JUNO
Glorietta 4, Cinema 7, February 13, 8:25pm
Of course, I like it. This film is definitely a pleaser, a laugh-a-minute and engaging chick flick (or more appropriately, a woman’s film). Maybe it’s comparable to Hilary Swank films wherein the female protagonist holds the story on its balls and the character fares equally with the other gender. “Juno” is about a 16-year old girl named Juno who got pregnant by her best friend. The film tells her journey to young motherhood as she searches for perfect adoptive parents and her struggles with growing up and that thing called love. Every scene is executed with humor a la Jessica Zafra and that makes the main character’s difficulty bearable to watch (with a little help from its OST, of course).
Friends who might appreciate it: women!
THERE WILL BE BLOOD
Gateway, Cinema 4, February 17, 12:10pm
Artsy and alienating. I don’t understand the characters, mababa ang “relate factor”. The film itself is misleading. I thought it’s one of those giant Hollywood films in the tradition of “Citizen Kane” (read: Orson Welles films) and the like but it cruises a different sea. Akala ko pa naman, first time na gagawa ng non-artsy film si Paul Thomas Anderson (“Punch Drunk Love” and “Magnolia”) pero nasa kasibulan pa rin pala s’ya. As a film, I can guarantee that it’s well made. There’s a gigantic effort in cinematography, screenplay and most especially, in the acting department (one of the most effective acting ensemble for 2007).
Friends who might appreciate it: those who can explain the raining of frogs.
SELDA
Robinsons Galleria, IndieSine (Cinema 8), February 17, 4:30pm
Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos are undisputedly one of our better indie filmmakers. Their “Ilusyon” is a revelation (with Yul Servo and Jaycee Parker). Maganda ang visual/vision nila sa mga obra nila. For me, this is a major requirement for a film director. “Selda” is a winner in terms of that quality. Ang gaganda ng mga shots, piling pili ang mga angles. But as compared to their first film, this film is more eventful. We can dismiss the fact that it has a “Brokeback Mountain”-ish edge when it comes to capturing the angst of the lead characters. May ginto sa aktingan sina Emilio Garcia at Sid Lucero rito. Pwedeng palampasin ang comparison. OK rin na kilala ng mga filmmakers ang target audience nila. Hindi ito na-conceptualize para maging malaswa. Maging ang mga ultra conservative siguro ay mapapalampas ang mga maseselang eksena. Pero nakakalunod ang plot kung hindi man katanong-tanong ang logic nito. One of the scenes that “ruined” it all is the breakdown scene with Ara Mina. Saan nanggaling ang mga sinabi n’ya? Bakit bigla yata ang mga conclusion n’ya tungkol sa kanyang asawang si Sid Lucero? Oh, well. Hanggang sa susunod na lamang na Villaluna-Ramos film
Friends who might appreciate it: those who think that it is the Pinoy version of “Prison Break”.
THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD
Glorietta 4, Cinema 4, February 9, 4:00pm
So far, the best Oscar 2007-decorated film that I have seen. It’s both visually stunning and satisfying. Forget that Brad Pitt’s on it (he’s actually the film’s weakest link). His acting is very inconsistent (some are good and subtle though). Other than Mr. Pitt, the rest of cast delivers a series of acting highlights. Casey Affleck is on top of this in the scene where his relatives/friends poke fun at his Jesse James’ paraphernalia. Others also shine even with a short screening time. But wait, the film is not just an acting film. It tackles other issues like social cancer, identity and, of course, cowardice. For me, the best scenes are those executed after the assassination. That’s where the film starts to post questions to its viewers. Definitely a must-see.
Friends who might appreciate it: cowboys and photography buffs.
MY BIG LOVE
Glorietta 1, Cinema 4, February 27, 7:25pm
It’s funny that when Jade Castro, the director, did the critically acclaimed “Endo”, some were commenting that the film is too Star Cinematic. When he finally did a Star Cinema film, I now find it too un-Star Cinematic. The project tries to combine both the familiar elements of Pinoy rom-com and the magic of “Endo” (or indie films in general). This serves as the film’s strength and weakness. “My Big Love” is likeable for me when it makes an effort to create every tender scene so natural. No moving camera, no glossy cinematography, no Koreanovela-like female characters, etc. I can single out some scenes that are a work of genius. I particularly like the subtle confrontation scene between the two female lead characters. This is the part where Kristine asks Toni if she can have an item (a twisted fork) for keeps, which the latter rejects by getting it back. A frame follows it with Kristine on her way outside the building/gym. The scene spends less than a minute of screening time but it speaks a lot on Kristine’s dilemma. Film moments like that could work for those who appreciated “Endo” but not for those who are familiar with Star Cinema’s (or GMA Films’) previous takes on rom-com. They may find the film simple, a bit boring and anti-climactic. For me, this is the film’s down side. It’s indeed challenging to indie-fy the supporting characters of a dysfunctional family and friends, the too common plot, “chasing” scenes similar to stopping a wedding or catching a flight, etc. I would prefer it more if the filmmaker took side instead and not just balance the two opposing poles (mainstream and indie). Just the same, the efforts are there and should be credited.
Friends who might appreciate it: rom-comatics.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Tatlong Dula, Maraming Hilik
"SKIN DEEP" ng PETA
Muntik ko nang hindi maumpisahan ang dulang ito. Dasal ako ng dasal habang nasa taxi at napapamura na rin yata ako na ikinikibit-balikat lang ni manong driver. Eksaktong umuugong ang "Lupang Hinirang" n'ung kinukuha ko ang ticket ko at nagbabayad ng P110 na pamasahe. Nakakahiya sa aking mga officemates na sina Cat at Ge (na tila hindi naman inalintana kung late ba ako o hindi dahil kahit sila lang ay sapat na para sa 'sanlibo't isang dula). Sa madali't sabi ay naumpisahan namin ang musical. Tumalakay ito ng ilang usapin ukol sa plastic surgery, reality show at sekswalidad. Naihalo nang maayos ang material na isang dark comedy sa mga radio-friendly na piyesa nina Vincent de Jesus at Lucien Letaba. Madaling masundan ang mga awit o aria na makapal sa melody. May ilang katunog ang areglo at komposisyon ng mga awit mula sa "Zsazsa Zaturnnah" pero puwede na itong palampasin. Sa mga mumunting istorya ng mga karakter dito, nangingibabaw ang pagbabagong anyo ng isang misis na merong closet queen na mister mula sa pagiging Plain Jane hanggang sa pagiging isang ganap na lalake. Napaka-disturbing at mapaghamon sa moralidad. May kakaibang lungkot din ang istorya ng isang matrona na matapos ang pagkarami-raming retoke ay nais nang bumalik sa kanyang una at totoong anyo. Sa mga gumanap, stand-out si Mae Bayot na kapatid ni Lani Misalucha. Malinaw ang delivery at in character ang kanyang atake sa mga kanta. Mahusay rin ang timing n'ya sa comedy at epektibo s'ya sa mga madramang eksena. Hindi na kailangang sabihin pa pero hindi pa ako nagkakamali ng akala sa mga performance ni Robert Seña (maliban sa isang guesting dati sa concert ni Lea Salonga na nagmukha s'yang parang lasing). Ang iba ay may kanya-kanyang moment at wala namang ibang kapuna-puna (positibo man o negatibo). Ang mga dulang katulad ng "Skin Deep" ay tila isang dighay matapos ang isang masaganang paglamon: maingay, unethical at mabaho subalit mapagpalaya.
"HAKBANG SA HAKBANG" ng Tanghalang Ateneo
Isa itong Filipino translation ng dula ni Shakespeare na "Measure for Measure" sa panulat at direksyon ni Ron Capinding (kung hindi ako nagkakamali at lingid sa kaalaman ng nakararami, s'ya ang nagbitiw ng sikat na linyang "Jollibee Hongkong" para sa isang commercial n'ung mid-90's). Sa isang silid sa Gonzaga Building sa Ateneo ginawa ang pagtatanghal. Payak ang disenyo. Ang makikita sa gitna ng silid ay isang platform na may ilang baytang. Hinayaang tumagos ang sikat ng araw sa mga bintana at wala nang kung anu-ano pang palabok. Naalala ko lang na ganito siguro ang mga unang pagtatanghal ni Shakespeare sa mga palengke sa England noong unang panahon. Ang mga gumanap ay walang pangalan sa mundo ng local theater. Wala pa. Darating ang araw na ang mga bagitong mukhang nagsiganap sa dula ay ang mga susunod na Neil Ryan Sese at Irma Adlawan. Nakatulong ang Director's Notes sa program para lalo kong magustuhan ang dula. Ang pagsasalin pa lang, ayon kay G. Capinding, ay madugo na. Kinakailangan daw manatili ang porma, estilo at libog ni Shakespeare. Sa kalahatan, matino ang buong dula. Tumalakay ito sa pag-ibig at pagtatago ng sarili, na kung iisa-isahin ay madalas talakayin ng sumulat. Nai-deliver din nang maayos ang mga pagkahaba-habang linya. Malikot ang blocking at nakakatanggal ng antok ang ilang disco segment. Sa mga nagsiganap n'ung araw na 'yun (February 2), nagustuhan ko ang gumanap bilang Angelo na isang kontrabida. Tingin ko, sa mga kasabayan n'ya, s'ya ang nagmistulang hindi baguhan. May porma na ang kanyang pag-arte at kontrolado ang body language. Nakakaaliw rin kung paano nag-materialize ang libog na gustong ipahatid ng dula at kung paano ito binigyang anyo ng mga totoy at nene sa platform. Lumabas ako ng Ateneo lulan ng isang tricycle na may ngiti sa labi.
"HAMLET" ng Repertory Philippines
Ayon sa program, unang beses daw itong isasadula ng Repertory Philippines. Medyo nakakapagtaka. Siguro marahil ay piling pili lang ang mga tema na gusto nilang ipalabas at ang "Hamlet" ay isang tragedy. Sa pakulong ito ng Rep, sinubukan nilang i-deconstruct ang mga karakter na naka-tights. Sina Hamlet at ang buong hukbo ay tila na sa isang disyerto at pang-"Waterworld" o "Mad Max" ang kasuotan. Tinanggal na rin nila ang English accent pero nanatili ang orihinal na berso. Nakakabawas naman ito ng antok maliban kay Dr. Ricky Abad (na isang hurado para sa Aliw Awards?) na hindi ko sinasadyang makatabi. Sa unang 20 minuto pa lang ay naghihilik na s'ya na ikinabungisngis ng ilan sa paligid, hilik na climactic at hindi demure na hilik. Siniguro ko na lang na hindi ako ang pagbibintangan ng tao. Sa puntong ito ay natitiyak ko nang hindi nominado ang mga aktor sa dula o maging ang dula mismo para sa susunod na Aliw Awards. Malamang ay siniko s'ya ng kanyang katabing si Ms. Cora Llamas upang magising na hindi rin binigo ang sensibilidad ko. Nagkomento s'ya na hindi raw nakakatakot ang multo sa dula at wala raw emotional bonding ang ensemble (teka, di ba maraming monologues sa "Hamlet", bakit kailangan ng bonding?). Kinakabahan ako sa trahedyang kanyang isusulat para sa Philippine Daily Inquirer. Sa kabila ng lahat ng kabaliwan at bangungot, natapos ko naman ang dula. Mahuhusay ang mga gumanap pero parang nakulangan pa rin ako. Hindi ko alam kung bakit. Baka sakaling makuha ko ang sagot kapag nakatulog na ako nang mahimbing.
Muntik ko nang hindi maumpisahan ang dulang ito. Dasal ako ng dasal habang nasa taxi at napapamura na rin yata ako na ikinikibit-balikat lang ni manong driver. Eksaktong umuugong ang "Lupang Hinirang" n'ung kinukuha ko ang ticket ko at nagbabayad ng P110 na pamasahe. Nakakahiya sa aking mga officemates na sina Cat at Ge (na tila hindi naman inalintana kung late ba ako o hindi dahil kahit sila lang ay sapat na para sa 'sanlibo't isang dula). Sa madali't sabi ay naumpisahan namin ang musical. Tumalakay ito ng ilang usapin ukol sa plastic surgery, reality show at sekswalidad. Naihalo nang maayos ang material na isang dark comedy sa mga radio-friendly na piyesa nina Vincent de Jesus at Lucien Letaba. Madaling masundan ang mga awit o aria na makapal sa melody. May ilang katunog ang areglo at komposisyon ng mga awit mula sa "Zsazsa Zaturnnah" pero puwede na itong palampasin. Sa mga mumunting istorya ng mga karakter dito, nangingibabaw ang pagbabagong anyo ng isang misis na merong closet queen na mister mula sa pagiging Plain Jane hanggang sa pagiging isang ganap na lalake. Napaka-disturbing at mapaghamon sa moralidad. May kakaibang lungkot din ang istorya ng isang matrona na matapos ang pagkarami-raming retoke ay nais nang bumalik sa kanyang una at totoong anyo. Sa mga gumanap, stand-out si Mae Bayot na kapatid ni Lani Misalucha. Malinaw ang delivery at in character ang kanyang atake sa mga kanta. Mahusay rin ang timing n'ya sa comedy at epektibo s'ya sa mga madramang eksena. Hindi na kailangang sabihin pa pero hindi pa ako nagkakamali ng akala sa mga performance ni Robert Seña (maliban sa isang guesting dati sa concert ni Lea Salonga na nagmukha s'yang parang lasing). Ang iba ay may kanya-kanyang moment at wala namang ibang kapuna-puna (positibo man o negatibo). Ang mga dulang katulad ng "Skin Deep" ay tila isang dighay matapos ang isang masaganang paglamon: maingay, unethical at mabaho subalit mapagpalaya.
"HAKBANG SA HAKBANG" ng Tanghalang Ateneo
Isa itong Filipino translation ng dula ni Shakespeare na "Measure for Measure" sa panulat at direksyon ni Ron Capinding (kung hindi ako nagkakamali at lingid sa kaalaman ng nakararami, s'ya ang nagbitiw ng sikat na linyang "Jollibee Hongkong" para sa isang commercial n'ung mid-90's). Sa isang silid sa Gonzaga Building sa Ateneo ginawa ang pagtatanghal. Payak ang disenyo. Ang makikita sa gitna ng silid ay isang platform na may ilang baytang. Hinayaang tumagos ang sikat ng araw sa mga bintana at wala nang kung anu-ano pang palabok. Naalala ko lang na ganito siguro ang mga unang pagtatanghal ni Shakespeare sa mga palengke sa England noong unang panahon. Ang mga gumanap ay walang pangalan sa mundo ng local theater. Wala pa. Darating ang araw na ang mga bagitong mukhang nagsiganap sa dula ay ang mga susunod na Neil Ryan Sese at Irma Adlawan. Nakatulong ang Director's Notes sa program para lalo kong magustuhan ang dula. Ang pagsasalin pa lang, ayon kay G. Capinding, ay madugo na. Kinakailangan daw manatili ang porma, estilo at libog ni Shakespeare. Sa kalahatan, matino ang buong dula. Tumalakay ito sa pag-ibig at pagtatago ng sarili, na kung iisa-isahin ay madalas talakayin ng sumulat. Nai-deliver din nang maayos ang mga pagkahaba-habang linya. Malikot ang blocking at nakakatanggal ng antok ang ilang disco segment. Sa mga nagsiganap n'ung araw na 'yun (February 2), nagustuhan ko ang gumanap bilang Angelo na isang kontrabida. Tingin ko, sa mga kasabayan n'ya, s'ya ang nagmistulang hindi baguhan. May porma na ang kanyang pag-arte at kontrolado ang body language. Nakakaaliw rin kung paano nag-materialize ang libog na gustong ipahatid ng dula at kung paano ito binigyang anyo ng mga totoy at nene sa platform. Lumabas ako ng Ateneo lulan ng isang tricycle na may ngiti sa labi.
"HAMLET" ng Repertory Philippines
Ayon sa program, unang beses daw itong isasadula ng Repertory Philippines. Medyo nakakapagtaka. Siguro marahil ay piling pili lang ang mga tema na gusto nilang ipalabas at ang "Hamlet" ay isang tragedy. Sa pakulong ito ng Rep, sinubukan nilang i-deconstruct ang mga karakter na naka-tights. Sina Hamlet at ang buong hukbo ay tila na sa isang disyerto at pang-"Waterworld" o "Mad Max" ang kasuotan. Tinanggal na rin nila ang English accent pero nanatili ang orihinal na berso. Nakakabawas naman ito ng antok maliban kay Dr. Ricky Abad (na isang hurado para sa Aliw Awards?) na hindi ko sinasadyang makatabi. Sa unang 20 minuto pa lang ay naghihilik na s'ya na ikinabungisngis ng ilan sa paligid, hilik na climactic at hindi demure na hilik. Siniguro ko na lang na hindi ako ang pagbibintangan ng tao. Sa puntong ito ay natitiyak ko nang hindi nominado ang mga aktor sa dula o maging ang dula mismo para sa susunod na Aliw Awards. Malamang ay siniko s'ya ng kanyang katabing si Ms. Cora Llamas upang magising na hindi rin binigo ang sensibilidad ko. Nagkomento s'ya na hindi raw nakakatakot ang multo sa dula at wala raw emotional bonding ang ensemble (teka, di ba maraming monologues sa "Hamlet", bakit kailangan ng bonding?). Kinakabahan ako sa trahedyang kanyang isusulat para sa Philippine Daily Inquirer. Sa kabila ng lahat ng kabaliwan at bangungot, natapos ko naman ang dula. Mahuhusay ang mga gumanap pero parang nakulangan pa rin ako. Hindi ko alam kung bakit. Baka sakaling makuha ko ang sagot kapag nakatulog na ako nang mahimbing.
Movie Digest # 035
ONE MISSED CALL
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 5, February 4, 7:10pm
I’ve seen the original Japanese version last, last Sunday, just in time for the local screening of its Hollywood counterpart. My verdict: well, it’s 90% faithful when it comes to storyline, to the point of adapting the film frame by frame. The only difference perhaps is how the last killing was delivered right before the film ends. It’s a bit sanitized. Since this is a Hollywood version, expect some distracting CGI as applied in all the premonition scenes of the victims. The image is quite scary but not that believably scary. After the end credits (last frame is a celfone that keeps on ringing), I got a text message by mistake from Leah’s dad. It read, as per verbatim: “Naalaala ako kelan b ang libing ng father? Pedeng after ng libing k n lng pumasyal d2.” Now, that’s scary.
Friends who might appreciate it: Leah’s dad.
THE BUCKET LIST
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2, February 8, 7:35pm
Usual/formula Hollywood film. Hindi s’ya malalim at maayos ang resolution sa dulo kahit na sobrang bittersweet. Well, ganun talaga kapag death o medyo terminal ang topic (“A Walk to Remember”, “Tuesdays with Morrie”, “My Life”, etc.). I can say that the film’s a crowd pleaser. Gone are the artsy days of Jack Nicholson. Wala na rin naman s’yang kailangang i-prove as an actor. Some dramatic scenes are a bit OA (but hey, you can never go wrong with Mr. Nicholson, can’t you?). The film’s more of an actor’s film other than anything else. Medyo stagey rin ‘yung ilang eksena sa loob ng hospital since minimal ang characters at talky s’ya. Expect some bucket of tears, that’s for sure.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who wish to watch a film rather than catch any or our primetime soap operas.
ROXXXANE
Robinsons Galleria, IndieSine (Cinema 8), February 9, 1:20pm
Engaging, powerful, well made, a major surprise from an ace scriptwriter doing a directorial job. Jun Lana definitely pulls it off. He has the eye for visuals and the material is an old school, honest-to-goodness plot-oriented one. Not too artsy and definitely not too mainstream. Just the right mix, which is a rare accomplishment by any local writer-director we have today. Maybe it can get away with the double-triple frames a la Brian de Palma but the film tells and challenges the viewers on how technology affects our life. This is the information age when everybody has a piece of other people’s privacy, when voyeurism is cheap and sex, cheaper. A must-see.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who haven’t visited Robinsons Galleria for a long time.
THE DARJEELING LIMITED
Glorietta 4, Cinema 4, February 9, 4:00pm
Well, it’s about three brothers who underwent a healing of sort while traveling in India through a hotel slash train called “Darjeeling Limited”. Call that a road film but the movie is more than that. At one point, they have to experience a burial of a child to compensate to their own father’s that they missed to attend. This is comedy by the way, a signature deadpan comedy from Wes Anderson. As the critics say, it’s either you love or hate his films. Try catching the bonus short film before the actual film starts. There’s a half naked girl there called Natalie Portman.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who haven’t seen any Wes Anderson film.
CLOVERFIELD
Glorietta 4, Cinema 2, February 9, 6:30pm
Guess I have to agree that it’s one of the most exciting monster films from Hollywood for the last century. It’s clever, fresh and exciting. Of course, I just have to swallow the fact that you can still bring a video cam while being chased by a monster or while your friends are being killed. At least it gives us an idea that some old and borrowed materials can still be given a new look. It’s a directorial feat for me. I like the part where they go to a leaning building and the actors should appear as if they’re climbing uphill where in fact, it’s just a matter of right camera angle. It’s an old trick but it still works.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who were deceived by “The Blairwitch Project”.
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 5, February 4, 7:10pm
I’ve seen the original Japanese version last, last Sunday, just in time for the local screening of its Hollywood counterpart. My verdict: well, it’s 90% faithful when it comes to storyline, to the point of adapting the film frame by frame. The only difference perhaps is how the last killing was delivered right before the film ends. It’s a bit sanitized. Since this is a Hollywood version, expect some distracting CGI as applied in all the premonition scenes of the victims. The image is quite scary but not that believably scary. After the end credits (last frame is a celfone that keeps on ringing), I got a text message by mistake from Leah’s dad. It read, as per verbatim: “Naalaala ako kelan b ang libing ng father? Pedeng after ng libing k n lng pumasyal d2.” Now, that’s scary.
Friends who might appreciate it: Leah’s dad.
THE BUCKET LIST
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2, February 8, 7:35pm
Usual/formula Hollywood film. Hindi s’ya malalim at maayos ang resolution sa dulo kahit na sobrang bittersweet. Well, ganun talaga kapag death o medyo terminal ang topic (“A Walk to Remember”, “Tuesdays with Morrie”, “My Life”, etc.). I can say that the film’s a crowd pleaser. Gone are the artsy days of Jack Nicholson. Wala na rin naman s’yang kailangang i-prove as an actor. Some dramatic scenes are a bit OA (but hey, you can never go wrong with Mr. Nicholson, can’t you?). The film’s more of an actor’s film other than anything else. Medyo stagey rin ‘yung ilang eksena sa loob ng hospital since minimal ang characters at talky s’ya. Expect some bucket of tears, that’s for sure.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who wish to watch a film rather than catch any or our primetime soap operas.
ROXXXANE
Robinsons Galleria, IndieSine (Cinema 8), February 9, 1:20pm
Engaging, powerful, well made, a major surprise from an ace scriptwriter doing a directorial job. Jun Lana definitely pulls it off. He has the eye for visuals and the material is an old school, honest-to-goodness plot-oriented one. Not too artsy and definitely not too mainstream. Just the right mix, which is a rare accomplishment by any local writer-director we have today. Maybe it can get away with the double-triple frames a la Brian de Palma but the film tells and challenges the viewers on how technology affects our life. This is the information age when everybody has a piece of other people’s privacy, when voyeurism is cheap and sex, cheaper. A must-see.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who haven’t visited Robinsons Galleria for a long time.
THE DARJEELING LIMITED
Glorietta 4, Cinema 4, February 9, 4:00pm
Well, it’s about three brothers who underwent a healing of sort while traveling in India through a hotel slash train called “Darjeeling Limited”. Call that a road film but the movie is more than that. At one point, they have to experience a burial of a child to compensate to their own father’s that they missed to attend. This is comedy by the way, a signature deadpan comedy from Wes Anderson. As the critics say, it’s either you love or hate his films. Try catching the bonus short film before the actual film starts. There’s a half naked girl there called Natalie Portman.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who haven’t seen any Wes Anderson film.
CLOVERFIELD
Glorietta 4, Cinema 2, February 9, 6:30pm
Guess I have to agree that it’s one of the most exciting monster films from Hollywood for the last century. It’s clever, fresh and exciting. Of course, I just have to swallow the fact that you can still bring a video cam while being chased by a monster or while your friends are being killed. At least it gives us an idea that some old and borrowed materials can still be given a new look. It’s a directorial feat for me. I like the part where they go to a leaning building and the actors should appear as if they’re climbing uphill where in fact, it’s just a matter of right camera angle. It’s an old trick but it still works.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who were deceived by “The Blairwitch Project”.
OTOP Philippines: One Town, One Product
If you have time, try to visit the open-air food court at Market! Market! There's a couple of sari-sari store-looking stalls there selling native stuff. it's just beside Trellis and Seafood Market. The concept is like each stall has a region or province to represent, selling their distinct foods and wares. For instance, you can buy strawberry jam from "Baguio" while you can shop toy guitars at "Cebu".
The next time you go to Bacolod and happen to forget to buy a pasalubong for your girlfriend's mom, OTOP is as convenient as 7-11. Just be warned though that the jingle is really intoxicating.
OTOP Philippines: One Town, One Product. OTOP Philippines....
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Movie Digest # 034
SIKIL
Robinsons Galleria, IndieSine (Cinema 8), January 19, 12:20pm
I must agree with a fellow film buff that it’s the “Brokeback Mountain” era. Lots of gay-themed films (as opposed to lesbian films like “Rome and Juliet”, etc.) are being produced and, I think, they’re selling well. Last time I checked at the video section at SM, some straight-to-video films of the same genre are on display. One VCD will even teach you how to macho dance (whoa!). “Sikil” is no different. It is a gay film, written perhaps by a gay writer. It tells a story of two childhood friends, one is gay, the other, straight. Miss Gay has feelings for Mr. Straight. They grew up in the province, along with a third wheel (thank God, it’s a she), but later on parted ways as their fate unfolds. Both were eaten by the sex industry. The gay one became a porn actor while the other, into sex trade. They meet again and try to rekindle what was left off. Technically, the film is OK. Some shots, especially in the province, are cool and poetic (very Cuban). At least two or three scenes are promising when it comes to acting. The actress who played as the third wheel delivers the good stuff. I wish to see her on her next films. The film actually posts a question that is worthy of a debate: can a straight guy really make love to another man without shedding off his sexuality/masculinity?
Friends who might appreciate it: those who remain traumatic after MMFF 2007.
AMERICAN GANGSTER
Glorietta 4, Cinema 5, January 25, 3:50pm
This is definitely the must-see film for the week. It may be another post-“Training Day” Denzel Washington movie for some but it still delivers. There are two main characters in the film: a criminal and a police officer turned lawyer as played respectively by Denzel and Russel Crowe (they once had a match at the Oscars when the former stole the light from the latter’s effective portrayal in “A Beautiful Mind”). Ridley Scott of “Gladiator” and “Black Hawk Down” has matured enough to stitch two different stories of two interesting characters. This time, there’s no overwhelming fight scene and no fireworks whatsoever. What remains is a linear storytelling that keeps you glued on what’s going to happen next to the characters. The film is based on true events but it does not have the feel. It traces their beginnings and influences, to the point that you start to think and feel for them. You can’t help but empathize with the characters no matter which side you are in.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who wish that the “Miami Vice” remake has been this good.
CONDO
Robinsons Galleria, IndieSine (Cinema 8), January 26, 12:30pm
Promising sana ang gustong ibenta nitong pelikula, mga kwentong pinagtagpi-tagpi sa mata ng isang sekyu. Pero hindi rito nanirahan ang “Condo”, sinubukan pa nitong kumawala sa kung ano ang inaasahan sa kanya. Sa kasamaang palad, walang masyadong narating ang pagpipiglas nito mula sa usual o inaasahan. Ang pagdating ng isang “multo” ay idinirehe na tila isang suspense movie. Effective naman sa aspetong ito kaya’t kaabang-abang ang dulo na isa lang palang positibong premonisyon ng bida. Sayang. Ang ganitong materyal ay nagawa na sa “Signos” (na mas epektibo at eksahirado). Mahusay naman ang cast sa pangunguna ni Coco Martin. Ang mukhang manipis na karakter ng kanyang kasamahang sekyu ay pinakapal ni Arnold Reyes. May kakaibang presence si Diana Malahay pero walang masyadong naungkat tungkol sa kanyang karakter kaya hindi masyadong pumarada ang kanyang pagganap. Hindi ko masasabing pangit ang pelikula. Sa katunayan, aabangan ko ang susunod na gagawin ng mga gumawa nito.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who are about to view a model unit.
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 4, January 26, 7:30pm
Not another wholesome, formula film. Yeah, they’re cute.
Friends who might appreciate it: the nostalgic ones.
Robinsons Galleria, IndieSine (Cinema 8), January 19, 12:20pm
I must agree with a fellow film buff that it’s the “Brokeback Mountain” era. Lots of gay-themed films (as opposed to lesbian films like “Rome and Juliet”, etc.) are being produced and, I think, they’re selling well. Last time I checked at the video section at SM, some straight-to-video films of the same genre are on display. One VCD will even teach you how to macho dance (whoa!). “Sikil” is no different. It is a gay film, written perhaps by a gay writer. It tells a story of two childhood friends, one is gay, the other, straight. Miss Gay has feelings for Mr. Straight. They grew up in the province, along with a third wheel (thank God, it’s a she), but later on parted ways as their fate unfolds. Both were eaten by the sex industry. The gay one became a porn actor while the other, into sex trade. They meet again and try to rekindle what was left off. Technically, the film is OK. Some shots, especially in the province, are cool and poetic (very Cuban). At least two or three scenes are promising when it comes to acting. The actress who played as the third wheel delivers the good stuff. I wish to see her on her next films. The film actually posts a question that is worthy of a debate: can a straight guy really make love to another man without shedding off his sexuality/masculinity?
Friends who might appreciate it: those who remain traumatic after MMFF 2007.
AMERICAN GANGSTER
Glorietta 4, Cinema 5, January 25, 3:50pm
This is definitely the must-see film for the week. It may be another post-“Training Day” Denzel Washington movie for some but it still delivers. There are two main characters in the film: a criminal and a police officer turned lawyer as played respectively by Denzel and Russel Crowe (they once had a match at the Oscars when the former stole the light from the latter’s effective portrayal in “A Beautiful Mind”). Ridley Scott of “Gladiator” and “Black Hawk Down” has matured enough to stitch two different stories of two interesting characters. This time, there’s no overwhelming fight scene and no fireworks whatsoever. What remains is a linear storytelling that keeps you glued on what’s going to happen next to the characters. The film is based on true events but it does not have the feel. It traces their beginnings and influences, to the point that you start to think and feel for them. You can’t help but empathize with the characters no matter which side you are in.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who wish that the “Miami Vice” remake has been this good.
CONDO
Robinsons Galleria, IndieSine (Cinema 8), January 26, 12:30pm
Promising sana ang gustong ibenta nitong pelikula, mga kwentong pinagtagpi-tagpi sa mata ng isang sekyu. Pero hindi rito nanirahan ang “Condo”, sinubukan pa nitong kumawala sa kung ano ang inaasahan sa kanya. Sa kasamaang palad, walang masyadong narating ang pagpipiglas nito mula sa usual o inaasahan. Ang pagdating ng isang “multo” ay idinirehe na tila isang suspense movie. Effective naman sa aspetong ito kaya’t kaabang-abang ang dulo na isa lang palang positibong premonisyon ng bida. Sayang. Ang ganitong materyal ay nagawa na sa “Signos” (na mas epektibo at eksahirado). Mahusay naman ang cast sa pangunguna ni Coco Martin. Ang mukhang manipis na karakter ng kanyang kasamahang sekyu ay pinakapal ni Arnold Reyes. May kakaibang presence si Diana Malahay pero walang masyadong naungkat tungkol sa kanyang karakter kaya hindi masyadong pumarada ang kanyang pagganap. Hindi ko masasabing pangit ang pelikula. Sa katunayan, aabangan ko ang susunod na gagawin ng mga gumawa nito.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who are about to view a model unit.
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 4, January 26, 7:30pm
Not another wholesome, formula film. Yeah, they’re cute.
Friends who might appreciate it: the nostalgic ones.