FLASHBACK: Magnifico---- truly magnificent!

Title:
Magnifico (A)
Actors:
Jiro Manio, Albert Martinez, Lorna Tolentino, Isabella de Leon, Gloria Romero, Celia Rodriguez Danilo Barrios, Amy Austria, Cherry Pie Picache, Mark Gil, Tonton Gutierrez, Susan Africa, Dindin Llarena
Director:
Maryo J. de los Reyes
Story and Screenplay:
Michiko Yamamoto
Editor / Music:
Manet A. Dayrit / Lutgardo Labad
Photography / Design:
Odyssey Flores / Gerry Santos
Producer:
Violetta C. Sevilla
Studio:
Violett Films

"O buhay, walang katapusang dusa" (Life.. a never ending misery)

For the first time in such a very long time, I’m speechless. I don’t know where to begin. I don’t know what to say. I don’t know how I can possibly give justice to this great work of art that’s truly incomparable. It was a true mirage of the real Filipino culture, its ups and downs, and the infinite power of good will.

Magnifico (Manio) is the second born of a poor rural couple. He was born in such a deplorable environment, but he never lost his enthusiasm with life in general. One day, her grandmother (Romero) had an accident and was later on diagnosed with a terminal disease. The naïve boy started to plan his grandmother’s funeral, from the casket up to the interment clothes. The only thing missing is the burial grounds. Meanwhile, his other wish of bringing his handicapped sister (de Leon) to a carnival turned gloomy, when he chose to buy her granny’s medicine instead of paying for the wheelchair’s rent. Will he be able to take his sister to the carnival? Will he be able to raise enough money for the entombment before her granny dies?

This movie was issued two years ago, barely noticed it when it was shown in the cinemas and I blame the Philippine media and the Filipino movie audience (including me) for being so fucking concentrated on the so-so movies that five-edged company releases. We only started to notice it, when aliens started to hail this movie, and the natural Filipino impulse? We claim that it’s ours though we barely took note of it. When will we ever learn? I already did, but I doubt that others will, at least soon enough….

Knowing how acclaimed this movie was, I prepared myself not to expect that much. I wouldn’t wanna be disappointed cuz this caliber of Filipino movies rarely turn up. In the beginning, I felt as if I was watching a French movie. It has this certain artsy partsy frenchie going on; from the camera shots to the whole ambiance. As the movie progresses, unique Filipino movie qualities started to flaunt, conversation scene shots for example. It was very smooth in the beginning, a little slower than I would like it to be, but it worked, cuz it wasn’t forcing the audience to see it. It’s so real that you can’t stop yourself from recognizing the lines as if you’ve experienced them first-hand. And then, the final 30 minutes of the movie came, and I realized that tears were slowly pouring out of my eyes, and it continued to do so till the end of the movie.



Michiko Yamamoto deserves all the awards for writing excellence. I’ve just never seen a much more real depiction of modern rural Filipino life ever! The dialogues were so natural; it’s impossible not to relate to at least a handful of them. It’s real, in the unfeigned essence of the word. Thanks to the director Maryo J. for knowing exactly what to do. I abhor one scene though, which I think was no longer necessary, and she went a little shoddy. It’s tolerable, but that palamig (lemonade) singing scene was certainly needless and OA.

The sound was good enough, at least we didn’t bother to borrow any David Williams classic, at least I think so. The cinematography went a little overboard a couple of times, but allowable. The photography was good, very simple, the way it should be. The editing wasn’t that perfect but definitely better than other Filipino movies.

Jiro Manio is a star. Those chinky (chinito) eyes will definitely go far. Man, he played the role so well that I hope he’s that good in real life. Let’s pray that Pinoy show business won’t corrupt his flimsy mind. Albert Martinez was good, a very subtle yet powerful performance. Lorna Tolentino is unbelievably good in playing poverty-stricken characters that I’m just in awe. She’s definitely not poor, I mean cmon with that skin! Gloria Romero is still a charmer, just like Celia Rodriguez, however, the glitz of the latter still shows. Isabella de Leon is just astounding! Jiro may be a star but this one’s an artiste. She’s beyond great for her age. Amy, Cherry Pie, and the rest of the veterans did an amazing support job that I’d say this is one of the highlights of their careers. Being part of such a great movie, despite of whatever role, is still a part in a great movie. I would work in this movie for free if I were given the chance.

The last film I saw that made me cry as much, was Anak. The only difference between the two, this one wasn’t trying to make me cry. That’s how great the script and the execution were. Drama, or even cinema in general is better tacit. No words, pure action. It’s what makes it different from novels or books. If a film succeeds in making you cry without attempting to do so by uttering petty stagy lines, it is a real film.

This movie is definitely a must-see. Despite its lack of prevailing technology, regardless of its diminutive budget, notwithstanding of its simplicity, this film succeeded. It’s a classic film about love, family, contentment and good will that transcends even the thickest concrete and the highest walls. It’s a bona fide attestation that at the end of the day, the story, is the one that truly matters. And this one’s story, is truly magnifico!

Elektra--- electrocuting ennui

Title:
Elektra (B-)
PH Release Date:
January 26, 2005
Actors:
Jennifer Garner, Terence Stamp, Goran Visnjic, Jason Isaacs, Kirsten Prout, Will Yun Lee, Bob Sapp
Director:
Rob Bowman
Story & Screenplay:
Based on Marvel Comics / Rob Bowman
Cinematography:
Bill Roe
Music:
Christophe Beck
Producer:
Mark Steven Johnson, Gary Foster et al.
Studio:
Marvel and 20th Century Fox


Born to fight, trained to kill….. if looks can kill….. I’ll be dead by now…

Comic books and superheroes aren’t really my thing, but if it involves a hot lass who kicks good butt, I’m totally down with it. It’s a spin-off from the so-so movie two years ago and well, if not for Jennifer Garner I won’t be watching it but since I already did let’s stop the mumbling and get right into it…

Elektra (Garner) is back from the dead, and she’s out on her own. She works as an assassin and when a high-paying job came she immediately grabbed the assignment. She met Mark (Visnjic) and his teenage daughter Abby only to find out that she’s there to obliterate them. She’s turning back on an assignment for the first time, and the client is not too happy. The Hand sends out Kirigi to take care of the treasure. But before he can do so, he must face the woman gone rouge… Elektra…

Daredevil was an okay movie. I enjoyed it more than some critics did and especially since it’s where I became conscious of the existence of evanescence. The first time I heard that they’re gonna do a spin-off for Jennifer, I wasn’t too ecstatic, knowing that in the movie, she already died. And I believe no no great writer can justify resurrection of any character unless it’s Jesus. And well, what do you expect, I was right…



The movie’s mood was dark from the beginning; I must admit I found it very interesting. Though the lines were trivial, excitement spread out my body (and I mean my entire body). Jennifer was just sizzling hot on that red skimpy leather dress. It’s alias without the gun nor the crazy disguises, but just those weird fork looking blades. That worked for me for a few minutes but after awhile the story started to not sink in! I have tons of questions in mind, and I’m afraid they failed to answer half of them. It was a simple story made complicated by the director.

The script is bad, the story was so simple but yet they found a way to make it so frigging hard to understand! Have they forgotten that they’re making a superhero movie not an art film??? It was so trying to be smart, trying to be dark, trying to be dramatic and just trying so hard to be something it’s totally not. It leaps from one conflict to another without resolving anything. I missed a lot of details because the direction, though it was good visually, the storytelling was appalling.

How much better it could have been if they were able to present some introduction or background to all the members of the quintet. All they did was made them show-off, test or hurt our hero, then later on be killed. All the antagonists were interesting, especially the poison ivy-like girl. Damn, she’s hot! And I love the tattooed man. Unfortunately the movie neglected to do so, like what they did with the rest of the elements needed to make this movie work.



The cinematography is good enough, but the photography is way too out off course. Their trying so hard to make this urban feel that just worked in the beginning but terribly failed as the movie went along. I dunno who’s decision was that, if the photographer was just following the director’s command or he’s doing it on his own, whatever it was, it was bad, plain and simple. The sound was good though. The fight scenes were so passé and so quick. They appeared so choreograph and sometimes lame. There were a couple of them that really worked but in general it wasn’t that strong to generate exhilaration. The visual effects of the movie rocks! It was very well made. Aside from Jennifer Garner and a couple of the antagonists, this made the movie tolerable.

Jennifer Garner is so on her element with this kind of movies. Yes it was like watching Sydney Bristow but you just can’t stop yourself from watching her. There’s something about the way she kicks butt that I find so alluring. She was definitely the star of this movie and no one else. I think that’s what the movie accomplished, making this all about her cuz it is suppose to be all about her. The rest of the actors were so-so. Goran did a not so good job, Kirsten though was god, at least for her age. She looks bratty in all aspect. Terence is old, ad I don’t like his acting. It was a good decision though n their part to acquire nameless actors to cut the cost, the box office hasn’t really been that generous to them, and maybe that’s also the reason why. I mean, if they’d bore the audience to death, they might as well give them some ice candy to drool on.

Elektra is definitely not a movie for everyone. It’s for those who wanna see comic book like characters come to life. It’s not for those who easily get bored. It’s for those Alias fans who wanna see Sydney push further on what she can do, thanx to the visuals. It’s not for those who’s fed up with superhero movies that just doesn’t work (remember catwoman?). If you’re after seeing Jennifer on a skimpy red dress, then go ahead but if you wanna see an electrifying movie, Elektra’s not for you….

Meet the Fockers and be Fockerized

Title:
Meet the Fockers (B+)
PH Release Date:
January 19, 2005
Actors:
Ben Stiller, Robert de Niro, Barbara Streisand, Dustin Hoffman, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, Owen Wilson
Director:
Oliver Stone
Story & Screenplay:
Oliver Stone et al.
Editor / Music:
Tom Nordbgerg et al. / Vangelis
Design / Photography:
Jan Roelfs / Rodrigo Prieto
Producer:
Thomas Schuhly, Moritz Borman et al.
Studio:
Intermedia



“Asss… HOOwwWwwwLLLL!!!!!” - LJ

Believe it or not, but I know you’ll believe it, I have not seen Meet The Parents. Yup, you read that right! One of the best contemporary slapstick comedies ever made. I don’t know exactly why but I just haven’t seen it yet. And after seeing this movie, it made me realize how stupid I am to miss its antecedent.

Gaylord Folker (Stiller) is about to marry the beautiful of a former CIA agent (Polo), He was able to surpass the challenge that is Jack Byrnes. And everything is working out perfectly. Or so he thought. Time came for him to introduce his parents, and the Fockers are in every way different from the Byrnes. Will Gaylord be able to halt his parents from being themselves and pursuer their wedding, or will they screw it up and permanently block him out from Jack’s circle of trust?

Reviled by critics but loved by the audience and me, well, I’m kinda stuck in the middle. You see, I enjoyed the movie so much. It was laugh out loud crazy. However, the little critic inside of me is telling me what the fuck am I thinking? It was fun but if you think about it, haven’t I seen these all before???

The screenplay was good enough for me, I thought that it wasn’t that cluttered with all the lame ass jokes. It was nicely paced; it was more like moving in the moment, you won’t think that it’s forced in any way. I just loved the way the characters were presented, they’re definitely somebody you recognize. You can actually consider the Focker couple as your longtime neighbor; the ones who always shout when someone arrives and loves hugging and kissing. Or, I dunno if this is worse or better, they’re the two people petting on your couch during family time aheheh….



The movie was very simple. No spooky or taunting audio presentation. No CGI parody. It was shown, as it is suppose to be seen, and heard, as it was suppose to be heard. Not too much technical efforts because it wasn’t necessary.

Ben Stiller was Ben Stiller. Dares to be hurt and look stupid, your everyday good guy who somewhat, somehow always finds himself in inapt situations. And he played it perfectly. I say between him and Adam Sandler, he definitely pulls it off better. Robert de Niro is a class act. Nobody does it better! Not even Tony Soprano. He’s just so good with playing these tough roles, and it doesn’t matter if they’re real toughie or the softy toughie, he can just play them all so well. Dustin Hoffman, well, I honestly thought he was an odd choice. I have nothing against this guy from Tootsie but I just don’t think he’ll be fun enough for the role. He kinda proved me wrong but I won’t say that he changed my mind (ha? Ahehe.)

Barbara Streisand, the ultimate co-gay icon of Cher. She’s definitely not my generation that’s why I have so little background of her. In fact I cannot remember seeing her in any of the movies I’ve seen. But in this movie, I love her. She didn’t register as a stickler in any way. It was fun watching her. She’s very natural. If she’s not really like that in real life, I say they better give her another Oscar. Blythe Danner is so pretty for her age, half as popular as Barbara but just as fabulous. Teri Polo well, obviously she’s kinda the murky star in this movie. I dunno, but she’s just not that enthralling like the others.



They all gave brilliant performance but the real star in this all-star cast movie, is none other than LJ!!! The kiddo!!! Man, this kid rocks!!!! Or rather those twins rock, I know that some of the talking scenes were CGI made but if they weren’t, man, they’re definitely products of Promil, though I think I should be quite bothered if they do know how to utter that word at their age. The asshole scene is a classic. I never laughed so much in a joke so overly done. It was just too much. I swear I’m still laughing just thinking about that. I say for that alone, see this movie. It’s to die for!!!

A star studded LOL treat that won’t fail to touch you. The ones who despised this movie need to loosen up a bit. Galaw galaw baka mastroke (move a little to avoid stroke). Every once in a while, there comes a movie that’s not to be eternalized, but sternly to enjoy. This is one of those movies. Despite the weak conclusion, it still didn’t strain my view of it. So go take yourself, your friends, and everyone else to the cinema, and get yourselves FOCKERIZED!!!!!

“Asss… HOOwwWwwwLLLLL!!!!!”

Eternal Sunshine of the almost SPOTLESS Movie...

Title:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (A-)
Actors:
Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, Tom Wilkinson
Director:
Michael Gondry
Story & Screenplay:
Charlie Kaufman
Editor / Music:
Valdis Oskarsdottir / Jon Kuras
Producer:
Anthony Bregman
Studio:
Focus Features



“I assumed you fuck someone tonight. Isn’t that how you get people to like you???"

Oh, how I wish it’s that easy to say that without expecting a slap or punch on your face afterwards. I’m a huge fan of Charlie as a writer. Who can forget Adaptation????? Or if you’re not familiar, how about Being John Malkovich? Those all came from this one bewildered man who takes himself into his own world and let us share it with them. It is the movie about love and just how much can it sustain.

Joel (Carrey) is a writer. He finds joy in being alone, especially on parties and get-togethers, the only thing that he has in common with Clementine (Winslet) . She works as a cashier in a supermarket and expresses herself by dyeing her hair with relation to her state of mind. After 2 years of a roller coaster relationship, they separated. The impulsive Clem decided to have her memories of him erased and Dr. Howard Mierzwalk (Tom Wilkinson) have the technology to do that. Joel found out and decided to do the exact same thing, but love won’t let them get away that easy. As it continually finds a way for the memory to last, but even if the memory is lost, somehow love always finds his way. Will it be sweeter the second-time around???

When Jim Carrey tries on a serious role, you always find it awkward. Majestic fits as the perfect example. But somehow, Jim found a way to combine comedy with drama to lessen the astonishment, like in The Truman show and like in this movie. One thing I love about the Jim and Kate tandem is that they’re so watchable. You can’t deter yourself from looking on the screen. You can feel their chemistry and how relax they were with each other. And that’s one of the tools that made this movie very enjoyable.

Kaufman has this certain style of writing that’s very unique. He’s an American with this art film thinking. One thing noticeable with his writing is that he usually starts very slow, that it tends to become a little boring. But that’s how he prepares his audience for what’s coming. The next thing you know the character is running around and making turns that sometimes you find yourself left behind.

Gondry gave justice to the screenplay. Though I taught nobody else from Soderbergh or Jones can handle Kaufman's work, Gondry comes in and made this movie truly one of a kind. The running away from the grocery store scene of Jim was just astounding, what imaginative mind and superb vision. He made this movie as controlled as I would like it to be, it was fast enough not to be boring and it was slow enough for me to understand.

The movie is very simple. It has this art film vibe going on. It’s like watching a French film minus the surplus nudity. The cinematography is good enough, fits the movie. The music is very simple as well and the editing is very good.



Jim and Kate are sure Oscar-runners. They’ve already both been nominated for the Golden Globes, even if they don’t win because this year’s competition is way too intense, a nomination will be good enough for me. You will definitely love Jim Carrey in this movie. This is one of if not the best performance ever. Kate had stronger performances than the one in this movie but she rendered this character oh so well that I felt that it did came to life. Tom Wilkinson was good. Kirsten needs more work; I thought Claire Danes could have done a better job. Elijah is okay. Mark gave a much more subtle performance than the usual.

In conclusion, this FILM ROCKS!!!! One of the best films of 2004. Charlie’s brilliance deserves to be known to everyone. It featured love as something more than sexual attraction, that there is such a thing as true love. That love, no matter how we try to hide it, finds its way to the one it seeks. Love is not just desire; it’s deeper than longing. It’s profound and unexplainable. It crosses the ethical and the logical. It knows no boundaries. And to experience love… you have to see this movie, before the sun sets on your mind. (damn, i'm so lame)

The 2005 Golden Globes results....

The ceremony is over…. The awards have been given… the only thing left to do is to compare notes ahehehe.. but before I do that, have you seen Halle Berry that night? She was smoking hot!!! Nicole couldn’t walk in that peacock dress but I still love her….

Best Picture Drama:

Who might win:
Million Dollar Baby
Who should win:
Finding Neverland
Who will win:
The Aviator
Who won:
The Aviator

I told yah, Miramax know how to do their campaigns…..

Best Picture Musical or Comedy:

Who might win:
Ray
Who should win:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Who will win:
Sideways
Who won:
Sideways

Am I right or am I correct??? Good for them cuz they were robbed from any acting awards…

Best Actor in a Lead Role – Drama

Who might win:
Don Cheadle for Hotel Rwanda
Who should win:
Johnny Depp for Finding Neverland
Who shouldn’t win:
Javier Bardem for The Sea Inside
Who will win:
Leonardo DiCaprio for The Aviator

I’m in a roll here am I not? Ahehehe…. Haven’t seen the performance but I think he won’t outstrip his performance in Catch me if you can.

Best Actor in a Lead role – Musical or Comedy

Who might win:
Jim Carrey for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Who should win:
Jamie Foxx for Ray
Who will win:
Jamie Foxx for Ray
Who won:
Jamie Foxx for Ray

C’mon even if I’m blind like Ray Charles I’m feeling this dawg

Best Actress in a Leading Role – Drama

Who might win:
Nicole Kidman for Birth
Who should win:
Hilary Swank for Million Dollar Baby
Who will win:
Hilary Swank for Million Dollar Baby
Who will win:
Hilary Swank for Million Dollar Baby

I feel the Oscars calling……

Best Actress in a Leading Role – Musical/Comedy

Who might win:
Annette Bening for Being Julia
Who should win:
Kate Winslet for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Who will win:
Kate Winslet for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Who won:
Annette Bening for Being Julia

I knew it… I haven’t seen Annette’s performance but I had that strong feeling that she might nab this one, well, not strong enough for me to write her in the who will win slot…

Best Actor in a Supporting Role:

Who might win:
Jamie Foxx for Collateral
Who should win:
Morgan Freeman for Million Dollar Baby
Who will win:
Thomas Haden Church for Sideways
Who won:
Clive Owen for Closer

Goodbye perfect score… this was the first award given and when they finally called Clive as winner, I thought I’m in trouble for the rest of the evening, good thing it didn’t end that bad…


Best Actress in a Supporting Role:

Who might win:
Virginia Madsen for Sideways
Who should win:
Meryl Streep for The Manchurian Candidate
Who will win:
Natalie Portman for Closer
Who won:
Natalie Portman for Closer

I’m so happy for her, however, that sando looking dress of her may need some fixing…

Best Director:

Who might win:
Alexander Payne for Sideways
Who should win:
Clint Eastwood for Million Dollar Baby or Marc Foster for Finding Neverland
Who will win:
Martin Scorsese for THE Aviator
Who won:
Clint Eastwood for Million Dollar Baby

WOW!!! I really thought Martin’s dream will finally be a nomination away.. poor Martin I really think this will be the last movie he’ll direct.. I hope the Oscars take that into consideration, like they always do…

Best Screenplay:

Who might win:
The Aviator by John Logan
Who should win:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind by Charlie Kaufman
Who will win:
Sideways by Alexander Payne & Jim Taylor
Who won:
Sideways by Alexander Payne & Jim Taylor

What can I say, I hope they show this movie soon…


Best Foreign Film:

Who might win:
A Very Long Engagement (France)
Who should win:
The Motorcycle Diaries (Brazil)
Who will win:
The Motorcycle Diaries (Brazil)
Who won:
The Sea Inside (Spain)

Apparently, Che Guevarra’s power ain’t enough to win Brazil the Oscar, poor Gael Garcia, he’s been snubbed this year….

Now let’s head to the boob tube…

Best TV Series – Drama

Who might win:
Nip/Tuck
Who should win:
Nip/Tuck
Who will win:
The Sopranos
Who won:
Nip/Tuck

WOWIE!!!! I couldn’t believe they actually won!!!! In your face EMMYS!!!!! I absolutely think this show deserves the award and finally they’ve been recognized.

Best TV Series – Musical or Comedy

Who might win:
Arrested Development
Who should win:
Sex and the City
Who shouldn’t win:
I’m really lost this time…
Who will win:
Desperate Housewives

Well, the speech kinda made me agree....

Best Actor in a Leading Role – Drama Series

Who might win:
Julian Mcmahon for Nip/Tuck
Who should win:
James Spader for Boston Legal
Who will win:
Michael Chiklis for The Shield
Who won:
Ian Mcshane for Deadwood

Ian whoooo????
Best Actor in a Leading Role – Musical or Comedy Series

Who might win:
Charlie Sheen for Two and a Half Men
Who should win:
Tony Shalhoub for Monk
Who will win:
Tony Shalhoub for Monk
Who won:
Jason Bateman for Arrested Development

Third fault… whatever!!! I still think Tony Shaloub deserves the award…

Best Actress in a Leading Role – Drama Series

Who might win:
Jennifer Garner for Alias
Who should win:
Edie Falco for The Sopranos
Who will win:
Edie Falco for The Sopranos
Who won:
Mariska Hargity for L&O

Man, I thought this one’s the bag.. fourth fault and damn! I don’t even see this show…….

Best Actress in a Leading Role – Musical/Comedy Series

Who might win:
Debra Messing for Will and Grace
Who should win:
Sarah Jessica Parker for Sex and The City
Who shouldn’t win:
Marcia Cross or Felicity Huffman
Who will win:
Teri Hatcher for Desperate Housewives

YUP, yup, yup, I’m back on track…. Even if Sarah didn’t win, I’m cool with Teri winning, I think after being a C or D lister fr a couple of years, she finally gets the chance to be on the A list again.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (General)

Who might win:
William Shatner for Boston Legal
Who should win:
Sean Hayes for Will and Grace
Who will win:
Michael Imperioli for The Sopranos or Sean
Who won:
William Shatner for Boston Legal

Wow… he also won even if I just guessed he deserves the award wahaha..

Best Actress in a Supporting Role – (General)

Who might win:
Emily Watson for the Life and Death of Peter Sellers
Who should win:
Drea de Matteo for The Sopranos
Who should win:
Drea de Matteo for The Sopranos
Who won:
Anjelica Houston for Iron Jawed Angels

Oh, poor Drea.. this old lady shouldn’t be stealing little statuettes!!!

That’s it for me, overall I had more than 50% right…. Hahah that means I’m a certified soothsayer….. ahehe… next stuff my own Oscar nominees….. will write it before Brody gets the chance to talk…

Blade Trinity--- thrice the rust, thrice the lameness

Title:
Blade Trinity (C+)
PH Release Date:
January 6, 2005
Actors:
Wesley Snipes, Jessica Biel, Ryan Reynolds, Dominic Purcell, Kris Kristofferson, James Remar
Director:
David S. Goyer
Story & Screenplay:
David S. Goyer
Music:
RZA
Cinematography:
Gabriel Beristain
Producer:
David S. goyer, Wesley Snipes et al.
Studio:
New Line Cinema



Drake: I hope you’re ready to die…
Blade: I was born ready motherfucker!
Drake: Motherfucker, I like that!

The former vampire who hunts vampire, killed vampires and will be working with a former vampire and those whose families were victims of vampires is now back in the big screen. The scar who became a man is taking the role that the people oh so terribly considered over and done, which means they’ve also forgotten him. It’s the first foreign movie I’m reviewing for this year and I ain’t showin’ any signs of being promising…

Blade travels the street of New York when the sun is down to slaughter the nightwalkers. But one mistake put his life and his future on the line. He accidentally murdered a human pretending to be a vampire, all part of a dirty hoax planned against him by the leaders. Now he must fight those he protects. But this is not the major concern, for they resurrected the antecedent, the perpetual Dracula. With the help of his newfound associates, will he be able to stop their plans? Will they succeed in their plan to eliminate this species once and for all without having to kill him as well?

I remember seeing Blade 2 about a year or two ago, I wasn’t completely wowed by it but it was okay. Very entertaining and the visuals were astounding. That was before and well, this year, it’s a different story. The blade isn’t as sharp as it used to be.

I don’t know if it’s still the same director or writer, but if it is, poor hi., I ain’t seeing any spin-offs nor another sequel which means he might be ban from writing and making movies for life. The story was ordinary and predictable, the lines were cheesy, all the action scenes I’ve definitely seen them all before, and the pacing was bad. So in simple words, he did a good job—in making a bad movie.

The story of Blade is not that interesting, and so is Wesley Snipes. I ain’t expecting any Oscar-winning screenplay but at least something decent. And I was expecting something action-packed. Sadly, I didn’t get any of that. The scenes were too predictable and too odd. It jumps out from one scene to another without lucidity. It was poor exposition. The script was a bad layout of a newspaper: wrong sizes of pictures and slots.



The visuals along with Ryan and Jessica may have salvaged this movie from demise. However, it’s nothing new. The turning-into-ash trick is so passé. The backflips, the swordfights, all of these I’ve seen before. Jessica’s tool was cool but aside from that it was totally lame. The action is too soft for me, and I’m not even an action movie fan! I’m just as shock as you are that I’m saying this.

Wesley Snipes acting deserves no critique. It will be like saying that bananas can be red. It will always be yellow: bright and shining unlike his acting. Ryan Reynolds character name can possibly be the lamest one out of all the superhero/comic character I’ve seen. Hannibal King? C’mon you can do better than that! His quirkiness still remained though at times I found it corny, it did work for me somehow, lessened my irritation from the whole experience. Jessica’s a bombshell! This is definitely far from her Mary role in 7th Heaven. I’d say she did a fine job despite the poor development of her character.



Some may watch this movie for the reason of Ryan and Jessica’s existence. Well, sorry to inform you that they have no steamy scenes or whatsoever in the movie, a threesome with Blade is also not happening. Jessica had a nude bathroom scene but she ain’t showin’ any. Ryan had a half-naked and showing of some pecks scene, well for some that’s good enough. But if you’re watching this movie not for the skin, I say reconsider. If you wanna watch it cuz you wanna complete the trilogy, I say keep the memories of the first two movies and leave this one behind as if it was just a 2-part movie. But if you desperately want closure, then go ahead experience how it’s like to be cut by a rusty blade.

Riddler FORETELLs the 2005 Golden Globe Awards

It’s time for the biggest party in Hollywood, it’s time for the Hollywood foreign press’ take on this year’s flicks… it’s time, for the golden globes. This year is filled with the oh-so, the so-so and the not-so but what matters is what I say so… so read… GO!!!!!!!!!!!


Best Picture Drama:

Who might win:
Million Dollar Baby
Who should win:
Finding Neverland
Who shouldn’t win:
Kinsey
Who will win:
The Aviator

Best Picture Musical or Comedy:

Who might win:
Ray
Who should win:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Who shouldn’t win:
The Phantom of the Opera
Who will win:
Sideways

Best Actor in a Lead Role – Drama

Who might win:
Don Cheadle for Hotel Rwanda
Who should win:
Johnny Depp for Finding Neverland
Who shouldn’t win:
Javier Bardem for The Sea Inside
Who will win:
Leonardo DiCaprio for The Aviator

Best Actor in a Lead role – Musical or Comedy

Who might win:
Jim Carrey for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Who should win:
Jamie Foxx for Ray
Who shouldn’t win:
Kevin Kline for De-Lovely
Who will win:
Jamie Foxx for Ray

Best Actress in a Leading Role – Drama

Who might win:
Nicole Kidman for Birth
Who should win:
Hilary Swank for Million Dollar Baby
Who shouldn’t win:
Scarlett Johansson for A Love Song for Bobby Long
Who will win:
Hilary Swank for Million Dollar Baby

Best Actress in a Leading Role – Musical/Comedy

Who might win:
Annette Bening for Being Julia
Who should win:
Kate Winslet for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Who shouldn’t win:
Emmy Rossum for The Phantom of the Opera
Who will win:
Kate Winslet for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Best Actor in a Supporting Role:

Who might win:
Jamie Foxx for Collateral
Who should win:
Morgan Freeman for Million Dollar Baby
Who shouldn’t win:
David Carradine for Kill Bill Vol. 2
Who will win:
Thomas Haden Church for Sideways

Best Actress in a Supporting Role:

Who might win:
Virginia Madsen for Sideways
Who should win:
Meryl Streep for The Manchurian Candidate
Who shouldn’t win:
I have no idea
Who will win:
Natalie Portman for Closer

Best Director:

Who might win:
Alexander Payne for Sideways
Who should win:
Clint Eastwood for Million Dollar Baby or Marc Foster for Finding Neverland
Who shouldn’t win:
Everyone deserves it!
Who will win:
Martin Scorsese for THE Aviator

Best Screenplay:

Who might win:
The Aviator by John Logan
Who should win:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind by Charlie Kaufman
Who shouldn’t win:
I pass on this one
Who will win:
Sideways by Alexander Payne & Jim Taylor

Best Foreign Film:

Who might win:
A Very Long Engagement (France)
Who should win:
The Motorcycle Diaries (Brazil)
Who shouldn’t win:
Next please…
Who will win:
The Motorcycle Diaries (Brazil)

Now let’s head to the boob tube…

Best TV Series – Drama

Who might win:
Nip/Tuck
Who should win:
Nip/Tuck
Who shouldn’t win:
Lost
Who will win:
The Sopranos

Best TV Series – Musical or Comedy

Who might win:
Arrested Development
Who should win:
Sex and the City
Who shouldn’t win:
I’m really lost this time…
Who will win:
Desperate Housewives

Best Actor in a Leading Role – Drama Series

Who might win:
Julian Mcmahon for Nip/Tuck
Who should win:
James Spader for Boston Legal
Who shouldn’t win:
No comment
Who will win:
Michael Chiklis for The Shield

Best Actor in a Leading Role – Musical or Comedy Series

Who might win:
Charlie Sheen for Two and a Half Men
Who should win:
Tony Shalhoub for Monk
Who shouldn’t win:
Matt Leblanc for Joey
Who will win:
Tony Shalhoub for Monk

Best Actress in a Leading Role – Drama Series

Who might win:
Jennifer Garner for Alias
Who should win:
Edie Falco for The Sopranos
Who shouldn’t win:
My mouth is shut…
Who will win:
Edie Falco for The Sopranos

Best Actress in a Leading Role – Musical/Comedy Series

Who might win:
Debra Messing for Will and Grace
Who should win:
Sarah Jessica Parker for Sex and The City
Who shouldn’t win:
Marcia Cross or Felicity Huffman
Who will win:
Teri Hatcher for Desperate Housewives

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (General)

Who might win:
William Shatner for Boston Legal
Who should win:
Sean Hayes for Will and Grace
Who shouldn’t win:
I have the right to remain silent
Who will win:
Michael Imperioli for The Sopranos or Sean

Best Actress in a Supporting Role – (General)

Who might win:
Emily Watson for the Life and Death of Peter Sellers
Who should win:
Drea de Matteo for The Sopranos
Who shouldn’t win:
Nicollette Sheridan for Desperate Housewives
Who will win:
Drea or Nicolette

Watch the Golden Globe on RPN or Star World on January 17th and see if my picks were picked and the junks were dumped…. We’re heading for the bald man…..

Aishite Imasu 1941 (Mahal Kita) --- i love this movie

Title:
Aishite Imasu 1941 {Mahal Kita} (A-)
PH Release Date:
December 25, 2004
Actors:
Judy Ann Satos, Raymart Santiago, Dennis Trillo, Jay Manalo, Jacklyn Jose, Angelu de Leon, TJ Trinidad, Iya
Director:
Joel Lamangan
Story:
Joel Lamangan and Ricardo Lee
Editor:
Marya Iganacio
Photography / Design:
Rolly Manuel / Joey Luna
Producer:
Roselle Monteverde-Teo
Studio:
Bas FIlms

Ninakaw na ang pag-ibig niya sakin, ninakaw ng inang bayan… gaga, libog lang yan…
(His love was stolen from me, taken by the mother country….. bitch, that’s all itch…)

I am so excited. I am so on fire. I am so guts and glory passionate about what I am to share with you… sounds familiar ha? But really, I have never been this psyched about a Filipino movie for the longest time. All it needed was a great writer and brilliant actors. Never mind the director he didn’t really contributed to the success of the film, instead triggered the slight downfall….

San Nicolas is a small common Filipino town where everyone knows everybody and has affected the life of each other one way or another. Inya, Edilberto and Ignacio all grew up in this town, each with a story to tell. But one thing they have in common is their love for one another as friends. Inya and Iganacio both fancies Edilberto, the former openly and the latter otherwise. Their bonds will travel the rough waters when the Japanese took over their city, affecting their lives, killing the ones they love and crushing their friendship perched in the middle of the conflict. Will it survive the war? Or drive them to the edge of their concern for own and national survival, expunging their amity for good?

It was a choice between this period movie and the visual horror treat Sigaw, but I chose the former, and thank your God I did. It was beyond I expected, I knew it has the makings of a good movie, but it was more than that. It was an eye-opening saga. An emotional roller coaster, thought provoking, awe-inspiring but most of all filled with priceless lessons about life, love and friendship.

Joel Lamangan as a director, will always be overrated, I’d say this is his best movie so far, but not the kind of direction people speak of. The good things about this movie was that it was fast. The bad thing though is that, it was way too fast. You can’t blink cuz the minute you do you’ll miss something vital to the storyline. It was that fast that he wasn’t able to capture some of the emotions needed to be conveyed to the audience.

Ricky Lee is probably the best local writer today in the country. He dares to be unorthodox but still manages to emanate the same response. Some of the best movie lines I’ve seen in years are in this movie. It was poetry. He is a genius. He never fails to amaze me and man, I hope he never stops from doing what he does best, taking risks and succeeding…

The characters he presented in this movie were so real. He knows how to develop his characters well. They commit mistakes, he make you sympathize with them but not endorse them. He make them as vulnerable as every one of us. The characters may have lived decades ago, and their situations vary from ours, but still you feel as if they mirror what you have, listen to it as if you’re eavesdropping to your life, watching it as if you’re peeking on your existence and destiny.

Technically speaking, the movie is decent. The production design is commendable, very simple and not too extravagant. The cinematography’s nice, one thing though, the cameo of some of the scenes from Yamashita wasn’t exactly gratifying. If I am not mistaken (which I rarely am, oh c’mon) the same editor from the movie Sabel worked on this film and well, she improved a lot but still failed to impress me. The editing is not that good, it was so obvious that it was rushed. A couple of the transitions were appalling, I don’t know if it’s just because they really have to hasten it for the festival deadline or that’s just what kind of work she does. If it is so, then she better look for a job that does not require her to press the play and pause button.

Besides the great storyline and script, this movie is overflowing with groundbreaking, out of this world performance. Dennis Trillo showed how great of an actor he is, and he’s not just another pretty face. The fact that he accepted and is considering to take another gay role makes him a true actor with full knowledge of his responsibility to his craft and to his audience. I wouldn’t say that it was a flawless performance, but it was way beyond what I expected. Raymart Santiago also featured great acting feat, especially during his combat scenes, this time he’s not throwing petty lines against his enemies, instead showing genuine emotions and real talent. Judy Ann Santos as an actress, I ‘m afraid, will never be able to get out of that telanovela quality acting. I just don’t see her give more than what she gave in this movie. Jay Manalo was astounding in his hara-kiri scene. Jaclyn Jose showed how swearing should be classily channeled. Angelu de Leon was very effective as a sucker. And TJ Trinidad and Iya needs a lot more practice but gave acceptable performances.

A genius of a movie from a genius writer. This movie should have won the Best Picture award. It’s a captivating depiction of the human struggles in life. If you’re the type who appreciates movies of high quality, then see it. Prepare yourself to cry profusely without them trying to make you do so. And make sure you’re not homophobic, you may not be able to handle some of the juicy scenes between Jay and Dennis. But one thing I assure you, seeing this movie is something you won’t regret.

2004 reviewed: A trip down movie memory lane....

This year has been crazy.. forgive me if some of the movies released during the first quarter this year are not included. It’s because I can hardly remember them and I lost my copies so all of these are chosen from what I have here in the blog and others….. here are some of my picks….

Action:
Best: Collateral
Worst: Catwoman

Action-Adventure:
Best: Spiderman 2
Worst: Chronicles of Riddick

Animated:
Best: The Incredibles
Worst: The Polar Express

Drama:
Best: Sylvia
Worst: Sabel

Dark Comedy:
Best: The Stepford Wives
Worst: Ladykillers

Comedy:
Best: The Stepford Wives
Worst: Scooby Doo 2

Art Film:
Best: The House of Flying Daggers
Worst: Birth

Sci-fi/ Fantasy:
Best: Spiderman 2
Worst: Chronicles of Riddick

Adaptation:
Best: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Worst: Catwoman

Horror/ Suspense:
Best: The Manchurian Candidate
Worst: Dawn of the Dead

Sequel:
Best: Spiderman2 / Shrek 2
Worst: Chronicles of Riddick

OPM:
Best: Milan
Worst: Enteng Kabisote

Epic:
Best: Alexander
Worst: Troy

Romantic-Comedy:
Best: Love Actually
Worst: Princess Diaries 2

Documentary:
Best: Super size me

Overall this whole year has been filled with sequels and surprisingly a lot of them did live up with their predecessor. There aren’t that much really moving flicks this year, and very few comedies stood up… in fact, I believe this is one of the weirdest movie year where there is no clear frontrunner for the Oscars…. We’ll see what happens this coming year hopefully it’ll be more fruitful especially for our local movie industry…