Movie Digest # 044

IRON MAN
Power Plant, Cinema 3, May 5, 7:55pm

An honest-to-goodness, Gen Y pleaser popcorn film. As compared to other superhero movies, this one is less glossy and has another take on how a hero is made. Script is well written, unpretentious and appealing to modern-day moviegoers. The indie film-like cinematography is a plus, as well as its acting with just the right blend of CGI.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who are working for the company that provided the film’s software.

SPEED RACER
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2, May 8, 7:45pm

There’s a 50-50 chance that you’ll like/dislike this film. First, the film is done by the same directors who gave us the phenomenal “Matrix” trilogy. According to them, they wished to have something for their nieces and nephews and I believe the purpose is well served with “Speed Racer”. Or maybe not. For an eye candy film, it is too talky and kids may find it boring (except for some action scenes greatly attributed to Japanese cinema). CGI-wise, the Wachowski Brothers give the movie buffs something new to feast on. On personal note: they should have picked a better lead actor. Too bad, the film flopped at the tills, for it deserves a wider audience.

Friends who might appreciate it: those whose name is not Rain.

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS
Siam Paragon (Bangkok), Cinema 4, May 12, 7:55pm

What to expect? Nothing. Just enjoy the ride. The film could serve as a commentary on marriage and commitment in a not so conventional way. But don’t take the film too seriously. It’s a Cameron Diaz film after all.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who think that there’s really something about Mary.

INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF CRYSTAL SKULL
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2, May 22, 10:15pm

That John Williams musical score alone makes the film worth watching. First, it reminds (sorry, text generation) me of my childhood days especially school breaks and circumcision period. Secondly, Ovaltine Power! Hey, I haven’t seen and tasted that chocolate drink lately. Do we still have that in the supermarket? Kidding aside, Spielberg succeeded in bringing back a lost generation of wholesome and old school filmmaking where CGI was not dominating yet. I was easily transported to the 80’s even from the opening scene and the experience was like watching a digitally remastered age-old film. So go and pick up your fedora and head to the nearest cinema as this film slashes like a whip. Just be prepared though for a “Close Encounter of the Third Kind”-like scene right before the film ends. Oooops.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who’ve seen Vic Sotto’s “Crocodile Jones: The Son of Indiana Dundee”.

SEX AND THE CITY
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, May 31, 4:30pm

Wow, for not a fan of SATC, the series, I was impressed. Basically, I like it being glossy. It compliments the other side of the dingy city with all the glitz and glamor hidden in every New Yorker woman’s high-heel shoes. The film’s weakness perhaps is the TV-feel like script. It is too talky and some twists and turns depend on, err, speaking lines. For instance, the wedding was called off primarily because of Samantha’s comment to Mr. Big. The same goes for other conflicts and resolution. Almost everything is fixed and destroyed by mere dialogues. Very un-film for a visual form. Just the same, it’s a must-see except for some cuts that were ruined by our dear MTRCB.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who are very much fascinated with New York (like myself).

21
Glorietta 4, Cinema 4, May 31, 8:00pm

Jim Sturgess (fresh from “The Other Boleyn Girl” and the visual feast “Across the Universe”), Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, a cameo with Benicio Del Toro. Powerhouse cast, indeed. But it’s a little more than that. For a film, it is complete. It has a basic script template with good build-up, planting, story telling, characterization and the like. Acting is also good. Kevin Spacey will always be Kevin Spacey (intelligent acting resurrected!) and the amateur Jim Sturgess made it a point not to be thrown out in every scene. Another plus is the fact that material is based on a true story that makes it more engaging and a little believable. I am not sure if you may call it a weak point but the film is done not to win Oscars or something that is to be taken by the critics seriously. It could be a good thing.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who are equally fascinated with Las Vegas (like myself).

CAREGIVER
Glorietta 4, Cinema 6, May 31, 10:30pm

As the cliché goes, if it’s from Star Cinema, it must be star cinematic (read: formula). “Caregiver” is no different. It has the usual melodrama, which by the way, is a staple in a Pinoy movie. It has Sharon Cuneta at her best self. It has a little travelogue (London is lovely, I don’t mind). And it has Chito Roño doing one of his tearjerker films. The salvation lies perhaps on how the story was resolved by giving tribute to hard-hitting and determined Pinays and letting women empowerment overshadow social and economic ill called overseas work. The film’s not really about caregivers or OFCs, it’s about self-respect, moving on and fighting for what you think is best for your self and your loved ones.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who remain fasinated with London (like myself).