Ant Man

DIRECTOR: Peyton Reed  LEAD CAST:  Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Anthony Mackie, Wood Harris, Judy Greer, David Dastmalchian  SCREENWRITER:  Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, Paul Rudd  PRODUCER:  Kevin Feige  EDITOR:  Dan Lebental, Colby Parker, Jr.   MUSICAL  DIRECTOR:  Christophe Beck  GENRE:  Action & Adventure, Mystery and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, comedy  CINEMATOGRAPHER: Russel Carpenter  DISTRIBUTOR:  Walt Disney Studios, Motion Pictures  LOCATION:  United States RUNNING TIME: 117 minutes

Technical Assessment: 3.5

Moral Assessment: 3

CINEMA Rating: PG 13

            Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is an ex-convict who has just been released from prison where he served time for committing a crime—urglary. He has vowed to change his ways after his release so the first thing he does is find a job. But consequently, he has trouble finding one because of his record. This leads to further complications of not being able to see his daughter Cassie until he is able to pay child support. Until some ironic events lead him to Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) who offers him another chance—he is tasked to use a suit that will make him shrink. He is hesitant at first, but he will come to a point wherein he’ll have no other choice but to take the offer or he’ll remain in jail. Dr. Pym wants Scott to use the said suit to plot a strategy to stop the evil plans of his former trainee, Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) who is bent on unlocking the secrets of shrinking technology and selling this to the highest bidder, putting in danger the entire humanity.

            Ant-Man is a fine “little” film with a big heart in human beings’ both human and super-humanness. The story is solid, focusing on one flawed man and in the background are a web of relations and interrelations that make the film very personal. Ant-Man alternates with its comedic and dramatic appeal. This is not the usual superhero movies audiences see with protagonist trying to stop a villain that is about to destroy the world. Rather, this is a film that talks widely about second chances and healing broken relationships. Given the meat of the story, the film in its entirety has worked well in choosing the cast. The actors fit their characters well. Paul Rudd is truly likeable in this film and the supporting cast headed by Michael Douglas gives added force to the film with their simplicity, sincerity and natural depth. Technically, Ant-Man is excellently done. More than a spectacle, the CGI works in intensifying the film’s appeal and storytelling. The special effects do not overpower the very essence of the film that audiences hardly notice that there is CGI at work; they just suspend their disbelief and are convinced that yes Ant-Man is for real. That in itself makes the entire film a real success.

            Ant-Man centers on flawed characters and their equally flawed relationships – and how all power, fame and money shrink in the background when heart and character and meaningful relationships take center stage. It may seem that Ant-Man is just another super-hero story but overall, it is a story about family and friends, about fathers and daughters, mentors and protégés. The film demonstrates a father’s great love for his daughter: both Lang and Dr. Pym sacrificed a lot for the sake of their daughters. Meaningful relationships really give breath to one’s life and reasons for humans to live. Unconditional love is the fuel that keeps relationships burning. More than a story about the triumph of good over evil, the film has also given premium on giving sinners and convicts or ex-convicts a second chance. For as long as there is a tiny desire for a man to change his ways, there is always hope and that is only possible if one concerned soul would be willing to extend a helping hand. The film is calling its audiences as the Church calls on his people to be disciples in their own little ways. Dr. Pym has done just that with Lang. But given the film’s sci-fi action and violence, heavy theme and some crude language, CINEMA deems the film as suitable for audiences 13 and below with Parental Guidance.

Paper towns

--> Direction: Jake Schreier;  Cast: Nat Wolff, Cara Delevigne, Halstone Sage, Austine Abrams; Story: based on Paper Towns by John Green; Screenplay: Scott Neustadter, Michael Weber; Cinematography: David Lanzenberg;  Editing: Jacob Craycroft; Music: John Debnet, Son Lux; Producers: Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey; Genre: Mystery- Teen Romance:  Location: Florida – New York, USA; Distributor: 20^th Century Fox Running Time:109 minutes

Technical Assessment: 3

Moral Assessment: 2.5 stars

MTRCB Rating: PG13

CINEMA Rating: V14

            Nerdy Quentin (Wolff) has been obsessed with his next door mysterious childhood friend Margo (Delevigne) but they have slowly drifted apart because of their opposite personalities. One night, Margo appears at Q’s – Margo’s pet name for Quentin – bedroom window and convinces him to help her take revenge on her cheating boyfriend and her bestfriend. Since Q still has feelings for her, he agrees and discovers the rush and thrills of breaking the rules and spending time with his long time crush. However, Margo disappears the following day. Q and his friends, believing Margo left for them clues to find her, follow a series of leads until New York. On the road trip, Q and friends discover certain aspects of Margo’s personality. After a while, Q’s friends head back to Florida to make it in time for their high school prom, while Q remains to search for Margo and when he finally bumps into her, he discovers that the image he had of her was as unreal as the paper towns in maps.

            Paper Towns is an adaptation of John Green’s bestselling novel intended as a coming of age romance but ended on the big screen as story about friendship, thanks to the enigmatic chemistry of the supporting actors playing Q’s friends who deliver their lines with power and hilarity to create several quotable quotes. The pacing is a little slow for comfort and music is used to fill the emotional gaps which the movie does not deliver. Performances are believable but not engaging enough. John Schreier’s interpretation is acceptable but nowhere near memorable.

            There is one clear cut message in the film: don’t be deceived by looks or packaging. Q is in love with his idea of Margo and fails to read who she really is. Margo’s character is a glorified perception of teenage angst and emotional fashion while all she is is a confused broken girl. Especially for teenagers who are easily swayed by the glittering lights of fame and promise of popularity, the film serves as a good reminder for them to be discerning and honest. That being said, there are a lot of disvalues presented: revenge, permissiveness and apathy, teenage sex and substance abuse. In fact, CINEMA’s main question in the entire film: where are all the parents while high schoolers do all the things they do in the film. Parents are cautioned to make sure a responsible adult accompanies their young children when watching the film.

Terminator Genisys

Direction: Alan Taylor;  Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney Screenplay: Laeta Kalogridis, Patrick Lussier; Cinematography: Kramer Morgenthau;  Editing: Roger Barton;  Music: Lorbe Balfe; Producers: David Ellison, Dana Goldberg; Genre: Sci-Fi Action;  Location: US; Distributor: Paramount Pictures; Running Time: 95 minutes

Technical assessment: 2 ½ - 3 stars 

Moral assessment: 3

CINEMA rating: V14 

            By 2029, Skynet has come online and taken over the world but with the Resistance led by John Connor (Jason Clarke) slowly winning over the machines. However, he knows Skynet will make a last ditch effort to save itself and deploy its secret weapon. (Thanks to his time traveling ability that enabled him to know past and future events.) So he sends his right hand man, Kyle Reese (Courtney) to travel back in 1094 and save his mother, Sarah (Clarke) from the Terminator. As Kyle is being transported in time, he witnesses the attack on John and unknowingly gets transported in an alternative 1984 timeline where Sarah has been raised by a protective Terminator she lovingly named Pops (Schwarzenegger) and no longer is the damsel in distress he is expecting. They travel in the future to stop the birth of Skynet but is greeted by a hostile John who has been transformed into a half human-half machine. John no longer is humanity's last hope but Skynet's.  

             Terminator Genisys puts forward a decent original storyline paying tribute to the  James Cameron franchise. That it unrealistically mixes consequences and sensible plots if one were to follow the events of 1984, 1991 and 2003, can be forgiven since this is a time travel fiction. One can also overlook the bland portrayals of Courtney as Kyle Reese, Jason Clarke as John Connor and gawky attempts of Emilia Clarke to summon the spirit of Linda Hamilton's Sarah Connor.  What is unforgiveable is the presence of Schwarzenegger as the "old but not obsolete" Pops. His look, his one-liners and his delivery are old and obsolete. And no matter how many times these lines are injected in the screenplay, it brings more pity than laughter and awe. Arnold is no longer the masculine pride he was and should have had the dignity to choose roles that will be less of a joke. Story-wise, it could have been a lot better if John Connor's "world last hope" character has not been so screwed up. He is after all half machine and half human and the latter should have been made to win over. Over the years (and franchises), John Connor was raised and developed into a man willing to sacrifice himself for the salvation of mankind. It would have been appropriate if we saw a little struggle and an attempt from what was left of the human John to still do that. Oh, but this a Schwarzenegger movie, so naturally the last bravado should be about him.

            The future is not permanently written on stone with people mainly acting out what is expected of them. Set aside time traveling, fate is never predetermined but is a consequence of decisions and actions made in the present. At best, we are called to live each day with intelligence and ethics so that our future will always be the better one. Since we do not have the capacity to go back in time and rewrite history, what we say and do today matters so much. With a little more struggle, one can find a few more glimpses of positivity in the film. Like how man's perpetual dependence on technology will be the cause of their downfall and enslavement. Technology is indeed powerful but can never be greater than mankind. It is refreshing to watch a macho action film where a woman calls the shot, is able to stand for herself and not just a shrieking damsel who needs to be saved and later taken as a romantic partner by the leading man. The movie has some heavy action scenes that may be a little violent and its plot may be confusing for the very young ones. Parents are cautioned to make sure only their older kids get to watch this. 

Minions

DIRECTOR:  Pierre Coffin, Kyle Balda  LEAD CAST: Sandra Bullock, Pierre Coffin, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton  SCREENWRITER:  Brian Lynch  PRODUCER:              Chris Meledandri, Janet Healy  EDITOR: Claire Dodgson  MUSICAL DIRECTOR:  Heitor Pereira  GENRE:  3D computer-animated comedy  ART DIRECTOR: Olivier Adam  DISTRIBUTOR: Universal Pictures  LOCATION: United States RUNNING TIME: 90 minutes

Technical assessment: 4

Moral Assessment: 3.5

CINEMA Rating: For viewers 13 years old  and below with parental  guidance

MTRCB Rating: PG 13

Out of  boredom,  Minions Kevin, Bob, and Stuart  aim  to do something worthy  and  remarkable under a despicable master. When they see from a hacked TV broadcast about a major event gathering of villains called by the super villain Scarlet (voiced by Sandra Bullock), they immediately go out, hoping to hitch a ride to the venue of the event in Orlando, Florida, to actually meet a potentially new boss. After some failed attempts to get a ride, they are finally taken in by a family who, like them, are also heading on to the villains’ event in Orlando. Along the way, this family amazingly orchestrate robbery to the surprise of the Minions. At the villain convention, the Minions, particularly Kevin, steals the scene by accidentally winning the challenge by Scarlet and becomes her partner in her next crime mission—to steal the crown of Queen of England. In time, something happens that irks Scarlet, making her aim to stage revenge on the Minions.

Minions offers an unusual story of protagonists who join the crowd of  “praising” a woman super villain in her “greatness” and “remarkable” leadership in the field of crime. But the plot development manages to keep the focus and audience sympathy on the innocence and cuteness of the Minions as main characters especially when they talk in their own language. Subtitles are not provided in the film but characterizations are still well carried out. Dubbing by voice cast is impressive, especially that of Bullock (for Scarlet).  The voicing blends well with the digital creation of motion picture and sounds. Humor in form of jokes is constantly injected in the film which brings more fun and entertainment.  The director did well in the overall treatment for Minions as digital film creation. The musical score complements the film to consistently highlight the requirement of the scenes such as the music of the 60s.  The editing is good and has contributed to the entertaining quality of the movie.

            Whose person with good moral ascendency will join a known and proud supervillain? This happens in Minions. In reality, even the most evil person will not openly admit or be proud of his villain status. Even the most obvious criminals deny  their wrong doings in court. This is  because bad  actions are not something that anyone can be proud of. The “end justifies the means”, appears to be the message of  Minions, but the entire run of the film highlighted in scenes, characterization and dialogues all praises to the villains. Although it tackles positive messages like loyalty and friendship, and towards conclusion, there is an effort to correct the wrong, these messages are overpowered by negativity and malicious humors.  A person’s search for despicable master can be a noble personal mission and may be a good opportunity to practice humility and spirit of service.  And there are surely good and upright masters around.  The film is fun and entertaining but parental guidance must be given to viewers 13 years old and below.

The breakup playlist

DIRECTOR: Dan Villegas  LEAD CAST: Sarah Geronimo, Piolo Pascual, Rio Locsin, Dennis Padilla, Diego Loyzaga, Maris Racal, Anna Luna, Teddy Corpuz, Cris Villonco, Badji Mortiz, Jet Pangan  SCREENWRITER:  Antoinette Jadaone  PRODUCER:  Malou N. Santos, Charo Santos-Concio, Vic Del Rosario Jr.  GENRE: Drama, Music, Romance  CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Dan Villegas  DISTRIBUTOR: Star Cinema and Viva Films  LOCATION:  Philippines RUNNING TIME:  115 minutes

Technical assessment:  3

Moral assessment:  3

MTRCB rating: PG 13

CINEMA rating: V 14 (Viewers age 14 and abov

             Nag-aaral ng abogasya si Trixie David (Sarah Geronimo) bilang pagsunod sa kagustuhan ng mga magulang (Dennis Padilla at Rio Locsin), ngunit musika ang kanyang hilig at pangarap. Pinagbigyan siyang sumali sa isang music camp kung saan nakilala niya si Gino Avila (Piolo Pascual) na isang musikero. Kinumbinse ni Gino si Trixie na maging miyembro ng Pencil Grip na banda niya. Tuluyan nang huminto sa pag-aaral si Trixie at gumawa sila ni Gino ng magandang musika. Nagtagumpay ang banda nila ngunit umiral ang pagka-insecure ni Gino nang makita nitong laging pinupuri si Trixie. Parang nasasapawan na siya ni Trixie kaya’t ipinagtulakan niya itong palayo. Pagkalipas ng tatlong taon, muli silang inanyayahang mag-perform na magkasama. Makakaya bang magpatawad ni Trixie? Magkakabalikan pa kaya sila?

            Magkasama sa unang pagkakataon sina Sarah Geronimo at Piolo Pascual sa Breakup Playlist. Mahusay silang magsiganap bilang Trixie at Gino, at kahit malayo ang agwat ng edad ay kapani-paniwala ang kanilang chemistry, at ang kanilang musika. Nagpakita ng higit na galing sa pag-arte si Geronimo sa pagsasabuhay ng kanyang papel. Makabuluhan din ang pagganap ng mga supporting actors na nagbigay ng kabuuan sa mundo ng mga pangunahing tauhan. Kakaibang love story ang Breakup Playlist, salamat sa malikhaing panulat ni Antoinette Jadaone, na nakilalang direktor sa That Thing Called Tadhana. Simpleng kuwento ng pag-ibig na magsisimula sa breakup bago makita ng manonood kung paano ito nagsimula. Maraming memorable dialogue at nakakatuwa din ang paggamit ng mga titolo ng CD albums sa kanilang pag-uusap. Akma ang musika kaya lang ay sobrang lakas ng volume nito. Mahusay ang paggamit ng flashback  kaya lang ay parang pilit ang conclusion. Kapansin-pansin ang somber at dramatic lighting ng pelikula, na ibang-iba sa mga romance movies, na bumagay naman sa takbo at timbre ng istorya. Kaya lang, bakit napakaraming product/service endorsement na halatang isiningit at wala namang kaugnayan sa kwento?

            Makatotohanan ang paglalarawan ng pamilya sa Breakup Playlist. Nariyan ang pagsisikap ng mga magulang upang maging maganda ang kinabukasan ng anak, ang mga pangarap na nasawi, ang hangganan ng pagpapaubaya, at ang pagpapatawad. Makikita rin ang kapusukan ng kabataan sa kabila ng kagustuhang tumalima sa magulang, at ang pagtugon sa sariling pangarap at hilig. Bahagi ng responsibilidad ng magulang at ng mga anak ang linangin at pagyamanin ang anumang kagalingan/talent na ipinagkaloob sa iyo. Isinabuhay rin dito ang karaniwang insecurity ng kalalakihan – ang kahirapang tumanggap sa galing at tagumpay ng kababaihan, na para bang kumpetisyon ang buhay. Ipinapakita rin na sa anumang relasyon, kailangan ang pagkilala at pagtanggap sa sariling kahinaan at pagkakamali, ang pagpapakumbaba ubang humingi ng tawad at ang pagpapatawad.

            Sa kabila ng magagandang aral na napapaloob sa pelikula, iminumungkahi ng CINEMA na mga kabataang mula sa edad na 14 lamang at pataas ang manood nito dahil sa tema, at sa subliminal suggestion na OK lang na magsama ang magkasintahan bilang mag-asawa na hindi ikinasal.

Mad Max: Fury Road

DIRECTOR: George Miller  LEAD CAST: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult   

SCREENWRITER:  George Miller & Brendan McCarthy   PRODUCER:  George Miller, Dough Mitchell  EDITOR: Jason Ballantine & Margaret Sixel CINEMATOGRAPHER:  John Seale GENRE:  Action  DISTRIBUTOR: Warner Brothers  LOCATION:  Australia RUNNING TIME:  120 minutes

Technical assessment: 4

Moral assessment: 3

CINEMA rating: V 18

            The film begins with a brief prologue of apocalyptic future—a world that is turned into a wasteland with nothing left but rage and darkness. In Citadel, a ruthless leader, Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Bryne), reigns and all the people fear him. Until one of his priced warriors, Furiosa (Charlize Theron) rebels and kidnaps his slave wives and “breeders” (Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Zoe Kravitz, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee and Courney Eaton) out of Citadel. She heads east hoping to bring the women to a safer place—a place where she was born, they call—the green place.  Consequently, Immortan Joe is outraged and sends his men to chase after her in the desert. There, Max (Tom Hardy), now a prisoner haunted by the ghost of his past and on the brink of insanity, finds himself in the middle of this mess created by Furiosa—he’s reluctant at first but eventually decides to help Furiosa out.

            Mad Max: Fury Road remains faithful to its original look and feel of madness but this time, with a much bolder, bigger and profound vision. The story can be considered simple—single tracked without unnecessary subplots and distractions. In its simplicity, there lies intelligence and intricate craftsmanship both reckless and controlled as it shows order in the midst of chaos. The film defies typical action-genre plotlines by putting premium on the meat of the message while providing above-average level of excitement and thrill. Mad Max: Fury Road is an achievement of technical excellence in itself and director George Miller never ceases to amaze Mad Max followers.  Miller has once again outdone himself after almost two decades since the last Mad Max franchise. The acting is great and flawless from the lead actor Tom Hardy up to the ensemble of crowd characters. But the real gem of the film is Charlize Theron who exudes charm amid required toughness of her role without losing femininity. Her portrayal of Furiosa is such a remarkable achievement in her career given the demands of the complicated and complex character. She’s every inch perfect fit for the role. Mad Max: Road Fury is such an enjoyable and unforgettable hell of a ride where madness is really everywhere in the film but not without a compelling story to tell.

            Mad Max: Fury Road is a film about revolution and redemption. The film gives a clear glimpse of an apocalyptic future where humans will lose everything but still would hold on to life’s essentials and to what would eventually remain—faith, hope and love.  The women, as the source of life, are portrayed as the ones who have the ability to cling on to hope. In its entirety, Mad Max: Fury Road is a film about women. It shows how women rule in a male-dominated world. It questions status quo and stereotypes by showing equal physical strength of men and women. The resistance of women as being used and abused in reproductive coercion, and being treated as merely “breeders” of men and future warriors is very evident in the story. Amidst the chaotic and violent backdrop, humans’ innate goodness springs eternal and good triumphs over evil in the end. Such messages both salient and loud are a rarity in action genres. However, it cannot be denied that given the core of the message, the film has to be consistent with its genre so there’s violence, blood and gore and even a certain level of sexual theme and nudity (although done in context) here and there that might not be suitable to the very young audiences so CINEMA deems the film as appropriate only to audiences 18 and above.

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Jurassic World

Direction: Colin Trevorrow; Cast: Chris Platt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D’Onofrio, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson; Story:  Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver;   Screenplay: Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Derek Connolly, Colin Trevorrow; Cinematography: John Schwartzman; Editing: Kevin Stitt; Music: Michael Giacchino; Producers: Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley; Genre: Action, Sci-Fi; Location: Isla Nublar, Costa Rica; Distributor: Universal Pictures Running Time: 124 minutes;

Technical Assessment            : 3.5

Moral Assessment: 3.5

CINEMA Rating: V14

Twenty-two years after the catastrophes with InGen’s Jurassic Park project, Simon Masrani (Khan) has found a way to revive and operate the program and now owns the biggest Themed Resort, Jurassic World, which attracts at least 20, 000 visitors a day. Meanwhile, brothers Zach (Robinson) and Gray (Simpkins) are on the way to Jurassic World to spend some quality time with their aunt Claire (Howard), the park’s Operation Manager. However, Claire has more important matters she feels she needs to attend to and delegates her assistant to look after her nephews. Meanwhile, the park is about ready to release their latest creation, the Indominus Rex, a T-Rex genetically engineered according to the comments of the focus groups.  Accordingly, this dinosaur will be bigger, fiercer, and scarier since the public are tired of the existing attractions. Masrani wants the expert opinion of Owen Grady (Pratt), the parks’ Velociraptor trainer, first so Claire fetches him to show the Indominus. But when they arrive, they find that the Indominus has apparently escaped basing on the claw marks on the fence. A team enters the enclosure but is ambushed by the Indominus who faked his escaped through characteristics from various animals whose DNAs he was made from. A bigger chaos is about to ensue with the unstoppable Indominus on the loose in a full-packed park. The only hope is with Owen and his four Velociraptors.

A successful box-office film gives its remakes and sequels both an advantage and a disadvantage. On the one hand, there is a ready fan base to support the franchise, on the other, comparison is inevitable for the expectant fans. Jurassic World has some huge shoes to fill and it barely does. Storywise, there is a commendable effort to bring in tender moments between man and beast instead of portraying the once extinct creatures as the antagonists. They, after all, have been forced to live beyond their time for the selfish reasons. Main characters were properly developed and well played but supporting ones are forgettable. There is a lack of humor and punchlines in the script but is flows effortlessly still. The computer-generated images are magnificent and worth one’s while. Jurassic Park really comes to life, structure, attraction, dinosaurs and all. However, the suspense and thrill pales in comparison to Spielberg’s 1993 and 1997 films, considering that CGI here is a thousand times better. Jurassic World is an enjoyable movie but it may not be remembered the way its predecessors are.

There is a redemptive satisfaction to be reminded that man cannot dominate creation and nature. You would think that the disaster that took place 22 years ago is enough to teach people that, but no—man finds a way around for the sake a few hundred bucks. Jurassic World is an epitome of man’s greed and conceit and a harsh reminder that these will ultimately lead to his own downfall. On the other hand, Jurassic World emphasizes the importance of relationships and bonds—marriage on verge of breaking up destroys the kids, a woman who focuses on her career more than her family loses meaning, a man who respects life in all forms gains a friend. This specific theme made the difference in this 4^th installment of the Jurassic franchise.  CINEMA raises a yellow flag on some scenes too graphic for very young children that may either scare or desensitize them. Parents are advised to use discretion in allowing their younger children to watch.

San Andreas

DIRECTOR: Brad Peyton  LEAD CAST:  Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Paul Giamatti, Alexandra Daddario, Iona Gruffudd, Archie Panjabi, Colton Haynes  SCREENWRITER:  Carlton Cuse   PRODUCER:  Beau Flynn  EDITOR:  Bob Ducsay  MUSICAL DIRECTOR:  Andrew Lockington  GENRE:  Disaster film  CINEMATOGRAPHER: Steve Yedlin   DISTRIBUTOR:  Warner Bros. Pictures  LOCATION:  United States RUNNING TIME: 114 minutes

Technical assessment:  3.5

Moral Assessment:  3.5

CINEMA rating: V 14

            Ray Gaines (Dwayne Johnson), a Los Angeles Fire Department helicopter rescue-pilot is at the midst of his divorce when he takes a dangerous rescue mission and succeeds in saving an earthquake victim trapped in a ravine. Upon knowing that his estranged wife Emma (Carla Gugino) is trapped in a tall building in downtown L.A. and that his daughter Blake (Alexandra Daddario) is pinned down in an underground garage in San Francisco, he races across California to rescue them. Meanwhile Caltech seismologist Lawrence Hayes (Paul Giamatti) predicts the 1,300 km San Andreas fault line is about to set off. He organizes his team and media staff to get on air and he warns everyone about the coming massive earthquake. His live broadcast with journalist Serena (Archie Panjabi) helps get some people out of harm's way. As San Andreas fault shifts and rips apart major cities along the fault line from Los Angeles to San Francisco, buildings collapse and the tsunami sweeps away whatever is left, an epic devastation.

            San Andreas owes much of its box-office success to its amazing effects, its vivid depiction of mass destruction, which could be the best to-date.   Because it involves real people in a realistic disastrous situation (and not real people scurrying away from robots or zombies), the movie is able to engage the audience in the emotional ebb and flow naturally rendering human beings helpless in such a calamity.  Director Brad Peyton stages this cinematic destruction of US West Coast in meticulously rendered CGI, so real that it is almost palpable—particularly among audiences in the Philippines when warnings of “the big one”, the imminent splitting open of the West Valley fault. are currently being issued.”  The rupturing of a dam, the fires resulting from power lines going haywire, all those scenes are not likely to boost tourism in California, but it should give the viewers their first scary lecture on earthquake survival.

            Despite the empty nest syndrome—in the middle of a divorce, with his wife now living with a new boyfriend, while his daughter is off to college—Ray has no time to brood as his job throws him into what may be the most challenging rescue mission of his career.  At the end of the day, all those sights of the earth heaving and then breaking up and swallowing people alive really isn’t just about the prediction-come-true of a scientist nobody listens to; it’s more about how catastrophes reduce our personal problems into silliness, how—when all around us the world is literally crumbing we get to realize what matters most in life.  Spoiler coming: Ray is reunited with wife and together they save their daughter, a victory for the family.  Guess who the bad guy is.  (CINEMA tip: please keep young children out of the theater.  We sat next to a couple with a toddler who kept screaming at the scary sights.  The father took him out for a long while and when they returned the kid was asleep—from exhaustion, most likely).

Pitch Perfect 2

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DIRECTOR: Elizabeth Banks  LEAD CAST: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Britanny Snow, Skylar Astin, Elizabeth Banks  SCREENWRITER: Kay Cannon  PRODUCER:  Elizabeth Banks and Paul Brooks  EDITOR: Craig Alpert  MUSICAL DIRECTOR:  Mark Mothersbaugh GENRE: Comedy/Musical  CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Jim Denault  DISTRIBUTOR: Universal Studios  LOCATION:  USA RUNNING TIME:  1:15 mins.

Technical assessment:  3

Moral assessment:  3

CINEMA rating:  PG 13

After being humiliated by a wardrobe malfunction at the Lincoln Center—with the President of the United States of America and his wife in the audience—the collegiate singing group, the Barden Bellas, are taken out of the A Capella circuit for being an embarrassment to the Barden University. But they are not prohibited from joining the World A Capella Competition to be held in Copenhagen, although they are discouraged from joining because, as the Barden authorities themselves claim, “no American team has ever won that competition.”  The undefeated champion at present is the formidable Das Sound Machine from Germany.  The Barden Bellas have to try twice as hard to beat them.

 The university feel of Pitch Perfect 2 lends the movie a touch of realism, with characters one might encounter in such a setting.  The simple story is enlivened by the musical score while the acting delivers the requirements of characterization in that genre.  From the time someone’s pants is ripped open to the moment the winner is announced there is no let up, not a second a viewer might be tempted to nap, although the movie resorts to the occasional crude language, obscene gestures, and adult themes and innuendo to keep the viewer awake.

College-age young adults as well as their elders have much to discuss in Pitch Perfect 2, such as the primacy of teamwork, the power of sisterhood, tradition as a positive force in supporting one another for a cause bigger than oneself, etc.  The surprise ending is a heart-lifter, coming so unexpectedly at a moment a boost is most needed.