Currently Listening To... John Frusciante's The Empyrean

I think that it is still too early for this kinds of entry in my blog but I just love this album and this is one of the best albums of the year so far. GO BUY IT!

2008 RacsO Year in Review: Top 11 to 15

15

Reprise
Directed by Joachim Trier

Watching the movie made me see the film's plot holes and how it was dragging. But that said I still think that it is still one of the year's bests. "Reprise" follows the story of two young budding buddy writers and what had transpired after both their works got published; how they coped up with the succeeding events that happened and how they affected other people, most especially the ones closest to them.

Joachim Trier's debut is that kind of work that already want to see what is up next. It is sort of a movie the young ones, but it was not made Hollywood style, not the usual unfunny slapstick or cliche reach for your dreams. It was more vital, it reflected the truth. It was unabashed and straightforward, realistic and dreamy at the same time.

14
Savage Grace
Directed by Tom Kalin

Call this movie as "Julianne Moore's Comeback to Form". She has gone astray the Oscar arms (and critics' at that) post 2002 and she has not given a performance that is even note worthy. But with "Savage Grace" (and "Blindness") Moore is back with another memorable performance. "Savage Grace" follows the story of Barbara Daly's fracked up relationship with husband Brooks and son Tony. .

Tom Kalin's long time coming follow up to "Swoon" was a revelation and brought out the goods in all the cast in it (though this is not Moore's best). What made it more special is the fact that it lost all signs of morality to give out a sharp and piercing drama, with even more powerful dialogue than "Closer", it was so real, it was devastating to watch. It was like reading "Hello Magazine" on screen less the paparazzi.

13
Serbis
Directed by Brillante Mendoza

Watching Brillante Mendoza's metaphorical effort to depict the Philippines was nothing short of wonderful. "Serbis" which trails the life of the Pineda Family in a foul looking, patched up cinema house which caters to gay patrons and straight patrons alike. The cinema house acted as a whore house for service boys selling their bodies for money. But it was more than that, unfortunately there are some point that you have got to be a Filipino (which I am and proud to be one) in order for you to fully grasp the symbolisms used.

Featuring superb performance by Gina Pareno in what could be her personal best as the matriarch of the family that is crumbling down. Also note worhy performances from Jacklyn Jose and Pinoy indie prince Coco Martin, made the movie the success that it was. It never did gave out a clear ending, it is up for us to determine our own path, either you live in the stinkhole or leave the place to start a new.

12
Happy-Go-Lucky
Directed by Mike Leigh

Think of the happiest character that would be ever put to screen, and if you have seen "Happy-Go-Lucky", Poppy would be the one you would be thinking of. "Happy-Go-Lucky" is all about Poppy and how she tries to make every people happy. I really like the fact that the movie did not have any direction at all. It was predictably unpredictable and that's what I like most about it.

Sally Hawkins in what could be the best performance by any actress this year nailed Poppy down to her very soul. Poppy has the strange goal of making everyone she come across with, happy and I think she did more than just that, she extended her touch to every audience who saw her giggle and smile all the way. For me, "Happy-Go-Lucky" was more than just a film, it was a celebration of life. Imagine if we all are like Poppy.

11
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Directed by Woody Allen

We all know that Woody got his mojo back in Match Point (Je T'aime) and when "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" arrived in theatres, imagine my excitement being a huge Woody Allen fan. Two college friends head out on a vacation in Barcelona, Spain only to be hooked into a sexy and seductive Spanish and toss in a neurotic and crazy latina ex girlfriend and you got yourself a yummy Woody Allen salad.

It is like Barcelona when it sizzled, mostly because of Penelope Cruz who was all sorts of wonderful in this movie along with superb up and comer Rebecca Hall. Barcelona may not be Allen's best but this sure ranks as one of the most enjoyable and one of the most entertaining movie of the year.

TOP 10 Later...

SAG Quick Predix (and Winners)

Best Ensemble: Slumdog Millionaire
Alternate: Milk
Winner: SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Best Actor: Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler)
Alternate: Sean Penn (Milk)
Winner: SEAN PENN (MILK)

Best Actress: Meryl Streep (Doubt)
Alternate: Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married)
Winner: MERYL STREEP (DOUBT)

Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
Alternate: Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
Winner: HEATH LEDGER (THE DARK KNIGHT)

Best Supporting Actress: Kate Winslet (The Reader)
Alternate: Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona)
Winner: KATE WINSLET (THE READER)

Got 4/5 with Penn as alternate so I think I sorta got 4.5 of them correct. And Slumdog is destined for a win at the Oscars but I am silently rooting for "The Reader"

10 Songs: January 18 to 24

1. Never Think Robert Pattinson
2. Retrace Anberlin
3. Contagious Trapt
4. Single Ladies Beyonce
5. You Better Pray Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
6. Decode Paramore
7. The Greatest Man that Ever Lived Weezer
8. The Wrestler Bruce Springsteen
9. Love Story Rain
10. Audience of One Rise Against
    

Oscar Nomination Reaction

HOW DARE THE ACADEMY FUCK THE NOMINATION AND LEAVE OUT SALLY HAWKINS?!?!?!?!?! ACADEMY IS A BIG BIG BIG FUCK

2008 RacsO Year in Review: Top 16-20

This list you are about to see is purely subjective. I chose from movies that had commercial release on 2008, not only in the United States but also abroad. I was fortunate to have seen many movies this year not only in America but also movies coming from several countries (predominantly Asian). My goal is to spread my viewing queue from various places so as to really determine the BEST. So here is the first batch of my 20 favorite films of 2008.

20
Twilight

Directed by Catherine Hardwicke

A story penned by Stephanie Meyer and put to screen by director Catherine Hardwicke of "thirteen" fame. Twilight is more than just a story of love and vampires, it was a coming of age story; of estrogen, testosterone and feromone overload. A story of a not so ordinary pale and tad emo-girl Bella Swan and how her life changed when she met a heavy foundation-ed, glittery bodied and fuzzy haired vampire Edward Cullen. All things went well for young lovers but all hell broke loose when a group of visitor vampires lead by tracker James went on to hunt for Bella to feast as snack.

Despite people loathing this movie a lot, "Twilight" remains as one of the most entertaining movies for me of the year 2008. And we are entitled to at least one guilty pleasure movies per year and this movie was mine. Boasting James Dean lite breakthrough by Robert Pattinson, proved that he is one of the actors that you sought out for. It may not be the best vampire flick to date (that will get to later) but this has got to be the one that brought our interest to it and that may be a clear indication of a good future to come for the vampire franchise.

19
Cape No. 7

Directed by Wei Te-Sheng

This is the first of the Asian films that had made my list of best films of 2008. "Cape No. 7" follows the story of a messed up ex musician turned bum mailman Aga, who then later designated to front a crazily formed rock band that will front act a famous Japanese singer with the aid of a Japanese model Tomoko. In the process Aga found himself by rummaging through the mails he delivered and found one that connected with his life the most.

The movie reaped awards from several Asian award giving bodies and I think that it deserves every citation it got for its warmhearted-ly delivered fun. It needs not make fun of itself to be comic, and it needs not force itself to be poignant, it already was and the story spoke itself. Impeccably written rock/love songs to die for (especially "Southern Country") are brought to life, connected and put to screen to great effect. I just hope that Asian films as good as this reached a bigger audience.

18
[REC]
Directed by Jaume Balaguero and Paco Plaza

The scariest horror film to have ever come out of 2008 was "[REC]". The story follows a television reporter and her cameraman chronicling the lives of Barcelona's firemen then what happened is that they got quarantined in a virus infested tattered down condominium. What they thought of was just a routine emergency turned out to be a zombie mangling chase, and very bloody at that.

The movie got me tired and felt like I was running along with Angela and avoiding the infected ones. I was cheering that they would beat the crap out of them zombies and find their way out and to my shock, they never did escape when they found the motherload place where it all started. That screaming ending send chills to me and got goosebumps over goosebumps. Definitive horror. They do not make horror movies as scary as this (but the remake was hella scary too).

17
The Dark Knight
Directed by Christopher Nolan

Calling this movie as "The Godfather" of superhero movies is spot on. "The Dark Knight" was everything its hype said it to be and more. After seeing it I did say that it was the best superhero movie ever made (But then again I love Superman Returns love love love). Watching it felt more like I was watching a crime drama rather than a popcorn super hero flick.

Dark Knight follows Batman in pursuit of a crime lord The Joker, played beyond perfection by Heath Ledger. We then were introduced to 2 Face a.k.a. Harvey Dent who was at first good then turned bad. The only sad thing I can say about this movie is that Batman was the weakest character and the supporting characters and villains were superb.

16
Milk
Directed by Gus Van Sant

The gay movie of the year that got catapulted by the star power of its lead, Sean Penn in what could be his most difficult role to date as Harvey Milk. "Milk" follows the pursuit of Milk into office and how he got assassinated. Boasting a superb ensemble cast, lead by the we-never-knew-he-had-it-in-him James Franco as Milk's ex flame; Josh Brolin and the improved Emile Hirsch.

Calling it just a "gay" movie is an understatement, it was an uber gay movie but that was just secondary, it was more of a political movie. With the prop8 in the works, this movie could not be anymore timely. Though it did not rake in a la Brokeback, Milk made it's own name, ranks as one of the most important films of 2008 and as one of the bests.

Coming Later... 11-15

Final Oscar 2008 Predix: Best Picture

The DGA and PGA are boring boring boring. There are only five films released in 2008 that they thought was the best. And this is the Slumdog year and I could not see anyone winning over it unless they do go and fuck it up by letting it lose in SAG, DGA and PGA.

Predicted Five

• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
• The Dark Knight
• Milk
  
• Slumdog Millionaire
• Wall-E

Alternates

• Doubt
• Frost/Nixon
• Gran Torino

Locks: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Slumdog Millionaire. I mean DUH, Slumdog won almost every precursor and Benjamin Button is a favorite plus it's box office haul. But would it be lovely to see Slumdog snubbed?

Strong Contender: The Dark Knight. I still have that feeling that only The Dark Knight could topple Slumdog Millionaire. I do not know why but I think it can.

Dark Horses: Milk, Frost/Nixon and Wall-E. Toss a die and any of them could get in. Milk could get in along with the Sean Penn bandwagon. Wall-E could break the record and land among the nominees. Frost/Nixon because it is directed by Ron Howard plus it has that important film going along with it. My original line up would include Nixon over Wall-E but I think that Nixon is not as strong as we think it is, ditto Milk.

Could Steal Votes: Doubt and Gran Torino. If doubt could muster that 4 nod in acting categories, methinks that it can be a very strong strong contender. Gran Torino CAN get in because it was directed by their favorite CLINT EASTWOOD.

Final Oscar 2008 Predix: Best Actress

Beyond Streep and Hathaway (both Devil Wears Prada alum) and quite possibly Kate Winslet, this is still a tight race for seven contenders

Predicted Five

• Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married)
  
• Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky)
• Melissa Leo (Frozen River)
  
• Meryl Streep (Doubt)
  
• Kate Winslet (Revolutionary Road)

Alternates

• Angelina Jolie (Changeling)
• Kristen Scott Thomas (I Loved You So Long)

Locks: Streep. Though I still doubt her win, I still think she is the only lock in this category.

Strong Contenders. The Remaining Six. The six remaining ladies are duking it out for the last 4 slots any of them could get in. But instead of Jolie getting in I picked Leo to nab the last spot 1. She is better and 2. She is better. plus she is the least awarded among the 5 that I chose. Plus I want to just frack her up.

Final Oscar 2008 Predix: Best Actor

This race is filled with veteran actors or at least nominees that got nominated before. The top three slot (for me) is already locked and this trifecta (Penn, Rourke, Langella) of nominees seem unshakable unless they do wanna shake things up by fucking someone else's chances.

Predicted Five

• Clint Eastwood (Gran Torino)
  
• Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon)
• Sean Penn (Milk)
• Brad Pitt (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
  
• Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler)

Alternates:

• Leonardo diCaprio (Revolutionary Road)
• Richard Jenkins (The Visitor)

Locks: Langella, Penn, Rourke. These three men reaped the awards season and it is almost impossible to see one of them missing out.

Strong Contenders: The remaining four. I can see any of them taking the last two slots. Eastwood is a very strong threat if he gets in. diCaprio is a perennial nominee and loser so that may be a good thing for him to get at least nominated. Jenkins

Final Oscar 2008 Predix: Aural Technical Categories

Best Original Score
Apart from Desplat, Rahman and Newman, I see the other slots going to anyone. Plus we can always count on John Williams to get in.

Predicted Five

• Alexandre Desplat (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
  
• Clint Eastwood (Changeling)
• James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer (The Dark Knight)
  
• Thomas Newman (Wall-E)
  
• A. H. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire)

Alternates

• Danny Elfman (Milk)
  
• John Williams (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skull)

Best Original Song
Besides "The Wrestler" this list could go ballistic

Predicted Five

• "Once in a Lifetime" from Cadillac Records
• "Gran Torino" from Gran Torino
  
• "Jaiho" from Slumdog Millionaire
  
• "Down to Earth" from Wall-E
  
• "The Wrestler" from The Wrestler

Alternates

• "I Thought I Lost You" from Bolt
• "Rock Me Sexy Jesus" from Hamlet 2

Best Sound Mixing

Predicted Five

• The Dark Knight
• Defiance
  
• Iron Man
• Slumdog Millionaire
  
• Wall-E

Alternates

• Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
• Quantum of Solace

Best Sound Editing

Predicted Five

• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
  
• The Dark Knight
• Iron Man
• Slumdog Millionaire
  
• Wall-E

Alternates

• Australia
  
• Indiana Hones and the Kingdom of the Cystal Skull

Final Oscar 2008 Predix: Stand Alone Categories

Best Animated Feature

I think that this category was long decided already. "Wall-E" is bound to win in this category well unless they decided to fuck things up and go for "Waltz With Bashir"

Predicted Three:

• Kung-Fu Panda
  
• Wall-E
• Waltz with Bashir

Alternates:

• Bolt
• Madagascar 2: Escape From Africa
• $9.99

Best Foreign Language Film

This has got to be the weakest roster in years. And almost all of them have not gotten any wide release.

Predicted Five

• The Class (France)
  
• Der Baader Meinhof Komplex (Germany)
• Maria Larsson's Everlasting Moment (Sweden)
• Three Monkeys (Turkey)
  
• Waltz with Bashir (Israel)

Alternates

• Departures (Japan)
  
• Tear this Heart Out (Mexico)
  

Final Oscar 2008 Predix: Visual Technical Categories

Best Cinematography

Predicted Five

• Anthony Dod Mantle (Slumdog Millionaire)
• Roger Deakins and Chris Menges (The Reader)
• Roger Deakins (Revolutionary Road)
• Claudio Miranda (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
  
• Wally Pfister (The Dark Knight)
  

Alternates:

• Tom Stern (Changeling)
• Mandy Walker (Australia)
  

Best Film Editing

Predicted Five

• Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
  
• Chris Dickens (Slumdog Millionaire)
• Dan Lebantal (Iron Man)
  
• Daniel and Mike Hill (Frost/Nixon)
  
• Lee Smith (The Dark Knight)

Alternates:

• Elliot Graham and Gus Van Sant (Milk)
  
• Claire Simpson (The Reader)

Best Art Direction

Predicted Five

• Donald Graham Burt (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
  
• Nathan Crowley (The Dark Knight)
• Mark Digby (Slumdog Millionaire)
  
• Guy Dyas (Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull)
• James Murakami (Changeling)
  

Alternates:

• Bill Groom (Milk)
  
• Catherine Martin (Australia)

Best Visual Effects

Predicted Five

• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
  
• The Dark Knight
  
• Iron Man

Alternates:

• Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
  
• Hellboy 2
  

Best Make-Up

Predicted Five

• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
  
• The Dark Knight
  
• Tropic Thunder
  

Alternates:

• Hellboy 2
  
• The Reader

Best Costume Design

Predicted Five

• Deborah Hopper (Changeling)
  
• Michael O'Connor (The Duchess)
• Sandy Powell (The Other Boleyn Girl)
  
• Jacqueline Wiest (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
  
• Albert Wolsky (Revolutionary Road)
  

Alternates:

• Lindy Hemming (The Dark Knight)
  
• Catherine Martin (Australia)

Final Oscar 2008 Predix: Best Director

The big question in this race is will they make room for a lone director spot or will they go five to five match with the five best picture nominees?

Predicted Five:

• Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire)
• David Fincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
  
• Ron Howard (Frost/Nixon)
  
• Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight)
  
• Gus Van Sant (Milk)

Alternates:

• Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler)
  
• Andrew Stanton (Wall-E)
  

Locks: Boyle and Fincher. Beyond these two, things get a little murkier. Boyle has made a crowd pleaser and looks like they had already engraved his name on this Oscar. As for Fincher, he is the only one whom I can think of that can dethrone Boyle.

Strong Contenders: Nolan and Van Sant. Nolan and Van Sant can snag the 3rd and fourth slots because of their strong showing in DGA, and PGA despite absence in the Golden Globes.

Dark Horses: Howard and Aronofsky. Howard has a stronger chance because of his previous track record and the DGA, PGA and GG citations. Aronofsky on the other hand could land a nod IF the academy do fall hard over The Wrestler.

Could Steal Votes: Stanton. I think Wall-E is a strong contender if the academy go beyond thinking that only live action film directors should get nominated when in fact they are far better than the ones being nominated.

Final Oscar 2008 Predix: Best Original and Adapted Screenplay

This probably is one of the weakest categories in the bunch. Despite the Golden Globes giving nods to adapted works only methinks that the original works are the bests of the year. But anyways here are my predix for adapted and original screenplay.

Best Original Screenplay

Predicted Five:

• Woody Allen(Vicky Cristina Barcelona)
• Dustin Lance Black (Milk)
• Ethan and Joel Coen (Burn After Reading)
  
• Thomas McCarthy (The Visitor)
  
• Andrew Stanton (Wall-E)

Alternates:

• Mike Leigh (Happy-Go-Lucky)
  
• Jenny Lumet (Rachel Getting Married)

Locks: Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Milk. There is no denying the fact that Woody Allen is a perpetual nominee here. With a strong showing for Milk, Black could get his first nod.

Strong Contenders: The others. It's has been a good year for original works and the remaining three slots are pretty much a blur for me


Best AdaptedScreenplay

Predicted Five:

• Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire)
• Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon)
• Jonathan Nolan (The Dark Knight)
  
• Eric Roth (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
• John Patrick Shanley (Doubt)
  

Alternates:

• Justin Haythe (Revolutionary Road)
• David Hare (The Reader)
  

Locks: Slumdog Millionaire, Frost/Nixon and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. This year was the year od the Slumdog. Ditto Brad Pitt's so Benjamin Button could easily snag a nod. As for Frost/Nixon I think that nod is in place because it just breezed through the year getting nods after another.

Strong Contenders: Doubt. If Doubt could muster nods from the acting categories which will prove that it is a strong contender, expect a strong showing here too.

Dark Horses: The Dark Knight, The Reader and Revolutionary Road. Toss a coin then one of them gets in.

Final Oscar 2008 Predix: Best Supporting Actor

This is the race where the winner is already LOCKED. Others are just space fillers and are just humbled they got nominated along with Heath Ledger.

Predicted Five:

• Josh Brolin (Milk)
  
• Robert Downey Jr. (Tropic Thunder)
• Philip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt)
  
• Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
• Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire)

Alternates:

• James Franco (Milk)
  
• Eddie Marsan (Happy-Go-Lucky)

Winner: Heath Ledger. There is no denying now that Ledger is in this race to win. I do not see any other actor dethroning him unless they fuck him up again and settle for Hoffman.

Strongest Contender: Philip Seymour Hoffman and Josh Brolin. Hoffman can easily get nominated because he is Hoffman and they have grown to love him profusely post Capote and they are going to nominate him year after year even though he is lead. Brolin was able to nab some precursors from Ledger especially NBR which I think is enough already for him to get nominated.

Dark Horse: Robert Downey Jr. Though this is not the typical performance that they would go far but then again that said it does not mean that it is not deserving when in fact it is. I think he had a great year and that could be ended with a cherry on top with a supporting actor nod.

Could Steal Votes: James Franco, Eddie Marsan and Dev Patel. Franco, like Downey, had a great year and could get nominated but then again it was Brolin who stole Franco's thunder. Marsan's neurotic and in much need of anger management in Happy-Go-Lucky has fans here and there and did get some precursors at that, but the movie gets reception sometimes too hot but often times too cold. As for Patel, I think he has a great chance of getting nominated. But come on he is lead and the movie is about him. But I think despite him being the weakest in this category could end up taking the last slot and ride along with the Slumdog winning caravan.

Final Oscar 2008 Predix: Best Supporting Actress

This year's race for best supporting actress was actually good because all of those in the running did deliver the goods with the arguable exclusion of Kate Winslet. Don't get me wrong, I love LOVE her but this is without question a lead performance so that leads me to say that she does not belong in this list. But that said, she has a huge chance of winning this. So here goes my prediction:

Predicted Five:

• Amy Adams (Doubt)
• Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona)
  
• Viola Davis (Doubt)
• Marissa Tomei (The Wrestler)
  
• Kate Winslet (The Reader)

Alternates:

• Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
• Rosemarie Dewitt and Debra Winger (Rachel Getting Married)
  

Locks: Penelope Cruz and Kate Winslet. I think that both actresses had proven their lock status in this category. Cruz was a precursor and critics fave while Winslet got a super boost from her double win in Golden Globes. But I still think that she can be vulnerable if she got mysteriously (but should be) placed lead in voters ballot a la Keisha Castle Hughes.

Strong Contender: Viola Davis. Davis has gotten boost due to strong precursor citations and the SAG nod somewhat sealed the deal for her.

Dark Horses: Marisa Tomei, Amy Adams, Taraji P. Henson and Rosemarie Dewitt. Tomei has strong precursor citations but the SAG exclusion could hurt a bit. Adams was present is the big precursors thus could translate to a nod. Henson could get nominated due to SAG boost and if Button turns out to be a VERY strong contender which I think it would be. Dewitt could get nominated if the voters decide to see past Hathaway.

Sentimental Vote: Debra Winger. Winger could get the sentimental vote since she has been missing in the running for quite some time now.

RacsOview: "Milk"

I haven't really actually loved any of Gus Van Sant's recent films (Gerry, Paranoid Park, Last Days except Elephant) I just end up just liking them or thinking that they are OK at best. But with his latest offering, I think I really got interested with his work. "Milk" is a formulaic and by-the-rules biopic starring the perfect Sean Penn as Harvey Milk. It also boasts a stellar supporting cast lead by Josh Brolin, James Franco and Emile Hirsch. Though I sometimes feel that it focused to much on Milk (but duh), thus the title.

A/A-

RacsOview: "The Wrestler"

This is quite possibly Darren Aronofsky's best work since "Requiem for a Dream". No offense to "The Fountain", I loved that film too but I think Wrestler is a par Requiem. What made this movie all the more memorable is the fact that it was superbly acted. Mickey Rourke in a rousing comeback to form (he did an almost comeback with Sin City) gave one of the best lead performances of the year. Marissa Tomei was expected-ly great as the prostitute with a heart of gold. And lastly Evan Rachel Wood as the daughter who longs for fatherly love.

It was more than a sports movie, it was a story of life. A story of how one spends his life, doing what he does best, doing what he loves, living your life to the fullest. Bravo indeed.

P.S. LOVE the Song. BEAUTIFUL!

A+

Golden Globes 2008: Aftermath (The Good, The Bad and the Ugly)

Generally the Golden Globes (2008) ceremony was good. It was the best in recent memory and I did enjoy it as much as I missed it because of last year's absence. So here are my reactions...

The Good



Of all the winners, I was very much pleased when HFPA decided to award Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky) and Colin Farrell (In Bruges). Hawkins gave one of the best acting performances of this decade. poppy was such a complex character despite uber happy outlook. As for Farrell, this is his best performance to date. Farrell is a great actor if given the right material. Remember how good he was in "Tigerland"? Ditto critical duds "Alexander" and "A Home at the End of the World". Though I doubt an Oscar nod for Farrell, I wish that they both get in or at least Hawkins.


Kate Winslet double whammy! I was happy that Kate Winslet won best supporting actresss award for "The Reader" but a part of me is saying "boo" because that was without question a lead performance. But for her to win in "Revolutionary Road" gave me a different zing because I think that she somewhat deserved that award. I was not expecting her to win nor think that she gave the best lead performance for an actress, but this is actually a great choice because this was indeed one of her finest performances. Does this mean anything? Will she win two Oscars this year? Methinks she will win supporting then Streep or Hathaway for the lead.


Heath Ledger will win Oscar Best Supporting Actor. I think what happened is that HFPA solidified the win gor Heath Ledger. This is a perfect performance no question about that.

The Bad

I am just tad pissed why they had to rush everything towards the end. I know that they have to cut things because of time constraints but you have got to let the winners savor the moment and thank those who they want to thank. 45 seconds seem too short for the winner to enjoy the award.

The Ugly


Why does almost every award giving body have to award "Slumdog Millionaire"? I really am truly out of words regarding the unfaltering love for this movie. But come to think of it the list is a little weak so for an OK movie to win seems OK too but hey spread the love! "The Reader" was miles better than this heck even "Frost/Nixon" was better.

2008 Golden Globes: Live Blogging

The show has just started and Jennifer Lopez is looking radiant and she is presenting Best Supporting Actress. Marissa Tomei is looking beautiful. I predicted Kate and she did win! wow Yowza! I loved the performance but I think she was lead not supporting. And does she look stunning.

Best Supporting Actress (Motion Picture): Kate Winslet (The Reader)

Next category is best song and I do hope that Bruce Springsteen wins this. A very beautiful song! And the winner is Bruce! and just in case you haven't heard of it yet here it is...


Best Original Song: Music and Lyrics Bruce Springsteen for "The Wrestler" (The Wrestler)

Next up is best supporting actor for TV. I do hope it is not Piven again. I think that Tom Wilkinson wins this or Neil Patrick Harris.

Best Supporting Actor (TV): Tom Wilkinson (John Adams)

Now for best supporting actress for TV. I wish Wiest wins this even though she is absent.

Best Supporting Actress (TV): Laura Dern (Recount)

Best Actor (TV-Drama): Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment). I kinda wish that Michael Hall or John Hamm.

Best Actress (TV-Drama): Anna Paquin (True Blood). I kinda liked True Blood as it progressed and I think she deserves this or January too. And I kinda did missed her being on stage post "The Piano" since her career was relatively vacant.

Best Animated Feature: Wall-E (directed by Andrew Stanton). I mean duh after Wall-E was released it was already destined to win. And I think that we have weird presenters this year. But at least as of the moment they are not as fracking stupid as Katy Perry.

Best Actress (Movie- Comedy or Musical): Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky). I love you Sally Hawkins this is one of the most difficult roles I have ever seen put to screen and you deserve to win this heck even more the the legend Meryl Streep. Wonderful win.

Best Made for TV movie: John Adams. As much as I loved John Adams I was sorta wishing that Cranford would sneak in and win. But this win though expected is great.

Best Supporting Actor(Movie): HEATH LEDGER (The Dark Knight). This will go down in the history books. You will forever be remembered Heath, not as the Joker but as the best actor of our generation.

Best Foreign Language Film: Waltz With Bashir. I haven't seen this one yet so I can't comment. I also failed to see most of those nominated here. But where the frack is "Let the Right One in" ?

Best Actress (TV- Made for TV Movie): Laura Linney (John Adams). Wow she is very lovely. I love Linney and deserves this though I was a little and sorta hoping for Sarandon or McLaine.

Best Screenplay (Movie): Simon Beaufoy (Simon Beaufoy). I saw this coming, But I wish the win ends here. I just think that this movie is not as good as many people see it. I can only wish that David Hare took the award.

Best Actor (TV - Comedy or Musical): Alec Baldwin (30 Rock). This is a very deserving win for Baldwin. Anyone but Shalhoub nuff said.

Best Actor (TV - Made for TV Movie): Paul Giamatti (John Adams). What a roster superb across the board but Giamatti is superb.

Best TV Series (TV - Comedy or Musical): 30 Rock. Again very deserving. I think the TV winners are superb.

Best Original Score: A. R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) . I think that Slumdog Millionaire is the favorite because every time they pronounce "Slumdog Millionaire" the crowd goes nuts.

Best Actress (TV - Comedy or Musical): Tina Fey (30 Rock). How silly it is to have Krakowski present this ward, silly silly. Anyways I love the win because I love Tina Fey. She is just funny as hell especially the Palin impersonation. And ooh does she give the best speech. I love her to death.

Best Director (Movie): Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire). And he did win and I think that he has got his hands locked up for that Oscar. Don't get me wrong guys I love Danny Boyle and most of his works but this has got to be one of those I did not like so much.

Best Actor (Movie - Comedy or Musical): Colin Farrell (In Bruges). OMG! They got the right man to win, I predicted him though I felt a little iffy selecting him. Wow. This is Farrell's best work to date.

Best Film (Movie - Comedy or Musical): Vicky Cristina Barcelona (directed by Woody Allen). The comedy or musical categories are split to three different movie all movies I love and deserving however, this award though deserving should have gone to In Bruges or Happy-Go-Lucky

Best Actress (Movie - Drama): Kate Winslet (Revolutionary Road). OMG! WOW this is such a very very superb list and for any one of them to win besides Jolie would be OK for me. She was the star of the movie. Perfect. Though I did not predicted her I still love the win

Best TV Series (TV - Drama): Mad Med. One of the best things in TV right now.

Best Actor (Movie - Drama): Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler). The comeback of the year. I am glad he won he was beyond superb in this film. Totally deserving.

Best Film (Movie - Drama): Slumdog Millionaire (directed by Danny Boyle). The underdog story of the year. That was a solid win for Slumdog. BORING.

So that does it. It was a good awards night, partly because I missed the Golden Globes. But it was a dud when the last award was said... More of my thoughts later. I need to work out

2008 RacsO Year in Review: Why-Is-There-Less-Love-For-Them?

Now let's look at the films which I thought lacked critical traction and awards citation...

The Wrestler
directed by Darren Aronofsky

I think you might be surprised to see this movie here primarily because it has been getting awards traction most especialy for its lead actor Mickey Rourke. My question is that why does a movie as superb as this end up nabbing only two possible citations (1 for Rourke and 1 for Springsteen). How about some love for the helmer, Darren Aronofsky? But then again ever stupid Katy Perry (you fracker) don't even know him.

Australia
directed by Baz Lurhmann

I know it was sorta a mess (I think of it more as superfluous), but I have got to say that they really don't make movies like this anymore. And when finally someone did, they butchered its chances of getting recognized at all. Many are even donning on it and saying that it ranks along with the years worsts. So more for me then, but I kinda hope that the film could have at least been a strong contender in the technical categories.

The Fall
directed by Tarsem Singh

The thing with "The Fall" is that it wasn't that widely seen. If you are going for the whimsical or imaginative, you can't go wrong with Tarsem and his highly imaginative thinking. It was an ambitious feat but then again people failed to see it. Benjamin Button felt a little vacant with the imagination part of it unlike "The Fall" which was filled with it and played with it and the result was quite remarkable.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
directed by Peter Sollett

Rarely has a TEEN movie made it big with the critics much more for the Oscar but when it is this good it kinda is baffling why they would settle for something less when they were delivered with A-class goods. Playlist was on top of its genre, it was a surprisingly superbly made teen flick coming of age romantic comedy.

Wendy and Lucy
directed by Kelly Reichardt

Do you still feel how Boyle had managed to put so many scenes in one minute time frame and yet it would not evoke that much emotion? Wendy and Lucy was on the other fand emotion filled despite minimalistic editing (and almost everything). Michelle Williams should have gotten tension for her heartbreaking performance as Wendy who lost her dog Lucy.

Asian Movies, Directors and Actors

I'm just a little put off with the fact that not that much Asian films get noticed. Lately it's all been Ang Lee and Zhang Yimou who is getting raves for their work and lest we mention Zhang Ziyi's works. But how about the works of other acclaimed directors in Asia. Filipino directors Brillante Mendoza (who made Serbis), freshman Francis Xavier Pasion (of Cinemanila's Jay) and my favorite Adolf Alix Jr. (Imoral, Daybreak, Adela three of the best Filipino films of 2008) delivered fresh voices to cinema in 2008. Thailand's entry to this year's Oscar is one of the best films of the year, Love of Siam looks commonplace on the outside but it turns out to be entirely unique. Taiwan's "Cape No. 7" is better than all the desperately trying to be feel-good films in Hollywood. Hsao Sien directed "Flight of the Red Balloon" also a great film ditto Jia Zhanke's "Still Life". I just wist that more and more people get to see them because I think that they are far better than the usual thingmajigs that Hollywood has to offer. Yo world take notice!

next up : Top 20 to 11...

Golden Globes 2008: Final Predix

Here are my final predictions for the Golden Globes...

Best Picture (Drama)
Nominees: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, The Reader, Revolutionary Road, Slumdog Millionaire
Which Will Win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I think this is where Button will solidify it's lead status despite another movie leading the precursors.
Which Could Win: Slumdog Millionaire. The precursor leader is bound for win here but I think a bigger movie will win. Though I will not be surprised if Revolutionary Road takes this.
Which Should Win: The Reader. This movie is a little under the radar compared to the 5 other nominees but it has got to be a step up from the others. It may not be the year's best but it is the best of the pack.

Best Actor (Drama)
Nominees: diCaprio, Pitt, Langella, Penn, Rourke
Who Will Win: Sean Penn (Milk). I think this could go either ways but I think Penn has the edge here.
Who Could Win: Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler). The comeback of the year.
Who Should Win: Either Penn or Rourke. I am still undecided.

Best Actress (Drama)
Nominees: Hathaway, Jolie, Scott-Thomas, Streep, Winslet
Who Will Win: Like in the actor's race, I can see this award going either ways and there might be a Devil Wears Prada reunion on the way. Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married) can bag this with the aid for her precursor citations and recent win plus Star status.
Who Could Win: I think she can easily snag this. I am just predicting that things are gonna get shaken up a bit if Hathaway wins but I think, Meryl Streep (Doubt) can easily win this.
Who Should Win: Anne Hathaway. This is one of the best performances of the year and her personal best.

Best Picture (Comedy or Musical)
Nominees: Burn After Reading, Happy-Go-Lucky, In Bruges, Mamma Mia!, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Who Will Win: I really don't know which movie to pick but my bet is on Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Who Could Win: Happy-Go-Lucky might get propelled by Hawkins perfect performance.
Who Should Win: Happy-Go-Lucky is one of the happiest movies I've seen and quite original at that. It made me smile along with Poppy.

Best Actor (Comedy or Musical)
Nominees: Bardem, Farrell, Franco, Hoffman Gleeson
Who Will Win: This is one tough category to predict because none of them are actually in the running in the Oscars (or so I thought?). So I am going to predict out of the box and say that Colin Farrell (In Bruges) is going to win this or...
Who Could Win: James Franco (The Pineappple Express) who has a solid fan base. But if they are going to go veteran they Dustin Hoffman (Last Chance Harvey) may make it
Who Should Win: As much I loved Franco in Pineapple, Colin Farrell, for me, still did his best work to date.

Best Actress (Comedy or Musical)
Nominees: Hall, Hawkins, McDormand, Streep, Thompson
Who Will Win: I think that precursor champion, Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky) is the one to beat in this race.
Who Could Win: I think that Meryl Streep (Mamma Mia!) could also win here. She can go win one, or win both or win nothing at all.
Who Should Win: Though I liked Hall in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, I still think that Sally Hawkins aced Poppy and it came out from here naturally.

Best Supporting Actor
Nominees: Cruise, Downey Jr., Fiennes, Hoffman Ledger,
Who Will Win: There is no question that Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight) will go home as the winner. But the weak nod count could hurt a bit.
Who Could Win: Or Philip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt) could steal some thunder from Ledger (again) though highly unlikely.
Who Should Win: Hands down. HEATH LEDGER.

Best Supporting Actress
Nominees: Adams, Cruz, Davis, Tomei, Winslet
Who Will Win: I think that the love for The Reader is good enough for me to at least think that Kate Winslet (The Reader) will win this. Though this is more of a wishful thinking.
Who Could Win: But precursor favorites Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) could easily win this.
Who Should Win: Viola Davis (Doubt) stole the show in Doubt and I think she should win.

Best Director
Nominees: Boyle, Daldry, Fincher, Howard, Mendes
Who Will Win: I think this is where Slumdog will win so I am predicting Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) here.
Who Could Win: David Fincher (The Curious Case of Bejamin Button) could easily take this depending on how well Button does in Globes.
Who Should Win: Stephen Daldry (The Reader) is the best in the bunch. Such a week race.

Best Director
Nominees: Boyle, Daldry, Fincher, Howard, Mendes
Who Will Win: I think this is where Slumdog will win so I am predicting Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) here.
Who Could Win: David Fincher (The Curious Case of Bejamin Button) could easily take this depending on how well Button does in Globes.
Who Should Win: Stephen Daldry (The Reader) is the best in the bunch. Such a week race.

Best Animated Feature Film
Which Will and Should Win: Wall-E . DUH!
Which Could Win: Waltz With Bashir has a solid fanbase

Best Foreign Language Film
Which Will and Should Win: Gomorra because this is a weak weak field
Which Could Win: Waltz With Bashir could easily take this too

Best Screenplay
Which Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Which Could Win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Which Should Win: Doubt

Best Original Score
Which Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Which Could Win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Which Should Win: Slumdog Millionaire

Best Original Song
Which Will Win: "The Wrestler" (The Wrestler)
Which Could Win: "Down to Earth" (Wall-E)
Which Should Win: "The Wrestler" (The Wrestler)

2008 RacsO Year in Review: Why-Is-There-Love-For-Them?

When I was making this list it was no wonder that most of the titles in this list are Oscar best picture contenders. Not to bring them down or something but sometimes I just question the fact that many loved them.


Changeling and Gran Torino
(both directed by Clint Eastwood)

People Love it Because: It was made by Oscar favorite Clint Eastwood. Changeling showcased Angelina Jolie who seems to be on the road to Oscar and we all know that Jolie is such a beloved celebrity. Gran Torino brought Eastwood back in front of the camera and it kinda reminded us of Dirty Harry.

Why I question the Love: This Eastwood two-fer has bait bait bait written all over it. It has the makings of an Oscar contender but what it lacks was artistry and substance. It felt vacant despite highly emotion inducing material. I had expressed my hate for Gran Torino so no rant here anymore. As for Changeling, screaming and tears is the name of the game. I think, with all the Eastwood films I have seen, these two are his weakest.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
(directed by David Fincher)

People Love it Because: It is a sweeping epic of love plus, Brad Pitt and another oscar favorite, Cate Blanchett stars in it. It has a very interesting premise. Its visual effects was to die for.

Why I question the Love: Glacially paced. Brad Pitt, though good, did nothing special to this role, ditto Blanchett. If "Big Fish" did not land big in the Oscars then why this? It felt the same most of the times (though the other was colorful and this one a little dark). I think was just propelled by the lead actors.

Slumdog Millionaire
(directed by Danny Boyle)

People Love it Because: It is a crowd pleaser, yes. It was made for the sole purpose of making people feel good while watching the film. Though there were some segments of the film that would make you squeamish (manure scene) it was a life changing (?) joy ride filled with superb beats and songs.

Why I question the Love: The year's elongated music video. It was too alive that I felt exhausted. The first two thirds of the film felt like Hindi Speed Racer, a zeal overload. Then the last part it settled and mellowed down then on to the weirdly put but overly enjoyable closing credits. What bugs me is that Boyle made superior films than this (Trainspotting, Millions heck even Sunshine was better than this, in my opinion [sue me]), and don't get me wrong, I love Danny Boyle but this is just an OK film, not great and not Best picture material.

Up next the 2008's undervalued movies....

RacsOview: "Fear(s) of the Dark"

One of the best animated films released last year is yet another French entry which is Persepolis- esque, weirder and creepier. Fear(s) of the Dark is five short stories fused into one. First we see a strange thin and ghastly guy walking three enormous and aggressive dogs and what he does is carry them and let them mangle any victim, he is the last victim in turn, something he was really excited in doing. One story follows an insect geek who lost his favorite geek which haunted him when he grew up. He met a girl who abnormally liked / obsessed over him which in turn became a bug lady and used the geek as breeding place for bug maggots. Another story follows a japanese girl who can't finish and got stuck in her dream of meeting a japanese samurai and some weird bullying ghosts and classmates. The other story is about a humongous crocodile out on a feeding frenzy. The last story was my favorite which is about a guy who broke into a house due to hail. He then found out that the house was preowned by a weird lady in a flower designed dress who killed men. In the end he was the victim when he got stuck in a closet.

Fear(s) of the Dark was part poetry, part art and part experimental. It was eeriely superb and nightmare inducing. Wonerful and highly recommended.

A-

2008 RacsO Year in Review: The Fuglies

Now let us head on to the movies. I had a hard time creating lists for last year's restrospect. Party because I have seen lotsa films from several countries; rented and netflixed lotsa DVDs and sometimes forgot what I have seen, mostly they are the bad ones.

So before we go and reminisce on good movies let us take a look back and get pissed of with the downright FUGLY movies and performances of 2008.

The Fuglies...
I know I should have avoided them but I was really unfortunate to think that they will be good. So here are the ten fugly movies of the year...

10. Gran Torino
Clint Eastwood's grunting and frowning could translate to Oscar nod? This has got to be his weakest movie to date.

9. Hancock
The superhero movie gone wrong. Will Smith's charisma made this a hit but it was a critical miss and an uber mess.

8. What Happened in Vegas
I really don't know why I saw this. Cameron Diaz continues to go the road of Razzies.

7. The Women
The Sex and the City rip off. Whiny, annoying and estrogen overload. Bening should have rejected this and left a rather weird and ugly assembled cast.

6. High School Musical 3: Senior Year
I so want to call this as the worst picture but that would be unfair to Tisdale. This is high school corniness overdrive.

5. The Happening
I sat through the whole movie just gazing through the walls and my popcorn bucket that ran out of popcorn.

4. Righteous Kill
Why do they have to keep on making crime / action drama as awful as this? And why do they allow rappers kill movies? (except Eminem in 8 Mile)

3. 10,000 B. C.

I did not quite get it and thank God that movies were still not available 10,000 B.C. ago

2. The Day the Earth Stood Still
A fracked up remake. Good effects were not able to save this horrid movie.

1. Meet Dave
I curse my friend forever for asking me to watch this movie with them. The trailer says it all and my friends did not listen to me. My scar still hurts.

Fugly Actor: Eddie Murphy (Meet Dave)
I think it is only Eddie Murphy who could give a rousing comeback to form one day (Dreamgirls) and then suck most of the time. Such a wasted talent. What the frack has he been doing?!

Fugly Actress: Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical 3: Senior Year)
Sometimes I just don't get how does chipmunk-y voice count as talent. Vanessa Hudgens was all cutesy whenever she was require to act. That's all she can portray, be cute.

Fugly Supporting Actor: Pierce Brosnan (Mamma Mia!)
Watching and hearing him sing was just plain PAINFUL! I think it should be somewhat a prerequisite that you could sing before you join a musical or at least sound decent enough. Because he does not sing he forgot to act as well.

Fugly Supporting Actress: Thandie Newton (W.)
What the frack was she thinking portraying Rice as infuriating as this. Heck if I was Condoleeza I'd sue Newton for public humiliation.

Fugly Director: M. Night Shyamalan (The Happening)
I really had high hopes for this and all frack up in the end. Dang I just lost interest in him movie after movie after movie.

Best Performance in a Bad Movie: Ashley Tisdale (High School Musical 3: Senior Year)
The only reason that I did not leave the cinema house was that I somewhat feel relieved that Tisdale was on screen. They should make a spin off and make it all about her.

Coming right up... The Why-is-there-love-for-em movies of 2008...

RacsOview: "Happy-Go-Lucky"

Quite possibly the "happiest" movie of the year. Mike Leigh's latest movie is not quite like any other film he has done before partly because this movie is very "happy". "Happy-Go-Lucky" follows the story of Poppy and how she touches the lives of others by her effort to make people happy. Sally Hawkins in her break out role played Poppy effortlessly and you might get annoyed because she is to perky and laughing all the time but you can not help but fall in love with her. Thus, she is the most awarded actress this year. The nomination seems likely and the win is a longshot but she deserves that Oscar nonetheless but I could even stretch and say that this performance was effortlessly faultless. Toss in a superb supporting cast buoyed by the fesity Eddie Marsan as the always angry driving teacher.

A+

Hail Gina!

This is my entry to this year's Supporting Actress Blog-a-thon up at Stinkylulu blog. I finally was able to blog some more because of the Christmas break and all. So as promised here is my love for one of the best Filipino actresses ever, Miss Gina Pareño.

Many were disgusted by Brillante Mendoza's (and the Philippines' entry) entry to 2008's Cannes, Serbis (Service). I guess you have to be here or have been in the Philippines for quite some time for you to actually get the metaphors and symbolisms used by Mendoza. So much for global appeal then. Some critics did hate it that much to actually leave the cinema house during the screening of Serbis in Cannes. I sorta feel sorry for them because for thos who left, they never got the chance to see and marvel at the presence of Gina Pareño who played the family matriarch in Serbis.


Nanay (mother) Flor, played by the wonderful Gina Pareño, is the head of the Pineda family who owns a tattered down cinema house which in turn was also a place for "serbis" boys (male prostitutes) and for their gay and female customers . Despite diminishing returns, Nanay Flor still wants to keep the cinema house because it is their only source of income. Nanay Flor also lost a bigamy case against her estranged husband, Tatay Edwinand, and felt betrayed not only by the judge but also by her son, Jerome, who testified against her.

Flor was pissed to know that the price of movie reels rised. To even mess up her day she found out that her grandson, Alan (played wonderfully by Pinoy indie prince Coco Martin), who accidentally impregnated his girlfriend and does not want the child to be born. Being the head of the family, Flor gave Alan the scolding of his life and decided that they should go on and have the baby.

One pivotal scene for Pareño was when she took a bath after being stricken with one helluva bad day. And then she again dressed up in her usual black dress up and ready for anything thrown into her.


I have only seen a few performances from Gina Pareno but from the few that I have seen, this has got to be her best. She is commonly seen playing as mother on Philippine television and opposite Judy Ann Santos (lead actress of Philippine entry for Oscar's Ploning where Pareno plays the mother of Ploning's love interest) and in my opinion this is the best mother role I have seen from her. I still think however she is underused because she seldomly banners a film even though she has proved to be a great actress when she plays lead as seen in her 2006 movie "Kubrador (The Collector)". In Serbis she did it again, she sunk into the character, leaving all the signs of vanity aside to actually portray an aging genuinely morena Filipina (because Pareño is mestiza) heading a family that is spiraling downwards. You hardly feel that she was acting because she was that natural. Every scene that she was in she commanded it and every one else fizzled in her presence. Even though she is not speaking, and she relies on facial expressions to deliver the emotion, she was still perfect something that would remind you of Nicole Kidman in Birth.

Many will not have the chance to see this film much so see the wonderful ensemble performance in this film catapulted by Gina Pareño. Even in the Philippines only in selected viewings have Serbis been shown and only few people got the chance to see it because it was shown in very expensive cinema houses. When I saw it, I said right then and there that Pareño gave the best supporting actress performance at that time, and that notion still holds up for me at this time.


I'll say this now though I haven't finalized my RacsO awards for 2008 but I love her so much to hold it in and I think that I will not see a better supporting actress performance this year so... Gina Pareño, best supporting actress of 2008.