RacsOview: "The Hangover" (2009)

I do not know why this kind of movie got so much mainstream attention. It seems as though that fuck up stories are what people want to see. "The Hangover" is no exception to that, it debuted number one in the box office and it raked in good money. But the real catch is though these movies are celebration of doltishness, they are well written, well thought of and comically and expertly executed.

"The Hangover" is a movie about four fucked up buddies on their way to Vegas for a stag party. Fast Forward. We see them waking up to a rummaged apartment and a tiger in the bathroom and one of them, incidentally the one who is going to get married, is missing. The movie pretty much delved in to what happened next, how they end up finding their lost buddy towards the end of the movie.

Truly the movie is not life changing. But never the mindlessness of the movie, it was pure laugh out loud, funny as hell ride that I think I will not remember long but surely I did enjoy watching it.

B-

RacsOview: "Kisses" (2009)

I really know nothing about this movie when I went out to go see it weeks ago. All I know about it is that it was an Irish film about kids. That's all. I only got the chance to write about it now.

"Kisses" follow the escapade of a young boy and girl when they ran away from home. The young boy was being abused by his step father and the girl was the outcast in their household. Both escaped their lives at home and went to the city where they encountered lots of people that eventually changed their lives. They begged for money, hitched a ride on a boat, one of them sorta got kidnapped. But it was their palpable young love that made this movie very special.

While watching the movie, I was thinking that it may be a young version of "Once", but I was wrong. The movie may not be better than "Once" but it has its own charm that made me fall in love with it.

The movie is a gem of sorts. You just can't stop yourself from watching it and you just can't help but fall in love with it.

A-

RacsOview: "Public Enemies" (2009)

First off, "Public Enemies" is a beautiful movie... to look at. Michael Mann's work has continually brought to screen the most beautiful lensed movies: "Collateral, "Miami Vice", "The Insider" to name a few. And his new movie banners in terms of technical achievement. Its cinematography is raw and gritty which gave the movie its semi documentary ish feel to it. It felt like an action movies was unfolding in front of your eyes.

But despite the highs of its technical merits, It felt a little bland. The story that is. There were times where you feel like you are already in the edge of your seats but then things would get shifted to long talks that the hype about the previous scenes would suddenly disappear. I think that is what is lacking, the visceral grip to hold persons to the hype that was supposed to be built.

But all in all, it was a solid crime movie. If only it was more exciting and more expressively acted.

C+

RacsOview: "Bruno" (2009)

Comic chameleon Sacha Baron Cohen is back with yet another offensive character this time a homophobic fashion driven homosexual on his quest for fame, Bruno. The media attention, much so, the media attention grabbing that Cohen did was too much, that made the excitement for the movie fizzled, but nonetheless I was still able to watch it (before Cinemalaya fever).

Cohen seem to have exhausted his creative juices while creating this movie because it is only half as funny as "Borat", a movie that I dearly loved. It lacked that "it is not scripted" feel to it, something that you felt while watching "Borat", everything in the movie seemed like a stunt that was oftentimes poorly executed. Him comic genius was overflowing in the first movie that he seemed to have lost his touch in this one.

But all of that said, the movie was still hella funny. Offensive funny at times. I just wish that the movie was even near as good as the poster for the film.

C

RacsOview: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Now after all the Cinemalaya fiasco, I am temporarily on leave for Pinoy Indie films and will be screening other foreign movies. But before I got so hyped up with the Pinoy indie vibe, I was able to sneak in a screening of the new Harry Potter movie. And for the first time in the franchise, I have not read the book before I saw the movie. I am bound to read it soon, but for now the movie will do.

Personally I think that Yates had improved after the last Potter film he added a lot in to the movie that made it more current than his last work. But what sets this movie apart from the other Potter films is that this movie is more mature. In fact so mature that there were lotsa talkies parts in the movie more than the action and the magic. Yates somewhat replaced the magic with love and lust issues which I think was not that atune to what the environment should be set. The magic and teen angst should be in sync for this movie to work, unfortunately the movie got a little angsty.

My main dilemma about the movie was that it felt a little like a space filler, more so, a preparation movie for the final movies to come. In fact I had the feeling that nothing much is happening, there are only less scenes that are new to the franchise. They are probably saving TOO much of the bests for last.

But nonetheless, I still can say that the movie was entertaining for what it was. The visual effects were miles over than the previous Potter film. The new lenser, Bruno Delbonnel did a superb job creating a creepy, dark and ominous feel to the movie. But of all its technical magic, Stuart Craig seems to be the most powerful of them all. The movie would have easily be crap or lunchbox looking if the set and production design would not be top notch. Craig continues to add beauties to the Potter world, all exceptional, all beautiful.

As for the acting. Let me just say that Michael Gambon peaked in this movie giving what could be his best performance in the franchise. Given more screen time, Gambon magically fascinates in every scene he was in, not to mention that Moses like power in that underground place with lotsa Gollum like creatures. Another star of the show was the latest addition as Slughorn, Jim Broadbent continues to prove that he is one of the best veteran actors on screen, working. Ditto Alan Rickman, who continues to shine as Serverus Snape. And let me just say that this is the most relaxed performance I have seen from Radcliffe. I think that he is gearing up for the end of the franchise.

Despite its flaws, I really liked the movie and I think that this is the second best Potter movie in the franchise, miles away from "The Prisoner of Azkaban".

B+

Cinemalaya 2009: Aftermath

As you guys may have noticed for the past few days, I was at a high while attending Cinemalaya. Though I know that I will not enjoy most of the movies, I know that the winners at Cinemalaya are really awards worthy. Last year alone, "Jay" won the top prize upsetting favorite "100". "Tulad ng Dati" won an upset over favorite "Donsol". I love these upset wins because they are really the deserving winners. But this year's roster of winners depressed me. I was so depressed that even my tummy became upset. So now after defecating, I decided to bitch about what happened in the awards night. Here are my thoughts...

Best Supporting Actress: Tessie Tomas in "Sanglaan"
Though I have nothing against her performance, methinks that this is category fraud. Tessie Tomas was the obvious lead of this movie along with eventual best actress winner Ina Feleo. This is a waste win, they could have gone for a far better, superior, category apt winners. In a perfect world: Mailes Kanapi (Mangatyanan), Irma Adlawan (Mangatyanan), Jaclyn Jose (Nerseri) are my nominees with Mailes Kanapi winning the award.

Best Supporting Actor: Arnold Reyes in "Astig"
Another category fraud for me. There are four leads in the movie "Astig" and Reyes was one of them. IF they are going to award supporting actor in "Astig" I wished they could have gone for Jhong Hillario. In a perfect world: Robert Sena (Dinig Sana Kita), Jhon Hillario (Astig), Neil Ryan Sese (Mangatyanan) ar emy nominees with Neil Ryan Sese winning the award.

Best Actress: Ina Feleo in "Sanglaan"
Though I loved her in the movie, I kinda am depressed that she won over far better actresses. Ina Feleo won this award twice now and I think that they could have spread the love. In a perfect world: Feleo, Che Ramos (Mangatyanan), Irma Adlawan (And Panggagahasa Kay Fe) are my nominees with Che Ramos winning.

Best Actor: Lou Veloso in "Colorum"
Once again, I kinda did enjoy this performance, like Feleo's, I think that it belonged to better actors. In a perfect world: Romalito Mallari (Dinig Sana Kita), Veloso, Timothy Mabalot (Nerseri) are my nominees with Mallari winning.

Best Director: GB Sampredro in "Astig"
The interweaving stories is overused, and I think that it got the award because it looked very grandiose and very polished. In a perfect world: Jerrold Tarog (Mangatyanan), Pepe Diokno (Engkwentro), Alvin Yapan (Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe) are my nominees with Tarog winning. Though I think that I have been harsh connection Diokno to Noe, I think that this admirable work if not for "Irreversible". Basing on the movie alone, I did like/love it but I still keep on thinking of Noe.

Best Film: Last Supper No. 3
I do not see this movie as the winner at all and yet it won. Weird.
Here are my ranking of the films. Notice that I adjusted the film grades because I saw some of the movies again and changed my view of them. Seeing other films in the competition made me like the other movies more. PLUS, as the movies age in my head I get to think about them more.

1. Dinig Sana Kita A+
   
2. Mangatyanan A
   
3. Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe A-
   
4. Sanglaan B-
5. Nerseri C+
6. Last Supper No. 3 C+
7. Engkwentro C
8. Astig C
   
9. 24K C-
   
10. Colorum D+
    

I do not understand the need to for them to spread the awards to all the films int he competition. It was even weird when one of the jury cited "Engkwentro" as special jury mention since it is the only one with no awards. I really do not get how they come up with this year's winners, it was really depressing, at least for me. PLUS! Why do they have to let actors in competition present the awards? Dennis Trillo presenting best drector, Adlawan for Jury Prize, Ramos for Production Design.

As for "Colorum". It got raved in the awards, it got two major awards, one for Veloso and the other for special jury award. I just do not get the hype for "Colorum", it felt to me, unfinished. It was not even a movie yet for me, it felt like a draft. It seems like a cheat for other films who got their works polished before the show.

My winners:
Best Picture: Dinig Sana Kita
Best Director: Jerrold Tarog (Mangatyanan)
Best Actor: Romalito Mallari (Dinig Sana Kita)
Best Actress: Che Ramos (Mangatyanan)
Best Supporting Actor: Neil Ryan Sese (Mangatyanan)
Best Supporting Actress: Mailes Kanapi (Mangatyanan)
Best Screenplay: Alvin Yapan (Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe)
Best Cinematoraphy: Dinig Sana Kita
Best Film Editing: Mangatyanan
Best Production Design: Engkwentro
Best Sound: Dinig Sana Kita
Best Score: Dinig Sana Kita

Cinemalaya 2009: (The Not So Best ) Winners

Feature Films

Best Picture: Last Supper Number 3
Best Director: GB Sampedro (Astig)
Best Actor: Lou Veloso (Colorum)
Best Actress: Ina Feleo (Sanglaan)
Best Supporting Actor: Arnold Reyes (Astig)
Best Supporting Actress: Tessie Tomas (Sanglaan)
Best Screenplay: Nerseri
Best Cinematography: 24K
Best Film Editing: Astig
Best Production Design: Mangatyanan
Best Sound: Astig
Best Original Score: Dinig Sana Kita
Audience Choice: Dinig Sana Kita
Special Award: Dinig Sana Kita

Short Films

Best Short: Bonsai
Best Director: Musa
Best Screenplay: Blogog
Audience Choice: Tatang

Cinemalaya 2009: Winner predictions

Rest day before the actual awards night which will happen later tonight. I am braving it out to predict the winners, though I really know that I will suck at this. This award is very unpredictable. Anyways. Here goes...

Best Picture
What Will Win? "Mangatyanan"
I think that 5 films will be duking it out for the top prize: Dinig Sana Kita, Engkwentro, Mangatyanan, Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe and Nerseri. All of them got strong fanbase and (methinks) good critical backing. But of these three I think that "Mangatyanan" has the biggest possibility to win.
What Could Win? "Dinig Sana Kita"
Box office favorite "Dinig Sana Kita" could easily snag this, not only was it a crowd pleaser, it was also a critical darling. Some critic names this movie as the festival stand-out.
My Bet? "Dinig Sana Kita"
This is without a doubt my favorite movie of the festival and my current favorite movie of the year so far.

Best Director
Who Will Win? Pepe Diokno (Engkwentro)
This is just a wild wild guess, but I think they are going for the brave director to win this category and I think that Diokno took risks creating this film (but I could not get Noe out of my head).
Who Could Win? Jerold Tarrog (Mangatyanan)
If "Mangatyanan" loses best picture, Tarrog seems to be likeliest winner here.
My Bet? Jerold Tarrog (Mangatyanan)
This was a tough movie to digest given the subject matter(sss) but Tarrog made a darkly dramedy and everything in the movie meshed perfectly.

Best Actor
Who Will Win? Romalito Mallari (Dinig Sana Kita)
I think that they are going to award this movie one way or another but methinks that Mallari deserves his acting trophy here. He need not say a word but he tugs deep into his emotions to deliver a perfect performance
Who Could Win? Timothy Mabalot (Nerseri)
I think that 4 actors are going to get noticed: Mallari, Lou Veloso (Kolorum), Sid Lucero (Astig) and Timothy Mabalot (Nerseri). Mabalot could win this award for bringing the movie into his shoulders. Let him win and not Dennis Trillo.
My Bet? Romalito Mallari (Dinig Sana Kita)
Breakthrough performance of the year.


Best Actress
Who Will Win? Che Ramos (Mangatyanan)
You guys all know that I loved her performance and I think that the judges will do too. This is a wishful thinking because she is unknown as of yet, but I think that Cinemalaya will notice even small names.
Who Could Win? Irma Adlawan (Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe)
Adlawan is a very close second for me. Plus she is a double threat because she could also win for her performance in "Mangatyanan".
My Bet? Che Ramos (Mangatyanan)
If she does not win I will be very disappointed.

Best Supporting Actor
Who Will Win? Nonie Buencamino (Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe)
As the abusive husband, Buencamino was effective and I think that this movie will not go home empty handed.
Who Could Win? Robert Sena (Dinig Sana Kita)
I think that he will get noticed if not for his short. He was also superb in this role.
My Bet? Neil Ryan Sese (Sanglaan, Mangatyanan)
He was also good last year but he is miles better this year in his supporting roles. Will they notice him?

Best Supporting Actress
Who Will Win? Jaclyn Jose (Nerseri)
I think that he subdued performane will get notice here. But is the role too short?
Who Could Win? Irma Adlawan (Mangatyanan)
Double threat Irma. She has the emotional mother role here which is always baity but she has to duke it with veteran Jose.
My Bet? Mailes Kanapi (Mangatyanan)
Though this seems like a reprisal of her role from "My Fake American Accent" Mailes made the best out of the scant screening time she was in. And every frame that she was in was Gold.

Best Screenplay
Who Will Win? Jerold Tarrog (Mangatyanan)
Who Could Win? Alvin Yapan (Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe)
My Bet? Mike Sandejas (Dinig Sana Kita)

Best Film Editing
Who Will Win? Astig
Who Could Win? Mangatyanan
My Bet? Mangatyanan

Best Cinematography
Who Will Win? 24K
Who Could Win? Mangatyanan
My Bet? Dinig Sana Kita

Best Sound
Who Will Win? Dinig Sana Kita
Who Could Win? Engkwentro
My Bet? Dinig Sana Kita

Best Original Score
Who Will Win? Dinig Sana Kita
Who Could Win? 24K
My Bet? Dinig Sana Kita

Best Short Film
Who Will Win? Bonsai
Who Could Win? Tatang
My Bet? Wat Floor Ma'am

Best Short Film Screenplay
Who Will Win? Wat Floor Ma'am
Who Could Win? Tatang
My Bet? Wat Floor Ma'am

Audience Choice (Feature Film)
Who Will Win? Dinig Sana Kita
Who Could Win? Astig

Audience Choice (Short Film)
Who Will Win? Tatang
Who Could Win? Bonsai

Cinemalaya 2009: Day 8

I consider this day as my last day of viewing because I should have finished viewing movies in competition by now because tomorrow is the awards night. So this day I rushed the viewing and saw the last two movies in competition I haven't seen yet.

So first I saw "Nerseri". The movie was quite interesting because it was about a young boy who acts as the father of the family of nutsos when their mother left them for more than two weeks. Honestly I nearly dozed during the beginning, plus the cinematography kinda did irritated my eyes. Personally the combination of chrome black with green was kinda not my taste. The editing was a little abrupt. But nevertheless I think that the movie was well acted most especially by its young lead and the ever dependable Jaclyn Jose who I think is in the running for best supporting actress. I think that the main asset of this movie was that it was written very well, I just don't think that it was executed to the fullest of its capacity.

I ended the day with "Last Supper No. 3". It was hella fun. It was a nice way to end the night because it was without question the funniest of all the movies in competition. I also think that it kinda is separated from all the movies because it was categorically a comedy film. My main problem I had with the movie was that it felt rather common. I always had the feeling that I have seen this before, or I already know what is going to happen and it is going to be funny. It's just that the jokes, though common, were actually really funny.

So that is all. Predictions ASAP.

Nerseri: C+
Last Supper No. 3: C+

Cinemalaya 2009: Day 7

Day 7. This time I went along with my sister and my cousin. All of us our green with envy with all those who are able to make movies because they have good camera. Our goal is to create a short movie. We've been making shorts, mostly insanely comical ones, for quite some time now, but nothing really serious. I think this is a sign.

We first saw "Mangatyanan". This is the second time I am seeing this movie. I still love it and I think that it will win best film of the festival. Or if it does not I hope Che Ramos wins best actress. She deserves it. And this movie will be pretty visible in my year end awards. Seeing it for the second time reaffirms my love for the movie, and I kinda loved it more. I am crossing my fingers that at least one of the supporting cast wins. Either Irma Adlawan or Mailes Kanapi for best supporting actress. I hope Mailes takes it, she takes risks and it is time for them to award her after overlooking her last year for "My Fake American Accent". Irma is a double threat. She could win best actress for "Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe" and win supporting actress for this movie. I could also see Neil Ryan Sese gunning for best supporting actor. I think he was also in the running last year for "Huling Pasada" and this year he is back with a better work. I hope they notice him.

Then something fucky happened the next viewing. My sister bought the DAY PASS so she could watch any movie for that day. But when we got to the venue where they are showing "24K", they said that they are giving priority to those who bought the single admission tickets. We can watch other movies instead. FUCK. We planned the whole day, we want to watch this movie. It says here "First Come First Served", we came there first and they should have let us in. They did not say anything about ticket prioritization, or there were no rules said about day passes being allowed only after the second chimes. I am worried. My sister and cousin bought day passes for tomorrow, will they be able to get in the movies they want to see especially "Dinig Sana Kita"? If they will not be allowed to get in you guys will hear in the news that I bitchslapped someone in Cinemalaya.

with "24K" director Ana Agabin
Anyways. Enough with that and let's get on with "24K". The story was about treasure hunters looking for lost Japanese buried gold in Ilocos (north of Philippines). OK, fast forward again. My initial reaction to the movie was that it was shot impeccably. It was beautiful though there were some shot in the dark that I was not able to see because it was too dark. It was also aurally sound, the score wa nice too. The actors most especially Julio Diaz were good to great. Other than the movie being a technical achievement, the movie was a BORE. It was glacially paced. The story was repetitive. There were lots of scenes that I think that they could have not used. The scene where they saw a dance to give thanks to the Gods for good harvest. It was beautifully shot but it was really not needed. The ending was awful.

24K: C

Predictions later tonight...

Cinemalaya 2009: Day 6

I am nearing towards the end of the festival and shame on me because I have not seen all of the movies in competition because I usually decide to watch movies that will get their premiere in Cinemalaya but are outside of the competition. But that said, I already completed seeing the short films in competition so here is how I view the second half of the short films gunning for the top prize.

Ugat Sa Lupa
Directed by Ariel Reyes
Thing is, I really did not get what it was all about. I know that it will seem unfair if I graded it low without me trying to get around and try to get what it meant. But I think that I really do not care about understanding it at all. Visually and production wise it might be great but the weird mishmashing of style and symbolism got out of hand and came across just too puzzling. D-

Latus
Directed by John Paul Seniel
Latus was messy, all over the place, noisy and just plain awful. I now that it should have gained sympathy for the rather delicate subject that it is tackling (child abuse) but the movie verged on becoming crazy mad that it became comic. There was a part of the movie, towards the end, when one of the actresses fell on a rock head first and died, the audience laughed for some weird unexplainable reasons. It was not really effective at all. F

Si Bok at Ang Trumpo
Directed by Hubert Tibi
Now here is a crowd pleaser. Many of the people laughed at how the jokes were expertly sprinkled all over the movie, added plus factor was that the child was disarmingly cute. Then again when you think of it, after laughing and enjoying, it really meant nothing at all. For me, it was made just to show the naughtiness of the kid, and the people around him. But all factors considered, I think that it was successful in making the most out of what could be a very flimsy premise. C+

Blogog
Directed by Rommel Tolentino
After Bok comes Blogog, another short where the protagonist was a kid. The story follows a kid and his magical ball. You can't help but think that there were some factors of "Andong" that were present in the movie too. The movie was funny, charming but felt at times sloppy. But nevertheless it was still a solid effort. B-

Bonsai
Directed by Alfonso Torres III
Finally a really good short movie from this bunch. The story follows a fat guy who falls in love with a neighborhood maid. He then did all he can to make himself thinner so that he would be liked, even the tragic revelation in the end. It was funny, real and tragically emotional at the end. It was direct to the point and honest. The actors in the short as well did very good. I strongly believe that this short is a strong contender for the top prize. A-

....

I'll be doing predictions later on the Shorts Competition, plus a review od Adolf Alix's Laurice Guillen starrer "Karera".

Cinemalaya 2009: Shorts A

Here is my review of the short films in competition that I have seen last Sunday.

with "Musa" actress Flor Salanga

Musa
Directed by Dexter Cayanes
This short movie is paying homage to two famous Filipino writers. Their poems and writings are sprinkled all over the movie and they were interpreted, rathery oddly. This short escaped me and it did grasp my attention at all. It was weird, bizarre and I really did not get it all. I kinda think that this movie might appeal to other viewers but for me it was just boggling, weird and at times messy. I was not able to follow the story. D

Behind Close Doors
Directed by Mark Philipp Espina
The movie follows the lives of a married couple and how they go on with their affairs. It was jigsaw ish and the story was kind of interesting but I personally think that there is nothing new in the story. The actors however did a rather good performances to make this foursome, somewhat clicked. But I can't help but think that there were tons of things missing in it. C

with "Tatang" director 'Nico' Hernandez

Tatang
Directed by Jean Paolo Hernandez
Tatang follows the story of an old man who raised a young girl to a life of crime. This short movie does not look independent at all, it looks very well made and expensive. The shots were lovely and the editing was spot on. It was a rather good concept for a younger to follow the footsteps of a thief old man who raised her and only to wake up to the gritty reality in the end. Unlike some of the shorts I have seen, this short seems to have lots of labor put in to it. I can't help but feel the passion that was put into creating the short. It was really that good. A-

Hulagpos
Directed by Maita Lirra Lupac
This short movie follows the story of a young girl and how she uncovers the ghosts of her mother's past. It was kinda weird how the story was build, I was getting Alejandro Amenabar's "The Others" in it when I think that it was supposed to be eeriely melancholic and somber and what I got was creepy and scary. If that was done on purpose then I do not think that it was that effective to convey what it was trying to do. C-

with "What Floor Ma'am" co director Robert Sena

What Floor Ma'am?
Directed byMike Sandejas and Robert Sena
This was written and directed by the star of "Dinig Sana Kita" and what they came up with is something crazily informative and opinionated. This movie proved that you do not need grandiose visuals and expensive sets to convey your message. It was straightforward, laugh out loud comic. This is the types of work that I really could say that it was brave. A-

Cinemalaya 2009: Day 5

I have not seen that much today. As a matter of fact, I have only seen one film. Shame on me. Well, my excuse is that I have to finish up on some work and I got so tied up that I left work late and attended the last screening of the day. Sadly, I did not see any films in competition though they are showing "24K". I should have seen it. I watched "Handumanan" instead. I am soooo regretting that I saw the movie.

with Chin Chin Gutierrez and Akihiro Sato

"Handumanan" was intriguing, it was a finalist for a scriptwriting thingmajig blah blah prestige blah blah representing the Philippines in some festival. Plus it is nice to see Chin Chin Gutierrez acting again, and she is the lead of this movie. In all fairness to her, she was great despite the thin material that she was give. Jason Abalos who costarred in the movie did a rather OK job as well. Sad to say to Akihiro Sato (Brazilian/Japanese Penshoppe model) he was rather blah and unintentionally funny when he was supposed to be touching. The movie started OK, then went on to becoming rocky then spiraled downwards to end in such a sour sour note. I think that the material they have had much more premise, but the movie was poorly directed. There were moments of it that it felt as though it was going for a "Y Tu Mama Tambien" route. Weird, how the movie became so blah, boring and nonsensical. It was like an episode from a sappy TV melodrama sitcom or something. I did not like it at all.

Well, since I am reviewing a film that is outside competition, might as well review a movie that is also outside competition that I saw Day 2 of Cinemalaya.

Last Saturday, right after when my bestest friend Nico left CCP, I continued with the festival to see Adolf Alix's "Aurora". You guys all know that I love his works (errr not so much for "Manila") and this is one of my most awaited films of this year. But to hear that it will not get wider commercial release was infuriating. See what they did to "Kinatay"! But we'll get to that maybe some other time but for now let us talk about "Aurora".

with Director Adolf Alix Jr.

"Aurora" follows, uhm, well, Aurora and her trail outside the forest when she escaped the hands of those who held her captive in the forest. The movie is set in Mindanao (southernmost part of the Philippines) where there is continuous war a la Iraq, where the terrorists kidnap someone then they will ask for ransom. The movie was a series of encounters with those who held her captive and moments where in she was all by herself finding her way out of the forest.

The movie was gorgeous, thanks to now becoming one of my favorite cinematographers, Albert Banzon, who created such a beautiful scenery. The editing though minimal was effortlessly fluid. But I have to say, though there were not enough words said in the movie, the actors in it gave outstanding performances. First, and welcome back! Rosanna Roces gave a career high performance as Aurora. The movie pretty much was all about her and the camera almost never left her and she was luminous, engaging and real. You hardly felt that she was acting, it was as if the viewers were voyeurs in her quest to escaping the mountain/forest. Sid Lucero as one of two kidnappers in the film was very much believable in his role. You barely recognize him because he changed his look and his accent was spot on. Lucero continues to prove himself that he is one of the best actors of his generation.

There was a part of the movie that I did not quite get. There was a part in the movie were things got quiet and it was night then there shots of trees, then an acoustic song started to play. It felt like a space filler, err, just weird.

Nonetheless, I loved the movie. And what a way for Alix to regain his lost momentum in Manila. at least for me that is.

I am going to see the final three movies in competition this coming Saturday. I will post my predictions ASAP after seeing all of them. Including the short films.

Handumanan: D-
Aurora: A/A-

Cinemalaya 2009: Day 4

Yesterday I was barely on my seat because there were no viewing on Monday for the festival, so Imagine the itching in my behind to get up and go to the festival come Tuesday. I just wish that I could just leave work be and be at the festival where it is n times more fun. Day 4, my sister asked if she could come along, so I brought here with me. I only saw two films this day, the other, I have already seen before.

First screening was "Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe (The Rapture of Fe)". It stars indie favorite Irma Adlawan as Fe. I never expected that the story would include elemental/supernatural themes into it, but there were, and they were added to the film to add symbolism into a rather straightforward plot. To sum the movie up, it was a rather odd in a good way film, it was a story about a woman wanting so much to break free from her life, well, who would want to be with an abusive husband and a lover that does not want to live with her. Methinks that the side story about the "Kapre" (errr supernaturally tall guy who smokes tobacco) was what was boiling to the mind of Fe and it is slowly becoming a part of her reality. It was something that she wanted but could not have. She was jailed, alone and needy of love. Well, at least that's the way I think about it. This is not that Lynchian, it was easy to come up with an interpretation to it. Acting wise, Irma Adlawan could easily snag the best actress trophy of the competition though I still think that they SHOULD (and If they really saw the movie well) give the award to newbie Che Ramos for "Mangatyanan". As for the supporting actors, they all were aptly placed. I just wish that there was more screen time for Mercedes Cabral. Nonetheless, it was a very solid film, intriguing enough to rouse my attention. I could also see this movie as the dark horse to win the festival's top honor.

with "Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe" actress Irma Adlawan

The second movie I saw was "Dinig Sana Kita". I still love it. I hope they release it commercially soon so that the DVD will follow, and so that I could buy it. I have a gut feeling that I will be seeing this movie one more time before the festival ends. Plus, the more I think about "Sanglaan" the more I am liking it. Hmmm I should really consider seeing it again.

So 7 down 3 to go. I will be seeing the other half of the short movies tomorrow. I will be posting the review on the other half later.

Dinig Sana Kita (x2): A+
Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe: B/B+

Bests so far... Same as before....

Cinemalaya 2009: Day 3

Day 3 comes. I am so waiting to be wowed by the Cinemalaya entries. So far I have only seen 1 passable movie ("Astig"), I am looking forward to this day because I am seeing "Dinig Sana Kita", it is my must-see movie of the festival, and I was right.

Zoe Sandejas with Romelito Mallari, lead actors of "Dinig Sana Kita"

My first viewing was supposed to be "Nerseri" but I decided to see "Dinig Sana Kita" since I can not wait any longer (I planned to see it on a Saturday) I went on to see it, plus Francis Xavier Pasion (director of last year's winner "Jay") is going to see it. Fast Forward. I LOVED IT. It was everything I was expecting from it and more. It was a crowd pleaser, a tear jerker, a modern day masterpiece. It was emotionally touching and funny at the same time. Plus it was very beautiful to look at, kudos to ever reliable cinematographer Albert Banzon, he made a vibrant and beautiful work. This is the type of work that should get noticed because it is not your usual work: mountains, forest, gritty side of Manila. It was shot in school, stage, houses, streets and any other common places in Manila and Baguio. It was a bit long compared to the other entries, but you hardly felt the time because it was a really enjoyable show to sit through. Some members of the audience shed tears, expressed fondness. I really think that Zoe Sandejas did a wonderful job as the rocker chick who abused her hearing. But I think the real star of the show was Romelito Mallari who played the deaf/mute dancer, exactly what he is in real life. This is the type of acting where you need not say a word to convey emotion, yet you still feel his longing, despair, love and happiness. This is truly a gem. A wonderful work. Plus, of all the movies this is the movie that I can see crossing easily to mainstream audience.

with my best actress pick (so far) Che Ramos for her performance in "Mangatyanan"

Next movie I saw I had hesitations of seeing because of the bad trailer was "Mangatyanan". But I was wrong, really wrong. It was a superb movie and I think that Che Ramos should win best actress for her role as the daughter of a dying famous photographer. She was reserved, darkly funny and just awesome. It was straightforward, heartfelt and artsy. The dream sequences are just to die for. The editing was spot on. This is also the kind of story that you don't really get to see everyday. It was original and informative. Instead of delving on issues regarding finding oneself freedom, it spun out several issues such as culture preservation, family and child abuse, all of them tackled with ease, it was as if those issues were correlated. But the writer magically spun them all together to come up with a beguiling end product. Personal and relevant, this movie is a must see movie (along with "Dinig Sana Kita") of the festival. And talk about scene stealing, Mailes Kanapi was superb yet again playing as the bitchy boss, yet again.

with "Engkwentro" director Pepe Diokno

I have really nothing nice to say about the next movie I saw, but I have to give merits for the effort and the sensitive issue it was tackling. It was brave and nothing more. Cinematically it was a dud. It was too dark. You can barely see the faces of the actors. How then would you see how they act? The main problem of it was it felt like a knock off of Gaspar Noe's "Irreversible" which was pretty much evident: long shots, violence, shaky camera. If I have not seen "Irreversible" I would have applauded this feat but unfortunately I did. I am not accusing that the director copied Noe but i just wish that he made it his own.
In Retrospect: I guess it was to unfair of me to base my grade solely because I felt that it was a little too much Gaspar Noe.

Dinig Sana Kita: A+
Mangatyanan: A/A+
Engkwentro: C+
I will get back on the shorts later...

Bests so far...
Best Film: Dinig Sana Kita
Best Director: Jerold Tarrod (Mangatyanan)
Best Actor: Romelito Mallari (Dinig Sana Kita)
Best Actress: Che Ramos (Mangatyanan)
Best Supporting Actor: Neil Ryan Sese (Mangatyanan)
Best Supporting Actress: Mailes Kanapi (Mangatyanan)
Best Screenplay: Dinig Sana Kita

Cinemalaya 2009: Day 2

I failed to watch the first screening at 10 o'clock, but I did not miss any movie that was important to watch. Plus I had to attend a meeting in the morning so the event will have to wait for me. So 12:30, I arrived at CCP along with my best friend Nico. We still have to line up so that we could buy tickets for the movie. And since I will be here all festival long, I bought the festival pass. My question: why the flying fuck do we have to like wait 15 minutes so that we could but tickets? And it is taking them too damn long to process 'em, much longer than last year. Luckily we were able to buy tickets for the first screening just in time.
"Sanglaan" was the first movie I saw. It tells the story of a group of people all connected through the pawnshop. I will not go through the details of the story since I already gave the synopsis, entries before. It was a slow burning movie, and it took its pace to deliver a cohesive whole movie, but methinks that they have to build up the story that long? The real star of the movie for me was Ina Feleo, who played a naive young woman in love with the boarder of her co worker. She was charming, fun and a breath of fresh air. That said, the rest of the cast, headed by Tessie Tomas all gave serviceable performances. What baffles me is that why the hell did they give another role to ever great Flor Salanga, where her son has to die. Her son died in "Jay", and also in this year's short "Musa". Anyways, all in all it was a good and forgettable movie.

"Colorum" was the next movie I saw, and this one was quite a snooze, in the beginning that is. Weird how the start of the movie dragged so much that I accidentally slept through it and Nico had to slap me so that I could watch the rest of the movie. I missed the part where the policeman accidentally killed a foreigner which eventually lead to the road trip which was most of the movie. Honestly, I kinda liked the movie, but I can't help but think that it was amateur. The editing was sloppy, ditto the sound editing. Alfred Vargas as the co lead star of the movie was lacking but thank God for Lou Veloso's comic genius, that the movie finally got its much deserved moments. This was Veloso's show and I think he will be in the running for best actor. The story is not that new at all, but it was given a sorta twist that it looked kinda fresh enough, but that did not stop the movie from being the dud that it was. Anyways... next cinemalaya entry.

The last movie I saw (I saw "Aurora" before this but I will get through that later) was the curse and hype packed Boy Abunda produced movie "Astig". I think of all the movies in the competition, "Astig" has the most buzz well primarily because of its all star cast of lead stars, supporting and mostly the cameos. The 4-part movie was good. It was edited beautifully, and the pacing was spot on. Among the four leads, Dennis Trillo was the weakest for me. It was very obvious that he was just acting, in fact, most of the times he overacted. If he wins for this, I will be very dismayed especially when Sid Lucero stole the show. Lucero was natural and among all others his performance felt very real. My main dilemma about the movie is that it was VERY predictable. Given the first story, I could easily draw conclusions to what would happen next and so on. There was really nothing new about it, turns out that it was just executed really well. Which got me thinking that this ma be the front runner...

Sanglaan: C+
Colorum: C-
Astig: B-

Bests so far...
Best Film: Astig
Best Director: GB Sampedro (Astig)
Best Actor: Sid Lucero (Astig)
Best Actress: Ina Feleo (Sanglaan)
Best Supporting Actor: Jhong Hilario (Astig)
Best Supporting Actress: Flor Salanga (Sanglaan)
Best Screenplay: Sanglaan

Cinemalaya 2009: Day 1

So finally the day has arrived. I have been waiting for CINEMALAYA ever since it closed last year. And this time I planned everything, down to the very last cent that I am allowing myself to spend.

First day at Cinemalaya is always a bliss to me. There are lotsa stars and lotsa free street junk foods. I saw lotsa girls eating banana cue, but I don't wanna give up my place so that them people could run amock the front door of the cinema house. Last year they opened the festival with Adolf Alix's "Adela", a movie that I liked. This year he (Alix), alongside Raya Martin (of Autohystoria, Independencia fame) opened the show top billed by actor/producer Piolo Pascual. The movie is entitled "Manila". I am excited, or was excited for the movie, after all it is going to be directed by my favorite Filipino director, Adolf Alix. But this got me concerned, I am not really a fan of Martin. Almost all of his movies tested my patience, well not just tested, I ran out of it while sitting through "Next Attraction", "Now Showing" and the latest snooze "Independencia". I loved his work in "Autohystoria" though.

Fast forward to after seeing "Manila". I slept. I got so bored that I was playing with bag and I got bored at that too so I slept. It was series of gorgeous monochromatic sceneries fused into one to form a movie. I kinda think that the first part of it, the bit I think that was created by Martin was visual poetry. It was like watching a gorgeous coffee table book unfloding in front of your eyes. I do dig this kinds of movie, the long walks, long silences and minimal dialogue. But this really sorta irritated me, for some weird reasons I hated the first part of the movie. The second part of the movie, as they claim, was paying homage to Ishmael Bernal and Lino Brocka. The second part was a sorta baby step up from the first, but the story was just too glacial.

I was disappointed, having loved almost all of Alix's works. This was, at least for me, his worst. Partly I think that the blame is on Piolo Pascual. He lacked the emotion. His serene moments were dull. He got upstaged by his co stars with cameo ish roles namely: Baron Geisler (best in show), Rosanna Roces, Anita Linda. The rest of the cast were mediocre to OK at best. Those factors all accounted for, the result was a full of itself close to nothingness but picture pretty movie. Something that used minimalistic approches only to result to dullness.

Day 1 was a dud. It got be orgasmic at first and left me hanging. Dang. I wish day 2 would be more.

Manila: C-

PS. I'll be uploading pictures of my Cinemalaya adventure as well, after I find the damn cord.

2009 Cinemalaya: 10 Finalists

24K

Directed by Ana Agabin

From their Official Website

Find out what being a “certified treasure hunter” is all about. Julio Diaz plays a middle-class treasure hunter who has been digging for Japanese treasure for years. He and his companions are in the final stage of their current site in the mountains of Suyo, Ilocos Sur, an area reputed as a Japanese stronghold during World War II. All the signs at their site indicate that they are certain to find treasure.

Sounds boring to me, but I am always in this festival hoping for the best. It looks like a contender to be, being somewhat historical in a way. I think that they do like this kind of movie, like last year's "Concerto". Though I yawned most of the times, I find it baffling that it got rave reviews. But something tells me that this movie might really be a surprise. We'll see.

Ang Nerseri (The Nursery)
Directed by Vic Acedillo, Jr.

From Wiki

The film tells the story of Cocoy, a 12-year-old boy who is given a monumental task of responsibility of taking care of his older siblings while his mother, Mai, goes to the remote province to get financial assistance to pay the expensive hospital bills of her three mentally sick children. His mother is gone for two weeks and Cocoy’s struggle in managing his personal, school and home life is a nerve-racking challenge. In the end he faces truth and life head-on as he fights for his own sanity.

Intriguing! I think that Filipino's have a soft spot for heart tugging movies and this movie might be it. Might be this year's "Boses". I am really a sucker for films that centers on children, and child actors who deliver outstanding performances (but I am addicted to movies about old people).

Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe
Directed by Alvin Yapan

From Wiki

The film evolves the character of Fe, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who is forced to come home due to the effects of the global financial crisis. She returns to her rural town only to find that her husband has grown to be hostile towards her. His unpredictable mood often leads to physical violence but Fe turns the other cheek. Fe later on finds out that his husband's attitude toward her is because of an affair with another woman. As this happened, Fe tries to break away from the abusive relationship and finds refuge in the arms of another man, Arturo, who happens to be her former suitor. But Arturo is also married and due to his obligations to his own family, he cannot elope and with Fe. When the men in her real life cannot live up to her needs, she turns to a mysterious suitor who offers her the fantasy of an escape. The term panggagahasa used in the title does not only refer to the sexual kind but also other acts that takes away her social dignity, making her consider fixes no matter how unlikely they may seem.

This is the movie that really got me interested. Not just because of the title but because Irma Adlawan is in it, and I go wherever she goes just like what I do with Mailes Kanapi. I think that the story might not be entirely THAT original but I think that it has a shot of becoming exceptional. The performance might carry this movie. But I really have high hopes for this movie.

Astig (Mga Batang Kalye)
Directed by GB Sampedro

From Cinemalaya

Astig's story revolves around the life of four young men whose life stories "parallel and contrast with the landmarks and various images of Manila." It tells the story of Ariel, a conman who has to leave his girlfriend upon learning that she is in love with him; Boy, an expectant young father who has to sell his body to pay his wife's hospital bill; Ronald, a Chinese mestizo who is coming to grips with his identity; and Baste, an overly protective son of an OFW who has to avenge his sister. The film tells the stories of the tough guys of Manila and their resolve to survive the dirt and filth of the "Distinguished and Ever Loyal City."

Of all the movies, this one I think has the real shot of becoming the audience's favorite. It is packed with realatively known and famous actors top billed by Dennis Trillo. But I will see this because I am curious how Sid Lucero will folow up his perfect performance in "Selda".

Colorum

Directed by Jon Steffan Ballesteros

From Wiki

I am seeing this because this is the type of movie that I really like. This is a rare kind of movie here in the Philippines where they put the "veteran" actor/actress as the lead of their movie and the movie centers on him/her.

Dinig Sana Kita
Directed by Mike Sandejas
From Wiki

Dinig Sana Kita is a story of love between Kiko, a deaf young man who loves to dance, with Nina, a troubled rocker girl who has engrossed her self in the world of rock music and abuses her hearing by listening to blaring basses and heavy metal tunes. They meet in a Baguio camp's deaf seminar that mixes deaf and normal-hearing teens in team building activities. This experience help them discover that they have a lot more in common with each other than with their own kind. They find an understanding about music and learn that their lives are not so different. The eventually realize that they understand each other better and more than anyone else despite the gap in communication.

Now here's my bet for audience pick if the movie is any good. The creators of "Tulad ng Dati" (one of my fave Filipino films of the decade) backed this movie up and I hope that the conjure the same magic the did and bring it to this movie. This has the potential to be a commercial success because this is a love story of teeny agers. I hope this is good, I really do, please let it not be "Agaton and Mindy". Plus, me loves the poster.

Engkwentro
Directed by Pepe Diokno

From Engkwentro Multiply

Richard (Felix Roco) and Raymond (Daniel Medrana) are two teenage brothers. Richard is the leader of his gang, "Bagong Buwan," while Raymond is just being inducted into rival gang, "Batang Dilim." Complications at a deadly midnight engkwentro (square-off), when Raymond is given the task of killing his older brother.

Meanwhile, the City Death Squad lurks the streets. This real-life vigilante group is allegedly backed by the city mayor (Celso Ad Castillo) and responsible for many unsolved murders of teen gangsters. Today, they are hunting down Richard. Will they take the younger brother, too?

Curious about this because, the roster includes two gangster, the slums movie. And it will not go without one being compared to the other. I think that this will get less attention because the stars are not that well known but I am waiting for it to topple Astig.

Last Supper No. 3
Directed by Veronica Velasco and Jinky Laurel

From Wiki

Based on a true story, Last Supper No. 3 is a humorous look at the circuitous path our legal system takes to justice. Assistant Production Designer Wilson Nañawa is tasked to look for a Last Supper to use as a prop for a TV commercial. He finds three, but loses the one owned by Gareth Pugeda. What happens next changes Wilson forever as he spends the next two years entangled in bureaucracy and red tape facing estafa and serious physical injury charges. How will this ordinary man fare against a system he knows nothing about? Will justice prevail for Wilson? Or will he be imprisoned for the loss of Last Supper No. 3?

Cinemalaya does not really go with big small movies, usually they award small films. Of the films in the roster, I have a feeling that this movie might be the critics fave. Last year, I predicted that "Jay" will win over "100", and it did. But then again, we'll just wait and see. Mailes Kanapi is in this movie, so expect me to be in the gala showing!

Mangatyanan (The Blood Trail)
Directed by Jerrold Tarog

From Wiki

Mangatyanan tells about the story of Laya or Himalaya Marquez, a girl who has never had a complete dream since she was 12. Although her dreams are interrupted not by her waking up but because of his father. Danilo Marquez, his father who is a famous photographer, has constantly abused her sexually as a child and eventually tore her family apart.

At present, Laya is 27 years old and has developed a cold attitude to hide the pain of her terrible childhood. She works as a photographer for travel books and was sent to Isabela to capture a rare harvest ritual called Mangatyanan by the dying tribe of Labwanan. What she finds there, however, is a group held together by their desperate leader Mang Renato. Soon, Laya senses a connection between the tribe's problems and her own predicaments.

Events happen and go out of control as the tribe crumbles and Laya is forced to flee but something happens that brings her face-to-face with the past she tried to run away from. The story leaves you wanting to know if she will confront her past or if she will keep on running away.

This movie, if not properly made could easily bomb. I don't have that much interest seeing it. The trailer looks, rather blah and not intriguing at all. Will the movie suck or not?

Sanglaan

Directed by Milo Sogueco

From Pinoy Indie Films

Sanglaan looks at seemingly simple relationships and uncomplicated events happening in a very mundane institution. A religious and single-minded businesswoman with a losing proposition, afraid of old age. A timid, vulnerable girl hopelessly in love with a high school crush. A security guard whose wife has a fragile heart. A charming and mysterious seaman just passing through. And a loan shark who won’t take “no” for an answer. These are some of the characters that populate the milieu of Sanglaan, a light, funny, poignant and very Pinoy story about hope and redemption..

Could this be the little little film that could? I think that the concept of many stories intertwining into one, is banal and commonplace. I just hope that they spun something golden.

SO SO SO SORRY

Sorry guys! I was not able to blog for the past two weeks. I got really caught up at work. I have not slept well for days! It was only last night that I was able to catch up on normal eight hours of sleep. Though things are getting awry at work, expect me to be blogging a whole lot again. PLUS! Cinemalaya is just days away so I will be blogging every movie I see in that festival.

It is so nice to be back.

Cinemalaya is Coming!

Look at me so happy in Cinemalaya, along with one of my favorite actresses, Eugene Domingo

OK now, I am very very excited to go and be in Cinemalaya Film Festival whole week. I see myself watching at least three movies a day. Hmmm the view is very clear and I can't wait any longer! Give it to me, baby! (come on Toshi!)

And "Manila" is opening the film festival, I am also expecting it to be good since Adolf Alix Jr. is helming the movie. Raya Martin is codirecting the movie so here's hoping that he does not make his bit as boring as "Independencia". I am also crossing my fingers that they show "Kinatay". They should! Fuck MTRCB for not letting us see it! (more on that later)

RacsOview: BFF: Best Friends Forever (2009)

There are times I wonder why I even watch movies even though I know that they are gonna suck anyways. This is no exception at all. "BFF: Best Friends Forever" is your typical, nonsensical comedic slosh. Apparently, director Wenn Deramas really got stuck making the same movies over and over and what she does is change the story a little and change the cast and you got another movie.

There were really funny parts in it, and those were the parts that were not forced to be funny. It was endless non sense slapstick, patched together to come up with what is a pitiful movie. It did not even feel true nor was it able to tug any emotion (at least for me).

Corny and blah. I feel cheated.

D

RacsOview: Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)

And the crapfest continues. I think I am just lucky that when I saw this I was still high on "Spelling Bee", so the crapiness did not hurt that much.

First off let me say thay I somehow think that the movie had its moments, it was funny and charming at parts, but the problem that I had with this sequel was that it lacked originality and creativeness. It got stuck with the banality of being in the Ice Age and forgot to come up with something really original. Scrat's parts were at times tad overbearing, and I think that he is not that funny anymore. I think that this is Sid's show, he was funny and touching at times.

The movie was formulaic and did not cross not even reach and borders. For what it was, it was just fun to watch and nothing more than that. But thank God it was better than Transformers 2.

C

RacsOview: Spelling Bee

So I finally got the chance to see a real theater musical out of school. This is what happened. I kinda hesitated to but tickets for this show because they cost so much and would take up money for my clothes and DVD expenditures, but I am glad that I still bought tickets from my good friend Katz. I was seated at the very first row, I could literally see the innards of the larynx while they are singing and I could see the specks of spit overspraying from the mouths of the actors. But I must say, I AM REALLY IMPRESSED, in fact, more than impressed really. I really really had a great time and now, I am craving for more.

By now I just realize that you guys do not know what the frack I am talking about, well, I am talking about the theater musical play "Spelling Bee" which is currently in run here in the Philippines, in Makati. I just got back from the screening, I am so hyped, jilted and still ecstatic from the experience that I decided to do a review of it right ahead.

Basically the musical is about a story of five main characters and their quest to win the 25th Putnam Spelling Bee. There were also four guest/celebrity spellers that were preselected before the show. In the screening that I attended, there was this one girl guest speller who was actually good at spelling that they had to give her an ultra hard word to spell so that they can boot her out of the competition. She was about to sit after she pelled a difficult word and was asked to go on he stand again to spell a more difficult word. Then she got the boot. In the end of the show, she was asked again to come on stage, then there was this guest spelling master, turns out it was her boyfriend, who then proposed to her on stage! I was kinda like surprised with what happening and kept on asking my friend "Totoo ba yan? (Is this true?)". The girl teared up tears of joy and agreed to marry the guy. By the way, the guy asked the girl to spell the word "marry", and said his proposal when he was asked for the definition of the word.

So now, back to the show. I must say, all the actors sung, acted and danced perfectly. The choreography was spot on. The songs were infectious, catchy and really contemporary. I really liked how they infused current news, songs and dances on the show. There was this one really smart girl speller named Marcy Park who performed her song and then she danced "Single Ladies" a la Beyonce, which really got the audience clapping hard. It was really baffling for me to see her tumblng on stage and yet her voice was still perfect. How the frack does she do that? Sometimes on stage when I am performing whenever I walk around sometimes my voice wobbles too. Her performance of "I Speak Six Languages" was my favorite of the night.

There was also another speller Logainne Schwarshwashwa (errrr I do not know how to spell it) who was also a gay and lesbian advocate who made a commentary on Adam Lambert on losing American Idol (something I strongly have feelings on). People in the audience started to laugh and clapped furiously.

I realy can't pinpoint who gave the best in show performance because they all delivered their parts so well. The Vice Principal Douglas Panch character was hella fun too and had scene stealing moments of his own. He is the one who is giving the definition of words to spelled and he uses the words in a sentence and his comic timing is genius. He asked a celebrity speller to spell "DOG" and gave the definition "A DOG" and used dog in a sentence as "PLEASE SPELL DOG". He even used lines from famous songs such as J. Lo's "Love Don't Cost a Thing". I met Joel Trinidad once, and got the rare chance to speaking with him, in the gym where I work out, and apparently where he works out too. He really is a bonafide theather master, I daresay.

My favorite characters were Marcy, Chip Tolentino, Douglas, and (My favorite If I were to choose one) Leaf. Chip was last year's winner and is the returning champ, he got distracted with Leaf's sister and let his erection got on his way when he was asked to spell "TITTUP". He knew how to spell it but failed to spell it correctly the first time and he had to re spell it but he was not given the chance. His performance on "Pandemonium" and "My Unfortunate Erection" were probably two of my favorite songs in the whole show. He really has a good voice and I envy him a lot. Give me your talent. Please. Pretty Please.

But my favorite was Leaf. And I liked his backstory too. He is that kid who did not have the support of his family and he somewhat gets possessed when spelling a word, which I find very funny. He seems so natural and his voice was perfect. We were his family during the show, and he acknowledged that when we were able to talk to him post show. My favorite song he sung was "I'm Not that Smart".

I really can not express how much I enjoyed this show. I loved this show to bits, and if given the time (and money) I would want to watch it over and over again. Filipino talents are really world class, and it is a shame that shows as good as this do not get that much attention compared to the suckfest that is so popular today. I am proud of the whole production team for bringing this show upfront and accessible. I just wish that more people get to see it, and I wish that more people would want to invest in making the Philippine Theater community grow. Though I only know how to sing, (dance nevermind) I wish I am a part of it, but I can't so let us all support those who are out there giving out one helluva show after another. Then maybe one day, we will have our own Tony's and the Philippines may be in due time be recognized also for its great Theater Shows. Now that indie movies are getting lotsa light, let us now focus on theater. I know I will be watching more soon. I will.

A+

P.S. I will be posting pictures tomorrow when my good friend Jhun uploads our pictures. I was not able to bring my camera. Stupid me. SO thanks Jhun...

Finally!

Finally Merlin got the boot in "The Fashion Show". I think that his works are hoochie mama. By the way, I am rooting for Daniella.

2009: Bests... So Far

2009, the year has been great so far. I have tried so much to avoid them crap movies but they were still, in their own weird ways, able to reach my eyes (Hello Wolverine!). But I managed to scavenge for hard to find gems and the end product was very much worth it. So for now, here is a list of my favorite movies and performances, so far...

Runners Up: Julia, Two Lovers, Up, Ponyo, Star Trek
These five are very different from each other and I really love the diversity of these movies. Julia makes the list predominantly because of Tilda Swinton's greatness. Two Lovers I loved because of the superb ensemble casting and superb performances by Gwyneth and Joaquin. Up and Ponyo are 2 superb imaginative animated features. Star Trek is one of those rare blockbuster treats that you will not feel ashamed of putting in your top ten.

Hunger

Steve McQueen's freshman effort was all sorts of wonderful. It is a tough chew but it is a very superb technical achievement.

Jay

Francis Xavier Pasion's story of the exploitation of media was shown last year in Philippine's Cinemalaya and won best film of the festival and it was my bet too. It finally got commercial release this year, and it is one of the year's bests so far.

Drag Me To Hell

Sam Raimi is back after giving us the crap Spider-Man 3. His return to the horror/comedy genre was truly his calling, and I loved every minute of it. I have seen it thrice already and still I am loving it.

Coraline

People easily call "Up" as the year's best animated movie so far, but me thinks "Coraline" is the best animated movie so far. It was creepy as hell and highly artsy. Totally entertaining and nightmare inducing.

Summer Hours

Olivier Assayas' minimalistic story about keeping memories is truly a small gem that deserves to be seen. It was simple yet it was piercing, truly wonderful.

Best Actor: Robert Pattinson (How to Be)
Runners Up: Joaquin Phoenix (Two Lovers), Michael Fassbender (Hunger)
Robert Pattinson proves that he is not just a pretty face in this movie, and he did just that. But then again, even if he deglammed himself to portray a loser twenty something in guy who is suffering quarter life crisis.

Best Actress: Tilda Swinton (Julia)
Runners Up: Mailes Kanapi (My Fake American Accent), Julia Roberts (Duplicity)
Tilda Swinton continues to challenge herself. This time she portrays a very unlikeable character, as the woman with no direction in her life whatsoever and found one when she kidnapped a kid.

Best Supporting Actor: Coco Martin (Jay)
Runner Up: Jacki Earle Haley (Watchmen)
Coco Martin IS one of the best actors of his generation here in the Philippines. His role as the ex gay boyfriend of the now deceased Jay, may not have that many emotionally heavy scenes but his naturalistic approach was really the fact that made this performance special.

Best Supporting Actress: Edith Scob (Summer Hours)
Runners Up: Gwyneth Paltrow (Two Lovers), Flor Salanga (Jay)
Edith Scob still haunts me up to today. There was something really special with this performance, I loved every minute she was in. Love love love her.

Note that these picks are still subject to change depending on my ever changing mood.