Spy Next Door Movie Brings Back Jackie Chan Comic-Action

Your Spy Next Door movie will be a fun one-and-a-half-hour comic-action movie for your family and kids. With decent action scenes, Jackie Chan style.

For some, it can actually be the problem - the usual Jackie Chan funny-action movie. However, if you do enjoy Jackie's funny antics, and your children also does, it could be worth your, and your family's, while.

Spy next Door's action-comedy theme and simplistic plot is bound to give people a number of laughs. Chan's return to Hollywood after the groundbreaking Forbidden Kingdom where he starred in with fellow Asian Jet Li, is surely welcomed. This time around, Jackie is an inactive spy who suddenly finds himself reluctantly in for another mission challenging his espionage skills while on the way to becoming his girlfriends' kids' new dad.

Lions Gate Films selected Chan as he sensibly fits the role of Bob Ho, the undercover CIA spy who chooses to settle down with next-door girlfriend Gillian (Amber Valletta).

He suddenly turns from being a spy by night into a babysitter by day. Things gets even more complicated with the three reluctant kids and some nasty Russian villains with a biological arsenal that feeds on oil threatening its supply.

Other stars joining Jackie Chan include George Lopez, Lucas Till, and celebrity dad Billy Ray Cyrus. Released locally by Viva International Pictures and directed by Brian Levant, Spy Next Door movie opens nationwide on January 15, 2010.

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New Moon Better Than Twilight?

After getting a lot of flack again from a number of film critics just like its predecessor Twilight, I think New Moon deserves to be compared to the former instead.

From someone who got to watch New Moon without watching Twilight, I think the movie was actually a good one for its target audience - the romantically inclined movie goers.

Although the die-hard book lovers would expectedly point out missing scenes, I believe that the story line was able to hold viewer interest throughout the movie's twist and turns.

I particularly liked the werewolves-protect-Bella-from-vampire shots and the brief action sequence where Edward had to defend Bella (Kristen Stewart) from the elder vampires. Weird enough, a visionary affirmation from Alice was anough to give them freedom.

Bad Scenes

Anyhow, the movie obviously had some lousy scenes as well highlighted by the dreamy sequence where Edward was running after Bella in the woods in jestful . . . slow . . . mo . . . tion. I think it was the most 'cheesy' and unnecessary scene in the movie. It should have been edited-out. Period. (it caused the viewing audience last night to break out it laughter, or perhaps in disgust).

As many girls shriek at Jacob's abs (Taylor Lautne), his acting abilities was the lousiest among them all. You can feel in his facial gestures alone, the unnatural expression of his supposed love for Bella required from the script.

Funny Observations

Guy viewers accompanying their girlfriends should just watch out for the moviehouse-girly-shrieks everytime Jacob removes his shirt. :)

I also observed that Edward Cullen and Bella seem to use the same lipstick. :)

New Moon

The movie also stars Dakota Fanning with a few minutes of exposure and red eyes. Regular movie screening of New Moon starts today locally. This sequel's running time was also obviously longer than Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight.

Generally, New Moon is a feel good romantic-fiction fantasy between humans, werewolves and vampires. The closing scene was successful in instilling a strong anticipation among the viewers and fans. Edward and Bella supporters are surely looking forward on the third installment.

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Heartwarming AstroBoy Movie

Basically a cartoon movie with a heart, AstroBoy touches the human heart with the concept of self-sacrifice for the another's betterment.

Programmed with the memory and emotions of a real child, AstroBoy was in search of his destiny after being made to realize that he was not a real boy. His experiences later on made him a stronger, more resolute 'person,' emotionally and otherwise.
The movie illustrated a number of life lessons from social acceptance to belongingness and father-child quality time, among others. The CGI showcase of the movie is at par with other latest movies with a slight inclination towards darker hues.

Thank you to TV5 for the movie invites.

AstroBoy Movie Trailer:


Don't expect an truly awesome move or something similar that you want to watch all over again but it's a nice movie for children and the whole family. AstroBoy fans wouldn't be disappointed as well.

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Whiteout, Wiped Out

Get positively wiped out watching Whiteout (or White Out for SEO purposes) :) - an action-thriller suspense movie situated in Antartica.

Aside from a shooting spree at the very start, the film developed albeit slowly giving the viewers enough tour of the majestic ice land in the southern part of our globe. It also established major characters of the film especially Kate Bekinsale who starred as US Marshall Carrie Stetko.

The most isolated landmass on Earth
90° S. latitude, zero E. longitude
Six million square miles of ice
Six months of darkness
Temperatures at minus-120 degrees
Winds at 100 miles per hour

It all begun when Stetko and Dr. John Fury (Tom Skerritt) found a deadman on ice to which the cause of death posed a lot of question. It was also Antartica's first homicide.

And in the quest to answer this question, they found unexpected answers which led to more mystery, discoveries and eventually, betrayal.

All this amidst, Stetko's haunting past and a seemingly developing relationship with Gabriel Macht (Robert Pryce).
White

It was a refreshing action-thriller movie set in Antartica. Something different for a change. It also tried to show how it is to live life surrounded by ice as paralleled to US Marchall Stetko's personal sentiments.

Black

I believe the Kate Beckinsale hot shower scene (and the moments before it) was a good 5 minutes for the male audience, but I think was not necessary for the movie nor the story. It was an obvious attempt to leverage on Kate Bekinsale's physical attributes to boost ticket sales.

Equals...

Based from a book, I believe nonetheless that Whiteout was able to maintain a fairly good balance of story, thrill, and action all throughout the movie.

I give Whiteout 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend you to watch it for the above-mentioned reasons. Just watch out for some bloody and finger-amputating scenes you might have to bear with (and of course, the bonus shower scene for the guys).
A Dominic Sena film, Whiteout is presented by Warner Bros. Pictures in association with Dark Castle Entertainment.

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G.I. JOE: Rise of the Cobra - Cartoonish But Cool

G.I. JOE: Rise of The Cobra is your typical out-of-the-comic action adventure film who brings the story to the movie screen. But don't worry, you won't be disappointed.

It would most probably satisfy what most of the audience would expect out of G.I. Joe movie - a highly fictionalized story and a lot of CGIs; but still enjoyable to watch.

The best part for me would be the Paris urban road chase. It's fast, heart-pumping, awesome, and certainly gathered some shrieks from our movie housemates.

Story-wise, I believe it was able to establish what it wanted to tell about how the GI Joes and Cobra would come about. Snake Eyes had a simple but deep character to portray.

This prequel was for the most part, made to establish the story for the sequel. And with that, I expect the part 2 to be more bombastic and engaging. This is what I am excited about.

Thanks to TV5 Shake mo TV mo for the special screening invite of G.I. JOE: the Rise of the Cobra

Watch G.I. JOE: Rise of The Cobra and enjoy. Don't think much. :)

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Harry Potter and the Half-Baked Ending

If you are a Harry Potter fan and you didn't like my title, let's see how you'd react to my friend Spanky's "Harry Potter and the Half-Asleep Audience". :)

Nonetheless, I didn't fall asleep. I watched and listened so intently as not to skip an important word or phrase uttered by the characters in the story. I was then so thrilled to watch Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince because I think the trailer was made of awesome compared to all the previous series'. It left in me the impression that it was action-packed and full of magic. See the trailer here.
This is aside from the fact that I am watching the movie in the San-Miguel IMAX Theater in SM MOA, a surprising first for me.

Two hours after the movie, I was still expecting a major showdown of magic of some sort. I told myself, ok, they have around half-an hour left to amaze me. :) And suddenly, just when I though it was about to come, the credits showed.
I asked my friend beside me if that was it and am I really seeing the credits! (that the movie was over)!

The others conclude that it was anti-climactic. True, but I guess these are all the reactions one would get from the non-book readers. We didn't know what will happen and we expected much.
The book readers, perhaps, were happy with the results and knew what is to come. The movie stayed true to the book and ended in such manner. Ron and Hermione took the back seat and was not involved in the story in any major aspect. I would like to believe that book 6 was meant to invest in the story and plot build-up for the last, book 7.

The movie's cinematography was outstanding, expectedly dark and 'Harry Potterish.' In IMAX, the first half-hour or so was in 3D Imax mode.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince movie is the sixth installment in the Harry Potter movie series from Warner Bros. Pictures. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint once again takes on the roles of Hogwarts students Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley.

The movie rendition of the seventh book will be divided into two parts with the first one to be shown on November of next year and the last one on July 2011.

I expect the first part of book seven to push us at the edge of our seats and leave us hanging again similar to what happened in this half-blood prince movie review.

See you again after 16 months for the next Harry Potter movie!

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Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - What I Love and Hate About It

I expected a lot from the Transformers sequel Revenge of the Fallen. Action wise, I got what I was looking forward to, and even more so. It was action-packed from start to finish.

The fight scenes were impressively done and the cinematographer almost went over the edge with all the CGIs and the cameras in full 360 degree swing most of the time. Some may observe that it might have been overdone but I liked it, it was what I expected from a Transformers movie and it provided the 'awesomeness' factor.

Among the battle scenes (aside from the war at the movie's ending), the first clash between Megatron and Optimus Prime in the forest, the transformation of Devastator in the desert, and BumbleBee's fight against Rampage and Ravage were the most outstanding.

The movie also introduced a number of new Autobots and Decepticons in the movie from Jolt to the twins Skida and Madflap, and from Jetfire to the Fallen.

However, the storyline suffered much in so many instances in an effort to explain things. It tried to say too much and miserably failed in the execution of the twist and turns.

I was not able to accept how the overly-done funny antics by Sam's mother and the college-classmate-side-kick-guy could mix smoothly with the movies' mythical theme.

And the highlight of this tragedy was when the primes talked to Sam in his unconciousness in shadows and sunset light.

But then again, I loved the movie for its superbness and I want to close this review on a positive note. :) The musical score was admirable! That's what I'm talking about. Astounding sounds that fit an awe-inspiring movie.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is a science fiction film directed by Michael Bay with Steven Spielberg as executive producer. Shia LaBeouf once again took the role of Sam Witwicky with real-life broken fingers and Megan Fox as the beautiful girlfriend Mikaela who always looks dazzling and barely perspired amidst running through miles of sand in the desert.

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Humans Vs. Machines: A Terminator Salvation Movie Review

This is judgement day. In contrast to the three previous Terminator movies which was first set in the 1980's, Terminator Salvation is set in the time when machines ruled the world and the humans struggle for survival.

Here, the viewers were given a peek of how John Connor played his part at the onset stage of the resistance and how his influence can actually lead the human resistance against Skynet and its hoard of Terminators.

Terminator Salvation is said to start the series of Terminator movies that would complement the latter two Terminator movies as this one fits the puzzles of Terminator I.

With the younger Kyle Reese meeting his 'older' son John Connor, Terminator fans' questions of what could have happened in apocalyptic 2018 has been answered in parts.

Christian Bale portrayed John Connor's character fittingly well in this war-themed movie. The love-hate relationship with newcomer Sam Worthington in Marcus Wright character was also an interesting angle in the movie.

I should say Sam Worthington has a great potential in the industry.

I admire the great effects and execution of cinematography in the first two-thirds of the movie, specially the 'awesomeness' of the giant terminator at the explosive gasoline station scene highlighted with two motorcycles coming out of its legs. (Transformers soundtrack start).

And with that level of expectation, the latter part was a disappointment starting from inside-the-Skynet sequences up to the end. The story-line and scenes were just too simplistic and predictable for the climax.

That aside, the movie gets a thumbs up and I am looking forward the upcoming two more installments in the next few years.

Other stars include Anton Yelchin as Kyle Reese, Bryce Dallas Howard as Kate Connor (previously for Charlotte Gainsbourg) , and Moon Bloodgood as Blair Williams. It's a Columbia Pictures movie and the film was directed by McG. Credits to TV5 for the special screening invite.

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Revenge & Betrayal - An X-Men Origins Wolverine Movie Review

The origin of the X-Men saga revolved around Wolverine's story, his supernatural healing powers, and how he acquired his adamantium claws. Hugh Jackman once again reprises the leading role of Wolverine, this time not yet as an X-Men, but as the independent mutant.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine tried to stay true to the general tone of the X-Men comic books but made it as its own by injecting minor twists and turns to make the story more interesting and being successful at that.

Together with brother Victor Creed (Sabretooth), Agent Zero (Daniel Henney), Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), Bradley (Dominic Monaghan) and other mutants, they formed Team X led by William Stryker (Danny Houston).
Moreover, the story played with the emotions of the different characters from the basic familial instincts between Logan and his brother as played by Liev Schreiber. In more than enough scenes, it showcased how the two complemented and contradicted each other. Needless to say, the fighting scenes were complicated and technically praiseworthy.

The first bite of betrayal came when death met schoolteacher Kayla Silverfox, played by Lynn Collins. She was Wolverine's love interest. The incident begotten revenge that led to the answers of many of Logan's questions.

But the most essential emotional circus is that of his own. Logan, who eventually became Wolverine, was not really resolved as to who he is or who/what he should be. It was an internal battle of his own animal or his human side.

Many a mutants were also introduced from the sidelines such as the eye-blasting Cyclops, Quciksilver, Iceman, and the Gambit (Taylor Kitsch).

There was one technical glitch though towards the end. In a scene where the mutants were running away from the 'island' and was about to load a helicopter, the CGI rendition was a failure. I can't believe it passed through production because for such an untrained eye such as mine, I was able to see it; much more by them.
The movie can be considered a not-too-distant prequel from the past three X-Men movies. It was able to give more justice and somehow explain Wolverine's nature and attitude in the three X-Men movies. On the other hand, the upcoming sequel is something to be looked forward to as how things would further develop and complicate.
Aside from the heart pounding action scenes, the movie is a great watch with visually stunning effects, awesome stunts and interesting story twists. Directed by Gavid Hood and produced by Ralph Winter, it is not only for the comic-book or X-Men fans created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby but for the action-loving genre altogether.

A film brought to you by Twentieth Century Fox, watch X-Men Origins Wolverine in the big screen, opening May 1, 2009 in Philippine Theaters.

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Knocked Out : A 12 Rounds Movie Review

12 Rounds' Danny Fisher (John Cena's character) was caught by surprise when the criminal master mind he once sent behind bars escaped from prison. Miles (Aiden Gillen), the clever thief is now set to take revenge for the death of his girlfriend which was killed during the heist. And he wants to make sure Detective Fisher experiences the same by kidnapping Danny's wife - Molly (Ashley Scott).

But it's not that simple, the antagonist wants to play a game. Fisher is the player and his girlfriend, the prize. From start to finish, the movie is action-packed with the dozen challenges, puzzles, and tasks Danny has to face and overcome to get the love of his life back.

From the director of Die Hard 2 - Renny Harlin and the producer of Speed, 12 Rounds was able to maintain audience interest with edge-of-the-seat action sequences within an hour and 45 minutes. Other casts include Steve Harris and Brian White. The film is recommended for action movie lovers; just don't mind John Cena's expressionless face. It also ends with an interesting twist which I won't spoil. :) Watch the big screen and see who gets knocked out.

12 Rounds is brought to you by 20th Century Fox Int'l and is shown in Philippine cinemas starting today. Thanks to Maxxx cable channel for the advanced screening tickets

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Who Watches The Watchmen?

When the superheroes we expect to protect us turn bad, what happens then?

Things get more complicated amidst the backdrop of a US-Soviet Union cold war when the Comedian - one of the retired superhero played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan - got mysteriously murdered.

Rorschach, a masked fellow Watchmen, tries to prove his personal theory on the situation by uncovering a plot against fellow members Night Owl (Patrick Wilson) and Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup). The conspiracy eventually reared its ugly head. However, complications proved to much for them to handle.

I have not read the mystery adventure comic version by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. However, colleagues who are fans of the Watchmen comics testify that most of the film's story line and detail did stay true to this 1980's comic novel.

As an independent viewer of the movie, I give it four stars for its unconventional story line, plot, and cinematography. Aside from Dr. Manhattan's character, there were not much fancy firepower wonders. This is understandably so since only Dr. Manhattan has actual powers. The movie might also be too long for some at two-and-half hours.

The movie generally ended the way the comic did. However, the depth of introduction and built up of the characters in the movie leads me to think that the Zack Snyder can actually make a sequel out of it. And this time, without the limiting ideas of staying true to the comic.

www.watchmenmovie.com

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Confessions Of A Shopaholic - A Digital Manila Free Premiere Movie Tickets Contest

Win a pair of tickets to the movie premiere of Confessions Of A Shopaholic on February 17, 2009 7:30pm at a Gloriette 4 Cinema 1 in Makati, Philippine as Digital Manila hosts its first online contest for its readers - You!


One of Digital Manila's segment aside from events and technology are movie reviews. You simply have to leave one comment in each of the two recent movie reviews on the movies: Benjamin Button and Gran Torino.

Mechanics:
1) Leave a relevant comment about the movie or the review. A relevant comment is defined as a comment which is related to the topic in discussion and makes sense according to context.
2) A commenter could write as many comments as he/she deem necessary but only his/her first comment in one review post shall be considered valid, (identified unique through the IP address) would be considered as an entry.
3) A commenter could have a maximum of 2 valid comment entries, one for each of the movie reviews. Each comment could get a maximum of 5 points based on relevance and sense as judged by the blog post author.
4) The contest period shall start today, February 13 until 8pm of February 15, 2009. The winner shall be announced 9pm of the same day through another blog post.
5) 1 Winner shall be selected and contacted through the email he/she will provide in the comment form. His/her address will be requested for shipping/courier of the 2 tickets the next day.

For any inquiries, email DigitalManilaBlog@gmail.com

* Image(above) reference from Wikipedia in fair use category.

Update: The tickets are in! And the winner is CLICK HERE

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“Get Off My Lawn” – A Gran Torino Movie Review

“Get off my lawn,” is a greeting you might get upon stepping on the backyard of iron-willed Mr. Walt Kowalski, played by Clint Eastwood in the drama film “Gran Torino.” Or at least get a spit to the ground before you leave.

The movie starts off with Kowalski mourning on the loss of his wife. Another death he has to face in addition to those he experienced as a war veteran in Korea. Those encounters have taught him many things about life and death, as many as the wrinkled lines on his forehead.

His past continues to haunt him until the present which explains his Scrooge-like character who prefers to be alone and isolated from the immigrant townsfolk whose “women go to college and men go to prison”. He is left to himself with his dog Daisy, an M-1 rifle, and his 1972 Gran Torino.

“Heaven knows how you come across somebody once in a while you should’ve messed with.” That’s him.

The story further developed based on his relationship with the ‘Hmung’ neighbors and new found acquaintances in the characters of Thao and Sue. Although cultural differences were a hindrance at first, Kowalski didn’t have much of a choice being a lone wolf and widower in his humble abode, just like his garage-parked Gran Torino.

Sue proved to be one tough teenager who is able to stand for her own. In contrast, her younger brother Thao was a timid-looking kid without aim in life - typical of a young man.

An incident involving his Gran Torino brought about by Thao’s issues with a local gangster brought them closer together. And not for long, Walt found himself as a father to Thao, a father-child relationship he was never able to share with his own two sons.

The movie climaxed defending this relationship amidst vengeance, confusion, and anger.

It is about an individual caught in his hounding past, and how he was able to rise above it to regain the peace he needed for his soul.

Clint Eastwood portrayed an outstanding role in Gran Torino as someone “who knows how it is to kill a man.” The character seemed to have been tailored for him too. This was however downplayed by the mediocre acting performance of Thao, played by Bee Vang. There were a few awkward scenes brought about by his unnatural acting amidst Eastwood’s strong delivery. This sidestep is however overshadowed by the movie’s flow of story, twists, and another interesting character interpreted by Ahney Her as Sue (who strikingly looks like a former local Philippine teen actress named Sandara Park). Other film stars include Christopher Carley, John Carroll and Brian Haley.

The drama “Gran Torino” marks Clint Eastwood’s first film role since his 2004 Oscar-winning film “Million Dollar Baby.” Presented by Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures from a screenplay by Nick Schenk and story by the same and Dave Johansson.

Gran Torino * will be shown in your favorite cinemas February 18, 2009.

www.grantorinomovie.co.uk

* The images in this article were used with permission and are for advertising and review purposes only. Copyright held by Warner Bros. Copyright laws apply.

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Of Clocks and Buttons - A Review of the Movie "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

Do you remember as a child wearing you parents clothing mimicking to be a grown up? Or wanting to be an adult as soon as possible during your teens so you could be independent and do anything you want? But now that you’re older, you somehow want to go back in time even just a few years, if only possible; or at least look like one with some medical help. Well, Benjamin's case is a little more complicated than that.

Of Clocks

Based on a 1920s story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is not your ordinary story. Neither is its main character Benjamin Button, played by Brad Pitt. He was born in his 80's. Yes, he looks just like your great grandfather with all the wrinkles and dry skin, but only as a baby. Getting younger at the age of six, he stands just as tall but still with white hair, arthritic knees and some cataract.

He was able to cope with his unusual condition early on with the guidance and love of the people around him specially his mother, Queenie.

Of Unbuttoned Buttons

The story unfolds with his growing up years, the first girl who caught his eyes, and other interesting people he met including his father who abandoned him. It is at this part where the story might have dragged a little. But it was something you wouldn't mind as you anticipate how young Benjamin would look like in the next scene.

After going through a number of adventures and a world war, Benjamin is now at his prime, no white hairs, and barely a wrinkle. The film even gave glimpses of Brad rolling a big man's bike and another by the yacht in the middle of the sea at mid day. Although I think they were not necessary for the movie, I believe the Pitt fans enjoyed them.


Of Realizations

He eventually found his true love back in the girl who first caught his eyes and now a woman named Daisy, played by Cate Blanchett. They were both very much in love and they enjoyed life. The uniqueness of their condition caught upon them when they were graced with a baby girl. Benjamin further realized that a father who gets younger in years as his child grows older would not be a situation he wants for his family. He left.

Tension arose as hopeful spirits wanting to hold on contradicts with the outcry for normality. The movie explored the importance of seizing opportunities, the essence of parting with loved ones, and the value of time - both in the normal and the backward sense.

Of Seeing

The movie is has 5 Golden Globe nominations including Best Picture and Best Director. It won as One of the Top Ten Films of the Year from the National Board of Review. Other casts include Taraji P. Henson, Julia Ormond, Jason Flemyng and Tilda Swinton. The film was directed by David Fincher from a screenplay by Eric Roth and presented by Warner Bros. Pictures and Paramount Pictures.

Watch Benjamin Button to realize that life is worth living, to appreciate the age you're in, and be struck by lightning 7 times.

Trailer:

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