Movie Digest # 038

THE KITE RUNNER
Glorietta 4, Cinema 4, March 3, 10:30pm

Well, if the book made me cry (it's the scene where Hassan and his "father" left Baba's place), the film did the same to me in the last part (right before the end credits). Both materials are too eventful which works for the book but not really in the film adaptation. Nagmukha tuloy masyadong Hollywoodized 'yung film. Nawala na 'yung mga nuisances and quiet moments n'ung libro. Good points go for the kite flying scene. Ang ganda ng angle d'un, nasa 'taas ang POV (ng camera). The story itself can please the audience. May kwento s'yang gustong ikwento at nagawa naman ito ng movie. Sayang lang at tinanggal ang isang eksena (tungkol kay Shorab bago makarating sa US) na pwedeng magpabigat pa sana sa pelikula.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who value friendship a lot.

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 4, March 5, 9:00pm

One of the best visually stunning films that I have seen in years. Kakaiba ang creative output at siguradong mae-entice ang MTV generation na panoorin at magustuhan ito. Nagustuhan ko rin, sa totoo lang. The only drawback for me is that the concept to create a film out of Beatles songs is too obvious. At times, masyado nang pilit not to mention that the storyline itself is too thin. Parang "Rent", parang "Hair". When it comes to concept, two musicals "Mama Mia" (soon to have a film adaptation) for Abba songs and "We Will Rock You" for Queen songs are comparable. Mas may effort lang ang "Mama Mia" dahil mas complicated ang plot nito tungkol sa isang dalagang ikakasal at gusto n'yang papuntahin ang tatay. Sa kasamaang palad ay hindi alam ng kanyang ina kung sino sa mga nakatalik n'ya ang totoong ama ng anak. Ang "We Will Rock You" naman ay tungkol sa isang binatang gustong nangangarap maibalik ang totoong "rock and roll".

Friends who might appreciate it: Judes and Lucies out there.