Movie Digest # 070

VALENTINE’S DAY
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2, February 14, 6:00pm

There are films that are made with the intention of pure entertainment and this is one of them. As the title suggests, the story, or stories, rather, are told in just one day which happens to be suggestive of cheesy and sugary love. It’s a film with multiple and interconnecting characters and that, I think, is the only thing appealing to me. Everything is just made me clear to brighten up the dating couples in the cinema. I can say that the reference to the actors’ previous projects is cute. For instance, Anne Hathaway plays not another girl Friday similar to her character in “The Devil Wears Prada”. Jennifer Garner is always wearing a red sweatshirt which, I’m sure, is associated with one of her films. Jamie Foxx, at one scene, has to play the piano like Ray Charles.

Friends who might appreciate it: All the less lonely people in the world.

THE WOLFMAN
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 4, February 14, 9:20pm

A remake of a 1940’s film, this version tackles the life of an actor who accidentally becomes a werewolf when trying to investigate on his brother’s untimely demise. I haven’t seen the original (though I have a DVD copy of it) but the experience is like watching a digitally enhanced adaptation with a lot more action on SFX and less on the story logic. It is probably Joe Johnston’s way of giving tribute to George Waggner’s opus. Just the same, it’s very enjoyable. Who can go wrong with Benicio del Toro and Anthony Hopkins? Then there’s Emily Blunt and the original score from Danny Elfman.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who wish to watch an ultimate Valentine movie for singles.

INVICTUS
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 4, February 18, 1:10pm

I can say that I’m biased when it comes to watching a Clint Eastwood film. The maturity in his filmmaking is simply evident and that’s what I appreciate a lot. Most of his scenes are punctuated with pauses and breaks to let the audience digest it. For a Hollywood-produced film, this one is no exception. It is based on real events that happened when Nelson Mandela stepped in as the president of South Africa. The rugby part may be predictable but the film doesn’t stop there. It proceeds in telling a very inspiring story about leadership, credibility and the decisions you have to make just to unite the people. Similar to other Eastwood films, “Invictus” boasts of yet another acting milestone. This time, it’s from Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon.

Friends who might appreciate it: Bosses, managers and would-be leaders.

MISS YOU LIKE CRAZY
Glorietta 4, Cinema 6, February 26, 7:55pm

What to expect from a John Lloyd Cruz – Bea Alonzo movie? Aside from the pressure that it should surpass at least the success of “One More Chance”, nothing really. I can say that for a Star Cinema movie, the film is fine. But there is something appealing in the script. I like the way the story is cut into two and treat the first part as a parallel to the other just to drive the point. As for the acting department, the leads are competitive enough. It’s not golden yet but definitely on the right track. Here’s hoping that Cathy Garcia-Molina will do something significant someday, right before the audience gets tired of the cliché.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who are named August.

PERCY JACKSON AND THE LIGHTNING THIEF
Glorietta 4, Cinema 2, February 28, 5:30pm

It’s about a demigod who seems to just come out from “High School Musical”. It’s also about Greek gods and myths, dashed with a little Dan Brown. Verdict: I felt like I just saw a big budgeted movie for television. No one can deny that there’s a Harry Potter reference somewhere and it doesn’t help that Chris Columbus is directing it. For the lone reason of popcorn entertainment or if you wish to witness how talents like Uma Thurman and Catherine Keener suck big time, watch it.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who think that Chris Columbus is an able director.

UP IN THE AIR
Glorietta 4, Cinema 7, March 3, 8:05pm

First things first, I like this film. Or better yet, I love this film. I thought this is only a parody on being alone and propaganda for anti-relationships or about people who don’t easily get along with a “co-pilot”. Yes, that one is discussed and is concluded with a very satisfying resolution. It seems like the movie is speaking on my behalf. The usage of being “up in the air” alone, as a reference to perhaps being indifferent, is worth exploring. It’s also about recession and downsizing and being onsite and away from family and friends. It’s also about George Clooney getting all the best projects (and leading ladies) or how a competent acting ensemble can save the pitfalls that are normally seen in a mainstream/formula movie (case in point is a scene with George Clooney and his soon-to-be brother-in-law or how he rushes to Chicago). Cliché it may sound but this one’s a must-watch

Friends who might appreciate it: Fellow IT consultants.

CRAZY HEART
Glorietta 4, Cinema 4, March 3, 10:30pm

What’s with Oscars and country music? Before, there was “Coal Miner’s Daughter” that gave Sissy Spacek a Best Actress trophy. Then there was Reese Witherspoon for “Walk the Line”. If that’s the pattern, Jeff Bridges is going to bring home the bacon. The film tackles the on-the-road musician life of Bad Blake, an alcoholic country singer whose life has no direction. Everything changed when he met a lady journalist played by the equally great Maggie Gyllenhaal. Don’t expect some plot twists here. It’s more of a character-driven material than anything else. A condescending take is that the project is launched just to underscore the talent of its lead actor. Nonetheless, it has lots of beautiful songs played by Mr. Bridges himself.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who wish to see Colin Farrell do a country music.