Movie Digest # 077

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2
Punta Carretas Shopping, Grupo Cine – Sala 3, November 6, 6:20pm

Same experience when I saw the first movie: a horror train ride. This time around, they incorporated both the prequel and the sequel into one, with the help of a funding from a bigger studio.

Friends who might appreciate it: Male friends who can potentially scream.

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Punta Carretas Shopping, Movie Center – Sala A, November 18, 7:45pm

Annette Bening and Julianne Moore lead the cast of this tale about a rainbow family who is shaken by the presence of the two kids’ father from artificial insemination (Mark Ruffalo). At first glance, the movie boasts of acting highlights from the lead. Oftentimes evident of a made-for-TV feel, I can say that it has a good story to tell at the very least. It just so happens that I feel like the film doesn’t make a giant leap from its initial offering (about two lesbian parents). Miss Bening deserves her Oscar nomination for this movie but it is Miss Moore’s presence that made a more affecting impact on me.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who wish to see Annette Bening do a Hilary Swank role.

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1
Punta Carretas Shopping, Movie Center – Sala B, November 20, 4:00pm

What stands out of this latest franchise is that it has more time to inhale and exhale. It’s not in a hurry. For instance, the last part where the characters are into seclusion, a big chunk of running time is allotted for it. Thanks to the idea of splitting the last book into two movies (which they haven’t done before). I’m not a fan of Daniel Radcliffe and I still find it difficult ‘til now to see him do a scene that requires emotional heights. The film, of course, has other things under its belt: reliable supporting cast, CGI that is getting more and more polished and apparently J.K. Rowling’s participation in the production as a consultant.

Friends who might appreciate it: Easy. Fans of the book.

BURIED
Punta Carretas Shopping, Cines Hoyts – Sala 1, December 5, 8:30pm

Director Rodrigo Cortes’ challenge there is to create a story out of the claustrophobic box that serves as a coffin for Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds). Send in all the camera angles and you’ll have all the options for a serviceable storytelling. A bit mind-numbing to some but I enjoyed the tricks. Feels like a film school workshop has been thrown in and the student filmmaker got a good grade.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who paid for half the price in a small cinema somewhere in Montevideo.

TRON LEGACY
SM Mall of Asia, IMAX Theater, January 15, 4:45pm

I was warned that the first Tron is a requirement. At some point, yes, but I think the sequel can stand on its own. There’s nothing much to root for story-wise though. It feels like the whole movie is just an episode of a bigger one. CGI is above average and should be the primary reason why the film has to be experienced in IMAX.

Friends who might appreciate it: Jeff Bridges fans. The movie has two of him.

THE TOURIST
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2, January 16, 8:50pm

The first few sequences of the movie are very much reminiscent of Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s critically-acclaimed German film “The Lives of Others”. Not that I was expecting it to be brilliant, not to mention that it is shot in Venice, but I ended up asking for more. I am not sure, too, if I like the twist (even if it’s delivered by the ever reliable Johnny Depp).

Friends who might appreciate it: Lovers of the most romantic city in the world.

PRESA
SM Megamall, Cinema 7, January 19, 9:00pm

“Presa” is Adolf Alix’ take on the lives of Filipino women prisoners. Mostly off-angled to present the dullness within, the movie deals with the country’s top actresses to deliver the tales of longing, cleansing and retribution. There’s Anita Linda, Rosanna Roces, Jody Sta. Maria, Tetchie Agbayani, Lisa Lorena, Angeli Bayani, Ina Feleo and more who all made one hell of an ensemble performance. I just don’t like the idea that everybody has to share their piece, echoing the “Cell Block Tango” from the musical “Chicago”, given the limited timeframe. Some scenes are stand-out like the trip to the pool and Anita Linda’s moment with her weeping shadow (this one got me).

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who think that the film deserves the very first Best Indie Film award on the recently concluded MMFF.

HEREAFTER
Glorietta 4, Cinema 5, January 21, 10:30pm

I am not sure if I have seen a Clint Eastwood film before where the storytelling involves different geography. On top of that, there’s the CGI (which is enjoyable in the first few minutes of the movie) and there’s paranormal activity. I think it’s the mix of these new stuffs that stirs the film from its potential goodness. Nevertheless, the story is conveyed through and that silver lining about the characters’ new lease on life is very much appreciated.

Friends who might appreciate it: “X-Files” spectators.

GREEN HORNET
Newport Cinema, Cinema 3, January 22, 7:50pm

Just like “The Tourist”, the film also suffers from the demands of a major Hollywood studio. Very basic in terms of blockbuster mold and I am not sure if Michel Gondry intended it that way. I was looking for a different touch, something that would stand out in most of his films and music videos, but I ended up with only two distinctly Gondry montages.

Friends who might appreciate it: Atenistas and La Sallistas alike.