Movie Digest # 051

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, January 8, 7:05pm

The film’s first come-on is definitely the make-up and the CGI used in the film. Maybe a lot are curious about Brad Pitt’s physical transformation (which was done great, probably a frontrunner for Best Make-up and Costume). But it’s more than that. It’s a bold attempt to tell a story about time and how you make use of it. Except for the last frames, the film is just like any other Hollywood film (grand in scope, big budgeted, bankable actors). Its epilogue provides a thought-provoking experience, a notion that contradicts the whole point. My verdict: an Oscar nominee for Best Picture (though it will not win).

Friends who might appreciate it: those who crave for David Fincher films.

THE SPIRIT
Glorietta 4, Cinema 1, January 8, 10:25pm

I almost fell asleep with the film. Too talky (read: Tarantino kind of talky) for me for a film adapted from a graphic novel.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who expected a lot from “Sin City”.

CHANGELING
Power Plant, Cinema 2, January 15, 7:30pm

An eventful tale of mother’s journey to look for her missing son, set in 1920’s Los Angeles. Too eventful that you sometimes diss out the possibility that it was a true and documented story. Taking the film as a Clint Eastwood film, it is too dramatic for me (breakdown scenes are left and right) but could be effective as a tearjerker (which is expected for subjects as such). Acting-wise, it’s just OK for me. Angelina Jolie shows what she’s got (I am not referring to the nude shower scene) as she portrays a layered character. As for the title, you may find this link helpful.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who just saw “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”.

LOVE ME AGAIN (LOVE DOWN UNDER)
Power Plant, Cinema 4, January 15, 10:25pm

This is the second Pinoy film I’ve seen this year. First being “Tanging Ina N’yong Lahat” for the MMFF which I did not bother writing down about because I already did a note on the said festival. Well, Piolo and Angel did an OK performance but the film is so passé. From the story down to the way it was directed, everything is a thing of the past. It would make a difference, I guess, if the film was shown during the late 90’s when we don’t expect much from Star Cinema. Direk Rory Quintos should prioritize doing soaps and MMK episodes over filmmaking. She hasn’t really shown yet what she’s got. A big disappointment (even for a Star Cinema “standards”).

Friends who might appreciate it: those who wish to see Angel Locsin’s bare back and Piolo’s you-know-what.