Movie Digest # 066

ESTASYON
Robinson’s Galleria, Cinema 7, November 8, 1:00pm

It’s basically a film about a filmmaker who wishes to do something more meaningful than concocting soft porn materials. In his chase, he met a boy during the feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo. What follows is documentary-style of soul searching and redemption. My comment for this one is that it has many treatments in mind. It tries to be realistic (read: Borat-ish) at one point, best shown in the part where the other main character (played by newcomer Christian Galindo) asks people around where he can find the Nazereno. It also sounds too personal for the filmmaker through the narration part of the central character. In between are the usual dramatic sequences that you’ve probably seen somewhere. For the message alone, I appreciate this one. The last frame with another character being drenched in the rain is just a guilty pleasure to pass up. The film also stars Mon Confiado and Klaudia Koronel (who is truly missed in the local scene).

Friends who might appreciate it: Fanatics of the Nazareno.

2012
The Podium, Cinema 2, November 13, 7:10pm

Just by watching its trailer, you should already have an idea what the film will be all about. It was indeed a pretty sound idea to have kept my expectations rock bottom when I saw this one. True to the taste, the film is all CGI (which is impressive, by the way) and got nothing more to share. There are some scenes that have me glued on my seat but the dramatic sequences are so dated. Some clever scenes ensue like highlighting the “black” American president being soaked with ashes making all the people look equal and the statement on US naval ship killing the president but that is saying too much about the film.

Friends who might appreciate it: Definitely not those in LA.

TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1, November 20, 9:15pm

This second installment of the Twilight Saga can be summarized into two small plot turns: one being with the most screen time, Bella’s affection with Jacob (a werewolf) and two, Bella returning to Edward’s arms. Aside from new characters being introduced (which got me floored with Dakota Fanning’s short presence), there’s nothing much to hope for on this TV series-like film. CGI is better but the production design remains second rate. My favorite line from the movie: "Well, I'm so sorry that I can't be the right kind of monster for you, Bella."

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who watched the first installment so that no harm could be done with the recommendation (if you call it as such).

NINJA ASSASSIN
Glorietta 4, Cinema 1, November 28, 8:15pm

This is the third film I saw that has the Korean superstar Rain on it. The first being Chan-wook Park’s “I’m a Cyborg but That’s OK” (which I like a lot) and just recently, Wachowski Brothers’ “Speed Racer”. “Ninja Assassin” tells a thin plot about a ninja going against other ninjas for being haunted by a bleak past. Got nothing much to say aside from the film being gory and a little entertaining on the side. Its only salvation for me is the way the CGI is used when ninjas camouflage in the dark.

Friends who might appreciate it: Clear Anti-Dandruff Shampoo users.

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY
Glorietta 4, Cinema 4, November 28, 10:30pm

First things first, it’s a concept-driven film. So if you’re looking for something heavily plot-oriented like “The Exorcist” and the rest, then the film is not for you. It tells a story of a young couple haunted by an entity with all the circumstances being captured through a video camera. I’m guessing that the film’s main aim is to scare the moviegoers, which, from my experience, is very, very effective. I’ve mentioned moviegoers because it is best experienced inside the cinema along with other scare flick fans.

Friends who might appreciate it: My landlady who’s a big fan of exorcism-themed shows. She mentioned one time that she attended a wedding wherein the bride got possessed in the middle of church ceremony.