Flightplan --- almost a plane wreck waiting to happen

©Touchstone

Title:
Flightplan (B)
PH Release Date:
November 9, 2005
Actors:
Jodie Foster, Sean Bean, Peter Sarsgaard, Kate Beahan, Michael Irby, Erika Christensen
Director:
Robert Schwentke
Screenplay:
Peter A Dowling & Billy Ray
Editor / Music:
Thom Noble / James Horner
Design / Photography:
Alec Hammond / Florian Ballhaus
Producer:
Brian Grazer
Studio:
Touchstone Pictures


©Touchstone
“If Someone Took Everything You Live For... How Far Would You Go To Get It Back?”


Finally, after weeks of waiting, I finally got to see this movie. As a humungous fan of Ms. Foster, I reserve all the right to make a review of it and nobody is gonna stop me! Not even my virus-filled computer!!!

Mized reviews besiege this thriller, which forced me not to expect too much from this movie, withdrawing my previous assumptions that it’s gonna be great--- cuz Jodie’s in it. But after seeing it, I can say that it’s really GREAT---- cuz Jodie’s in it.


©Touchstone

Kyle (Jodie Foster), a recent widower is on board with her daughter on a flight from Berlin to New York when all of a sudden, Julia, her 6 year-old daughter, mysteriously disappeared, leaving no traces behind as if she never existed. Convincing herself and others that she’s not crazy and that her daughter is in fact really missing; Kyle went as far as blaming an Arab man as Julia’s abductor and messing with the plane system. With everyone thinking that she’s out of her mind, will Kyle be able to hold her belief that Julia existed for the plane crew, staff and passengers to find out that it’s anything but a severe case of delusion?

The script for this movie is good, far from airtight, but tolerable. A lot of pivotal changes could have been made that will make this movie the great thriller that it should be. For starters, they could have made Fiona’s (Erika Christensen) role more crucial, made her a link as to how Kyle will find out the truth. As far as I am concerned, despite the enormous size of that plane, it is quite impossible to miss somebody knowing how close the seats are. Someone will always notice someone, maybe not approach or talk to them, but surely someone will spot them. And if that’s not enough to convince you, someone will surely see anyone who reaches for the luggage cabinets (if that’s what they call it). Fiona could have been that one.


©Touchstone

The direction is better than I expected. It was clean and smoothly done. It captured every inch of the acting prowess Jodie showed in this film. He knew where the strength of this movie lay, and he grabbed every opportunity to use it. The pacing for the first hour of the movie was nicely done, it sorta appeared rushed after that but I believe it’s really more of the script’s problem. It just turned too predictable and ordinary, that no good direction can save it.

The editing of the movie is another good thing in this movie. The production design is good as well. A fabulous plane if I may add. Never been on a plane so I don’t think that such things, like a fab bar and the like actually really exists, but I would definitely not turn down a chance to experience riding in it. The music is average, it could have been much, much better. The cinematography is good enough, although sometimes it looks as if they’re not inside a plane cuz it just seemed to big, but how would I know, I’ve never been in one.


©Touchstone

Jodie Foster shines, sizzles, kicks-ass in this movie! She never lost her thriller-charm! Nobody does it better! Although I find it extremely difficult to believe that the role she played was originally written for Sean Penn, I am delighted that it didn’t end up in his hands, not that he’ll ruin it, but I wouldn’t wanna miss the chance to see her in any new movie this year. She rarely makes movies these days, which is really a shame cuz she’s one of the finest, if not the best.

Sean Bean makes a convincing captain who seemed to be having more problems dealing with his constipation rather than his flight scare, but I was really persuaded that he was worried, may it be his bowels or the plane. Peter Sarsgaard is like a split-image of Paul Rudd, with the latter being more good-looking and talented. He is one of the weakest aspects in this movie. I found him infuriating, not his character, but him. He looked and acted like a drunken-bastard suffering from a jetlag. Couldn’t they find anybody else? Erika Christensen was rightfully cast, but unfortunately the role wasn’t developed well enough. Hopefully we’ll get to see more of her doing more challenging roles next time. The rest of the extras who I heard stayed for the gig for more than 5-months did well, lucky them, all they did was sit, chat and stare at real actors and get paid for it for more than 100 days. I guess they didn’t mind being on that much-delayed flight.


©Touchstone

With a handful of Asian thrillers coming out with almost exactly the same themes and ending, it’s nice to see a movie that attempts to bring back the times of Hitchcock, even if they fail. I cannot compare this movie with Red Eye cuz I haven’t seen it, but in comparison with Panic Room, you can say that it was close to being its identical twin. It’s impossible not to sense a feeling of déjà vu after seeing Jodie Foster lock herself in one of the rooms.

For Jodie’s performance alone, it’s worth the watch. This gem of an actress will be sure worth your precious buck. What do you know, after watching it, you may even ask for a return flight.

Grading Sheet:
Story – 15%
Screenplay – 15%
Direction / Execution – 15%
Acting – 18%
Technical Aspect – 17%
Total: 80% = B

The 40 Year-Old Virgin --- deserves to be put on a pedestal

© Universal

Title:
The 40 Year-Old Virgin (A-)
PH Release Date:
September 2005
Actors:
Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, Seth Rogen, Jane Lynch, Leslie Mann
Director:
Judd Apatow
Screenplay:
Judd Apatow & Steve Carell
Editor / Music:
Brent White / Lyle Workman
Design / Photography:
Jackson de Govia / Jack N. Green
Producer:
Steve Carell et al.
Studio:
Universal Pictures


© Universal

“I'm very discreet... but I will haunt your dreams”

With the high price of cinema tickets today, it’s hard to decide on what movie deserves are violet buck. That is why I am here. But even I get a little confuse sometimes especially since the advent of 4-in-1 DVDs. If you really think about it, why spend a hundred bucks for a single entry to one movie when you can buy the multimovie DVDs in Quiapo and watch more than one movie as many times as you want, with as many people as you like at your own time? It is in this light that I have decided on this dogma: Thou shall watch movies in cinema only if it’s 3d filled, OPM and/or for free.

However, despite this creed, when I heard about this film, I knew that I got to see it straight from the movie house. And I don’t have a single contrition about that decision. I saw this flick more than a month ago, and watched it again yesterday (for free, thanx to Ate Kors). And somehow I was surprised to find the movie just as great.


© Universal

A couple of comedies regarding virginity have emerged for the past few years but none of them has ever tackled it with an adult man as the center of the story. Most of the time it’s about kids trying to get lucky after the prom with a happy ending completely bullocks for people of their age. Not that I loved the ending of this movie, but the way this flick was handled in its entirety exudes warmth that separates it from its wacko-for-bucko predecessors.

The movie revolves around the life of Andy Stitzer. A man who spends most, actually all of his out-of-work time at home together with his kick-ass videogames, limited edition toys and trombone. He’s a decade away to experience mid-life crisis but the one thing a man, according to the American standards should have experienced is something he has never successfully done before. With his natural shyness and life more predictable than Joan Rivers’ plastic surgery schedule, it seems that Andy may have to skip that whole aspect of life. Not until his co-workers: Cal, David and Jay came in, that Andy might finally get the chance to meet Pussyliah.


© Universal

Director Judd Apatow is in a way almost a veteran in the field of comedy but has never directed a full-length movie before until this one. In a lot of ways it is quite obvious, but the great thing about comedy movies is that when you’re able to make your audience laugh so hard they tend to miss the mistakes that you’ve made. The shots are okay, however, he is not very detailed that if you’re a keen moviegoer, it’ll be impossible to miss the bloopers. For example, when the drank girl puked shrimp sandwich on Andy’s face there was only a very minimal amount that can be found on the left side of his mouth, but the next scene showed Andy’s face covered with puke; a minuscule mistake, nonetheless a mistake.

Judd may be novice in directing, but he is certainly not a neophyte in writing. Together with Steve, they were able to make Andy’s character very interesting and consistent at the same time. They were also able to intertwine physical comedy with pure talk, which made it more fun to watch. The story despite its fairy tale ending still managed to standout because it’s something that has never been done before. They also managed to include lines about life that given enought time to ponder on makes utter sense.


© Universal

The editing of the movie needs some work. The music they used was very funny, apt to the desired reaction from the audience and mood at the moment. The design was pretty simple and the cinematography was nothing special as well. But nevertheless, they all blend perfectly well with the movie, and that for me matters the most.

Steve Carell nailed this part as if it’s his first-time: with full energy and intense determination. He was very consistent and right on the money all throughout. He surely deserves more than Hollywood gives him credit for. And after this flick, I’m pretty sure he’ll get what’s right for him. Catherine Keener played her part very naturally. Paul Rudd is one those few could-have-been leading man but successfully managed to do what he do best—comedy. He’s your average American, and he played this role as if he’s been that person his entire life. Jane Lynch was another standout in this flick, a simple but landmark performance. The rest of the cast was great.


© Universal

Like I’ve mentioned in the beginning, very few comedy/rom-com/non-CGI flick deserves to be seen onscreen. Now that times has never been more difficult, it is imperative that we should be practical in dealing with our hobbies such as watching movies. But it is more imperative to see a movie that will not only bring tremendous joy to you, but will also make you think about the complications that surround relationships and adult life in general. So go watch this flick now, and I’ll stop putting this pussy on a pedestal.

Grading Sheet:
Story – 17%
Screenplay – 18%
Direction / Execution – 17%
Acting – 18%
Technical Aspect – 17%
Total: 87% = A-

The Brothers Grimm --- it's been a long time coming...

© Miramax

Title:
The Brothers Grimm (C+)
PH Release Date:
August 2005
Actors:
Matt Damon, Heath Ledger, Monica Bellucci, Jonatahn Pryce, Lena Headey
Director:
Terry Gilliam
Screenplay:
Ehren Kruger
Editor / Music:
Lesley Walker / Dario Marianelli
Design / Photography:
Guy Dyas / Nicola Pecorini et al.
Producer:
Bob and Harvey Weinstein et al.
Studio:
Miramax Films


© Miramax

Show us the way, Grandmother Toad or I’ll smash your slimy green body into tiny green pieces!

Honey, you ain’t dreamin. The wanker is indeed back to bring you your weekly dose of movie crap after two months of absence. I apologize for my sudden disappearance on the face of the blog world but believe me when I say that the amount of break I had is certainly needed to stop me from bashing these movies with no real cause, which I’ll still end up doing otherwise. On with the show ei?

I saw this flick more than two months ago and I’ll try my best to recall as much as I can even if this means I would have to trash down some more recent precious memoirs like that of… never mind.


© Miramax

The movie is supposed to be an imagined biography of the brothers who gave life to most of the classic fairy tale stories we have today. Crappy as it may sound, but given the time they were born, they’ve come up with quite a number of great works spawned from a true artists’ brilliant imagination. Sad to say, the movie failed to show this, and fell greatly short from any level of the authors’ brilliance.

Okay, granting that it shouldn’t be taken seriously (which will be truly evident when you see this movie), I don’t think it will be much to ask to have at least a concrete idea of what they plan to do, accomplish and present. Aside from the fact that they want to incorporate the different fairy tales made by the Grimms into the plot (that somehow worked), there is no clear design for the movie as a whole.


© Miramax

I have not seen any movie of Terry Gilliam. They say he is a visionary of grandeur. Looking at this movie, I do not defy such title. However, for a visionary like him, how come he didn’t notice that his plot is way out of the rail and that he needed to stop working on the visuals and actually start digging for substance.

The way they presented the characters may be whimsical for some, but somehow, I found their personalities anything but refreshing. They were so typical for a buddy movie. I was expecting a little bit more.


© Miramax

Visually, the movie is spectacular. The production design is excellent together with art direction and costumes. It was finely edited, too bad there’s nothing much worth pondering on.

Matt Damon played Wilhelm Grimm with a performance as ridiculous as the movie itself. Heath Ledger is very enjoyable to watch. I no longer wonder as to why a lot of celebrities and even a studio backed out of this project, it is simply because it was a disaster waiting to happen. Good for them.


© Miramax

As a whole, the movie has some really magnificent scenes that will surely be enjoyable for the kids and adults as well. It has a brand of humor not exactly dismissible on a single exposure. However, despite all this, a movie, no matter how great it looks will always lean on its plot, and to be honest, there’s nothing much of that in here. If you are to see it, be careful not to fall under the spell of boredom.

Grading Sheet:
Story – 10%
Screenplay – 12%
Direction / Execution – 14%
Acting – 17%
Technical Aspect – 17%
Total: 70% = C+

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.


© Miramax

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.


© Miramax

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.


© Miramax

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!


© WB

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.


© WB

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!


© WB

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

Pinoy Blonde ---- too much higlights fried the movie

Title:
Pinoy Blonde (B)
PH Release Date:
July 13, 2005
Actors:
Boy II Quizon, Jeffrey Quizon, Ricky Davao, Iza Calzado, Jaime Fabregas, Eddie Garcia, Tessie Tomas, Tonton Gutierrez, Michael de Mesa, Mark Gil, Ara Mina
Director:
Peque Gallaga
Story and Screenplay:
Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes
Producer:
Akiva Goldsman et al.
Studio:
Unitel Pictures




“I have a very bad feeling about this, Star Wars, George Lucas”

In moviemaking by and large, rarely comes a satire that’s not merely after laughs nor the nuisance, but made to educate or at least acquaint an audience to his nation or simply to himself. You’re probably wondering why on earth am I talking so seriously when I’m about to discuss a film that is supposed to be not be taken as such. For those who don’t know how to think, it’ll be impossible to discern the beauty hidden underneath the jest and lampoons Pinoy Blonde has to offer, but for me and the people of my degree, there may be difficulty but absolutely no improbability.

The ingenious team of director Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes returns to the big screen after a long time of much needed separation thanks to their superfluous venture Magic Kingdom that was found anything but enchanting. This time they made a film with a very dim potential commercially, something that few movie companies dare to carry out, except Unitel that brought us Crying Ladies. After the outfit’s lost from Santa Santita, they produced this project that is more likely to become a flop than their previous venture.

Two Quizons are the lead star of the movie, and I am so thankful that Vandolph is not one of them (he has a cameo role that was so predictable). It’s the story about cousins, both are film school dropouts who spend most of their time, creating scenes in their heads, uttering petty lines from popular movies and bickering over who’s the better director: Brocka or Bernal. They continue to find the answer to this strenuous query as they deliver a mysterious package to an old, seemingly empty and haunted Hotel Marikopa where they’ll experience reality for the first time.



I was not able to watch the movie from the very beginning, which may explain why I found it difficult to adjust myself to its milieu. Few minutes later, I grasped the idea of what this movie’s all about and what it plans to accomplish. It’s definitely not your typical Pinoy film, the visual style is a combination of American, French and Mexiacan/Spanish approach. It is more of a mockumentary rather than an actual feature film. The setting, the look, the pacing; all of which resembled those of a documentary.

Gallaga and Reyes had good intentions and a great message to spread across, however, since they said it themselves that it’s not your typical Pinoy film, the viewers may not be able to enjoy or like it which has been proven by the less than handful of people inside the cinema with us. The not-so intact storyline also brings the moviegoer to a confusing state that he/she will not be able to get out of till the end cuz the ending, besides the great line from Sharon’s movie, was anything but terrific.

The script was good at best. It had a lot of special moments, and surprisingly, this moments were those that didn’t borrow lines from neither local or foreign films. I especially loved the “Ako naman si Marilou Diaz-Abaya, eto naman si Laurice Guillen” scene. More of these, that more Filipinos, their target audience can actually relate to will lead to a better understanding and appreciation on the part of the audience. This style of filmmaking is something that is made to address the intellectuals or those of higher society. But the movie’s message is more of directed to the typical mass audience or Filipinos who do not find this type of movies not even worth buying in pirated, let alone see in a cinema.



The movie has a lot of good animation scenes. How I wish they used a better camera for the “real” scenes cuz it seemed to old for my eyes. The music is very much Pinoy Rock with the main theme song from the Radio Active Sago Project. Am not particularly a fan of such type of music but I don’t hate it as well. Nevertheless, it was still music to my ears and that’s all that matters. The editing was good, cinematography was better than my expectation and the production design was nice too.

Boy II needs a lot of work, he made the movie look more artificial. Jeffrey on the other hand, was good but not as compelling as I anticipated him to be. In contrast, Ricky Davao was unbelievably great. His best acting feat so far. Jaime Fabregas rarely goes in front of the camera but this role was definitely worth it and he gave one hell of a performance as well. The movie had so much cameos and small roles that it would take me forever to describe their performances one by one.

As a movie fan I appreciate the effort laid for the production of the movie and the message of nationalism and liberation that it tried to propel. However, I also found the movie unsuccessful in projecting the message they planned to send across which can be attributed to a lot of factors that even to me may not be known. But still, I recommend it for everyone to see just to help the courageous studio get back their investment. It may also open doors to better understanding of our Pinoy movie culture and enjoyment to those who wants to see their favorite stars play cameo roles. It’s Pinoy Blonde but were not really blonde so you decide if it’s worth the highlights.

Fantastic Four --- is anything but FaNtAstic!

© 20th Century FOX

Title:
Fantastic Four (C+)
PH Release Date:
July 6, 2005
Actors:
Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon, Hamish Linklater, Kerry Washington
Director:
Tim Story
Based on the Comic book by:
Jack Kirby and Stan Lee
Screenplay:
Michael France and Mark Frost
Editor / Music:
William Hoy / John Ottman
Design / Photography:
Bill Boes / Oilver Wood
Producer:
Stan Lee, Chris Columbus et al.
Studio:
Marvel and 20th Century FOX


© 20th Century FOX

“you don’t know how much I'm willing to give just to be invisible”

It’s time to face another breed of Marvel comic book characters as they try their luck on the big screen. The feedbacks are not that enticing, however, two gorgeous young people in one movie sporting tight suits is more than encouraging for me.

Four unique who found themselves armed with superpowers after they were exposed to cosmic radiation. They had special abilities diverse from one another that led them to approach it differently as well. Reed Richards (Gruffudd) can stretch his body anytime and anywhere he wants to. Sue Storm (Alba) can conceal herself from others and generate force fields. Johnny Storm (Evans) can turn himself into a blazing human being. And Ben Grimm (Chiclis)becomes a rock-like being. Soon, they found out that it isn’t only them who was affected by the radiation but also the man who financed their explore and an admirer of Sue, Victor Von Doom (McMahon). However, unlike the four, he’s out to get everything he wants and with a power like his, only four people can go up against him and battle it out to their last breath.


© 20th Century FOX

I hope you’re familiar with the drill. This review is coming form a person who has never read or touched this comic book. If you don’t know that by now, well, now you do. And If you’ve seen the movie and read some of my works, they you probably know as well that this movie is as trashy as other comic-book movies who’s only after making profit and absolutely nothing else.

The movie was 10 years in the making, funny, cuz it doesn’t seem like it. It didn’t really felt like it was rushed, but it was more of the screenplay seemed to have not been well-thought of. I don’t know about the original story but I’m stripping that off and the script just appears too silly for me. And the inanity doesn’t stop there.


© 20th Century FOX

Instead of getting somebody experienced and actually capable of making sci-fi action movies, they end up with a director whose most famous work is about people getting their hair done (Barbershop). I don’t know what happened to the producers, did they run out of budget? Chris Columbus (Harry Potter 1 & 2) is a producer of this movie and was once eyed to direct it, maybe he saw how much a disaster the script was that he settled for earning cash without breaking any sweat.

Ironically, Tim Story ain’t capable of telling any. The characters were close to being two-dimensional, the action sequences were mediocre at best and the pacing and continuity was simply hideous. I hope he never gets the chance to handle any form of camera again.


© 20th Century FOX

Though the script was flawed in more ways than 10. I believe it had a lot of potential, however, the annoying attempt to make the line resemble to their abilities was truly irritating. I did love on line though, when Ben told Sue how much he’ll give up just to be invisible. That was the only “real” scene in this movie, more of that and better action sequences, no question about it, this movie’s gonna be fantastic.

Th movie wasn't totally that great when it comes to the special effects. but it's tolerable given that they reuire to do much, muc more compared to one superhero movies like Spiderman. The sound effects were okay. The cinematography was not as good as i visualized it. And the editing was bad.


© 20th Century FOX

Ioan Gruffudd should have been replaced. He just doesn’t work as that character. He didn’t get the essence of him or the charisma to be their leader. I have nothing against him besides his froggy look but I really didn’t find him appropriate for the role. He could have stretched further more but he wasn’t able and capable to. Jessica Alba is gorgeous in blonde and how I hope she stays that way. Though at times, her I-ain’t-no-hollaback-girl approach to acting gets into my nerves, a simple smile or a view of her wearing that tight suit makes everything alright.

Chris Evans is hot as hell as well. Needs a lot of work when it comes to cracking jokes, but he’s definitely more than just a pretty face…. He’s got that one scorching body to go along with it. Michael Chiklis was the tough guy he’s supposed to be, but I don’t think he was complete able to get sympathy from the audience but I know how hard it must have been for him (or his double)to wear that suit. Julian Mcmahon was back to being Cole again and I loved it. Not that his character in Nip/Tuck is kind, but in this one, he offers no surgery. The chemistry of the characters was below average. Am sorry but it really was.


© 20th Century FOX

Fantastic Four offers one hell of a good time for people who don't think and are only after glossy images. In other words, kids and wannabe kids would love it. Girls would go crazy over Chris Evans close-to-nude scene which the movie failed to equate for the male audience, leaving us with nothing more than a tight suit to drool over. How sad. I’m not gonna be a hypocrite and say I didn’t enjoy the movie even to the tiniest bit cuz I did that’s why it didn’t get such a low mark but if I was to judge this in screenplay and direction alone, I could have given worse. If you are to watch this movie and plans to do the same, I have, but one reminder to you—prepare for the preposterous.

Grading Sheet:
Story – 15%
Screenplay – 12%
Direction / Execution – 10%
Acting – 14%
Technical Aspect – 16%
Total: 67% = C+