Movie Digest # 073

HERE COMES THE BRIDE
Glorietta 4, Cinema 1, May 12, 8:05pm

At first, it’s just another plot on soul swapping. Then it moves on and explores the other side of humanity called self contentment. And yes, this is a Filipino movie, an intelligent one from Palanca-winner Chris Martinez (“Last Order sa Penguin”, “Kimmy Dora”, “100”, etc.). There are still some residues of slapstick but in general, I can say we’re maturing. The story (and its absurdity) reminds me of Megan Simpson Huberman’s “Dating the Enemy” with Guy Pearce. There’s a key scene there wherein the character is seen making love with his/her own body using somebody else’s. More than the concept, “Here Comes the Bride” also boasts of one of the best acting ensembles in Pinoy comedy of late: Angelica Panganiban, Eugene Domingo, Tuesday Vargas, John Lapus and Jaime Fabregas. I think the film will falter if given to a different set of actors. Now feel free to get rid of Wenn Deramas.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who haven’t seen a Star Cinema comedy yet.

ROBIN HOOD
SM Mall of Asia, Cinema 1, May 15, 4:30pm

As of this moment, I still don’t get it why Russel Crowe has to be Robin Hood. For me, he doesn’t have the look but for one thing, he’s a great actor. And this is one of the reasons why the film is endurable for two hours, watching an actor (along with equally great and another Aussie actor Cate Blanchett) do a Hollywood popcorn film directed by a Hollywood popcorn film director. Past that, the prequel concept is creative enough but I’m not sure why it doesn’t have much punches. The action sequences towards the end are enjoyable. That’s all I can say.

Friends who might appreciate it: The younger generation (at least you have your own Robin Hood).

SHREK FOREVER AFTER
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2, May 20, 1:00pm

I remember blurting out after watching the movie that it’s the best Shrek sequel ever (and I’m glad that it’s the last one). The plot involves our ogre sacrificing one day of his life to turn back to the time that when he’s living a simple life. He only realizes later about its consequences and tries his very best to undo things. Predictable and less humorous, yes, but definitely high on redeeming value. I watched in on 3D but I don’t think it’s necessary. Just don’t miss the theme song sung by Landon Pigg & Lucy Schwartz. It’s called “Darling, I Do”.

Friends who might appreciate it: Hubert Golong.

DOLORES
Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 7, May 22, 3:40pm

I missed to catch this when first shown at Cinemanila 2009. I know the reasons now why it didn’t get the buzz usually a good movie gets. It’s another deconstruction of a Filipino family story set in a provincial town somewhere in the north. It’s about Dolores, a young girl, who became the object of desire to her male relatives including her grandfather and a distant uncle while her mother chose to become an OFW to earn a meager income. The concept is serviceable but most of the sequences are poorly orchestrated. One scene has Dolores prompting her respectable elder brother to touch her body in confusion that all the males around her are evil. It’s supposed to be an important scene that could highlight the ending but pure intention is perhaps lost somewhere. Dido dela Paz could take over the roles fit for Johnny Delgado though this one’s a waste of effort for him.

Friends who might appreciate it: Prince of Persia (it’s a joke).

PRINCE OF PERSIA
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1, May 28, 9:00pm

This CGI-decorated film tells the story of an adopted prince who made his mark amidst the chaos planted inside the kingdom of Persia. Watching it without any expectations from Mike Newell, the film’s director, is perhaps the best part. I enjoyed every twist and turn of it, especially those that involve engaging parkour scenes. The only drawback I find though is Princess Tamina’s insignificantly distracting British accent. Good acting from Jake Gyllenhaal. It’s so obvious that he put a lot of heart in the film including those sequences that would require him to be physically believable as a warrior.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who like the fourth installment of Harry Potter, the movie.