Still Breathing

 
The score was what totally melted me on this one. I thought I already heard the best from James Horner or Thomas Newman, boy was I dead wrong. The music weaves throughout the movie which made me feel really warm and fuzzy inside and it helped many moments in the film. Add to that the special reference to the local legend of a church window in San Antonio Texas. 

There was something in the way Fletcher's voice (Brendan Fraser) told the legend's story that made it seem just pure poetry to me. Joanna Going is simply beautiful. Even when she played a scammer, she had class and acted like a lady. She reminded me so much of Alyssa Milano and Shannen Doherty in the early years of Charmed (tv series). I just wished the movie used the long hair she had in the poster. There's no nudity or crude sex to spoil the movie like most rom-coms have today. I would put this movie high on my romantic movie preferences in line with 13 Going 30, Fifty First Dates, Meet Joe Black, and Some Kind of Wonderful. I'm kind of kicking myself right now why I have been stalling to watch this movie for a very long time.

But of course, who could resist Brendan Fraser's face and biceps? One review I read wrote "George of the Jungle as a romantic leading man? I would have moved into a tree just to look into those eyes before I die". Funny but it was exactly the perfect word to describe Brendan Fraser. Nobody else could have pulled off Fletcher's character more than he could ever do. I'm glad this movie was done during Brendan Fraser's heyday! Viva La 90s! 

Some critics (or cynics I may say) complained about the lack of chemistry between the two actors. But the doubting and quietly brooding beauty of Roz, and the macho pseudo weirdo charm of Fletcher (and the way they kiss) was just quite the opposite. It was perfect. The title of the movie should have been 'Barely Breathing' as I was breathless watching Brendan Fraser (so ok, maybe I'm biased).

The very last scene felt like I was in a dream and somehow, I didn't want it to end just yet. Though the movie was a bit underrated, it was actually pretty good. Definitely a cult classic and a must on Valentine's Day.

Act of Valor

 
I love watching patriotic action films, even films that are underrated or low budgeted. Films like The Long Kiss Goodnight, or Leon, so me and hubby gave this movie a chance.

I loved that they actual Seals were drafted to star in the film. The movie featured America's firepower, the use of high tech gadgetry, military equipment, and the strategies mimicked by action rpg / first person shooter video games.

But here is where the movie failed for me:

1) Wikipedia described the first part of the plot as 'In the Philippines, a terrorist kills the U.S. ambassador, his son, and dozens of children at an elementary school, using a vehicle-borne IED disguised as an ice cream truck'. That part is what killed the move for me. 1st, International Schools in the Philippines don't look anything near that building they had. They actually had to film that scene in Cambodia. You can see a slip of a mini Angkor Wat white tower before going inside the school, and some squiggly Cambodian writing. It was funny because you can hear Tagalog being spoken in the background, and the truck had 'sorbetes' in it which made me really confused. What the hell? Are you in Cambodia??? or in the Philippines?? And in the Philippines, we don't sell ice cream through a moving 'mini' van. True, we're still ways away from Singapore but the other side of the coin also gives a different picture. So yeah, that kinda irritated me..

2) The theatrical poster screams 'The Band of Brothers' copycat.

So basically, the movie was used as an initiative to recruit SEALS. All in all the movie wasn't that bad. But it could've been done with a lot more improvement on research at least. I don't mind Philippines being used as a plot for terrorist grounds but please, make it more believably credible. 

Cool as Ice

Plain curiosity was what really prompted me to watch this bomber from Hulu.Com. If it's free, why not?

Ok... reminiscing my highschool days at an all girl school when you once thought that Vanilla Ice was so hot. Well, he still is but the pants man!! That freaky colorful clown pants!

Banging the door of the chic's house you liked instead of knocking ain't cool. What a douche bag lolol! It's not appealing to have bad manners no matter how cute you are. But I'll give him credit that he's cute even when he speaks slang. He actually sounds like Justin Beiber at one point.

Most of the music brought me back to my Hard Rock (hardly) party and Malate CommonGround college clubbing days with Iska. Didn't even know that the catchy tune 'I'm Gonna Catch You Baby!" was featured in this pitiful movie.

It was entertaining in a way that I was laughing my a$$ off seeing all that ridiculous dance (Roger Rabbit / Running Man  anyone?) and early 90s fashion where less is more, but the teased up bangs were still in style. Hayyyy.. Another look down memory lane.

The Grey

Really? This got a fresh 78% from Rotten Tomatoes? I don't claim to be better than they are but in this case, COME ON!! this movie JUST sucked. 

If you haven't seen this movie, don't bother. Just read my (cutting) opinion / spoilers about it.

Here is why this movie failed:

1) The producers were trying very hard to "Jaws-ify" (for lack of a better term) the Grey Wolves. Sorry, I wasn't scared. I know wolves are not Cesar Millan's expertise but I think he could have done a better job if the producers could have at least consulted him first.

2) The fact that characters survived the plane crash - Hardly believable.

3) The typical suspense plot is soooo so predictable where the last man walking will be the first one to die.

4) Then they 'try' to outrun the wolves in the snow - are you kidding me???

5) The black dude who looks like the most powerful from the group died in his sleep... Oh come on!

6) Once everyone starts to die, you decide to get the wallets for souvenirs back to the family? Really?? wallets?? Though the 'wallets' have a story in the not so surprising 'Oh, I'm in the wolves lair' angle in the end, I would still have gotten identification cards instead. Why carry the bulk dude?!

7) The emo / negative dude preferred to die alone in a picturesque landscape because well, surprise! he's just tired. He decided to just give up because he would rather have a snarling wolf's face as the last thing he sees instead of going to his ho hum office and see his boring officemates. Really now..  You won't even want to try and make a life? Go out? Have fun? eat a cupcake???

8) The men kept running away from the wolves for miles - only to end up in the wolf's lair which they were trying to avoid... righhtttttt.....

9) The alpha wolf made this 'don't attack him! he's mine!' (aimed at Liam Neeson's character) mental telepathy b.s. to his wolf subjects.

10) While I was waiting  for the ultimate man vs. wolf showdown - everything turned black and the credits came up... Olats... yun na nga lang ang hinihintay kong pambawi...

11) The usual wait after the credits for the final reveal. Both of them breathing, don't know who died.. Wait, what happened to the alpha wolf's subjects??? Did they just 'poof' disappear??

I like Liam Neeson but let's be real. This was completely a waste of my $20. I wouldn't even rent this out on Blockbuster, nor watch this on Hulu for free.

Julie and Julia

This is so ironic. Me? Writing a review about a cooking movie?? What planet am I on? 

My mother-in-law gave me a dvd of 'The French Chef' by Julia Child to get me into the habit of cooking. Way back, anything that has something to do with cooking really beleaguers me. I can almost remember telling my parents years ago when they were prodding me to learn how to cook, 'why would anyone make so much fuss about cooking? It would take longer  to cook a meal than to eat it, so why bother? Just buy food you'd like to eat.' Call it laziness but I think it was just my excuse not to have to buy ingredients because they are expensive. I'd rather buy shoes :)

Then I got married into a 'family' who appreciates good food with wine - and good food that you also prepare and not just order and eat from an expensive restaurant. That's when I decided to try my hand in cooking. Don't get excited. I still can't make a flan overnight. Not just yet. 

Well, nuff about me but back to the movie.  I don't know why critics couldn't make the connection between the similarities and the differences of these two women who were two generations apart.

This movie would have been perfect for any food lovers or Julia fans EXCEPT - the never ending one liner liberal bigotry on Republicans. Come on Hollywood! Enough already!!

I was familiar with Julia Child growing up but not in cookbooks. Only through an astrology book I've read categorizing her as one of the many 'Leo' personalities. I thought she was a famous actress back in the day.  Somehow I was drawn to her by something I couldn't comprehend.  I believe God pointed her out to me so I can someday start to cook (and start to heal). 

Both of them taught me a lesson. Julia - that you're never too old to start learning how to cook and that it's ok to make mistakes (as long as you don't burn down the house - ok I added that one) and  Julie - she continued to love Julia Child and never got bitter despite what she heard Julia said about her blog. 

I can relate to this for I have been (sort of) a little bit (still) bitter for almost a year about not getting my sales quota to the point I vowed not to buy a car from that brand that didn't renew their contract with me. For some reason I felt a tear roll down my eye as Julie whispered to Julia's picture in the museum showcasing Julia Child's kitchen that she love her, and continue to love her despite what Julia felt about her foodie blog (which was not good). Julie (in the movie) was never bitter of Julia and still thought of the good things that the 'Julia Project' brought to her. 

I prayed to God for healing. I wanted to let go of the resentment of that car brand and Paris (yes that was where they went as a trip incentive for achieving their sales quota). I was touched because this movie is God's way of showing me these lessons. How odd that you can learn a life changing lesson by watching a simple movie about cooking. God does really work in mysterious ways. 

Se7en

I know this review is actually 16 years late (sa ngayon ko lang napanood eh, bakit ba?). Might as well give my thoughts while they're fresh.

It stars my ex Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and one of my favorite actors - Kevin Spacey.

First thing I noticed in this film is how they made the location drab, gloomy and constantly raining. San bang lugar to ng maiwasan?

The plot - two cops are trying to track a serial killer who believed he has a calling to purge the 7 deadly sins by killing people descriptive of each sin - Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Lust, Pride, Envy and Wrath. The killer was so sick of the sins that people even tolerate it in their homes and have decided to take matters in his own hands. 

If he truly reads the Bible ( I would assume since there was a big neon cross on his headboard), there is no way he would have thought to do what he did. The Bible teaches that vengeance is God's alone. That there is God's mercy and grace to let people have the chance to change their lives. That no matter how deep seated their personal dirt is, a person can turn his life around. That there is hope.

The porker could have started eating healthy one day at a time (Biggest Loser)

That lazyboner could have tried to clean his apartment for a change (The Hoarder)

That hooker could have become actively involved against human trafficking (Hookers for Jesus)

That model could have made a stand against fur, or promoting a healthier image (Kylie Bissutti who quit being a VS angel)

That greedy lawyer could have changed his ways and became a philanthroper (can be anyone successful - from Steve Jobs to Bill Gates to Warren Buffet)

That enviousness in his heart could have turned into joy for others (as taught by Andy Stanley)

That wrath could have been controlled in three breaths (or try attending Anger Management classes or do meditation exercises like tai-chi / yoga)

This is another one of those scripts to which they try to twist the truth and make people get scared to read something 'holy' because it may turn them crazy like the killer. It is clearly a blatant attack since the writer probably has not read the Bible to heart. Instead of purging the town by acting out as an avenging angel, try to be a blessing for a change. But that wouldn't make a good Hollywood movie, right? The question is who hasn't sinned? With the psycho's premise, then we should have all been killed because we are not worthy of God's love. But by His grace and mercy, we are saved thru His Son. It's just that simple. Why can't people get it?

The Bad Teacher

This movie is sort of a John Hughes teacher version of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The teacher is B-A-D with a capital B. 

I had the same feeling watching Ferris Bueller. I wanted Ferris' to get caught but ending up wanting him to get away with being naughty. 

The movie stars Cameron Diaz, with guest ex Justin Timberlake.

I find the movie, light funny and refreshing. Not your typical rom-com. But its a good movie to watch on DVD night. Her leading man is not your typical buffed Ryan Gosling guy. He is so average making this movie fun and believable.

The Quiet American

Ewan ba kung anung meron kay Brendan Fraser at hinahanap hanap ko sya lalo na pag nireregla ako hahahahaha!

Seriously, I happen to watch The Quiet American while hoping to watch The Mummy (My favorite Fraser movie) in Hulu.Com. Alas, walang the Mummy, but it was coincidental to see a drama that I believe was underrated.

I didn't like how Brendan's character was portrayed here, though I do believe in his cause, it doesn't make sense. Why fight a war that people are not willing to help themselves with? What will Americans get out of from helping a third world south east Asian country? Bananas???

This movie (or the book) was obviously done by a European (though financed by a US film company), someone who hated war to a point because they used to live it. They started it by being the original colonials. Now they try to pin it on Americans simply because well, Americans are the new cowboys of the era. As I was having a thought piercing conversation with one of our physician lay lecturers before I left Manila, I perceived the Americans to be the modern-day Rome, but in a good way - and he agreed.

I do not negate the author's (Brian Greene) emphasis on Alden Pyle's (Brendan Fraser's character) 'Third Force' axiom - a theory that neither Communism nor colonialism is the answer in foreign lands like Vietnam, but rather a "Third Force", usually a combination of traditions, works best. This theory was supported by renowned scholar York Harding and has influenced the delusional Alden Pyle. The theory makes sense but Pyle's major mistake was that he had to machinate violent means in order to achieve it. Also in the film (and in the book I perceive), the author gave Alden Pyle's character a sense of 'superhero complex' which apparently led to his doom. And let us not forget that the story revolved around a docile doe-eyed Asian woman.

I would like to not dwell on the conspiracies behind their cause and to gain it at a cost of lives. True, Americans are not perfect and should not be 'glorified' but they portray Americans as the villains in this film where they did nothing mostly but help out. I feel it similar to a political argument accusing that the US government's interest to wage war in Iraq and Afghanistan was nothing but control of oil which have been proven time and again (by facts nonetheless) as false - and as Donald Trump have retorted, 'well, we might as well have!'

Why do American people have to suffer? Why do Americans have to do everything? Will anyone care or even dare lift a finger if not for them? If Vietnam is so progressive being a communist, why is it still a third world country? Why were there a lot of FOBs (fresh off the boat refugees) that even our own country was not spared? Imagine the Philippines having to aid and harbor - and have a community of Vietnamese refugees e pare pareho lang naman tayong gutom, nagiimport pa nga tayo ng bigas from Thailand, nu ba yun? 

One may hate Americans by watching this movie but it actually moved me to a point that if only people would understand the evils of communism, we wouldn't turn a blind eye on what's happening and wouldn't have wasted thousands of soldiers (and civilians') lives. The bigger picture here - Americans might have lost this war, but Vietnam also lost its freedom. If democracy (or a Republic) could speak out, it would have said 'there goes another one who bit the dust.'

Yesss walang kokontra, gusto kong magblog baket? may reklamo ka? eh di wag mo basahin..

I watched this movie with Lara, Pat, Arls and Rene (oo, sorry kayo special mention) matagal nakong di nakakanood ng Tagalog movie, huling panood ko ata eh pelikula pa ng nanay ni KC.

What prompted me to watch was Santorini, Greece. As a traveller, i dreamt of going to this place. Actually its mykonos, but santorini is Santorini so, ok.. its still Greece!

Oo! di na rin ako magpapaliguy liguy.. isa ako sa mga baliw na nauto ng ‘kapamilya / kapuso' tandem sa mga random publicity about Richard guesting in Abs-Cbn shows.

And then there is KC.

Wala akong masabi.. Gabbyng Gabby.

Ika nga ni Tita Shawi, at least may magandang naidulot ang kagagahan nya. (Nga naman, magpapaka gaga ka lang din, sa guapo na). Her sweetness matched with an angelic voice is indescribable. I liked looking at beautiful girls! don’t ask.. e bakit ba? e sa i know how to appreciate beauty eh - cuz I am ONE. (Yung mga kokontra, better stop reading beyond this point).

Basically, its her dimples and smile that makes anyone melt. Its obvious how Richard kisses her in the movie. Even my boyfriend liked her (and he rarely liked other women but me - yeahh sureee. love you, babe xoxooxooxx).

Its the usual love story, kaso di ako makapag emote. sobrang funny kasi yung hirit ng nasa likod namin, and occasionally, kami din..

I had fun. I won’t critique the movie that much. I mean, what do you expect?

Pero sa lahat lahat ng anggulo ng movie, ito lang masasabi ko.. 

…Puta! ang guapo ni Richard.


Thats all..


I, thank you

The Mummy 3 Review

I was soo looking forward to this film. I just found out last June that the 3rd installment was going to be shown in theaters this August. I had mixed feelings finding out that Rachel Weisz is not coming back for the third ep. I thought, they oughta give the other girl (Maria Bello) a chance.

Sadly, I was right.

Let’s start with the plot.

They gave it a twist, I loved the idea about a Chinese dark emperor, bringing to life terracotta soldiers, the love angle between that of the general and the witch who is the dark emperor’s - supposedly concubine, I liked the general (he cutie), and Michelle Yeoh, I liked Jet Li’s character,  I liked some one on one combat in kung fu, I loved that they changed the setting from Egypt to post war Shanghai,  the concept of the ‘Imhotep bar’ was good, the trailer even better.

Begs the question - why did the movie failed the other two previous sequels?

1st - Change of major Players-

from Stephen Sommers (The Mummy, The Mummy Returns) to Rob Cohen. Hats off to both, though I must admit, if you are the director of all the sequels, you will be more familiar with the sequences. As well as very keen on details -costumes, speech accents, scripts - after all, there is only one director.

Rob Cohen put together a lot of twists on the third mummy franchise which is refreshing, however, I am not sure if he has a final say on casting.. which I will be pointing out later on.

2nd - it is sooo CG Animated.

I admit, I kinda find the second Mummy sequel all too cartoony - from the jackal soldiers up to the time The Scorpion King was let loose. But, this is much worse. I liked the idea of the terracotta soldiers charging towards the Great Wall, it kinda reminded me of my boss Mike’s chess set he bought in our trip to Beijing. But I wasn’t surprised by what I saw in the battle - the sand taking the scorned soldiers, and goodness, the face of Michelle Yeoh and the General on the sand is soo.. so… I can’t find the words… Filipino? Like.. when we watch a Tagalog movie that one of the main characters have died and you see their faces on the clouds smiling down. I find it a bit corny. Sorry, but I do, like the time Kate Beckinsale smiled a tear to Hugh Jackman at that Van Helsing movie in the end.

3rd - THE CASTING. This is a no brainer.

Maria Bello who took over Evie’s character is really pretty - and athletic. But she is no Rachel Weisz. I think its an omen to create a movie with replaced characters. And main characters at that. Thats hardly ever happened, and I believe that rarely works - to make the movie a little bit believable and to put the audience at the edge of their seats (though they know they are watching pure Hollywood fiction.) I think that Maria Bello could have made a better Evie, if she was the original Evie in the first place. But we have grown to love Rachel’s face and quirkiness in the previous sequels, plus I love her authentic Brit accent.

And Alex, Oh Alex.. what happened to your British accent? I find you soooo cute when you were a young lad. Luke Ford, who played the grown up Alex is sexy and charming, yes… But I think the casting should have looked for someone a little less taller than Brendan Fraser, who looked similar to the parents and not overpowering. aka, both parents are brunette. It’s understandable that a child of brunettes is a blonde at a young age, but Caucasian hair color changes in time - unlike us Asians.  I’ll give credit to Luke Ford, for trying his best to act a little bit like his dad’s character in the movie. They also should have made grown up Alex a little less of a rogue. I repeat, a little less - since being rougish he gets from his dad. What I meant was they should not have made his character estranged from his parents. This failed the family bonding they had on the second sequel. BUT, its nice to see Rick and Alex argued over which gun was better.

I was also looking forward to the return of that hot hott Arab guy Oded Fehr (majji). But I guess his presence is not needed here.

But overall, there was just no chemistry between the characters, and the actors. I can see it onscreen, I was waiting on my seat, looking for something more. But after the end credits came up, I felt.. WHAT THE??….

I wish Stephen Sommers would take over and make a Mummy 4. I dont know how, maybe.. he could create it in such a way that the Mummy 3 was just a bad dream?

Superman Returns

I was one of the privileged few who watched the premiere of Superman Returns at the Shang Cineplex just last Monday. Ewan ko kung privilege ngang maituturing ito…

Don’t worry, no spoilers. (not much anyway…) just a few not so professional, unsolicited opinions about the movie.

First, may kulang kay Brandon Routh(?) Routhe(?). Tignan mo nga, di ko tuloy maalala spelling ng pangalan nya. Kay Christopher Reeve, marami lang ang nacoconfuse between "Reeves" nga ba o "Reeve"? Practice with me. "Christopher Reeve-Keanu Reeves-Christopher Reeve-Keanu Reeves….."

In fairness, ok naman si Brandon Routh kaso, matabang sa panlasa… How shall I say it… Para kang kumain ng  

kare-kareng walang bagoong, 

tinolang walang patis, 

at lechon na walang sarsa.  

Check how Brandon flies, naninigas. Christopher Reeve flies naturally. Even to this day when I watch Superman I-IV, I still thought he flew (hahaha). He was so convincing, may magic ba.

Second, he is not wearing trunks anymore but semicycling shorts. Oy, wag magisip ng madumi. Superman in trunks shows off more of his thighs, which makes him look stronger. Yes his thighs not his you-know-what. Hello! Sa ganda ba namang lalake ni Christopher Reeve mapapatingin ka pa ba sa baba? O sya! sya! If I dont convince you, bahala na kayo. Isa pa, bakit naging black ang boots ni Superman? Black ba o dark red? At may takong pa ito ha! Nagmukha tuloy syang Astroboy. Better yet, Mighty Kid. Dapat ang title ng movie, "Astroboy-The Mighty Kid Returns".

Third, Lois Lane-played by Kate Bosworth. She lights a cigarette in a virginal way I can’t explain it. I really like Kate in Blue Crush and The Titans-She is really pretty. But she is... how shall i say it, peaches and cream perfect to make a point. And because of this that I thought she lacked the spunk that was Margot Kidder. Lois was supposed to be a tough brunette, Kate's a little too 'blonde' for me. Even when her hair was dyed brown, her true colors still show. Besides the previous Lois looked "normal". It gives women like me hope that an Adonis fell for someone not-so-perfect.

Fourth, Si Cyclops naandun . Sya na lang ang inabangan ko. Eye candy to ease the pangs of the disappointment in the movie.

Fifth (is a semi-spoiler so skip it if you dont want to know.) Sana Lois didn’t tell superman what he needed to know para there’s more drama, more struggle in future episodes of Superman IF ever there will be another. 

Ok, to be fair eto yung mga nagustuhan ko sa movie 

Lois’ and Richard’s baby is sooooooooooo cute!!

Kevin Spacey’s portrayal of Lex Luther. He gave justice to Superman’s archenemy. Iba talaga ang gift ng mga bading wala akong masabi. Yes, Kevin Spacey is a self confessed gay (or bi, but its almost the same thing), just like Ian McKellan is (Gandalf / Magneto).

When Superman returned, he became active globally. Hindi lang truth, justice and the American way. In one of the news headlines, na feature dun na dumaan daw syang Manila. Oo Manila daw - sa atin. Ganoon?! Ako din nagtanong. Sabay hirit na baka OT ako nuon kaya hindi ko sya nakita. Tumalon kaya ako sa building namin, dumating kaya sya? (hahaha).

I suggest that you buy the pirated copy first (sorry na, i know its illegal) and watch it in the confines of your homes. If you happen to like it, then watch it in the big screen. If you dont, at least di ka manghihinayang masyado sa gastos mo sa ticket, sa popcorn at sa softdrinks. Sabagay, SUPERMAN yan eh. Sige na nga, lets give Brandon some credit.

To sum it up. I liked SPIDERMAN better.

I’d definitely watch out for Pirates of the Carribean-Dead Man’s Chest.

Yun lang.