NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2, January 8, 7:00pm
Well, if Da Vinci Code is as guilt-free and exciting as this, then Dan Brown could be richer. But that’s a different story. Nothing’s new with the second installment especially if it’s from Disney. But it could pass for a popcorn film. That’s the only expectation you need.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who wish to see Helen Mirren in a spoof-like scene speaking a line or two about the Queen (her last year’s Oscar winning film for Best Actress).
I AM LEGEND
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1, January 13, 5:00pm
Not another post-apocalyptic film. The only difference, perhaps, is the mention of the absence (or presence) of God minutes before the film ends. I could say that this is the most Christian film of its kind. The delivery of the actress though about God’s plan followed by Will Smith’s monologue on Bob Marley wasn’t pulled off. It’s both irritating and funny. It either makes a point (as planted by the scene where Will’s family prayed before they separated) or deviates the point (all-out suspense to an anti-climactic ending).
Friends who might appreciate it: those who haven’t seen yet the best post-apocalyptic film of all time: “Shawn of the Dead”.
SWEENEY TODD
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, January 16, 10:30pm
Definitely the first good film (shown in the Philippines) for 2008. I thought that Tim Burton was getting mellow with “Big Fish”. Wait until you’ve seen this Johnny Depp starrer (a reunion of sort from “Edward Scissorhands” to “Sleepy Hollow”, etc.). The director simply outdid his previous outing with a film adaptation of a dark and gory stage musical (Stephen Sondheim meets Tarantino). I am not sure if this is his first film of its kind. Though the devises used in a theater production are too obvious (only one venue for all the events, minimal location, etc.), some tight shots complete the cinematic experience. Plus the Oscar-worthy make-up, costume, etc. I also like Johnny Depp’s character singing here. His voice doesn’t have to be too smoothly Broadway and that works for an advantage. Sacha Baron Cohen, popularly known as Borat, made a scene-stealing musical number with Depp. I’m betting on this film as one of the most decorated Oscar contenders for 2007.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who haven’t shaven for a long time.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Weekend # 2
At 10am, I was already rushing to the nearest MRT Station (Guadalupe) to brave that rainy Saturday and be at Trinoma the soonest possible. Reached Travel Club at 20 minutes past 10am. Met Elvira and Marlon there and got a glimpse of my carry-on bag up for repair. We waited for ZP and Lyn until 11am and took Elvira’s red car to Rhea’s place. It was raining. We were in Novaliches, Quezon City.
After eat-and-running a yummy green salad, grilled pork with butter and menudo (a birthday bash for Rhea’s seaman dad who’s across the miles), Marlon sent me to the FX stand. To reach that, we walked through a series of urban jungle, took a tricycle, had a snapshot of the city hall and the old Manila-inspired flooring and braved the rain again. Back to Trinoma at 2pm past, then MRT to Ayala.
At 3pm, I was still panic shopping for Mary Grace, my inaanak (Rico and Vivian’s first child), at SM Makati. The children’s party, by the way, was scheduled at 3pm. Thirty minutes after, cab hunting followed. I got one in front of Glorietta 1 then asked manong to bring me to Urdaneta Village Clubhouse. It was still raining and the party was already starting. There was a clown entertaining the kids and I greeted Rico and Vivian then looked for my inaanak who’s very cute and cuddly at age 1. I just realized that I was just in time for food. Some players wearing Chelsea jersey occupied the football field nearby. It was still raining. I enjoyed the event, from candle blowing down to the party host’s attempt at ventriloquism.
At 6pm, I was lucky to get a cab inside the village. Since “Tuesdays with Morrie” with Vianney, Iam and Ge was cancelled, I decided to go directly to CCP for TP’s “Kudeta”. The play topbilled the great Mario O’Hara plus the rest of TP resident actors. I had a blast, dark comedy is indeed always a pleaser. Cab hunting again at 10pm. It was raining harder and it took me roughly 20 minutes to catch a ride.
Greenbelt 3 at 10:45pm. I was about to LFS “I am Legend” but I got a text from JR that Saguijo was waiting for me. I was at Music One then, browsing through some CDs with (surprise, surprise!) Ely Buendia beside me. Off I went to Saguijo, had one bottle of SMB Pale Pilsen, tried my luck to get in (Pedicab was performing or was it Cambio?) but failed, hurriedly caught a cab which happened to be passing by in that not-so-busy street and went home.
I wonder how my snore sounded that night.
Death in the Land of the 9-Hour Films
Kagadanan sa Banwaan ning mga Engkanto (Death in the Land of the Encantos)
Direktor: Lav Diaz
Running Time: 540 minutes
Mogwai Bar sa Cubao X
Noong January 5, 2008
1 - 10pm
Nakamamatay ang manood ng kahit anong pelikula sa MMFF 2007. Cliché na ito kahit noon pa pero ngayon ko lang talaga naramdaman ang pagiging lethal nito. Salamat na lang at merong Mogwai Film Festival (o festival ng mga pelikula ng mga kaibigan ng may-ari ng bar). Kahit papaano ay puwede kang mabuhay muli.
Inihanda ko na ang sarili ko sa siyam na oras na panonood ng pelikula. Kumain ako nang marami at hindi nagpahuli sa pagbaon ng matamis. Medyo mataas ang sikat ng araw noon at lubos na nakakaantok para sa isang Sunday afternoon. Inisip ko na lang na kailangan ko munang sagupain ang unang apat at kalahating oras at sa break ay magre-recharge na lang ako. Habang naghihintay sa ibaba ng bar para mai-ready ang screening room sa itaas, merong matapang na nagtanong kung ilang break daw ang nakalaan. Inabisuhan kami ni Alexis Tioseco, ang organizer ng event, na isa lang daw break ang pinayagan ni Lav. Kung merong tutol, makakabuti raw na dumiretso na ng reklamo sa direktor. Walang umangal, sa aking pagkakaalam.
Sa ganap na 1:15 ng hapon ay inalalayan na ang mga matatapang na cineaste para umakyat sa screening room. Pakiramdam ko ay isa akong neophyte na masasabak sa isang madugong hazing. Pero sa totoo lang, ganito talaga ang challenge na ibinigay ko sa aking sarili. Kailangan kong mapanood at matapos ang pelikula dahil ako ay mayabang na nagsasabing mahilig ako sa pelikula. Nakakahiya naman kung hindi ko ito maiinda.
Standard ang espasyo ng screening room. Merong anim na cinema seats ('yung reclining at merong slot para sa mga drinks kamukha ng mga upuan sa Ayala Cinemas) sa ilalim ng digital projector. Sa pagitan ng projector at ng dingding (na nagsisilbing screen) ay sangkaterbang throw pillows na may iba't ibang hugis (merong spikey, merong parang upuan na may sandalan at ang pangkaraniwang size). Nakakaakit ito para humilata at matulog sa tulong na rin ng aircon.
Kalaunan pa ay in-introduce na ni Alexis ang pelikula kaakibat ang pahapyaw na sumbat na basura ang mga MMFF entries. Nais lang daw nilang magbigay ng alternatibong venue. Fine. Nagsalita rin si Lav Diaz. Enjoy na lang daw at handa s'ya sa Q&A para sa makaka-survive ng pelikula. 'Yan ang eksaktong sinabi n'ya, ".those who will survive the film".
Oo, na-survive ko ang nine-hour film pero merong struggle.
Unang limang minuto pa lang ng pelikula ay humihikab na ako. Napakaganda naman ng mga unang imahe: ang Mayon Volcano sa gitna ng ilang pagkawasak ng puno at lupa. Siguro ay nasobrahan ako ng paghahanda sa pakikibakang ito. Ginising ko na lang ang sarili ko sa pabago-bagong posisyon sa cinema seat (maluluma siguro ang Kama Sutra). Napaka-poetic ng katahimikan, ng pagkahaba ng "cut" at ng kumbinasyon ng itim at puting imahe. Understatement na kapag sinabing "artsy" na direktor si Lav Diaz. Ang nakakalungkot lang ay limitado talaga ang bentahe ng sining. Sabi nga sa "Larawan: the Musical", ".ngunit 'di simple ang buhay, katulad ng sining".
Meron namang kuwento ang pelikula. Tungkol ito sa isang makata na nangimbayan at bumalik matapos ang ilang panahon. Ang kanyang pagbabalik ay pagsalubong sa bagyong sumalanta sa Kabikulan. Dito n'ya sinubukang busisiin ang kanyang pinagmulan at mga bagay na nagdudugtong dito at sa kasalukuyan. Pero katulad ni Dr. Jose Rizal, pinatay s'ya ng paglalakbay na ito.
Kung tutuusin, kung hindi artsy si Lav, makaka-deliver pa rin s'ya ng mga eksenang papatok sa masa. 'Yung kwentuhan ng mga dating magkakaibigan, kahit na nakababad ang eksena, ay may kakaibang relate factor. Ang confrontation ng makata at sa nakaraan ng kanyang ina kasama ang "mental hospital attendant" ay pang-melodrama. Ang love scene ay pwedeng maging erotic at poetic nang sabay. Wala nga lang masyadong comedy.
Makalipas ang apat na oras at kalahati ay pinatawan kami ng 30 minutong pagitan. Dito na ako sumabad ng kain at nagbaon ng ilang mangorind na binili ko sa malapit na Holland Hopia store. Nakausap ko rin ang ilang cineaste d'un at nakakwentuhan ng kung anu-ano. Halimbawa, sinabi ko kay kay Alexis Tioseco na magara ang suot n'yang Sampaguita Pictures shirt. Sa tindahan daw ni Raymond Lee n'ya ito nabili sa halagang P250. Gusto ko mang sugurin ang tindahan, nagsara na raw ito. Nakausap ko si "Noriel" na nangangarap makapagdirehe ng isang pelikula pagdating ng panahon. Napanood na raw n'ya ang unang kalahati ng pelikula n'ung nakaraang linggo at plano n'yang tapusin ang laban (na hindi n'ya nagawa dahil may lakad pa raw s'ya ng alas-diyes ng gabi).
Ang sumunod na pagpapalabas ay sisiw na lamang. Hindi na ako masyadong natutukso sa mga throw pillows na nasa harapan ko. Tumutuka-tuka pa rin ako sa ilang eksena pero inisip ko na lang na galing ako sa isang mahabang biyahe kamukha ng direct flight mula Maynila hanggang Amsterdam. Nakaka-jetlag ang pelikula, sa totoo lang.
Lumabas ako ng bar matapos ang end credits. Ang pangakong Q&A ni Lav ay hindi natuloy. Personal na lang daw s'yang tanungin sa ibaba ng screening room. Pinili kong langhapin na lang ang sariwang hangin sa labas hindi dahil mas mainam ito kundi para hindi mawala ang enkanto ng mga imaheng napanood ko. Kung ganito kasaya ang mamatay, pipiliin kong araw-araw pumanaw.
Direktor: Lav Diaz
Running Time: 540 minutes
Mogwai Bar sa Cubao X
Noong January 5, 2008
1 - 10pm
Nakamamatay ang manood ng kahit anong pelikula sa MMFF 2007. Cliché na ito kahit noon pa pero ngayon ko lang talaga naramdaman ang pagiging lethal nito. Salamat na lang at merong Mogwai Film Festival (o festival ng mga pelikula ng mga kaibigan ng may-ari ng bar). Kahit papaano ay puwede kang mabuhay muli.
Inihanda ko na ang sarili ko sa siyam na oras na panonood ng pelikula. Kumain ako nang marami at hindi nagpahuli sa pagbaon ng matamis. Medyo mataas ang sikat ng araw noon at lubos na nakakaantok para sa isang Sunday afternoon. Inisip ko na lang na kailangan ko munang sagupain ang unang apat at kalahating oras at sa break ay magre-recharge na lang ako. Habang naghihintay sa ibaba ng bar para mai-ready ang screening room sa itaas, merong matapang na nagtanong kung ilang break daw ang nakalaan. Inabisuhan kami ni Alexis Tioseco, ang organizer ng event, na isa lang daw break ang pinayagan ni Lav. Kung merong tutol, makakabuti raw na dumiretso na ng reklamo sa direktor. Walang umangal, sa aking pagkakaalam.
Sa ganap na 1:15 ng hapon ay inalalayan na ang mga matatapang na cineaste para umakyat sa screening room. Pakiramdam ko ay isa akong neophyte na masasabak sa isang madugong hazing. Pero sa totoo lang, ganito talaga ang challenge na ibinigay ko sa aking sarili. Kailangan kong mapanood at matapos ang pelikula dahil ako ay mayabang na nagsasabing mahilig ako sa pelikula. Nakakahiya naman kung hindi ko ito maiinda.
Standard ang espasyo ng screening room. Merong anim na cinema seats ('yung reclining at merong slot para sa mga drinks kamukha ng mga upuan sa Ayala Cinemas) sa ilalim ng digital projector. Sa pagitan ng projector at ng dingding (na nagsisilbing screen) ay sangkaterbang throw pillows na may iba't ibang hugis (merong spikey, merong parang upuan na may sandalan at ang pangkaraniwang size). Nakakaakit ito para humilata at matulog sa tulong na rin ng aircon.
Kalaunan pa ay in-introduce na ni Alexis ang pelikula kaakibat ang pahapyaw na sumbat na basura ang mga MMFF entries. Nais lang daw nilang magbigay ng alternatibong venue. Fine. Nagsalita rin si Lav Diaz. Enjoy na lang daw at handa s'ya sa Q&A para sa makaka-survive ng pelikula. 'Yan ang eksaktong sinabi n'ya, ".those who will survive the film".
Oo, na-survive ko ang nine-hour film pero merong struggle.
Unang limang minuto pa lang ng pelikula ay humihikab na ako. Napakaganda naman ng mga unang imahe: ang Mayon Volcano sa gitna ng ilang pagkawasak ng puno at lupa. Siguro ay nasobrahan ako ng paghahanda sa pakikibakang ito. Ginising ko na lang ang sarili ko sa pabago-bagong posisyon sa cinema seat (maluluma siguro ang Kama Sutra). Napaka-poetic ng katahimikan, ng pagkahaba ng "cut" at ng kumbinasyon ng itim at puting imahe. Understatement na kapag sinabing "artsy" na direktor si Lav Diaz. Ang nakakalungkot lang ay limitado talaga ang bentahe ng sining. Sabi nga sa "Larawan: the Musical", ".ngunit 'di simple ang buhay, katulad ng sining".
Meron namang kuwento ang pelikula. Tungkol ito sa isang makata na nangimbayan at bumalik matapos ang ilang panahon. Ang kanyang pagbabalik ay pagsalubong sa bagyong sumalanta sa Kabikulan. Dito n'ya sinubukang busisiin ang kanyang pinagmulan at mga bagay na nagdudugtong dito at sa kasalukuyan. Pero katulad ni Dr. Jose Rizal, pinatay s'ya ng paglalakbay na ito.
Kung tutuusin, kung hindi artsy si Lav, makaka-deliver pa rin s'ya ng mga eksenang papatok sa masa. 'Yung kwentuhan ng mga dating magkakaibigan, kahit na nakababad ang eksena, ay may kakaibang relate factor. Ang confrontation ng makata at sa nakaraan ng kanyang ina kasama ang "mental hospital attendant" ay pang-melodrama. Ang love scene ay pwedeng maging erotic at poetic nang sabay. Wala nga lang masyadong comedy.
Makalipas ang apat na oras at kalahati ay pinatawan kami ng 30 minutong pagitan. Dito na ako sumabad ng kain at nagbaon ng ilang mangorind na binili ko sa malapit na Holland Hopia store. Nakausap ko rin ang ilang cineaste d'un at nakakwentuhan ng kung anu-ano. Halimbawa, sinabi ko kay kay Alexis Tioseco na magara ang suot n'yang Sampaguita Pictures shirt. Sa tindahan daw ni Raymond Lee n'ya ito nabili sa halagang P250. Gusto ko mang sugurin ang tindahan, nagsara na raw ito. Nakausap ko si "Noriel" na nangangarap makapagdirehe ng isang pelikula pagdating ng panahon. Napanood na raw n'ya ang unang kalahati ng pelikula n'ung nakaraang linggo at plano n'yang tapusin ang laban (na hindi n'ya nagawa dahil may lakad pa raw s'ya ng alas-diyes ng gabi).
Ang sumunod na pagpapalabas ay sisiw na lamang. Hindi na ako masyadong natutukso sa mga throw pillows na nasa harapan ko. Tumutuka-tuka pa rin ako sa ilang eksena pero inisip ko na lang na galing ako sa isang mahabang biyahe kamukha ng direct flight mula Maynila hanggang Amsterdam. Nakaka-jetlag ang pelikula, sa totoo lang.
Lumabas ako ng bar matapos ang end credits. Ang pangakong Q&A ni Lav ay hindi natuloy. Personal na lang daw s'yang tanungin sa ibaba ng screening room. Pinili kong langhapin na lang ang sariwang hangin sa labas hindi dahil mas mainam ito kundi para hindi mawala ang enkanto ng mga imaheng napanood ko. Kung ganito kasaya ang mamatay, pipiliin kong araw-araw pumanaw.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Ilang Panandaliang Bangungot mula sa MMFF 2007
Ilan sa mga maagang pagkumpuni ko sa aking ala-ala n'ung bata ay isang eksena sa sinehan kung saan sinusundo ako ng aming kasambahay upang mag-abay sa isang kasal. Nasa kalagitnaan ako n'un ng panggagahasa ng pridyeder kay Janice habang nagmamasid naman ang isang William Martinez. Ayaw ko pa sanang umalis pero ano ba ang karaniwang kayang gawin ng isang grade one student? Dahil dito ay nagkaroon na ng pitak ang Metro Manila Film Festival sa aking pagtanda.
Maraming mga imahe ang hindi ko makalimutan: ang mga pulis na nagbabantay ng halimaw sa LRT episode ng "Shake, Rattle and Roll 8", si Gina Alajar na isang zombie ay kumakain ng putik (mula rin sa "Shake...."), si Manilyn Reynes at ang kapayapaan sa kanyang mga mata nang makita ang krus sa likuran, ang mga kakaibang halimaw at goth sa "Salamangkero", ang hipnotismo mula sa sa kakaibang usok na lumalabas sa pagitan ng pinto at sahig sa "Alapaap" ni Tata Esteban, si Ate Guy bilang isang anghel sa "Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang", ang scene stealer scene ni Ara Mina sa unang "Mano Po", ang grand slam performance ni Piolo Pascual sa "Dekada '70", ang masikip at mainit na Correctional sa "Bulaklak ng City Jail", ang futuristic wedding nina Ate Vi at Boyet sa "Imortal" (sa Greenbelt Chapel ito nag-shooting), ang kawalan ng Best Picture winner noong 1986, ang pagsibol ng GMA Films sa mga mata ni Cesar Montano bilang bida sa "Jose Rizal" at "Muro Ami", ang hysteria ng "Crying Ladies", ang pagbaha ng luha ni Dawn Zulueta nang namatay ang kanilang unica hija sa isang bangka sa "Kung Mawawala ka Pa", ang CGI ng "Yamashita", ang slow-mo scene ni Melanie Marquez sa "The Untold Story of Melanie Marquez", ang madre na nakapula sa isang episode ng "Shake..." (cute pa si IC Mendoza rito), ang death scene ni Anthony Alonzo sa "Bago Kumalat ang Kamandag", ang marahas na kontrabida role ni Goma sa "Dahas", ang method acting ni Marvin Agustin sa "Kutob", ang nakakaiyak na eksena nina Johnny Delgado at Edu Manzano sa "Tanging Yaman", ang NPA role ni Ate Guy sa "Andrea, Paano ba ang maging Isang Ina" at ang fluent na American English ni Bronson sa "Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo".
Sa kabila ng makukulay na pamana ng mga naunang MMFF, hindi masyadong naging mabunga ang huling festival. Heto ang mga ani ayon sa aking pagkagusto o pagkainis:
DESPERADAS: Amoy Pinipig
Para sa akin, itong "Desperadas" ni Joel Lamangan ang pinaka na-appreciate kong entry para sa MMFF 2007. Isinulat ito ng isang manunulat na hindi bading at hindi babae (ayon sa aking pagkakaalam) at wala akong gustong tumbukin sa aspetong ito. Nakakagulat lang na ang isang kikay film ay isinulat ng isang lalake (si Roy Iglesias) at lumabas na epektibo pa rin. Maayos ang porma ng pagkekwento, hindi episodic at nakaangkla sa tema. Panalo ang mga babaeng karakter dito, hindi sila api at sila ang tunay na nagrereyna. Walang sundot ang pelikulang ito sa lagay ng politika at ekonomiya, walang opresyon o ano pa mang araw-araw mo nang nasisinghot. Walang ka-pressure-pressure kahit na kahit saan mo pa tingnan ay pinagsamang "Sex and the City" ito at "Desperate Housewives". Dito naman nagkulang ang pelikula. Nagmukhang novelty ang mga eksenang kikiliti sana dahil matapang nitong tinalakay ang seksuwallidad ng kababaihan nang walang patumangga. Naging obvious na nagpapatawa lang talaga ang sumulat at ang pagkakadirek. Mas gugustuhin ko ito kung gumawa pa ng effort sa situational comedy ang lumikha. Dito ay mas makaka-relate ang mga Noypi at tuluyang makikisimpatiya sa mga bida. Magagaling ang mga bida. Kahit ang nakakairitang si Ruffa ay nagamit sa tamang liksi ang kaartehan. Si Marian Rivera ay mahusay ring mag-deliver ng mga linya, magaling magbagsak at merong timing. Hindi ko lang maramdaman na naka-internalize ang karakter sa kanya.
SAKAL, SAKALI, SAKLOLO: Fruitcake
Lahat na yata ng sahog para maaliw ang buong pamilya ay isinaksak na sa pelikulang ito. Meron para sa lahat (pagbaha ng luha, travelogue, comedy, hiritan, mga nanay na baliw, mga tatay na sabungero, sosyal na parents, etc.). Nakakalungkot lang na wala na akong nakitang bago ngayon, sinaid na ng naunang installment. Kahit ang mga eksena ni Bronson ay nakakasawa na rin maliban na lang sa huling eksena kung saan tila pinaglilihian na s'ya ng karakter ni Juday. Naisip ko na rin kung papasa ba bilang primer sa pag-aasawa ang pelikulang ito ni Jose Javier Reyes pero mas pinili kong magpakaaliw sa kanyang cameo bilang isang discriminating Pinoy sa Barcelona.
BANAL: Mga Kuwitis na Walang Direksyon
Maganda ang vision ng gumawa ng pelikula. Kahit papaano, masaya na ring isipin na kung ang Pinoy action film ay nasa ganitong direksyon, gaganahan akong pumila kahit pa si Manny Pacquiao ang bida. Nabuo ni Cesar Apolinario bilang direktor ang mundo na gustong ibahagi ng "Banal", isang rollercoaster ride ng mga pulis na pabago-bago ang ideolohiya at ang pagsagip sa isang universal na idea (Katolisismo, Santo Papa). Tila kuwitis ang ilang eksena na nagtatanim ng excitement para abangan kung mababaril ba si Pope o hindi. Kahit ang mga artista ay nakisabay sa energy ng mga gumawa ng pelikula. Si Alfred Vargas ay akting na akting. Gusto ko na s'yang patigilin minsan at sabihing "oo na, masama ka nang tao, gets na namin ang gusto mong iarte" habang si Boyet naman ay idinaan sa pagsigaw-sigaw ang karakter na disiplinadong officer. Si Paolo Contis lang ang bumalanse talaga pero hindi pa rin sapat. Mas kapana-panabik siguro kung si Marvin Agustin kay Contis, si Ricky Davao kay Boyet at si Joem Bascon kay Alfred. Naawa rin ako sa CGI ng pelikula. Hindi ito nakatulong sa ilang eksena. Ang tensyon sa huling bahagi ng pelikula ay mabilis na nanlambot nang umusbong ang CGI. Kailangang paghusayin pa ni G. Apolinaryo ang pagsusulat. Maraming karakter ang masyadong nakakahon, hindi 3D, at lahat sila ay nagpapaliwanag. Sa panahon ngayon, kahit ang mga bad guys sa mga superhero movie mula Hollywood ay binibigyan pa rin ng bida moment sa paglalahad ng konting background sa kanilang pinaggalingan.
BAHAY-KUBO: Ang Halaman ay Sari-sari
Isa ito marahil sa mga kahenyuhan ni Mother Lily. Kailangan n'yang mai-cast ang sangkaterbang talent para sa isang project. Ensemble cast ang tawag sa ganito, kamukha ng mga pelikula ng Regal n'ung 80's. Pero hindi naman nangulelat ang pelikulang ito sa pagbibigay-aliw. May ginto pa rin naman kahit na nagtataka ka kung tila isang pagpupugay yata ito sa filmography ni Maricel Soriano: mula sa mataray na baklang karakter hanggang sa pagiging isang seasoned actress. Hindi ako nagulat kung walang "grade" ang pelikula mula sa Cinema Evaluation Board. Walang masyadong old school na lesson ang gustong iparating ng pelikula. Tungkol ba talaga saan ang movie? Anong mapupulot ko rito? At magsisinungaling ba talaga ako sa DSWD? Medyo new age pa nga kung tutuusin ang mga karakter nina Maria at ni Gloria Romero. Sa mga artista, agaw-eksena si Eugene Domingo. Sa mga bata, gusto ko ang akting ni Shaina Magdayao rito. Nilamon n'ya si Marimar sa isang eksena nang buong buo. Pero siguro, kailangan ding i-consider ang karakter nilang dalawa.
RESIKLO: Ambisyoso
Malayo ang narating ng CGI sa pelikulang ito. Sangkaterba sila at nakakalunod na minsan lalo na't hindi naman realistic ang pagkakalapat sa katumbas nitong "live action". Dito naman magaling sina Chito Rono, Peque Gallaga at Erik Matti, ang tamang pagtitimpla ng totoo at hindi. Si Mark Reyes ay epektibo sigurong cinematographer pero hindi pa ako kumakagat sa kanyang direksyon at pagsusulat. Maayos ang tunog ng pelikula kaya't nararapat na sa THX cinema ito mapanood. Halo-halo rin ang aktingan dito: merong OA (Dingdong Dantes), merong magaling ang timing (Paolo Contis) at merong pwede na (Bong Revilla).
KATAS NG SAUDI: Payak
Maayos ang pagkakagawa ng pelikula, halos perpekto. Pero masyado naman yatang simple para sa beteranong filmmaker at scriptwriter na si Jose Javier Reyes. Masakit na opinyon ito pero sa tingin ko, kahit high school student ay kayang isulat ang "Katas ng Saudi". Sana ay anakan ulit tayo ni Reyes ng mga obrang kamukha ng "Oro, Plata, Mata" at 'yung ilang ginawa n'ya para kay Lino Brocka. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, ito ang kauna-unahang pelikula ni Jinggoy Estrada na napanood ko. Grade A ang "Katas ng Saudi". Ang duda ko ay dahil sa gintong aral na nais ituro nito sa mga manonood: hindi kayo yayaman sa Pilipinas.
SHAKE, RATTLE and ROLL 9: Kaning-Baboy
Walang bago, walang kakaiba, walang kaabang-abang. Kung meron man akong hindi makalimutan, ito 'yung reaksyon ni Katrina Halili sa ilang palito ng posporo na merong sindi habang dahan-dahang lumulutang sa ere pababa sa puno. Maganda sana ang konsepto ng "Bangungot" episode nina Dennis Trillo pero nagmukhang masyadong malalim.
ENTENG KABISOTE 4: Hamon at Keso de Bola
Kailangan nating i-preserve ang mga pelikulang katulad nito. Kailangan nating ilagay sa time capsule ang isang halimbawa ng formula movie na nagpatingkad sa kasaysayan ng pelikulang Pilipino n'ung hindi pa uso ang mga indie films. Puwede itong gamitin bilang template. Sa awa ng Diyos, napanood ko ang pelikulang ito ng libre (salamat sa unang limang MMFF entry na napanood ko). Ang natitirang pag-asa ng pelikula ay ang ilang hagikhik na narinig ko sa mga tsikiting na nanood sa sinehan. Kailanman ay nananatiling pleaser ang mga karakter na may super power, mga artistang sa noontime show lang natin madalas mapanood, ilang slapstick comedy at si Bosing Vic. Sariwa pa sa akin ang eksena ni Bangkay habang tahasang ini-spoof si Pepe Smith (na kasali sa "Banal") sabay sambit ng "rak en rol!". Kalabisan naman sigurong sabihin na ang eksena ng mga babaeng aswang sa pangunguna ni Tita Swarding habang nagpapahid ng langis sa katawan ay nagpaalala sa akin ng pelikula ni Ishmael Bernal na "Mga Nunal sa Tubig".
Maraming mga imahe ang hindi ko makalimutan: ang mga pulis na nagbabantay ng halimaw sa LRT episode ng "Shake, Rattle and Roll 8", si Gina Alajar na isang zombie ay kumakain ng putik (mula rin sa "Shake...."), si Manilyn Reynes at ang kapayapaan sa kanyang mga mata nang makita ang krus sa likuran, ang mga kakaibang halimaw at goth sa "Salamangkero", ang hipnotismo mula sa sa kakaibang usok na lumalabas sa pagitan ng pinto at sahig sa "Alapaap" ni Tata Esteban, si Ate Guy bilang isang anghel sa "Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang", ang scene stealer scene ni Ara Mina sa unang "Mano Po", ang grand slam performance ni Piolo Pascual sa "Dekada '70", ang masikip at mainit na Correctional sa "Bulaklak ng City Jail", ang futuristic wedding nina Ate Vi at Boyet sa "Imortal" (sa Greenbelt Chapel ito nag-shooting), ang kawalan ng Best Picture winner noong 1986, ang pagsibol ng GMA Films sa mga mata ni Cesar Montano bilang bida sa "Jose Rizal" at "Muro Ami", ang hysteria ng "Crying Ladies", ang pagbaha ng luha ni Dawn Zulueta nang namatay ang kanilang unica hija sa isang bangka sa "Kung Mawawala ka Pa", ang CGI ng "Yamashita", ang slow-mo scene ni Melanie Marquez sa "The Untold Story of Melanie Marquez", ang madre na nakapula sa isang episode ng "Shake..." (cute pa si IC Mendoza rito), ang death scene ni Anthony Alonzo sa "Bago Kumalat ang Kamandag", ang marahas na kontrabida role ni Goma sa "Dahas", ang method acting ni Marvin Agustin sa "Kutob", ang nakakaiyak na eksena nina Johnny Delgado at Edu Manzano sa "Tanging Yaman", ang NPA role ni Ate Guy sa "Andrea, Paano ba ang maging Isang Ina" at ang fluent na American English ni Bronson sa "Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo".
Sa kabila ng makukulay na pamana ng mga naunang MMFF, hindi masyadong naging mabunga ang huling festival. Heto ang mga ani ayon sa aking pagkagusto o pagkainis:
DESPERADAS: Amoy Pinipig
Para sa akin, itong "Desperadas" ni Joel Lamangan ang pinaka na-appreciate kong entry para sa MMFF 2007. Isinulat ito ng isang manunulat na hindi bading at hindi babae (ayon sa aking pagkakaalam) at wala akong gustong tumbukin sa aspetong ito. Nakakagulat lang na ang isang kikay film ay isinulat ng isang lalake (si Roy Iglesias) at lumabas na epektibo pa rin. Maayos ang porma ng pagkekwento, hindi episodic at nakaangkla sa tema. Panalo ang mga babaeng karakter dito, hindi sila api at sila ang tunay na nagrereyna. Walang sundot ang pelikulang ito sa lagay ng politika at ekonomiya, walang opresyon o ano pa mang araw-araw mo nang nasisinghot. Walang ka-pressure-pressure kahit na kahit saan mo pa tingnan ay pinagsamang "Sex and the City" ito at "Desperate Housewives". Dito naman nagkulang ang pelikula. Nagmukhang novelty ang mga eksenang kikiliti sana dahil matapang nitong tinalakay ang seksuwallidad ng kababaihan nang walang patumangga. Naging obvious na nagpapatawa lang talaga ang sumulat at ang pagkakadirek. Mas gugustuhin ko ito kung gumawa pa ng effort sa situational comedy ang lumikha. Dito ay mas makaka-relate ang mga Noypi at tuluyang makikisimpatiya sa mga bida. Magagaling ang mga bida. Kahit ang nakakairitang si Ruffa ay nagamit sa tamang liksi ang kaartehan. Si Marian Rivera ay mahusay ring mag-deliver ng mga linya, magaling magbagsak at merong timing. Hindi ko lang maramdaman na naka-internalize ang karakter sa kanya.
SAKAL, SAKALI, SAKLOLO: Fruitcake
Lahat na yata ng sahog para maaliw ang buong pamilya ay isinaksak na sa pelikulang ito. Meron para sa lahat (pagbaha ng luha, travelogue, comedy, hiritan, mga nanay na baliw, mga tatay na sabungero, sosyal na parents, etc.). Nakakalungkot lang na wala na akong nakitang bago ngayon, sinaid na ng naunang installment. Kahit ang mga eksena ni Bronson ay nakakasawa na rin maliban na lang sa huling eksena kung saan tila pinaglilihian na s'ya ng karakter ni Juday. Naisip ko na rin kung papasa ba bilang primer sa pag-aasawa ang pelikulang ito ni Jose Javier Reyes pero mas pinili kong magpakaaliw sa kanyang cameo bilang isang discriminating Pinoy sa Barcelona.
BANAL: Mga Kuwitis na Walang Direksyon
Maganda ang vision ng gumawa ng pelikula. Kahit papaano, masaya na ring isipin na kung ang Pinoy action film ay nasa ganitong direksyon, gaganahan akong pumila kahit pa si Manny Pacquiao ang bida. Nabuo ni Cesar Apolinario bilang direktor ang mundo na gustong ibahagi ng "Banal", isang rollercoaster ride ng mga pulis na pabago-bago ang ideolohiya at ang pagsagip sa isang universal na idea (Katolisismo, Santo Papa). Tila kuwitis ang ilang eksena na nagtatanim ng excitement para abangan kung mababaril ba si Pope o hindi. Kahit ang mga artista ay nakisabay sa energy ng mga gumawa ng pelikula. Si Alfred Vargas ay akting na akting. Gusto ko na s'yang patigilin minsan at sabihing "oo na, masama ka nang tao, gets na namin ang gusto mong iarte" habang si Boyet naman ay idinaan sa pagsigaw-sigaw ang karakter na disiplinadong officer. Si Paolo Contis lang ang bumalanse talaga pero hindi pa rin sapat. Mas kapana-panabik siguro kung si Marvin Agustin kay Contis, si Ricky Davao kay Boyet at si Joem Bascon kay Alfred. Naawa rin ako sa CGI ng pelikula. Hindi ito nakatulong sa ilang eksena. Ang tensyon sa huling bahagi ng pelikula ay mabilis na nanlambot nang umusbong ang CGI. Kailangang paghusayin pa ni G. Apolinaryo ang pagsusulat. Maraming karakter ang masyadong nakakahon, hindi 3D, at lahat sila ay nagpapaliwanag. Sa panahon ngayon, kahit ang mga bad guys sa mga superhero movie mula Hollywood ay binibigyan pa rin ng bida moment sa paglalahad ng konting background sa kanilang pinaggalingan.
BAHAY-KUBO: Ang Halaman ay Sari-sari
Isa ito marahil sa mga kahenyuhan ni Mother Lily. Kailangan n'yang mai-cast ang sangkaterbang talent para sa isang project. Ensemble cast ang tawag sa ganito, kamukha ng mga pelikula ng Regal n'ung 80's. Pero hindi naman nangulelat ang pelikulang ito sa pagbibigay-aliw. May ginto pa rin naman kahit na nagtataka ka kung tila isang pagpupugay yata ito sa filmography ni Maricel Soriano: mula sa mataray na baklang karakter hanggang sa pagiging isang seasoned actress. Hindi ako nagulat kung walang "grade" ang pelikula mula sa Cinema Evaluation Board. Walang masyadong old school na lesson ang gustong iparating ng pelikula. Tungkol ba talaga saan ang movie? Anong mapupulot ko rito? At magsisinungaling ba talaga ako sa DSWD? Medyo new age pa nga kung tutuusin ang mga karakter nina Maria at ni Gloria Romero. Sa mga artista, agaw-eksena si Eugene Domingo. Sa mga bata, gusto ko ang akting ni Shaina Magdayao rito. Nilamon n'ya si Marimar sa isang eksena nang buong buo. Pero siguro, kailangan ding i-consider ang karakter nilang dalawa.
RESIKLO: Ambisyoso
Malayo ang narating ng CGI sa pelikulang ito. Sangkaterba sila at nakakalunod na minsan lalo na't hindi naman realistic ang pagkakalapat sa katumbas nitong "live action". Dito naman magaling sina Chito Rono, Peque Gallaga at Erik Matti, ang tamang pagtitimpla ng totoo at hindi. Si Mark Reyes ay epektibo sigurong cinematographer pero hindi pa ako kumakagat sa kanyang direksyon at pagsusulat. Maayos ang tunog ng pelikula kaya't nararapat na sa THX cinema ito mapanood. Halo-halo rin ang aktingan dito: merong OA (Dingdong Dantes), merong magaling ang timing (Paolo Contis) at merong pwede na (Bong Revilla).
KATAS NG SAUDI: Payak
Maayos ang pagkakagawa ng pelikula, halos perpekto. Pero masyado naman yatang simple para sa beteranong filmmaker at scriptwriter na si Jose Javier Reyes. Masakit na opinyon ito pero sa tingin ko, kahit high school student ay kayang isulat ang "Katas ng Saudi". Sana ay anakan ulit tayo ni Reyes ng mga obrang kamukha ng "Oro, Plata, Mata" at 'yung ilang ginawa n'ya para kay Lino Brocka. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, ito ang kauna-unahang pelikula ni Jinggoy Estrada na napanood ko. Grade A ang "Katas ng Saudi". Ang duda ko ay dahil sa gintong aral na nais ituro nito sa mga manonood: hindi kayo yayaman sa Pilipinas.
SHAKE, RATTLE and ROLL 9: Kaning-Baboy
Walang bago, walang kakaiba, walang kaabang-abang. Kung meron man akong hindi makalimutan, ito 'yung reaksyon ni Katrina Halili sa ilang palito ng posporo na merong sindi habang dahan-dahang lumulutang sa ere pababa sa puno. Maganda sana ang konsepto ng "Bangungot" episode nina Dennis Trillo pero nagmukhang masyadong malalim.
ENTENG KABISOTE 4: Hamon at Keso de Bola
Kailangan nating i-preserve ang mga pelikulang katulad nito. Kailangan nating ilagay sa time capsule ang isang halimbawa ng formula movie na nagpatingkad sa kasaysayan ng pelikulang Pilipino n'ung hindi pa uso ang mga indie films. Puwede itong gamitin bilang template. Sa awa ng Diyos, napanood ko ang pelikulang ito ng libre (salamat sa unang limang MMFF entry na napanood ko). Ang natitirang pag-asa ng pelikula ay ang ilang hagikhik na narinig ko sa mga tsikiting na nanood sa sinehan. Kailanman ay nananatiling pleaser ang mga karakter na may super power, mga artistang sa noontime show lang natin madalas mapanood, ilang slapstick comedy at si Bosing Vic. Sariwa pa sa akin ang eksena ni Bangkay habang tahasang ini-spoof si Pepe Smith (na kasali sa "Banal") sabay sambit ng "rak en rol!". Kalabisan naman sigurong sabihin na ang eksena ng mga babaeng aswang sa pangunguna ni Tita Swarding habang nagpapahid ng langis sa katawan ay nagpaalala sa akin ng pelikula ni Ishmael Bernal na "Mga Nunal sa Tubig".
Monday, January 07, 2008
Some Residue from 2007
01> Pre-American Idol CD of Taylor Hicks. Signed;
02> Home-made beef tapa meal from Paul Calvin's. P150;
03> Overwhelming Christmas gifts from friends;
04> Idol Joel Salvador's magazine cover pic;05> Binyagan at San Sebastian Church (the church of steel);
06> Concert-for-a-cause called "One Night Stand" (it's for real!);
07> The Dawn live (good enough for a pre-Christmas treat);08> Funny sari-sari store name somewhere between Tiaong and Sariaya;
09> Hearty lunch with Miso noodle soup and California Maki at Rai-raiken at SM Lucena;
10> Highschool Batch '93 meeting (and vodka sipping) for next year's 15th year reunion;11> Tissue paper from Qatar (isang box!); and
12> My mom's paella for Media Noche.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
I Still Know What I Did Last Two Weekends
Two weekends ago, I was at Bob's for a vain photo-op for my new passport. Ages ago, I had my first passport pic taken from the same studio. Don't ask me for a copy of it cause you might mistake me for, hmm, never mind. Anyway, I will be having my third passport soon and what a way to celebrate it by revisiting Bob's. They now charge P600+ for a dozen copies of passport photos (the travel agent will be needing five for the renewal). There's nothing fancy with the whole experience. Nothing has really changed much except for the fact that the process is now digital.
From there, I got a bilao of Pancit ng Taga-Malabon then took a cab to Titus Brandsma Media Center for a simple Christmas gathering and the usual film showing. We were only eight in the room then. I caught "Les Choristes" halfway and finished the next film, a Japanese melodrama entitled "One Litre of Tears". Had some ice cream, pancit and soda. Call it eat-and-run but at 7pm, I was already at GB3 catching "The Golden Compass".
Sunday. A Christmas Party was held inside the boarding house with none other than, my housemates! Seven party people in the cute (read: not so big, not so tiny) living room with lots of food, videoke and kris kringle. I had two bottles of SMB Light and I received a black and sleek Esprit umbrella (ella, ella, ella).
Last weekend, I got up early and took a cab to MV Doulus or more popularly known as "the floating bookshop". It was a sunny Saturday and the heat was unusually energy zapping for mid-December. I alighted at the port area's Gate 1 (just near Manila Hotel) and walked my ass off to the entrance of the ship. At 10am, I was already browsing through the books and ended up buying a diet book (!), a Bible story in manga (aptly called "The Manga Messiah"), a world map, some postcards and a cap. Right at the exit, some books were being given out for free (mostly inspirational). I was informed that this is going to be the last visit of the ship.I was at World Bazaar at World Trade Center by lunchtime. It was a, err, a bazaar. Very Greenhills but less chaotic. The first thing that I did was get a fix of Korean pancit (sold by three Korean gals in a hypnotic Korean-English accent) and Lipton Green Tea. Stall by stall, I managed to check out the stuff they're selling: from laptray (cushion attached to a tray) to ammunition to ABS-CBN shirts and Lastikman apparel. There's a special section called "Celebrity Village" where local celebs had a chance to rent a space and sell their wares (KC Concepcion, Andrea del Rosario, Juday and a lot more). Don't worry, they're not present on that day. I left the place with only one piece of new shirt.
The rest of the afternoon was spent with getting an Avenue Q shirt at RCBC Plaza (Juday and Ryan Agoncillo just got in, I saw them), fetching my passport pics and a newly acquired John Lennon - Imagine woodmounted poster from Frame Plus (I got the poster from Odyssey) and some quicky shopping at SM Makati. In the evening, I was about to go to Ateneo to catch Glen Mas' "Death of a Memory" but the Christmas traffic hindered me from doing so. I just stayed home and, well, slept.Nothing much last Sunday. The highlight could be the first Simbang Gabi and a hearty early breakfast with bibingka and puto bumbong. At 11pm, my roommate and I were already cruising along Burgos, looking for a bar that would treat us with a live via satellite Chelsea vs. Arsenal game. Too bad, we didn't catch any. Frustrated, we just went to Top Grill along Jupiter for a couple of beers. Hours later, bad news reached us. Chelsea lost, 1-0. Damn! Oh well, Manuel.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Movie Digest # 032
GONE BABY GONE
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, December 5, 10:00pm
Yes, Ben Affleck can direct. It’s not obvious yet but rest assured that I would be watching his next film as a film director. Pero nakakaduda rin na baka sobrang maganda lang ang material. The same guy who gave us the critically acclaimed “Mystic River” authors the book (and the screenplay?) and I wasn’t disappointed. Gusto ko ‘yung multiple characters, ‘yung halos walang lead. Gusto ko ‘yung mga kamukha nito na tumatalakay sa isang maliit na komunidad na humihinga at nabubuhay nang kolektibo. Most importantly, I like films that are bold enough to post a difficult moral question addressed to the viewers, something that is worth tackling even after the end credits. .
Friends who might appreciate it: Oscar 2008 expectators.
EASTERN PROMISES
Power Plant, Cinema 5, December 7, 10:10pm
This should be retitled to “Eastern Surprises” as the film becomes one of my favorite films for 2007. It has some elements of “The Godfather” or even “The Departed” but the delivery is not alienating. It created a world of its own without being a sell-out or too mainstream. It must be the acting ensemble where everybody deserves a nod or two. Viggo’s acting best. Pang-Oscars ang mga ginawa n’ya including the gory hand-to-hand fight inside a bathhouse without wearing anything and a commendable Russian accent. Not to disappoint too are the Hitchcock fans for some frames are very reminiscent of the Master of Suspense’s works. A must-see.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who are in for a ride.
THE GOLDEN COMPASS
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1, December 8, 7:00pm
It’s one of those “not-as-good-as-the-book” films. I don’t know what exactly went wrong because the production design is OK, costume/make-up is fine, acting, etc. The film is technically above average as compared to "Narnia". Maybe the problem lies within the storytelling. “The Golden Compass”, instead of revealing truth, maligns and confuses the audience. For instance, it’s very puzzling why Lyra is very much strongwilled to do what she has to do. What is she thinking? What is her drive to overcome the series of unfortunate events that she’s been in? If you haven’t read the book, chances are, you’ll be lost with this compass.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who had read the Dark Materials Book I by Philip Pullman and was eager to watch the film before buying the next two books (“Subtle Knife” and “Amber Spyglass”).
BATANES
Glorietta 1, Cinema 1, December 9, 1:55pm
If you’re a fan of Batanes (the place) and always keen to book a trip for a summer weekend-away but ended up just planning, this film is perfect for you. The images of the waves crushing through the cliff and down the rocks are mindblowing (no joke!). Another way to experience that is to visit some spots in Australia or Farewell Spit in New Zealand. The sand, the seashore, the sturdy houses built for the typhoons, plus Iza Calzado’s bucolic beauty and some helicopter shots of the blue sea are simply amazing. Never mind that it has a story. Don’t be too intimate with it, with the characters and the plot ‘cause you might end up being disapointed. Or maybe the story is good and can be easily forgiven but some execution of the scenes are too lousy. Or it could be another case of poor editing as some story highlights require further explanation. Why is Sid Lucero always appearing in the sea out of the blue? How come the “Swept Away” plot is too unbelievable? As the song goes, “too many questions but the answers are still few”.
Friends who might appreciate it: backpackers and F4 fans.
ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE
SM Mall of Asia, Cinema 1, December 16, 3:15pm
I am not sure if I like this film for I can’t say much about it. If there’s one assurance, it must be the film being a visual feast. I like the cinematography, the costumes, the lavish sets and the “eye” of the whole film. Not to mention the no nonsense presence of Cate Blanchett and Amanda Morton. In spite of all these goodness, the movie fails to make a remarkable kick. Yes it’s good but it lacks emotional participation. I wasn’t moved, I wasn’t uprooted from my seat and I didn’t cry. The film “The Queen” already risked on similar characterization but I can say that I appreciate the efforts more of this film to further womanize as well as humanize Queen Elizabeth, one of the greatest queens of England.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who are dumbstruck when Gwyneth Paltrow for “Shakespeare in Love” won over Cate Blanchett for “Elizabeth”.
PAPER DOLLS
Greenbelt 1, Cinema 1, December 17, 8:00pm
Poignant and personal. This docu probes the lives of a group of Filipino transvestites in Tel Aviv, Israel, seen in the eyes of a foreigner. The group is composed of caregivers, parlorista and choreographers by day and drag queens by night. Well, it has the ingredients of being a crowd-pleaser: the drama, the migration blues, discrimination and norms. What's really notable is the honesty and curiosity imbibed by the Israeli filmmaker. One segment showcases the director being transformed into a drag. Also, I don't find the docu too technical or too mechanical similar to what we normally see on local TV. At some point, it has a home-made video feel that works and complements. If you have time, go and catch this one.
Friends who might appreciate it: docu fans (in drag?).
ENCHANTED
Glorietta 4, Cinema 1, December 17, 10:30pm
If you want something clean and wholesome, this film is top of the list. At first, I had no plans to watch this film but when the Golden Globe nominees were announced recently and Amy Adams (the one who played Giselle) got a nod for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, I hurried to catch this film on its second (or third?) week. Well, one thing's for sure, "Enchanted" is not pretentious. I think its only intention is to come up with a standard Disney film and on that regard, they succeeded. Miss Adams is a great reminder that any role can be taken seriously. She's on the same league with Johnny Depp for "Pirates of the Caribbean" or even our very own Charito Solis for the "OK Ka, Fairy Ko" series.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who happen to know Mc Dreamy.
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, December 5, 10:00pm
Yes, Ben Affleck can direct. It’s not obvious yet but rest assured that I would be watching his next film as a film director. Pero nakakaduda rin na baka sobrang maganda lang ang material. The same guy who gave us the critically acclaimed “Mystic River” authors the book (and the screenplay?) and I wasn’t disappointed. Gusto ko ‘yung multiple characters, ‘yung halos walang lead. Gusto ko ‘yung mga kamukha nito na tumatalakay sa isang maliit na komunidad na humihinga at nabubuhay nang kolektibo. Most importantly, I like films that are bold enough to post a difficult moral question addressed to the viewers, something that is worth tackling even after the end credits. .
Friends who might appreciate it: Oscar 2008 expectators.
EASTERN PROMISES
Power Plant, Cinema 5, December 7, 10:10pm
This should be retitled to “Eastern Surprises” as the film becomes one of my favorite films for 2007. It has some elements of “The Godfather” or even “The Departed” but the delivery is not alienating. It created a world of its own without being a sell-out or too mainstream. It must be the acting ensemble where everybody deserves a nod or two. Viggo’s acting best. Pang-Oscars ang mga ginawa n’ya including the gory hand-to-hand fight inside a bathhouse without wearing anything and a commendable Russian accent. Not to disappoint too are the Hitchcock fans for some frames are very reminiscent of the Master of Suspense’s works. A must-see.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who are in for a ride.
THE GOLDEN COMPASS
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1, December 8, 7:00pm
It’s one of those “not-as-good-as-the-book” films. I don’t know what exactly went wrong because the production design is OK, costume/make-up is fine, acting, etc. The film is technically above average as compared to "Narnia". Maybe the problem lies within the storytelling. “The Golden Compass”, instead of revealing truth, maligns and confuses the audience. For instance, it’s very puzzling why Lyra is very much strongwilled to do what she has to do. What is she thinking? What is her drive to overcome the series of unfortunate events that she’s been in? If you haven’t read the book, chances are, you’ll be lost with this compass.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who had read the Dark Materials Book I by Philip Pullman and was eager to watch the film before buying the next two books (“Subtle Knife” and “Amber Spyglass”).
BATANES
Glorietta 1, Cinema 1, December 9, 1:55pm
If you’re a fan of Batanes (the place) and always keen to book a trip for a summer weekend-away but ended up just planning, this film is perfect for you. The images of the waves crushing through the cliff and down the rocks are mindblowing (no joke!). Another way to experience that is to visit some spots in Australia or Farewell Spit in New Zealand. The sand, the seashore, the sturdy houses built for the typhoons, plus Iza Calzado’s bucolic beauty and some helicopter shots of the blue sea are simply amazing. Never mind that it has a story. Don’t be too intimate with it, with the characters and the plot ‘cause you might end up being disapointed. Or maybe the story is good and can be easily forgiven but some execution of the scenes are too lousy. Or it could be another case of poor editing as some story highlights require further explanation. Why is Sid Lucero always appearing in the sea out of the blue? How come the “Swept Away” plot is too unbelievable? As the song goes, “too many questions but the answers are still few”.
Friends who might appreciate it: backpackers and F4 fans.
ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE
SM Mall of Asia, Cinema 1, December 16, 3:15pm
I am not sure if I like this film for I can’t say much about it. If there’s one assurance, it must be the film being a visual feast. I like the cinematography, the costumes, the lavish sets and the “eye” of the whole film. Not to mention the no nonsense presence of Cate Blanchett and Amanda Morton. In spite of all these goodness, the movie fails to make a remarkable kick. Yes it’s good but it lacks emotional participation. I wasn’t moved, I wasn’t uprooted from my seat and I didn’t cry. The film “The Queen” already risked on similar characterization but I can say that I appreciate the efforts more of this film to further womanize as well as humanize Queen Elizabeth, one of the greatest queens of England.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who are dumbstruck when Gwyneth Paltrow for “Shakespeare in Love” won over Cate Blanchett for “Elizabeth”.
PAPER DOLLS
Greenbelt 1, Cinema 1, December 17, 8:00pm
Poignant and personal. This docu probes the lives of a group of Filipino transvestites in Tel Aviv, Israel, seen in the eyes of a foreigner. The group is composed of caregivers, parlorista and choreographers by day and drag queens by night. Well, it has the ingredients of being a crowd-pleaser: the drama, the migration blues, discrimination and norms. What's really notable is the honesty and curiosity imbibed by the Israeli filmmaker. One segment showcases the director being transformed into a drag. Also, I don't find the docu too technical or too mechanical similar to what we normally see on local TV. At some point, it has a home-made video feel that works and complements. If you have time, go and catch this one.
Friends who might appreciate it: docu fans (in drag?).
ENCHANTED
Glorietta 4, Cinema 1, December 17, 10:30pm
If you want something clean and wholesome, this film is top of the list. At first, I had no plans to watch this film but when the Golden Globe nominees were announced recently and Amy Adams (the one who played Giselle) got a nod for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, I hurried to catch this film on its second (or third?) week. Well, one thing's for sure, "Enchanted" is not pretentious. I think its only intention is to come up with a standard Disney film and on that regard, they succeeded. Miss Adams is a great reminder that any role can be taken seriously. She's on the same league with Johnny Depp for "Pirates of the Caribbean" or even our very own Charito Solis for the "OK Ka, Fairy Ko" series.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who happen to know Mc Dreamy.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Paalam, Rene O. Villanueva
Nakakagulat ang isang posting sa isang film Yahoogroup. Pumanaw na ang manunulat na si Rene Villanueva. Heto ang nilalaman:
Our beloved writer friend Rene Villanueva has passed away last dec. 3. You can visit his wake at Sanctuarium in Araneta Corner Quezon Avenue until dec.7. He will be laid on Dec. 8 at UP Diliman (Fairies Garden). His famous works as writer include Batibot, May Isang Sundalo, Asawa, Kaaway sa Sulod, The Bomb, Watawat, "Botong" (Carlos Francisco Life Story), Tiktipaklong, Ibong Adarna and more. please pass. thanksKamakailan lamang ay humingi pa ako ng autograph sa kanya. Mukha na s'yang mahina noon pero itinago ito ng polo n'ya na kulay green. Nakita ko s'ya sa isang pagtatanghal ng Virgin Labfest sa CCP kung saan kabilang ang kanyang obra na "Bertdey ni Guido". Tungkol ito sa isang batang kasing-kaarawan ng EDSA People Power. May nalikha akong blog tungkol dito kung hindi ako nagkakamali. Ang hindi ko lang makalimutan ay ang nag-iisang pangungusap na nasambit ko sa kanya: "Sir, I owe you my childhood."
Doods J.
Cineaste moderator
Cinema One Originals 2007
It wasn’t as successful in terms of attendance as this year’s Cinemalaya (or even Cinemanila) but still, Cinema One Originals Film Festival has the balls to challenge the mainstream and to offer the movie buffs an alternative avenue. I hope other media companies like GMA-7 or the Ayala Group could open doors to our thriving film artists (many are still untapped unfortunately).
Last long weekend (November 30 to December 2), I went to Glorietta 4 to catch a film or two a day. Another screening was being mounted at Trinoma also on the same weekend. This year, Ayala Malls sponsored the festival while the very first one was at SM Megamall (no idea about last year’s). A film costs P130 (a bit pricier compared to Cinemalaya’s P100) and there were five “originals” to watch. Just a little background, Cinema One funded each film for a whopping P1M (Cinemalaya offers only half of it).
Below are my two cents (in chronological order that I saw them):
PRINSESA – I was reminded of a film poster for “Palindromes” about an obese girl facing a jungle but I think the two are different. This film by Lawrence Fajardo of “Kultado” fame is about OFWs told in a very subtle and not-the-usual tale of oppression and melodrama. The father who finds a contractual job abroad realizes that his daughter’s obesity is his absence impregnated. Of course, the ending is predictable. What’s not predictable is the nonexistence of a talky script. The first parts (roughly 15 minutes) are executed with less words and just images of a father trying to move on with the help of his sister, his daughter and a granny without even explaining what’s really happening. Oh, the power of images! If only mainstream directors could appreciate this advantage of executing “silent” scenes. Acting-wise, the cast delivers well including Romnick Sarmenta as the father and Hopia (I forgot her last name) as the daughter. Shamaine Centenara and Archie Adamos provide a great support.
MALING AKALA – The plot might be thin but I still appreciate this latest film from the same team that brought us the highly acclaimed “Inang Yaya”. First, the location, a fishing village somewhere in Pampanga, was transformed into a Venetian paradise, complete with the iconic “San Marco” dome and the rigger-less boats that pass to and from the fish ponds. That alone is worth the ticket. As for the cast, I am not sure if Victor Basa can deliver (Jodi Sta. Maria-Lacson is always a safe choice). He reminds me of Ariel Rivera when first made a break in “Nandito Ako” with Aga Muhlach and Lea Salonga, very raw and amateurish. The false assumption in the film allegedly is Victor’s character to be straight. These two folks met in a bus and they acted like a couple with Jodi’s parents as audience. Before the film ends, Jodi’s character caught Victor’s character making love to a fisherman. This is where the film hits a lump in the throat. There’s too much “planting” in it even from the very start and the twist doesn’t come as a surprise. Just the same, the movie boasts of beautiful cinematography and some commendable close-up shots.
TAMBOLISTA – This is my brave bet as the festival’s best picture. It’s very Pinoy, very Brocka but not very artsy. The film tackles a sad and tragic story of a teenager who is saving up money for a drumset. That’s basically the film’s main plot but it is cleverly juxtaposed with other subplots about the main protagonist’s brother with a girlfriend who undergoes an abortion, a friend in search of meaning and a pair of noisy oldies who fight about anything nonsense. The film is done in B&W and color (red) only appears when there’s a bloody scene (complemented by Khavn’s effective musical score of mostly drumbeats). I don’t understand the significance of this over the material but that’s fine. The three lead actors (Jiro Manio, Sid Lucero and Coco Martin) deliver a great and occasionally natural performance. Sid Lucero, who played a disturbed comrade, won the Best Actor award. Jiro Manio might have provided a more heartfelt characterization but Sid has made sure that he is “present” in every scene that he’s in. I can also say that this is Adolf Alix’s best work as a director (though I haven’t seen his “Donsol”).
ALTAR – There’s something unusual about a Rico Maria Ilarde film. I’ve seen his “Sa Ilalim ng Cogon” and both films have a script that makes all the speaking lines very intellectual. This might not work on some characters that do not require eloquence and sensibility but just the same, the script is fun to see coming to life. This suspense film still carries the same scare tactics popularized by blockbuster films like “Feng Shui” or “Sukob” but it has its own unique charm. It must be the urge that is seeded in every moviegoer to look what lies beneath and go beyond the extra mile in uncovering the unknown. The good thing is that it doesn’t have to explain much. It created a world that doesn’t have to be conceivable. The last scene having Zanjoe Marudo crying over his new duty as a “guard” while looking at his loved one (Dimples Romana) through a small attic window is memorable.
CONFESSIONAL – This is the festival’s Best Picture. I prefer not to contest that for the film is very enjoyable and finely crafted. Right after watching this film, I concluded that two new filmmakers are now born and will be joining the roster of our talented young bloods. Technically, I have high praises for the film. It’s fresh and clearly a total experience for film buffs. Watching the film is like listening to a hip band performing live while enjoying a bottle of beer. Never-before seen images, infectious OST, cutthroat editing, what more can a cineaste would ask for? Unfortunately, beyond all these overwhelming goodness, the film didn’t move me.
Trip to Cubao X
I recently found my new place in this world. It’s called Cubao Expo or simply put, Cubao X. As the name suggests, it’s located at the heart of Cubao, just along the bus terminal near Ali Mall and beside Pure Gold (the mall formerly known as COD).
It’s there for more than two years now. It was called Marikina Shoe Expo before (the bold sign can still be seen at the side of the building). The street where it is located is called Romulo Avenue. On top are two giant Cubao Expo signs, enticing you to get in. No entrance fees, no inspections.
The place is like a U-shaped avenida of hip stop-and-shops. There’s a hopia counter, a beer booth and the Italian resto called Bellini’s that is used in the film “One More Chance”. You can also find Heritage antique shop having a window decorated with old Pinoy film stills (I want that!). There are also some stalls called Breathing Space (or is it “room”?), Reading Place, an old school ukay-ukay shop plus other artsy-fartsy space for photography and visual arts. At the curve, there’s Mogwai Bar to enjoy a Saguijo-like atmosphere.
When I went there last Saturday (alone!), there’s an event for lomo lovers. There was a series of bands performing as if sky’s the limit. Night market stalls for Christmas shopping were also put up until midnight. I bought a pin with a Philippine flag on it, accentuated by the words “Multiply Pilipinas”. That’s for P40. I had a bottle of SMB Light (for 35 bucks) and roamed and observed the people. For a long time now, I felt at home and surprisingly at peace.
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