Movie Digest # 007

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
Gateway Cineplex, Cinema 1, March 8, 9:50pm

Is it a tearjerker? Yes. Specially on a scene where Will Smith is just teary eyed and no words are uttered. Just his face on the frame. It is indeed the most powerful part of the film (and perhaps the culprit of an Oscar nomination for Best Actor). Did he use method acting here? Thanks to his son who appears natural most of the time. They’ve got good rapport. Little Will Smith has what it takes and indeed very, very promising. The film showcases the struggles of the main character and could be uneasy to bear. Mabigat sa dibdib. If you’re familiar with Steven Soderbergh’s works, then this film would not be that special in terms of filmmaking style. Regardless of that, I appreciate that the film is based on a true inspiring story.

Friends who might appreciate it: dads, Will Smith fans and those who prefer watching a non-glossy and semi-realistic hollywood film.

ROME AND JULIET
Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 8, March 10, 1:30pm

The film is very ambitious in concocting a taboo topic (like lesbianism) with a glossy (read: mainstream) filmmaking. In a nutshell, it isn’t bad. But I can’t say that it’s good. Maybe the problem is with the storyline. It has so much to tell. It’s not only an unconventioanal tale of two gorgeous women falling in love. It also hits on politics, poverty, poetry reading, girl thing, religion, stereotypical men, etc. Andami-daming inilagay na sa tingin ko ay hindi naman kailangan. Not to mention that some dialogues are off and flat. Ano ba talagang motibo ng gumawa nito? Maybe we should learn something from “Brokeback Mountain” by keeping it simple and quiet. But it’s a nice try though. And yes, there’s a steamy kissing scene between the two leads: Mylene Dizon and Andrea del Rosario (aside from the harutan in the shower room, complete with soap and everything).

Friends who might appreciate it: Austin Powers-wannabes.