Accomplished during one of the Cultural Nights at Greenbelt 3 park for a jazz international event. She was launching her latest album "Stranger on the Shore" which is a collection of covers (addicted to her take on Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now").
Friday, February 25, 2011
Philography File # 016: Mishka Adams
Accomplished during one of the Cultural Nights at Greenbelt 3 park for a jazz international event. She was launching her latest album "Stranger on the Shore" which is a collection of covers (addicted to her take on Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now").
Philography File # 015: John Sayles
John Sayles is an Oscar nominated director who did films like "Piranha" and "Lone Star". I got the autograph before the screening of his latest Fil-Am war film "Amigo" last February 16 at U-View (Fully Booked, Bonifacio High Street).
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Movie Digest # 078
LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS
Glorietta 4, Cinema 6, January 28, 8:05pm
Do you know those rom-coms where the leading man, after hitting an epiphany minutes before the ending, rushes to his lady love, begs for a second chance and promises eternity? I’m tired of those and this one’s no exception. Sure it has Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway (reunited from “Brokeback Mountain”), and both are really good, but that’s about it.
Friends who might appreciate it: Anne-nonimous.
SHAOLIN
Glorietta 4, Cinema 4, January 28, 10:15pm
Most of my days spent when I was working in Singapore required me to appreciate Canto-Pop even from as far as Hongkong. Enter Andy Lau who is considered as one of the “Heavenly Kings” and who did wonderful films like “Infernal Affairs” and “Full Time Killers”. He’s in this period movie. He plays a cruel officer who transforms into a humble warrior after a tragic overtaking of power, a role that would require him to showcase his innate dramatic dreamcoat and a bit of an action figure. There’s also Jacky Chan who provides support to the project and a whole lot of martial arts spectacle. This is something that we don’t expect in art houses but sure the fight scenes are modestly enjoyable.
Friends who might appreciate it: I don’t know. How about those who miss Cynthia Luster?
RINDIDO
Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 8, January 30, 4:15pm
I’ve heard Noriel Jarito’s name before but I haven’t seen any of his short films yet (DVD compilations are being sold at the CCP shop). They are mostly about the plight of migrant workers and this feature length is no different. It’s about an OFW from the Middle East who comes home only to find out that his girl is having an affair with another man. “Rindido” is the state of mind the protagonist has to go through to deal with his adversary. I’m no scriptwriter but I think the film requires a clearer storytelling. For instance, an alternate ending confuses its simple premise and some technical aspects that need extra polishing didn’t help. Best part: the love scene.
Friends who might appreciate it: Definitely not for those who just came home from Egypt.
BULONG
Glorietta 4, Cinema 6, February 2, 7:50pm
I asked a high school friend to join me in watching this movie hinting that I will be disappointed if I watch it alone. True enough (and to my delight), my friend was a voluntary victim of the scare tactics that the film has to offer but also made it a point to laugh when needed (I think I chuckled in two or three scenes). On the minus side, I find the director a bit lazy on this one compared to his other works like “Feng Shui” and “Sukob”. The CGI is bad, the atmosphere is not balanced and probably the lead character being a male is not as flattering (though Vhong Navarro is a great actor, no doubt). I can say that since the movie made well in the box office, and that the crowd I was in when I saw it gladly reacted to the film, then the mission is accomplished.
Friends who might appreciate it: Those who wish to see Chito Roño’s take on comedy.
127 HOURS
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1, February 10, 8:50pm
Can we conclude that most, if not all, Danny Boyle’s films deal with survival? The poor kid in “Slumdog Millionaire”, the drug junkie in “Trainspotting”, the humans versus zombies in “28 Days Later”, the backpacker in “The Beach”, the astronauts in “Sunshine” and the little boy in “Millions”. This time around, the director opts to lie low with simple film production about a backpacker who gets stuck in a crack when a rock hits his right arm (pretty much the whole ordeal is a summary of “The Beach”). What I like about the film, aside from James Franco’s Oscar worthy performance, is how the whole 127 hours of torment become interesting visually. Thanks to Boyle’s style and the honesty of the real life account from which the project is adapted. Self reflective and engaging (the last 15 minutes made me cringe), this film ups my perspective in life and the people around me.
Friends who might appreciate it: My once-in-a-blue-moon trek buddies.
TANGLED
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2, February 10, 10:45pm
For the retelling of Rapunzel, yes. For the old-school Disney musical, yes. For the visuals (especially the one involving a gazillion lanterns), yes. It’s three yeses!
Friends who might appreciate it: Ricky Reyes. But wait, we’re not friends. Yet.
BROD
Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 7, February 17, 9:30pm
We’ve seen two Ray Gibraltar movies before and both are well received. His second outing, “Wanted: Border”, for instance, is my best Pinoy film for 2009. So I went to the cinema with high hopes (just like those who first saw the movie during Cinemanila last year). And not only that, screenwriter Archie del Mundo happens to be a co-Titusian. “Brod” is about the travails of Terence (Kenjie Garcia), a gay student, in going through the pitfalls of being a fraternity member. The initiation is interspersed with the path that he has to elbow when he meets Tad (Ardie Bascara), his fraternity lord. The two fell in love and together they face the final hazing. Direction is there. It’s just that I am not sure what the hell the film is for. Is it to raise money? Is it a platform for the director to prove that he can do a generic film? As for the story, I think it’s another anti-thesis to male sexuality, a notion (could be cheap to some) that everybody is prone to a sudden “gust of wind”. Archie did this with his “Ben & Sam” wherein a basketball star player is found to be gay. This time around, it’s somebody from the fraternity. Next, I’m guessing, is a taxi driver.
Friends who might appreciate it: Mr. Pete. Sorry, lack of sleep.
TRUE GRIT
Glorietta 4, Cinema 7, February 23, 7:55pm
Of course we are all watching this primarily because of the Coens (and that proposition is still golden with this one). This remake of a 1969 cowboy flick tells the long journey of 14-year old Mattie Ross (convincingly played by Hailee Steinfeld) as she demands justice for the death of his father. Together with U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges is Jeff Bridges) and LaBoeuf (Matt Damon who’s always good with the projects he chose), they take the road to retribution. I haven’t seen all the films of the Coen brothers but I find this one more mainstream audience-friendly than the others. It’s not in a hurry as Hollywood action movies do and has provided much attention to let the flawed characters simmer. It has the mood of John Wayne movies, the vast arid land (which has snow at some point, probably to correct something), horses and those duel scenes. Watch it, watch it!
Friends who might appreciate it: Those who miss the good old Western movies.
Glorietta 4, Cinema 6, January 28, 8:05pm
Do you know those rom-coms where the leading man, after hitting an epiphany minutes before the ending, rushes to his lady love, begs for a second chance and promises eternity? I’m tired of those and this one’s no exception. Sure it has Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway (reunited from “Brokeback Mountain”), and both are really good, but that’s about it.
Friends who might appreciate it: Anne-nonimous.
SHAOLIN
Glorietta 4, Cinema 4, January 28, 10:15pm
Most of my days spent when I was working in Singapore required me to appreciate Canto-Pop even from as far as Hongkong. Enter Andy Lau who is considered as one of the “Heavenly Kings” and who did wonderful films like “Infernal Affairs” and “Full Time Killers”. He’s in this period movie. He plays a cruel officer who transforms into a humble warrior after a tragic overtaking of power, a role that would require him to showcase his innate dramatic dreamcoat and a bit of an action figure. There’s also Jacky Chan who provides support to the project and a whole lot of martial arts spectacle. This is something that we don’t expect in art houses but sure the fight scenes are modestly enjoyable.
Friends who might appreciate it: I don’t know. How about those who miss Cynthia Luster?
RINDIDO
Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 8, January 30, 4:15pm
I’ve heard Noriel Jarito’s name before but I haven’t seen any of his short films yet (DVD compilations are being sold at the CCP shop). They are mostly about the plight of migrant workers and this feature length is no different. It’s about an OFW from the Middle East who comes home only to find out that his girl is having an affair with another man. “Rindido” is the state of mind the protagonist has to go through to deal with his adversary. I’m no scriptwriter but I think the film requires a clearer storytelling. For instance, an alternate ending confuses its simple premise and some technical aspects that need extra polishing didn’t help. Best part: the love scene.
Friends who might appreciate it: Definitely not for those who just came home from Egypt.
BULONG
Glorietta 4, Cinema 6, February 2, 7:50pm
I asked a high school friend to join me in watching this movie hinting that I will be disappointed if I watch it alone. True enough (and to my delight), my friend was a voluntary victim of the scare tactics that the film has to offer but also made it a point to laugh when needed (I think I chuckled in two or three scenes). On the minus side, I find the director a bit lazy on this one compared to his other works like “Feng Shui” and “Sukob”. The CGI is bad, the atmosphere is not balanced and probably the lead character being a male is not as flattering (though Vhong Navarro is a great actor, no doubt). I can say that since the movie made well in the box office, and that the crowd I was in when I saw it gladly reacted to the film, then the mission is accomplished.
Friends who might appreciate it: Those who wish to see Chito Roño’s take on comedy.
127 HOURS
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1, February 10, 8:50pm
Can we conclude that most, if not all, Danny Boyle’s films deal with survival? The poor kid in “Slumdog Millionaire”, the drug junkie in “Trainspotting”, the humans versus zombies in “28 Days Later”, the backpacker in “The Beach”, the astronauts in “Sunshine” and the little boy in “Millions”. This time around, the director opts to lie low with simple film production about a backpacker who gets stuck in a crack when a rock hits his right arm (pretty much the whole ordeal is a summary of “The Beach”). What I like about the film, aside from James Franco’s Oscar worthy performance, is how the whole 127 hours of torment become interesting visually. Thanks to Boyle’s style and the honesty of the real life account from which the project is adapted. Self reflective and engaging (the last 15 minutes made me cringe), this film ups my perspective in life and the people around me.
Friends who might appreciate it: My once-in-a-blue-moon trek buddies.
TANGLED
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2, February 10, 10:45pm
For the retelling of Rapunzel, yes. For the old-school Disney musical, yes. For the visuals (especially the one involving a gazillion lanterns), yes. It’s three yeses!
Friends who might appreciate it: Ricky Reyes. But wait, we’re not friends. Yet.
BROD
Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 7, February 17, 9:30pm
We’ve seen two Ray Gibraltar movies before and both are well received. His second outing, “Wanted: Border”, for instance, is my best Pinoy film for 2009. So I went to the cinema with high hopes (just like those who first saw the movie during Cinemanila last year). And not only that, screenwriter Archie del Mundo happens to be a co-Titusian. “Brod” is about the travails of Terence (Kenjie Garcia), a gay student, in going through the pitfalls of being a fraternity member. The initiation is interspersed with the path that he has to elbow when he meets Tad (Ardie Bascara), his fraternity lord. The two fell in love and together they face the final hazing. Direction is there. It’s just that I am not sure what the hell the film is for. Is it to raise money? Is it a platform for the director to prove that he can do a generic film? As for the story, I think it’s another anti-thesis to male sexuality, a notion (could be cheap to some) that everybody is prone to a sudden “gust of wind”. Archie did this with his “Ben & Sam” wherein a basketball star player is found to be gay. This time around, it’s somebody from the fraternity. Next, I’m guessing, is a taxi driver.
Friends who might appreciate it: Mr. Pete. Sorry, lack of sleep.
TRUE GRIT
Glorietta 4, Cinema 7, February 23, 7:55pm
Of course we are all watching this primarily because of the Coens (and that proposition is still golden with this one). This remake of a 1969 cowboy flick tells the long journey of 14-year old Mattie Ross (convincingly played by Hailee Steinfeld) as she demands justice for the death of his father. Together with U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges is Jeff Bridges) and LaBoeuf (Matt Damon who’s always good with the projects he chose), they take the road to retribution. I haven’t seen all the films of the Coen brothers but I find this one more mainstream audience-friendly than the others. It’s not in a hurry as Hollywood action movies do and has provided much attention to let the flawed characters simmer. It has the mood of John Wayne movies, the vast arid land (which has snow at some point, probably to correct something), horses and those duel scenes. Watch it, watch it!
Friends who might appreciate it: Those who miss the good old Western movies.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Movie Digest # 077
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2
Punta Carretas Shopping, Grupo Cine – Sala 3, November 6, 6:20pm
Same experience when I saw the first movie: a horror train ride. This time around, they incorporated both the prequel and the sequel into one, with the help of a funding from a bigger studio.
Friends who might appreciate it: Male friends who can potentially scream.
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Punta Carretas Shopping, Movie Center – Sala A, November 18, 7:45pm
Annette Bening and Julianne Moore lead the cast of this tale about a rainbow family who is shaken by the presence of the two kids’ father from artificial insemination (Mark Ruffalo). At first glance, the movie boasts of acting highlights from the lead. Oftentimes evident of a made-for-TV feel, I can say that it has a good story to tell at the very least. It just so happens that I feel like the film doesn’t make a giant leap from its initial offering (about two lesbian parents). Miss Bening deserves her Oscar nomination for this movie but it is Miss Moore’s presence that made a more affecting impact on me.
Friends who might appreciate it: Those who wish to see Annette Bening do a Hilary Swank role.
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1
Punta Carretas Shopping, Movie Center – Sala B, November 20, 4:00pm
What stands out of this latest franchise is that it has more time to inhale and exhale. It’s not in a hurry. For instance, the last part where the characters are into seclusion, a big chunk of running time is allotted for it. Thanks to the idea of splitting the last book into two movies (which they haven’t done before). I’m not a fan of Daniel Radcliffe and I still find it difficult ‘til now to see him do a scene that requires emotional heights. The film, of course, has other things under its belt: reliable supporting cast, CGI that is getting more and more polished and apparently J.K. Rowling’s participation in the production as a consultant.
Friends who might appreciate it: Easy. Fans of the book.
BURIED
Punta Carretas Shopping, Cines Hoyts – Sala 1, December 5, 8:30pm
Director Rodrigo Cortes’ challenge there is to create a story out of the claustrophobic box that serves as a coffin for Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds). Send in all the camera angles and you’ll have all the options for a serviceable storytelling. A bit mind-numbing to some but I enjoyed the tricks. Feels like a film school workshop has been thrown in and the student filmmaker got a good grade.
Friends who might appreciate it: Those who paid for half the price in a small cinema somewhere in Montevideo.
TRON LEGACY
SM Mall of Asia, IMAX Theater, January 15, 4:45pm
I was warned that the first Tron is a requirement. At some point, yes, but I think the sequel can stand on its own. There’s nothing much to root for story-wise though. It feels like the whole movie is just an episode of a bigger one. CGI is above average and should be the primary reason why the film has to be experienced in IMAX.
Friends who might appreciate it: Jeff Bridges fans. The movie has two of him.
THE TOURIST
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2, January 16, 8:50pm
The first few sequences of the movie are very much reminiscent of Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s critically-acclaimed German film “The Lives of Others”. Not that I was expecting it to be brilliant, not to mention that it is shot in Venice, but I ended up asking for more. I am not sure, too, if I like the twist (even if it’s delivered by the ever reliable Johnny Depp).
Friends who might appreciate it: Lovers of the most romantic city in the world.
PRESA
SM Megamall, Cinema 7, January 19, 9:00pm
“Presa” is Adolf Alix’ take on the lives of Filipino women prisoners. Mostly off-angled to present the dullness within, the movie deals with the country’s top actresses to deliver the tales of longing, cleansing and retribution. There’s Anita Linda, Rosanna Roces, Jody Sta. Maria, Tetchie Agbayani, Lisa Lorena, Angeli Bayani, Ina Feleo and more who all made one hell of an ensemble performance. I just don’t like the idea that everybody has to share their piece, echoing the “Cell Block Tango” from the musical “Chicago”, given the limited timeframe. Some scenes are stand-out like the trip to the pool and Anita Linda’s moment with her weeping shadow (this one got me).
Friends who might appreciate it: Those who think that the film deserves the very first Best Indie Film award on the recently concluded MMFF.
HEREAFTER
Glorietta 4, Cinema 5, January 21, 10:30pm
I am not sure if I have seen a Clint Eastwood film before where the storytelling involves different geography. On top of that, there’s the CGI (which is enjoyable in the first few minutes of the movie) and there’s paranormal activity. I think it’s the mix of these new stuffs that stirs the film from its potential goodness. Nevertheless, the story is conveyed through and that silver lining about the characters’ new lease on life is very much appreciated.
Friends who might appreciate it: “X-Files” spectators.
GREEN HORNET
Newport Cinema, Cinema 3, January 22, 7:50pm
Just like “The Tourist”, the film also suffers from the demands of a major Hollywood studio. Very basic in terms of blockbuster mold and I am not sure if Michel Gondry intended it that way. I was looking for a different touch, something that would stand out in most of his films and music videos, but I ended up with only two distinctly Gondry montages.
Friends who might appreciate it: Atenistas and La Sallistas alike.
Punta Carretas Shopping, Grupo Cine – Sala 3, November 6, 6:20pm
Same experience when I saw the first movie: a horror train ride. This time around, they incorporated both the prequel and the sequel into one, with the help of a funding from a bigger studio.
Friends who might appreciate it: Male friends who can potentially scream.
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Punta Carretas Shopping, Movie Center – Sala A, November 18, 7:45pm
Annette Bening and Julianne Moore lead the cast of this tale about a rainbow family who is shaken by the presence of the two kids’ father from artificial insemination (Mark Ruffalo). At first glance, the movie boasts of acting highlights from the lead. Oftentimes evident of a made-for-TV feel, I can say that it has a good story to tell at the very least. It just so happens that I feel like the film doesn’t make a giant leap from its initial offering (about two lesbian parents). Miss Bening deserves her Oscar nomination for this movie but it is Miss Moore’s presence that made a more affecting impact on me.
Friends who might appreciate it: Those who wish to see Annette Bening do a Hilary Swank role.
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1
Punta Carretas Shopping, Movie Center – Sala B, November 20, 4:00pm
What stands out of this latest franchise is that it has more time to inhale and exhale. It’s not in a hurry. For instance, the last part where the characters are into seclusion, a big chunk of running time is allotted for it. Thanks to the idea of splitting the last book into two movies (which they haven’t done before). I’m not a fan of Daniel Radcliffe and I still find it difficult ‘til now to see him do a scene that requires emotional heights. The film, of course, has other things under its belt: reliable supporting cast, CGI that is getting more and more polished and apparently J.K. Rowling’s participation in the production as a consultant.
Friends who might appreciate it: Easy. Fans of the book.
BURIED
Punta Carretas Shopping, Cines Hoyts – Sala 1, December 5, 8:30pm
Director Rodrigo Cortes’ challenge there is to create a story out of the claustrophobic box that serves as a coffin for Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds). Send in all the camera angles and you’ll have all the options for a serviceable storytelling. A bit mind-numbing to some but I enjoyed the tricks. Feels like a film school workshop has been thrown in and the student filmmaker got a good grade.
Friends who might appreciate it: Those who paid for half the price in a small cinema somewhere in Montevideo.
TRON LEGACY
SM Mall of Asia, IMAX Theater, January 15, 4:45pm
I was warned that the first Tron is a requirement. At some point, yes, but I think the sequel can stand on its own. There’s nothing much to root for story-wise though. It feels like the whole movie is just an episode of a bigger one. CGI is above average and should be the primary reason why the film has to be experienced in IMAX.
Friends who might appreciate it: Jeff Bridges fans. The movie has two of him.
THE TOURIST
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2, January 16, 8:50pm
The first few sequences of the movie are very much reminiscent of Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s critically-acclaimed German film “The Lives of Others”. Not that I was expecting it to be brilliant, not to mention that it is shot in Venice, but I ended up asking for more. I am not sure, too, if I like the twist (even if it’s delivered by the ever reliable Johnny Depp).
Friends who might appreciate it: Lovers of the most romantic city in the world.
PRESA
SM Megamall, Cinema 7, January 19, 9:00pm
“Presa” is Adolf Alix’ take on the lives of Filipino women prisoners. Mostly off-angled to present the dullness within, the movie deals with the country’s top actresses to deliver the tales of longing, cleansing and retribution. There’s Anita Linda, Rosanna Roces, Jody Sta. Maria, Tetchie Agbayani, Lisa Lorena, Angeli Bayani, Ina Feleo and more who all made one hell of an ensemble performance. I just don’t like the idea that everybody has to share their piece, echoing the “Cell Block Tango” from the musical “Chicago”, given the limited timeframe. Some scenes are stand-out like the trip to the pool and Anita Linda’s moment with her weeping shadow (this one got me).
Friends who might appreciate it: Those who think that the film deserves the very first Best Indie Film award on the recently concluded MMFF.
HEREAFTER
Glorietta 4, Cinema 5, January 21, 10:30pm
I am not sure if I have seen a Clint Eastwood film before where the storytelling involves different geography. On top of that, there’s the CGI (which is enjoyable in the first few minutes of the movie) and there’s paranormal activity. I think it’s the mix of these new stuffs that stirs the film from its potential goodness. Nevertheless, the story is conveyed through and that silver lining about the characters’ new lease on life is very much appreciated.
Friends who might appreciate it: “X-Files” spectators.
GREEN HORNET
Newport Cinema, Cinema 3, January 22, 7:50pm
Just like “The Tourist”, the film also suffers from the demands of a major Hollywood studio. Very basic in terms of blockbuster mold and I am not sure if Michel Gondry intended it that way. I was looking for a different touch, something that would stand out in most of his films and music videos, but I ended up with only two distinctly Gondry montages.
Friends who might appreciate it: Atenistas and La Sallistas alike.
Philography File # 014: JM de Guzman
I already had JM's autograph during Cinemalaya 2010 in time for the screening of the ensemble film "Rekrut" then saw him again during the gap for the staging of Dulaang UP's "Orosman at Zafira". He is now becoming one of the fast-rising young actors for 2011. He just wrapped up two drama shows on TV and is now ready to reprise the role of Gabriel (originally by Rico Yan) in the remake of "Mula sa Puso". Beyond all the details, I decided to create a separate Philography File entry for him because of the dedication. He is the first celebrity who addressed me as "tagailogspecial".
CCP's Pasinaya 2011
Every year, the Cultural Center of the Philippines opens its doors to the public through an event that consists of 100+ teasers and programs. Headlined by the center's resident groups like Tanghalang Pilipino and Ballet Theater Philippines, it is also participated by cultural groups from different schools. By the promise of it, it's very jampacked. I, for instance, missed two of the shows that I really wanted to see (excerpts from "Zsazsa Zaturnnah, Ze Muzical" and "Beatles in Baroque") because the house was already full. It was frustrating. The priority pass that costs P100 (which is a baller band and that is cool)doesn't work as an assurance for a seat. Aside from the dance numbers that popped from almost everywhere, I was delighted to see Ballet Philippines' "Hero's Journey" and the Phillipine Madrigal Singers' "All For Love" (which is in preparation for their concert of the same title for the February 12 and 13 weekend also in CCP).
More details about the event can be found in CCP website. And more pictures here.
SIDE TRIP: At around 3pm, I hurried to Robinsons Galleria to meet the group who would visit the shoot of the short film "Mate" (done by some students from Letran). The location is in Lakeside Park in Angono, Rizal, which I think prettier if we reached it before dusk. Some attempts at night shots here.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
SOFIA, Boots, Amalia
Last Saturday (February 5), I had the chance to be seated right behind two of my mom’s all-time favorite actresses. Miss Boots Anson-Roa (who probably had a vote from my mom when the great actress ran for senatorship) was in the first row, closer to the aisle than Miss Amalia Fuentes (mom calls her the epitome of beauty). The Society of Filipino Archivists for Film (or simply SOFIA) held their screening of Elwood Perez’ bold film “Isang Gabi, Tatlong Babae” (a 90’s movie also has the same title with three different stories starring Cristina Gonzales, Tetchie Agbayani and Ruffa Gutierrez). Too bad Pilar Pilapil didn’t make it but it was jam-packed nevertheless. Those who were standing and occupying the space in the middle had to leave Tanghalang Manuel Conde and settle for a simultaneous screening on a plasma TV just outside the theater. Since it was crowded, the dreaded air conditioner cooperated.The copy of the film that was exhibited is not in perfect condition. It isn’t finished actually. Our dear archivists had to extend it with a poor television copy from GMA7 (GMA Arts, as the logo points out). Just the same, it doesn’t affect much of my appreciation to Mr. Perez’ campiness (the director was celebrating his birthday on the date of the screening, doubly campy, I would say). At first glance, the title might be a little titillating. It’s a bold film, yes, with lots of fleshing out as per 70’s standards and with some very suggestive scenes of copulation. More than that, it’s a film about women who stumbled, fell and attempted to gain their own salvation. The way the intertwining episodes are arranged, it looks like a retelling of “Oro, Plata, Mata” where the “gold” part belongs to a social climber celebrity while “silver” pertains to the elusive search of comfort from both the mother and son and “death” belongs to the crossroads the woman has to face when choosing between her two lovers who happen to be father and son. Of course, it wouldn’t be an Elwood Perez-Orlando Nadres-Joey Gosiengfiao movie without the lines “Ako’y isang dukha subalit mukha namang one million pesos!” and the “eksena” scenes with Mona Lisa holding a duck on her right shoulder as a fashion accessory or the poor boy petting a dirty-looking rat. Clincher: Mary Walter making sexual advances to Amalia Fuentes.
After the screening, a crew from ABS-CBN interviewed the ladies in the house (Marissa Delgado and Vangie Labalan were also present as well as Orestes Ojeda). Miss Fuentes remains sensible as ever with her opinion about the industry then and now. She mentioned that there is a very thin line nowadays for the actors/actresses appearing on TV or in movies. Food was served in the lobby and people found time to take pictures and just mingle. At one time, Miss Fuentes even screamed “Hindi na ako sanay sa ganitong atensyon!” which put a smile on everyone’s face. That was the most well attended SOFIA event I’ve been to so far (also the most surprising to have finally met the Nepaleses from LA) and I am looking forward to next month’s screening (Mario O’Hara’s “Bagong Hari”).
More pics here.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
MMFF 2010: Makalipas ang Isang Buwan
Hindi ko namalayan na nakalipas na ang isang buwan at wala pa rin akong nasasabi tungkol sa nakaraang Metro Manila Film Festival. Hindi naman talaga kailangan na merong masabi, considering na nagbago na rin ang kalidad ng criteria sa pagpili ng mga kasali na nagbunsod upang mabago rin ang kalidad ng line-up at pagpili ng mga nanalo.
Kung meron mang kapansin-pansin na pagbabago, ito na siguro ‘yung pagkakaroon ng tatlong pelikula mula sa Star Cinema. Hindi ko makalimutan ‘yung gumawa pa sila dati ng ingay laban sa pagkakaroon ng tatlo o apat na entry mula kay Mother Lily. Pero ngayon, sabi nga, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” Binago rin ang hanay ng mga hurado dahil sabi nga ni MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino sa MMFF commercial, magkakaroon ng isang guro, isang bus driver at iba pa. In short, mga hurado na maaaring wala talagang kinalaman sa pelikula. Mainam sana ang ganito kung ang pagpaparangal ng MMFF ay isang malaking Viewers’ Choice Award. Pero hindi nga ba?
Nag-introduce din para sa 2010 ng indie film category bilang, ayon muli sa MMDA, pagbibigay ng tribute sa kahusayan ng Pinoy sa ganitong larangan. Ang nakakalungkot lang, invitational ang screening at isang beses lang (6:30pm) sa iisang sinehan (Robinsons Galleria) para sa bawat isang pelikula. Pakiramdam ko, mas lalong bumaba ang tingin ng gobyerno sa indie film industry.
Oh well, sa ibaba ay, para sa akin, listahan ng nararapat na manalo. Hindi ko na tinangkang panoorin ang “Si Enteng at si Agimat” (dahil sigurado naman akong kikita ito) at naubusan naman ako ng sinehan para sa “Father Jejemon” ni Mang Dolphy.
BEST PICTURE: RPG: Metanoia
Hindi ko inaasahan na ang kauna-unahang Pinoy film sa 3D ang makakapag-deliver ng kuwento nang buo at maayos sa lahat ng mga entry. Natumbok ang argumento tungkol sa mga larong-batang kailangan at hindi kailangan ng pisikal na interaction (na marahil ay concern ng nakararaming mga magulang ngayon). Hindi nakakagulat nang makita ko ang pangalan ni Jade Castro sa kredito. Isa s’ya sa mga nagbigay buhay sa kredibilidad ng mundo ng network game at sa pagkabusilak ng mga batang kasali rito. Sa aspetong biswal, hindi rin nagpatalo ang pelikula. Lahat ng hinahanap ng isang batang Pilipino mula sa Pixar o Dreamworks ay nandito rin bagama’t hindi kasing rangya.
Special Mention: Shake, Rattle and Roll 12’s “Punerarya” episode. Bihirang bihira na tayong makanood ng mga dekalidad na episode sa franchise na ito ng Regal Films (na ang huli ko yatang nagustuhan ay ‘yung LRT episode ni Mike Tuviera). Simple lang din kung tutuusin ang tema subalit ang bawat technical aspect ay nagpiyesta sa detalye.
BEST DIRECTOR: Louie Suarez
Dalawa lang ang stand-out para sa akin, sina Louie Suarez (RPG: Metanoia) at Jerrold Tarog (Shake, Rattle and Roll 12’s “Punerarya”). Nanaig ang una dahil sa tingin ko, mas challenging sa Pinoy film culture ang makapagbigay ng isang buong animated feature na maaari ring ihanay sa labas ng bansa. Matino ang voice talents, siksik sa Pinoy values at magara ang mga biswal. Ang mapagsama ang mga aspetong ‘yan ay isang malaking achievement para sa isang filmmaker.
Special Mention: Maliban kay Jerrold Tarold, ang ambisyosong pagsasabuhay ni Albert Martinez ng isang bahagi ng nakalipas na kasaysayan sa mata ng isang nagkamaling babae at ina ay hindi dapat isantabi.
BEST PERFORMER: Carla Abellana at ang bumubuo ng “Punerarya”
Hindi ako fan ni Miss Carla Abellana pero nagalingan ako sa kanya rito bilang isang guro na nasadlak sa lihim na taguan ng mga aswang. Napatingkad n’ya ang kahinaan na hinihingi ng karakter, gan’un din ang pagsusumamong maitakas n’ya sa pagkakasadlak ang batang si Nash Aguas. Ang bumubuo ng clan sa pangunguna ni Sid Lucero at Odette Khan ay malaki rin ang naiambag.
Special Mention: Sid Lucero at Ricky Davao (para sa “Rosario”), at Ai-Ai delas Alas, Alwyn Uytingco at Eugene Domingo (para sa “Ang Tanging Ina Mo: Last Na ‘To”).
At hindi ko yata mapapalampas na hindi mabanggit ang mga ito:
BEST ACTING PIECE: Mr. Pringles-inspired na Bigote ni Philip Salvador (“Rosario”) at Pekpek Shorts ni Alwyn Uytingco (“Ang Tanging Ina Mo: Last Na ‘To”)
Lahat yata ay nakatingin sa bigote ni Ipe, kinakabahan na hinihintay itong mahulog. Hindi tuloy masyadong napansin ang special participation ng mahusay na beteranong aktor. Sa sobrang iksi naman ng mga shorts ni Alwyn, hindi rin maiikailang mag-debut ang kanyang tattoo na sinubukan namang takpan ng make-up upang lumuwa ang karakter n’yang bading. Sa pagitan ng bigote at shorts, ang isa ay nakakatuwa na nakakaawa at ang isa ay nakakatuwa na nakakatawa.
BEST CGI: Rosario
Bago matapos ang pelikula, sa panahong nag-uumpisa nang maging teenager ang anak ni Jennilyn Mercado, bumulaga ang half-naked na aktres na tila nakainom ng pampabata. Ang ganda-ganda n’ya r’un. Mas mukha pa s’yang bata r’yan kesa sa umpisa ng pelikula kung saan isa pa lang s’yang estudyante. Walang panama ang “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”.
BEST CAMEO: MVP (“Rosario”)
Si Piolo Pascual (“Ang Tanging Ina Mo: Last Na ‘To”) lang naman ang kakumpetensya rito pero mas agaw-eksena si Manny Pangilinan. Nakuha pang isurpresa ng kamera. Sa umpisa ay hindi masyadong ipinapakita kung sino ang kausap na importanteng tao ni Mang Dolphy (na hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit ginawa ng direktor) pero kalaunan ay ini-highlight din. Parang ang gusto yatang sabihin ng pelikula, kahit na bigatin ang pangalan ni MVP, meron din itong hindi masyadong masaya na kwento ng nakaraan.
Special Mention: Joy Ortega bilang secretary ni MVP. Natatandaan n’yo pa ba s’ya? Iisa lang naman noon ang nagi-spoof kay Kris Aquino at ang balita ko, hindi masaya ang presidential daughter/sister sa panggagaya ni Miss Ortega. Maliban sa kanyang claim-to-fame na role sa “Bongbong at Kris” ng PETA, mas sumikat s’ya sa pagho-host ng Lunchdate sa GMA7 (na katapat noon ng “Eat Bulaga” sa ABS-CBN).
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Ang Fight Club at ang Tutu ni Natalie Portman
Black SwanDireksyon: Darren Aronofsky
Iskrip: Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz at John J. McLaughlin
Mga Nagsiganap: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder, atbp.
ISTORYA
Isang ballet dancer si Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) na inaasam na matanso ang prestihiyosong pangunahing papel sa Swan Lake. Bahagi ng demand ng artistic director na si Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) ay ang dilim at rahas na hinihiling ng Black Swan na kabaliktaran naman ng puro at immaculate na Swan Queen. Sa gitna ay mga balakid sa mga pangarap ni Nina: si Beth Macintyre (Winona Ryder) na dating musa ng direktor, si Lily (Mila Kunis) na kanyang kumpetisyon sa trono at ang kanyang overprotective na ina (Barbara Hershey).
KASING-DILIM NG ANINO
Kamukha ng ilang materyal ni Darren Aronofsky, tumalakay rin sa human condition ang pelikula, partikular sa sikolohikal na aspeto. Kung ang “Requiem for a Dream” ay kumatok sa pinto ng kawalan ng pag-asa ng mga karakter doon dulot ng drugs at ipinamalas naman ng “The Wrestler” ang pagdaan sa impiyerno ng isang tumatandang ama, masusi namang nahukay ang masalimuot at madilim na eskinita ng human mind sa “Black Swan”. Malinaw ang pagkakakuwento tungkol sa isang babaeng pinatiklop ng ambisyon dulot na rin ng kanyang environment (pamilya, peers at pangarap). Kung tutuusin, ito naman ang pangunahing layunin ng pelikula, ang akayin tayo sa isang pagtawid mula sa normal na pag-iisip papunta sa hindi normal. Dito pa lang, para sa akin ay nagtagumpay na ang obra. Bonus na lang na halos lahat ng eksena ay nababalutan ng salamin (sa rehearsal room, sa dressing room, mga gamit sa bahay at kuwarto) na tila masugid na paalala sa manonood ng pag-usisa sa ating sarili (na huli kong natunugan nang mapanood ko ang “Fight Club” ni David Fincher).
Nakita ko rin dito ang ilusyon ng “Requiem for a Dream”. Ang ilang magical na pangitain dulot ng droga ay pinalitan naman dito ng halusinasyon mula sa schizophrenia. Nariyang nagsalo sa isang frame ang dalawang Nina Sayers, sa isang sidewalk kung saan sila nagkasalubong at minsan naman ay mga eksena ng repleksyon sa salamin na may sariling buhay. Upang mabigyang-diin ang self-destruction, nagamit din ang ilusyon sa mga eksenang sinusugatan ni Nina ang kanyang katawan (ang kanyang likod na nagdurugo at ang sugat sa kuko na nagbunsod sa kanya, sa isang nakakapangilabot na eksena, na balatan ang sarili). Hindi rin tumahan dito ang ilusyon. Sa dulo, upang makarating sa kanyang katauhan bilang Black Swan, ipinakita ang literal na metamorphosis ng kanyang anyo: ang pagtubo ng kulay itim na balahibo, ang magarang pakpak at ang pamumula ng mga mata.
Hindi ko makakalimutan si Natalie Portman sa pelikulang ito. Kapani-paniwala ang kanyang pagsayaw bilang ballet dancer. Napaka-virginal din n’ya sa kanyang puting tutu, isang katangian na hinihiling ng kanyang karakter na stiff. “Loose yourself”, sabi nga ng kanyang mentor. At sa kanyang paglaya sa pagiging frigid, natumbok din ng aktres ang dilim na inaasahan mula sa kanya. Napagana n’ya nang sabay ang pagiging vulnerable at pagiging fierce.
KONKLUSYON
Kasing itim ng pamagat ang tema ng pelikula. Marahil ay ilang ulit na itong natalakay sa mga pelikula pero hindi maiikailang isa sa pinakaepektibo ang vision ni Darren Aronofsky rito. Hindi man kasing luho ng “Black Swan” ang ilang pagtapak natin sa dilim pero pinag-isip ako ng ilang pagkakataon na nagkaroon ako ng sariling itim na pakpak at lumipad nang taliwas sa tono. Siguro ay nasa kanya-kanyang pagtawid lang ‘yan ayon sa mga tao sa paligid natin o sa socio-economic na kalagayan ng bansa. May mga kakilala akong hindi nakarating at may ilan din namang mabulaklak ang pagkapanalo. Mapalad na ako, na matapos mapanood ang pelikula ay kaya kong balikan nang nakangiti ang aking pagkalampas.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Pagdating sa Dulo
Senior YearDireksyon: Jerrold Tarog
Iskrip: Jerrold Tarog
Mga Nagsiganap: RJ Ledesma, Ina Feleo, Arnold Reyes, Dimples Romana, atbp.
ISTORYA
Rekoleksyon ng huling taon sa high school ang pelikula. Inumpisahan ito sa isang pagharap sa sarili ni Henry Dalmacio (RJ Ledesma) kung nararapat bang harapin pa o hindi na ang mga batchmates sa isang reunion na kanyang dadaluhan. Ikinuwento ng mga sumunod na eksena kung gaano kakulay ang buhay sa pagtatapos ng huling taon ng isang mag-aaral sa high school.
PAGBALIK AT PAGKABUO
Ito na siguro ang pinakamadaling maabot na full-length feature ni Jerrold Tarog pagdating sa tema at execution. Hindi ito kasing playful at mind-blowing kamukha ng “Confessional” at hindi naman kasing bigat ng “Mangatyanan” (na pareho kong nagustuhan at nakitaan ng mataas na uri ng craftmanship). Ang pinakamalapit na siguro pagdating sa ambiance ay hindi ang kanyang short film na “Faculty” (na prequel ng “Senior Year”) kundi ang mas nauna rito na “Carpool”. Kung tutuusin, puwedeng ihanay sa mainstream ang tema na gustong tahakin ng pelikula pero naniniwala akong walang mainstream director ang makakalikha ng ganitong klase ng obra. Sumakto rin sa subject ang musika at editing na sa tingin ko ay makakakuha ng atensyon mula sa younger generation.
Natural at walang palamuti ang pagkakalahad ng iba’t ibang kuwento ng mga high school students dito. Inilitanya ang magkakahalong sentimyento sa paraang madaling maamoy at makita ang mga karakter bilang buhay na bahagi ng society. Para kang nakatingin sa salamin. At anu-anong reflection nga ba ang ipinakita? Isang running for valedictorian na mas inuna ang utak kesa puso (na karaniwang issue ng mga thinking person). Isang sosyalera na nais makapasok sa La Salle at nabigo. Isang nagnanais makuha ang pagiging graceful ng sosyalera at isa namang naiinis sa sosyalera. Isang bading na nagnanasang matulungan ang gurong babae. Isang lesbian na nag-uumpisang bumukadkad. Isang batang oppressed sa pagtingin ng dalawang magulang at marami pang iba.
Hindi ko alam kung malaki ang naiambag ng pagkuha sa mga non-actor (na para sa akin ay isa sa pinakamahusay na ensemble sa pelikulang Pinoy para sa 2010). Nai-imagine ko habang nanonood ang ilan kong kapit-bahay na high school students na araw-araw sumasakay ng jeep o ‘yung mga naglalagay ng powder sa mukha sa kalamigan ng mga naglalakihang mall sa Metro Manila. Naalala ko rin ang mga classmates ko n’ung high school, ang bawat kakulitan at paglalambing nila, mga away-bata o maging ang amoy ng pawis matapos ang CAT class. Matapos kong mapanood ang pelikula, naisip ko na sana’y mas nakilala ko pa sila n’ung high school, mas nagkaroon pa sana ako ng pagkakataon na “makita” sila. Alam kong sa kabila ng mga bagong plantsang uniporme ay ilang gusut-gusot na buhay.
May isang linya sa pelikula ang hindi ko makalimutan at parati ko ring tinatanong sa aking sarili. Bakit nga ba gustung gusto nating balikan ang high school sa kabila ng kaibahan ng pagkatao natin noon? Halimbawa, kung paano tayo mag-isip. May ilang tala ang Time Magazine dati tungkol sa “Secrets of the Teen Brain” na tumalakay sa structure ng pag-iisip ng mga kabataan. Gusto lang i-summarize nito ang kasariwaan ng pagbuo ng desisyon (o sa ibang salita, immaturity) ng isang teenager. Iba pang usapan ang taste sa pananamit, mga pananaw sa buhay, mga angst at mga pangarap. Kapag sumasapit ang reunion, na kadalasan ay sampung taon ang kinakain bago maganap, hindi maiiwasang mapansin ang malaking pagkakaiba. Kini-claim natin na mas mature na tayo matapos maka-graduate sa college at mag-umpisang magtrabaho. Sa aking sariling experience, halimbawa, naninibago na rin ako sa ilang high school classmates. Oo, nand’un pa rin naman ang core na una mong napansin n’ung high school pero malaki na ang itinalon, pisikal man o sikolohikal. Minsan, napapaisip ako na, siguro kung bibigyan kami ng isa pang pagkakataon na magkasama-sama ulit sa isang matagal na panahon, baka hindi na kami magkaintindihan. Baka ang maging circle of friends ko na ay ibang grupo naman na hindi ko dati madalas nakakasama noon sa campus.
Sa dulo, ako rin naman ang makakasagot kung bakit masarap balik-balikan ang buhay-high school. Siguro dahil immature tayo noon, mas malaya tayong gawin ang mga bagay na maaaring magmarka sa ating pagkatao. Kumbaga, meron tayong excuse na magkamali, maging tama o magpakabaliw. Lahat ay justified dahil sa kabataan. May isang eksena sa “Senior Year” sa volleyball court kung saan pinatamaan ng bola ang sosyalera at naospital pa ito. Mga ganito ang excuse na gusto kong i-highlight. Mga excuse na valid pang gawin kapag bata pa pero hindi na nararapat kapag sumapit na sa adulthood. Ang maganda lang sa pelikula, hindi nito binigyan ng tuldok kung hanggang saan dapat mag-mature (o maging normal) ang isang tao. Kahit ang iilang eksena sa reunion ay hindi indikasyon na nakabalik nga nang buo ang mga karakter sa kani-kanilang sarili.
KONKLUSYON
Kakaunti ang mga pelikulang lokal man o foreign na tumalakay sa high school ang nagkaroon ng ganitong rekoleksyon at kontemplasyon sa akin. Hindi humimpil sa glitter ng kabataan ang pelikula. Hindi ito ipinagdiwang at mas lalong hindi ito itinama. Walang opresyon, socio-political relevance at kung anu-ano pang statement. Mas nagtanong ito kesa nagpaliwanag. Pagdating sa dulo, ang gusto lang tanungin ng pelikula ay ang konsepto ng pagbalik sa isang bahagi ng buhay na hindi pa buo at sadyang marupok pa. Sapat na ba itong conviction sa kung ano ang meron tayo ngayon? O ang buhay, kamukha ng isang klase sa high school, ay isang constant learning?
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