Ben Dares All

   If seemed very old fashioned. John Krasinski might be channeling an old childhood memory in what is possibly a passion project close to his heart. He might be thinking what he thinks children are thinking, but is really a throwback to an idealized state in his mind.   This is to the point that it feels like this movie is aimed at adults, and not even adults in general but those with this particular mindset; or even from a certain era. The recreation of Tina Turner (which was a surprise) and the bonus ending tribute to Louis Gossett Jr evokes the latter idea.   There is still wonder and whimsy to be had with the film but its pondering pace might be too slow to catch children's attention. I did jump at the secret agent through the window and the situation of the Asian kid grabbed me. But hopefully If finds its place with a wider audience. If only.

   Ghostbusters Frozen Empire moved with a glacial pace at the beginning as it juggled so many subplots and arcs per character new and old.  There's so much material that it could have been an 6-8ep mini series.  It was just paced so slowly.  (Like, Trevor could have had a running gag of being slimed by Slimer in the background each time.  Podcast being pestered by the mini Marshmallow men too.)    Phoebe stood out again (like Afterlife) as the emotional core but I hope nobody takes her character development in a negative way.  Androgynous as she is, the depiction of friendship with Melody could be a hot button of possible controversy.  (What would prompt Phoebe to practically kill herself for someone she met only about four times?  Talk about strong emotions).    Tension speed up at the ending with effective horror elements, though still neutered (one official present day death). I was pretty satisfied with the wrap up; it really is possible to have two main heroes in the end (th

Godzilla might have top billing but, same as last time, he feels like a guest star in a King Kong movie. King Kong gets the bulk of storytelling focus as he is made relatable with feelings of loneliness, paternal leanings and even a toothache. Godzilla remains a practical force of nature and except for that instance of cat napping, he is still treated as an enigma. It's been a few years so details about the scientist, her adopted daughter and the humor relief are largely forgotten. But we're just around for the slugfest. As fun as the wrestling moves are, the antagonist seems like a letdown after Ghidorah and Mecha Godzilla. His whip work was amazing and he does have an aura of charismatic dislike but he doesn't feel like a threat worthy of Godzilla absorbing tons of radiation to fight. Same with Kong getting a mecha fist. Still, The New Empire is an enjoyable romp. They could just drop the pretenses and just make a straight Kong movie, really. 

   How would you say that the Last Second would become the First Place?  It is a play on words on how success could be achieved, if only one would ask.     This is the experience of Dr. Raul Navarro, esteemed professor at the UP Diliman College of Music.  As a highly regarded creative, he already has dozens of awards under his belt as a musical artist and a prolific writer.  His most recent achievement is his historical research, "Musika ng Pananakop: Panahon ng Hapon sa Filipinas, 1942-1945", winning the 40th Philippine National Book Awards for Best Book of Literary Criticism/Cultural Studies in Filipino.      He was given the award a few months ago last May 2023 but it is an honor he might not have received if it wasn't for a small gesture, a simple deed that needed to be done.  He relates as much in this interview :      See, if he hadn't inquired, if he hadn't asked about the submissions, his book wouldn't have been included in the selection for the year. 

    This is a special screening of the first four episodes of the 2023 Rurouni Kenshin anime.  I didn't follow the first anime adaptation, titled Samurai X, from start to end but I did see a handful of episodes.  I can't really compare the quality but I remember some changes, like how Yahiko left the mob.     The voice actors of Yahiko and Sanno were present during the special screening but we weren't allowed to take pictures.  I do hope they felt welcomed and appreciated since they did come all this way to promote the new show. 

   The Flash was absolutely crazy. His behind the scenes crimes notwithstanding, Ezra's pulling double duty is doubly brilliant and bonkers.     The plot might be old hat for comic and sci-fi fans but the humor, nostalgia punches and overall ostentatiousness makes this a total crowd pleaser. There's callbacks to comic book media fans in terms of cameos and guest stars, though there might be controversy with the use of oddly made CGI.     Kudos for the director, writer and even Ezra for embracing the wackiness but still keeping the drama ok check. This Flash flick should be a runaway hit