are something to be explored and played around.  It is also an area where there are no truths and morals.  But are all these right and just?  The answer is still no; that is why dreams are the most cherished possessions of an individual; no one has a right to tamper with them.

Rating: 3/5

Salt

Salt is a film about a woman of the CIA who avenges the death of her husband.

The world of action films again amazes us, much more if the action figure is a woman!  Angelina Jolie is well-established this genre.  I believe that the film is geared to produce a second part.

This is a world of spy films where the desire is to retaliate against another country.  But at the expense of using people and brainwashing them?  Sooner of later, suspicions will have to be replaced by collaboration and sharing.  The only thing left for the moment is an adherence to truth and honest living.  Vengeance is still an unacceptable alternative to life.

Rating:  2.5/5

The last airbender

The Last Airbender is a film about a young boy who starts training to fulfill his destiny as the Avatar.

The backdrop of this film may have its roots in Chinese culture.  It also espouses religious themes like reincarnation.  Having a parallel spiritual world enables one to enter into a fantasy world where not only people could communicate to them; they also have special powers of bending air, water, earth, and fire.

If the audience automatically shifts his sensibilities to another state, he might as well be enthralled with the spirit world.  But for clarification, as Christians, we don't believe in reincarnation.  Having said that, let us always be aware of the positive points of the film: the struggle for discipline and training in realizing one's vocation, the state of balance of this world, and the triumph of good over evil.  Here, the last Airbender is a powerful force for good.

Rating: 4/5

The sorcerer's apprentice

The Sorcerer's Apprentice is a fantasy film about a man who trains a young boy to become Merlin the Magician's successor.

Nicholas Cage serves as a good role model for the viewing market as he challenges the young weakling Jay played by Jay Baruchel to fulfill his destiny.  Meanwhile, a fantasy film with lots of special effects never fails to take the audience to a dream world where magic is possible.  So, be free to be taken to wonderland!

The film exposes a disordered quest for power.  It is the conventional battle between good and evil for this film with an added depth - the quest to transcend from one's inflicted limitations to a state where miracles are possible.  In the end, no matter the cost, good should and will always win over evil.

Rating: 3.5/5

Eclipse

Eclipse is a film about a vampire who swears to protect his human girlfriend from the vengeance of one of his kind.

The 3rd episode of the Twilight saga, this film showed remarkable continuity from its previous episodes as if the 4 films were shot at all at the same time.  It just depends on the time of its release.  Though as work of art, we still need to justify the rationality behind a love story told from the point of view of a vampire and a werewolf.   It is the actors / actresses that are the film's main asset as the audience keep abreast of what would possibly happen with this love triangle.  The fourth episode may be the greatest crowd drawer of all.

This may be a love story, but the idea of selling one's soul just to be one with the dead may be the very reason why this film is repulsive.  Moreover, a passion in its extremist form as symbolized by a werewolf is equally revolting as well.  Most repulsive of all is the female character who compromises all her worth, soul and spirit just to be drawn to either extreme.  In the end, all these characters may not be worth emulating at all.  Take care not to compromise those moral values for the sake of an immature love.

Rating: 2.5/5

Knight and Day

Knight and Day is a story of a woman whose peaceful life is disturbed tremendously by a mystery man and wants to know who he is.

This action film and love story combined qualifies only as an entertainment film that doesn't need much thinking about.  It may be set in some exotic country but it failed to give enough substance toward a credible plot.

Could acts of violence be justified under any circumstance?  Probably, but only in the act of self-defense.  But to make this the very theme of the movie and to orient an innocent into this world is something else.In this world only the strong and powerful survives.  Enjoy the movie only because of its entertainment value.

Rating: 2.5/5

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

Letters to Juliet

Letters to Juliet is a story about a woman who assists another woman in search of her lost love.

The story seems credible, easy to understand, and inspiring.  It highlights the beauty of a country other than the United States.  It is generally entertaining.

With love all things are possible; what was possible in the past may also be possible in the present and in the future.  True enough, love is eternally new.

Rating: 3.5/5

The A-team

The A-team is a film about the U.S. rangers who are out to do impossible missions and come out alive!

Of course, being a remake of the of a popular TV series of the same title, this film delivers a lot of hot actions and digital animation.  The script does not call for any depth; yet it satisfies audience curiosity of a credible plot.  Overall, this film is entertaining.

The A-team can be considered a remnant of the American superhero mentality where characters get bruised but don't die from a great fall or from the bullet of a gun.

Secondly,  it maybe giving a skewed message of embracing violence as better alternative than peace and non-violence.  But can a show of force be justified under any circumstance?  In this paradigm, a sense of moral upbringing of persons may be irrelevant; only power rules.  The audience should be aware of the message this film brings to them.

Rating: 3/5

Killers

Killers is a film about an assassin who wants to starts life anew with the woman of his dreams but ends up dragging her in the dark secrets of his past.

The twists in the story seems to be so zany it's believable and entertaining.  It just seemed that Ashton Kutcher is playing the role of a teenage heartthrob rather than an action star.  Nevertheless, the characters generally are apt for their job to bring the film to the level of comedy.

Beyond the zany plot lies a simple reality: Crime doesn't pay.  But there's something much more to it: Love conquers all.  Finally, give a person a chance to change.

Rating: 3.5/5