TRAVEL TO MOVIES: JJ+E

Director: Alexis Almström

Cast: Elsa Öhrn , Mustapha Aarab , Magnus Krepper , Marika Lagercrantz , Albin Grenholm , Simon Mezher , Loreen , Jonay Pineda Skallak , Elsa Bergström Terent , Mona Mohau Wester

Plot: Vinterviken is set in Stockholm and focuses on the love story between Elisabeth and John-John. The two youngsters are raised in the same city, yet live light years apart, separated economically, socially and culturally. That until the day they start in the same high school class!

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

My Movie Review: The movie is good and sweet overall the story is quite fresh and interesting one but don't know why it is so underrated as the film create a grounded world from the get-go! JJ+E avoids the biggest sin committed by most teen dramas: it never gets soapy it's a visually stunning movie and the lead characters are adorable, but there was not enough development! Besides Sluggo (JJ's best friend) the viewer doesn't get to know their families and friends at all, so you don't care about them but know that it's book-based Swedish teen romance Vinterviken by Swedish author Mats Wahl which won the German Youth Literature Prize in 1996 JJ+E has violence, language, and teen sex. The two main characters come from different sides of the city, and the distinctions in wealth, privilege, and opportunities are apparent. Both sides make disparaging assumptions about the other. The tone, setting and main themes are great. But the chemistry between the actors is fluctuating the main character Elisabeth lacks personality! Towards the end, JJ seeks vengeance over the murder of his friend, Sluggo, and in retaliation, he gets arrested expected but what's annoying is that Elisabeth too followed his lead arrested. They literally ended the film with them in handcuffs, kissing at the back of a police van in snap:)

Critic Reviews: A remake of a 1990s cross-cultural teen romance that touches on difficult social issues and window on Swedish society that hints at deep issues but pulls its punches first love, like an impossible one, always makes for compelling material, as do the contrasts that this film's urban European setting allows for while the leads may get across the intensity of their crush with just their eyes, they don't bring much else to hold on this tepid teen romance! Despite the film's successes in many arenas, however, I couldn't help but be thrown by its indecisiveness about the story it was trying to tell overall kind of liked it but with a Netfilx budget a few adjustments here and there could have made this movie even more pleasing on the eye its a good youth love story and different cultures meet and worth your time check it out! It isn’t long before the two truly connect; they may come from different worlds, but Elisabeth and John-John share something special, something that most of the people around them can’t really seem to understand. They joyfully rehearse for their upcoming performance at school, and sneak around behind Elisabeth’s father’s back, finding time to explore their city and fall more in love. This bliss can’t last forever, though, and when John-John is backed into a corner with no way out, the differences in their worlds threaten to tear them apart forever, time run out!

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

TRAVEL TO PLACES: PHILIPPINES-- TIM HORTONS MCKINLEY HILL

My Personal Experience: I went to Tim Hortons McKinley Hill at the forefront of Venice Grand Canal outside the mall entrance last year July 29, 2022, together with my sister that quick stop! We went there because it's near my sister condo after exploring the Venice getting One Heath Pass at the upper floor and dine at Max Restaurant we decided to have coffee as dessert here!

Tim Hortons McKinley Hill

Tim Hortons is a coffee house franchise from Canada established in 1964 in Ontario, serving a diverse roster of coffee selections and their famous donuts. Enjoy their Iced Capps, Timbits, and sandwiches. Open Monday-Sunday from 8:00am to 8:00pm, mall parking, has free Wi-Fi! Finds Upper McKinley Rd', Venice Grand Canal, McKinley Hill, Pinagsama, Taguig, Philippines!

Source: https://booky.ph/biz/tim-hortons-venice-grand-canal/about/

TRAVEL TO MOVIES: THE WITCHER: NIGHTMARE OF THE WOLF

Director: Kwang Il Han

Cast: Theo James , Mary McDonnell , Lara Pulver , Graham McTavish , Matthew Yang King , Tom Canton , David Errigo Jr. , Jennifer Hale , Kari Wahlgren , Darryl Kurylo , Adam Croasdell

Plot: The world of The Witcher expands in this anime origin story: Before Geralt, there was his mentor Vesemir a swashbuckling young witcher who escaped a life of poverty to slay monsters for coin. But when strange new monster begins terrorizing politically-fraught kingdom, Vesemir finds himself on such frightening adventure that forces him to confront the demons of his past:0

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

My Movie Review: The movie is a refreshing twist that does a good job exploring some of the mysteries at the heart of The Witcher universe, without getting off the hallmarks of the series! Nightmare of the Wolf is gory, grimdark prequel to Netflix's live-action series The Witcher that might not be the most welcoming starting point for the franchise but its a whole lot of wilder fun! I liked the animation quality of it, some people also compared it with Castlevania which is also Netflix's original anime series and action scenes are great, as expected to have in the Witcher universe and that was the most needed things like it a showed a small part of monster hunting! At first thinking of how it come together and kudos to all animators, director and writers the plot was just amazing the story did the great job portraying the Vesemir so beautifully through the Witcher era which was forgotten and how its later connects to Garelt and future of kaer morhen and its hunters this on totally canon to the Witcher series not to books but it pickup so sharply:) If you like watching life-adventure-journey type films then this is for you, also if you want to watch something new, interesting like action stuff and if you are a fantasy fiction fan like me then you have to watch this and also the Witcher fans out there is a very little surprise for you to see which you will notice in the climax scene as very favorite character of the Witcher series!

Critics Consensus: Focusing on the adventures of a strapping young Vesemir, Nightmare of the Wolf is a fluidly animated addendum to the Witcher story that will delight fans with its swashbuckling action. It's fun to see this world, with all of its inhuman monsters and monstrous humans, from a different point of view, even if isn't quite as refreshing or engaging as Geralt's. Is there a place for Western anime? This gory, grimdark prequel to Netflix's live-action series The Witcher answers with a resounding yes. Despite its efforts to deepen its fictional world, it's mostly the action that stands out. While there's no shortage of throat-slashing...by the time Nightmare of the Wolf reaches operatic conclusion, emotional payoffs feel earned and honest! The overarching themes of the movie are moral ambiguity and reckoning with one's past, and the story can be enjoyed on its own terms for those unfamiliar with this universe. The hallmarks of the studio are all there in Nightmare of the Wolf's art style and in the execution of its thrilling action sequences. A striking 81 minute character study wrapped in mayhem and magic. Like all good animated stories, it uses bright colors, fluid movement and excellent scoring to showcase its worldbuilding and a cast of characters with quirks and unexpected complexity. While the film is unlikely to hold appeal for Netflix subscribers who never cared about The Witcher to begin with' it's a worthy side quest for anyone with a passing interest in seeing more of the Continent!

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

TRAVEL TO PLACES: PHILIPPINES-- DEAR JOE COFFEE & JUICE

My Personal Experience: I went to Dear Joe Coffee & Juice in Vista Mall Pampanga last year July 24, 2022, together with my sister and some neighbors while we wait for other long queue:) We went there passing by as we we're attracted with colorful hues and the vibe it brings that's why we stop-over at Dear Joe Cofee & Juice take pics as we about to eat in Samgyupsalamat!!

Dear Joe Coffee & Juice

My Nice Joe, Dear Joe!!! Found in Vista Mall Pampanga (San Fernando, Philippines). There’s nothing more satisfying than having a bright and refreshing drink on a hot Saturday afternoon. Try our Pineapple Cucumber fruit blends 🍍🥒 and give your day a delectable twist with our new hearty offerings. Go for that savory taste with our Spam Frittata or Meatball Linguine.📍 Ground Level, Vista Mall Pampanga, we found it unexpectedly but the colorful set pieces will sure drew you in! 🛵 for same-day delivery, find us at AllEsy Go, Grab Food and Food Panda:)

Source: https://www.facebook.com/vistamallpampanga/posts/-my-nice-joe-dear-joe/

TRAVEL TO MOVIES: SWEET GIRL

Director: Brian Andrew Mendoza

Cast: Jason Momoa , Isabela Merced , Manuel Garcia-Rulfo , Raza Jaffrey , Amy Brenneman , Adria Arjona , Lex Scott Davis , Nelson Franklin , Justin Bartha , Reggie Lee , Dominic Fumusa

Plot: Devoted family man Ray Cooper, vows justice against the pharmaceutical company responsible for pulling a potentially life saving drug from the market just before his wife (Adria Arjona) dies from cancer. But when his search for the truth leads to a deadly encounter that puts Ray and his daughter Rachel (Isabela Merced) in harm's way, Ray's mission turns into a quest for vengeance in order to protect the only family he has left.

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

My Movie Review: The movie is a wasted opportunity everything felt great it had some good action scenes but the twist ruin it all and its unforgivable like everything become useless story felt too bland and dragged out. Momoa and Merced had great chemistry as dad and daughter, but her as an action character taking out big guys was laughable after all its false just a illusion! Sweet Girl is a very exact example of twist gone wrong and the girl isn't sweet why Sweet Girl this flick gives more sour though vibes- punch to punch- talk about from 100 going 0 real quick! Jason Momoa is just one of those guys you can’t help but love, acting was definitely realistic when he was at the hospital but even he can't save this fiasco probably the worst role his be in! Always another bender it lost control I thought they get back when it came back home but never had it did I as they play heart's a trick and all the magic we felt was just a hit hard heavy! Night Shyamalan-style twist that completely alters the audience's perception of the entire film! It turns out Jason Momoa's Ray died due to the stab wound inflicted by Amo Santos during Sweet Girl's opening 30 minutes you know how to make a girl cry sneaking in a bed full of lies:) What's wrong how they did it blindsided everyone and felt like robbed us a good story to enjoy!

Critics Consensus: Burdened with action clichés and tripped up by a late plot twist, Sweet Girl wastes potentially resonant story and some solid work from its well-matched leads. Lower your expectations, Jason Momoa fans he's an entertaining action star, but Sweet Girl is a slow journey to an unforgivably dopey twist. A dour slog through rote conspiratorial territory without a distinguishing factor to be found beyond the capable lead. A cynical and violent exercise that never figures out which story it wants to tell. The plot is wilfully dumb, the message pernicious. Momoa walks through it, his emotions running the gamut from A to... well, just A. And about two-thirds in there is a huge twist that does not work for this viewer. I can see the intention: to put a different cast on everything that has happen, all the violence and mayhem. A sprawling, bruising, sometimes convoluted, often emotionally exhausting drama with action sequences stitched into it. The film's true stars are the stunt and fight coordinators who render these clashes in visceral, mostly realistic fashion, although they eventually lose impact through their sheer repetitiveness. Mendoza kept me locked into his story, confused and frustrated at times, but entertained throughout. Jason Momoa's bitterly bad actioner has none redeeming features!

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

TRAVEL TO PLACES: PHILIPPINES-- THE ORANGE VILLA- POMEGRANATE

My Personal Experience: I went to The Orange Villa- Pomegranate which is a made up place for the painted wall I saw in Venice Piazza. I went there to take some pictures at exactly one this day last year July 29, 2022, together with my sister who visit's and have condo unit nearby! This painted wall brings happy vibe for it's colorful town and lead me to discover other artwork:)

The Orange Villa- Pomegranate

Still Life with Lemons, Oranges, and a Pomegranate by Jacob van Hulsdonck, the master of a prosperous studio specializing in still life painting, meticulously rendered every surface and texture of fruit, porcelain, and wooden tabletop in this painting. He was careful to paint the still life from a high vantage point so that most of the table and the bowl's contents could be seen. Lemons, oranges, and a pomegranate, some split open to expose their succulent insides, rest in a Chinese blue-and-white porcelain bowl, dating from the Wan-Li period of the Ming dynasty!

Source: https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/103RHK

TRAVEL TO MOVIES: BLACK ISLAND

Director: Miguel Alexandre

Cast: Philip Froissant , Alice Dwyer , Hanns Zischler , Mercedes Müller , Sammy Scheuritzel , Lieselotte Voss , Katharina Schütz , Jodie Leslie Ahlborn , Marco Wittorf , Caroline Kiesewetter

Plot: After the tragic death of his parents, high school graduate Jonas lives on a North Sea island with his grandfather. It is a time of departure, the time of the first great love. The arrival of the new German teacher Helena turns Jonas' life completely upside down. She recognizes and encourages his writing talent and uses this emerging trust to build an intimate relationship with him. However, Jonas has no idea that Helena is pursuing a deadly plan. Black Island is a multi-layered thriller that tells of the disastrous relationship between a student and his teacher:)

Source: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/black_island_2021

My Movie Review: The movie is dark teen flick with a tint of bad romance that tackles mystery surrounding such island boy that become attracted to the newly arrive teacher that kept secret! Black Island is a more or less lustful movie with less jump scares than expected to make up for the lackluster suspense with absolutely wonderful location & has own character shot beautiful:) What I like about it how it manage to make us curious very intrigue at the same time its a nice chill thriller with a twist end that may not be like but doesn't shy away- sign of very good movie! Totally run of the mill murder mystery made slightly better by the beautiful cinematography with characters that were enjoyable as the tension was superb and downright scary in comparison to other movies only some scenes were unrealistic but that's make it a masterpiece on its own! I've done some research where the Black Island was filmed because the scenic view was just majestic I found out that the majority of the filming took place in the Nebel municipality, part of Amrum, Germany. The island is divided into three municipalities: Norddorf, Nebel, and Wittdün! What happened at the end of Black Island? Helena tried to drown Jonas in the garden pool, but Jonas' survival instinct somehow kicked in, and he ran into the house. When Helena tried to strangle him, he stabbed her heart with a broken piece of glass, killing her after that. In the closing montage sequence, Jonas finally left the island feeling remorseful on what went down:(

 

Others Review: Had potential but crashed the characters were likeable enough but some of the plot I didn't like and other parts just outright not believable just made me mad near the end! A nothing original about the plot. Average story line. Movie was shot really good and decent acting by most of them. You will probably finish off the movie once you start just to see how it ends but in the end there is no sense of satisfaction of a enjoyable movie. One scene ruins all to be honest I was hooked since the first and I think the casts did good job and the film was shot beautifully. But one scene that happened involving a murder and the film went downhill afterwards. It's quite amusing actually, but that would easily turned off anyone with two brain cells. Overall, an average thriller that could do much better without that one dumb scene and a better buildup-linking the twist in the beginning. Black Island was a classic revenge flick, it made plenty of sense, and the ambience of the island was spectacular. Odd Happenings in the middle of Nowhere- Black Island is very simply a coming of age story about an adolescent male whose life begin spinning wildly out of control after the death of his grandmother. As a plot device, the student-teacher relationship is exploited to all levels of indecency; but while this might attract curiosity at the outset, it fails to keep for lack of anything more substantive until the discovery of such a family secret that threatens to throw His entire world into a tailspin!

Source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12881516/reviews