Viewing Stoker

Stoker is a suspense/thriller film that centers on the lives of family members who were victims of traumatic experiences. These stressful incidents in their past had immensely affected their personality to the point that they had developed  some kind of psychiatric disorders. Their illness had led them into a chaotic turn of events, interdependently affecting one character with another.

What I love about the film is its awesome cinematography. A lot of dolly movements and panning are involved to add to the thrill and excitement. The storytelling style is also worthy of praise since it has connected the past events adroitly to the present scenarios. Music is also commendable since it drives well with the emotions raised in the film. The actors are also in tune with their characters, making their portrayal effective. I have also observed a lot of symbolisms in the film, creating artistry and wit to the story.

Stoker is directed by South Korean filmmaker Chan-wook Park and stars Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, and Matthew Goode.

photo credit: clotureclub.com

photo credit: themoviejerk.co.uk

Just In My List of Funny Movies

He's Way More Famous Than You is a superbly funny film that revolves around Halley Feiffer, a promising actress who lost it all because of alcohol addiction and other incidents of work misconduct. After the split-up with his filmmaker/scriptwriter boyfriend, Halley had no idea what to do to keep her career going. She eventually decided to make her own film starring herself and her brother who was hoping much that this would be his big break. Asking his brother's boyfriend to be the director of her film, Halley braved everything, even kidnapping a well-known comedian and replacing her brother with an a-list star just to make her film made.

Directed by Michael Urie, the film could sometimes get corny yet it didn't get into my veins since Feiffer, who also played as her, had delivered her humorous antics pretty well. She was supported by equally entertaining actors who also justified their roles creatively.  Although the funny scenes came out exaggerated at times, the execution was cute, you couldn't help yourself from laughing. The script was ridiculously hilarious just as with the characters in the movie, which in turn solidified the whole story.

This film is just the pill that you need when you want to get those happy hormones up. We can learn here that it does not take to step on others, most especially on your loved ones, just to reach the top.

photo credit: www.moviefactory.org

Family Weekend (2013)

If there's a film that centers on common family dilemmas, Family Weekend is a nice pick. It shows the typical scenario where kids are devoid of attention from parents, thus, they find ways to assert their existence at home. Most of the time, children turn out to be rebellious when their guardians are unable to provide them tangible love and support but here in the movie, the main character didn't rely on drugs or alcohol to solve her problem. Instead, she made a plan in order for her parents to realize that they miss in sharing quality time with her and her siblings: kidnapping her parents in their own residence.

What I fancy about the movie is that it has the abundance of comedy yet the scenes wherein intense drama is needed are portrayed well. Thanks to the actors who played each of their role adroitly. It is the story of Samantha Smith-Dungy (played by Kristin Chenoweth), an excellent and promising jumping rope player who officially represents her school in competitions of such sport, even joining the most-anticipated regionals. Problem is, her family is not always present during her tournaments and a teenager like her takes this lack of support very emotionally, destructive even.

I love it when most of the scenes center in one setting yet the story is still unfolding. This is true with Family Weekend for the family's home is the main location where almost more than half of the story takes place. Notwithstanding this, the film is not boring since my mind imagines what is possibly happening outside the home for the events going on inside are indisputably connected to the external occurrences.

Cinematography has a humorous feel because captures of a home video taken by Jackson Smith-Dungy (played by Eddie Hassel) are constantly shown on screen,  adding to the chaotic environment  transpiring inside the house. Eddie's character is interesting because here, he is pretending to be gay even though he's not just to please his father, Duncan Dungy (played by Matthew Modine), who ironically wants a homosexual son.

The film's pacing is well stitched in a sense that we get excited as the movie comes to its conclusion. The  ending shows the day of the regional jumping rope competition where Samantha is about to participate in. Before that though, she must escape the cops who just came into their house, ready to capture her for a kidnapping case. This is due to Samantha restraining her parents in their own home as she engages them in quizzes and games that include how to be good and responsible parents. However, Kat, a mean girl in Samantha's school, comes into the house, befriending the latter while she secretly records the drama with her cellphone, uploading them in the internet for the public to see.

Moral lesson? Parents are not perfect since they are also humans. Unfortunately, this is not enough reason for them not to be responsible ones to their children. Kids need the presence, attention, and love of parents for them to grow in good example. Family should find time to recreate so that their bond will not cut loose, making each member feel unique and special as they naturally are.

Lola (2009)

I had watched my first Brillante Mendoza film entitled Lola. My teenage sister bought a cd of it for an assignment and we viewed it together in our living room. the moment it played on our tv screen, you would immediately conclude that this movie was the real definition of "indie".

Lola seemed to be captured on a shaky handy-cam or maybe, a cellphone with a trusted video. It didn't frequently cut from one angle to another since the camera just moved from the one person who was uttering some lines to another character who had the turn for his/her spiel. Nevertheless, the cinematographer incorporated wide angle views and far shots that were very adroitly taken.

photo credit: www.pep.ph

The heartwarming film is a story about a lola (grandmother) who intrepidly searched for justice for his grandson who was killed by an unknown guy. She was caught up amidst the difficult situation of forgiving the suspect behind his son's death since the former's main folk who was asking for dispense was also a grandmom like her. She could perceive how tough it was for this woman of same age and who was also living in poverty as her to be undergoing such wearisome and arduous process.

The two actresses who played the lolas naturally performed their roles, making scenes utterly sincere. They skillfully adapted to the slum environment that the characters lived in and to the absurd situations that accompanied it. Example was the drudgery of being able to process government forms just so court hearings  may push through.

Furthermore, forgiveness and understanding reigned at the end of the movie. The two determined lolas were hapless victims of unwanted circumstances which were out of their control. Since the suspect’s party made an effort to admit their mistakes and humbled themselves, the other party settled and made peace with them so that both could move on with their respective lives.

Indeed, the film spurred in me how love for family could conquer whatever trial that may come their way no matter what your status is in the society. Even the poor could find the most desperate option just to find solution to a family member’s problem even if this means spending a lot of money.

Poverty isn’t a pretext to finding justice and truth in this world where everything seems to revolve around money. Through love and hope, one can find equality in a community replete with corruption since there are many solutions as long as one bravely looks for it despite lack of bucks and education.

Enthralling Films in Cinematheque Iloilo

Films are usually a reflection of our culture and history. Hence, this modern form of art must be given importance not just because it entertains but also for the reason that it is a tool that can be effectively used to create change and bring forth positive impact in our community.

It was refreshing knowing that Cinematheque Iloilo, located in Iznart St. just across Amigo plaza, provides Ilonggos with free movies coming from the local and international scene. Plus, it also features unique Ilonggo films written and directed by talented Ilonggo filmmakers themselves. Through their endeavor, Panay's culture, practices, and language are preserved be means of  storytelling and motion pictures.

I had watched a full-length film as well as short films in Cinematheque Iloilo once and I must say, the movie experience was so "indie"- all new and fun to me. Isn't it cool that if you don't have any penny to watch expensive commercialized films, you have the option to go downtown and enjoy an interesting film without spending a cent? Well some movies that they screen have fees, but checking out the schedule of their film showings, majority are free or if ever there is a charge, it would be of minimal cost.

They have a small theatre where the films are being projected but when I mean small, I don't say that the place is uncomfortable. In fact, they have really nice seats that allow space for movement and relaxation. The seats are also escalated just like the ones that we see in big movie houses. Plus, the aircon functions well so that one can concentrate on the movie.

Inside the Cinematheque, posters of classic and epic films are hung.

When I went there,  a group of college students were watching a funny yet heart-warming Argentinian film entitled Un Cuento Chino. It is a story about an Argentinian man in his 40-50's who encountered a young Chinese guy who was trying to find his uncle. The man, though was not used to having other persons in his home, decided to help the Chinese guy out of pity, letting the latter stay in his house for a couple of days until they find the uncle. However, time had been passing and still, there was no success on regards to where the uncle lives. This posed conflict and misunderstanding between the two since there was the language barrier that hindered both to relate well with each other.

Aside from the various reels that one can experience, Cinematheque Iloilo also showcases an exhibit of paintings and artwork by several home-grown artists who, through this project, are provided with a venue to share their creative masterpieces.

The interior.

Indeed, films and other art forms, are not just mere materials for leisure, rather, they can be utilized as references for a certain era's culture and lifestyle. Through these media, people can be educated and have a deeper knowledge of their roots from which they can learn significant lessons, passing them on to another generation.

Warm Bodies (2013)

Have you heard about the film, Warm Bodies? A friend told me that this was a really interesting movie and when she disclosed the plot to me, I definitely got curious about it. Fortunately, I got the chance to watch it. Indeed, the story appealed to me since this horror/romance/comedy film did not involve beautiful vampires, rather, zombies were the main attraction of the entire reel - zombies who, after discovering they were capable of feelings and emotions, started to turn back into their human selves.

Warm Bodies, directed and written by Jonathan Levine, was based on the novel of the same title written by Isaac Marion. It starred Nicholas Hoult as R and Teresa Palmer as Julie. R was a zombie who fell in love at first sight with Julie, a human who was in a mission to kill zombies. But when Julie was incapable of saving her life from the strong, menacing zombies, R was there to save her. They stayed in an airplane, home of R, for days as Julie attempted to escape a few times but failed since zombies were everywhere. It was R who became her knight and shining armor. As he felt love, his heart started to beat and he realized in the end that through this emotion, he was starting to turn into a human once more.

I definitely love the unpretentious chemistry between the two main characters. There was a humorous but sincere spark in them which also progressed the story in a quirky way despite the spooky and dilapidated environment one experiences throughout the film. Their peculiar but funny love story balanced the suspense and horror brought by the carnivorous zombies and the agile, unforgiving skeletal creatures called the "bonies".

The locations and props were artistically set-up in order to show a believable dead town. It's as if just by looking at the screen, you'll feel that you were also in the zombieland because of the depressing environment that the production excellently created.

The tracks of the movie were mostly vintage music. It fitted the attributes of the main characters well. This had also added to the quirk and light parts of the film. It made this zombie film cool.

The plot transitioned well towards the climax. As R found out he and his fellow zombies were healing at the latter part of the movie, this was also the time when the more powerful villains, the bonies, tried to topple down humans and zombies alike. This made the ending a bit more interesting since Julie had to convince her father, the head of the military, that zombies were now getting better and that there was another group of enemies, more vicious and dangerous, awaiting them.

Romance was also incorporated well in the film that lovebirds out there would surely relate to. The author was actually inspired by the story, Romeo and Juliet, when he wrote this book that's why I noticed a scene where R went to Julie's home where the the zombie guy was calling out to the latter who was right in the azotea. Still sweet.

So for fans of zombie movies out there who also wanted a mix of comedy and a unique love story, Warm Bodies is absolutely the perfect solution. 

Upside Down (2012)

I just watched the romantic science fiction film, Upside Down, which was written and directed by Juan Diego Solanas. It stars Jim Sturgess as Adam and Kirsten Dunst as Eden. The main characters live from two different worlds that face each other. They met when they were still kids, however, the law had separated them with Eden forgetting the past. Adam, knowing that Eden was still alive, must do everything he could, even defying gravity, just to be reconnected with his one true love.

I think Kirsten Dunst must have given more passion and emotion in her romantic scenes with Jim just to parallel what the latter offered . But surely, she acted naturally and in a subtle way, which I liked.  I just needed to feel how her emptiness was finally filled and how she was again complete being reunited with her long-lost love. I had observed this feeling from Jim.

Overall, I love the unique story the film's talented director had imparted. For me, the entire movie was not just educational (It talked about two worlds in one planet, each had a gravitational pull of its own), it was also engaging and filled with suspense. With all these wonderful effects that were effectively put together, how could you not be thrilled? I love how the two characters defied gravity just to prove their love for each other. Neither the law nor the universe were amenable with their relationship, but they never wavered to fight for their love. Ultimately, love conquers all. And yes, it happens in real life.

Of course, the cinematography was superior. The process of combining two worlds through various amazing shots and angles must had been arduous and meticulous. When scenes showed two or more people from opposing worlds communicate with each other, I couldn't help but stay glued on the screen. I must be very entertained by these particular scenes. This aspect of the film made it really unique. Like when the main characters were still teenagers, Adam would throw a rope up towards Eden, who was from the world above him. She would then catch the rope and tie it around her waste. Then Adam would pull her down just to be closer to her and so that he could kiss her. How sweet was that?

Indeed, this movie isn't geeky at all. Yes, it has Science and stuff but definitely, it has love, which is the greatest value one can impart to others.

Movie Review: One Day by Lone Scherfig

The movie, One Day, starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess was a really touching yet shocking film that tackles the fight for true love and true friendship. It shows how enduring real romance can be and how it can keep the people involved going in life despite the difficulties they face.

Anne is playing the role of Emma, a writer who fell in love with a college friend, Dexter ( portrayed by JimSturgess), a tv host who ended up doing working in a buddy's restaurant after his career slowed down. 

Their story started when the two slept together one night after their college graduation. Since then, they agreed to meet each other every 15th day of July to see their progress in their individual lives.

Movie Review: The Help by Tate Taylor

Racism. This is the main issue addressed by the film, The Help, as a whole. Directed by Tate Taylor, the movie tells a story about a fresh college graduate named Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan (played by Emma Stone) who is about to jumpstart her career as a writer by moving back to her hometown, determined to publish her own book. She chronicles about how the black women working as maids in their place were inhumanely treated by their white American households.

The movie gained a lot of recognition in the Academy Awards including Best Supporting Actress for Octavia Spencer and a nomination for Best Picture.

The film is witty in its interpretation of how some black Americans hesitantly fight for their rights and how some of them courageously face the insults of the white citizens. The serious but entertaining plot flows well and is easy to comprehend. The stories of the black maids who are being discriminated are presented in a way that you will empathize and feel for them.

I admire how the camera unpretentiously captures the sophisticated yet dramatic environment of the movie. The costumes are nicely tailored such that it realistically reflect the film’s era.

Almost all the characters have made an impact on me since each of them offers something unique and interesting on the table. Undeniably, the actors are effective in their performances as they honestly bring to life the qualities and actuations of their roles.

The Help is a must-see film since it helps us recall how big the problem of racism was at the past. It makes us realize how we must treat each other with love and respect regardless of our color, gender, or status in the society.

Movie Review: Boy Pick-up

Nonsense pick-up lines. Gangster look. Pouty lips. Combine all these with the confident and gutsy attitude and what you get is the famous character in tv today – Boy Pick-up. Adding to his popularity is his new film, Boy Pick-up the Movie, which tells a bit of his life background.

The film showcases the improved acting chops of Solenn Heussaff who plays the love interest of Boy Pick-up ( played by actor and singer Ogie Alcasid). Betong and Maey of Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Edition are also given supporting roles to reveal their comic antics on the big screen. Diego and Boy back-up (played by Eri Neeman) are two of my favorites as to making me laugh on my seat. They can actually pull off funny scenes effortlessly especially the act where they share a lollipop with one another. Yucks! Haha… LiliaCuntapay, the staple extra in horror films, is also given an important character as the mother of Boy Pick-up. She has delivered her short role truthfully.

The movie is entertaining and can tickle you with some of the intended senseless scenes but I can’t deny the fact that other parts are corny. I hope the film has emphasized or has given exposure to the pick-up battle scenes more since these parts are the ones the audience are looking forward to watching. The plot isn’t really strong or attributed with an in-depth twist but such weak point is concealed by good acting. Dennis Trillo is absorbed in his role as the angsty and revengeful Bagwis, the film’s antagonist . Pepe Smith is a natural as he plays “Master”, the trainor of Boy Pick-up. Of course, Ogie Alcasid has proven how talented he is as he brings to life the main character.

I like the cinematography of the film since it is packed with symbolisms which will make you think for a while with what they stand for. These symbolisms such as the toy duck blowing bubbles are incorporated to add weight to the personality of Boy Pick-up. Maybe, some scenes are intended to be senseless and exaggerated to reflect how idiosyncrasy can sometimes mean genius.

If you want a feel-good funny and entertaining film that would relieve your stress on a weekend, Boy Pick-up the Movie is the right choice. Take your chips with you, sit on a comfy chair, and enjoy Pinoy humor you sure will have a connection with. I know you can’t get Boy Pick-up but with his attitude and oomphy delivery, you’ll absolutely root for him.

Thoughts on the film, I Do Bidoo Bidoo

I watched the movie,  I DO BIDOO BIDOO, and  found it cool, very pinoy, and entertaining. Though I thought the musical’s storyline was so simple, the scoring, choreography, and the cinematography were totally amusing and creative.       

The two actors, Sam Concepcion (playing Rock Polotan) and Tippy Dos Santos (playing Tracy Fuentebella), on whom the story revolved were perfect for their roles since acting and singing wise, they were fantastic. Add to this the roster of respected personalities like Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, and the ever funny, Eugene Domingo who all did great jobs in helping the movie attain quality entertainment.       

  

All the characters in the film were attributed with special numbers showcasing their brilliant theatrical skills.      The seemingly Romeo and Juliet plot was given a new flavour through its incorporation of Filipino values and culture. It presented the common predicaments Filipino families face such as the unshakeable social expectations that were difficult to bend.         

The movie featured the iconic music of APO Hiking Society arranged in various unique renditions. I personally liked the most the “namamanhikan” scene wherein the dancing, singing, and hilarious acting were rolled into one.         

Produced by TV 5, I Do Bidoo Bidoo, is written and directed by Chris Martinez.

Hungry for Hunger Games

          I totally enjoyed watching The Hunger Games. I mean, my eyes were totally hooked on the screen the whole time I was viewing it. The thrill, excitement, action, romance, and the drama were well combined to give us the entertainment that we need. I'm a fan now of director Gary Ross.

          The cinematography was styled to be creatively shaky, making me reminisce of Hitler's time. Special effects were carried out satisfactorily. I also liked the music, especially the mellow ones. The clothing worn by the people in District 12 were well-crafted, its simplicity the total opposite of the extravagant, histrionic fashion people wore in the Capitol. The main actors, Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen) and Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark)  were good in their performances since you will empathize in their pitiful situation and fall in love as well with the romance blooming between them.

          There were also a lot of quotable lines that the actors in the film had uttered. I can't wait to watch the next sequel. Will Peeta eventually win the heart of Katniss eventhough the game was over? Or will Katniss find real love in her close friend, Gale Hawthorne (played by Liam Hemsworth)? 

         Though the film was entertaining, I guess kids should still be guided when they watch the film because it has a lot of sensitive action scenes like teenagers killing one another just to survive in the game. The film was a based on the novel of the same title which was authored by Suzanne Collins. According to wikipedia.com, she had said in an interview that the book tackles on severe poverty, starvation, oppression and the effects of war among others.

My Cactus Heart: Fight for Love

          Is fate really happening? Are some things here on Earth bound to come true no matter how hard you try to avoid them? These are the questions I ask my curious self after watching the movie, "My Cactus Heart".

          It starred Maja Salvador (Sandy), Matteo Guidicelli (Carlo), and Xian Lim (Benedict). The rom-com story revolved around Sandy, who, straight from the beginning of the movie, was the one narrating her own fairy tale to her co-workers in an animation production company in which Benedict was the head. 

          It started when Sandy, then a typical high school student,  wrote something in her artwork that one day, she may find her soul mate. In a music store, she placed her work inside the whole of a guitar, hoping that the person who would buy the instrument would find it and be her "the one".

          However, due to the plight of her parent's relationship (Her dad left the family for another woman and whenever he sporadically visits them, the ending was just a fight between her parents), she resolved not to fall in love. 

           Here came Carlo. Living a hard up life, he was a singer in a band who earned additional income by working under the catering business of Sandy's Family. As the family prepared for one event, Carlo fell head over heels towards Sandy who entered the scene with her beautiful hair gracefully blown by the wind. Eventually in the story, Sandy was feeling the same way for Carlo yet she was in denial.

           In the office she's working in, boss Benedict was courting her and just to forget about her feelings on Carlo, she entertained the former. Seeing Sandy with Benedict breaked Carlo's heart. How could he compete with this rich man when he's just a singer of an unpopular band and was not yet established in his career? Benedict knew that Sandy loved another man and so, she freed her to be with that guy. 

          Carlo was so ecstatic when he received a call that his band was accepted to perform abroad. Sandy, devastated by the feeling of always being left behind by the people she cares for, confessed to Carlo a lie: she does not love him. Eventhough it was hard for Sandy to see Carlo leave the country for his music, she eventually accepted it, believing true love can happen.  She rushed to catch Carlo in his house before he leaves. Yet he was not there. Instead, what she saw was a broken guitar and inside it was the artwork she had made when she was still in highschool. In the end,  she fought for her love for Carlo since she knew, no matter what the circumstances were, he was her soul mate.
           The movie was funny, heartfelt, and incorporated with bits of life's realities. The cinematography was artistically simple yet brilliant. The actors were good. Thanks for the additional acting prowess of Rosanna Roces and Ricky Davao. Some actors weren't really given enough exposure to showcase their abilities like JM De Guzman. Sandy's gay brother in the movie was undeniably funny but needed to be more natural. Some scenes in the latter part of the film surprised me yet it didn't really affect the main characters' situation in the end. Overall, I liked the movie.

           So, does fate really occur? I guess, yes. Yes for those people who fight for it to happen. Yes for those who have the courage to fulfill their heart's desires and prevent personal conflicts from devouring them.  Yes for those who believe in the magic of love.

Movie Review: The Last Song

          If there’s a film that spoke of forgiveness and second chances, “The Last Song” would be one of the top contenders. It was deeply moving that it brought me to tears as the movie was about to finish.

         There were two instances in Veronica “Ronnie” Miller’s (Miley Cyrus) life that made her resolve her conflict with her father Steve Miller (Greg Kinear): One was finding love in the arms of an independent, popular young man named Will (Liam Hemsworth)  and second was her discovery of her father being critically ill. These events made Ronnie to open her heart once more to music, the one thing she and her father passionately shared since she was young. As a kid,  she was a super talented piano player but as her parents divorced, she formed a deep grudge and hurt towards her father, completely forgetting her almost superior gift.

          Similar to the other movie adaptations of Nicholas Sparks’ novels, “The Last Song”, directed by Julie Anne Robinson, was surely heart-warming yet instilled with a tragedy that turned the story into a twist which would meet its dramatic, tear-jerking conclusion. Yes, tears. I guess it is not Nicolas Sparks if you have not experienced shedding some in the film’s duration. Maybe, there was a hint of predictability since one may generalize that the author’s stories are composed of dying major characters.

          I guess Miley Cyrus did a good job in her acting here but I cannot help but get distracted with her pouty lips that she was sporting throughout the film. I don’t know if it was just part of her character’s appearance or if it was just a natural thing. But of course, that didn’t bugged me. She was effective in the portrayal of her role in which I was focused into.

          I think the relationship between the daughter and father could have been highlighted more. Maybe a little bit of flashback on their past happy memories together would do. If I was exposed to their former closeness, I could have been more affected in the later part where the two realized that they only had a limited time left to be with each other. Aside from Miley, the other actors were commendable in their acting.

         The music was actually nice that I even downloaded some of the film’s tracks. The shots were just right– not too complex to blow your head away and not too plain that it would bore you, just perfect for a touching story which would push you too reflect after the credits were shown. And yes, I loved the set-up. There’s the cosy house facing the cool beach, the humungous aquatic zoo, the romantic gazebo surrounded by a grassy lake, and many more.  For those who have rocky relationships with their families or significant others, this film might just be the right wake-up call.

New Year's Eve Movie

          I have lots of giggles as well as tears as I watched the movie, New Year's Eve, which was directed by Garry Marshall, who was also the man behind the film, Valentine's Day. 

          Akin to the latter, New Year's Eve followed the same formula on how the plot evolved with all its individual characters being interconnected with one another in the film's conclusion. Since it was participated with several actors, the story didn't have the luxury to focus on character development. However, I believe that the film pulled enough effort to add substance to each cast so as not to bore audience with their personalities. What's important was that it delivered effectively its message to the viewers about the meaning of New Year- reconciliation, love, and positivity.  

          I was touched with how Claire Morgan (Hilary Swank) quitted her stressful job as the vice president of the Times Square Alliance, rushing to the hospital to be with his dying father whose wish was to see the ball drop one last time.

          I was also impressed by how delivery man Paul (Zac Efron) granted the wish list of Ahern Records secretary Ingrid (Michelle Pfieffer) who  had just quitted her job after being denied with a vacation by her boss. One of her wishes was to visit Bali, Indonesia. Though seemed impossible, Paul fulfilled it by treating her into a nearby spa with a Bali-like ambience.  Ingrid was so overwhelmed as she experienced each of her goal came into reality before the new year.

          I also loved the part where expectant parents Griffin (Seth Meyers) and Tess (Jessica Biel)  competed with another couple, James (Til Schweiger) and her pregnant wife Grace (Sarah Paulson), for a bonus to be awarded by the hospital for the family of the first child born in new year. Though Tess had the baby out first, Griffin decided to just offer the prize to James and Grace whom he discovered had three kids.  And that’s the spirit of new year – selfless giving!

          Teenagers were also well represented in this movie. Kim’s (Sarah Jessica Parker) teenage daughter Hailey (Abigail Breslin) wanted to spend her new year at the Times Square with her clique and boyfriend Seth (Jake T. Austin). Kim won’t allow this because she was afraid of losing her child after fighting hard to get her custody from her ex-husband. However, this treatment was bottling up Hailey who decided to oppose her mom and went straight to Times Square where she surprisingly spotted Austin being kissed by a girl. Hurt, Hailey turned back and saw her mom whom she tightly hugged  thereafter. This scene was a simple tearjerker.

          All in all, I can say that the movie is inspiring and timely. Christmas and New Year are seasons that remind us to love and forgive - - a time to start anew and value the relationships we share with others. Indeed, the most important gift that we can ever receive aren’t the material things but the joy of letting others feel how much we care for them. This film tells us to put aside all our anger, hurt, and despair, instead, nurture in us the effort to make others happy. And yes, it is never too late. The power to spread our love across the universe is within our hands. Let us not allow our pride to suck out the peace in our hearts. No amount of power, riches, or fame can be paralleled to a peaceful soul and heart. This wonderful message has been effectively delivered and etched by this film towards its audience.

Movie Review: The Art Of Getting By

         Ang mga kabataan, lalung-lalo na yung mga teeneydyer, ay dumadaan sa punto ng buhay kung saan mas nangangailangan sila ng pag-unawa, pag-gabay, at suporta mula sa kanilang mga magulang at sa iba pang mas nakatatanda. Ito na siguro ang kritikal na pinagdadaanan ni George Zinavoy (dinadala ni Freddie Highmore) , ang pangunahing tauhan sa pelikulang “The Art of Getting By”.

          Dahil sa mga problemang kinakaharap ni George, gaya ng kawalan ng atensyon ng ina nito sa kanya at ang pagmamaliit sa kanya ng kanyang ama-amahan, naging mabigat at hindi mabuti ang epekto nito sa kanyang pagkatao. Ito’y naging hadlang sa kanyang pag-aaral at pakikisalamuha sa iba.

          Para kay George, lahat naman daw ng tao ay nabubuhay ng mag-isa at namamatay din ng mag-isa. Tayo raw ay nabubuhay sa isa lamang  ilusyon. Ba’t pa raw siya magtitiyaga at magpapakahirap kung alam niyang lahat tayo ay pareho lang naman ang kahihinatnan? Ito ay ipinahayag ng kanyang karakter sa pagbukas ng naturang pelikula. Dahil sa paniniwala niyang ito, makailang ulit na siyang pinapunta sa opisina ng principal. Ang masaklap pa, sisibakin siya kapag hindi niya naipasa ang lahat ng kanyang mga requirements na lubhang lampas na sa deadline.

          Mapag-isa at malalim mag-isip si George. Mabuti na lang at nakahanap siya ng kaibigan sa katauhan ni Sally Howe (dinadala ni Emma Roberts). Umusbong ito sa komplikadong pagmamahalan na dala rin mismo ng kabataan.  May mga isyung personal din si Sally  na maaaring nagmula sa paghihiwalay niya sa kanyang ama noong musmos pa lamang siya. Siguro’y kanyang pinupuno ang kulang sa kanyang katauhan sa piling ni George.

          Sa sitwasyong kinahaharap ng mga teeneydyer na mga ito, napagtanto ko na kinakailangan ng mga kabataang ito na maimulat sa mga katotohanan sa buhay at tulungan sila kung paano harapin ito. May mga problema o “stressor” na lubos na mabigat sa kanilang kakayahan, datapwat, importante na sila’y pakinggan, pagtuunan ng pansin, at tulungan sila sa mga bagay-bagay na gumugulo sa kanilang isipan. Dapat din silang tulungan pagyamanin ang kanilang mga talento at huwag maliitin ang kanilang mga mithiin sa buhay, maliit man o malaki.

          Kaparis ni George, ang pagpansin ng kanyang ina sa kakayahan niyang magpinta at ang paglaan nito ng oras sa anak kahit sa simpleng kwentuhan man lang ay siyang naging motibasyon ng bida upang tapusin ang kanyang mga requirements sa paaralan upang siya’y makatapos ng sekondarya.

          Simple lang ang sinematograpiya ng pelikula dahil wala naman itong halong kaartehan. Gayunpaman, makawiwili itong tingnan at nakukuha ng kamera ang mensaheng sinisikap na ipahayag ng kwento. Ang bawat karakter ay may sariling mga isyu. Hindi lamang idiniin lahat ang enerhiya sa bida sapagkat maaantig ka rin sa mga istorya ng iba pang mga tauhan. Natural ang kanilang pag-arte. Ang daloy ng kwento ay payak ngunit tagos sa puso sapagkat naglalarawan ito sa realidad ng buhay lalung-lalo na sa mga kabataan.

          Ang “The Art of Getting By” ay isa na namang nakaka-inspire na pelikulang nag-uudyok sa atin na huwag magpadaig sa mga problema, sa halip, patuloy lang nating mahalin ang ating mga kapwa habang inaabot ang ating mga pangarap.

Breaking Dawn Part 1 Film Review

          Finally, I’ve watched Breaking Dawn Part 1 and it totally was the finest of all the Twilight movie installations I’ve ever seen. The flow of the scenes were amusingly engaging, captivating the hearts and minds of the viewers with the unique and mysterious love triangle of Edward, Bela, and Jacob.

            The film’s plot focuses on the marriage of Edward and Bela and the risky pregnancy of the latter. The fast growing infant inside Bela’s uterus saps out her physiological health, weakening her bones and seemingly sucking her blood as well. The wolf pack, on the other hand, wants to kill the Cullen family including the newborn baby of Bela since this is the only way for their bloodline to survive. However, Jacob, being loyal to Bela eversince, won’t allow this to happen and separates from the pack. We see how Bela loses her life for her baby and how Edward desperately wants her other half to survive by injecting her with his venom and biting her on almost every part of her already cold body.

          I really love the movie’s musical scores since it well complemented the mood of each scene, making me connect more to the drama or action being presented.

          The special effects were brilliant most especially during the heart-pounding fighting scenes between the vampires and the wolves. I was taken aback by Belas’ emaciated physical appearance during her pregnancy. It looked absolutely true that it made me think Kirsten Stewart starved herself in real life.

          The cinematography was pleasing to the eyes. It superiorly took every angle in the most creative technique. Some shots were simple yet visually lovely.

          Taylor, Kirsten, and Rob had naturally stretched their acting abilities in this installation because some conflicts required intense, deeper emotions.

          The settings were admirable especially with the frequent views of beaches and lush forests. The place (off coast Brazil) where the main couple spent their honeymoon was really a dreamland. It really reflected how big time Cullens were.

        Though the movie was very “bitin”, it effectively allured me to look forward to the next part. I hope there would be more adrenaline-rushing twists and revelations that will leave us in awe. Director Bill Condon must have sweated out all his creative juices in this romantic yet action-packed movie.

Lovi Poe and Paulo Avelino are the Hottest Abuwaks on Earth

         The horror movie, Aswang, directed by Jerrold Tarog, stars the two of the hottest stars in show business, Lovi Poe and Paulo Avelino. It tells the story about a barangay haunted by man-eating creatures called Abuwaks, the type of aswangs that can abruptly transform into “bayawaks” that crawl underground or into “uwaks” that eerily fly up in the sky, searching for flesh to feed on.
         Lovi Poe is Hasmin who, unknown to the people in the barangay, is one of the most powerful Abuwaks destined to marry Apo, the seemingly invincible leader of their community. Unlike the other Abuwaks, she does not want to hurt or prey on ordinary human beings. Apo has condemned and killed her parents because of this very belief.
         However, Paulo Avelino as Daniel gets into the scene when He, together with fellow assassins, Niña Jose and Marc Abaya, search for the two kids (Albie Casiño and Jillian Ward ) who have escaped in their torturous hands. Out of gas, the kids reach a haunted rural barangay where they are unluckily followed by the notorious syndicates.
        The children, being chased by the killers, will be safe under the guidance of Hasmin and the reluctant killer, Daniel, who falls in love with the former. He would risk everything just to free the beautiful Abuwak from Apo’s captivity.
        The special effects in the film are believeable. The way how Abuwaks turn into their animal versions and how they burst out from the soil seem artistically real. No doubt, the film presents how local cinema can be parallelled to that of hollywood movies in terms of visual tricks.
        The costumes, more particularly the prosthetics applied on the Abuwaks are fine and meticulously done but they do not really scare me. Maybe because I’ve seen such gross images many times already in some movies that they have appeared generic on my eyes.

        The sound effects are satisfactory and appropriate but It do not really make me jump off my seat. What I love though is the cinematography and how it creatively flashbacks past events in the characters’ lives. It also magnificently captures the beauty of the plains and forests. The scene where Paolo Avelino chases Lovi Poe in the woods reminds me of Twilight. The part seems cheesy but it has a cool effect amidst the gloominess happening around the place.

        Antagonist Marc Abaya entertains me with his funny antics. Niña Jose is just one hot killer. Lara Quigaman and Joem Bascon’s characters as Abuwaks integrate the entire story.

        The film is a good watch since it tackles on the cultural belief of Filipinos regarding Aswangs. As children, most of us are totally scared when we are teased on being followed by an aswang as a form of discipline adults applied on us just so we will act properly. Until now, we can hear stories of aswangs living in some secluded barangays that continue to live with humans. We hear that they can turn into cats, dogs, or whatever animal they can disguise themselves into. The film is a good representation of this belief. Nevertheless, it shows the real meaning of peace – that behind the differences between the creatures God created, it is in loving one another that will bring us to ultimate prosperity.

Film Review: No Other Woman

          Killing script. Relateable story. Hot actors. All-out drama. These are the ingredients comprising the movie, “No Other Woman”, making it click to the Filipino audience. Anne Curtis, needless to say, even promoted her movie by doing a chant with the madlang people in Showtime that goes like this at the end “….kiss me and don’t ever fall in love with me…No Other Woman (in a husky voice)…Showtiiime.” The whole studio just laughed after that. Following Curtis’ crazy antics, who wouldn’t?

            And how relateable can the film get.  As I was watching it in the big screen, I even heard a woman sitting behind us empathizing on the plight of Sharmaine (played by Cristine Reyes). Maybe because like the character, her husband or boyfriend is also having an affair with another woman. “Men like him (pointing to Derek Ramsay’s character, Ram) should really be crushed and trampled to death,” she bitterly said.

            I understood how he hated Derek’s role so much. With a mistress like Cara (played by Anne Curtis) persistently seducing your husband, you, the rightful wife, will absolutely fire up to the highest level. Curtis portrayed her role very well- stubborn, irritating, pushy, wicked. Her fearless eyes emanate greed and ambition the moment she looks at Cristine. Her pouty lips, sizzling voice, and suggestive body language were effectively executed to show how desperate she was to put Derek into her trap. I guess her acting prowess stood up from the rest of the actors in the film.

            I liked how Cristine did her job as the conservative housewife as her character diametrically oposed that of Anne. She wears fine Sunday dresses and she always carries a down-to-earth and timid facial expression. I loved how she pulls off her killer lines towards Anne. This added humor to very serious scenes.

            I also admire how Derek Ramsay showcased his mature acting ability in the film. It’s a good thing he proved he is not only equipped in taking off his shirt since he sure displayed the actor in him in this movie.

            “That’s impossible to happen in reality,” commented the woman at my back as the movie concluded. Bitter much? Maybe hers is not a happy ending. Maybe she has not yet forgiven the man who has hurt her. Or she could be right – that not all absurdities work out well in the end. But I guess, the film tells us this message: Forgiveness can change lives for the better if we only give it a try to courageously forgive.

While the Time with Horrible Bosses

           Horrible Bosses, a film directed by Seth Gordon, is adrenaline rush! It is energetically a mixture of comedy, action, and a bit of suspense. You can just laugh your heart out on your seats as you follow the three main guys fight and bicker one another as they investigate on how they can pull off a clean strategy of killing their arrogant bosses.

          Take for example Dale (played by Charlie Day), who,  after saving  Mr. Harken’s life (played by Kevin Spacey) from an allergic reaction to nuts  by continuously injecting him with the syringe the latter was bringing in his pocket, realized it was a stupid mistake. Dale’s two buddies, Nick (played by Jason Bateman) and Kurt (played by Jason Sudeikis) , were pretty disappointed with him because at first, their goal is to dispatch their bosses. Mr. Harken is Nick’s boss who never promotes him despite the former’s promise to upgrade his position as long as he works before sunrise and after sunset. Nick was so angry towards Mr. Harken because he was called in his office just for being a minute late, blackmailing him so he can’t quit. Well, for Dale, we can’t blame him for giving Mr. Harken another chance to live. He doesn’t personally know him and he was just being nice to a stranger who needs emergency help.

          I loved Jennifer Aniston’s portrayal of the lusty maneater dentist, Dr. Julia Harris DDS, Dale’s boss who always seduces him despite her knowledge that Dale is already engaged to someone.  She was really convincing  for you can really get irritated by the way she uses  Dale as the object of her sexual fantasies. One time, she took pictures of her and Dale appearing they were having sex when Dale was in deep sleep due to the anaesthesia she has given for his tooth extraction.

          Colin Farrel was also a plus point in this film. He plays the role of Kurt’s boss, Bobby Pellitt, the inheritor of his deceased father’s chemical factory business. Pellitt is an ultimately mischievous boss, sniffing cocaine, sleeping with prostitutes, and manipulating Kurt, the manager of the company, to fire even the dedicated workers just because of their disabilities that don’t really affect their work. Farrel’s physical appearance in the film is way different from the usual heroic, knight in shining armour roles he has played in most of his movies. His hair is thinning, his forehead is as wide as the back of the casserole, and his upper body is too narrow for his bulging belly.  He totally showed  how flexible he was when it comes to roles.

          The three main characters, although unfamiliar to me, made me smile towards their chemistry. They just compliment well each other despite their obviously distinctive personalities. For this, their friendship and bonding in the film came out more realistic. Nick is more of the silent and serious one. Dale is one hyperactive guy.  Kurt fools around attractive women most of the time.

          There are many elements added in the movie which allowed it to raise the comically adventurous vibe higher. One is the car’s direction monitor that actually talks as if you’re conversing to a true person. Its voice sounds like an Arabian man. The device can also record sounds for a certain amount of time. In fact, it has an important role in solving the main mystery in the film.

          Bored? This movie is just the right solution to while away time.