The technique at this point in the year, in finding great movies, is to look for movies that failed to gain wider releases last year and was release early on this year (a la Departures which I loved). Another is to scavenge over foreign films that failed to get that much commercial release and that's I did and I came across Olivier Assayas' "Summer Hours".
It was very minimimalistic in its approach to tackle on topics very delicate to us. Death being the prominent and evident one. More so, the death of a mother. The mother who in her ways anticipated that she will soon be leaving that is why she already started to give notes as to what would happen to her house and her belongings and her late departed's.
The other topic is how our most dearly kept memories can be lost. Lost because we chose it to be lost in order for new memories to be formed. Lost, because people have their own way of making your old memory of things be lost. We may hold on to them dearly, but sometimes we just can't hold onto them that long. And then all will be placed in a museum for everyone to see, where and when it could have been preserved. We may choose to hold onto those memories and cherish them for a lifetime.
"Summer Hours" was perfectly written and intricately made. It was somewhat personal and that was what made it more evocative. It was deceptively simple, but the message came across really head on and hard. Naturally acted, bannered by ever superb Juliette Binoche. But who haunts me most was Edith Scob. I just could not get over her performance. Her voice haunts me!
I loved every bit of this film. Truly a small but sparkling gem.
I am a big fan of this costume dramas or comedies, I think I am in the minority who liked "Shakespeare in Love" more than "Saving Private Ryan". So to see "The Young Victoria" with Emily Blunt was a real treat. But I could not really say that it was that good nor was it bad. It was OK at best, but kudos to its technical merits because everything was so lavishingly gorgeous, a true eye candy at that. Emily Blunt was good, same goes with the rest of the cast, with the personal exception for Rupert Friend who I thought was the bet in show. I could not really say if this movie will head to the Oscars but I think that it deserves a nomination or two.
Hmmmmm. This is a very interesting write for me because, I was really looking forward to seeing it and I had like A-high expectations for it. Why? Because Peque Gallaga made the film, and it was is story. Second, I am a sucker for this kinds for Pinoy indie films. Third, because I really want it to be good. I am desperately searching for that first very good Pinoy movie.
I just got out off from a screening of the movie. All I can say is that, I am really disappointed. The story is convoluted and was trying to cover too many grounds. I know that it was trying to be Romeo and Juliet ish, but I think that the plot had more fun making the story for Juliet, for our case Mindy, the troubled, rich, whiny, high maintenance bitchy teen ager. The main downfall of the movie was it took a lot of detour, swerving away from the main story line. Adding scenes that were not really relevant to how the story transpired. I could go on for a very long write up thinking of how the movie had disappointed me but I would just point out two more, because I have already discussed the very lackadaisical story. The acting of Louise del los Reyes was boring at best. She was at times verging on annoying. I guess it was really not her fault because her character arch was not properly constructed. Ditto her circle of friends, ANNOYING. Do rich people have them slur tongues and high pitch voices?
The most annoying thing about the movie was its overbearing and weirdly put score. It was all over the place. The score could have elevated their dance, which I dearly loved. But for rappers to appear midway to the song and bombastic drum beats to linger around the score was just too much. They could have settled for a more subtle score a grungy one.
But it was not all hate, the movie experience that is. I really think that Chase Vega was surprisingly good. There were moments of bad acting, but all in all it was a very solid breakthrough and I would definitely be looking out for his next outing. But the best in show for me was Mailes Kanapi (who I would give best actress award last year if the movie had been released). She was the only one in the cast who knows how to deliver her line naturally. I love her to bits. I met her in person once and she was very sweet. Kudos to you girl, I wish more projects to you. The same could be said to the rest of the supporting cast besides the young ones, who seem very amateur. Plus plus points to the dance sequence. It was beautifully choreographed. However to have them dance the damn routine more than once after they had just completely performed it was really a downer. When Agaton solely danced the routine as an expression of deep love, in the end part of the movie, it gave chills to me. Putting sequences in the right order would have made the movie more effective. Mailes Kanapi's character said something in the movie about expecting and hoping, and their difference. If I had hoped that the movie would be great then I would not have been disappointed too much. What happened was that I expected too much from it that all I can say after watching it was that I am really disappointed. I was expecting a return to form by Gallaga but it turned out the it looked amateur and not masterful at all.
While I was looking at Filipino movie bloggers, I came across a very addicting blog it is by Charlie Koon, and I saw this trailer of "Agaton and Mindy". It is directed by one of Philippines prime directors, Peque Gallaga. He directed one of my all time favorite Pinoy film "Oro Plata Mata". It would be nice to see a comeback from him. Plus, I am a sucker for unknown actors breaking out and making splash in the big screen. I hope it is good, I will be seeing it soon.
I am so addicted to this movie, and I have not gotten the chance to write about my eternal love to this movie. It was everything that I was expecting from the movie, having loved the book to death. Early on in the year, it is my favorite movie so far and it still is now.
"Coraline" is whimsical, dark and nightmare triggering. It is a story of the youngn's but it is tailor fitted for adults as well. And if you have not seen it, SHAME ON YOU! I have seen it four times, still I am loving it! It kinda is refreshing to see a non-Pixas or non-Studio Ghibli animated film to be this good. Plus, it is a rare feat since it is as good as the book! Well, at least for me.
Apparently local tabloid journalist Jobert Sucaldito stuck a cucumber up to his ass but denies doing so. His anus must have eaten a portion of the cucumber, and he is one stomach flu from vomiting the anus-eaten-cucumber.
I am so fed up of hearing news about this bastard doctor who collects videos of all of his sexcapades, just so happen one of them is a famous young rising star in the Philippines, and then things started to get a little awry for him. Big deal. Yeah, he did took the videos, but he was not the one who put the videos on youtube, or at least that's what I know. So why crucify him? We all have our own fetishes and closet skeletons.
So that is my two cents regarding the matter. I am really concerned about how entertainment news are shown in the Philippines. What pisses me off is that a real recognition and honor has been added to the name of the Philippines, (again, forget Pacquiao, he is entering Politics again! Fuck!) and that is Brillante Mendoza. As all of you know I am really happy and ecstatic with Mendoza's win in Cannes. I love his work (Tirador, Masahista, Serbis) and he deserves the award even though I have not seen the movie. Yes! I am that biased. He makes me proud to be Pinoy. Unlike all those news headliners! THIS IS the headline people! Now let us all wait for "Kinatay".
"Kalakal" pretty much sums up everything I hate in Pinoy Indie films. It was just downright, annoying and just plain ugly. The acting was wooden and very amateur, and there were lotsa useless scenes. Don't watch, just avoid.
This has got to be one of the best news I have heard all year! Finally! Finally! A Cannes winning entry from the Philippines. Congratulations to Brillante Mendoza for winning BEST DIRECTOR in this year's Cannes Film Festival for the movie "Kinatay", which was pummeled in Cannes by critics. So that is a slam dunk fuck you at their faces! Hell yeah!
My favorite Filipino director has a movie in Cannes, and it is not in competition. Adolf Alix Jr. is back with big names but with a small film. You all know that I love his work, especially last year's "Daybreak" (my number five film of 2008). He is teaming up with Raya Martin this time. I saw him once in Cinemanila, I wanted so much to talk to him because I was very much intrigued by his previous work "Now Showing". Anyways here is their movie "Manila". I hope this is very good, it should be!
I really don't predict Cannes, well, one, because I really do not know who is going to win and it is really that unpredictable and two, it is really that UNPREDICTABLE. But then again I am that crazy today to make predictions. Plus, I have nothing to do so might as well do something. So here goes...
Palme d'Or Winner: "A Prophet" Alternate: "Bright Star" I am only hearing good things about french movie "A Prophet" and I think that it will do well in this year's film festival. A movie that is this well received could not go empty handed.
Grand Prix Winner: "The White Ribbon" Alternate: "The Prophet" Michael Haneke seems like a darling here, and I think that they are going to hand it to him. "The Prophet" seems very likely to win here if it does not win the top prize.
Prix du Jury Winner: "The Time That Remains" Alternate: "Vincere" Errrr....
Prix de la mise en scène - Best Director Winner: Michael Haneke in "The White Ribbon" Alternate: Jane Campion in "Bright Star" Hmmm because they love him and with STRONG reviews, I think that he can pull this off. Campion could land a win here too, and I kinda hope that she does make a sorta long time needed comeback. But I kinda wish that Brillante Mendoza wins this. *crosses fingers*
I just saw this teaser poster of "New Moon" which is the second installment from the "Twilight" saga and I must say that this looks like a good sight of good things to come. Pattinson looks more like someone who is that HOT for a mere mortal to absolutely crazy, and so is Lautner, and he should be based on the book.
Y'all know that I am a fan of the franchise ("Twilight" is my number 20 pick of 2008), and New cMoon is better than "Twilight" less Bella Swan's uber desperation and Edward Cullen addiction. And I did not that it is going to come out this year! I am so excited!
Watching "Duplicity" was a very arduous yet totally entertaining experience. First off, it was written so intricately (and sometimes overboard) and so detailed that sometimes it can catch you off guard and can leave you with your mouth open and saying "What the fuck just happened?". Tony Gilroy must have a PHD in espionage and semi political movies because this web he created was for me better than "Michael Clayton". It was fun, entertaining and mind boggling, and a good one at that. I saw it twice now and I loved every bit of it. This is the type of mind fuck that you just can not get enough of. And no one can deny the fact that the Julia Roberts and Clive Owen chemistry is sizzling. They had already proven that in "Closer" and they repeated that in this movie.
What made it more special for me is that I really do want to see Julia Roberts back in her A game again, and she did just that with this rather unconvetional turn. I love her, sue me.
Going into the finale, I have the strangest feeling that Adam Lambert, my bet from day one, will not win the talent show even though he had not given a sour performance throughout the season (yes guys! I am one of the minority that loved "Ring of Fire"). Sadly enough, my instincts were spot on, some fucker named Kris Allen won the title of American Idol. Don't get me wrong, I loved some of his performances ("Heartless" is in heavy iPod rotation), but for someone to alternately give dud and good performance should not win this. It would have been okay if he got consistently good but he did not. I would be less sad if Allison Iraheta miraculously won.
Then again, this is a weird weird talent show, where the winner does not necessarily mean he or she is the most talented of the bunch. I was on the fence last year because, the two Davids were really the best of the bunch, but I think Archuleta was better. Remember Melinda Dolittle? She was the best singer of that bunch, bar none, but America had to settle for Jordin Sparks. How about Jennifer Hudson? She is my favorite American Idol contestant ever, and then they went for screechy Fantasia Barrino. And do you guys remember Taylor Hicks? Yah I kinda did forget about him, but then I remembered that he was like the love child of seventy year old George Clooney and Jay Leno. How the flying fuck was he better than Elliot Yamin, Katherine McPhee and, of course, Chris Daughtry?
Anyways. I'm still at a blur, I lost three bucks to a bet because I went for Adam. Dammit. Maybe next year the winner will be Sanjaya-ish.
I am so dying to see this film! I wish it gets commercial release ASAP! So here are some of the reviews I have read from those who have seen it in Cannes.
From Variety
Acolytes convinced Brillante Mendoza is ready for his second Cannes competish slot will dwindle following "Kinatay," an unpleasant journey into a brutal heart of darkness. Mendoza strengthens his gift for describing space with inquisitive cameras, but as the helmer's star rises, his subtlety wanes, resulting in obvious statements made banal by heavy-handed ironies.
Roger Ebert
It is Mendoza’s conceit that his idea will make a statement, or evoke a sensation, or demonstrate something—only if he makes the rest of the film (apparently, Ebert found the first half passable) as unpleasant to the eyes, ears, the mind and the story itself as possible. This he succeeds in doing beyond his wildest dreams.
Maggie Lee of Hollywood Reporter
The deliberately rough-hewn art direction adds to the blunt force of Mendoza’s moral outrage.
Mike Goodridge of Screen International
a nerve-shredding exploration of crime, which is both repellent and grimly compelling.”
The reviews were pretty much like what "Serbis" got, which in turn was a movie that I loved. So I guess I will like this one too *biased*
Experiencing "The Girlfriend Experience" was really an interesting experience. I could not say that it was bad, when it was not, but, I could not even say that it was good. I was stuck in between good and bad.
The thing of it is, I really like that I was a voyeur in the whole experience, and it was really interesting to see, because I think that it was a really fresh way of storytelling. And I have got to give major kudos to the cinematography because it was beautiful to look at. But a big thumbs down to the mediocre acting. That was the major letdown for me, I wish they could have practiced some more.
All in all, in what could be, a stunning experience, it turned out to be just a slosh of artistry mixed with banality and bad acting.
Even though I have not seen it, nor have seen at least the trailer of the movie, I know that Brillante Mendoza is going to deliver the goods again at Cannes. Last year, I really loved his work "Serbis" and he is back with both Meredes Cabral and Coco Martin again, two under-seen, under used and undervalued young actress and actor from the Philippines.
I saw this synopsis and picture from the Cannes website. I sure do hope that a Filipino film gets noticed this time. Give us awards!!!
Peping, a criminology student, is recruited by his schoolmate, Abyong, to work as a part-time errand boy for a local syndicate that collects protection fees from various businesses in Manila. The easy money Peping earns is spent mostly on his girlfriend, Cecille, who’s also a student. Peping decides to marry her, but in order to do so he’ll need more money. Abyong contacts Peping to join a "special project" that pays more than normal..
Looks really promising to me. I hope it is as good as I think it is.
Actually I finished reading it last Sunday when I was out on a vacation with friends. We were on a beach, it was breezy, I did not swim that day. I enjoyed the cool air and started reading "The Road". I started it officially Saturday morning, on the way to the beach and then finished it when we are on our way home. I have to say, I was blown away.
"The Road" was expertly written, I really liked how vivid the depiction of the surroundings were. It was not that hard a read, and that's what I liked about it. It was really touching, haunting and morose.
You guys have to read it! I just wish that the movie is as good as this.
Oh! this trailer gives me the chills! Are we looking at the next musical best picture? or is it going to fall flat a-la "Memoirs of a Geisha". I hope not. Plus! I am so dying to see Nicole Kidman back in a musical again. I know she is gonna do wonders. She is extra ordinarily gorgeous in this trailer, everyone else looks ordinary hahaha. Bow down to Nicole everyone!!!
I have seen "Star Trek" thrice now, and I can't really get over it, I am just simply in love with every minute of it. Superb blockbusters rarely come, and the last one that I have deeply loved a blockbuster was when Lord of the Rings, Spider-Man 2 and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban were shown on screen.
I think I should go see it again, rather than to watch the incoming bomb that is name "Angels and Demons".
The best new series that came out from 2008-2009 was "Dollhouse". It started from a very rocky beginning and when it finally got it groove, quarter way in, it was the best thing on TV since I last saw "Pushing Daisies" and "Battlestar Galactica". It peaked all the way to last night's finale, which was season capper, not leaving to much open, and that made me crave for it more.
The only question I have with it now is if it will get another season. I waited like a maniac for the series to be put to TV and for it to be not shown again is like pure torture. I am a WHEDON worshiper, I am also a browncoat! haha! Please bring it back FOX! PLEASE!!!!
Leak or no work print leak, there is no denying the fact that this movie is a stink-o. The main problem that I had with it is that it never really took off. It got stuck in to building up the story and delivering underwhelming and cheap looking CGI explosion extravaganza, that it forgot to progress that lead the whole experience a nose dive straight to movie hell.
What happened is that it felt that I was watching a B-movie, BLAH acting, BLAH dialogue, BLAH effects, BLAH everything BLAH, BLAH BLAH. I can go on the whole day saying how bad it was. But I won't because that it just plain tripping.
On a good note though, I thought that those scenes where Ryan Reynolds was in were kinda good and memorable. And especially when I finally get to see my favorite X-Man "Gambit" played by Taylor Kitsch (of Friday Night Lights, awesome series!) who I thought should have been given more screen time. Fuck. It got me thinking how corny Gambit and Wolverine's fight ended. HA!
This is not my usual cup of coffee but I find it to be very infectious. Lady Gaga's songs are the ones that get stuck in your head for a long time (pa-pa-pa-poker face). "Poker Face" is one of the finest cuts in her album which was a perfect mesh of pop, bubblegum, techno and dance. Let's see how she follows up her debut. I have a feeling that she will do good with her career as long as she does not go cuckoo a-la Britney Spears.
The problem I had with this movie is that I got so high with them Pixar movies that anything less is like eating ice cream cone without the ice cream. You are somewhat satisfied but then again there is something missing, well, in this case, a whole lot is missing.
What this movie lacked is imagination. That is a key ingredient that makes Pixar or Studio Ghibli films all the more memorable. So OK you put together a bunch of things that you would not expect them to do but then it should not stop there. And that is where "Monster Vs. Aliens" stopeed. It relied so much on slapstick and did not much push through.
In the end it just fell flat. Uncontented and annoyed.
I found this video of Milk N Money (Pinoy Indie Band) in youtube, while I was browsing for songs to play out loud. God I love this video and the song. Well it is about hiding a secret ("lihim") from someone you love and it took you that long to tell that you love that certain someone. Anyways here it and enjoy...
The first masterpiece of the year and I agree to those who say that this is the best prequel ever. OK so kill me haters.
What's missing with summer movies is that they forget quality, instead they go for grandiose effects with no story at all, no fun and just plain rotten. I'm not just talking about "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" there are craploads of it in theaters. Then came "Star Trek". To begin with, I am not a Trekkie, I am more of a browncoat, but after seeing the movie I am converted. My initial drive to see this is that I am a sci-fi addict.
"Star Trek" has SUPERB visual effects that could easily rival "The Lord of the Rings". It was pulse racing fun, light year paced and has stunning action pieces that are to die for. It is also poised with strong ensemble performances lead by surprisingly good Chris Pine and (my personal fave) Zachary Quinto. The story line adds up as well to what made it effective.
OK so this is for the Pinoys out there. I was looking for funny stuff in youtube and I came across these two commercials from Philippines' mega star, Sharon Cuneta. These are commercials for McDonald's delivery.
Am I the only one who thinks this? OR are there any one there who thinks the same? That is: Pinoy Indie = Gay = SEX = Cliche. Not that I am complaining. I think what it did was bring gay issue and indie films in the forefront, and that is a good thing! Because more and more people are starting to watch indie films, and they get more supporters than before.
The problem I have with them, is that they seem to become redundant, boring and commonplace. It seems that they have ran out of good ideas. Recent memory of a fracked up story was Joel Lamangan's nonsensical gay crime drama "Walang Kawala". Ditto "Kurap", "Kambyo", "Sagwan", "Ang Lalake sa Parola", "Sikil" and many more. Let us also include "Torotot", "Pitong Tagpo" and "Now Showing" among many indie films that got lost in their art. I think what bugs me is that they seem to care more about catering to their usual audience, and they do not want to attract a broader mass. Indie films need not be daring or sexed up, take "100" as an example, a very successful indie about a dying woman.
"Pisay" by Jade Castro
Don't Get me wrong, Adolf Alix's gay drama "Daybreak" was my #5 movie last year. The story was not all that original but what made it unique was how real and sincere it felt. And that was what's missing from other gay films. Or take "Tropical Malady" as a very unique (and mindfucking) love story. Same with "Love of Siam", which is one of the bests of its kind.
But with all the crap that is being shown we are still lucky that we have the likes of "Endo", "Pisay", "Carnivore", "Yanggaw", "Boses", "Jay" among others. Successful in their own ways. But these are the indie films that should be brought to the forefront. These are the movies that needs more attention.
I was really depressed about last night's performances, I mean it's really this late in the competition and yet we still have bad performances when they should be already good. The best of the night for me was Adam Lambert. But it felt like a cheat because this is his forte. Ditto Allison Iraheta who I think gave her best performance to date. And it really smarts to know that she will not be competing against Adam in the finals, like I wanted it to be.
Then there were the stinkos. Kris Allen was mediocre. That made his performance BAD and awkward. And don't get me started with Danny Gokey. All I can say is, WHAT THE FLYING FUCK WAS THAT?!?! Was he trying to impersonate Adam Lambert's rock scream? or trying to do a pterodactyl sound? And he was not sent home? Come on America! This goes in the ranks of the worsts ever. That scream, or screech or whatever the fuck was that called, Gokey should have gone home. I have a better use for that last note, I can use it to wake me up in the morning.
Watch and listen to the dragon coming out of Gokey
Mercedes Cabral, relatively unknown in general in the Philippines but she is highly known for his roles in indie films, which now more than ever, is booming in the Philippines. She was in last year's Cannes entry "Serbis" where she played the impregnated girlfriend. Though she did not shine that much (because she was overshadowed by bigger names), I think that she made a hella impact to director Brillante Mendoza that he had her in this year's (another) Cannes entry "Kinatay". And not only that! She is also in Park Chan Wook's vampire drama "Thirst".
It is time for Philippines to take notice of prime talents such as Mercedes Cabral. Instead of them trying to make untalented people act such as Marian Rivera (of the Mari Mar fame) who does not know how to act and only dances her way to fame. Take notice people!
I have been dying to watch me some sci-fi and waiting for "Fringe", "Dollhouse" every week seem not enough and since "Star Trek" is still yet to come, I decided to go and see "Push". And it was bad. It was fun at times though but still it was boring. The only good thing about it is that you never know what is gonna happen next, plus, did enjoy the surrounding they were in, it seems that what it lacked in plot it made up for in production value.
Words can not express my love for Jane Campion's "The Piano". It sits firmly as my number 3 all time favorite movie. I have seen it more than five times already and I fall hard every time I see it, it is that effective and powerful and this will definitely stand the test of time.
Holly Hunter proves here that she is one of the best actresses of our time and with this movie, I have to say that this is my favorite female acting performance of all time. Yes she did go the bait route, but no one can deny the fact that she need not speak to evoke a powerful emotion. Anna Paquin's win here is no fluke either because she really was that good.
Okay so, here is the rest of the movies I am so looking out for this year....
10. Kinatay Directed by Brillante Mendoza Mendoza is back again (along with Coco Martin again) in yet another Cannes entry. He sure knows how to make the Philippines proud!
9. Nine Directed by Rob Marshall This movie has Oscar written all over it, not only is the cast to die for (and most of them has Oscar along with their names) but what got me is that this may be the movie that will bring back Nicole Kidman in the running again!
8. Anti-Christ Directed by Lars Von Trier I know this is going to be weird but I just love everything that comes out from Trier's mind. I think this is his first horror flick, not that his previous works did not produce any terror, and his venture in the darkside may be really interesting to behold.
7. Broken Embraces Directed by Pedro Almodovar Whenever Pedro Almodovar makes a movie, it is a given that I will go there and line up to see it. No question. But his re-teaming with now Oscar winner Penelope Cruz is definitely a big big plus.
6. Tree of Life Directed by Terrence Mallick With the exclusion of the uber slow "The New World", Mallick has made one masterpiece after another. And since he is making films at such a pace a la "The New World", that makes his films special and damn irritating to look out for.
5. Inglorious Basterds Directed by Quentin Tarantino In my book, Tarantino has done nothing wrong in his directing Filmography. All of his films ind their way in my year end top 10. So maybe this one is no different?
4. Bright Star Directed by Jane Campion I am waiting for Jane Campion to wow us again like what she did in 1993 when she wowed us all with "The Piano" (probably in my top 5 favorite movies ever). Could she do it again with Cornish?
3. Thirst Directed by park Chan Wook Whatever Park Chan Wook does I am sure that I will be there eager to see what he comes up with. I am in love with his previous works (I'm a Cyborg But That's OK, Oldboy, JSA) and his venture to vampires may be worth the wait.
2. Where the Wild Things Are Directed by Spike Jonze I would like to see Jonze work his magic again with this beloved children book adaptation. His "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" is one for the history books, and maybe this could earn him more recognition than what he already has.
1. District 9 Directed by Neill Blomkamp I am thinking that this will be a good year for sci fi films and I think and I hope that this movie will be at the top of the bunch. Peter Jackson is behind this so expect this to be gargantuan!
The Best Dollhouse Episode So Far! Pulse raising superb fun.
Dollhouse continues its streak delivering great episode after another. And this week's episode has got to be the best so far and I am expecting more to come. It has the danger, the humor, the verbal splashes that I usually like, plus Alan Tudyk is in it. A+
I have been meaning to write a list of my anticipated films of 2009 for quite some time now but haven't got to actually do it. And alas I did it!
20. Rudo Y Cursi
Directed by Carlos Cuaron I guess for every one who has seen "Y Tu Mama Tambien" and loved it, the reteaming of Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna would be a sight to see. Plus Alfonso's brother, Carlos will be directing the film. So I am expecting good things.
19. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Directed by David Yates
The franchise has gotten better ever since Alfonso Cuaron helmed the movie (and Prisoner of Azkaban is still the best of the bunch), and David Yates' last Potter flick was the second best Potter flick. And based on the trailer alone, you can see me lining up for this one.
18. The Road Directed by John Hillcoat I was soooooo waiting for this movie last year and it did not come out! But that will not stop me from watching it this year, but my eagerness for it had lessened.
17. Aurora Directed by Adolf Alix Jr. Whatever Alix does I see! And he is reteaming with Rosanna Roces, an actress I still think is superb if given the right material.
16. Shutter Island Directed by Martin Scorsese I'm really not a fan of Scorsese but I do LOVE his work (The Departed, Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, Mean Streets). Plus he has gotten better with age!
15. The Countess Directed by Julie Delpy This movie has Julie Delpy written all over it, literally (directed, wrote, acted and so on...). Post "Before Sunset" I have missed her a lot and for her to come back in my favorite movie genre, means that I will be watching it.
14. 9
Directed by Shane Acker
I have to admit that the trailer got me big time. Plus it's a welcome for anything Burton. Plus it is rare for an animated film to target more than little ones.
13. The Lovely Bones Directed by Peter Jackson Peter Jackson and team is back! and this time it is not a fantasy movie! I loved "Heavenly Creatures" and I think that Jackson will bring magic and justice to adapting this beloved novel.
12. Me and Orson Welles Directed by Richard Linklater Richard Linklater still is one of my favorite directors of all time, and this got helluva buzzed last year but failed to get any release. So maybe this year I will get the chance to see it.
11. Taking Woodstock Directed by Ang Lee Ang Lee has not failed to impress me (I even liked Hulk) and this year he will be gaying up another manly figure (I can't think up of a name). Let's see him show his greatness again!
I've been out for a whole lot lately and I have been extremely busy at work, that is why my blog has been on an unannounced hiatus. But now I am back and will be blogging a whole lot and that is a promise I will dare not break. During my hiatus I have been watching a whole lot movies, old and new, but mostly old because I have avoided bucketloads of crapola that has been coming out.
Recently I have seen, "Love Story", I just instinctively bought the DVD after pay day. And I saw it the day after. And I was blown away. I could not get over the fact that this movie was from 1970! It aged well! It still felt contemporary and current.
Sure it was cliche and it was written all over it. Rich guy falls in love with a poorer bohemian girl. Girl gets sick and die. Cliche. Or did it become cliche because of the recent banalities? That said, cliche or not, it was perfectly acted and well executed. Ryan O' Neal. Hmmm. Where do I begin? SUPERB. One of the best performances ever. You definitely felt his anger and pain and did not need to be that showy with his performance to make an impact. Ali McGraw got the spunk that more recent actresses are gunning for. Remember that girl from "My Sassy Girl"? I think that whoever wrote that copied from Jennifer.
I could go on for a very long write up thinking of how the movie had disappointed me but I would just point out two more, because I have already discussed the very lackadaisical story. The acting of Louise del los Reyes was boring at best. She was at times verging on annoying. I guess it was really not her fault because her character arch was not properly constructed. Ditto her circle of friends, ANNOYING. Do rich people have them slur tongues and high pitch voices?
Mailes Kanapi's character said something in the movie about expecting and hoping, and their difference. If I had hoped that the movie would be great then I would not have been disappointed too much. What happened was that I expected too much from it that all I can say after watching it was that I am really disappointed. I was expecting a return to form by Gallaga but it turned out the it looked amateur and not masterful at all.
I am so fed up of hearing news about this bastard doctor who collects videos of all of his sexcapades, just so happen one of them is a famous young rising star in the Philippines, and then things started to get a little awry for him. Big deal. Yeah, he did took the videos, but he was not the one who put the videos on youtube, or at least that's what I know. So why crucify him? We all have our own fetishes and closet skeletons.
Palme d'Or
Prix d'interprétation masculine - Best Actor
I just saw this teaser poster of "New Moon" which is the second installment from the "Twilight" saga and I must say that this looks like a good sight of good things to come. Pattinson looks more like someone who is that HOT for a mere mortal to absolutely crazy, and so is Lautner, and he should be based on the book.
Actually I finished reading it last Sunday when I was out on a vacation with friends. We were on a beach, it was breezy, I did not swim that day. I enjoyed the cool air and started reading "The Road". I started it officially Saturday morning, on the way to the beach and then finished it when we are on our way home. I have to say, I was blown away.
I can't help it, I'm hooked!
Sagwan Boys
"Pisay" by Jade Castro
The Best Dollhouse Episode So Far! Pulse raising superb fun.
