Grace of my heart --- lacks refinement

Title:
Grace of my Heart (B-)
Release Year:
1996
Actors:
Illeana Douglas, Matt Dillon, Eric Soltz, John Turturro, Bruce Davison, Chris Isaak, Bridget Fonda
Director:
Allison Anders
Story and Screenplay:
Allison Anders
Editor / Music:
James Kwei et al. / Joni Mitchell, Elvis Costello
Design / Photography:
Francois Seguin / Jeaa-Yves Escoffier
Producer:
Daniel Hassid et al.
Studio:
Gramercy Pictures



Grace of my Heart follows the story of Edna Buxton (Douglas), a daughter of a rich family whose dream is to become a recording artist. With that alone, yours truly who’s a frequent visitor of singing auditions (twice is frequent for me), was captivated to watch it.

It all began in a singing competition where she won and was promised to record an album. However, when she arrived in New York, she realized that it was all a dupe. The labels didn’t want no female singers. Imagine, being disowned by your parents and accepting it, thinking that your dreams are finally coming true. Now that’s where our similarity ends. Because if I was her, I would have used my brains. I would have returned to my parents and used their money to release my own album. Why torture myself in the hands of others. But then they wouldn’t have any more story to tell. So okay, lets let it slide.



Because of sheer determination (or idiocy), she decides to reside in the apple, not as big as it is today, but an apple anyway. During her stay, she met Joel Millner (Turturro), a manager who lectured her that she won’t get a recording contract at that time. Don’t ask me why, I was not born yet. That was in the late ‘50’s. And so she agreed, writer she will just be until she’s given the right break.

At first I thought, the love aspect of the movie will be between the two. Apparently not, Edna who’s now named Denise Waverly ends up with another writer, who impregnated her then screwed around; a radio jock who’s already attached and finally to a musician with suicidal tendencies. Her dreams came true but fell short cuz the absolutely beautiful song “God give me strength” flopped. But no worries, she will be able to sell more than a million copies after she made a record immediately after Matt Dillon’s character committed suicide She wasn’t that stupid after all.



Some say this is bigger than any regular movies made by this director named Allison Anders. She usually does movies that show the nature and trials of women. Okay, so this one counts, but I just don’t think it was not well made. The story was compact, a bit dragging at some point particularly in the middle to the conclusion part. In spite of this, instead of dealing with the writer and her reasons for writing, they tried to show aspects of love and the music industry that may be relevant but are way too much for an audience to handle. Thus, losing their interest.

If it’s any consolation, Ileana was pretty convincing. I didn’t actually know her name until I searched for it. I thought she was Toni Colette. The doorknob eyes confused me. Everyone did a great job as well. From Matt to Eric to John. It was a finely acted movie.



Martin Scorcese is the executive producer of this movie for a company that I believe no longer exists. Gramercy pictures, that’s like a studio that makes movies for grams and asks for their mercy to see it. So lame (the name and me). One thing I did admire from this movie is the music. Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello and Joni Mitchell contributed songs for this one. Shawn Colvin even made a cameo.

Overall, it felt and looked like a hallmark movie. That’s why I thought at first that it was based on a true story. It’s where great stories come to life right? but I saw this on in Cinemax, just a click away from the dreaded movie channel. It’s a fun ride for music lovers since you’ll get to experience the music of what I consider the golden era of modern music. It may not be as interesting for period movie enthusiasts since most of the scenes were taken inside the recording studio. If by any chance you stumble upon this flick, I say watch it, just so you can say to yourself that I made it through watching a movie with such title. That’s reason enough.

Grading Sheet:
Story – 14%
Screenplay – 13%
Direction / Execution – 13%
Acting – 18%
Technical Aspect – 15%
Total: 73% = B-

Ms. Congeniality 2: Unarmed and Not fabulous!

© WB

Title:
Ms. Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (C+)
Actors:
Sandra Bullock, Regina King, Enrique Murciano, William Shatner, Ernie Hudson, Heather Burns, Diedrich Bader
Director:
John Pasquin
Story and Screenplay:
Marc Lawrence
Editor / Music:
Garth Craven / John Houlihan
Design / Photography:
Mahem Ahmed / Peter Menzies
Producer:
Sandra Bullock
Studio:
Castle Rock Entertainment and Warner Bros.


© WB

"It’s the first time you open your heart to someone and what do they do, they wreck it up" (or something to that effect)

Perhaps this line could have saved the movie but too bad it wasn’t enough. I was surprised that it was shown earlier here compared to the US so I immediately grabbed the opportunity to see it. Knowing that it’ll line up on my list of superfluous sequels. During the first few scenes of the movie, there was a shed of hope that it won’t be the next Legally Blonde or Charlie’s Angels but that only lasted for a couple of minutes then we’re off to the never-ending consolidations between its characters.

In case you haven’t figured it out, the plot of the movie is that we follow Gracie (Bullock) weeks after her world peace moments as she begins to get her life back as a field agent. However, fame, as so predictably felt, will have a way to catch up on her. Where else but on her very first mission. Now, she has no choice but to live the life she never wanted to have --- as a spokesperson for the FBI.


© WB

She’s not your ordinary FBI representative; she’s not in black suit and leather shoes. She’s on hills. Now what’s the catch? Well, remember Ms. Rhode Island (Burns)? She’s been kidnapped together with Stan (Shatner), the pageant’s emcee. Due to her lack of friends and unwavering issue against crime she tries (operative term is tries--- as if!) to save her with the help and obstruction of her shadow (King)—literally and figuratively (shoot me now!).

Sandra Bullock didn’t appear in any movie last year. Don’t get me wrong I adore her especially after she donated a million dollars to the tsunami victims, but if she devoted her entire time in making this movie (she’s the producer as well—as always!) I guess it was not time well spent or she simply needed more.


© WB

Gracie Hart is such a loveable character. She’s Grace Adler without the gay confidante but in this one she has one. It was refreshing though, to know that her character didn’t have a happy ending, something very bold to do or simply the last thing they resorted to since they can’t hire Benjamin Bratt again. Whatever the reason is, I love that fact. The pain was kinda real, sometimes people do things that make you think they truly care about you, at times you’re right but sometimes they’re simply doing their job or returning the favor. Why the sudden melancholy? I dunno… it was just the right moment. Ha! Ha!

Having said that, I thought that the story was not the main problem of this movie. It’s more of the direction and the strenuous pacing. The whole middle to the end part was kinda in a limbo. It was way too long for me. The jokes were there, ancient at times but somehow still effective but it loses the impact because of the arduous moments the audience spent watching these two characters hit and console one another time and time again.


© WB

I was really routing for this movie cuz I do love Sandra and she rarely do movies and she knows that she’s a movie star and she capitalizes on that (4 shes in one sentence). But people deserve better than this. The attempt to be good was really there, but the script and direction just didn’t follow.

I was kinda surprised that Regina King would take such a role, I guess she also want to be a movie star ha? I did love the Tina Turner but more of Oprah-gone-wild look. And Sandra well, she plays these kind of parts so well that I’m actually starting to think these will be the only roles she’ll be doing for the rest of her movie career.


© WB

The first Ms. Congeniality was a laugh-out-loud, in-your-face slapstick ridicule towards the fanciful world of beauty pageants. This one is more about the daily struggle of a brokenhearted middle-aged agent whom accidentally happens to be the savior of the titleholder. If this is a real beauty pageant, the runner-up may have been the perpetrator.

If you’re a fan of the first and will not be stopped from seeing it, I do not blame you, but I pity you. If you’re watching this out of pity towards Bullock, then go ahead, make your donation. Whatever is your reason for watching this movie, there’s one thing you’ll wish after seeing it, no, not world peace but peace of mind.

Grading Sheet:
Story – 12%
Screenplay – 12%
Direction / Execution – 12%
Acting – 16%
Technical Aspect – 15%
Total: 67% = C+

Girl with the Pearl Earring --- puts the art in art film

Title:
Girl with the Pearl Earring (A)
Actors:
Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, Tom Wilkinson, Judy Parfitt, Cillian Murphy, Essie Davis
Director:
Peter Webber
Based on the novel:
“Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Tracy Chevalier
Screenplay:
Olivia Hetreed
Editor / Music:
Kate Evans / Alexandre Desplat
Design / Photography:
Ben Van Os / Eduardo Serra
Producer:
Andy Paterson
Studio:
Lions Gate Films



“Beauty inspires obsession”

Weird cuz I did find this movie lovely but I am not quite fanatical. The film is based from the novel of the same title by Tracy Chevalier, which is merely a speculation of the history of a painting of the same name. As you would have guessed, I haven’t read the book and I definitely haven’t seen the painting or in case I did, just didn’t pay much attention to it.

FYI The painting known as Girl with the Pearl Earring is known as the Mona Lisa of the North. Believe me, I would love to expound but I don’t know my directions either. Unlike Mona Lisa, the woman in the painting is not smiling nor forcing a smile (depends on what you’re parents told you). Her lips are a little open and she’s sporting a blue scarf around her head. And of course, she’s wearing the pearl earring. I don’t exactly know how much reality there is to the speculation made my Tracy but I would love to believe that it is the story.



Those who have read the book may not be as elated by the story since it’s nothing new for them but it was for me. I completely fell into the trap of this uniquely sexually restrained movie. It’s an art film alright, but without any nudity. Now who ever said that art film is merely a euphemism for soft-porn, here’s the answer—it’s not!!! This film proved it once and for all. There was a little sex scene but it was very light and the rest were steamy non-verbal and non-physical actions.

The movie is about Griet (Johansson), a 16-year old lass who because of their family’s unfavorable fate was forced to work as a maid for the house of Johannes Vermeer (Firth). The girl discovers the oddity and the beauty of the world of his master and the reality of the life he lives in. Aside of course from the fact that Colin looked like a rockstar with his grungy hair. He is somewhat controlled by his patron van Ruijven (Wilkinson) who fancied Griet. As their intimacy gets stronger, the people around started to suspect. Speculation of their relationship emerged and people are not happy about it, especially Catharina (Davis), the always preganant wife of Jan. Which brings me to the weirdness and strength of this movie. Obviously, due to the fact that his wife gets pregnant all the time, he surely shouldn't be able to restrain himself from getting into Griet's pants but he was able to. He found orgasm in combining colors with her. Who said sex is the best thing on earth?



The master painter faced a tough challenge as the patron asked him to portrait Griet and due to the fact that his family relies on his commission he finds a way to portrait her with that accessory that highlights the entire affair. Since all of it transpired in the mid 17th century, people during these times were supposed to be regarded as sexual addicts, it was shown in the pub scene. People should also be more disciplined and that you won't see, instead, you will be a witness one of the henious crimes ever committed by a human being --- throw his garbage on the riverbanks. Tsk.Tsk. I thought the Filipinos has the patent on that sorta thing? And man, if you think markets in the Philippines are too gross for reality, see how they sell pig meat in this movie. I'm pretty sure you'll find it very appetizing.

Reading it now, it doesn't seem to convincing. But it's very simple yet very elegant. Something one rarely see nowadays. The script was not overdone, arguably a little underdone but it works fine for me. It was engaging enough and the message was conveyed pretty clearly. And for a celebrated novel, I didn’t hear no complains about it. There is drama in this movie but not too intense to become a soap opera it was very subtle and peaceful. The tension was there but it was serene. I didn’t feel that it was forced in any way and that I greatly admire.



The characters were nicely developed. Although I thought Cornelia (the evil/savior daughter of the Vermeer’s) needs a little more. But besides that, I’m totally fine with it. I found them all very real.

A surprise for me from this film was Colin Firth’s performance. Man, he’s barely recognizable. This is the best I’ve seen him. I never thought he could be anything more than a second-rate Hugh Grant. I am not a fan of Scarlett Johannson in fact, I loathe her for reasons even to me have not been disclosed. Her work in this movie is fantastic. Definitely far from her tedious portrayal in American rhapsody. She captured the entirety of the character especially in the parts where she shows weakness and vulnerability. The flawless Wilkinson did another fantastic job and so did every one else.



But what completely highlighted this movie, were the amazing visuals. It’s been awhile since I saw the cinematography, art design, costume and make-up blend so well. Each of these complemented each other and with the haunting score, it made it seem oh so perfect. That totally caught me off guard.

The movie gives a distinctive taste of film, something that does not involve intense sex scenes to put an exclamation point. Just the mere stares and movements give everything you need to know. If simplicity is really beauty, then this might as well be the proof.

Criteria for judging:
Story – 18%
Screenplay – 18%
Direction / Execution – 18%
Acting – 18%
Technical Aspect – 19%
Total: 91% = A

Robots --- urgently need some greasing

© 20th Century Fox

Title:
Robots (B)
Actors:
Ewan Mcgregor, Halle Berry, Greg Kinnear, Robbie Williams, Amanda Bynes, Mel Brooks, Jennifer Coolidge, Drew Carey
Director:
Chris Wedge
Story and Screenplay:
Ron Mita et al.
Music:
John Powell
Producer:
Jerry Davis et al.
Studio:
20th Century Fox


© 20th Century Fox

“why be you if you can be new???”

It’s easy to say but tough to pull of. Much like this movie, the attempt to be cool was there but just not enough oil to push through.

The story is nothing new. It’s your typical Cinderella story, only this time, the shoes ain’t glass, it’s metal. Rodney (Mcgregor) is a robot from a poor robot family who grows up via hand-me-downs and spare parts of their relatives. If raising a child these days is that easy, I think there’ll be no adult walking today. Why would you want a kid to grow up if in fact you can maintain their cuddliness and no attitude behavior? Good thing, Rodney is not like that, largely because his (or it) parents raise but does not grease him well and because of his icon --- Big Weld (Brooks). He wants to be an inventor like him and when he finally had the chance to meet him, he was caught in a sudden robot revolution--- a thing that most robot fear of --- UPGRADES!!! Now I dunno what’s wrong with getting shinier and better but somehow they find it wrong. They say they can’t afford it which kinda makes sense cuz we actually dunno how they earn a living out there. Now it’s up to Rodney and his new found friend including Robbie Williams’ hilarious character and Cappy (Berry) to stop the evil upgrader Ratchet (Kinnear).


© 20th Century Fox

I didn’t have high hopes for this movie after the relatively low ticket sales in the US. Not that $37 M is not a strong debut, but it is for an animated movie. Probably because of the A-list but with poor box office appeal stars of the movie (e.g. Halle Berry). But I have to be honest, it was a little better than I thought.

In case you don’t know, this movie is set on a world where everything that exist are made of metals. There are no humans or sign of real life in this movie, which I highly identify as the movie’s flaw. The idea of Robots living on their own without human supervision is plain absurd and uninteresting. Unlike Monsters Inc., this movie tried to shy away from beings without fully establishing the world they made. All they did was present allegories of human behavior that is somewhat amusing, but overall makes no clear sense.

For example, they make new robots by of course; building new ones, but how did the other robots existed? How come they can talk? How come they don’t seem to run out of batteries, if in fact they are run by energy? This movie tried so much to be a heartwarming fuzzy feel movie when well in fact it is simply a slapstick flick of pure style and no substance. During the final minutes of the movie, it stuck with being like that. And it was so much better!


© 20th Century Fox

The movie needed not to attempt to be smart. They were armed with good jokes, funny impersonations and a talented group of voice actors. However, somebody wants to be Brad Bird but ain’t incredible enough to be one. The complete first hour of the movie was really boring and predictable except for some nice cracked jokes. The last 30 minutes though was good cuz despite the predictability and cheesiness it started to become what it was meant to become. A funny animated movie not to be taken seriously. If they simply made fun of themselves form the beginning off to the final frame, then it won’t be as crappy.

The visuals of this movie are really quite impressive. It was very vivid which helped the fast-paced element of it. If this movie was done any slower, I would have slept by the first 1/3 of it. The editing though has some hitches.


© 20th Century Fox

Ewan Mcgregor was as dull as his character. Halle Berry was as inconspicuous as her supposed movie career and her slightly exposed character. Bynes’ character made more mark than these two and especially Robbie. The character can’t possibly be as foolish as him. Kinnear did fine but I would have like somebody else to play it. I dunno who, I’m not obliged to name names.

If you’re looking for a movie to bring your kids to before that day when you can’t go out or take a bath or swim because somebody is dead. Or that day when your wounds wont heal because he’s not around. Then, watch this flick. It’s a good waste of your minutes. However be equipped to perform much needed tweaking and greasing.

Criteria for judging:
Story – 12%
Screenplay – 15%
Direction / Execution – 16%
Acting – 18%
Technical Aspect – 19%
Total: 80% = B

FLASHBACK: Sweet Home Alabama --- too much saccharine sucks

© Touchstone Pictures

Title:
Sweet Home Alabama (B)
Actors:
Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas, Patrick Dempsey, Candice Burgen, Jean Smart, Fred Ward, Mary Kay Place, Nathan Lee Graham
Director:
Andy Tennant
Story and Screenplay:
Douglas Eboch et al.
Producer:
Neal H. Moritz et al.
Studio:
Touchstone Pictures


© Touchstone Pictures
“It’s funny how things don’t work out…. It’s funny how they do”

I first saw this movie maybe less than two years ago. I didn’t quite liked it, maybe because during that time I couldn’t really relate to everything that’s been going on to Melanie’s life or maybe because I just don’t wanna admit the fact that I am like her on a lot of ways. Ashamed of her past, running away from it and pretending to be somebody else, qualities that we share or maybe all of us share. I believe each of us have the tendency to be pretentious, maybe not in gigantic ways like her, but in little ways. (this is bound to be a dramatic entry waheheh).

I love Reese Witherspoon. Ever since I saw her in one of my most favorite movie Cruel Intentions, I completely fell in love with that chin. She rocked in Legally Blonde and although the sequel botched I still love her… chin. Plus she’s the wifey of Ryan Pilipy (wahihi). In this movie she plays Melanie Smoocher, no wonder she pretended to be someday else, you’re like the resident guard of kissing booths with that surname. Carrmichael do sounds better. She’s the new “it” girl of fashion and she’s marrying the son of the mayor of New York City. Just how great can her life be? Well, it’s all merriment for our girl. She can’t marry Andrew cuz she’s still wedded. Her husband don’t wanna sign the divorce papers which forced her to come back to the home she grew up in… where else but the place with a country anthem—Alabama.


© Touchstone Pictures

There she found some old folks that seemed to have never grown up and bound to die in their old ways. This is what’s funny about this movie everyone is stereotyped and they don’t seem to be able to get out of it. Jake, still refuses to sign the papers so Melanie tried to find a way to make him sign, and it worked. Putting people down, still is the best way to go up, wahehe. And when Jake finally did sign, she started to feel or realize how she misses the life she used to have and the only man she ever loved.

Candice Bergen played the role of Andrew’s mom. She was really funny. I loved every bit of her scene. And I loved that scene when Andrew said that everyone gets ashamed of what they parents do sometimes and she answered back “I’ll assume that’s a rhetorical question”. Very funny.


© Touchstone Pictures

Now I remember what made me dislike this movie. It’s because of the ending. It’s too good to be true. C’mon, with all those lies how can somebody have a happy ending! I did love the twist in the end but the ending just sucks. It’s funny cuz I didn’t like My Best Friend’s wedding cuz it didn’t end up happily ever after for Julia and now I saw this film and I want it to have a cruel conclusion. Haha! This boy is hard to please. It was really a smooth ride the entire time but the ending really scrwed it up for them. It lost the sense of reality, how can we relate to the story if ends up so nice?

Reese did a great job, she may not be the prettiest girl among the flock but she’s definitely one the most talented. Josh Lucas was pretty convincing, and you gotta love the accent and his blue eyes. Man! Where can you get that? Patrick Dempsey did play the part well too.


© Touchstone Pictures

I honestly have no idea why I have to write a review of this movie But I did felt that this movie can make you think and reflect on what you do in your life, whether you’re from the city or otherwise. As for me, I can’t say I have a sweet home Alabama but I do have things I run away from—love for example. Dah!

Pitch Black----rapt in its own darkness...

Title:
Pitch Black (C-)
Actors:
Vin Diesel, Radha Mitchell, Cole Hauser, Lewis Fits-gerald
Director:
David Twohy
Story and Screenplay:
Ken and Jim Wheat and David Twohy
Editor / Music:
Rick Shaine / Graeme Revell
Design / Photography:
Grace Walker / David Egby
Producer:
Tom Engelman, Anthony Winley
Studio:
Universal



In the middle of the controversial meet-up of Vin Diesel and Andrea del Rosario, I decided to watch this movie. Due to my lack of resourcefulness I didn’t realize when I made a review for Chronicles of Riddick that it is actually a sequel for this movie. Now I’m caught up in the middle. Just how can I possibly decided which is worse? I’ll save the verdict for later.

From the moment I heard Vin Diesel’s straight from the grave tone, my action-flick alert immediately kicked into high gear. I remember the first line very clearly. “They say most of the brain sets down on cry or sleep, all but the primitive side------ the animal side”. Ohhkaaayyy. If these words were uttered by my former Biology teacher (who sadly have no life besides teaching the study of life) I would have instantly considered it a science trivia. But when Vin said it, I immediately thought it was bogus. Just shows how much credibility he possesses.

The movie’s all about this sorta shipping plane and its passenger who unexplainably encountered some technical problems that led to their crash into a planet which is surrounded by sand and three suns. It’s too hot, there’s no water, they have no ship and they have a felon on the loose. Just how grim can their situation be? But there is hope; they found a nerd’s camp in the middle of the desert and nobody seems to own it. Oh, wait, if the ship is here and nobody’s here, where did they go? I wanted to raise my hand and say they evaporated. But they did not, apparently there were creatures of the dark, and the convict they planned to kill end up to be their knight in swimming goggles.



I heard it straight from Vin, that the hardest part in making this movie is not the action sequence, but the contact lenses. Yes, my friends he’s wearing contacts here! He’s such a big boy to blubber over a pair of gels in his eyes. Just how difficult can it be? Does the color make it much harder? Given the chance I would love to try it, just to see how I’d look like if I have glow in the dark eyes.

This movie is poor in everything. If there’s one thing commendable about it, is its characters’ consistency--- in being stupid. Just imagine, you know that there are creatures of the night ready to make a meal out of you and what did they do? They waited for the suns to almost all be out before they drove their solar powered car to get the energy they need to run the ship. And you know what happens next.

This is no better than any crappy slasher movies. One by one the petty characters start to die until the love team is the only one they have left. It’s quite enjoyable to watch as each of them gets masticated by the odd looking no-name creatures of the no-name planet. If I’m the king of the universe I would have named the planet Sandy and the creatures Munchies for obvious reasons—it sounds cute.



If I’m still in touch with my favorite high school teacher and she reads this, she might go to Lacuna’s and have the procedure performed (Eternal Sunshine remember???) to effectively wipe me out from her memoirs. She was pretty defensive when she read my not-so-great review of Riddick and said that Vin did that movie cuz it’s where the money is, apparently it’s not. Surprising, but yes. Moviemakers are starting to be smart enough to know that Riddick don’t deserve another chance. It only bagged a little over $60M in the US, if I’m not mistaken.

I did like one thing about this movie, Radha. She’s very pretty and well she can act, hopefully she’ll be given a role where she can really show it. The direction sucks as much as the editing does. It’s almost close to the way we make action sequences here. If that’s the case, it surely is alarming.



To answer my query earlier, I think this one sucks more. Because at least on the Chronicles of Riddick, there was an attempt to characterize, I didn’t say they succeeded, but at least they attempted.

photos © by USA Films

a million dollar knockout punch

Title:
Million Dollar Baby (A)
PH Release Date:
March 2, 2005
Actors:
Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman
Director:
Clint Eastwood
Based on:
FX Toole’s Rope Burns
Screenplay:
Paul Haggis
Editor / Music:
Joel Cow / Clint Eastwood
Design / Photography:
Henry Bumstead / Tom Sherif
Producer:
Clint Eastwood
Studio:
Warner Bros.



“girly, tough ain’t enough….you have to fight your way into this world, and fight your way out of it.”

Fresh from the somehow surprising Oscar upshot, I prepared myself for sheer disappointment before I saw this movie. Scorcese’s epic is number one on my list for 2004 movies, and I didn’t expect this one to take its place. It almost did, but didn’t quite.

The story rotates around three characters: Frankie Dunn (Eastwood), a boxing trainer/manager who acts like a seven year old kid wanting to be molested by the priest everytime he goes to church. Maggie Fitzgerald is too old and awfully amateur to box, her life is much like Cinderella’s, and Frankie was her fairy grandfather who she religiously appealed to be her trainer. And Morgan Freeman’s character, used to be a champ derailed by a fight that caused his eye loss. He still works in the ring, but as a spit wiper (too much for climbing the hierarchy). All their lives are trapped in their own bewildered past and a boxing gym that seemed to be as rotten as their lives are.



The story began in a boxing match of Frankie’s budding superstar boxer. It’s also where Maggie first attempted to nab him as trainer, but unlike every man Clint’s age, he turned her down. But Maggie won’t be stopped especially when she found encouragement in Morgan. Few rounds of drama and laugh, Frankie agreed to train her and they make an invincible team that took the world of female boxing by storm. Did they go as far as winning a belt? You would have to watch it to find out…

I liked the movie, not loved it, but liked it. It was very simple yet so real. It’s a different kind of from rags to riches story cuz it’s not your typical they live happily ever after ending. The characters were very well developed and they’re not conveyed as if they beg for your mercy, they were presented like any person in their position should do, just hope.



I know a lot of people may disagree with me but I really found Clint Eastwood’s acting odd. I’m not saying that it was bad, I think he did a terrific job, but it was really weird. It is as if he’s a member of the SONFEX (Society of No Facial Expressions). It’s really strange, I felt like he had his face done or at least had BOTOX. But I salute him for doing such a great job as a director. Although my vote is still for Martin, he comes in second. He was able to start soft then slowly it becomes riveting and heart pounding at the same time. The scenes were cleanly executed, nothing special shot-wise but he captured every moment using slow close-ups together with his own poignant score. Yes, if you don’t know, he also made the score, he produced this movie, he’s the lead actor and he’s the director. He surely made the most out of it since he wasn’t able to write it.

On the writer’s note it was a well-made screenplay. Witty, stupid (in a good way) and didactic at the same time. I’d say it’s as strong as every aspect of the movie, which brings me to the movie’s strength. Every aspect of it worked perfectly well with one another. From the script to the actors to the director to the technical aspects. I had a couple of really good laughs not because they’re anything especial but I think just the chemistry of the actors worked so well. This is one of the few low-budgeted Hollywood movies that won Best Picture and it only took 37 days to shoot, which if in our local movie industry, will absolutely be normal.



I’m really glad that Hilary got this role. After, the Core, I never thought she’ll ever make a movie again, let alone win another Oscar. But I never doubted her talent, just her career judgments. Good thing she bagged this one. I do hope she learned her lesson. And another thing, she’d better fire her stylist so that we’ll be assured that she’ll no longer look like a Christmas delicacy (the violet backless down-to-her-crack gown) the next time we see her on the Red Carpet.

It’s a definite must-see but it may not be for everyone. The guys can watch it for their dying Idol but if you’re a woman who only watches movies to see topless hunks or eye-candies, you may need to reconsider, especially since Clint is the exact opposite of that. But there is one thing I can assure you; he’s not taking any of his clothes off. Whew!.

and the winners are.......

The 50 bald men have all been handed out to their respected but not all deserving winners. It is one of the shortest Oscars ever but just as enjoyable.

Chris Rock may not be as effective as Billy Crystal or Whoopi Goldberg because unlike them, he didn’t try any tricks and just stick with what he do best, rip those stars apart with his assertive stand-up. His funny antics and incredible guts may not be as high as when he hosted the 2003 MTV Movie Awards, probably because his more restricted here, the fact that a couple of Robbie Williams’ racist jokes were removed gives it perfect sense.

Now, let’s head to the winners’ den shall we?



It’s 3 biopics and 2 small character movies… sorry, no Hobbits this year…
Who might win:
Million Dollar Baby --- a knockout!
Who should win:
Finding Neverland --- bloody brilliant!
Who will win:
The Aviator --- 11 nods and a movie about Hollywood, how sure can you possibly get?
Who won:
Million Dollar Baby--- Apparently, not sure enough. It’s very good but I just don’t believe they deserve it. this is way too much of a reimbursement for Eastwood.

Best Director:
Scorsese’s about to beat Peter ‘O Toole’s record, courtesy of a man almost his age…
Who might win:
Alexander Payne for Sideways --- remember Robert Polanski?
Who should win:
Martin Scorsese for the Aviator --- simply because I want him to die with honor…
Who will win:
Clint Eastwood for Million Dollar Baby --- battle of the stales… and he’s gonna win…
Who won:
Clint Eastwood--- I knew it! But somehow I was still hoping that the Academy will finally recognize Scorcese. Eastwood may have made 25 movies, but they’re not all as good as Martin’s. And besides, in their particular entries, Scorcese really did a much better job.

Best Actor in a Leading Role:
Four of them did exist; the other one’s rotting as we speak…
Who might win:
Leonardo DiCaprio for The Aviator --- if looks can vote….
Who should win:
Johnny Depp or Jamie Foxx --- really can’t pick…
Who will win:
Jamie Foxx for Ray --- well-earned....
Who won:
Jamie Foxx for Ray --- I never though there will come a time when I’ll say this… I really wished Leo won. I’m not a fan of his but I really love his work in The Aviator.

Best Actress in a Leading Role:
It’s a rematch, Annette vs. Hilary… whoever’s wearing the gloves is gonna bring him home…
Who might win:
Annette Bening for Being Julia --- is she gonna win against Hilaryt his time????????
Who should win:
Hilary Swank for Million Dollar Baby --- I don’t think so!
Who will win:
Hilary Swank for Million Dollar Baby --- richly deserved....
Who won:
Hilary Swank for Million Dollar Baby --- this one’s right, the only thing wrong in this picture is the fact that she’s wearing the worst dress of the night. Come on, you’re up for an Oscar and you come in that???

Best Actor in a Supporting Role:
No Owen last SAG Awards, Actors voted for Freeman, but Owen won the Globe, who’s gonna win this one?
Who might win:
Thomas Haden Church for Sideways --- definitely not routing for him...
Who should win:
Morgan Freeman for Million Dollar Baby --- give the old man the statue
Who will win:
Clive Owen for Closer --- I’m a fan but I oppose….
Who will win:
Morgan Freeman --- Thank God the Freeman finally won! I’m a fan of Clive but the SAG voters do agree with me…

Best Actress in a Supporting Role:
Same story, Blanchett won SAG, Portman won Globe, this one’s gonna be tough..
Who might win:
Cate Blanchett for The Aviator --- she gave better performances than this one…
Who should win:
Natalie Portman for Closer --- yeah baby!
Who will win:
Natalie Portman for Closer --- I have faith….
Who won:
Cate Blanchett --- I’m a fan of hers, but I don’t think she deserves this one. Poor Natalie, maybe you’ll get nominated again and win the next time for Star Wars Episode 3.

Best Original Screenplay:
A wide array of choices…
Who might win:
The Aviator by John Logan --- won’t be surprise if it wins…
Who should win:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind by Charlie Kaufman --- the genius needs the recognition…
Who will win:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind by Charlie Kaufman --- tough call but I picked one…
Who won:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind by Charlie Kaufman --- man! He finally won! I’m so happy for him!!!! You go Charlie!!!

Best Original Screenplay:
Competition is much tighter…
Who might win:
Million Dollar Baby by David Magee --- they’re almost there…
Who should win:
Finding Neverland or Sideways - both are so great...
Who will win:
Sideways by Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor --- no objections here
Who won:
Sideways by Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor --- good for them!

Best Foreign-Language Film:
Never seen any one of them, no right to judge but I’m gonna do it still…
Who might win:
The Chorus (France) --- it’s better than A Very Long?
Who should win:
The Sea Inside (Spain) --- never been to that part…
Who will win:
The Sea Inside (Spain)--- simply because it’s the only one I’m familiar with…
Who won:
The Sea Inside --- congratulations!

Best Animated Feature Film:
2 Dreamworks and 1 Disney, sorry Steven, ogre ain’t getting any…
Who might win:
Shrek 2 --- ah.. cuz there’s only three to choose from?
Who should win:
The Incredibles --- no explaining needed…
Who will win:
The Incredibles --- hell yah!
Who won:
The Incredibles --- yippee!!!!

Achievement in Art Direction:
They all deserve to be here….
Who might win:
Lemony Sniket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events --- it may end here…
Who should win:
A Very Long Engagement --- this one’s very unqiue…
Who will win:
The Aviator --- too big budgeted to be ignored...
Who won:
The Aviator --- and they deserve it…

Achievement in Cinematography:
There’s a rotten tomato in here…
Who might win:
The Passion of the Christ --- they may pity this one…
Who should win:
A Very Long Engagement --- truly great….
Who will win:
The Aviator --- don’t ask me for no reason…
Who won:
The Aviator --- did you even doubt it??

Best Film Editing:
This one’s gonna be tough…
Who might win:
Million Dollar Baby --- it’s all there….
Who should win:
Finding Neverland or Collateral
Who will win:
The Aviator --- safest choice….
Who won:
The Aviator --- and the right choice!

Best Original Score:
Howard Shore is not here… there must be some typographical error…
Who might win:
The Passion of the Christ --- may God pity them….
Who should win:
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events or Finding Neverland --- really gotta push the latter in….
Who will win:
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events --- it's all theirs....
Who won:
Finding Neverland –-- at least they got one!

Best Original Song:
Heard three of them… at least that’s more than two…
Who might win:
Learn to be Lonely from The Phantom of the Opera --- ha!
Who should win:
Believe from the Polar Express --- love this song…
Who will win:
I have no idea….
Who won:
Al Otro Lado Del Rio from the Motorcycle Diaries – and Beyonce didn’t sing this one waheheh…

Best Visual Effects:
Who’s the best faker???
Who might win:
I, Robot --- I, speechless…
Who should win:
Spiderman 2 --- just because…
Who will win:
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban --- Jackson ain’t around…
Who won:
Spiderman 2 --- I can’t believe they did won! Yahoo!

Overall, the evening pulled a lot of surprises. And I don’t think Sean Penn will particularly appreciate what I’m saying here. I really can’t believe he was pissed with the Jude Law joke of Chris Rock. Man! How lame can he be?

I feel really bad for Michael Mann and the rest of the Aviator crew. They spent so much money expecting they’ll win an Oscar, and one can predict that they might bag it since they captured most of the awards, but they didn’t. Poor Martin, go back and make something they can never resist. Prove them that you can do it!

Riddler--- Out!