MOVIE REVIEW: BLACK PANTHER

The Marvel Cinematic Universe hit the jackpot big time. Black Panther elevates superhero cinema to thrilling new heights while telling one of the MCU's most absorbing stories -- and introducing some of its most fully realized characters. In a predominantly actors of color, MCU introduced us to the world of Wakanda and its technological galore plus all the wonderful characters in it. It was indeed a wonderful surprise as Marvel keeps in the winning streak of making us fall in love with superheroes that we have not heard of by much.

Most notable characters include T'Challa/Black Panther ably played by Chadwick Boseman. His presence and enigmatic charm makes him believable as a young leader who is trying to re-establish a kingdom after the death of his father. Danai Guriar as Okoye was also exceptional. Her role as one of the trusted servants of the Wakandan empire show true grit and personality. You don't wanna mess with her in a battle for sure. And who could forget the 2 most unforgettable characters of the film. Shuri as played by Letitia Wright combines both youth and energy as she brings the wits and the brains to the kingdom. And perhaps the most memorable of them all is Michael B. Jordan who plays Killmonger - the anti-hero of the film which showed us that villains have heart and that usually they become bad because of circumstances that happen along the way.

Aside from the great acting chops, Black Panther is a cinematic masterpiece in the way it was directed and the way each shot was carefully done. The writing was sublime but memorable and the cinematography is stunning with all visuals wowing audiences. The film was a breath of fresh air for MCU as it connects in a more human way than prior films in the franchise tackling issues on family and all complexities it poses thus making it more relatable. It draws the line on family ties and doing the right thing or sacrificing everything just to do what is correct.

9.5 out of 10 popcorns. A must-watch!

KWENTONG JOLLIBEE VALENTINE'S SERIES 2018

Jollibee once more tickled our hearts with three wonderfully crafted commercials for their seemingly annual Valentine's series. Although not as trending as the prior year's ads, this year's commercials were still a hit to everyone. 

"Homecoming" is a follow-up to last year's "Crush" and tells the story of Gilbert and Ruth that leads them to a life of happiness that is destined for forever. It chronicles how their love blossomed through the years and makes us believe that there is still chance for forever.

"Signs" on the other hand tells a story of Star who is a hopeless romantic and believes that everything that happens in her life is driven by signs. But reality check for all us when sometimes we tend to overlook the sign that is readily in front of us. Super Kilig.

"Status" is the last one and shows us a different kind of love - a love that encompasses family. This shows that whatever happens to us in our lives, our family will always be there.

2017 TOP KPOP VIDEOS

There were several wonderful videos on the Kpop stratosphere that blasted 2017. With great concept, cinematography, set design, visuals and choreography, here are the videos that stood out from the year that was. Although this year's best surprisingly skewed Male videos with only BlackPink and Loona making it in the Top 25 list.

1. Spring Day - BTS

What makes Spring Day a cut above the rest for this year is it subtle use of visuals touching more into realistic soft tones to be able to convey its deep message. The breathtaking cinematography really brought about a certain level of emotion that this song wants to relay. 

2. Sorry - The Rose

The only Krock video in this year's outstanding list, Sorry by The Rose is a visual spectacle that is made to emphasize frame by frame focus. The vivid red colors in the video made for an emotional treat for its fans. Each scene made you feel the pain and agony of each lyric.

3. DNA - BTS

This is a visual rainbow spectacle filled with colors. Its vibrant feels ensured audiences of DNA will be engaged and glued to their screens from start to finish. And needless to say, BTS really is a marvel to watch in terms of jaw-dropping choreography.

4. Don't Wanna Cry - Seventeen

Seventeen has proven that they are one of more talented dancers in the Kpop industry nowadays and with video they surely did not disappoint. And with an amazing backdrop and good panning of camera to the over-all view, Don't Wanna Cry belongs to this list for sure.

5. Really Really - Winner

Black and White concepts in music videos are tried and tested formula but from time to time we are treated to gorgeous videos like this from Winner. Really Really's simplicity in its beat and tone is well pictured on how stunning even the B&W video was represented.

6. Power - Exo

Exo again has outdone themselves and with 3 videos in this list, this being the highest, every single one stood out on its own strengths. Power is fun and happy video and the guys have again shown how they are here to stay.

7. Move - Taemin

Compelling and emotional - these are just few words to describe Taemin's video Move. The stunning visuals and Taemin's powerful and gorgeous moves simply made this video one of the great ones of 2017. We are left breathless with his every pivot and every wave.

8. Not Today - BTS

One of the strengths of BTS in its videos is the high level of storytelling and Not Today is of no exception. Shot in a wonderful location, it charges with all the necessary action, drama and emotion enough to have us in awe. And once again the dance moves are crazy and we are not complaining about it.

9. Sweet Crazy Love - Loona

Braving out of the norm of the regular Kpop vibe, Loona triumphed in 2017 with her hit song and this could not come any better with this emotionally charged video which is a masterful art on its own. Surely, this is one of the gems of 2017.

10. The Best Present - Rain

Rain has done it again and this hot Kpop star has shown that once a superstar always a superstar. His newest video grabbed major influences with the likes of Usher, Chris Brown and Jason Derulo in the way it was filmed and how each frame was shot but he injected his own sexy Rain flavor as well.

11. Ko Ko Bop - Exo

This video shows that Exo can really dance well and they have put audiences into a wow state with Ko Ko Bop. And do we need to mention how sexy Kai is in this video? I guess the charm of the group is somehow combining sexiness and great dance moves together in a video spectacle.

12. Dramarama - Monsta X

Monsta X was successful in delivering an energy packed video with Dramarama. And with such fashionable and gorgeous costumes worn by the guys in the vid, we simply can't take our eyes of them all the way.

13. Mic Drop - BTS

Of all BTS videos, this certainly has the most international appeal with the simple ways of combining a banger vibe song and a super difficult choreo. Mic Drop also somehow touched on the roots of BTS back on their hiphop early days and with an added international flavor, we have one outstanding video for fans to watch.

14. One More Chance - Super Junior

SuJu has always given us wonderful videos through time and One More Chance is no exception. Masterfully crafted and visually perfected to fit the song's emotions, the guys shown a glimpse of acting chops as well as we are made to believe on the emotions they convey all throughout the video.

15. Energetic - Wanna One

Full of energy and a wonderful dance routine made this video stand out. Added to the great uniformity in the jeans theme on the guys costume, Wanna One treated its fans to another video that makes us join and dance.

16. Cherry Bomb - NCT 127

Sick dance moves and routines. NCT 127 has shown that it can be on par with the big boys. Cherry Bomb pulled one powerful dance move after the other.

17. Black Suit - Super Junior

Super Junior has proven that they still have it in terms of dancing and performance. Their video Black Suit is a wonderfully choreographed piece that is accentuated by the power suits worn fashionably by the guys.

18. Never Ever - Got 7

With many outstanding videos in 2017, GOT7 still managed to wow all of us. Its simplistic video style is an eye candy for us audiences. The catchy tune and the good dance routines made this video more memorable as well.

19. Where You At - Nu'Est W

Nu'Est W shines in this video for sure. While some have drawn comparisons with BTS' Not Today in terms of set design and visuals, the boys still proved their dancing chops and this video is still one of the guilty pleasures of 2017.

20. You Are - GOT7

I really like how simple looking yet stunning GOT7's videos are and You Are keeps up with their theme. The boys have certainly outdone themselves for this year and we can't help but wait for more to come in the upcoming year.

21. Universe - Exo

With 2 dance powered videos on 2017, it was a bit of fresh air as the guys of Exo treated us to one emotional piece in Universe. The heart of the video is with how well its well thought of lyrics is seamlessly portrayed into a heart-felt music video.

22. Shangri-la - VIXX

VIXX has again shown that in terms of glamor, fashion and confidence, their group is second to none. The guys delivered a very inspired performance in this video and with their charms showing in their black tux and coats, this made for a great viewing pleasure from last year.

23. As If It's Your Last - Blackpink

Being the only female Kpop act in the list says a lot and it simply shows that the girls are here to stay. With a great costume and dance steps to boot, this video just made us want for more.

24. Burn It Up - Wanna One

This young group has shown the muscles to withstand the rigors of the crowded Male Kpop world. And with such a stellar video like Burn It Up, they have cemented themselves as one of the best dancers out there.

25. Clap - Seventeen

Clap is both fun and energetic and shows the innate persona and vibe of Seventeen as a unit. The boys went back to basics as they showed more of who they are and how well they could dance in this visual delight from 2017.

2017 TOP KPOP MALE GROUP

Here are best K-pop male groups of 2017.

1. BTS

2. Wanna One

3. Seventeen

4. Exo

5. Ikon

6. Got 7

7. NCT 127

8. Winner

9. VIXX

10. Nu'est W

11. BtoB

12. Monsta X

13. Super Junior

14. Astro

15. Stray Kids

16. Highlight

17. Shinee

18. 2 PM

19. A.C.E.

20. Pentagon

The rest of the hottest boy groups of 2018 are as follows: