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The Sandman (2022)
TV Series | 1h 4m

In this two-part story collection, a Siamese cat dreaming of a new world and a writer in desperate need of inspiration cross paths with Morpheus.

Just when I thought I'd have to wait years for the next season or episodes, Netflix pleasantly surprised me with a bonus episode (11) of the series. Needless to say, I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve deeper into this captivating world and unravel more of the storyline.

However, I must admit, I found myself getting a bit confused with the names in the series. At one point, I thought they were referring to another character, only to realize it was Sandman's other name. Nevertheless, I can't help but see him as a fascinating blend of Edward Scissorhands and Jareth from "Labyrinth" - an enigmatic combination that sparks my imagination. If a sequel to "Labyrinth" were to be made, he'd undoubtedly fit the role seamlessly. The allure of this character adds an extra layer of intrigue to the series, making me even more excited to see how the story unfolds in the future episodes.

 

While the storyline of the movie was decent, I must admit that it left me with a strange feeling, and I couldn't quite put my finger on what was missing. 

After watching, I decided to check its rating on IMDB, and it scored a relatively low 5.4/10. As I scrolled through the reviews, I stumbled upon one that pointed out the terrible acting, and yet, like the reviewer, I found myself still engrossed in the film—just because of Keanu Reeves' expressionless face, lolz. I couldn't help but agree with that observation. 

It's intriguing how I often view Keanu in other movies with the same stoic demeanor, as if he's reprising his Neo/John character but in a different genre. I'm curious to explore his past movies now to see if he has always embodied this enigmatic style of acting.

Independence Day (1996)
PG-13 | 2h 25min

The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive.

For sci-fi/fantasy enthusiasts like me, one movie is often not enough to satisfy our craving for captivating worlds and thrilling adventures, hehe. 

I'm delighted that they decided to make a sequel even after two decades have passed since the original. It's wonderful to see Bill Pullman once again, and while he may have aged, his presence in this movie still adds a special touch. Likewise, Jeff Goldblum, who seems to have been a staple in sci-fi movies since the 80s, brings his unique charm and charisma to the screen. Their return to the franchise adds a nostalgic and heartwarming element, making the sequel a delightful continuation of the beloved story.

Back to the Future (1985)
PG | 1h 56min

Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent thirty years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the eccentric scientist Doc Brown.

During the time-traveling adventure in the movie, they arrived in the future—2015. It was a fun sight to behold with flying cars and hoverboards, and we couldn't help but laugh at the futuristic elements like those ahahaha! The NIKE self-lacing mag shoes, in particular, caught our attention, and I excitedly showed them to my kids. We were curious and decided to Google them, only to discover that limited editions were indeed made in 2015, each pair costing a jaw-dropping $100k. Wow! 

Remember how I mentioned the resemblance between Michael J. Fox and Elijah Wood? Well, here's a surprising twist—Elijah Wood actually had a cameo role in this very movie! He played one of the kids attempting to master the old arcade game, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the film. 

Since the first part, I couldn't help but notice the similarities between this movie and "Chicken Little," especially with the town setting and the main character's amusing reaction to being called a chicken.

Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
PG-13 | 2h 29min

Autobots and Decepticons are at war, with humans on the sidelines. Optimus Prime is gone. The key to saving our future lies buried in the secrets of the past, in the hidden history of Transformers on Earth.

"Transformers: The Last Knight" is a visually stunning spectacle that continues the epic saga of the Autobots and Decepticons. As a dedicated sci-fi enthusiast who has followed the franchise since its inception, I found the film to be a mixed bag. While it offers thrilling action sequences and impressive special effects, the convoluted plot and excessive CGI can be overwhelming at times. The presence of Bumblebee remains a highlight, adding heart to the chaos. Overall, it's an entertaining addition to the Transformers series, but it may leave fans longing for the simplicity and charm of the earlier installments.

Wonder Woman (2017)
PG-13 | 2h 21min

When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, Diana, an Amazonian warrior in training, leaves home to fight a war, discovering her full powers and true destiny.

Amazing movie/story, it left me wanting to be Wonder Woman :P. Can't deny the chemistry between Chris and Gal, and it made me sad to see him died in the story.  I wished they could have let the story ended that both the characters have spent couple of years together. But yeah, I know that Chris' being heroic have lead to Wonder Woman releasing/discovering her utmost power, so the story had to be ended that way.

This Means War (2012)
PG-13 | 1h 43min

A pair of CIA operatives wage an epic battle against one another when they discover they are dating the same woman.

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
PG-13 | 1h 53min

A soldier fighting aliens gets to relive the same day over and over again, the day restarting every time he dies.

Feels like a live adaptation of those video games where you can respawn and try again until you defeat your opponent without dying. As a sci-fi enthusiast, I appreciated the concept, but I couldn't help but feel like I spent almost two hours watching someone else play a game instead of immersing myself in it. 

While the movie had its moments, it left me yearning for more substance and depth. Nevertheless, the action sequences and sci-fi elements were engaging, and Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt delivered commendable performances. If you enjoy action-packed films with a unique twist, "Edge of Tomorrow" might be worth a watch, but for me, it left a lingering feeling of having missed out on a real gaming adventure :P.

Jurassic World (2015)
PG-13 | 2h 4m

A new theme park, built on the original site of Jurassic Park, creates a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur, the Indominus Rex, which escapes containment and goes on a killing spree.

App Love (2014)
Original Title:  Sing lek lek thi na rock 

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
PG-13 | 2h 16min

As Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world, he teams up with a fellow Avenger and S.H.I.E.L.D agent, Black Widow, to battle a new threat from history: an assassin known as the Winter Soldier.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
PG-13 | 2h 4m

After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending USA ideals

In our household, it's customary for my kids and me to associate ourselves with the characters in the movies we watch. In this particular film, my second son enthusiastically claimed the role of Captain America. Despite being slim and small, I couldn't help but playfully tease him about it, saying, "You'll grow up big and strong just like him!" I encouraged him to eat lots of vegetables and maintain a healthy diet to fuel his growth and development. It's a fun way to connect with the movie and, at the same time, instill in him the importance of making healthy choices that will support his growth and well-being. Who knows, maybe one day he'll embrace the qualities of his favorite superhero, both in strength and character!

Men in Black 3 (2012)
PG-13 | 1h 46m

Agent J travels in time to M.I.B.'s early days in 1969 to stop an alien from assassinating his friend Agent K and changing history.

With unlimited surfing time and having already surpassed the era of days and weeks spent playing games, I found myself gravitating towards watching movies. I must say, I love how IMDB offers the "CHECK-IN" functionality, reminiscent of foursquare's location sharing feature. It's a fun way to share the movies I've watched, and I can't help but hope that IMDB will introduce badges, achievements, or medals for movie enthusiasts like me. Imagine earning a badge like "SCI-FANATIC" for watching a plethora of sci-fi movies in a month—how cool would that be?

John Carter (2012)
PG-13 | 132 min

Transplanted to Mars, a Civil War vet discovers a lush planet inhabited by 12-foot tall barbarians. Finding himself a prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter a princess who is in desperate need of a savior.