TRAVEL TO MOVIES: THE LAST MERCENARY

Director: David Charhon

Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme , Alban Ivanov , Samir Decazza , Assa Sylla , Patrick Timsit , Valérie Kaprisky , Miou-Miou , Nassim Lyes , Eric Judor , Michel Crémadès , Ismaël S Savané

Plot: Richard Brumère, aka "La Brume" ("The Mist"), a former French secret service special agent turned mercenary, is back in the saddle as the immunity he was granted 25 years earlier for his son Archibald is lifted. A mob operation threatens Archibald's life. To save him, Richard will have to reach out to his old contacts, join forces with a bunch of reckless youngsters from the projects and an offbeat bureaucrat -- but mostly find the courage to let Archibald know he's his father.

Source: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_last_mercenary

My Movie Review: The movie is a sleaze must-watch for any fan of Jean-Claude Van Damme who misses his style of his action when the era of fast quick showdown of strength his a king:) The Last Mercenary is slapstick action flick that focuses on legendary former secret service agent turned mercenary Richard Brumiere known as "The Mist" for his ability to disappear into thin air, work side resurfaces in Paris as his son is mistakenly taken into custody made people! This is a very goofy, lighthearted, 90's action comedy throwback that mostly fizzles horribly and is destined to be watched by men in their late 30's as farcical fusion of terrorism, stolen identity and father-son healing comes to take place bounding energy and fun take on star Jean-Claude Van Damme's past exploit as an action star, but the humor is way more showcase in-between:) Good to be back having never watched a Van Damme movie, this French film is a romp with a light heartness about it Van Damme is old agent that returns from retirement but his personal mission is finally having a reunion with his son as the humor ranges from silly to cringe-worthy with the worse being this running gag about Richard's ladies man status as long as he provide!

Critic Reviews: Jean-Claude Van Damme remains impressively limber, that's a rare highlight in The Last Mercenary, which feature the Muscles from Brussels in Paris-sent embarrassment! While Charhon puffs and wheezes in his attempts at diversion, he can't keep up with the natural charisma of his leading man. The tone of the line readings is so in-your-face that it leaves you seriously wondering where comedy leaves off and ineptitude begins. If you're looking for light, silly action fun, you could do worse than "The Last Mercenary." It's nice to see that the Muscles from Brussels is not only self-aware, but also sharp enough whenever he has to take a baby step or two beyond his own shadow. The fight scenes have wit and Van Damme delivers his lines with just the right amount of weary good humor. While I enjoy Van Damme’s action-comic turn, the rest of film’s cartoonish vibes and mind-numbing supporting characters are too much for even The Last Mercenary to bear. It is a Gallic slapstick action flick that has that French comic-book sensibility about it and JCVD pulling out many of his signature moves:)

Source: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_last_mercenary

TRAVEL TO PLACES: PHILIPPINES-- BACOLOD CHICKEN INASAL

My Personal Experience: I went to Bacolod Chicken Inasal SM Pampanga Branch last year July 20, 2022, together with my sister who's not home for so long coming back from Singapore! Bacolod Chicken Inasal is the place to be when you're looking for delicious foods at the same time getting the value of your money- great choices when it comes to variety and food quantity!

Bacolod Chicken Inasal

Bacolod Chicken Inasal is a Philippine restaurant chain primarily serving inasal, a kind of roast chicken served on skewers that originated in the Visayas. It is also a sponsor for a number of television show in ABS-CBN. The chain was established in 1993 by the Tanalgo siblings; Rose, Bing and JM. It began as a small take-out stall in Mandaluyong where customers purchased their food then ate them at their convenience. A year later, a full-fledged store was built to allow patrons to sit and dine. Soon, their specialties gained attention among the denizens of Metro Manila, five years after it was founded, a second outlet was built in Makati & the rest is history:)

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacolod_Chicken_Inasal

TRAVEL TO MOVIES: RESORT TO LOVE

Director: Steven K. Tsuchida

Cast: Christina Milian , Sinqua Walls , Jay Pharoah , Kayne Lee Harrison , Tymberlee Hill , Alexander Hodge , Ruth Nadler-Nir , Christophe St-Lambert , Christopher Durhone , T.J. Power

Plot: A romantic comedy about aspiring pop star Erica (Christina Milian) who ends up as the entertainment at her ex-fiancé's wedding after reluctantly taking a gig at a luxurious Mauritius island resort while in the wake of a music career meltdown. She tries to keep their past relationship a secret from his bride-to-be Beverly, but Erica rediscovers her feelings for her ex, Jason (Jay Pharoah), despite his brother Caleb's (Sinqua Walls) attempts to keep them from falling back in love. In this warm and funny romantic story that explores the bonds of love and family, the question soon becomes will Erica sing at Beverly's wedding- her very own wedding?

Source: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/resort_to_love

My Movie Review: The movie is relaxing and stimulating the location set the tone as if you've went to vacation with them making the experience well better than your average Hallmark flick! Resort To Love is true to its title you've come love the resort cause of its beauty and nature make up for a good vibe as of to love the characters interaction the lively music is such a plus:) Resort To Love is nice movie it was real, the acting was excellent made characters real for me! Good to see movie with happy ending for all I do wish they would have made the brother like a best friend that he had in high school or something but overall this was well done with lots of twists and turns, great acting not mushy and not what you would expect as the location really helps to elevate' beautiful and its refreshing to see a film loaded with variety of people of color:) Christina Milian is so radiant thru entire movie as we know its assembly line romantic comedy, but Christina Milian she looks that good in a beautiful island scenery but what I did like about it that separates it from others its not over the top silly, they develop the story and the characters!

Critic Reviews: If you're looking to engage with the movie on a superficial level, it has plenty to offer. And if you want to dig a little bit deeper, that's there, too. Resort to Love offers a cute love story starring attractive leads, but it has the look and feel of a vacation on a budget. As uninspired as its name. To say that "Resort to Love" is slight would be akin to snatching a romance novel out of your closest friend's hands while she sits reading and sipping a margarita on a beach. Why would you do that? Christina Milian is hilariously adorable in this romcom about embracing closure with a former love! A fun, high-energy, film filled with music and lively characters. It feels like a Hallmark Christmas Movie, only without the Christmas. The ending romance was a bit unsettling, but Christina's bubbly personality keeps it a float. The problem isn't that Resort to Love is utterly formulaic, rather, it's the bland romance we are treated to that disappoints. The music was enjoyable, though. The "elements" of "Resort to Love" add up to a better movie than this Hallmark-lite romance-- pleasantly-bland star vehicle for Christina Milian!

Source: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/resort_to_love

TRAVEL TO PLACES: PHILIPPINES-- DAYLIGHT IN THE POOL DECK

My Personal Experience: I went to Seda Hotel Vertis North Branch on my birthday last year July 11, 2022, together with my best friend who spend the day with me took pics at pool deck! Seda Hotel Vertis North is good aesthetically having classy furniture and unexpected lifeguard ladder in the pool deck making the vibe cozy in the daylight the sun shines even the rain pours!

Daylight In The Pool Deck

The 438-room hotel offer stylish accommodations, exquisite flavors, a world-class spa, overtly scenic pool, fully-fitted gym, and Presidential Suite with butler service. Seda Vertis North Hotel is a 4-star property in Quezon City. It has well-assign rooms, free Wi-Fi throughout the property and conveniently located near top-rank shopping malls, schools, and city landmarks. The Hotel has outdoor pool and ballroom, and guests can enjoy meal at the restaurant or drink at the bar!

Source: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=seda+hotel+vertis+north

TRAVEL TO MOVIES: BARTKOWIAK

Director: Daniel Markowicz

Cast: Józef Pawlowski , Rafal Zawierucha , Danuta Stenka , Antoni Pawlicki , Zofia Domalik , Bartlomiej Topa , Szymon Bobrowski , Janusz Chabior , Cezary Lukaszewicz , Piotr Witkowski

Plot: After his brother dies in a car crash, a disgraced MMA fighter takes over the family nightclub -- and soon learns his sibling's death wasn't an accident.

Source: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bartkowiak

My Movie Review: The movie is amore turns out to be beautiful action that displayed courage strengthen and tenacity as it goes on kind of enjoyed it as I wasn't so sure what I was to expect or what it would pan out to be cause it change course but at the end I was glad I could watch it! Bartkowiak is beaten senseless, disgraced as a doper, and his coach loses the hefty chunk of change he bet on his boy with richly choreographed action, strong characters and fastinating story, Bartkowiak is an easy film to recommend especially for those fan of action sport movies:) Bartkowiak is a Polish martial arts drama designed to showcase the fighting, with a plot about a man seeking justice follows Tomek Bartkowiak, the younger of two brothers, he used to be a famous MMA fighter and was an undefeated champion of the sport after his brother dies in a car crash, he takes over the family nightclub as soon learns his sibling's death wasn't accident! Bartkowiak might not be original, but it isn't aggressively silly or stupid, either, which means it occupies a middle ground as semi-serious' in all fairness gave us something to look up ahead:)

Movie News: Tomek Bartkowiak (Jozef Pawlowski) is an MMA fighter with a devastating right jab and a decent shot at taking it to the next level. With his coach Pawel (Szymon Bobrowski) in his corner and his brother Wiktor whose cheering him on, Tomek is about to TKO the tattooed, scarred Repec (Damian Majewski) when somebody slips him a mickey. Bartkowiak is beaten senseless, disgraced as a doper, and his coach loses the hefty chunk of change he bet on his boy. Tomek retreats to a cabin in the mountainous Zakopane region to lick his wounds, and that’s where Wiktor appears with an offer to join him in running Ring, their family-owned Warsaw nightclub. But before the noble fighter can even consider his brother’s offer, Wiktor is killed in brutal high speed collision, Tomek find himself running Ring in his absence. Bartkowiak got a raw deal in the octagon against the shady corporate power brokers who want to steal his family’s nightclub by any means necessary. This fighter with two fists and a heart of gold will have to get in the ring one more time, but there’s no referee, even the bell is rigged against him. The veteran Polish actor Bartlomiej Topa is terrific here as Kolodziejczyk, a man obscures his moral bankruptcy and sadism behind refined speech and free movement amongst the country’s financial elite. Stream It, Even if it’s more than likely you’ve seen this plot before, you'll find yourself rooting for Bartkowiak as takes on bad guys much bigger than just one guy:)

Source: https://decider.com/2021/07/28/bartkowiak-netflix-review-stream-it-or-skip-it/

TRAVEL TO PLACES: PHILIPPNES-- SEDA HOTEL LIFESTYLE

My Personal Experience: I went to Seda Hotel Vertis North Branch on my birthday last year July 11, 2022, together with my best friend who spend the next days of my celebration outside! Seda Hotel Lifestyle is just a state of mind where you can relax and no other worries come just your well-being is utmost importance enjoying amenities and service they could offer the guest!

Seda Hotel Lifestyle

Seda is a Philippine brand of hotels owned and operated by Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts, it was meant to be urban lifestyle hotel chain catering to business! Seda (formerly known as Kukun Hotel) is a Philippine brand of hotels owned and operated by Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts, a venture subsidiary of Ayala Corporation. The first hotel under the Seda brand began operations in 2012 with the opening of Seda BGC at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines. The Hotel chain has 11 branches as of 2020, all located in the Philippines:)

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seda_Hotels

TRAVEL TO MOVIES: THE LAST LETTER FROM YOUR LOVER

Director: Augustine Frizzell 

Cast: Shailene Woodley , Joe Alwyn , Felicity Jones , Callum Turner , Jacob Fortune-Lloyd , Emma Appleton , Nabhaan Rizwan , Christian Brassington , Jessica D'Arcy , Vilhelm Blomgren

Plot: A pair of interwoven stories set in the present and past, The Last Letter From Your Lover follows Ellie Haworth (Felicity Jones), an ambitious journalist who discovers a trove of secret love letters from 1965 and becomes determined to solve the mystery of the forbidden affair at their center. As she uncovers the story behind Jennifer Stirling (Shailene Woodley), the wife of a wealthy industrialist, and Anthony O'Hare (Callum Turner) the financial journalist assigned to cover him, a love story of Ellie's own begins to unfold with the assistance of an earnest and endearing archivist (Nabhaan Rizwan) who helps her track down more letters. Based on the novel by JoJo Moyes and directed by Augustine Frizzell.

Source: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_last_letter_from_your_lover

My Movie Review: The movie is such moving romantic drama from the past and present that takes us on a journey of swooning highs and gut-wrenching lows, as it starts kind of confusing the ending leaves us in despair as it doesn't reveal what happens to the old couple after their reunion at the park as Ellie and Rory watch what happen with Anthony as he waits for Jennifer! The Last Letter from Your Lover is no tearjerker this one more whiner so if you're looking for that level of release go elsewhere but it's passable as a finely curated plate of romantic meat and potato, comfort food lightly basted in bathos, wait to quell your hunger' for bit of escapism:) The love letters are very romantic if a little generic as the lush settings and Woodley's fabulous Jackie Onassis-inspired couture fashions are something to look the aesthetic help set the tone! Joe Alwyn plays Laurence Stirling, Jennifer's wealthy and successful husband who isn't what he seems, as his relationship with Jennifer is actually quite turbulent his one of male lead star:) The last moments felt at last as two aging lovers embrace to live happily ever after, even that isn't for very much longer! The Last Letter From Your Lover ending isn't exactly straight happy, considering how many years were wasted but least Jennifer and Anthony get there eventually:)

Critic Reviews: Indecision and miscommunication, it turns out, are timeless. An adaptation of a Jojo Moyes novel, here's a half-baked movie that offers two love stories for the price of one. By plaguing the elegant and tender moments of forbidden love with try-hard dialogue and illogical meet-cutes, everything that should make your heart sing just sounds out of tune. While I have lots of time for Woodley, I just don't buy her as the kind of woman who would speed along the Riviera in a convertible while wearing a Jackie O headscarf. If there's a chink in your emotional armour, there's simply no resisting what this film has to offer. Sometimes love comes like a bolt from the blue. In The Last Letter from Your Lover it comes clearly signposted and stamped. The Last Letter From Your Lover delivers a compelling mystery that draws viewers in with its energy and presentation. It’s a romance with a faux emotional connection that, on screen, frankly, has not been earned. The Last Letter From Your Lover isn’t the movie to usher in a new wave of romance films, but it does give a little taste of what the genre can be. I just wish it was a more filling meal. The Last Letter From Your Lover is a glossy tale of lost love that will work for fans of disposable weepies. Those expecting more happening it's return to sender!

Source: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_last_letter_from_your_lover