Movie Digest # 037

3:10 TO YUMA
Glorietta 4, Cinema 7, February 28, 8:00pm

For me, this old school cowboy film is highly recommended as a popcorn film. Russel Crowe and Christian Bale won't disappoint you with this one. It doesn't require much to think about the plot or the turn of events. It's simple but not too simple. What I particularly like about the film is that it puts your right through the heart of the story. Wala nang mahabang intro o exposition pa, basta sumakay ka na lang. For an action film, it delivers. For something that has to be critically regarded, this film doesn't create much pressure. Kung meron man akong hindi trip, ito 'yung ilang eksena na nare-resolve sa isang monologue ng bida o kontrabida. Scenes like that could break the momentum.

Friends who might appreciate it: cowboys and cowgirls alike.

VANTAGE POINT
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, February 28, 10:30pm

Some indie films already used the storytelling devise in "Vantage Point" but it is still enjoyable. Eight characters tell and retell the film in their own vantage point. The idea is to establish the film's tension which was effectively executed. Pang-edge of your seat ang mga eksena sa huli kahit na bumandera pa rin ang formula ng mga car chase scene at ilang camera handling na pinauso ng "Bourne" series. Casting is good with Forest Whitaker (though a bit "emote na emote" with this one), Sigourney Weaver (I was expecting for more meaty scenes for her), the great William Hurt as the US President and Dennis Quaid.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who haven't been to Salamanca, Spain.

DAYBREAK
Robinsons Galleria, IndieSine (Cinema 8), March 2, 7:50pm

Oh, well. Not another "Brokeback Mountain"-themed film. But let me get this straight (no pun intended). The film tries very hard to give the viewers something new by using a one-act play-like concept: two characters, one location and limited time. Two male lovers spend one night in Tagaytay, trying to put a halt on their relationship. Maganda at challenging sana ang ideya pero hindi na-capture 'yung agony na may ilang oras silang kailangang palampasin. Parang ang lahat ay napakabilis at eventful. I hope the filmmaker tried to put more talky scenes or hysteria. Or kahit walang speaking lines, basta merong sangkaterbang poetic images na pwedeng magpaalala ng haba ng gabi. Nagmukha ring mababaw ang pelikula at lantad ang inaasahang market sa paglalagay ng ilang flesh/sex scenes. Separation is such a painful and multi-dimensional journey but "Daybreak" seems to make it trivial. Sayang. Both actors (Coco Martin and Paolo Rivero) deliver the goods. May intensity. May lalim na hindi nakuha ng storyline o maging ng mga dialog nila.

Friends who might appreciate it: friends of Maxie Evangelista III.