This Is Where I Leave You…Scratching.

It’s usually not a very good sign when my brothers and I come out of a movie and we don’t talk. We have nothing to say, no opinion to give. It was like we watched the Discovery Channel where things are not meant for you to react to because nature is just nature.

I think that’s what “This Is Where I Leave You” was. It was an honest and kind of accurate portrayal of life and the relationships we build around it. It’s neither good nor bad, it’s just life.

The Hobbit: The Unnecessary Masterpiece

The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies is the FINAL Peter Jackson Lord Of The Rings franchise movie……..for now at least. Given that they made 3 more movies from one really SHORT book, I wouldn’t be surprised is somehow, someday, they’re gonna make three more of these things. (Say, “The Life and Death of Aragorn”, or “The Misadventures of Legolas and Gimly” or “Where Frodo Went On That Ship”, or “Sam: The Musical”)

My one, major complaint about this movie was how unnecessary it was. The whole trilogy of the Hobbit was unnecessary, really. Everything would have been able to fit in a single movie, and even the creators know it. The movie starts with the conclusion of the battle against Smaug. That threat, as big as he was, was dealt with even BEFORE the title card appears! This could have easily been the end to the second movie and yet the film makers chose to cut it in that annoying cliff-hanger way just to justify and have us come back for a third movie!

Rise of the Bible Reboots

Hollywood’s been rebooting EVERYTHING nowadays! There’s reboots for sci fi films (Star Trek, Godzilla, Jurassic Park), superhero films (Superman, Spiderman, TMNT, The Crow, Fantastic Four), action movies (Terminator, Robocop) and even Disney animated films (Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast). But now there’s this new trend arising of re-imagining stories from the Bible. Or as I like to call them, Bible reboots.

There’s an inherent challenge Bible reboots face - on one hand, it can’t be too far from what we’ve gotten used to hearing or it’s going to sound ridiculous (Like how Noah turned the Ark story into a fantasy-war movie. Whut??). On the other hand, it can’t be too familiar that the audience loses interest. Bible stories have been retold countless times over, it’s going to be a miracle (pun intended) to add to the story something that hasn’t been told before. Fortunately, Ridley Scott’s Exodus finds that delicate balance between showing something fresh and preserving the relevant historical elements.

Flash VS. Arrow: Who Would REALLY Win?

If we're basing the fight on the CW series, then yeah, sure, Arrow might stand a small chance, given CW's Flash is a total idiot. (Seriously, if he knew how to use his powers better, every major villain fight would end in a second!) But if we're basing it on Flash's abilities in the comics, then hands down, it's no contest, Flash will no doubt come out on top.

How? Here's a few ideas:

Dumb Just Got Dumber

With special cameo appearance by the dog van.

Dear jesus. I could NOT wait for that movie to end. I kid you not, the first time I let out a “heh” (it wasn’t even a full on laugh) was midway through the flick! The second was around the end! In between were mostly awkward silences and irate shrugs. If you don’t want to read the long version of my rant, then here it is in a nice short package…Dumb and Dumber To absolutely disappoints. Do not, by any reason, pay P200 for this. Don’t even download it when it comes out! It doesn’t deserve your bandwidth!

5 Awesome Gifts You Can Give A Nerd This Christmas

 Drool-inducing gift ideas for people who love comics, movies, TV, and anime!

I’ve been to a lot of bazaars and when I’m there, I’m always on the lookout for cool and unique items that cater to my pop culture love! And with Christmas just around the corner, and as the upstanding, publicly responsible nerd that I am, I wish to share a few of my favorite finds! Here are my top 5 things you can give a nerd on Christmas!

Chicken Fury at Tornado Peri Peri Chicken!

Tornado Peri Peri Chicken is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get.

...and that, my friends, was the cheesiest intro I have ever written in my entire life. But it's still pretty accurate. In more ways than one, Tornado Peri Peri Chicken was a giant surprise to us when we visited!

Mockingjay Part 1 Review: The Media Games

This trend of splitting a book into two or three part movies is a double-edged sword. On one hand, there’s more room and freedom to stay faithful to the content of the source novel and it’s wonderful that we get to see more of our favorite characters in a certain franchise. But on the other hand, it also runs the risk of over-lengthening the story unnecessarily or having a movie that purely just sets up the sequel. Such was the case in The Hunger Games: The Mockingjay Part 1.

MEAT OVERLOAD at RBy's!

I looooove meat! I'd date meat, take meat out on movies, cuddle with meat, and make babies with meat. That's how much I love meat!

And if you wanna talk meat love, then you gotta talk about Philly Cheesesteaks! It's a sandwich sandwich loaded with thinly-sliced pieces of steak covered with melted cheese! It's not as big here in the Philippines but in the US, along with burgers and hotdogs, cheesesteaks are a classic!

Dat meat though...

And it's time for us to get with the program! Good thing RBy's decided to bring this classic sandwich here!

Caffera: Picture Perfect Project

A good photograph, needs no explanation. Just one look and you already know it's something special. In the same way, Caffera need not be explained, but only appreciated for its one of a kind aesthetic.

Interstellar's Two Possible Endings

Interstellar is a Christopher Nolan mindf*ck of cosmic proportions.

Disney Gets A Huggable Superhero!

When Disney and Marvel copulate, this is what you get...

.....A RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME BIG HERO 6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Laser swords, roller blades and a flying robot best friend - it's every boy's dream come to life!

10 Things People Do Online That I Hate

 

Social media is an outlet for self expression. Although self expression is a good thing, it doesn't necessary mean I'm supposed to like everything people express! Every so often I go on Facebook or twitter or instagram and I see posts that just makes me wanna cringe.

So here are 10 things people do online that I hate with a fiery passion!

Raining (Spider)Men @ Cosplay Mania 2014

From Left: Miles Morales Ultimate Spider-Man, May Parker (?) Spider-Girl...I donno...Spider-Dwarf?, Black Suit Spidey, Spider-Man Noir, Gwen Stacy Spider-Woman, Regular Spider-Man behind her and Leinil Yu Spider-Man.

Wickedly Fun!

Ever heard of the saying dogs are a man’s best friend? Well that couldn’t be truer for John Wick.

Because you DO NOT mess with John Wick’s dog! When a bratty Russian mobster’s son, breaks in John Wick’s home, steals his car and hurts his dog (bad), he unknowingly unleashes all hell upon himself. Because little did he know that he just hit the house of retired assassin – John Wick.

Pop Culture's newest action icon - John Wick.

And John Wick is pissed. And he’s out for (copious amounts of) blood.

See Ya Later, Bub!

After years of wandering the world, doing what he does best (which isn’t very nice), Wolverine, the most lethal and bad ass mutant in the Marvel Universe, is finally at the end of his road.

See ya later, Bub.

Blending Old and New at Tiago

The past and future (of food) meet at Tiago! 

Because I can think of no better way to describe their amazingly inventive food!

)

For Kebab Lovers, By Kebab Lovers

Do you love kebabs? I sure do! Kebabs after drinking! Kebabs after football! Kebabs after…more kebabs! I love kebabs, you love kebabs, and so do the brothers behind Abdul the Cool! (Best. segue. ever.) Abdul the Cool is Maginhawa's latest Persian spot. Opening just last July 26, they serve kebabs for kebab lovers, BY kebab lovers. 

Dracula Don't Sparkle!

Sometimes the world doesn't need another hero, sometimes what it needs is a monster

NOT TOO SHABBY! NOT TOO SHABBY AT ALL.

3 Underappreciated Animated Shows

A lot of people think cartoons are "for children only", or that they're silly and not to be taken seriously, but I completely disagree! Animated shows have evolved to become a medium for great, quality story-telling. Just like it was last year with shows like Young Justice, Green Lanter TAS and Tron Legacy. But this year, there's three new shows that deserve everyone's attention! May it be for their artwork, the stellar writing, the strong vocal work or the surprisingly smart humor.

Reminder: Add to "TO WATCH" list.

Nerd Next Door Version 2-point-0

I’ve been away for a while. But now I’m back and better than ever!

Nerd Next Door two-point-O is now up and running! WOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Relationship Problems: Gone Girl Review

Do you have enough stress, frustration, and anxiety in your life? If not, then this movie is for you!

SPOILER FREE (for the moment)

Threeviews: A Million Ways To Die In The West, Rurouni Kenshin 3, The Equalizer

For some reason, this article got overwritten. But. It's ok. I can rewrite a cliff notes version!

A Million Ways to Die In The West

Utterly juvenile. But salvaged by some pretty cool cameos and Charlize Theron. Barely.

MICMIC RATING: 5/10

The Equalizer

 

Denzel Washington's gravitas and badassery is (not surprisingly) the only thing worth anything in the film.

Dat face.

MICMIC RATING: 7/10

Rurouni Kenshin 3: The Legend Ends

The greatest Asian film ever made!!!! That 4 on 1 scene was sick! The sword fighting, the faithfulness to the source material, EVERYTHING - EVERYTHING WAS MIND BLOWING!!!!!

I think I cried a little bit during this scene. It was too awesome for me to bear.

MICMIC RATING: 9.5 / 10 (.5 is because I want more. And that this was slightly darker than the previous 2 movies.)

So there! Boom! Done!

Fall 2014 TV Favs!

A lot of us don't have a much time to watch TV shows these days. But if you do decide to hit the couch for a few hours a week, I'd recommend you spend it on these new shows.

Gordon's City - Gotham Review

Gotham just premiered today. I don't usually write about TV shows but I'm making an exception on this one. 

Lesson for today: Don't judge a book by its premise.

I wasn't excited at all about Gotham. With Flash and Constantine premiering soon, it's hard to invest on a show that's only "pre-superhero". It's based on the Batman mythos...without Batman. Instead, it's about a supporting character - Jim Gordon. Granted, Jim's an important persona in the Batman mythos, but a show about Batman's glorified police department liaison? WHY?!

But I LOVED GOTHAM.

Shake It Up! at Taste of Heaven Milkshake Bar

Move over milk teas of the world, the age of milkSHAKES has arrived!

I know it's not revolutionary, but they're certainly making a comeback! I've seen and tried some of the new milk shake places but few are as thick and flavorful than A Taste of Heaven Milkshake Hub!

Thick and tasty! My kind of milkshake!

Adventure Hijinks: Becoming (Aqua) Green Arrow!

Last week I went to Ninja Academy to learn parkour, the first thing I needed to become the vigilante of the night I've always dreamed of being. This week, I've learned the second thing - archery!

AMAAAAAZING!

Where do I start?...ARCHERY WAS FREAKING AWESOME! I FINALLY SHOT AN ARROW!!! I KNOW ARCHERY!!! AND I WAS GOOD AT IT!!! (At least I think I was.) IT WAS FANTASTIC!!! SUPER FANTASTIC!!!

Katniss Everdeen.....and Bett.

Ok, I'm getting WAY ahead of myself. My blog isn't just for me to go batshit about what I did, it's a public service!

Adventure Hijinks: I Went To Ninja Academy

Some articles just don't need witty titles anymore.:)

So yeah, I went to Ninja, bleeping, Academy. But unfortunately, no, there was no ninja killing that happened, but hey, that's not all there is to being ninjas! They jump in and out of places in swift, stealthy fashion. And that's what we covered in Ninja Academy - the first fully equipped indoor parkour training gym in the Manila!

Ninja Jumping Skillz!

Adventure Hijinks: Don't Panic! Be Quick! Breakout!

There's an app on iPhone called Escape If You Can. In the game you have to get out of a room by looking for clues and figuring out puzzles. You usually just click around for the clues. You search behind paintings, under chairs, in drawers, everywhere! It's insanely frustrating, it's remarkable that I kept playing it as long as I did. 

But frustrating as it was, nothing beats the sensation of finally finding that hidden key, or that missing clue that makes everything make sense. Now imagine those feelings and multiply it by 10 - that's what it felt like when we played Breakout!

Going Down Memory Lane: The Giver Review

The Giver is all about remembering distant memories. Coincidentally, it also reminds me of all the dystopian future community with beautiful teen rebel protagonist movies we've been seeing lately.

But to be fair, The Giver has a slightly different tone. It's more thought-provoking and rooted in emotion than other young adult films before it (Hunger Games, Divergent). The fresh approach makes it worth watching.

This will make more sense when you watch the movie.

Pretty Straightforward

I don't usually post about fashion things because, honestly, I'm no authority on the subject. Brands and color combinations usually don't matter to me coz anything looks good on me. I just need it to have cloth and pockets and to have a nice snug fit.

But I'm making an exception this one time for Straightforward clothing.

Source: Facebook

Here's why:

Games Are Meant To Be Played at Ludo BoardGame Bar and Cafe

"Games are meant to be played."

That is the philosophy behind Ludo BoardGame Bar and Cafe. 

"Ludo" - Latin for game or play.

Ludo BoardGame Bar is jam-packed with diners on a nightly basis! As in! And it's pretty obvious why that is...

Board games. Tons and tons of fun, exhilarating, board games! 

Dreamland Dining at Rustic Mornings

Rustic Mornings is proof that dreams DO come true! Despite not having any formal culinary training, Portia Baluyut's dream of opening a restaurant and sharing great food came true. And coincidentally, Rustic Mornings' easy, ethereal charm is almost dream-like.

Welcome to dreamland.

Imagine, if you will, a spacious garden; small patios with tables and chairs are spread around; bottles, sea shells and thin, white veils are hung around the dining tables giving a sense of privacy; rays of light leak through the leaves; french music plays softly in the background and the fresh, outdoor air provides the ventilation. Seriously, this place is nothing like anything I've seen before.

We Are The Pieces

Awkward, messy, embarrassing, occasionally disgusting, but ultimately, adorable.

Just like any relationship should be.

MICMIC RATING: 10 / 10

PS. Thank you Bettina Bacani for this movie suggestion!

PPS. The cameos. God, the cameos.:)

PPPS. Just gotta get over the idea that Kat Dennings is playing a high school girl.

Little India Healthy Cuisine: Vegetarian becomes Vege-tastic!

I learned a few new things today about Indian food from Little India Healthy Cuisine. We already know that the food Indians put in their body is deeply rooted in their culture and spiritual beliefs but did you know that originally, Indian food was primarily vegetarian? The chicken and fish just came later on.

Why? Because they believe in maintaining clarity of mind and having complete control of their senses and urges. Meats, garlics, onions, (to name a few) are stimulants and promote aggression but the Sattvik diet (vegetarianism minus garlic and onions) promotes a more passive state of mind.

So aside from the obvious physically benefits, a vegetarian diet also keeps you healthy mentally and emotionally.

Little India Healthy Cuisine is a purely vegetarian restaurant (VEGETARIANS REJOICE!). But I'm not trying to make you convert into vegetarianism. (I'm not even vegetarian.) Because vegetarian or not, once you taste the delicious exotic food of Little India, you'll forget there was a difference!

Cowabunga.

Cowabunga.

The heroes in a half-shell have finally made their way back to the big screen! And despite the problems I have with the movie, I'm still glad they're back!

Beautiful Mayhem: Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno

So. F*cking. Awesome.

Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno brings high-octane sword-fighting action to a whole 'nother level.

I mean it. The biggest impression the movie left me was how well done fight scenes are. They're massive in scale, lighting-fast, powerful, and beautifully chaotic. This isn't just random hack-and-slash action, there's a dance within all the commotion.

Artistic Action