T2
Glorietta 4, Cinema 6, April 13, 5:25pm
It may not be as chilling as other Chito Roño’s works like “Feng Shui” and “Sukob”, but it’s technically well made. I almost liked it. The play on the orphan who is about to be orphaned again because of marital problems tries to save an orphan is commendable. The only problem for me is the recreation of the underworld that is introduced in the film’s alleged climax. It does not only defeat the thrill, it also opens doors to criticize how the set is poorly made and that the make-up and costumes are distracting. But on second thought, given the premise that it’s a film about engkantos, I don’t know how the film could fare better. This is aside from providing a well-researched take on myths, a decent CGI and an honest-to-goodness acting chops.
Friends who might appreciate it: titos and titas alike.
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 5, April 13, 11:15pm
It’s a story about dreams and having them on your plate. It’s also about poverty and how you overcome it. And about love and the absence of it. It’s also about India. About game shows and socio-economics. Basically, a film about celebration of life as told through the eyes of a young dreamer who joined “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” and won. And won big time as he captures the heart of the girl of his dreams amidst perseverance and death. Personally, I find “Milk” to be the most superior among the Oscar contenders for best film, and I would always choose Danny Boyle’s “Trainspotting” among his works, but the silver lining of this film is too hard to pass up.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who can afford to buy a movie ticket.
MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY
Glorietta 4, Cinema 7, April 27, 8:15pm
The film could be classified as a chick flick but not in the league of a Renée Zellweger film. It stars Frances McDormand and Amy Adams who are of top calibre and are too amusing to see together. For me, the only drawback is that the director is too “visible” in the film. It seems like every frame is too choreographed, losing the genuineness of the characters. Aside from the cast, the idea of telling a story in just one day is also laudable.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who wish to see Frances McDormand do a British accent.
X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, April 30, 8:00pm
I had high expectations from the film as Gavin Hood who first gave us the Oscar winning film “Tsotsi” directed it. And I was not disappointed (unlike with “Rendition”, his other Hollywood outing). Though it may be taken as a popcorn film, I can say that it’s a pretty good one, nothing more, nothing less. The actions scenes are too delightful to see. It was so good that you can almost consider the film to be adapted from a video game and not from comics. I have to single out the fight scene that was executed on top of a dam on what seems like a nuclear plantation. That was brilliant.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who agree that Hugh Jackman was outshadowed by the picturesque Canadian Rockies.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Rip-off sa Manipesto ng Isang Tunay na Lalaki
Nandito ang orig na blog.
1. Ang tunay na lalaki ay hindi nagba-ballet.
2. Ang tunay na lalaki ay kayang matulog kahit sa bangketa.
3. Ang tunay na lalaki ay magaling sa mind games.
4. Ang tunay na lalaki ay kayang umubos ng Red Horse Grande nang hindi natutumba.
5. Ang tunay na lalaki ay mayroong sex life kahit walang girlfriend.
6. Ang tunay na lalaki ay magaling sa bola.
7. Ang tunay na lalaki ay nagbu-burp o umuutot nang malakas na hindi nage-excuse.
8. Ang tunay na lalaki ay hindi nasisindak sa pulis.
9. Ang tunay na lalaki, maliban sa sense of direction, ay mayroon ding sense of fulfillment.
10. Ang tunay na lalaki ay hindi basta-basta naniniwala sa kahit ano pa mang manipesto ng isang tunay na lalaki.
1. Ang tunay na lalaki ay hindi nagba-ballet.
2. Ang tunay na lalaki ay kayang matulog kahit sa bangketa.
3. Ang tunay na lalaki ay magaling sa mind games.
4. Ang tunay na lalaki ay kayang umubos ng Red Horse Grande nang hindi natutumba.
5. Ang tunay na lalaki ay mayroong sex life kahit walang girlfriend.
6. Ang tunay na lalaki ay magaling sa bola.
7. Ang tunay na lalaki ay nagbu-burp o umuutot nang malakas na hindi nage-excuse.
8. Ang tunay na lalaki ay hindi nasisindak sa pulis.
9. Ang tunay na lalaki, maliban sa sense of direction, ay mayroon ding sense of fulfillment.
10. Ang tunay na lalaki ay hindi basta-basta naniniwala sa kahit ano pa mang manipesto ng isang tunay na lalaki.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Isa… Dalawa… Tatlong Pelikula ni Lino Brocka
Nasa CCP ako nitong Sabado, April 25, n’ung ginawa ang isang mini-film festival para kay Lino Brocka. Birth month n’ya kasi sa May. Pero ang pinaka-enticing para sa akin ay ang screening ng kanyang unang feature film na “Wanted: Perfect Mother” na hango sa isang obrang pang-komiks ni Mars Ravelo (“Darna”, “Dyesebel”, “Captain Barbell” at mararami pang iba). Para sa akin, mas maiintindihan ko siguro ang isang direktor kung mapapanood ko ang kanyang unang ginawa.
WANTED: PERFECT MOTHER (1969)
Melodrama at pampamilya ang tema ng pelikulang ito. Mala-Sound of Music. Ito rin ‘yung ni-remake n’ung early 90’s na pinagbidahan ni Regine Velasquez. Ang kaibahan lamang, ‘pinakilala na agad ni Brocka ang “Maria” o “Regine” bago pa man mamatay ang asawa ng lalaking karakter. To be exact, ang bagong governess ay tumira sa bahay ng isang pamilya na may apat na anak (kabilang ang batang si Gina Alajar na naka-boy’s cut at ang cute na cute na si Snooky) habang kumpleto at masaya pa ito.
In-establish na rin ng writer/director na may nabuong pagtitinginan sa pagitan ng governess (si Boots Anson-Roa) at ang among lalaki (si Dante Rivero na siguro ay kasing bata ni Jericho Rosales noon). Pero dahil sa moralidad, pinili ng governess na iwanan ang pamilya sa kabila ng pagtataka ng bidang lalaki tungkol sa kanyang nararamdaman. Dito na rin ako nag-umpisang mag-isip tungkol sa machismo sa pelikula n’ung late 60’s.
At ipinasok na ang trahedya, ang pagkamatay ng asawang babae. Dito na rin nagkaroon ng sense ang paghahanap ng mga naulila para sa isang perfect mother. Nariyang ipagpilitan ng mga bata ang yayang si Caridad Sanchez (na siguro ay katumbas ni Ethel Booba n’ung unang panahon) sa kainosentahan na rin na tila ganun lamang kadaling maghanap ng asawa. Meron ding Miss Mabintog na halos hindi makaalis sa kanyang upuan at ilan pang opurtunista. Tulad ng inaasahan ay nasuplungan din ni Dante Rivero si Boots Anson-Roa and they live happily ever after.
Hindi naman sa malabisang pag-eestima kay Brocka pero kakikitaan mo talaga ng kinang ang pelikulang ito. Meron na s’yang concept ng guerilla filmmaking o observer’s shot (pansinin ang tila nakasunod na camera work sa slide sa playground, atbp.) na evident sa mga indie movies ngayon. Pagdating sa artehan, dito pa lang ay alam mo nang actor’s director si Brocka. Ang mga nagsiganap dito na sina Liza Lorena, Dante Rivero, Boots Anson-Roa, Caridad Sanchez, Snooky at Gina Alajar ay ilan lamang sa pagpapatunay.
Sa forum ay ibinahagi ni Miss Boots kung gaano na lang kinutya ng mga kaibigan sa art scene si Lino Brocka n’ung mabalitaan nilang isang komiks ang kanyang unang bibigyang buhay sa pelikula. Ipinaliwanag ni Brocka na sinisiguro n’ya na kahit simple ang materyal na iibahin n’ya ang atake rito. Nais din daw n’yang ma-develop muna ang kanyang audience at mula rito ay unti-unti n’yang isisingit ang kanyang totoong kaluluwa.
SANTIAGO (1970)
Ito na siguro ang pinakamagandang Fernando Poe Jr. movie na napanood ko. Bakit ba ngayon ko lang ito napanood? Siguro ay dahil nakulong din ako sa kahon ng imahe ng mga pelikula ni FPJ na walang ibang tinalakay kundi ang pagdadalamhati at paghihiganti.
Tungkol sa isang gerilya, si Gonzalo, n’ung panahon ng hapon ang “Santiago” (na isang bayan sa Katagalugan). Dahil sa isang trahedya na hindi sinasadyang kumitil sa buhay ng ilang Pilipino, inatake s’ya ng guilt. Isa sa mga biktimang ito ay ang pipi na si Hilda Koronel na kanyang itinakas sa isa isang fishing village. Bilang paghuhugas-kamay, inalagaan n’ya ang pipi hanggang gumaling ito. Pero hindi ito naging madali kay Gonzalo ang lahat dahil kinutya s’ya ng mga taumbayan tungkol sa kanyang kawalan ng partisipasyon sa mga gerilya. Kalaunan ay dinumog at binugbog s’ya ng mga tao nang malaman na may kinalaman s’ya sa naganap na trahedya. Nang sumugod ang mga Hapon sa bayan at binihag ang mga kababaihan, walang nagawa ang taumbayan kundi humingi ng tulong kay Gonzalo.
Ang huling sampung minuto ng pelikula na siguro ang masasabing usual FPJ film. Pero magarbo ang execution. Merong massacre, merong habulan, merong nasusunog na simbahan at merong sumasabog na tulay. Maliban dito, ang script ni Brocka ang pinakalumutang. Para sa isang FPJ film, matindi ang effort na inilaan n’ya rito para sa characterization, para sa pagiging vulnerable nito at para sa isang materyal tungkol sa self-reflection at atonement.
TUBOG SA GINTO (1971)
Sa tatlong ipinalabas, ito na marahil ang pinaka-unconventional pagdating sa materyal. Tumalakay ang pelikula sa isang kontrobersyal na isyu n’ung panahong iyon, ang homosexuality. Kung ganito lamang kadalisay ang pagtalakay ng mga indie films ngayon ay pihadong marami na rin tayong Lino Brocka.
Tungkol sa isang closet queen, si Eddie Garcia, ang pelikula na hango mula sa istorya ni Mars Ravelo na na-serialize sa Tagalog Komiks. Ang primary plot n’ya ay kung paano n’ya itatago ang kanyang sekswalidad sa kanyang asawang si Lolita Rodriguez at nag-iisang anak na lalaki na si Jay Ilagan. Maayos na sana ang lahat subalit pumasok sa eksena ang mapanglinlang na si Mario O’ Hara (na napaka-demonyo sa pelikulang ito). Sa tulong ng blackmail ay pinerehan n’ya si Eddie Garcia. Pagdating sa dulo ay nalaman na rin ng kanyang pamilya ang katotohanan. Ang napipinto sanang pagtanggap na ito ay sinalubong ng isang trahedya.
Ipinakita naman dito ni Brocka na pwede s’yang maging bold pagdating sa mga materyal na kanyang isinasapelikula. Pinatuyan ito na kahit n’ung 80’s at 90’s ay gumawa s’ya ng mapang-aklas na obra katulad ng “Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim” at “Orapronobis”. Nakakatuwa lang na sa dulo ng pelikula ay pinaalala sa viewers na Lea Productions ang nagbibigay ng “home tradition of wholesome entertainment”. Ito’y sa kabila ng ilang hubaran, halikan at iba pa.
WANTED: PERFECT MOTHER (1969)
Melodrama at pampamilya ang tema ng pelikulang ito. Mala-Sound of Music. Ito rin ‘yung ni-remake n’ung early 90’s na pinagbidahan ni Regine Velasquez. Ang kaibahan lamang, ‘pinakilala na agad ni Brocka ang “Maria” o “Regine” bago pa man mamatay ang asawa ng lalaking karakter. To be exact, ang bagong governess ay tumira sa bahay ng isang pamilya na may apat na anak (kabilang ang batang si Gina Alajar na naka-boy’s cut at ang cute na cute na si Snooky) habang kumpleto at masaya pa ito.
In-establish na rin ng writer/director na may nabuong pagtitinginan sa pagitan ng governess (si Boots Anson-Roa) at ang among lalaki (si Dante Rivero na siguro ay kasing bata ni Jericho Rosales noon). Pero dahil sa moralidad, pinili ng governess na iwanan ang pamilya sa kabila ng pagtataka ng bidang lalaki tungkol sa kanyang nararamdaman. Dito na rin ako nag-umpisang mag-isip tungkol sa machismo sa pelikula n’ung late 60’s.
At ipinasok na ang trahedya, ang pagkamatay ng asawang babae. Dito na rin nagkaroon ng sense ang paghahanap ng mga naulila para sa isang perfect mother. Nariyang ipagpilitan ng mga bata ang yayang si Caridad Sanchez (na siguro ay katumbas ni Ethel Booba n’ung unang panahon) sa kainosentahan na rin na tila ganun lamang kadaling maghanap ng asawa. Meron ding Miss Mabintog na halos hindi makaalis sa kanyang upuan at ilan pang opurtunista. Tulad ng inaasahan ay nasuplungan din ni Dante Rivero si Boots Anson-Roa and they live happily ever after.
Hindi naman sa malabisang pag-eestima kay Brocka pero kakikitaan mo talaga ng kinang ang pelikulang ito. Meron na s’yang concept ng guerilla filmmaking o observer’s shot (pansinin ang tila nakasunod na camera work sa slide sa playground, atbp.) na evident sa mga indie movies ngayon. Pagdating sa artehan, dito pa lang ay alam mo nang actor’s director si Brocka. Ang mga nagsiganap dito na sina Liza Lorena, Dante Rivero, Boots Anson-Roa, Caridad Sanchez, Snooky at Gina Alajar ay ilan lamang sa pagpapatunay.
Sa forum ay ibinahagi ni Miss Boots kung gaano na lang kinutya ng mga kaibigan sa art scene si Lino Brocka n’ung mabalitaan nilang isang komiks ang kanyang unang bibigyang buhay sa pelikula. Ipinaliwanag ni Brocka na sinisiguro n’ya na kahit simple ang materyal na iibahin n’ya ang atake rito. Nais din daw n’yang ma-develop muna ang kanyang audience at mula rito ay unti-unti n’yang isisingit ang kanyang totoong kaluluwa.
SANTIAGO (1970)
Ito na siguro ang pinakamagandang Fernando Poe Jr. movie na napanood ko. Bakit ba ngayon ko lang ito napanood? Siguro ay dahil nakulong din ako sa kahon ng imahe ng mga pelikula ni FPJ na walang ibang tinalakay kundi ang pagdadalamhati at paghihiganti.
Tungkol sa isang gerilya, si Gonzalo, n’ung panahon ng hapon ang “Santiago” (na isang bayan sa Katagalugan). Dahil sa isang trahedya na hindi sinasadyang kumitil sa buhay ng ilang Pilipino, inatake s’ya ng guilt. Isa sa mga biktimang ito ay ang pipi na si Hilda Koronel na kanyang itinakas sa isa isang fishing village. Bilang paghuhugas-kamay, inalagaan n’ya ang pipi hanggang gumaling ito. Pero hindi ito naging madali kay Gonzalo ang lahat dahil kinutya s’ya ng mga taumbayan tungkol sa kanyang kawalan ng partisipasyon sa mga gerilya. Kalaunan ay dinumog at binugbog s’ya ng mga tao nang malaman na may kinalaman s’ya sa naganap na trahedya. Nang sumugod ang mga Hapon sa bayan at binihag ang mga kababaihan, walang nagawa ang taumbayan kundi humingi ng tulong kay Gonzalo.
Ang huling sampung minuto ng pelikula na siguro ang masasabing usual FPJ film. Pero magarbo ang execution. Merong massacre, merong habulan, merong nasusunog na simbahan at merong sumasabog na tulay. Maliban dito, ang script ni Brocka ang pinakalumutang. Para sa isang FPJ film, matindi ang effort na inilaan n’ya rito para sa characterization, para sa pagiging vulnerable nito at para sa isang materyal tungkol sa self-reflection at atonement.
TUBOG SA GINTO (1971)
Sa tatlong ipinalabas, ito na marahil ang pinaka-unconventional pagdating sa materyal. Tumalakay ang pelikula sa isang kontrobersyal na isyu n’ung panahong iyon, ang homosexuality. Kung ganito lamang kadalisay ang pagtalakay ng mga indie films ngayon ay pihadong marami na rin tayong Lino Brocka.
Tungkol sa isang closet queen, si Eddie Garcia, ang pelikula na hango mula sa istorya ni Mars Ravelo na na-serialize sa Tagalog Komiks. Ang primary plot n’ya ay kung paano n’ya itatago ang kanyang sekswalidad sa kanyang asawang si Lolita Rodriguez at nag-iisang anak na lalaki na si Jay Ilagan. Maayos na sana ang lahat subalit pumasok sa eksena ang mapanglinlang na si Mario O’ Hara (na napaka-demonyo sa pelikulang ito). Sa tulong ng blackmail ay pinerehan n’ya si Eddie Garcia. Pagdating sa dulo ay nalaman na rin ng kanyang pamilya ang katotohanan. Ang napipinto sanang pagtanggap na ito ay sinalubong ng isang trahedya.
Ipinakita naman dito ni Brocka na pwede s’yang maging bold pagdating sa mga materyal na kanyang isinasapelikula. Pinatuyan ito na kahit n’ung 80’s at 90’s ay gumawa s’ya ng mapang-aklas na obra katulad ng “Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim” at “Orapronobis”. Nakakatuwa lang na sa dulo ng pelikula ay pinaalala sa viewers na Lea Productions ang nagbibigay ng “home tradition of wholesome entertainment”. Ito’y sa kabila ng ilang hubaran, halikan at iba pa.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Happiness is Room Raiding at Club Balai Isabel
More pics here.
I almost skipped this blog because for some reasons, I’m too lazy to blog this week. I feel like the pictures and the video showing of the room raids would be enough. But then again, I wish to share with the world how the service in Club Balai Isabel sucked on the first day and that I immensely appreciate the smiles (and laughters) that a single room raid can give. And yes, I just created my very first short film, a la “Kubrador”.
I am referring to our company summer outing/teambuilding held at Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas. The actual teambuilding began when we first devised the activities for the summer outing. Since I’m a big fan of “The Amazing Race”, I think it would be fitting to have a scaled down version of the show. Then came the idea of “Survivor”, “Fear Factor” and “American Idol”. In general, it’s reality show all over.
First activity was supposed to be a “Survivor”-inpired relay using the Balikatan track. It’s going to be time-trialled and by the looks of it, it will be dirty, too. Second in the line-up was “The Amazing Race” that initially consisted of six roadblocks plus a “Fear Factor”-themed final pit. In the evening, we planned to have “American Idol” with all the Eraserheads songs. The whole concept required us to finish the props on Saturday at past midnight that gave us at least three hours of decent sleep before the trip.
The first day of the outing was a big mess. We left Net Square roughly an hour after the expected departure due to latecomers (and the Alabang stop). Though the cheering competition went well in the morning, heavy rains came in the afternoon. Some of the marshals skipped lunch to finalize the matrix for the activities (and ended up almost having no lunch at all). Then there was brownout and the service from the staff was not helping. We ended up cancelling the activities in the afternoon. I don’t have to share the details but the turn of events hit the peak of my stress level.
Stress in the afternoon, distress in the evening.
After having a good rest and a short relaxing photoshoot, I gained my self back to normal. Normal enough to drink the night away with friends and the kids. Dinner was far better and everybody looked cheery. We had videoke until 10pm and I headed back to our room for this year’s vodka night. Benjie shared a bottle of tequilla and Jamih, a yummy alcoholic iced coffee drink. Josh and Ahlou brought in The Bar (which was a bestseller that night).
Since the room was small enough for a big group, we (Jaejay, Josh, Ge, Benjie and company) decided to room-hop. Aside from the rooms in our cluster, the other room with big (and rowdy, hehehe) attendance was the one in Sampaguita (with Eric Leron as ultimo tangkero). While some of the group visited the Product room (I heard Neo took it off and another guy made a “split”), I ended up bringing in some folks like Arnold, Arian and Eric to the kids’ lair.
It was past midnight when we reassembled again in our room and decided to room raid Hubes. We were already tipsy. First room that we raided was the one housing Erin and company. Nothing really much because nobody was asleep in that room yet. Second pit stop was Hubes’ room where we caught him sleeping already alongside with Temmy. Third and last room was the one with Oliver (poor guy). I documented the whole raid for a little over ten minutes. To cap the night, we stayed in Erin’s room and had a mouthful round of yes-no questions with Neo as the talk show host. It was fun, just like the old times. I wish my other lunchmates were there.
Next day started late as anticipated. In a limited time, we had to rethink the games and removed “Survivor” and “Fear Factor” from the list. Even the original “The Amazing Race” roadblocks that involve basketball, kayaking and pingpong ball had to go, too. It went roughly well and I was glad that it was sunny that morning. Service was better too. Awarding went well and Arian cried. Personally, I can say that it was we, the marshals, who first experienced the teambuilding before echoeing it to the rest. The vodka and brandy gods must be crazy that day.
For the room raid footage, just check out this link.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Life is an iPhone # 007
Clockwise from top row:
1. Eraserheads Live: The Final Set on TV. What a way to celebrate Palm Sunday with a bang. I heard from the grapevine that the telecast earned a third spot on the weekend primetime rating. Long live, the Eraserheads!
2. Ang Batang Senturyon. They act as marshals during the Good Friday procession. Not as grand as the Moriones but very distinctly our town's own.
3. Fashion Show. We call this procession as such because it's the time of the year when bakasyonistas from Metro Manila come back and spend their Holy Week in our town. It's a bevy of kumustahan and pormahan.
4. Ten Commandments. Only in Studio 23, Kabarkada Mo! The scene that I captured is the parting of the sea. Enough said.
5. Dambana. This is our parish church in Lopez, Quezon. I'm not really a fan of its uber modern facade (and altar) but it has its charm.
6. Salubong. Our version of this Catholic rite is done on midnight (it's early dawn in other towns). It used to be staged in five different poblacion barangays but starting this year, the municipal hall area will be the official venue.
Life is an iPhone # 006
Clockwise from top row:
1. Introducing: Pancit Shanghai. I just saw this new pack of instant pancit in SM and I gave it a try. For sure it doesn't taste like pancit canton. Noodles look different, too. And the sauce? Saucier.
2. Libreng Panambak. I found this vacant lot along Kalayaan Avenue on my way to the office. Even though it's free, I don't see people getting some rocks/remains. Maybe it has something to do with not being forbidden.
3. Trese. It always makes me smile to be queued with number 13.
4. Where have all the trees gone?. This corner of Jupiter St. and Paseo de Roxas used to be adorned with two or three trees. Due to road expansion, I just passed by the street one time and found them missing. Happy Earth Day, DPWH!
5. The Sign. It was close to midnight and we were hungry. It's one of the Mc Do branches along SLEX, the one closest to Enchanted Kingdom/Sta. Rosa exit. I had one-piece chicken and a caramel Oreo sundae.
6. Enchanting! Despite the incident with Space Shuttle which I witnessed first hand, Enchanted Kingdom is still shining, shimmering, splendid.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Movie Digest # 056
SUNDO
Glorietta 4, Cinema 6, March 18, 8:30pm
There’s always something to like in a Topel Lee film’s photography/cinematography. I can say that that alone is worth his films a try. For instance, the scene where Robin Padilla is on a wheelchair, passing through a hallway, is beautifully composed. And you can find small gems in this department. As a whole, the film reminded me a lot of “Final Destination”. One moviegoer even blurted this out aloud. I think there’s a problem in the script somewhere, but I can’t figure it out. I just don’t find the film too engaging as compared to other Pinoy films of the same genre. Or perhaps it’s the execution of some scenes or the not so remarkable acting. The twist is good, by the way. And the idea of having a male lead character for a scream flick is commendable. For instance, when a “force” pulled Robin Padilla, he did not say a word. If it’s Kris Aquino or Judy Ann Santos, it’s a totally new aural experience. Is the film scary? I can say that it’s effective as demonstrated by the occasional shrieks.
Friends who might appreciate it: anybody (in Filipino, “Maging Sino Ka Man”).
KNOWING
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2, March 27, 9:10pm
I appreciate that the film successfully posted a commentary on the link between religion and those "out there". It's just that the concept is too mouthful to digest and the trailer did not help. Viewers who expect an exciting popcorn film will end up being frustrated.
Friends who might appreciate it: NFF Romel and Au.
MONSTERS VS. ALIENS
SM Mall of Asia, IMAX Theater, March 29, 10:30am
First impression: Dreamworks is catching up with Pixar! I am not sure if it had something to do with IMAX but I enjoyed the film. Both the antics and visuals are fresh and the voice cast, just the right blend. Please note that there’s a post-credit scene. Its dark humor alone is worth the pricey ticket.
Friends who might appreciate it: without the post-credit scene, my pamangkins, Krista and Franco.
PASANG KRUS
SM Megamall, Cinema 10, March 30, 8:30pm
It’s been a long while since I last saw an honest-to-goodness Pinoy melodrama. Thanks to the flooding rom-coms and TV’s endless teleseryes. The film is about a mother and her physical and emotional struggles to raise her kids in the slums. Its plot alone speaks well of a decent tearjerker. On top of that, of course, is Rosana Roces who cried a river in this film as the female l. Yes, she’s grown into a respected actress but this has been proven already when she did “La Vida Rosa”. Supporting cast includes, in order of brilliance, Ketchup Eusebio, Empress Schuck, Pipoy Jr. and Jao Mapa. Since this is the Lenten season, viewers may find the material fit for contemplating on hope and redemption. Its message is very Christian: stay put, pray and everything will be in God’s hands.
Friends who might appreciate it: Donna, Sunshine, Sheryl, Tirso and even Tom (hope you get the wit).
Glorietta 4, Cinema 6, March 18, 8:30pm
There’s always something to like in a Topel Lee film’s photography/cinematography. I can say that that alone is worth his films a try. For instance, the scene where Robin Padilla is on a wheelchair, passing through a hallway, is beautifully composed. And you can find small gems in this department. As a whole, the film reminded me a lot of “Final Destination”. One moviegoer even blurted this out aloud. I think there’s a problem in the script somewhere, but I can’t figure it out. I just don’t find the film too engaging as compared to other Pinoy films of the same genre. Or perhaps it’s the execution of some scenes or the not so remarkable acting. The twist is good, by the way. And the idea of having a male lead character for a scream flick is commendable. For instance, when a “force” pulled Robin Padilla, he did not say a word. If it’s Kris Aquino or Judy Ann Santos, it’s a totally new aural experience. Is the film scary? I can say that it’s effective as demonstrated by the occasional shrieks.
Friends who might appreciate it: anybody (in Filipino, “Maging Sino Ka Man”).
KNOWING
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2, March 27, 9:10pm
I appreciate that the film successfully posted a commentary on the link between religion and those "out there". It's just that the concept is too mouthful to digest and the trailer did not help. Viewers who expect an exciting popcorn film will end up being frustrated.
Friends who might appreciate it: NFF Romel and Au.
MONSTERS VS. ALIENS
SM Mall of Asia, IMAX Theater, March 29, 10:30am
First impression: Dreamworks is catching up with Pixar! I am not sure if it had something to do with IMAX but I enjoyed the film. Both the antics and visuals are fresh and the voice cast, just the right blend. Please note that there’s a post-credit scene. Its dark humor alone is worth the pricey ticket.
Friends who might appreciate it: without the post-credit scene, my pamangkins, Krista and Franco.
PASANG KRUS
SM Megamall, Cinema 10, March 30, 8:30pm
It’s been a long while since I last saw an honest-to-goodness Pinoy melodrama. Thanks to the flooding rom-coms and TV’s endless teleseryes. The film is about a mother and her physical and emotional struggles to raise her kids in the slums. Its plot alone speaks well of a decent tearjerker. On top of that, of course, is Rosana Roces who cried a river in this film as the female l. Yes, she’s grown into a respected actress but this has been proven already when she did “La Vida Rosa”. Supporting cast includes, in order of brilliance, Ketchup Eusebio, Empress Schuck, Pipoy Jr. and Jao Mapa. Since this is the Lenten season, viewers may find the material fit for contemplating on hope and redemption. Its message is very Christian: stay put, pray and everything will be in God’s hands.
Friends who might appreciate it: Donna, Sunshine, Sheryl, Tirso and even Tom (hope you get the wit).