Film reviews: ‘Allied,’ ‘Warrior’s Gate’

Brad Pitt (left) and Marion Cotillard in “Allied”

Allied

Starring: Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Rating: 4 out of 5

There are elements about Zemeckis’ romantic thriller cum espionage drama, “Allied,” that remind viewers of the sweeping but bittersweet screen romances of yore. The list is long and substantial: Michael Curtiz’s “Casablanca,” Leo McCarey’s “An Affair to Remember,” William Wyler’s “Roman Holiday,” Wong Kar-wai’s “Chungking Express,” Sofia Coppola’s “Lost in Translation,” and Michael Haneke’s “Amour,” to name a few.

Set in 1942, Zemeckis’ wartime romance tells the story of Canadian intelligence officer Max Vatan (Pitt), who falls in love with French resistance fighter Marianne Beausejour (the ravishing Cotillard) after they team up in a do-or-die mission in Casablanca to assassinate the German ambassador.

One year after they decide to get married and have a child, Max finds himself facing a Solomonic dilemma when he’s told that Marianne isn’t who she says she is. Could she truly be a German spy who’s merely taking part in another elaborate mission? Even more pertinently, is her love for him all for show?

The movie is far from original, but while it fails to find enough quirks to offer something new to stave off convention, the dramatic and thespic beats are well worn, thanks to the easy chemistry and believability of Pitt and Cotillard’s pairing. Be forewarned, though—the film’s final stretch will take your breath away.—Rito Asilo

Warrior’s Gate

Starring: Dave Bautista, Uriah Shelton, Ni Ni, Mark Chao

Director: Matthias Hoene

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

A nerdy high school student (Shelton) is mistaken for a formidable knight by a Chinese princess (Ni) and her bodyguard (Chao), who have traveled across time using a magical doorway. Pursued by forces loyal to a barbarian chieftain (Bautista), the princess is captured and brought back to her land, which is also home to monstrous beings.

The fantasy-action flick isn’t exactly unique—the “Caucasian boy learning some fighting disciplines from wise Asian teachers” concept brings back memories of “The Forbidden Kingdom,” along with a bunch of fantasy films that involve “fish out of water” situations. It’s hard to truly care for its characters because of their exceedingly familiar traits and the recycled plot they bring to life, but it’s diverting enough.

While it sometimes becomes awkward and silly, certain parts of the movie are enjoyable. Moreover, skilled editing and Bautista’s imposing arch-foe keep it from becoming a bore.—Oliver Pulumbarit