The Great Raid --- a not-so-great movie

© Miramax
Title:
The Great Raid (B-)
PH Release Date:
August 10, 2005
Actors:
Benjamin Bratt, James Franco, Joseph Fiennes, Connie Nielsen, Martin Csokas, Logan Marshall-Green, Cesar Montano, Max Martini
Director:
John Dahl
Based on the books by:
William B. Breuer and Hampton Sides
Screenplay:
Carlo Bernard & Doug Miro
Editor / Music:
Scott Chestnut / Trevor Rabin
Design / Photography:
Bruno Rubeo / Peter Menzies Jr.
Producer:
Bob and Harvey Weinstein et al.
Studio:
Miramax Films


© Miramax

The most daring rescue mission of our time blah, blah, blah…

Normally, given my unscrupulous taste in movies, one would not expect me to watch this flick. Why? For a lot of reasons. First, it’s a war movie. Second, it’s a war movie. And third it’s a war movie. I haven’t included the fact that Benjamin Bratt is in it. So, as you may have expected it was not quite a fancy for me to do this but I had to since this kind of opportunity may not come again, that is to see conceited Pinoy actors work as extras in a big-budgeted real Hollywood movie.

When I first heard that Cesar Montano would be doing a Hollywood movie, I didn’t think that he was going to work with the likes of James Franco and Joseph Fiennes. They’re not A-list stars but man, when I did found out…. All I mumbled was this sh*t’s for real. Some may not consider it as completely a Hollywood break since it’s a movie set in our country and mildly about us, so it will require them to hire Filipino actors, but man, the fact that the Weinsteins are producing it, means it’s legit.


© Miramax

The movie is set during the latter part of the World Ward II. A minute number of soldiers were assigned to rescue 500 POW in Cabanatuan, who’s been resident captives in than hands of the callous Japanese for three years. The said task was dubbed to be impossible cuz not only were they outnumbered and outpowered, they’re battling with time since an abolition order was already launched.

The battalion, led by Lt. Col. Mucci (Bratt) will have to find the best way to save their POW before they get fried. Together with their strategist, Capt. Prince (Franco), they’ll do the most impossible mission ever with the help of Filipino Guerillas led by Capt. Pajota (Cesar Montano) and save Major Gibson (Joseph Fiennes) and the rest of his crew.


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Weird as it may seem not only to you, but to myself as well. I did find the movie pleasant. Unlike some of the comments for this movie, I didn’t find it boring at all. It was not perfect but definitely more than a mediocre. Some may find this view biased since it’s a Filipino film, believe me, there’s no way that I am going to compose this sh*t for the mere sake of carrying our own chair… I’ll get nothing from it. I just did like it. It was not that astoundingly exciting movie, but it was worth watching.

One good element that you will find in this movie that can hardly be seen in war movies such as these, is the fact that almost everything was real. This is probably the most historically factual war film to date. Which leads me to the downside of this flick, its lack of good characterization. Because its focus is on giving a precise account of the events that transpired during that time and including all the major players there was not much too remember or hang on to except that. If the movie focused on the romance between Connie and Joseph’s character and used the rescue as a mere backdrop, then this movie will fair better.


© Miramax

First time director John Dahl did an okay job overall. Nothing special but good enough. The cinematography is far from great but passable. I would say the same thing for the editing. However, I did like the production design. They captured Manila very well. Music wise, I loved how they used it on the scene when the dead members of their society were presented to Connie’s character.

One thing that I really didn’t like in this flick is the fact that Benjamin Bratt is in it. I never liked him and I’m pretty sure I never will. He’s the weakest element in this movie. The trying-hard-to-be-oldie accent pissed me off beyond limits. What the f*ck were they thinking, casting him for such role.


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I could say entirely the opposite for the rest of the cast. James Franco was convincing. Joseph Fiennes proved that he deserves to be one my favorites. Connie Nielsen just wrote her name on my list. Logan Green needs to get a better role that this one cuz he's really good. Cesar Montano was Cesar Montano nothing different. He did well and I hope others noticed him. They say Zoren Legaspi was supposed to play the role of Captain Pajota but backed out due to inability to leave he family, how sweet and how tragic. Opportunities like such doesn’t come very often.

If you keep your eyes glued on the screen, you’ll find a lot of Filipino extras in the movie. Bembol Roco, Alvin Anson and Paolo Montalban to name a few. The latter I failed to catch but his name is on the credits.


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I recommend people to see it mainly to get the chance to watch Filipino thespians working together with real Hollywood actors. It’s not a great film nor is it a mere trash. It has some great moments and some not-so, but as a whole it delivers as a war flick. This is definitely not for the kids so better keep them out. Not because it’s the usual raid that we see on the TV and tabloids, but because it’s too violent for them. God, I’m so lame.

Grading Sheet:
Story – 18%
Screenplay – 12%
Direction / Execution – 15%
Acting – 16%
Technical Aspect – 17%
Total: 78% = B-

Charlie and the Wonderful Factory --- let's BOogie!

© WB

Title:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (A)
PH Release Date:
August 3, 2005
Actors:
Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly, Helene Bonham Carter, Deep Roy, Noah Taylor, Christopher Lee
Director:
Tim Burton
Based on the book:
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl
Screenplay:
John August
Editor / Music:
Chris Lebenzon / Danny Elfman
Design / Photography:
Alex Mcdowell / Philippe Rousselot
Producer:
Brad Grey et al.
Studio:
Warner Bros. Pictures



© WB

"Improvisation is parlor trick, anyone can do it.... Chewing gum is really gross, chewing gum I hate the most"


Despite my terribly busy schedule and laborious deadlines, I took some time off to see this movie. I have been waiting to catch sight of Johnny back on the big screen and having Freddie Highmore (Finding Neverland) as his companion is considerably a bonus. Not to mention the man behind the lens has a reputation of his own: that of a slick, bizarre and artistic type of director. Did the producers make the right choice of giving an edgy character like Willy to Tim Burton (Batman, Sleepy Hollow)? Or was it the perfect option for this adaptation of the 1971 Gene Wilder-top-billed-classic?

The story is based from the book by Dahl who wrote the screenplay for the first movie: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The film adopts the original name from the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which some people, including me, may perceive as a twist in the focus of the story. Instead of Willy Wonka being the center of attention, it will be Charlie Buckett to which story will revolve.


© WB

During the first half hour of the movie, the story seems to follow the trail of my supposition with it focusing almost the entire time on Charlie and his family. However, when Willy Wonka began to appear, everything changed, and quite honestly, it seemed that Charlie’s character was a bit shrugged off. Despite the film’s failure to fully maximize on the emotional attachment of the audience to the boy that they superbly made on the beginning, it still stands out as one of the most quirky and enjoyable flick in movie history.

If one will see this film without any idea as to what he’s getting himself into; his immediate assumption will be he’s seeing a Potter flick. Not a bad guess since the movie exudes the same atmosphere like that of Rowling’s book but this one, in a really, really weird way is more affective. I honestly cannot believe I’m ever gonna say anything like that from a Tim Burton film but I was on the verge of crying for poor Charlie, for God knows how many times. If not for the smooth antics it pokes out one at a time, I would have forgotten that I’m watching a Burton movie. That was of course, all in the beginning, when Willy was still out of sight, but after he appeared, I think you know what happened. It was a ticket to idiosyncrasy for Tim and oh do I think he enjoyed it!


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I have not seen the original movie (or seen the book), and I am begging anyone who has copy to please lend me on A.S.A.P. A lot of people consider that one a classic, especially since Gene Wilder is in it. But he’s not the reason why I wanna see the original. I wanna compare the song and dance numbers from this movie from that one, and of course, weigh Depp against the old Willy. Heard some tracks from the old ones and I just didn’t find it as good.

The movie’s screenplay follows a pretty predictable pattern. Despite my lack of prior knowledge about its storyline, somehow I already knew what was going to happen from the get-go. I do not take it against the writer since it was based from a children’s book (I assume) and the fact he was able to make Willy Wonka as refreshing as one can possibly imagine already deserves a SOVA from me. The lines were spot-on, jest-oriented but ingested with no-nonsense outlooks and insights about life. In fact, I think the subject matter may seem sugarcoated in the beginning, but if you try to look deeper, it’s anything but sweet. It’s bitter, real and made to hit any American parents’ most unused spot.


© WB

The visuals were so Tim Burton from start to finish. Despite the bright colors, somehow the darkness still radiates from it. Tim manages to depict a quirky yet believable ambiance, something one cannot possibly find in The Cat in The Hat. The timing was perfect for me, not a single misstep. The delivery and the flow of conversation plus his dead right shots were more than a film enthusiast or a simple moviegoer can ask for.

Musically, this movie rocks! Danny Elfman melodically wrote his name on my list. The songs were great. Some of them were based from the original while others sounded completely different. Some people may not agree, but the fact that he was able to mix and use different kinds of music for each Oompa-Loompa scenes was really impressive. From U2 to Queens, you’ll hear it all here! And the lyrics may seem stupid, and principally written to humor you, there’s more to it than one would initially realize.


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It’s predecessor’s design is said to be one of the most memorable from earlier cinema, something that I cannot attest or protest to since I have not seen it, but if it was that good, I can say that this version’s would put up a good fight. I’ve never seen a much more colorful non-animated movie. And it was not just about putting all the bright colors to make it glow, the look harmonizes with the whole feel of the movie which makes it more enjoyable and convincing. Plus, the good cinematography caught them all just right. And the fine editing managed to compress them all without looking rushed.

I was shocked how some people reacted negatively to Johnny Depp’s performance. I think he did everything just right. I guess people were just expecting him to be nasty but nice ala Gene, but c’mon, Tim and Johnny together and you’re looking for decorum? This is the tamest they can possible get! And it will not be Johnny if he boxed himself merely on Gene’s performance and not allowing himself to let go and create the character on his own. I loved his performance and I’m sure a lot of people did as well. Was it his best? Arguably. Was it as eccentric as Michael Jackson? Hardly!


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Freddie Highmore is the new “it” boy in Hollywood. Not because he starred in that completely idiotic movie about a stupid alien but because he simply gets the role all child actors would hope for. It may not be a franchise like Harry Potter (whose star is considerably old), but it’s a movie where he acts side-by-side with great actors not to mention working with Weird Burton. Definitely more than a boy his age would ask for. I just hope he'll continuously give superb performances and for him not to be the next Haley. Let’s cross our fingers shall we?

David Kelly and the rest of the oldies gave great performances. Helena was also good. And of course, the worth mentioning of them all, the face that occupied almost an entire ship. The man in red, blue, yellow and a lot more. The one nobody will indeed miss, Deep Roy. Yup, he portrayed the Oompa-Loompas, and man was he good at it. He may be intimidating, but he’s really funny at the same time. Believe me, just one look and you’ll flinch to laugh.


© WB

This film may be about a poor boy, an eccentric man and a gigantic chocolate factory that all falls under a predictable pattern, but there’s no possible way that one can compare it to a pointless candy. Filled with great humor, visuals and insights this movie will surely cater to any cotton candy enthusiast or the popcorn junkie, but I’m afraid the enthusiasts will need a little guidance for some visuals and dialogues, but nonetheless it will surely be enjoyed by all.

How did it end? Find out for yourself, besides, the best kind of prize is a surprise! Consider it one. Whoa! What an entry short and sweet!

Grading Sheet:
Story – 18%
Screenplay – 17%
Direction / Execution – 18%
Acting – 20%
Technical Aspect – 18%
Total: 91% = A