Movie Digest # 023

THE INVASION
Glorietta 4, Cinema 7, September 3, 8:15pm

Well-made and entertaining. Hindi malalim at hindi nagpe-pretend na malalim. One good popcorn film. I can say that the editing is above average. Nakakaaliw ‘yung overlapping of scenes. And who can’t resist a Nicole Kidman film? She really looks beautiful in every frame. Mukha pa lang n’ya, achievement in cinematography na.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who love, err, zombie films.

CHOPSUEY
Glorietta 1, Cinema 1, September 5, 8:10pm

The film’s “claim to fame”: Piolo Pascual’s first indie film (as if it matters). “Chopsuey” is just OK, not good and not bad as well. It is actually well shot and photographed. The film’s main problem for me is the director’s inability to steer a good acting from the cast. Some scenes are too “eksena” and some, too amateurish and out of control (not the ensemble’s fault because they can deliver). I can also say that I have predicted the film’s ending. I was reminded of a Peque Gallaga film for GMA Telesine more than a decade ago. Gallaga’s material had the invalid mom played by Perla Bautista who doesn’t speak for a long time. In the middle of her children’s heated word fight, she screams her lungs out. In “Chopsuey”, it is the character played by Piolo who locks himself up in his room and stays there for months. It must be his way of escaping depression caused by a failed wedding with a runaway bride. His character anchored the three other characters from the house, his sisters. Three women, three stories, three struggles and three conflicts: a retelling of a dysfunctional family. The film ends, you guess it right, with Piolo coming out of his room and sharing a hearty breakfast with his three sisters.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who patronize San Mig coffee, Max’s, Timex, Centrum, BDO and Bench.

DISTURBIA
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2, September 10, 11:15pm

One small film that is good enough for a popcorn film. Acting is OK. Script is simple and yes, OK (if I can make a script similar to this then I’ll be happy). Suspense build-up is also OK. Hindi naman s’ya nakakabobo o ginagawang tanga ang mga manonood.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who’ve seen Shia LaBeouf in “Transformers”.