Flick Review: Transformers Age of Extinction

07/01/14 05:13:10 PM

I haven't saw the entire Transformers franchise. In fact, it was five years ago when I only saw the Transformers' second flick titled “Revenge of the Fallen” in a movie date which went awkward (it was a trio flick meet-up, by the way).

But forget July 2009 for that matter. After all of those times, I haven't seen neither the first nor the third motion picture of that Hasbro-manufactured action figures.

All I know is that Transformers 4: Age of Extinction showcased a total different plot. Why, 'cause obviously, it's a different time already. Though I personally wondered: if that's the age of extinction, then why are people still... well, are at its same, old phase? They aren't the same extinct personae on any of those super-futuristic-slash-way-too-past-the-modernized-contemporary-era flicks Oblivion?

Well, I can only realized the title speaks for the characters themselves. They were “extinct” to the eyes of then-current generation. Any pieces of Autobots were doomed to perish. However, corruption tooks place either when the government cashed in on a robotics company to generate numerous (however, fluke) models, with concepts clearly copied from both Megatron and Bumblebee.

And no wonder why Mark Wahlberg portrayed the main character instead of just-arrested-recently Shia Labouf. He's on a single-dad-slash-mechanic who just purchased a truck, which turned out, was Optimus Prime. Man-(and truck-)hunt was then the instant resort.

However, the plot turned more complicated than we ever thought. And I can't really tell you much (aside from shying away to do the “spoiler's” role) of that anymore.

For two hours and forty six minutes (2:46) inside the cinema on that Saturday night, what more can I say? No wonder why some movie aficionados–legit critics or just plain reviewers—went awry in dismay. The story was a buster. And some claimed Wahlberg's acting seemed to carry the film over, aside from the flying rusher machines rolling over 3D graphics? Hey, they were partly right!

I haven't seen the previous three prequels yet, but I'd prefer the second (Revenge of the Fallen) over this one (unless the first and third may convinced me to change my word; or on the other side, a fifth movie, since I might foresee that one coming really, really soon).

Or maybe I've hit the wrong mode. I should have seen this thing in 3D (heck, I can't afford to pay its price though).

And also, minus a “movie date.”

The verdict: 5.9

Author: slickmaster | ©2014 september twenty-eight productions

Lookback: WrestleMania 29's Triple Main Event

3/15/2014 3:31:50 PM

It’s only few weeks before the wrestling’s biggest stage will take centerstage at the huge venue the Big Easy peeps known as the Superdome.

And much as I am expressing my dismay on my local TV channel for not airing the WWE’s flagship program RAW, the only thing I can do at the moment is to do a flashback review: and I am talking about the three huge main cards of the WWE WrestleMania 29 held at the Metlife Stadium in New Jersey last year.

http://www.thewrestlingmania.com/

I remember, I used to be on the multi-tasking mode then when my ultimate-fave-but-now-defunct Studio 23 aired its Philippine telecast during that one fateful Wednesday night of April. I was working in front of my computer, and at the same time – was watching the 240-minute event (you do the math, please?) on my Cherry Mobile phone (yes, I’m proud to say that. U mad?). At that time, I was a team leader in my graveyard shift (10 p.m. – 6 a.m.) which did not really had much problem with me.

And what more can I say? Aside from those 80,676 patrons from East Rutherford whom witnessed this event, which is considered as the second largest all-time Wrestlemania event in terms of attendance?

But only three things really stuck my mind. What are those?

THE UNDERTAKER VS. CM PUNK |
DISRESPECTING THE STREAK

First: The Undertaker versus CM Punk match. The so-called ‘Deadman’ did not have any single defeat in two decades of Wrestlemania matches. But after few months of feuding with the so-called “Best in the World,” the rivalry intensifies even higher due to the death of William Moody, known popularly as the “oh yeeeeesss” chant-maker Paul Bearer.

WrestleMania 29 - The Undertaker vs... by chainarongikeda

It was during one RAW episode when the Undertaker led the WWE in paving its tribute to the 58-year old ‘unique’ manager (as chairman VinceMcMahon describes it). Until a huge act of disrespect came along. And… you guess that right, it was Punk and his advocate – whose also a ‘Paul’ by first stage name.

But fast forward to April 7 evening (the real Wrestlemania event before the S23 broadcast it in the PH shores), the dead man wants respect. But Punk did not want to do so. And the straight edge superstar went even beyond expectation in his aim to deliver that “1” in a 20 and 1 record.

But with that one fiery look (more than a tiger nor even a zombie), the old school wrestler was totally got the hand in the game, and he got his 21^st win in the same number of battles.

I called it ‘disrespecting the streak,’ but honestly, after reviewing the match during one Saturday midnight, damn it’s not just the streak. It’s the term itself – disrespect. And the Death Valley-native totally avenged the humiliation he got from his last nemesis.

Now, he is about to face Brock Lesnar, (which by the way, is another Paul Heyman talent). The question now is can the Beast destroy the Dead? Or will the Deadman tame the Beast Incarnate?

I only saw the match for fewer times; but I think it will be the match of the night… if we’re talking about the level of emotion here. Actually, another huge Wrestlemania match came close (by a very slim margin) to the Undertaker-CM Punk tussle.

TRIPLE H VS. BROCK LESNAR |BLOWN OUT OF PROPORTION

Triple H vs Brock Lesnar Wrestlemania 29 No... by anthonywalker24

And I am talking about Brock Lesnar versus Triple H. The Hunter wanted revenge as his anger level brought the demon in him after suffering broken arm injuries for twice, as well as for Shawn Michaels and even sending to Vince McMahon to a hospital stretcher which requires him to have a hip-replacement surgery. All that came from only one man, err, beast (should I say)… and that’s Lesnar for you.

And it went even brutal with that so-called ‘no holds barred match.’ After those steel steps, barricade, steel chair and sledge hammer shots, it was the now-COO who won the game. For 38-something minutes full of gross-like action.

I think I can call it the match of the night for being ‘too ugly.’ It’s also too personal. But maybe, some bits  of predictability was present in the storyline.

JOHN CENA VS. THE ROCK FOR THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP |CHAMPIONSHIP AND REDEMPTION 

The championship match between John Cena and Dwayne “The Rock’ Johnson seemed to be much souring, considering that Tock has been the people’s champ, and Cena, though always a fan favorite, was tagged as the ‘heel,’ after suffering huge blows in the past year (2012). Cena lost to the Rock twice in the same stage before their ’13 face-off. And even the ‘U Can’t See Me’ superstar has been on the verge of pulling a comeback following his Royal Rumble triumph, still he’s been owned in terms of history book records.

The Rock vs John Cena  Wrestlamania 29  WWE... by markinho-inter2011

It was the battle of popularity. The Rock may ended up conceding the match after being pin-falled by Cena, but it also gave fans something they forget when they watch such wrestling matches: sportsmanship. Seeing them shaking hands and praising each other despite trash-talking their hatred on each other is just proving to you that even in the world of sports entertainment, where one must act like a more alpha male than the other to be entertaining, it’s still a sport. Yes, wrestling is still a sport after all.

Maybe, I’ll do a recall more on Wrestlemania 28 matches soon if I had time. But I recommend their promo soundtrack which is titled "Civil Twilight," a track made by the band Letters from the Sky.

But if you asked me, I think we should see the upcoming matches the same way as how the Wrestlemania 29 really rolled. Some of the pay-per-view fans have been ended up in dismay after series of matches did not met their expectations. Like Orton taking the W via the Authority’s distraction against The Big Show in the Survivor Series, Batista defeating an emerging Samoan wrestler Roman Reignin the Royal Rumble, and just recently, the Elimination Chamber which Cena lost to another Wyatts’ distraction, as well as Daniel Bryan’s to the disrupting element known as the Kane, the WWE director of operations.

Now, if you asked me? Nah, I can’t tell which wrestler should win or go home in April. Maybe we’ll tackle that soon.

Before I leave you all guys, here's a bit of rumors-slash-news (depending on how would you perceive this thing; I just got it from the internet):

ABS-CBN has its contract with the WWE expired, according to an unknown source. The agreement between the Philippine television network and the Connecticut-based sports entertainment promotion has reached its two-year agreement.

Well, so we should not wonder why after the finale of WWE Tough Enough, we had not seen any clip from any of their four programs slated on their UHF channel ABS-CBN Sports + Action. Let's just hope FOX Philippines will carry over the RAW and other programs as well as the Philippine primetime telecast of WWE Wrestlemania XXX!

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Flick Review: Bob Ong's ABNKKBSNPLAko?! the Movie

03/‎14/‎2014 12:32:47 AM

I can only express my insights on the movie adaptation of that Bob Ong book in two words: as both 'entertaining' and 'disappointment.'

Yes, it is entertaining because of some antics and factors which appear to be natural in our daily lives.

And, (oh no) disappointing because on a slighter-than-above-superficial level, the movie focused on the romance more than the school-ish aspect itself

Why did I say so? If you looked on the entire book first, you'll realize my primary reason: it became one of the numerous book-to-movie-adaptation failures in recent history.

Well, obviously that's a marketing tactic if you ask me why should you put the ladies like Andi Eigenmann and Meg Imperial for the cast which already comprised by Jericho Rosales and Vandolph Quizon.

And count the love-team factor involving Roberto and his unnamed 'Special Someone' right there (and seriously, it's quite tricky that Andi's character was still unnamed, at the end of the flick eh?).

I first saw its trailer on one of the VIVA-produced channels. And apparently, their Top 10 trailer seemed enough to persuade me. The problem though, is the several factors on the project itself.

As much as I like the numerous flashback devices used in the film, I thought the execution could have been a better one. But don't you just love the idea of recalling these nostalgic materials either? I loved that part, 'coz it simply reminds me of my old days as a student. Those FLAMES, SOS, spirit of the pen... nah, which mattered actually.

However, I still doubt that a 'love team' factor should really be a compulsory to this one. Bob Ong has been selling most of his books without making any such implications on it. In fact, he only relied on three things: his personal experience, society events (I can't tell the current word since everything bound in the books was already 'past'), and comical antics. In addition, the latter two were even enough to earn him six-digit-numbered published copies.

Because it was during our 'high school stage' where we first experience romance and heartbreak? (Hey, count me out, by the way; since I only experienced things like that when I was about to enter college anyway)

Well, maybe, but come on...

The comedy antics in this flick come naturally though. As if I haven't seen any slapstick materials executed just to crack a joke. But seriously, I'd prefer this rather than the present trend where we need to roll a newspaper like a baseball bat, slam it on your friend's head (of course, the upper one), and laugh like it's your last day.

And comparing this film to the other local movies? I still can tell that Bob Ong's ABNKKBSNPlaKo?!'s still a 'standout' among them all; considering that for like 9 times out of 10, the Philippine commercially-produced movies are nothing but bunch of "airheads, no-brainers, and garbage." Hey, count these romantic movies in the list, too.

The problem though is that, timing' seemed to take its toll on them. I wondered why it appeared like they rush to finish the entire picture. And they scheduled it on a post-Valentine's Day period? I think that’s a bad strategy, considering that most movie patrons are still preferring those love-themed flicks than the other.

Maybe if they let their fans wait for a bit longer, the film will be much appreciated (even for a bit) 'cause there are scenes which aren't been made in its total perfection; especially if we're talking about editing here.

Jericho Rosales is a good actor here. Though I also believe (especially it's supposedly an intellectual wit-driven flick) that the likes of Ramon Bautista can handle the job either... or should I say, even "better." However, Rosales' way of narrating several Bob Ong scriptures in the flick is 'music to my ears.' Yes, as if I'm imagining like a real Bob Ong has spoken (but only, on that part).

Vandolph, on the other hand... well, I've got nothing much to say, aside from the fact that his lines has been speaking the very deepest of them all. Think about it, as if you're listening to your parent who, then, is scolding you. It may be annoying, but it really has sense.

About Andi? Hmm... I am still wondering, is this lady does not even get baptized? I know, I loved movies which made me think even more, but we're all looking for answers somewhere out there anyway.

And... holy smoke, is it me or is just Meg Imperial's kinda hot? Hahaha! Okay, seriously speaking. If you asked me to compare the two ladies, I'll pick the latter. Anyway, I think it's kinda fair when she hoisted the role of Portia, a tomboy-character yet damn foxy lady. Nah, does it count? I'd rather reiterate some ideas before everything goes bias shit here.

Going back to the flick, the upside of Bob Ong's first book-to-movie adaptation is that there are some lessons in the movie which targets everyone. Like 'your family will be there in times when you need somebody to talk to,' or 'you should not be ashamed of who you are,' or a lot more. Something I can't tell you here for more (since I think I've reached the length enough).

The soundtracks can be real shit sometimes; but hey, I'd prefer listening to these tracks than... (Do I have to drop names here anyway?)

Overall, it's almost a good intellectual choice, only if:

First, they focused on the much-needed factors (friendship, studies, family) more than the romantic ones (something you can only recognize at the flick's 'current' era and not thru its flashback devices.'

Second, the marketing should have made its timing better. I do believe this flick would have unleashed its more potential should the showing had took place in either graduation days or summer vacation. I also thought that kids would definitely love this should the said scenario pushes through.

That's another saddening thing to notice; 

Third, the depth factor should not have been overshadowed by 'fun.' Rappler was right when they described the movie thru its analysis title itself - 'Fun Overtakes Depth.' And that's really a problem nowadays where film executives have been failed in balancing entertainment satisfaction thru means of providing worthy ideas with the weight of making money. Of course, if you're a businessman, for nine times out of ten, you will prefer to make money more than the other choice. It was the said tactic which actually resulted into disappointment on the moviegoers' part.

And last but not the least; the message seems like sorely lacked. I mean the author's real "message" conveyed by the book. In lieu with that, the movie also lacked substance as its result. If you read the book, you will understand the reason. Others may berate like "come on, slick. It's always been like that!" But the thing is, "at least, if other book-to-movie sequels lacked parts, the main point was there," something in contrast. Good thing though, the flick has this 'bag of tricks.'

I have also red several movie reviews prior to making my own statement. And things turn out, they were right either. Well, let me reiterate that: 'PARTLY RIGHT.'

For the entire 80 minute-stretch, I think the book has a lot more to tell than the airtime allotted. It's true that the flick should earn that 'everything movie of the year' title (since neither recent-produced mainstream has achieved such).

But again, I can only tell two words: 'wasted potential.' 

Still... I would recommend this.

The verdict: 6.6

Author: slickmaster | (c) 2014 september twenty-eight productions

The Review: Lego Movie

2/22/2014 3:25:10 PM

Hmm, since I was a kid, LEGO used to be one of my ultimate favourite toys (aside from Matchbox and its Asian version, TOMICA, of course) But Lego was more popular than anyone else, unless you’re a girl and of course, Barbie used to be the hit for you female kids out there.

But, a building block toy, turned out to be a movie? Say, it’s like I’ve been waiting this for more than a decade and a half from my imagination. Or did anyone like saw this coming before?

Look, they got a video game thru playstation, and personal computer, and a Danish amusement park. So, who can deny this thing’s ascension to popularity?

Yes’ they’ve got a flick, they followed the likes of Barbie fairy tales, G.I. Joe action figures, Transformers, and I won’t be surprised if there’s any other similar matter who will follow the suit. Come on, let’s face it. That’s the trend we had.

But outside looking in, the movie did not do much the same level on its soundtrack. Maybe because it helped me think for too much, and too much is obviously, not good for anyone’s health. But anyway, the music is entertaining. Oh, yeah. Everything is awesome.

Perhaps they used multiple approaches when it comes on putting up this Lego movie, there’s ‘stuff animation’ (similar to puppet), there’s 3D-post production graphics, the typical one, and real live action stuff. Hmm, tough way to do the execution part, eh?

But maybe if there’s something I cannot understand on the shallow aspect, there are some findings on the deeper side of life: yes, everything is awesome. I mean, we are the master builders of our own respective lives. We may don’t have that LEGO brick to build everything literally, but every single time, we used to build something that seemed matter to us. Of course, I’m on a deep excavation mode yet again. We build our dreams, we build that into reality, and we’re living it if we’re fulfilled.

And also, the prophecy is just man-made. In other words, if we believed on it, it will just manipulate us. What I’m saying is that it’s all in our mind whether we are the one who will be destined to do something greatness or just destroy it and think other’s works is just a piece of crap.

Let’s face it. We can’t appreciate our own work if we think we are the ones who had done it. Let’s face it, every single one of us has this much capability to be at its best, and others way better than us. You know I’m saying? It’s like you brag to yourself “I’m the most handsome guy in the world, while in fact it’s very obvious someone is looking better than you are.” If we can only set aside our own insecurities and start appreciating the ones whom are appreciating you the most (does it sound complicated by the way?)

Nonetheless, it’s still entertaining as shit.

Yes, everything is really awesome. Damn!

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

The Review: The Wolf of Wall Street

2/1/2014 10:16:14 AM

I used to wonder before about this movie’s screenplay as I have seen its trailer, plus the awards they garnered at the Academy Awards. And it seems that really convinced me to watch the flick entitled “The Wolf of Wall Street.”

That time though it’s like these ‘desperate measures’ are haunting me as TWOWS was only available to the Metropolitan’s selected cinemas, especially with the advent of 47 Ronin, Bride for Rent, and some surviving MMFF entries routing the movie houses to make sales.

Wait a second. What the hell is this ‘wolf of wall street?’

A movie based on Jordan Belfort’s true accounts, with Terence Winter doing the translation from page to screen, and Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece in both direction and producing aspects, with the latter division includes Riza Aziz, Joey McFarland, Emma Tilingger Koskoff, and the actor himself Leonardo DiCaprio.

Yes, true story about Belfort luring a working chore in the stockbroker industry, and how we went richer and even beyond his’ and anyone’s expectations.

How money played his mind, take over his life in totality, how he made other people believe that like him… they can be successful in the same line, how drugs can be good until it is abused, and everything has a price to pay.

Plus, the fact that the word that spells f-u-c-k has been pronounced for numerous times (so numerous you can’t even list that on your calendar sheets) regardless if it past tense (fucked), present (fucking, fucks) or even future (will fuck, shall fuck).

Well, I could have said “fuck this movie” for that matter though.

Well, this movie seemed to have a resemblance of reality bites in present. Let’s face it. Some businesses around the world used to do the same business as Belfort’s, and they are really rolling calling for the sake of earning in the expense of somebody else’s stocks… well, unless if it’s legal.

Is this thing called comedy? Maybe, on their (moviemaker’s) part; but I’ll call it the serious one. I mean, yeah, serious comedy. Cause you don’t see many comical moments on most parts of the movie. It’s like you can count on your fingers how many times you have laughed on this flick. The upside though is that those were also the times they had done an exceptional good job.

The only problem we got here though is some scenes on their R-16 version really suck. The cut was obviously made, as if it was rushed in editing chores. And as a watcher who can be more critical when it comes to the technicalities of camera and digital usage (well, just sometimes), it sucks. Or on the other side, could it be the movie house suffered some flaws in their player considering that TWOWS is the first movie to be distributed in digitalized form. Hmmm…

Well, I can’t say anything about DiCaprio. No wonder why he got the best actor, plus earning $10 million for this. The others did well on their acting as well. Though I wonder, in 185 minutes of playtime, have I really seen enough? It may be quite too long for a typical movie which only ruins for mostly 90-120 minutes, but seriously, the near-ending part seems to screw me up. Or maybe that made me think how on earth did he managed to get out of prison and talk on sales technique yet again since before the last sequence, it seems that he still rolls on prison?

Nah, maybe I should read the shit soon. Fucking good flick, eh?

The verdict: 8.3

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

The Review: 10,000 Hours

1/25/2014 10:14:56 PM

Perhaps, people used to wonder why this thing is such a hit. How on earth have they managed to garner 14 awards at the Metropolitan Manila Film Festival (it could have been reduced if some other entries haven’t got a ‘snub’)?

How did they do so, considering that: first, it is not a ‘family movie;’ second, it seems a politically-themed one; and third, they are running on the middle or downside of its box office rankings?

Well, give the director Joyce Bernal and her team a huge bunch of amassing credit for coming up with this almost perfect action flick. Yes, I mean almost. They've got it when it comes to technicality and execution, though some scenes could have gone to its artistic level a bit higher.

There’s only a problem, some part of the cast could have done it more, and I am talking about acting here, which made the story’s complicated parts too complicated. Maybe because they focused on a lot of factors in its plot, which may not be bad, as long as the acting and some executor elements will manage to compliment or fill it.

Just like how Robin Padilla had done it his own right. But anyway, we can’t argue much. I have seen enough reason why did he earn the most coveted Best Actor award right there. His role as Senator Gabriel Molino Alcaraz will let you do the talking.

I think moreover the Senator Panfilo Lacson-liked story-line; 10000 Hours just presented how the society can be brutally harsh – in such a way that the typical mainstream shows can never ever deliver things right in front of your monitor.

On how can a fabricated evidence can be a triggering factor for you to be conspired. How twists can surprise you out of nowhere just like how the reporter Maya chased the main character on both scoop and hidden personal agendas. But I’d love it when she’s goofing off with some comic relief from her assistant (played by Ketchup Eusebio).

You can’t question Mylene Dizon, especially for her breakdown scene, which triggers Padilla in his wanting to return to the country despite the odds were firing against him.

How dirty politics can turn friends into foes. Or how much does a “truth” priced? It can even make it cheaper as long as you blow the whistle. How media can break your ass like the way Maya had done it?

All of these do exist on our society nowadays. Just like its ending. Full of nothing but harsh reality bites. Nonetheless, I commend everyone who worked there for bringing out the best movie in the MMFF for this season. Now if you’ll question me: could this pull the trigger for a comeback on the action movies in the country? I can never tell you.

 Unless somebody will do a ‘10000 hours’-like flick or even top them all.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Playback: 7Lions - Born 2 Run

1/19/2014 2:00:00 PM

Since late 2013, I suffered another sign of an eargasmic person after listening to this track. Well, this time around, I just want to feature this on my blog for now since I have been a fan of rap-and-rock mixture. Talk about the single "Born 2 Run" from the band called 7Lions.

At first, I only heard this thing on World Wrestling Entertainment’s top weekend offering Friday Night Smackdown as part of their opening billboard. Until I do my research on the popular video streaming site YouTube.

Well, their music video version actually sounded better than their original recording eh? The live version seemed suck though. 

And... yeah, deeper but kinda uplifting lyrics.

It may be one of those “so 2012” tracks, but hey, this actually makes sense more than anything that the industry had then.

Indeed a classy shit! 

The lesson here is that: make sure next time you tune in to your favorite programs (regardless if it's sports, entertainment or a mixed content), try to dig deeper on their soundtracks. 

Believe me, you will appreciate that more, especially if you are more of a fanboy or fangirl than I do.

And at the depressing times like I had been undergoing through right now, I barely need some kind of music like this.

I just imagine though, looping the track on my playlist should I hit any running event. Seriously.

Author: slickmaster | (c) 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Video: Studio 23's Final Sign-Off

1/17/2014 11:57:33 AM

As several of us witnessed the sudden departure of an old favorite, all I can have is a video recording. Well, just to clear things up – I do not own this. It’s just a recording. I saw this along with my camera phone at exactly 2 in the morning of Friday, January 17, 2014. Those were the very last moments of the 17-year old UHF channel Studio 23. Last five minutes, in fact, though programming wise-speaking it will still fall on their schedule dated January 16.

Anyway, like I said on one of my previous entries, 17 years is a very long serious run. No joke. Maybe it may be short compared to the two huge networks, but believe me – it is indeed a very long. I mean, long enough to establish their share of legacy in the Philippine TV.

And considering the fact that most of the mainstream networks have been producing garbage-like content at present? Indeed, Studio 23 is way too different than them. In fact, they’re a “total package” in my opinion, from NBA to old school sitcoms and action-comedy movies, to WWE Raw to selected Myx programs. What more can you lose (unless they do so)?

Studio 23, thanks a lot! (salute)

Author: slickmaster | (c) 2014 september twenty-eight productions