Oculus (2013): Ridiculous

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” We are all aware of this quote. But I want to make my own version, and thus let me say “don’t judge a movie by its trailer.” I don’t care if somebody have already said that or if I’m the first, but this is the lesson that I’ll stick to by now. I was a victim of movies with awesome trailers but disappointing full-length film. And that is the same case that happens with Oculus.

My friend shares the trailer to me. She knows that I love horror movies and is very excited when she told this about me. She said that the trailer is awesome and I should watch the film. So, I watch the trailer and it is pretty convincing. But when I watch the movie, it was so ridiculous. I am very disappointed.

The story is quite unique. A man was convicted of murder. When he was released, her sister tries to prove that he is innocent. She conducts experiments to prove that the tragedy that strikes their family is caused by the supernatural entity that resides in the antique mirror that their mother bought. Sounds interesting right? But it is better to be read like that than to watch the whole movie.

The movie is mind-boggling in a negative way. It gives me headache and makes me sleepy. Honestly, I didn’t watch the movie from the beginning until the end. I stopped watching it after an hour I guess. Before I stop watching, the movie seems to present that the supernatural entity were just in the imagination of the woman. I don’t know if that is the point that they try to suggest until the end.

I’m not curious to know what happens then. I don’t care about the movie anymore. I was never disappointed like this in my entire life. So, lesson learned. Don’t judge a movie by its trailer. Be reminded of that, guys! ;)

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A Hunted House 2 (2014): Hilarious Indeed

I love horror comedies like the Scary Movie. So, when I saw the first A Haunted House, I became a fan. I know that there will be a sequel and I’m very excited about it. So I watch it as soon as I got a copy. And even though I have a high expectation, I’m happy that it didn’t disappoint me. The movie is hilarious in all levels.

What I love more about the A Haunted House 2 is the craziness that is very funny. I never laughed so hard while watching a movie. I’m like a fool because I’m watching alone and laughing on my own but that is OK. It is funny, so who cares if someone hears me laughing alone.

Marlon Wayans is my new idol. I find him very hilarious and comical. I remember the scene when he cries during the burial of his dog. That was the scene that I can’t forget and makes me smile whenever I think of it. Marlon was so good that even a slight change in his face can be humorous. In my opinion, he was one of the best comedians ever. He might be over-acting at some point but that is still funny.

Another thing that I love about the movie is how they reimagined horror movies to make it a comedy. For example is Annabelle. A lot of people might find this doll frightening because of The Conjuring movie, but A Haunted House 2 turns that around. I didn’t find Annabelle scary anymore. My perception has been change and I find her comical instead of devilish.

This is a perfect horror-comedy for adults. Yes, I didn’t recommend it for watching with the kids around. The movie has some parts that others might find obscene, but in my mature mind, I find it OK. These sexy scenes are funny as well and I guess it is for mature audience only. With all the good things I can say about the movie, I’m convinced that A Haunted House 2 is a great movie indeed.

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Into the Storm (2014): A Great Disaster Movie

I love disaster movies. It’s been a while since a saw one that makes me paranoid whenever there is a bad weather. I’ve seen the trailer of Into the Storm and I promise to myself that I will watch it. It has a gripping trailer and the movie itself? It was far greater than that. I can say that so far, this is the greatest disaster movie I have ever seen.

First of all, the special effects are so good; it feels like I’m watching something that happens in real life. The effects make the movie more awesome since it is believable. It creep me out and makes me fear tornadoes more than I did before. And I love how they used the documentary style in the film.

The story line is simple but it is well-suited with then scenario. The characters are also perfect and they make the movie more values-oriented. It was more than the calamity, there is a deep story involved because of the conflicts the characters have. It is awesome since there is no too much drama.

If there is something that I didn’t like in the film, it was the unrealistic calamity. Ironic right? I love the movie and for me it was great even though the tornadoes are quite too fictional. I’m in love with the movie, even it has imperfections. Maybe the unrealistic factor also gives the movie more thrills.

Another thing that I love about the movie is the beginning. It was something that you won’t be expecting. The story line is also fast-paced; you wouldn’t be bored watching it. The actions come in a perfect timing. All in all, the movie is super great. It is far more than the greatness I’m expecting it to be.

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Dream Home (2010): Vicious and Notorious

Asian horror movies are creating a buzz to the westerners. This is proved by the numerous adaptations like The Grudge, Oldboy, The Echo, and The Eye. When I’m searching for the best Asian horror movies that I might overlooked, I saw Dream Home. The plot is nice so I grab a copy. After watching it, I can say that this is one of Asia’s best movies in existence.

The story is about a woman who is very fascinated about buying a condo unit with the harbor view. Even though she has savings, she can’t still afford the mortgage for the unit. In desperation, she does something horrifying that will allow her to get the unit for a cheaper price.

The plot of the story is crazy. It gives us a glimpse of how far a person can go just to fulfill his dreams. This is a presentation of how evil can turn us to a mad person. The main character is actually a good person at first, but her desire eats up the goodness she have in her heat. Thus she ended up doing something that is vicious and notorious.

I can say that the flow of the story might be irritating for others. But for me, I find it just right. It allows us to know more about the main character and why she is doing it. The flashbacks are intelligently inserted in the movie, giving the viewers a clean balance between the back story and the crime she committed. However, if you will watch it, make sure that you would watch it in full length.

That is something that I love about this movie. It captures my attention and wouldn’t let me go to pee or to grab snacks. I was very focused on the movie because I’m waiting for something, from the back story and for her next move. I’m glad that all my questions were answered and I’m satisfied with the gore I’ve seen. I couldn’t ask for more and I wish that no one will ever dare to make their own versions because I’m afraid that it wouldn’t work.

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Maleficent (2014): Magnificent!

I’m a huge Disney fan! I admit it. So, I was very excited to see Maleficent. And having Angelina Jolie for the lead role makes me more excited. She is one of the actresses that I love watching in movies. The combination of these two favorites of mine gives me the idea that it will be a great movie. And after seeing it, I’m happy that my instinct is right. It is a great movie and it is magnificent!

First of all, the story is simply amazing. The movie gives us a new perspective in the renowned Sleeping Beauty story that we’ve grown up with. It proves that we should not really judge a book by its cover since we are not aware of what is behind it until we read every page. We all know that Maleficent is the villain, but in this movie, we get to know her better. I honestly love her character and I find it very amusing.

Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maleficent is also believable. I will give her a Best Actress award if I’m part of the Oscars. Her moves were flawless and her delivery of every word is fierce and stunning. I love how she was able to convince me that she is not the same woman who portrays Lara Croft and Mrs. Smith. And that is something that I find missing in other Actors. Overall, her performance is superb.

There are some flaws in the special effects in the movie. But it was something that didn’t bother me. For me it was neither bad nor great. It is OK I guess. I still love the movie even though there are some rough effects. That is the only thing that I do not love much about the movie.

For me, Maleficent is one of the most successful movies that give us a fresher look of famous fairy tales. I’ve seen some like Hansel and Gretel, Snow White and the other one that I even can’t remember. For me, it was far the best I’ve seen so far. My final word, it is undoubtedly magnificent!

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Top 5 Movies for the Halloween

Happy Halloween! This is the perfect time to watch horror movies right? If you don’t have anything to watch yet, maybe you can take in consideration the following movies that I bet will give you the creeps this Halloween season:

1.   The Evil Dead (2013) – the original Evil Dead series might be too old-school for you so I suggest the latest Evil Dead movie. This is one of the best horror films for me so far. It is about a group of friends who are in a remote cabin where they accidentally discover the Book of Dead and read few notes that triggers the evil forces living in the area.

      

    Evil Dead (2013) Review

2.   V/H/S 2 (2013) – not the first V/H/S movie ok? The second installment is far more gruesome than the first. This movie will give you every horror creatures that will scare you. There are ghost, zombies, demons and aliens. Prepared to be thrilled. I promise you that.

    V/H/S 2 (2013) Review

3.   The Human Centipede 2 (2011) – gruesome. This movie is better than the first movie. If you have the guts, you can watch it. If you don’t, beware. This is a perfect horror movie that will turn your stomach upside down. There will be blood, and scenes that might force you to close your eyes. It is about a Human Centipede die-hard fan who tries to create his very own human centipede.

   The Human Centipede 2 (2011) Review

4.   Deliver us From Evil (2014) – this movie is very good at many levels. It has the action that is paired with thrills. This movie will make you cling at the edge of your seat and give you Goosebumps. The story is about a cop, who is an atheist, solving a case that is far damned than the most evil cases he have ever handled.

   

    Deliver Us From Evil (2014) Review

5.   The Purge: Anarchy (2014) – prepare yourself. You might find it too scary to go outside, especially at night, after watching this film. This will give you the paranoia of what if it happens in real life? It is about the annual purge, the holiday where people are given the freedom to unleash the evil inside them by committing crimes that are legal for 12 hours.

The Purge: Anarchy (2014) Review

Alien Abduction (2014): Nonsense Stereotype

I love movies and documentaries about aliens. After I’ve seen the trailer of Alien Abduction, it quite convinced me that I should watch it. And yes I did. I did it with full enthusiasm and excitement. But at the end, it was disappointing.

I love how the beginning of the movies, the first half I guess. It gives me more excitement and I want to dig in more about the story. I have questions in my mind like why these aliens abduct people and what are they are going to do with them. Unfortunately, these questions are not answered. The plot is too simple and nonsense.

There was a family hiking in the mountains, they got lost, found a tunnel where their first encounter happen. Of course they try to escape but they were not able to do that. They meet someone living in the woods, and they vanished one by one. That is the whole story. And for me, it was nonsense and stereotype for an alien movie. I bet I can do that story on my own.

The movie might be able to give me the shock, because some scenes are really intended to shock you, but it fails to leave a mark. It was forgettable. The concept is nice but it fails to elaborate and give more depth to the story. The ending is also hilarious. So, the last family member (the youngest child I guess) were abducted and brought to the spaceship. The aliens find his camera and throw it back to earth. The funny thing is that the spaceship is already in the outer space but the cam lands on earth and still recording. Even grade-schoolers will find this WTF? Maybe the writers doesn’t know much about science.

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Monster (2003): Great Evil Presentation

I’m not aware of the crimes of Aileen Wuornos at all. This movie is the first thing that I’ve seen narrating her story. It was a sad and thrilling story. I love it especially because it happens in real life. I think that monster reveals the evil that is happening in the real world.

 

First, I would like to give a big hand to Charlize Theron in her performance. I can’t remember any movie of her that I’ve watched. I can say that this one is the most remarkable for me. She did great and she makes me believe in her portrayal. I feel every emotion that she delivers. She is a truly amazing actress.

Let’s go back to the movie. It was so great that it makes me think deep down about the cruelty of life, the materialistic needs of people, and the evil that I can agree present in reality. The movie was able to capture my empathy towards Aileen. Even though she was guilty of the crimes, the movie didn’t make me hate her. After watching it, my sympathy is really for Aileen. I believe that her crimes are the result of the love she have for her girlfriend and the trauma from the incident that almost kills her. In that case, I feel bad for her.

If there is someone that I hate, it was her girlfriend Selby. She is the true evil for me. After all the things Aileen did for her, she ended up putting her on jail. I guess she did that to free herself from the crime. She was selfish and ungrateful.

I can’t say anything bad about the movie. Maybe the only thing that I found missing is the extended ending, the trial of the case. I want to know more about what happens then. But, I still love the movie. I’ll just do some research about the trials.

IMDB

Antisocial (2013): Hilarious, but it isn't Comedy

This movie is so hilarious. I actually laugh several times while I’m watching it. But the problem is it is not really made to be a comedy. It supposed to be under the Horror, Sci-Fi and Thriller genre. For that, it an epic fail for me.

The concept is crazy, but not crazy good. It is about the apocalypse where people are transformed to zombies by the virus transmitted via the social media “The Social Redroom.” How pathetic. This is not really effective. The use of social media in this movie fails so bad that it wasn’t worth the try.

I don’t know what gone in the heads of the writers of this movie. Are they desperate enough to discourage people from using social media? Scare them off to make sure that people will get paranoid about their Facebook or Twitter account? That might be right. They use something that everyone uses daily, turn it to something terrifying for the hope that people will talk about it, so the movie will be viral. That sounds a good idea, but that is not just effective at all.

People get paranoid with the movie The Truman show. Everyone thinks that they might be in a reality show and there are cameras everywhere. That movie is really effective. But Antisocial, a big NO NO! I’m glad it is antisocial because I will not really talk to it if we’re in a party.

IMDB 

The Purge Anarchy (2014): As I Expected, It is Great

I waited long enough to have a copy of this movie. When I got one, I didn’t waste any time and watch it eagerly. I’m expecting too much from this film because I’m a huge fan of the first instalment. I’ve seen the trailer and it is exciting. My friends even said that it was really good. Even though my expectations are high, I’m glad that this movie goes beyond that. The Purge: Anarchy is a really great movie.

The characters are different but the concept is about the annual Purge. People are given 12 hours to do all the crimes they wanted to do. This is said to cleanse their spirit as they release their anguish they kept in the 364 days. As a result of this law, the crime rates are non-existent in those 364 days and more and more people are moving up the poverty line. That sounds good right? But that is really scary.

The whole concept of the Purge is very terrifying. That alone makes me love the movie. It scares me a lot; it feels like I can’t breathe normally when I watch it. It is full of tension and it creeps in my nerves. These are just come of the movies that make me paranoid and break my sanity. After I watch it, I’m a bit scared to go out my house because I fear that someone might kill me. Paranoia. And it was good, it means that the movie is really effective.

The story line in this second instalment was creative. It reveals more secrets about the wealthy people activities during the purge, what the purge is really all about and how the government manipulates it to reach their goals. Plot is now deeper than the first and it makes the audience more excited for the third instalment.

I can’t say anything bad about the movie. It was that so great. I even enthusiastically tell my friends who haven’t watch it yet. I’m like a crazy person who can’t get over the movie. I hope that the third instalment will be released not later than next year. I’m really looking forward to watch it.

IMDB

Earth to Echo (2014): Amazing Adventure Movie

Most of the alien movies I’ve seen are about abduction and invasion. Some were great and some are not. These are usually horror or thriller movies, but what I’ve seen last night was far beyond the stereotype alien movies most of us known. The Earth to Echo is like the movie ET were it focuses on the friendship developed between a human and an extra-terrestrial. This is the same concept of the movie Earth to Echo.

I’ve seen posters of Earth to Echo roaming Manila during its showing, but I wasn’t able to see it in the cinema or even view its trailer. So, I really don’t have any idea what it is all about. My theory after I saw the trailer is that it is a sci-fi movie about a robot. And that’s it.

To my surprise, it was way beyond what I’m thinking. It is one of greatest adventure movies I’ve seen yet. The concept is great, the story line is great, the actors are great, and the movie itself is really great.

The story is about a three best friends who goes to an adventure to discover something in the dessert miles away from their home that may be causing strange things with their phones. This is their last night together, one of them will be leaving and soon all of them will be. The area where they are leaving will be demolished because it will be used to construct a “freeway”. But they discover something that is out of this world, literally. They discover an alien and it needs their help to be fixed and create his spaceship to go back home.

Sounds exciting right? Yes it really is. While I’m watching the movie, I feel like I’m in the adventure as well. My heart beats faster with excitement and my smile is automatic every time they find some of the parts. I was very engage in the movie and I feel so much younger again. 

IMDB