IN THE GREY: An Action Flick Asking for a Sequel

Just got out of cinemas after watching the Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal film called "In the Grey". 

The title may have been a dead giveaway but no, they managed to be really more than that. While the tale would pretty much revolve around Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal and Eiza Gonzalez' characters, it's still pretty much an ensemble movie. This was brought to the Philippines by the good folks from CreaZion Studios International and is now showing in theaters. 

The plot is pretty good by any standards, it's a Guy Ritchie film after all so we expected that. It felt like a more modern take on Miami Vice because of how cool each character was. This includes all their compatriots, some of who they asked for services before it all went down. They do it like clockwork, calculated and overpowered that the action scenes felt clean, like nothing could stop them from reaching their goals. This is also about money matters, lies, loyalty, organized crime and the thirst for power. 

It's well choreographed, and you'll feel good for how they deal with the villain, plus the manner they did it, which will be lengthy and build most of the story. Was it worth all the trouble to watch? ABSOLUTELY. I'd give it a soft 8/10 and will vouch for its entertainment value. It lacks a bit more action, but it did have that don't get me wrong. You'll also feel it's asking for a sequel because much of the result in the end asks for it. 

Go watch it on theatres, it's a Cavill and Gyllenhaal flick after all, and that alone deserves a reason to watch it.  Women would love eye candy, and men would be thirsty for action, it is sufficient. It is also asking for a sequel. 

10 Reasons Why You Should Watch THUNDERBOLTS

I've asked myself a couple of times, I didn't get to answer why. One, I wasn't quite familiar with the superhero group even if I was a big fan of films from the outfit. But when I heard that THUNDERBOLTS was in SM Cinemas this month, I saw Filipinos lined up like clockwork. This is a film by Marvel Studios, spread by Disney in theaters, and I got more than what I bargained for. 

1. Thunderbolts had really good actors. Even though I didn't know most of them, one thing they didn't lack is the ability to convey emotion, Florence Pugh, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, David Harbor, Wyatt Russel and Sebastian Stan all made it easy to digest because characters were believable, funny at times, and easy to relate to. It's like you know them even though you really don't know them.

2. Florence Pugh as Black Widow is different, but I like her take despite of us being a more Scarlett Johansson fan. While new, she took this on like a pro so you'll see her as a bored working assassin from Russia. Trained and gifted as a kid, she becomes her own persona. She doesn't become a hero overnight and this is her movie (even though they're a group).

3. Bucky is back, Sebastian Stan gains a suit and played politics as a day job. By no means that would hamper him from becoming the Winter Soldier that he is. He is still explosive as ever. That iconic arm of him gets clowned by fellow heroes, and this isn't an exception. You'll be reassured though that he's got it all together. He's more matured, and I love it.

4. Lewis Pullman plays Bob. Just Bob. You need to see how he changes. He's extra. But he's just Bob.

5. Director Jake Schreier had a brilliant vision. Executed it well, and doesn't need a forensic scientist that these things are connected. There will be various times you'll see Easter eggs in the middle and end credits scene like what normal Marvel movies do.

6. David Harbor is an absolutely adorable human being. His character might be funny most of the time, but that's where he's going to just chuck you with his ability to pull heartstrings. Then attempt to make you cry, he's going to do a remarkable job in doing it.

7. Wyatt Russel's version of the US Agent is a tiring and frustrating one. He reminds me of a Taco. Watch out for his story. 

8.   Hannah John Kamen as Ghost wasn't given much of an interesting scene although this counts as her origin of some sort. Maybe she'll be in future MCU scenes where we'll get to see even more of her abilities. Maybe she was too hard to edit in. 

9. It ain't a filler, I think it's a necessary prelude to something big. 

10.  It was able to pull its own weight. It might have mentioned bigger ones but it's a story worthy to be known now. Definitely deserves to be seen in SM Cinemas, because it feels different. It wouldn't really make justice if it's just seen in a computer/phone screen if you want to stream.

NASHIE BOY BONUS

 

It's also a great movie to watch with friends who equally love the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I met Nash Aguas, his wife Mika Dela Cruz, Nashies Admin Philip, my neighbor Rai and actor Andre Garcia (whom I also haven't seen in a while). Man, I couldn't hug them but I miss them a lot. Nash is different, but still the same humble guy I've met back in the day. So proud of him and his achievements. It was also my first time to see Mika in person, super cute couple. Ugh, this moment made the movie even more special!

A Story of Triumph, Hardships and Unending Love | "IDOL: The April Boy Regino Story"

If you're a fan of OPM songs, you're bound to listen to one of the most talented singer-songwriters of the 90's and 2000's... and his name is April Boy Regino. He's made remarkable achievements during his time, and made the title IDOL resonate with the masses. This 2024, a movie will be done telling his story under Water Plus Productions. It's called "IDOL (The April Boy Regino Story)", and we got to watch it earlier at the press screening.   

This film stars John Arcenas who plays April Boy Regino and Kate Yalung to play the role of his wife Madelyn. I've seen John do several projects in the past, and he's quite a spirited singer doing the classics. He's also an architecture graduate, and managed by star maker Tyrone Escalante (both of them). John has bested 27 people in the auditions, and it was obvious, he's got the voice and mannerisms secured. He studied quite extensively using April Boy's previous movies and TV appearances which he took to work while filming. This is also directed by Efren Reyes Jr. who quipped how much they had to work on finishing this film even before the pandemic. Kate on the other hand is no stranger to films, modeling, commercials and stage. They look lovely on screen, and you could tell, the camera loves them.

Making this film was no walk in the park. They had to dish out production budget for the songs they needed to secure prior to filming. But it was producer Madame Marynette Gamboa's promise to him, before he passed... and they knew, they just had to do it.  

Here's the media conference which was done after the screening, please enjoy!

The film really had a very colorful story line. While this is a biopic, it's being told from the eyes of April Boy Regino. His sadness stemmed from a lot of things including getting sick thrice, and the challenges of life was no joke. It also mirrors the crazy life of a celebrity in a Philippine setting, and where he succeeded, got to help his wife and kids, his community, and ultimately be loved. This is something that you would see in the film, and I'm telling you, there were a few members of the press that cried in the dark corners of that theater.  

You will learn how to cherish every moment with your family after watching it. If you feel that's something you would like to feel, it comes out in theaters this November 27th. It's also rated PG so you can take your whole family to watch it.