Hello (Adele)

This is a no surprise and no brainer.  After a 3 year drought hearing her voice and composition, Adele indeed made a splash and set music records.

Debuting at number 1 in Hot100.

It's not as great as Someone Like You or Set Fire To The Rain, but it's Adele.

Sicario (2015)

This year's Zero Dark Thirty film - thrilling and full of suspense. It requires focus on the subject and flow of the story. Emily (yes Blunt) and myself had challenges on understanding the objective of the mission. Isa na siya doon ha pero hirap pa rin.

Superb acting from #EmilyBlunt #JoshBrolin and #BenicioDelToro

The dining scene was worth every penny.

8.5/10

The Walk (2015)

Sometimes you wonder do monumental events like these really happened? Based on a true account of Philippe Petit in his book To Reach The Clouds when he did his wire walk between the Twin Towers.

It is a touching movie - reminding us that dreams fuel our life so we must follow our dreams how ridiculous they are for some.

Fall (US) films are great as most of them are gearing up to OSCAR season.

Joseph Gordon Levitt lead the film and acclaimed director Robert Zemeckis for directing.

It maybe chosen by the Academy because it gave a wonderful tribute to WorldTradeCenter and remembering 9-11 victims.

Bridge Of Spies (2015)

No plans of watching this as I am not a big fan of crime drama investigation kind of flicks especially in the evening hahaha. Kakastress mag-analyze but Nold suggested it and after we have found the 93% fresh grade - so gorabels na kahit na nagkaphobia ako sa Road  To Perdition na up to now naaalala ko lang walang katapusang barilan sa madilim na kalsada.

It's really good! Not as gripping as Argo but Bridge Of Spies is emotionally charged thanks to Tom Hanks.

Not so sure if it's OSCAR worthy, I think it maybe, having the Cold War, Germany inspired by true events recipe.

Excellent direction from Steven Spielberg as if naman alam ko paano malamang kung maganda pagkakadirect hahaha. Also brilliant story from Coen Brothers

Etiquette For Mistresses (2015)

Huwag niyo akong husgahan LOL! Pinanood ko lang ito para pampaubos ng oras habang may hinihintay na resulta.

Ang masasabi ko (at dito puwede niyo na akong husgahan), surprisingly, maganda siya as a film without any reference sa subject and I don't have moral authority naman para magsalita.

Siguro lang mas ok kapag pinanood siya to have no biases - and the film/book did well in giving a balanced impression of being a mistress. The film has established naman from the beginning that by the book, being a mistress is not right but then again different circumstances may give you different POVs.

I also think ok din iyong combo ng mga leads, but I have to commend Iza's performance. Enjoy din si Cheena, nakakatawa iyong mga one liner. The encounter between Kris and Claudine was executed very well. Nakakamiss iyong acting ni Claudine. Kim is ok, very Kim iyong acting which I guess what the role is demanding.

Ang kulang lang is dapat may representation and average Mistress, lahat kasi high-end. Mayroong scene pala na parang napa- HUH? ako.

There were good lessons as well pero hey kebs ko naman jan. Haha!

8/10

Death Becomes Her (1992)

It's good to see Meryl doing a campy comedic film alongside Goldie. No heavy expectations but just enjoy the absurdity of this Robert Zemeckis film.

8/10

The Martian (2015)

Well Matt Damon had tough weeks with all the racial and homophobic comments but I am going to give him a pass on those and luckily with his latest film also. I didn't think I would enjoy watching yet another space exploration thingy but I did for more than 2 hours.

Based on a novel by Andy Weir. This adaptation was a total emotional roller coaster from start to finish more often, humorous.

Lot of big names under its belt which actually paid off.

Oh and the songs... Disco era!

9/10

The Hills (The Weeknd)

This guy is having the time of his life - replacing himself on the top spot.  Yes, last post was about Biebs but a week after, Can't Feel My Face rebound to top spot and now being replaced by The Hills from the same guy.

I haven't listened to it but enjoy!

Heneral Luna (2015)

Sa wakas, akin ring natunghayan ang pinakamainit na pelikula ng taon sa pangunguna ng primyadong aktor na si John Arcilla bilang si Heneral Antonio Luna.

Maganda siya. Ktnxbye! Charot!

Iyong pag-atake sa pelikula ibang klase, kasaysayan pero maaaliw ka at tatawa, kadalasan din maiinis ka kung bakit ka naging Pinoy at sa kapwa mo Pinoy. Higit sa lahat maiinis ka kay Emilio Aguinaldo.

Napapanahon ang paksa nito, unang-una ang pagmamahal sa bayan at kasarinlan at ang pagiging ganid sa kapangyarihan.

Muy Bien!!! 

Wala akong masabi sa mga ibang aktor at aktres kahit na ang isang linya ni Perla Bautista, magaling ang pagkakatira.

Ang pelikula ay di perpekto pero isa ito sa maipagmamalaking maestra lalo na sa panahon ngayon.

Nawa'y magsilbing mitsa rin ito ng pagbangon at pagtangkilik ng mga sariling palabas. Huwag natin isisi sa mga istudyo kung walang de-kalidad na paksa sa sinehan. Tayo ang may sala - sa mga nakalipas na buwan, may mangilan-ngilan na makabuluhang pelikula pero patay malisya lang tayo.

Kailangan bang laging umingay sa social media para tangkilikin natin ang sariling atin?

Ito nga pala ang kinatawan natin sa nararating na OSCARS pero malamang OLATS. Nagsasabi lang ng opinyon.

Iyong gumanap kay Greggy Del Pilar, rapsa! Crush ko din si Paco.

Everest (2015)

Impressive casting but felt they were underutilized in this film.

Our first time seeing an "Everest" movie. Personally, it's an ordinary adventure-disaster flick but still entertaining and delivered the goods.

7.5/10

Far From The Madding Crowd (2015)

I haven't read the novel nor seen any previous adaptations of the movie so will just provide my insights on this alone.

It's a period love piece with much elegance and eloquence. There were moments though that I attempted to fast forward some scenes because of its Shakesperean like dialogue but was able to contain myself.

It's not groundbreaking but #CareyMulligan never fails to deliver and fell in love with her from #AnEducation to #Gatsby to this.

My only hope is she won't get stereotyped with period-era roles.

On a lighter note, ang haba-haba ng hair nung bida dito infernes!

8/10

What Do You Want (Justin Bieber)

After the replace-me-replace-you at #Hot100 between Cheerleader and Can't Feel My Face, #JustinBieber came out of nowhere and debut at 1 of #Billboard singles chart.  This is his first #1 single.

It's a fine music but since it came from the Biebs, I will pass.

Can't Feel My Face (The Weeknd)

The Weeknd snatched the top spot (as of this writing, this song slipped to 2nd place - Cheerleader rebounded to 1st place) from OMI's Cheerleader.  I haven't had the chance to listen and go deeper with the song but so far songs from this guy are a-OK but I will suspend my verdict.

Mission: Impossible [Rogue Nation] (2015)

Great and balanced film. Enough heart pounding stunts and very sensible storyline - I think this is the best installment of the series so far.

But what is commendable actually is the fact that the lead female was not sexually objectified and given an equal treatment with the guys in the film. She was neither a sidekick nor a damsel in distress. I am onboard to anything that promotes Girl Power.

No sex scenes - first ever I guess for the franchise.

Without a doubt Tom Cruise is the Angelina Jolie of action films.

9/10

Fantastic 4 (2015)

Goodness gracious! I am a comicbook guy and have so much support on creative freedom and flexibility if they don't stay true to the comics. But this - I have no words - speechless.

I didn't have much faith on Kinberg and always gave the credits to Singer when it comes to XMen screenplays. Although I was surprised that Vaughn's name was attached in this film.

I really wanted this to be good to give way to a possible X/F4 crossover. 

I hate saying this but this should be called as Tragic4.

4/10

Ant-Man (2015)

Can I just say #PaulRudd is ageless - first time I saw him was in #Clueless which by the way is on its 20th year. Then, became a fan after seeing #ObjectOfMyAffection. And now he's the #AntMan (Scott lang version). Origins films are always having a hard time of satisfying viewers and critics which I believe will be the make or break card for potential sequels.

Overall, it was a good and safe film since this is after all, a #Disney production. Humor is like #GuardiansOfTheGalaxy. Thanks to #EvangelineLilly and #MichaelDouglas bringing the drama and soul of the film.

Worth mentioning that this is the first #Marvel movie with a latin flavor.

I wonder though what might have been if #EdgarWright directed the film and having the full control on writing.

Oh well, Marvel will never go dark.

Stay for post credit scene.

7.5/10

Les Miserables

Same as the movie and concert, one word to describe it - perfection!

I am glad that the performances were inspired by an amalgam of the film and concert.

No doubt I cried while munching my maltesers. LOL.

Bituing Walang Ningning The Musical

Una sa lahat, let me just say that I am happy that local producers are investing money on musical plays na de calidad.

For the record the 3 main actors did an exceptional take on their specific roles but I guess these characters are larger than life especially the role of Lavinia Arguelles which led me to find it so-so. I guess there are things that you need not revisit.

I love that they have considered songs that are not part of the original film like "Init Sa Magdamag" which I consider one of Sharon's finest work (duet with Nonoy Zuniga). I find that Newport was too big for this and I was distracted seeing the transitions.

The first half medyo nakaka-antok actually iyong kasama ko nakatulog. Luckily, second half was more entertaining lalo na iyong "trio".

Magic Mike XXL (2015)

I am so sorry, I love love #ChanningTatum and #MattBomer but this sequel is horrendous. 

Not sure if it's just me but where's the plot? Pffffttt... 

6/10

Cheerleader (OMI)

Whew! Glad #Billboard has a new number 1 #Hot100 song. 

OMI's #Cheerleader which has a reggae summer vibe and it suits me very fine.

This song displaces #SeeYouAgain which reclaimed the top spot kicking #BadBlood. 

See you again spent 12 non consecutive weeks at the top.

I Love You. Thank You. (2015)

This film is a rare feat and truly deserving of your money.

It is a light but heart wrenching stories of 4 individuals dancing to the tune of Megastar's "Mahal Kita, Mahal Mo Siya, Mahal Niya Ay Iba". With the exception of Joross, all casts are newbies but delivered believable performances. Well executed cinematography.

Humors are always present with these kind of films, so not to worry - there are enough lines to satisfy you.

One challenge I have is, to pinpoint the identity of the film - I know that it is a love story but I felt it left me a whole bunch of questions rather than resolutions and character redemptions.

For a two hour film, the numerous subplots are too much.

It was shot in 3 different locations which is great but then I have to ask myself, is it really necessary?

Not an expert but editing can be improved by focusing on a particular individual in a particular arc.

It may sound that I am unsatisfied but it's the opposite and hoping that there will be more outputs such as this to be featured.

Kudos to all for a job greatly done.

8/10