How to Twist an Arthurian Epic
A Review of A24’s The Green Knight. Sir Gawain is an underrated Knight. He’s not as popular as the queen-snatching Lancelot or the grail-spotting Galahad, but he was always closest to King Arthur in both affinity and blood. In that … Continue reading How to Twist an Arthurian Epic
Cruising in Circles
A Review of Disney’s Jungle Cruise. It’s futile to nitpick the prevalence of CGI in this movie, given how the ride relies greatly on fake fauna. In the first place, it’s what makes the attraction so popular. It’s the illusion … Continue reading Cruising in Circles
Miss Universe Philippines 2021: Eliminations (Round 2)
It was the most number of online challenges in a single pre-pageant round. The remaining 75 candidates were first announced on social media with their best Full Body Swimsuit Photos. Next was the Runway Challenge, where they each demonstrated their … Continue reading Miss Universe Philippines 2021: Eliminations (Round 2)
My Miss Supranational 2021 Final Wishlist
PICK FOR MISS SUPRANATIONAL 2021: NAMIBIA – Chanique Rabe. It’s refreshing to once in a while see a frontrunner emerge from outside the usual pageant-crazy regions. Behold this breathtaking beauty from Namibia, whose sparkle is impossible to undermine, much less … Continue reading My Miss Supranational 2021 Final Wishlist
Miss Supranational 2021 Candidate Review, Groups 7-9
GROUP SEVEN ENGLAND – Sophie Marie Dunning. This self-defense instructor from West Midlands placed second to Bahamas in Supra Star Search. Fortunately, she was also granted a “ticket” to not just compete, but to also take one for the UK … Continue reading Miss Supranational 2021 Candidate Review, Groups 7-9
Miss Supranational 2021 Candidate Review, Groups 4-6
GROUP FOUR ALBANIA – Ines Kasemi. Growing up in Greece and studying in Austria means she has lots of interesting stories to tell. That might also account for her excellent communication skills. While considered a middling contender at first, her … Continue reading Miss Supranational 2021 Candidate Review, Groups 4-6
Miss Supranational 2021 Candidate Review, Groups 1-3
GROUP ONE BAHAMAS – Nyisha Tilus. Prior to the pageant, a special contest called Supra Star Search was held to give a shot at aspiring candidates not backed by a local organization*. The winner was this self-published author from Nassau, … Continue reading Miss Supranational 2021 Candidate Review, Groups 1-3
Miss Universe Philippines 2021: Eliminations (Round 1)
The first round required the Top 100 aspirants to submit their most striking Headshots, coupled with brief Introductory Video that’ll serve as their profiles. Two candidates couldn’t complete the first round. Daisy Rafea Batch (Withdrew). She pulled out before she … Continue reading Miss Universe Philippines 2021: Eliminations (Round 1)
Spotty But Worthwhile
A Review of Disney’s Cruella D: Craig GillespieS: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, Kayvan Novak, Kirby Howell Baptiste, Mark Strong, John McCrea Of course, this isn’t the first time a Disney villain headlined a live action … Continue reading Spotty But Worthwhile
My 69th Miss Universe Wish List
So, it has come to this: a toss-up among the early frontrunner, the preliminary competition showstopper, and the bold luminary. These are my Top 3 picks for the Mouawad crown. Three countries each vying for its third win. Here’s how … Continue reading My 69th Miss Universe Wish List
69th Miss Universe Initial Impressions: The Americas and the Caribbean
Only two nations from the previous edition are skipping this year: The island of St. Lucia and the US Virgin Islands. And how ironic for the latter, considering its proximity to Florida. With 29 delegates, it’s not just the most … Continue reading 69th Miss Universe Initial Impressions: The Americas and the Caribbean
69th Miss Universe Initial Impressions: Europe
Despite ending its title drought five years ago thanks to Iris Mittanaere, this continent has noticeably been underperforming. And with the Continental Format no longer in place, the prospects of this region has seemingly grown even dimmer as they face … Continue reading 69th Miss Universe Initial Impressions: Europe
69th Miss Universe Initial Impressions: Asia and Africa
Yes, I know they’re doing away with the Continental Format this year. Nonetheless, I’m reviewing this year’s candidates by region. This is the group which benefitted most from that format during its brief three-year run. This year, however, this group … Continue reading 69th Miss Universe Initial Impressions: Asia and Africa
“Things Heard and Seen” in a Tepid Horror
Much as it bodes well to see Amanda Seyfried in a new movie soon after her Oscar run, herein lies the gamble. Anything that follows her career-defining turn in Mank is bound to pale in comparison. And that’s exactly what … Continue reading “Things Heard and Seen” in a Tepid Horror
“Concrete Cowboy” is Compelling Counterculture Yarn
It’s only natural for fans of Stranger Things to wonder what the kids have been up to, especially with Season Four still languishing in the Upside Down. Well, obviously, they’re no longer kids. So, it remains to be seen how … Continue reading “Concrete Cowboy” is Compelling Counterculture Yarn
Highlights from the 93rd Oscars
PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN, PERSONIFIED. Regina King nailed her description of newbie feature director Emerald Fennell as a “Promising Young Woman”. That, of course, is the title of Fennell’s film, which would win Best Original Screenplay minutes later. And in a … Continue reading Highlights from the 93rd Oscars
My Oscars 2021 Wish List, Part Two
BEST SOUNDGreyhoundMankNews of the WorldSoulSound of Metal In case you missed it, the Sound categories are merged again this year. Last time that happened was 1981, with The Empire Strikes Back winning the award. 40 years later, it’s interesting to … Continue reading My Oscars 2021 Wish List, Part Two
My Oscars 2021 Wish List, Part One
After a two-month delay, which resulted to the eligibility period being stretched up to February, the Oscars is finally pushing through. This year’s ceremony promises to feel different for reasons we all know by now, especially with Steven Soderbergh (himself … Continue reading My Oscars 2021 Wish List, Part One
“The Father” Thrives in Disjointed Nuance
There’s a reason Florian Zeller wanted only Anthony Hopkins for the part. Had it gone another way, this film wouldn’t even exist. And it goes beyond the protagonist also being named Anthony and also being born one day shy of … Continue reading “The Father” Thrives in Disjointed Nuance
“Moxie”: Muddled Woke-ness
The word “moxie” is synonymous to spunk, courage, and strength of character. It is for that reason it became the title of a 2015 chick-lit novel by Jennifer Mathieu. That book was only a moderate hit. But that was enough … Continue reading “Moxie”: Muddled Woke-ness