Ben Dares All

   Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a pretty decent adventure flick. It didn't have huge end-of-the-world stakes but it wasn't a beginner friendly jaunt either. It was a bit middle of the road. Great action, fun comedy, good as a pastime. Granted it's much better than the first movie to take the DND name (released 2020) but it didn't exactly explode into consciousness of the masses either.     As a comedy, it more or less played its humor straight within their world. It didn't lean heavily into pop culture and include all sorts of memes and references. No lightning bolt larping, no dice rolling or saving throws, no levelling up, no dungeon master. They didn't even sexualize the bard in any way (as Chris Pine was already a dad and mourning his wife).  It's good that they didn't poke fun at the role playing culture or even demonize it.  They really played it straight.     Oh, including the adventurers from the original D...

   Had a round table interview with the cast of the upcoming Prime movie Walang KaParis.  Film leads Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez and director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo were a lively bunch, answering questions amidst jokes and laughter.    To fit the comedic tone and to avoid possible spoilers, their answers will be given in a 'two lies, one truth' format.  Want to know the real deal?  Catch the movie on Prime on March 23, 2023.    A 'theme song' that would fit the movie would be, Kaya Mo Bang Magmahal Ng...  -Walang Kabet -Walang Kapalit -Walang Kasabay   The choice of location for the movie came from... -Sigrid visiting Paris three times before.  -selling pares-pares being the job of Alessandra's character. -Empoy being fluent in French.     Is there trauma experienced while shooting the film? -as much as we would want to share, we cannot -that question is exempted -shaving the mustache

   Shazam Fury of the Gods tries to capture lighting in a bottle again but does lightning strike twice?    This time around, Billy's character arc is overshadowed by Freddie and his distracting lower extremities.  No, not his awkward can-he-or-can-he-not-walk moves but his May December romance.  While it doesn't cripple the adventure, it unbalanced the focus, leaving Billy with weak plot progression.    Also there's a distinct lack of Billy Asher Angel.  His orphan angst in the first film was the heart and soul of the first movie.  Here, it's comedic Zachery Levi in your face.  The tenderness is missed.    More spotlights on the other siblings could have possibly stuffed the runtime but it was honestly what I wanted more of (Freddie notwithstanding).  More of Mary and Eugene.  More of Darla, though she did have her light unicorn arc completed.  I'm not sure if Pedro coming out being treated as no big deal is...

   Writer David Haldane is an absolute sweetheart, very genteel and approachable. He also doesn't pull any punches when it comes to his observations of the Philippine lifestyle in his new compilation of essays, A Tooth in My Popsicle.      Settling in Surigao a few years ago, David chronicles his adventures in 73 short, easy to read segments. With some almost taboo topics ranging from what happens when there are no toilets, to casual crimes against the environment and even eating pets, there is much to marvel, to ponder and to laugh about. There's surprises to be had (I didn't know bayanihan is still being implemented) and more than a few heartfelt moments, such as the birth of his daughter.     The book launch was in Ortigas Heritage Library in Greenhills on March 7, 2023.  David Haldane was with his wife Ivy and daughter Adira.  He read three chapters of his book, The Thing About Poop, Light Up the Sky and his birthday in Seve...

   Creed 3 is a bloody sports drama using the dark side of the hood to create the conflict. It doesn't quite translate to a triumph of the human spirit when almost cartoon-ish villainy is present but damage is surprisingly mitigated by Jonathan Majors' performance.    The final match's sudden influx of surreality was a misstep, quite jarring in execution. Other than that though, Michael B. Jordan's direction is soldily serviceable.    Creed the Third is not quite a triple knock out but it's in decent shape for those who can relate.  

   Seeing a sample of what the new cast of Zsazsa Zaturnnah The Musical, Yun Lang can do is a treat. This is probably the only time one can see all three versions of Ada, Dodong and Didi on stage together for one song. Mostly fresh faces and quite enthusiastic about the first live performance of Ateneo Blue Repertory for 2023.    I didn't want to ask if they would update the lyrics or the names. I know they're toting the play to be a celebration of acceptance and whatnot but the medium itself could be taken as snapshots of the times. One, when the play and movie came out. Two, when the comic itself came out. And three, within the timeline of the story itself.  It's set in a rural area and cellphones aren't a huge deal. Lingo was what it was then. Turn of the century viewers don't need to have names like Dina B or Sharon C replaced with current or trendy stars. It would be fine as it is.   With three different Ada's, Dodong's and Didi's, there wi...

   Had to say I was completely surprised at Sadie Sink from Stranger Things absolutely kicking it with an intense performance. She was a revelation and a breakout.      Oh, I know Brendan Fraser is capable of this drama and good that he's back in the saddle. Don't know of he can or will get into fighting form again.    Too many things to get into with the homosexuality, the healthcare system, the parenting and even the whole side plot with the visiting false zealot. As fractured as everything is, The Whale still evokes genuine emotions. 

   Is this was passes for acceptable Filipino media? I got secondhand embarrassmemt while watching it. Such a shame because the start with the almost Disney like musical sequence was quite promising. Then it devolved to cringe.    Yes, the fashion was very drag race and colorful. Yes, the mystery was a bit clever. Yes, it was kind of funny.    But it wasn't satisfying. The sudden championing of being woke without knowing the proper way to be woke was a letdown. Can't really defend the feminists when they're behaving this badly in the film.      Also, apparently knowing the lapsed trend of FLAME is required to understand the motivation.      I hope folks who see this internationally know that Filipinos are capable of better. 

   Another film with Filipino ties, with the actress as a maid again.  Anyhow, Plan 75 is a controversial take on euthanasia for the aged. The film itself isn't balanced. It focused on the emotional side, of regrets and helplessness. Yes, it is human but as it appeals to the audience's feelings, it would be considered propaganda.      Sure, a side of the government would seem clinical and detached but not much information is volunteered.  This film just shows a maudling and even manipulative side to a controversy that needed fair treatment. 

   When I finished watching the film, I thought it was ok. It had an enjoyable plot, had stunning animation, interesting characters and all that. The story isn't new though. And I wondered why they chopped up the animation during fight scenes.   It just grew on me afterwards, mostly on how touching Goldilocks side of the story was and Puss' panicked moments. Also the Big Bad Wolf was amazing, even if I saw the reveal.     Even with the slow start during Puss' downtime, The Last Wish is still something to behold in that it actually gives waaaay more than expected. Give it a chance. 

   Filipinos are celebrating Dolly's international recognition in Triangle of Sadness, yes?  The fact that she's a maid is… not an issue? I suppose not.   An artsy movie can get away with all the atrocities during dinner and afterwards but notice that the film could just jump straight into the bombing and it would practically be the same.   The start rings quite true with how the female model treats her boyfriend but high expections set at the scene gradually sloped downwards. 

   I remember nitpicking about the father being forefront in the promotions when he wasn't really as essential. Could have been more streamlined with just the son wrestling with his mistaken sexual identity.     And it didn't even get into how the lady on question feels. She just became a prop. In fact, the delay at the ending was very manufactured. Quite unnecessary.      If folks enjoyed the movie, great. Could have been better though.

Black Adam totally killed it!  He can rip bad reviews apart because Dwayne Johnson ROCKed hard!  He couldn't quite get the 'nice guy' twang out of his words but he still exuded the menace and almost otherworldly presence.  I love the new origin, veering away from the horrible crime his comic version did (he actually killed the boy to get the powers).  This Black Adam is to be embraced. While their appearance was odd at first, the Justice Society presents a solid case for a movie of their own.  There should be a rogue JSA cut of the Black Adam film and it would work.  Hawkman and Dr Fate owned their scenes, bringing their own personality and pathos into the flick.  Atom Smasher, with his red and blue and general goofiness could be mistaken for a certain webhead.  Cyclone is a joy, which surprised me because I was wary of the race change. I can't wait to see more of this director!  The movie had spectacular effects during the action bu...

    While the plot became derivative, I can't deny hiding behind my fingers and deliberately not looking at the freaky goings on while watching Smile. The atmosphere generated by the disturbing music and tense build up really gets under your skin. There was only one particular scene that didn't work (the fake out in the car) but everything else is a top notch flick to watch with fright fans. With the cliche plot, effective jumpscares and even sprinklings of offbeat humor, Smile would do well for a pre Halloween outing with friends.   Oh, I was a bit distracted by the cop because he still looks babyfaced. I'm familiar with his tv show appearances and he still looks practically the same, except for the facial hair.

Don't Worry Darling was not what I was expecting, seeing as how it had Harry Styles, a boy band member, and Florence Pugh, a Marvel heroine.  While I knew Florence Pugh was a darling, I was quite surprised at Harry Styles having such a dramatic range.  It's a talented crew, to be sure. The story and theme may or may not have a feminist agenda but that is to be disregarded.  The mystery unfolds effectively, keeping the audience wondering and guessing.  While the actual answer isn't quite new, arriving to that point was an suspenseful experience.  There is camera work and cinematic choices that were pretty interesting and stylistic.  The abstract parts were quite well done (though the colors of the clothes of the ballet dancers weren't uniform). Not everything wraps up properly (not the ending but the musical cue) but I'd consider it impressive work from a cinematic standpoint and a surprise in terms of acting.

   Dragon Ball Super - Super Hero sounds like it's trying to cash in on the superhero bandwagon by having the characters use of the familiar comic book trope of fight-and-team-up. This isn't quite true. Goku (and various anime protagonists) has been fighting then befriending his enemies for years and years. And anime has already put their twist in the superhero culture with the personal heroic school studies and the single hit guy adventures.    What Dragon Ball Super - Super Hero is more of the usual for the Z Fighters, which is facing an overpowered threat with overpowering force. The mythos of Dragon Ball spans hundreds of episodes and (apparently) the flick doesn't give a catch up for the clueless. The previous movie, Broly, gave an origin flashback at least. This one (apparently) just drops the viewers in the middle of a revenge scheme, including a side story continuing from the aforementioned Broly movie and the regular series.     So what ...

   Bullet Train? More like an out of control killer rollercoaster and we're here for the ride! Murder in the Orient Express? What's that? Bullet Train is the one the slays!    From the stellar cast of personable actors to the tightly woven, almost comedy of errors, this flick oozes style and brilliance. The naming convention is framing intentionally interjecting humorous asides besides dramatic vignettes. The scene jumpcuts splices as clean as an assassin's blade. The dialogue cuts to the quick with sharp wit and clever bits. And surprises abounds, least of all the guest actors, such a hoot.    Bullet Train hits the mark. One of my top three films of 2022! Highly recommended!

   DC's League of Super Pets is an unexpected delight! The humor might be too meta at times (and will possibly get dated) but most of the jokes land. And for a flick on a supposed smaller stature, the pets are living large with tons of personality. Unconstrained by and unconcerned with continuity, the Super Pets were free to get wild with their adventure. It has a blast poking fun at conventions but still retains a whole lot of heart.     Considering how violent and inaccessible other versions of DC is right now, this simplified and family/consumer friendly take is something I wouldn't mind seeing again, pets or no pets. Not to be underestimated! The League of Super Pets is truly paw-sitive experience!

   Considering most of the footage was from the older ladies of the band and the probable lack of footage in their younger times, the documentary was a bit lopsided with its coverage.    I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing that they didn't lean more into the controversy. The lesbian relationships, the sexual interaction with famous historical personnel. Either way, they really played it safe. Made the retelling a bit more mundane, if respectful. 

   This movie won a lot of awards and recognition but, wow, is there too much drama. Not into it.    I should be a fan of all the goofiness but it didn't land with me. It went on for too long and there was too much dissonance with tone. Good it was recognized and glad for the acclaim but not for everyone. 

   I watched the Jujutsu Kaisen series and this zero movie is a prequel, showing a different student in action. It's good, if rushed. Could have actually stretched this protagonist's arc into his own season honestly.    Not too funny. Not as extremely gory. Great action sequences, yes. Guess it could be a good introduction to the series as is. 

   This is the second movie about the main character cop played by Ma Dong-seok and he's built up a mystique with his invincibility. It's more of how they play catch up to the criminal than actually beating him.   In fact, the villain is a more interesting character, being ruthless and frighteningly adept. The secondary protagonists were the ones in danger when left alone with him.    The Round Up seems to be a throwback to the cop movies of the 80s and 90s with more personality and flash. This has a nostalgic tinge.

   Top Gun Maverick did the unthinkable and performed a second miracle with this cinematic ride. It followed familiar story beats but is still an absolute crowd pleaser. Top Gun receives top stars. Marverick soars! Don't even think about missing it. Just do yourself a favor and watch it.    Oh, the expected sports scene could have done with not being played in sunset. Being back lit left bodies mostly in darkened silhouettes.

As the movie opens, it'll be no secret that third time's the charm for this spin off franchise.   While they didn't quite wean out the superfluous subplots (granted, the prison escape bit garnered the most laughs and provided another Fantastic Beast), they did attempt to give an in-movie explanation.  The large cast of characters were trimmed down in terms of focus and resulted in a comprehensive and much easier to digest experience.  The switching of the lead villain is quite acceptable as Mads provides grounded gravitas as compared to Depp's more unearthly portrayal.  The more political theme is quite timely and adds real world context, despite being set in the past and in a divergent fantasy.   I'm rather happy that the various plotlines started in previous entries were addressed.  Some might not have wrapped up well (like the Lestrange connection or the lovechild arcs almost being inconsequential) but cherished characters at least h...

   A bit too much Eggman at the start but, hey, use the big budget actor while you can. Jim C is leaving after all. Why were there Echidna in the portal? Weird.    Tails coming along was strange, like, instant best friend. The dance scene would be dated but whatever.    It's a little annoying but the biggest laughs in the audience while I was watching was from the wedding related events, which really shouldn't figure in the actual plot.      Also there's curiously a lot of half naked men in the movie.    I guess Sonic fans would be pleased with the references so I wish it success. 

    I was waiting for this movie and, yes, the all star cast was amazing, though some star shined brighter than others. Have to say the start was slow but it really picked up when the other dimensional shenanigans occured.    The fate of Aunt May was a surprise but it works in movie continuity and the ending seems like a horrible thing to do to young Peter. He was at the top of his game with everything to look forward too but simply annoying Dr Strange led him to a despicable end, poor guy. Left a bad taste in my mouth.    Another thing was the character assassination of Sandman. He helped Peter no questions asked when they met and was treated badly. In his dimension too, there was nothing wrong with him. There was no need to remove his powers. Other Peter didn't defend him. Sad for him.    Still, those are nitpicks. Spider-Man : No Way Home was still an incredible adventure.