John Ross Dela Pena

Harrowing. Gripping. Haunting. I don't know how many adjectives and vocabulary words I can write in this review to show my appreciation for this 3rd film. The most interesting entry in the 28 Days Later franchise. Experimental and outlandish, while giving the thrills and scares to grip the audience on the screen. The first scene gave so much anticipation and the feeling of dread until it burst into action and tension enough to get the viewers and the characters well-acquainted. The camera plays so much with the feeling of claustrophobia and agoraphobia, and evokes it so well to get the tension more palpable in each scenes. The second half was a complete tonal shift from energetic action to a more poignant, dramatic shift that doesn't stray too far from giving a good suspense and something to feel distressed for the characters we root for on the screen. The complete tonal chaos was met in the third act, where we are given a heavy emotional storyline that was building up in the background, and reverts to the tension-filled and hilarious epilogue. A tonal shift so abrupt, it could put off audiences and capture the adoration of some. It tackles the theme of coming-of-age, coming to terms with navigating a broken world, an allegory of history repeating itself, and a meditation on humanity's relationship with the concept of death. This film is not to be missed!

The story wasn't as great as the ingenious MK11, however, I see the artistic vision of reintroducing a new lore, new characterizations, modern redesigns, character traits, as well as a back-to-basics storyline in par with the 1st classic original installment – that's focused more with the drama and gore. This time, with a different setting, characters to root for, and a new possibility of how the new timeline should uncloak or serve its overall plotline. This is a clever way of rebooting a franchise without breaking all of its timeline. Instead, honoring them by reconnecting possible storylines and making this new chapter still feel like a 12th installment. Oh by the way, Megan Fox as Nitara is an underrated gold. This sequel opt with themes that are close-to-heart and are quite more intriguing among the common darker themes MK franchise is known for. New resonating themes such as grief, family values, forgiveness, and ardent unfeigned are the highlights which makes this reboot sequel have a "soft but strong" and "gritty but smart" edge over its common "brutal" predecessors' demeanor that we've known for a long time. Though the most biggest flaw of this new addition, is the lack of stakes that makes the progression of the narrative feels too tedious. Not soulless but tedious. The tension within the conflict wasn't as great as with its predecessors' robust storyline showcasing an engaging tug-of-wars, baits and switches, twisting the turn of events and interactions over its characters. Overall, a distinct sequel refresher that found its place among the other possibilities of the timelines. Though the story lack a substance of suspense, it makes up for its refreshing take on its character arcs and reimagining of a fundamental story to drive the game forward. Amazing clever project, this sequel-reboot is. Hats down yet again, NetherRealm Studio! ✨👏🏼🎉

Aside from the obvious controversy this Arkham series spin-off gained, looking through the story-telling perspective and comparing it against the cinematic theatrical franchise version, this version of Suicide Squad gave way more better cinematic experience than the latter. Plus, it's entertaining enough for gameplay engagement and playing as one of these anti-heroic characters. The is still a worthy outlet of producing a deserving narrative that didn't need to have 3D glasses or a whole lot of payments for a ticket with unpredictable delivery. Foreseeing this game, through time, as one of those underdog gems that few more people will consider as just another branch of the many multiverse possibilities admirable enough to give a shot at for an immersive gameplay and worthwhile/memorable pastime experience.

TEKKEN 8 OFFERED ITS BEST SHOT TO DATE WITH ITS MAIN STORY AND PROUDLY STATING THEY HAVE ✨SERVED & DELIVERED!✨ ...and what a ✨massive✨ improvement that the creators have made to this installment's main story! Commendable mention to the character Story Episodes which are a stand out stand-alone fighter stories that either has canon/non-canon ending or purely for fun story-telling as twice toned-in into this installment, all in the name of campiness. We can definitely agree that Tekken 8's the embodiment of "all fun and games" & that's what it is! Every fighting game genre always have a backbone as a foundation & that is its Story Mode. So glad that the creators behind Tekken listened to the players by considering almost all the beloved characters to be a part of the main narrative to further unpack their already rich & fascinating character traits. From exclusivity to inclusivity, we now have variety of both fresh & familiar faces that we see jumping into the arena of the Mishima Zaibatsu-drama each one interacting with diverse ethnic languages. Engaging with them on the tournament & picking which one of them should the player utilize in battle & it's such a wonderful addition of putting spice to the story game mechanics. This part of the game's fun & refreshing, but what a missed opportunity that they could've made this part more decision-based formula where choices change the course of the battle. Some ethnic representation are still a little on-the-nose & they're in crucial need of nuance in characterization (one of them got defined solely by hard-selling their coffee product in the arena! Where's the nuance? 😂) In the main plotline, majority of the characters are in dire NEED of their own chapter subplots within the main narrative to help them feel naturally connected & their presence be justified as to why they're in the main story & the delivery resulted with little to no arc - concluding its pacing feeling busy & muddled altogether. It left out important questionable details like characters' extreme language comprehension; unpacking history of non-human characters; or further tackling the characters' canon relationship dynamic within the narrative & what they meant to the main story. Yet again, knowing the history of Tekken franchise & how they almost deprive to provide associations for all the characters to the main Story Mode proves that the decision they made here's a big leap forward & should teach the creators on what they should be improving more on the next delivery. Facial expression & an improved showcase of emotional nuances are a necessary tool to make excellent addition to Jin Kazama to look forward to in the next installment. Where in this current one, he was bereft of it & left him cold and brooding (which is already his natural demeanor & they double it down a notch 💀😂) with lesser emotions to engage through him; deprives any hint of sympathy to engage with as a way to step into his shoe & missing the chance for players to feel the depth of his plight.This version turned out more apathetic & indifferent than what they want to achieve on Jin's characterization. It's such a hit-or-miss on balancing the absurdity & hilarity with a more pressing & grounded tone to the story. Suffice to say, TEKKEN 8 delivered its best storyline in the franchise enriched with more characters to engage with & a new foundation for growth in the storytelling arena leaving few more stages for narrative improvements. Nevertheless, the output is competitive enough to drive the franchise forward, cliff-hanging everyone to quench for more chapters & for us to get ready for the next battle! 🥊👊💥(๑•̀ᗝ•́)૭

This is a hybrid horror/thriller often overlooked but champions with simmering up the thoughts so tenaciously, it will linger even after the credits roll out. With allowing the viewers to interpret the theme and what should the film was trying to get across, Donnie Darko does not only successfully engage the viewers' attention & stimulation, but prioritize its viewers to think and evoke a fascination through the mysteries ruminating around each characters throughout the storyline and leaves a lasting mark once the plot suddenly turns the screw around on the viewer's wits. Definitely recommended for audiences who are receptive with psychological challenges when enjoying their popcorns and snack-varieties on Halloween movie nights marathon! 🎃👻🍬🦇💀🧡

At times, the plot may feel scattered and muddled, but this vivid hyper-stylized glossy production didn't get defined by its flaws, but by its overarching messages with quivering shots fired clear across to its target demographic with precision and coherence. Meanwhile serving up laughter, engaging adventures, enough heart and arousing perspectives before leaving back the core question to its general audience, "who am I?" The math is mathing candidly if this gets 5 stars to the majority. It is worth it and damn rewatchable 🎦🎫🍿