The 2014 FlipGeeks Rundown – In MOVIES!

We’re now heading into the dying moments of 2014. So much had occurred for the last 12 months that we lost track of time. Truly, it is fitting to say that this was a good year for geekdom.

Having said that, we decided to do a quick rundown of the big movie-related headlines that struck the interwebs this year. Gear up, people – we’re off to a time ride.

KENSHIN IN MANILA

Truth be told, the Rurouni Kenshin fandom is strong here in the Philippines. Most 90’s kids swooned at Kenshin and Kaoru’s scenes, Aoshi’s machismo, as well as Sanosuke’s crazy antics – not to mention, a tendency to emulate the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu(I know you did this once.). After two decades, one anime series, three OVAs, and four theatrical adaptations, the following still continues.

Which is why a lot of people jumped in joy when Warner Bros. PH announced that the cast and director of Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno will be setting foot at Manila for a special press junket. For two days, scores of fans eagerly waited in queues to get a glimpse of the leads, who apparently felt amazement at the warm hospitality of the Filipinos.

To aptly quote Munetaka Aoki(Sanosuke Sagara) in his crude attempt of a Pinoy slang, “ASH-TIG!”

PINOY INDIES REIGN SUPREME ABROAD

Let us not forget the fact that 2014 was a good year for Filipino Indies. Apart from the diverse and praise-worthy entries from both Cinemalaya X and the recently concluded MMFF New Wave, two films made raves abroad and received recognition for their wonder.

Diane Ventura’s Mulat was included in this year’s International Film Festival Manhattan, snagging two awards for both Jake Cuenca and the former. Furthermore, the Congress have recognized Cuenca as one of the outstanding thespians of his generation. Kudos to you, Sir!

[Check out THE DIALOGUE: Awakening The Psyche with Diane Ventura! Click here!]

On the other hand, Lav Diaz’ four hour-epic Norte: Hangganan ng Kasaysayan garnered awards locally in the Urian and Golden Dove bodies. Furthermore, it qualified as one of the foreign entries in consideration for next year’s Oscar’s. Unfortunately, though, it came up short to reach the final five.

Still, not bad. A little more push, and we’ll get the pillar we deserve.

THE CINEMALAYA YOUTUBE FIASCO

Cinemalaya is commonly known as THE mecca of independent filmmaking here in RP. For over ten years, it bore witness to immense talent, passion, and labor from budding directors, thespians, and production groups of all levels. 

The recent Cinemalaya X is no exception, as it featured an expanded set of movies from vets, newcomers, and students alike. However, uproar rose as a few entries from the main showcase were leaked online through YouTube. Worse, the helmers and production groups were unaware of them being posted.

Shame to whoever did it.

THE MARVEL VS DC WAR CONTINUES

When it comes to comic book movies, there’s no denying that Marvel dominated the game with its introduction of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since 2008, they circumvented the dark trend which started with Batman Begins and made it akin to that of the comic books, pleasing both longtime fans and newcomers in the process.

The question that lies ahead is this: How will DC answer back?

As simple as it is, the only solution is to come up with another cinematic universe of sorts. Last October, Warner Bros unloaded their slew of DC Comics-related projects for the next five years. Luckily for fans, it had been confirmed that the entries will be interconnected under one timeline.

However, Marvel responds by setting up a special fan event in LA and revealed their sleight: The MCU Phase 3.

Now, should we take sides?

FAREWELL, ROBIN WILLIAMS

In a sudden turn of events, one of the frontrunners of American comedy, Robin Williams, passed away last August.

Williams is fondly remembered by fans for his rendition of a number of notable characters in pop culture. His loss is one, tough hole to fill in.

Thankfully, he will be immortalized as Nintendo is taking steps to include the actor as an NPC for the next Legend of Zelda game. It is common knowledge that Williams is a huge fan and advocate of the franchise, which lead him to naming his daughter after the titular princess.

We’ll be missing you, Captain. See you on the other side.

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE

After the polarized reception of Man of Steel and Ben Affleck’s casting as Batman, a lot of people have cast doubt on the capacity of Warner Bros to produce a solid lineup to combat the MCU.

Not until this happened at San Diego Comic Con.

Taking heavy cues from Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns, its inspiration and similarity from the source material literally broke the internet apart – or rather, Hall H during the trailer’s debut. It was also reported that they have finished principal photography, and the crew are now on their way to edit and include some touches.

2016, why do we have to wait for you that long?

CASTING BLUES

Every time a new actor gets cast in a CBM role, the interwebs get torn apart.

In recollection, a lot of surprise castings were made this past year, particularly on Marvel and DC’s end. Notables include: Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Oscar Isaac as Apocalypse, Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam, Emilia Clarke as Sarah Connor, Channing Tatum as Gambit, Ezra Miller as The Flash, and Benedict Cumberbatch as Marvel’s  Sorcerer  Supreme, Doctor  Strange.

In addition, WB had commissioned Jared Leto, Will Smith, Tom Hardy, Jai Courtney, Cara Delevingne, and Margot Robbie to play Joker, Deadshot, Rick Flag, Captain Boomerang, Enchantress, and Harley Quinn respectively for 2016’s Suicide Squad.

As they say, life is full of surprises.

WILL SPIDER-MAN RETURN TO MARVEL?

The question of the year, we purport.

See, it was always a question we pondered everytime the MCU gets discussed. As common viewpoints imply, the Webhead is an important part of Marvel’s framework, and losing him is like missing a key to one of its vital doors. 

Thankfully, it would seem that Spidey’s set to go home after all. The recent Sony hack revealed information regarding the said matter, and a couple of rumors have claimed that Spider-Man will be returning soon, with a heavily speculated 2019 solo film looming, reports say.

Guess we’ll all have to wait to find out, eh?

THE SONY PICTURES HACK SCANDAL

Of course, it’s obvious that if a Scandal of The Year award exists for 2014, this should go to the widely-talked Sony Pictures hack.

It all started during the promotional phase of the winter flick The Interview, which starred James Franco and Seth Rogen. A rogue group of hackers calling themselves “The Guardians of Peace”(Pretty ironic for a name, huh?) attacking Sony’s database and leaking dozens of private emails and information online, which resulted in netizens taking hold of plans regarding the 24^th Bond film Spectre, as well as Spider-Man’s alleged return to Marvel Studios. Seemingly threatened by the hack, Sony decided to shelve The Interview from the theaters for fear of experiencing actual terror strikes from the group.

Fortunately, both the FBI and CIA claimed there were no impending threats of the said kind endangering America. Furthermore, Obama even chastised Sony for pulling the film out of its supposed premiere date. As a result, it was decided that The Interview will be released online via multiple streaming channels.

Good job, Sony.

[Check out our review of The Interview! Click here!]

STAR WARS’ TRIUMPHANT RETURN!

You’re reading it right: The top story of the year belongs to the sci-fi flick that started it all: Star Wars!

After the release of the teaser trailer for 2015’s The Force Awakens, the internet literally broke apart, as multiple discussions rose online regarding the story, the snippets, John Boyega’s Stormtrooper, R2-D2’s head in a soccer ball(Which revealed as NOT R2-D2, thank the heavens), and that insane crossguard lightsaber(or firesaber, as the energy emission implied). It even received a polarized reception.

However, a media personality in the persona of Stephen Colbert closed the gap once and for all by coming out of character during one of his late show’s episodes and explaining the mechanics of a crossguard saber.

The fact still remains: We geeks will watch it next year. May the force be with us all.