With its relatively convincing cast and some animation to boost plot points in its drug addiction theme, “Nasaan si Francis?” creates a punk's world with enough comedic proportion. A couple of animation inserts, various kinds of split screens and intercuts, play of colors and contrast, and visual exaggerations work at times, but in a few scenes, the too theatrical appeal could have been left within the stage. Originally a play by its director Gabby Fernandez, “Nasaan si Francis?” is adapted from
Comedy
Blu-ray Review: ‘The Atomic Kid’
Releasing on a single-disc Blu-ray package, the 1954 sci-fi comedy "The Atomic Kid" features a frenetic slapstick farce based on the story of filmmaker Blake Edwards. This film directed by Leslie H. Martinson revolves around a young uranium prospector's fate after surviving the radiation exposure in an atomic bomb testing site. It stars Mickey Rooney, Robert Strauss, and Elaine Devry. The story begins with a uranium search in a remote part of Nevada. Coincidentally, when a man gets caught up in
Blu-ray Review: ‘Men in Black 3’
This third installment to the "Men in Black" series shines as a fan-pleasing offering. A surprising success to a relatively aging franchise, it returns to the screen as a strong compliment to the sci-fi action and comedy brand. "Men in Black 3" comes out on a two-disc set consisting of a Blu-ray disc and a DVD. This home video release contains the film's HD, SD, and UV digital copies, as well as a handful of supplements. This highly entertaining sequel helmed by
Blu-ray Review: ‘Parental Guidance’
"Parental Guidance" debuts on a two-disc combo pack consisting of a Blu-ray disc and a DVD. The package houses the film's Blu-ray, DVD, UV digital, and iTunes digital copies, as well as a couple of extras. This 2012 picture directed by Andy Fickman stars Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei, and Tom Everett Scott. This comedic tale covers the familiar and expected territory that features the different views on parenting. This average, by-the-numbers fare follows the antics of a pair of
‘Rio 2’ Film Review: Perfectly fine, perfectly forgettable
"Rio 2" is a delightfully bright and breezy bit of computer-generated entertainment. As an acceptable family fare, this sequel maintains that blockbuster flavor that is expected of such an animated flick. It mostly hits the sweet spot when it comes to eye-popping visuals and feisty song-and-dance sequences. However, its predictable narrative plays too safe that it simply crafts nothing more than a fine commercial blend of heart-warming and toe-tapping moments for its target demographic. For this second installment in the "Rio"
‘Shrek the Third’ Film Review: The slapstick third
While it offers nothing new on the table, this third movie of the "Shrek" franchise compensates with its laid-back familiarity and comedy. The Shrek Franchise The best thing about the "Shrek" movies is that you are offered a patented comic blend of fairy tale tradition and pop-culture references. These recreate a comic flavor and moral implications for its wide commercial range of movie viewers. The franchise's main charm is its organic ability to mix fairy tale sweetness and pop-culture tradition with a
‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ Film Review: A chocolific, expressionistic confectionery
Director Tim Burton breathes new life to Roald Dahl's 1964 sweet tale and turns it into a new celluloid confectionery. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is a gothic yet colorful fantasy filled with the eccentricity only Burton gets to achieve in the Hollywood mainstream. Burton is undeniably a patron of German Expressionism with the film's pale make-up, weird props, sets and costumes, exaggerated moves, and out-of-this world characterizations. He creates a dream world inspired by some dark and cartoony elements. The
Blu-ray Review: ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition
The 1971 fantasy musical "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" releases its "40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition" featuring a three-disc set with one Blu-ray disc and two DVDs. This screen adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" tells the story of an underprivileged boy who finds one of the five golden tickets to visit Willy Wonka's famed chocolate factory. He and four other lucky children find themselves in an unusual adventure with the world's greatest chocolate maker
‘The Pacifier’ Film Review: Pacifying the action into comedy
Vin Diesel stars as the big wholesome guy in this Disney family flick. "The Pacifier" utilizes that same old tale about a tough guy tasked to take care of a bunch of rebellious kids. Flawed as it is, this feel-good movie still delivers an easy, goodwill charm for its target audience. Although this light and glossy motion picture is a completely recycled piece, it promotes more than a couple of laughs, most of which are reminiscent of the "Home Alone" stints. It tries to
‘The Hangover’ Film Review: Hanging over a guy flick
It's a guilty pleasure comedy. Who knew a hangover could be this fun? In terms of concept and plot, this guy flick about a bachelor party gone wrong is nothing special; but the simplest reason for its comedic success is the fact that it achieves a rare balance between character and vulgarity in its storytelling. There is a sort of perverse brilliance, or maybe brilliant perversity, thrown by the characters against the gambling streets of Las Vegas. Director Todd Phillips ("Starsky and