The more I watched the hit TV series "Prison Break", the more I realized the stunning similarities with regards to the process of getting a Visa and breaking out of prison were concerned.
Here are the 4 similarities:
1. Thoughts on Giving Up.
Prison Break lead character Michael Scofield, when severely pressured to break out of prison together with his brother and several other inmates, once remarked that he has "given up". But it was on that same moment when he conceived a brilliant idea on how to get out of jail.
I remember once telling a close friend that I wanted to give up. But after months of pressing on, the goal was reached.
2. Total Secrecy
Since it was a prison break scheme, only a handful knew of Michael's brilliant and elaborate plan of breaking out of a maximum-security prison cell. He confided his plan to only a few people, and for obvious reasons.
Outside my family and relatives, only 3 people actually knew of my plan of getting the Visa while it was still being processed. Believe me, things could have been a lot different had everyone known of my goal!
3. The price to pay will be higher than expectations.
Michael knew that it would be very difficult to survive being in jail and he knew that breaking out would require help from other people, but did he anticipate that his toes would be cut off by treacherous inmates? Did he ever thought that he'd have to free more inmates other than his brother and 2 others? Nope. But adjust he did, and his goal for freedom was reached.
I knew that getting a Visa would be challenging, but I never anticipated that it would require a ton of time management, financial management and some sacrifices beyond expectations. But you learn and grow along the way and deal with everything thrown at you.
4. Keeping the Faith.
When things were getting worse, Michael kept the faith, and he kept on praying for guidance from Him. This kept him alive throughout the ordeal.
Did the same thing. Kept the faith.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Movie Review: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
FINALLY!
After being prompted by fellow movie buff Clare to go watch it, (quote: “You MUST go see it!”) and getting news from many fellow critics that they absolutely hated it (quote: “DON’T go see it!”), I knew that I HAD to see “Transformers 2” this weekend and see for myself.
“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” follows 2007’s “Transformers”. And so the story now goes that Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) is entering college and promises girlfriend Mikeala Barnes (Megan Fox) that he’ll be in constant communication with her via webcam (Yeah right - since when did a long distance relationship ever really work? But then again “it’s a mooveee”, so okay.)
As for the Autobots, they have now teamed up with a secret organization called NEST – and together hunts down Decepticons hiding across the globe. That being said, there’s a question mark here: It gives us the impression that the general public are STILL unaware of the existence of the robots after 2 long years despite that major battle which took place in a city. Now, either the government could be labeled “geniuses” for doing an excellent job covering this up, or the public are too downright ignorant to even notice.
It’s almost impossible not to have expectations go much higher; after all, this IS a sequel. The creative team followed the formula and added more robots to the mix; including a new bad guy called “The Fallen”, along with Decepticon fan favorite Soundwave (his animation version is cooler though), Ravage, Jetfire and the goliath monster Devastator.
There were more robots alright, but some of them were practically useless in the film, and obviously meant to appeal to the kiddie audience, what with their behavior resembling that of Jar Jar Binks from Episode I of Star Wars, only this time we’ve got MORE THAN ONE “Jar Jar Binks”. Now try to stomach that.
Writers Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Ehren Kruger tried to add more funny scenes to the film, but it did more harm than good. The over-reaction of Sam’s mom while in school? The pet dogs humping? Robot Wheelie humping Megan’s leg? Haha.
As for the acting, only one actor is worth mentioning here: John Turturro. (Bless him. Forget the rest.) Starring as former Sector 7 agent Seymour Simmons, Turturro’s a natural in eliciting laughter from the audience. From the moment we first get to see him onscreen, he simply aced his role as official comic relief. (am also reminded of Megan Fox’s first onscreen appearance here, whose pose almost made me feel as though I was watching an FHM photo shoot. Tsk tsk – no wonder the PG-13 film rating. But wait a sec – do I see a couple of seven-year old kids running around the theater? Haha.)
Any fan of the Transformers will enjoy the special effects and the fight scenes here between the Autobots, the meddling humans and the Decepticons. (Assuming of course you’ve got a box of Bonamine with you that can come in handy)
There are actually 3 major combat sequences which still reminds us why we wanted to fall in line and watch in the first place, despite the risk of having to be seated nearby a loudmouth and feeling gwapo boyfriend narrate and explain to his equally ‘bobo’ girlfriend on each single scene of the film as it progresses from start to finish.
Have to point out though, that these 3 thrilling action scenes come in too far from each other. A lot of scenes should have been removed so as to make the flick more cohesive, thus no letdown in the adrenalin department.
In summary, there are some good points found here: Devastator (though in the movie he looked more like scrambled pasta molded into a lumbering gorilla), a good enough back story, Optimus Prime, some of the new Autobots, John Turturro and unless you find her hot, Megan Fox.
If this was still Part One, it’ll be rated OK overall, with the belief that part two should be better. Unfortunately, this is ALREADY part two; the SEQUEL.
Expectations for sequels tend to go up higher. In the final analysis, overall this sequel slipped.
Oh well, there’s always Transformers 3 to look forward to.
And yeah – include the Dinobots please!
* FILM RATING: 2 1/2 stars (out of 5)
After being prompted by fellow movie buff Clare to go watch it, (quote: “You MUST go see it!”) and getting news from many fellow critics that they absolutely hated it (quote: “DON’T go see it!”), I knew that I HAD to see “Transformers 2” this weekend and see for myself.
“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” follows 2007’s “Transformers”. And so the story now goes that Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) is entering college and promises girlfriend Mikeala Barnes (Megan Fox) that he’ll be in constant communication with her via webcam (Yeah right - since when did a long distance relationship ever really work? But then again “it’s a mooveee”, so okay.)
As for the Autobots, they have now teamed up with a secret organization called NEST – and together hunts down Decepticons hiding across the globe. That being said, there’s a question mark here: It gives us the impression that the general public are STILL unaware of the existence of the robots after 2 long years despite that major battle which took place in a city. Now, either the government could be labeled “geniuses” for doing an excellent job covering this up, or the public are too downright ignorant to even notice.
It’s almost impossible not to have expectations go much higher; after all, this IS a sequel. The creative team followed the formula and added more robots to the mix; including a new bad guy called “The Fallen”, along with Decepticon fan favorite Soundwave (his animation version is cooler though), Ravage, Jetfire and the goliath monster Devastator.
There were more robots alright, but some of them were practically useless in the film, and obviously meant to appeal to the kiddie audience, what with their behavior resembling that of Jar Jar Binks from Episode I of Star Wars, only this time we’ve got MORE THAN ONE “Jar Jar Binks”. Now try to stomach that.
Writers Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Ehren Kruger tried to add more funny scenes to the film, but it did more harm than good. The over-reaction of Sam’s mom while in school? The pet dogs humping? Robot Wheelie humping Megan’s leg? Haha.
As for the acting, only one actor is worth mentioning here: John Turturro. (Bless him. Forget the rest.) Starring as former Sector 7 agent Seymour Simmons, Turturro’s a natural in eliciting laughter from the audience. From the moment we first get to see him onscreen, he simply aced his role as official comic relief. (am also reminded of Megan Fox’s first onscreen appearance here, whose pose almost made me feel as though I was watching an FHM photo shoot. Tsk tsk – no wonder the PG-13 film rating. But wait a sec – do I see a couple of seven-year old kids running around the theater? Haha.)
Any fan of the Transformers will enjoy the special effects and the fight scenes here between the Autobots, the meddling humans and the Decepticons. (Assuming of course you’ve got a box of Bonamine with you that can come in handy)
There are actually 3 major combat sequences which still reminds us why we wanted to fall in line and watch in the first place, despite the risk of having to be seated nearby a loudmouth and feeling gwapo boyfriend narrate and explain to his equally ‘bobo’ girlfriend on each single scene of the film as it progresses from start to finish.
Have to point out though, that these 3 thrilling action scenes come in too far from each other. A lot of scenes should have been removed so as to make the flick more cohesive, thus no letdown in the adrenalin department.
In summary, there are some good points found here: Devastator (though in the movie he looked more like scrambled pasta molded into a lumbering gorilla), a good enough back story, Optimus Prime, some of the new Autobots, John Turturro and unless you find her hot, Megan Fox.
If this was still Part One, it’ll be rated OK overall, with the belief that part two should be better. Unfortunately, this is ALREADY part two; the SEQUEL.
Expectations for sequels tend to go up higher. In the final analysis, overall this sequel slipped.
Oh well, there’s always Transformers 3 to look forward to.
And yeah – include the Dinobots please!
* FILM RATING: 2 1/2 stars (out of 5)
Movie Review: Avatar
Fantasy film epic.
"Avatar succeeds in immersing you to this rich, beautiful world that looks so real you'd wish it truly exists."
Me: "I'll be watching Avatar."
Friend: "Ava-what?"
Me: "Avatar. A film by James Cameron."
Friend: "Who?"
Me: "James Cameron. Director of 'Titanic'."
Friend: "Ahhh...'TITANIC'... Ok."
Titanic. Whether he likes it or not, James Cameron will always be linked to the "Numero Uno Blockbuster Movie of All-Time". On a positive note however, this helps as movies he'll direct from then on initially gives that "great movie perception" strengthened from his film portfolio, beginning of course with Titanic - the same film that catapulted actor Leonardo DiCaprio to mega guwapo stardom and the song "My Heart Will Go On" be played endlessly on FM stations unless we turn off the radio or set it on fire.
So after a decade of not directing any film since 1997's Titanic, Cameron gives us "Avatar".
"Avatar? "
The story goes that in 2154 AD, a human corporation mines Pandora, a lush, low gravity moon of Polyphemus, a gas giant orbiting Alpha Centauri A, 4.4 light-years from Earth. The humans seek to exploit Pandora's reserves of unobtanium, a precious mineral. Parker Selfridge (Giovanni Ribisi), head of the operation, employs former marines and soldiers as mercenaries.
Pandora is inhabited by an indigenous race of tall humanoids called the Na'vi and researchers led by Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver) create the Avatar Program, creating human-Na'vi hybrids in an attempt to blend in with the environment. A human who shares genetic material with an avatar can link to it, allowing them to control it while their own body 'sleeps'.
Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) is a former Marine who was paralyzed below the waist in combat on Earth. His twin brother was a scientist working in the Avatar Program. When Jake's brother is killed, Jake takes his place because he is compatible with his brother's avatar. The research team lets him into the program, having him act more as their security rather than a researcher/explorer. But as Jake explores the world of Pandora and becomes involved with the Na'vi in ways he didn't expect, it leads to a situation which would eventually decide the fate of both the humans and the Na'vi in Pandora.
I'll get straight to the point: The groundbreaking technological advancements and innovative eye candy employed in this film is one of the best in years. Not since "Lord of the Rings" has a film been as absorbing and engaging as this.
Cameron wanted to make a lush and surreal new world taken out of the pages of 'National Geographic' in fantasy mode and the result is utterly breathtaking. There were a handful of moments during my THX 3D viewing when his creations seemed to pop out of the IMAX screen and looked so realistic that I found myself extending my finger for the desire to wanting to literally touch them!
The film has already topped the CGI department in all its breathtaking splendor with jaw-dropping effects, the pulse-pounding action is top notch, the engaging adventure infectious (God I wanted to ride one of those flying creatures and soar like Jake!) and the story of one man's journey of finding his place in the universe realized amongst a race he used to discriminate is enough to be backed up by the visuals.
Granted that Cameron took some elements from his past works such as "Aliens" and some scenes could have been shortened, but it's his way of paying tribute to past works and his penchant for the lengthy path is only because he wanted the viewers to stay around for awhile and be a witness to this incredible world that it leaves a lasting effect on the theme he wants to drive: to learn to appreciate the environment we live in and how imperialism could destroy everything we take for granted.
Sam Worthington's acting is good enough for us to cheer for him, and Sigourney Weaver's presence back to the science fiction genre is an added welcome. And lastly, the cinematic sound courtesy of James Horner is exceptional and heightened the viewing experience up another level.
Experts predict that Avatar will be the groundbreaking landmark and template for future blockbuster films to come, and it comes as no surprise. It's a fantasy film epic without a doubt and will remind you why you watch movies in the first place.
James Cameron. Director of Titanic.
And years from now, when another friend will come to ask about the next Cameron film? I plan on saying this:
"James Cameron. Director of Avatar."
And that, could very well make him nod in approval.
* FILM RATING: 5 STARS (out of 5).
"Avatar succeeds in immersing you to this rich, beautiful world that looks so real you'd wish it truly exists."
Me: "I'll be watching Avatar."
Friend: "Ava-what?"
Me: "Avatar. A film by James Cameron."
Friend: "Who?"
Me: "James Cameron. Director of 'Titanic'."
Friend: "Ahhh...'TITANIC'... Ok."
Titanic. Whether he likes it or not, James Cameron will always be linked to the "Numero Uno Blockbuster Movie of All-Time". On a positive note however, this helps as movies he'll direct from then on initially gives that "great movie perception" strengthened from his film portfolio, beginning of course with Titanic - the same film that catapulted actor Leonardo DiCaprio to mega guwapo stardom and the song "My Heart Will Go On" be played endlessly on FM stations unless we turn off the radio or set it on fire.
So after a decade of not directing any film since 1997's Titanic, Cameron gives us "Avatar".
"Avatar? "
The story goes that in 2154 AD, a human corporation mines Pandora, a lush, low gravity moon of Polyphemus, a gas giant orbiting Alpha Centauri A, 4.4 light-years from Earth. The humans seek to exploit Pandora's reserves of unobtanium, a precious mineral. Parker Selfridge (Giovanni Ribisi), head of the operation, employs former marines and soldiers as mercenaries.
Pandora is inhabited by an indigenous race of tall humanoids called the Na'vi and researchers led by Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver) create the Avatar Program, creating human-Na'vi hybrids in an attempt to blend in with the environment. A human who shares genetic material with an avatar can link to it, allowing them to control it while their own body 'sleeps'.
Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) is a former Marine who was paralyzed below the waist in combat on Earth. His twin brother was a scientist working in the Avatar Program. When Jake's brother is killed, Jake takes his place because he is compatible with his brother's avatar. The research team lets him into the program, having him act more as their security rather than a researcher/explorer. But as Jake explores the world of Pandora and becomes involved with the Na'vi in ways he didn't expect, it leads to a situation which would eventually decide the fate of both the humans and the Na'vi in Pandora.
I'll get straight to the point: The groundbreaking technological advancements and innovative eye candy employed in this film is one of the best in years. Not since "Lord of the Rings" has a film been as absorbing and engaging as this.
Cameron wanted to make a lush and surreal new world taken out of the pages of 'National Geographic' in fantasy mode and the result is utterly breathtaking. There were a handful of moments during my THX 3D viewing when his creations seemed to pop out of the IMAX screen and looked so realistic that I found myself extending my finger for the desire to wanting to literally touch them!
The film has already topped the CGI department in all its breathtaking splendor with jaw-dropping effects, the pulse-pounding action is top notch, the engaging adventure infectious (God I wanted to ride one of those flying creatures and soar like Jake!) and the story of one man's journey of finding his place in the universe realized amongst a race he used to discriminate is enough to be backed up by the visuals.
Granted that Cameron took some elements from his past works such as "Aliens" and some scenes could have been shortened, but it's his way of paying tribute to past works and his penchant for the lengthy path is only because he wanted the viewers to stay around for awhile and be a witness to this incredible world that it leaves a lasting effect on the theme he wants to drive: to learn to appreciate the environment we live in and how imperialism could destroy everything we take for granted.
Sam Worthington's acting is good enough for us to cheer for him, and Sigourney Weaver's presence back to the science fiction genre is an added welcome. And lastly, the cinematic sound courtesy of James Horner is exceptional and heightened the viewing experience up another level.
Experts predict that Avatar will be the groundbreaking landmark and template for future blockbuster films to come, and it comes as no surprise. It's a fantasy film epic without a doubt and will remind you why you watch movies in the first place.
James Cameron. Director of Titanic.
And years from now, when another friend will come to ask about the next Cameron film? I plan on saying this:
"James Cameron. Director of Avatar."
And that, could very well make him nod in approval.
* FILM RATING: 5 STARS (out of 5).
Friday, November 20, 2009
Travel around the world
I spotted this magazine article on Travel. It featured 20 'round-the-world travel experiences one is advised to undertake. Being someone who is passionate in travel, I typed it down and wanted to share it with you:
1. witness the grandeur of the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt
2. take a bike around Angkor Wat
3. coffee time in Vienna, Austria
4. the ancient ruins in Peru
5. early morning stroll in Fischmarkt, Hamburg Germany
6. feast on Babi Guling in Bali
7. nature tripping at Yamanashi, Tokyo
8. shop at Otavalo, Ecuador
9. visit the stores in Istanbul, Turkey
10. trying out the bug delicacies in Bangkok
11. float in the Dead Sea
12. coffee time in Ho Chi Minh
13. watch a football match in Beunos Aires
14. carnival in Louvre
15. the Vatican
16. visit the lost city of Petra, Siq
17. organize a rooftop party in Brooklyn, NY
18. shop in Sydney Flea Market
19. go to Disneyland
20. the ancient ruins in Athens, Greece
1. witness the grandeur of the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt
2. take a bike around Angkor Wat
3. coffee time in Vienna, Austria
4. the ancient ruins in Peru
5. early morning stroll in Fischmarkt, Hamburg Germany
6. feast on Babi Guling in Bali
7. nature tripping at Yamanashi, Tokyo
8. shop at Otavalo, Ecuador
9. visit the stores in Istanbul, Turkey
10. trying out the bug delicacies in Bangkok
11. float in the Dead Sea
12. coffee time in Ho Chi Minh
13. watch a football match in Beunos Aires
14. carnival in Louvre
15. the Vatican
16. visit the lost city of Petra, Siq
17. organize a rooftop party in Brooklyn, NY
18. shop in Sydney Flea Market
19. go to Disneyland
20. the ancient ruins in Athens, Greece
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Music Review: Krissy and Ericka
For a budding music artist, YouTube has proven to be a very good tool. As seen by the success of musicians Colbie Caillat and Marie Digby, using the internet to market their talents has reached consciousness in a global scale.
In the local scene, there's Arnel Pineda, a longtime singer of bands who was discovered in the popular site when legendary American band Journey was looking to fill in their vacant post in handling lead vocals.
And then there's Krissy and Ericka.
Dishing out fresh music, teen sisters Regine Kristine (Krissy) and Ericka Renee Villongco (Ericka) started out early as they found support from family and friends. Once they began posting video clips of their live performances, a fan base steadily grew until finally MCA Music took notice of their remarkable talents.
Their self-titled debut album has ten tracks of both memorable original hooks and established known hits from established musicians. From the opening track "Up Up Down Down" which is their carrier single, the recognition of their vocal harmonies is already felt. The cover "Baby now that I've found you" comes after, followed by "Game of Love."
Their songwriting chops come in full display here with the songs "Hope for Humanity" and "Surf's Up", with the latter interestingly written soon after their school examinations were over, and the former created with the conviction that the "youth can make a difference".
Other cuts worth noting include The Corrs' huge single "Runaway", a rendition of "Don't Say You Love Me" which is also their personal favorite, the Marcus Davis penned "Sisters" and "Tomorrow", which was arranged by popular jazz singer Richard Poon.
Poised to become the next big thing in the music industry, Krissy and Ericka is the pop-teen duo that is surely to watch.
*
The self-titled ablum “Krissy & Ericka” under MCA Music Inc. is available in all major record bars nationwide. Tracks from the album are also available for mobile download via Globe and Smart WAP sites. To know more about Krissy & Ericka and other MCA Music artists, please visit www.getmusic.com.ph.
TRACKLIST:
1. Up Up Down Down
2. Baby Now That I Found You
3. Game Of Love
4. He’d Look My Way
5. Hope For Humanity
6. Don’t Say You Love Me
7. Surf’s Up
8. Runaway
9. Sisters
10. Tomorrow
In the local scene, there's Arnel Pineda, a longtime singer of bands who was discovered in the popular site when legendary American band Journey was looking to fill in their vacant post in handling lead vocals.
And then there's Krissy and Ericka.
Dishing out fresh music, teen sisters Regine Kristine (Krissy) and Ericka Renee Villongco (Ericka) started out early as they found support from family and friends. Once they began posting video clips of their live performances, a fan base steadily grew until finally MCA Music took notice of their remarkable talents.
Their self-titled debut album has ten tracks of both memorable original hooks and established known hits from established musicians. From the opening track "Up Up Down Down" which is their carrier single, the recognition of their vocal harmonies is already felt. The cover "Baby now that I've found you" comes after, followed by "Game of Love."
Their songwriting chops come in full display here with the songs "Hope for Humanity" and "Surf's Up", with the latter interestingly written soon after their school examinations were over, and the former created with the conviction that the "youth can make a difference".
Other cuts worth noting include The Corrs' huge single "Runaway", a rendition of "Don't Say You Love Me" which is also their personal favorite, the Marcus Davis penned "Sisters" and "Tomorrow", which was arranged by popular jazz singer Richard Poon.
Poised to become the next big thing in the music industry, Krissy and Ericka is the pop-teen duo that is surely to watch.
*
The self-titled ablum “Krissy & Ericka” under MCA Music Inc. is available in all major record bars nationwide. Tracks from the album are also available for mobile download via Globe and Smart WAP sites. To know more about Krissy & Ericka and other MCA Music artists, please visit www.getmusic.com.ph.
TRACKLIST:
1. Up Up Down Down
2. Baby Now That I Found You
3. Game Of Love
4. He’d Look My Way
5. Hope For Humanity
6. Don’t Say You Love Me
7. Surf’s Up
8. Runaway
9. Sisters
10. Tomorrow
Monday, October 12, 2009
Music Review: De Barge
They were one of Motown's best known acts of decades back - a group named for their shared surname, which included the brothers James, Randy, Mark and El, and their sister Bunny.
DeBarge.
With their gifted vocals, musical genius and ability to excel in known genres R&B, soul and funk music, DeBarge was able to hit a winning chord for music fans, and fittingly this latest CD gives proper tribute to the group.
Called "DeBarge - The Definitive Collection", the album boasts of 16 tracks which not only takes you back in time in the 80s to remember not only their songs but the decade in general; their music successful enough to leave a mark with the pop culture of that time.
Those who still remember popular songs from that decade will not be difficult to recall the upbeat and danceable track that is "Rhythm Of The Night." One could also remember the intimate whispers of "Time Will Reveal" which was once a favorite of local airwaves. Another warm and easy-listening ballad,"Who's Holding Donna Now", was another keeper at the FM band.
Other songs to note are the ones from El DeBarge, as his two hits as a solo artist are featured here: the melodic "Love Always" and "Who's Johnny" - an infectious and energetic track in the same vein of "Rhythm Of The Night".
"DeBarge - The Definitive Collection" is brought to you exclusively by MCA Music Inc.
TRACKLIST:
1. Rhythm of the Night - (remix)
2. Time Will Reveal
3. I Like It
4. You Wear It Well
5. Who's Holding Donna Now?
6. Stop! Don't Tease Me
7. Love Me In a Special Way
8. Dream, A
9. Talk To Me - (featuring Chico DeBarge)
10. All This Love
11. Love Always
12. Who's Johnny
13. Heart is Not So Smart, The
14. Save the Best For Me (Best of Your Lovin')
15. Dance All Night
16. Stay With Me
DeBarge.
With their gifted vocals, musical genius and ability to excel in known genres R&B, soul and funk music, DeBarge was able to hit a winning chord for music fans, and fittingly this latest CD gives proper tribute to the group.
Called "DeBarge - The Definitive Collection", the album boasts of 16 tracks which not only takes you back in time in the 80s to remember not only their songs but the decade in general; their music successful enough to leave a mark with the pop culture of that time.
Those who still remember popular songs from that decade will not be difficult to recall the upbeat and danceable track that is "Rhythm Of The Night." One could also remember the intimate whispers of "Time Will Reveal" which was once a favorite of local airwaves. Another warm and easy-listening ballad,"Who's Holding Donna Now", was another keeper at the FM band.
Other songs to note are the ones from El DeBarge, as his two hits as a solo artist are featured here: the melodic "Love Always" and "Who's Johnny" - an infectious and energetic track in the same vein of "Rhythm Of The Night".
"DeBarge - The Definitive Collection" is brought to you exclusively by MCA Music Inc.
TRACKLIST:
1. Rhythm of the Night - (remix)
2. Time Will Reveal
3. I Like It
4. You Wear It Well
5. Who's Holding Donna Now?
6. Stop! Don't Tease Me
7. Love Me In a Special Way
8. Dream, A
9. Talk To Me - (featuring Chico DeBarge)
10. All This Love
11. Love Always
12. Who's Johnny
13. Heart is Not So Smart, The
14. Save the Best For Me (Best of Your Lovin')
15. Dance All Night
16. Stay With Me
Friday, September 25, 2009
My 15 Favorite Movies
Rules: Don't take too long to think about it...15 minutes max. Fifteen films you've seen that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall. Tag 15 friends, including me because I'm interested in seeing what films my friends choose. (To do this, go to your Notes tab on your profile page, paste rules in a new note, cast your 15 picks, and tag people in the note -- upper right hand side.) (No particular order - just as they come to mind.)
1. Dead Poets Society ( Carpe Diem - "Sieze the Day!" )
2. Jerry Maguire ( "You complete... me" )
3. A Few Good Men ( Cruise, Moore and Nicholson. wow. )
4. Transformers - The Animated Movie ( "Til All Are One!" - astig! XD. )
5. Lord of the Rings Trilogy ( Enough said. )
6. Serendipity ( what a romantic comedy flick should be )
7. 300 ( "Prepare for Glory!!!" )
8. Star Wars ( "A long time ago, in a galaxy far away..." =) )
9. Superman ( I wanted to be like him growing up )
10. Jurassic Park ( Loved Dinosaurs as a kid. Thank you Spielberg. )
11. Independence Day ( Science fiction war against aliens felt almost real )
12. The Dark Knight ( What comic book hero adaptations should be )
13. The Matrix ( Cutting edge film as a whole )
14. Van Helsing ( Popcorn adventure ride )
15. Bruce Almighty ( comedy with a heart )
1. Dead Poets Society ( Carpe Diem - "Sieze the Day!" )
2. Jerry Maguire ( "You complete... me" )
3. A Few Good Men ( Cruise, Moore and Nicholson. wow. )
4. Transformers - The Animated Movie ( "Til All Are One!" - astig! XD. )
5. Lord of the Rings Trilogy ( Enough said. )
6. Serendipity ( what a romantic comedy flick should be )
7. 300 ( "Prepare for Glory!!!" )
8. Star Wars ( "A long time ago, in a galaxy far away..." =) )
9. Superman ( I wanted to be like him growing up )
10. Jurassic Park ( Loved Dinosaurs as a kid. Thank you Spielberg. )
11. Independence Day ( Science fiction war against aliens felt almost real )
12. The Dark Knight ( What comic book hero adaptations should be )
13. The Matrix ( Cutting edge film as a whole )
14. Van Helsing ( Popcorn adventure ride )
15. Bruce Almighty ( comedy with a heart )
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Movie Review: G.I. Joe
"Sommer’s popcorn thrill ride"
Had to admit, I gave a slight groan upon learning that another 80’s toy franchise had joined the transition to the big screen after the success of “Transformers”. I wasn’t all that excited with this “joining the bandwagon thing.”
The biggest question I asked was “Wasn’t the transition done a bit too late?” Back in the 80’s they were on top of the cartoon world and its action figures sold like hot cakes, but could the same magic carry over to today’s movie audience?
But I gave it a chance, watched it, and my question was answered.
The answer came in the guise of the guy who called the shots.
Director Stephen Sommers.
Sommers, who gave film fans movies that featured thrilling action scenes with attached storylines (The Mummy, Mummy Returns and Van Helsing) was given the challenging task of reviving an old brand into something fresh and engaging.
And pulling it off he did.
Sommers retained the names of the G.I. Joe fan favorites (unlike in Transformers) and took advantage of today’s CGI to produce a good film for both casual moviegoers and diehard fans alike.
The result is non-stop action that does not slow down in narrative pace; even the flashbacks featured explosive thrills and spills.
The highlight in the film for me as a longtime fan of the franchise was when Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow first faced off. To me this was the equivalent of Optimus Prime transforming from truck to robot mode in 2007's "Transformers". The moment both characters' swords clashed, I immediately clenched my fist in satisfaction.
"Yes!"
A sequel is in order.
And thanks to director Sommers, the G.I. Joe magic is back in full force.
FILM RATING: 3 1/2 stars (out of 5)
Had to admit, I gave a slight groan upon learning that another 80’s toy franchise had joined the transition to the big screen after the success of “Transformers”. I wasn’t all that excited with this “joining the bandwagon thing.”
The biggest question I asked was “Wasn’t the transition done a bit too late?” Back in the 80’s they were on top of the cartoon world and its action figures sold like hot cakes, but could the same magic carry over to today’s movie audience?
But I gave it a chance, watched it, and my question was answered.
The answer came in the guise of the guy who called the shots.
Director Stephen Sommers.
Sommers, who gave film fans movies that featured thrilling action scenes with attached storylines (The Mummy, Mummy Returns and Van Helsing) was given the challenging task of reviving an old brand into something fresh and engaging.
And pulling it off he did.
Sommers retained the names of the G.I. Joe fan favorites (unlike in Transformers) and took advantage of today’s CGI to produce a good film for both casual moviegoers and diehard fans alike.
The result is non-stop action that does not slow down in narrative pace; even the flashbacks featured explosive thrills and spills.
The highlight in the film for me as a longtime fan of the franchise was when Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow first faced off. To me this was the equivalent of Optimus Prime transforming from truck to robot mode in 2007's "Transformers". The moment both characters' swords clashed, I immediately clenched my fist in satisfaction.
"Yes!"
A sequel is in order.
And thanks to director Sommers, the G.I. Joe magic is back in full force.
FILM RATING: 3 1/2 stars (out of 5)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sergio Mendes - The Collection
Sergio Mendes - The Collection
The Brazilian music legend is back with a new release that draws material from throughout his career. Featuring the global hits "Mas Que Nada", "Night & Day", "Never Gonna Let You Go" plus hard-to-find classics like "The Fool On The Hill", "Norwegian Wood" and more.
For most of the second half of the 60's, Sergio Mendes was the top-selling Brazilian artist of the United States, charting huge hit singles and LPs that regularly made the Top Five. His records with his group Brasil `66 regularly straddled the domestic pop and international markets, getting played heavily on AM radio stations, both rock and easy listening, and he gave his label, A&M, something to offer light jazz listeners beyond the work of the company's co-founder Herb Alpert. During this period, he also became an international music star and one of the most popular musicians in South America.
This brand new collection assembles virtually all the 1960s and early `70s hits by Sergio Mendes and his various BrAzil bands, beginning with Brasil `66. While it's been done again and again and these tracks are rare on CD, this particular selection is as solid as can be with "Mais Que Nada" leading it off. Sure, most of the Beatle's covers arae here too: "Norwegian Wood", "Day Tripper" and "With A Little Help From My Friends". Also, hard-to-find classics like "The Fool On The Hill", "Scarborough Fair" and the signature speedy samba reading of "What The World Needs Now Is Love" are here.
Available in all records stores, from MCA Music Inc.
The Brazilian music legend is back with a new release that draws material from throughout his career. Featuring the global hits "Mas Que Nada", "Night & Day", "Never Gonna Let You Go" plus hard-to-find classics like "The Fool On The Hill", "Norwegian Wood" and more.
For most of the second half of the 60's, Sergio Mendes was the top-selling Brazilian artist of the United States, charting huge hit singles and LPs that regularly made the Top Five. His records with his group Brasil `66 regularly straddled the domestic pop and international markets, getting played heavily on AM radio stations, both rock and easy listening, and he gave his label, A&M, something to offer light jazz listeners beyond the work of the company's co-founder Herb Alpert. During this period, he also became an international music star and one of the most popular musicians in South America.
This brand new collection assembles virtually all the 1960s and early `70s hits by Sergio Mendes and his various BrAzil bands, beginning with Brasil `66. While it's been done again and again and these tracks are rare on CD, this particular selection is as solid as can be with "Mais Que Nada" leading it off. Sure, most of the Beatle's covers arae here too: "Norwegian Wood", "Day Tripper" and "With A Little Help From My Friends". Also, hard-to-find classics like "The Fool On The Hill", "Scarborough Fair" and the signature speedy samba reading of "What The World Needs Now Is Love" are here.
Available in all records stores, from MCA Music Inc.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Music Review; Taylor Swift - Fearless
Shakespeare might have changed the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet into a happy ending if he had heard Taylor Swift’s Love Story during his time. Especially if he realizes how easily Taylor Swift can touch the hearts of many with her phenomenal songs.
In the Philippines, her first single off her debut album, Fearless, entitled Love Story is glued to the charts! Positions include being #1 for months now in most video and radio charts. With dozens of fans from all over the country hailing her beauty, music, and talent they just couldn’t resist making their hunger for Taylor known. Throughout the Globe, Love Story powered into the top five of the Billboard Hot 100 in just two weeks, with downloads well on their way to US Platinum Single status (more than 1 million tracks sold). She has also sold over 8 million albums worldwide and has sold over 14 million tracks online!
Aside from Love Story, her album also includes her previous worldly renowned tracks popularized by US radio. These songs include Teardrops on my Guitar, Our Song, and Should’ve Said No. These tracks plus her new songs make her album Fearless another introductory collection that morphed into an ALL-HIT master recording of Taylor Swift’s expressions of life and love.
Taylor Swift is an all – in – one package. She is gifted with a face that sings a thousand songs, no wonder she is the endorser of choice for several products including the famous Got Milk campaign. She is also a singer and songwriter, being the heart and soul of most of the tracks in her album. Now, she showcases her eye for acting as she takes on a cameo role in the Hannah Montana Movie with Miley Cyrus. Her meek and mild yet incredibly irresistible façade is the perfect irony to the bigness and hard hitting success that Taylor Swift has garnered here and in the globe.
Swift is also becoming the most popular pop icon on the worldwide web. She has garnered over a million friends on Myspace, over 81 million Myspace profile views, over 187 million myspace online streams, and she has been the MOST-SEARCHED ON MYSPACE OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS!
So how does a simple girl from Tennessee reach the tipping point of reaching her big dreams? Taylor Swift’s career initially began by performing on – stage with no trace of stage fright. Thanks to her grandmother, Taylor states, “My grandmother was an opera singer, she’d been famous in Puerto Rico and Singapore and places like that. She used to sing in church every Sunday, and I think seeing her get up there every single week made me realise, subliminally, that performing’s nothing, it’s kinda normal, so that helped me.”
Then came records. “I became obsessed with music when I was about six, bought my first LeAnn Rimes album and I was hooked. I started wanting to do music when I was about ten. I begged my parents to let me try out for children’s theatre, where if you’re tall, you get to play an adult, so I got all these leads and got to memorise two-hour plays, and really got into the performing aspect of things.”
Taylor Swift’s gift for songwriting is also one of her admired competencies that helped her greatly in reaching the top. “My early songs were based solely on what I was going through,” recalls Taylor. “I wrote them so fast, I didn’t think about being inspired by other people or sounds. For me it was just how quickly can I write this down right now.”
“Music has to be in my day. There’s nothing without music. It gives people a way to say how they feel. Sometimes we have no idea what we’re feeling unless somebody says it perfectly for us, and when that moment happens, it becomes your favorite song. That’s a really special thing, and it’s an honor to make music that could possibly be somebody’s favorite song.”
Taylor Swift’s new album, Fearless is available at your favorite Odyssey, Astrovision, Music One and Fully Booked stores that comes with a free Limited edition Taylor Swift poster. Her songs are also available for downloads through your cellphone via WAP and through the internet via www.fliptunesplus.net.
Fearless – the new album of Taylor Swift brought to you exclusively by MCA Music Inc.
In the Philippines, her first single off her debut album, Fearless, entitled Love Story is glued to the charts! Positions include being #1 for months now in most video and radio charts. With dozens of fans from all over the country hailing her beauty, music, and talent they just couldn’t resist making their hunger for Taylor known. Throughout the Globe, Love Story powered into the top five of the Billboard Hot 100 in just two weeks, with downloads well on their way to US Platinum Single status (more than 1 million tracks sold). She has also sold over 8 million albums worldwide and has sold over 14 million tracks online!
Aside from Love Story, her album also includes her previous worldly renowned tracks popularized by US radio. These songs include Teardrops on my Guitar, Our Song, and Should’ve Said No. These tracks plus her new songs make her album Fearless another introductory collection that morphed into an ALL-HIT master recording of Taylor Swift’s expressions of life and love.
Taylor Swift is an all – in – one package. She is gifted with a face that sings a thousand songs, no wonder she is the endorser of choice for several products including the famous Got Milk campaign. She is also a singer and songwriter, being the heart and soul of most of the tracks in her album. Now, she showcases her eye for acting as she takes on a cameo role in the Hannah Montana Movie with Miley Cyrus. Her meek and mild yet incredibly irresistible façade is the perfect irony to the bigness and hard hitting success that Taylor Swift has garnered here and in the globe.
Swift is also becoming the most popular pop icon on the worldwide web. She has garnered over a million friends on Myspace, over 81 million Myspace profile views, over 187 million myspace online streams, and she has been the MOST-SEARCHED ON MYSPACE OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS!
So how does a simple girl from Tennessee reach the tipping point of reaching her big dreams? Taylor Swift’s career initially began by performing on – stage with no trace of stage fright. Thanks to her grandmother, Taylor states, “My grandmother was an opera singer, she’d been famous in Puerto Rico and Singapore and places like that. She used to sing in church every Sunday, and I think seeing her get up there every single week made me realise, subliminally, that performing’s nothing, it’s kinda normal, so that helped me.”
Then came records. “I became obsessed with music when I was about six, bought my first LeAnn Rimes album and I was hooked. I started wanting to do music when I was about ten. I begged my parents to let me try out for children’s theatre, where if you’re tall, you get to play an adult, so I got all these leads and got to memorise two-hour plays, and really got into the performing aspect of things.”
Taylor Swift’s gift for songwriting is also one of her admired competencies that helped her greatly in reaching the top. “My early songs were based solely on what I was going through,” recalls Taylor. “I wrote them so fast, I didn’t think about being inspired by other people or sounds. For me it was just how quickly can I write this down right now.”
“Music has to be in my day. There’s nothing without music. It gives people a way to say how they feel. Sometimes we have no idea what we’re feeling unless somebody says it perfectly for us, and when that moment happens, it becomes your favorite song. That’s a really special thing, and it’s an honor to make music that could possibly be somebody’s favorite song.”
Taylor Swift’s new album, Fearless is available at your favorite Odyssey, Astrovision, Music One and Fully Booked stores that comes with a free Limited edition Taylor Swift poster. Her songs are also available for downloads through your cellphone via WAP and through the internet via www.fliptunesplus.net.
Fearless – the new album of Taylor Swift brought to you exclusively by MCA Music Inc.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Movie Review: Diana Krall - Quiet Nights
Some music is intended to paint a romantic scene – a candlelit dinner, a walk along a moonlit beach. Quiet Nights – Diana Krall’s twelfth album – ain’t about that. Using Brazil as a musical point of reference, the award-winning pianist and singer is not suggesting a night out; she means to stay in.
She’s not kidding. From Krall’s refreshing version of “Where or When,” to an utterly soul-stilling rendition of “You’re My Thrill,” the ten songs on Quiet Nights are disarming in their intimacy. Even those already familiar with the breathy vocals and rhythmic lilt in Krall’s music – and now there are millions – will be taken aback by just how far the music pushes, unabashedly, into the realm of sweet surrender. “It’s a sensual, downright erotic record and it's intended to be that way.”
Krall is the first to credit the musical team she assembled – her loyal quartet, ace producer Tommy LiPuma, engineer Al Schmitt plus legendary arranger Claus Ogerman – for much of the seductive power on Quiet Nights. But there’s a deeper, palpable sense of maturity that she brought to the recording as well. “Most of my singing and playing on the album is really just first or second takes. ‘You're My Thrill,’ was a second take – “Too Marvelous,” first take.”
It makes sense that Quiet Nights (also the English name of the bossa nova classic “Corcovado” that is the title track) draws much of its musical spirit from the land that puts the “carnal” into its annual Carnaval celebration. “I was inspired to do this record because of my trip last year to Brazil,” says Krall, who returned to Rio de Janeiro to shoot a concert for a new DVD release. “Then I just kept going back and found that everywhere you go you still hear the sounds of Jobim and bossa nova.”
As moving as Quiet Nights is -- deriving from Krall’s feelings for Brazil and bossa novas – the singer is not shy in admitting that its sensuality is as much about her home life. “It’s my love letter to my husband – just an intimate, romantic album.” As they say in Rio – obrigado!
QUIET NIGHTS is available in all record stores in Super Jewel Case format, for only Php495, and available through downloads for your cellphone via WAP! Only from MCA Music. Log-on to www.getmusic.com.ph for more updates.
She’s not kidding. From Krall’s refreshing version of “Where or When,” to an utterly soul-stilling rendition of “You’re My Thrill,” the ten songs on Quiet Nights are disarming in their intimacy. Even those already familiar with the breathy vocals and rhythmic lilt in Krall’s music – and now there are millions – will be taken aback by just how far the music pushes, unabashedly, into the realm of sweet surrender. “It’s a sensual, downright erotic record and it's intended to be that way.”
Krall is the first to credit the musical team she assembled – her loyal quartet, ace producer Tommy LiPuma, engineer Al Schmitt plus legendary arranger Claus Ogerman – for much of the seductive power on Quiet Nights. But there’s a deeper, palpable sense of maturity that she brought to the recording as well. “Most of my singing and playing on the album is really just first or second takes. ‘You're My Thrill,’ was a second take – “Too Marvelous,” first take.”
It makes sense that Quiet Nights (also the English name of the bossa nova classic “Corcovado” that is the title track) draws much of its musical spirit from the land that puts the “carnal” into its annual Carnaval celebration. “I was inspired to do this record because of my trip last year to Brazil,” says Krall, who returned to Rio de Janeiro to shoot a concert for a new DVD release. “Then I just kept going back and found that everywhere you go you still hear the sounds of Jobim and bossa nova.”
As moving as Quiet Nights is -- deriving from Krall’s feelings for Brazil and bossa novas – the singer is not shy in admitting that its sensuality is as much about her home life. “It’s my love letter to my husband – just an intimate, romantic album.” As they say in Rio – obrigado!
QUIET NIGHTS is available in all record stores in Super Jewel Case format, for only Php495, and available through downloads for your cellphone via WAP! Only from MCA Music. Log-on to www.getmusic.com.ph for more updates.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Movie Review: Knowing
KNOWING.
Starring: Nicholas Cage
Directed by: Alex Proyas
“Alex Proyas’ latest flick, “Knowing”, is a good pulse-pounding thriller."
Poor John Koestler. It’s hard enough raising a precocious kid as a single dad, avoiding issues with his father for so long and then drowning himself in alcohol every night just to forget the loss of his wife. Now his life gets more complicated when a mysterious piece of paper containing only random numbers and accurately forecasting global disasters is displaying a serious warning leading to his greatest fears.
This is the premise to “Knowing”, a film which Alex Proyas directs with adequate success. Taking some of the plot twisting elements he dished out in “I, Robot” and showing brooding imagery he provided in “Dark City”, Proyas manages to mix ancient ideologies with present day visual effects into a well-paced science fiction/thriller flick.
The film brings us to present day Massachusetts, where an elementary school is celebrating its 50th year of existence. As part of the festivities, school officials dig up a time capsule containing illustrations of pupils from 1959 who were asked to draw images of what they think the future would look like.
When the drawings were given to the students, Caleb Koestler, (Chandler Canterbury) receives the most intriguing drawing – a document filled with random numbers. When his dad John (Nicholas Cage) stumbles upon the page and accidentally analyzes a couple of numbers in the computer, he learns that it accurately predicted the major global disasters in the last 50 years.
John starts to investigate and find out who drew those numbers and learns that the student, Lucinda Embry, has now passed away. He interviews Lucinda’s teacher and tries to get hold of Lucinda’s daughter Diana (Rose Byrne) but gets rejected. When the second natural disaster occurs exactly as what the document said, Diana decides to tell John everything she knows about her mother, and brings him to her house. As John examines the rooms of the abandoned dwelling, another shocking discovery leads him to believe that unless something is done, terrible things will happen.
Actor Nicholas Cage, who gained the nod of audiences for his spot in the film “Leaving Las Vegas” and cast in lead roles in action-adventure movies such as “National Treasure”, “The Rock”, “Face-Off” and “Ghost Rider”, is a good reason why people will be coming over to see this 121-minute flick. But beyond the main character he portrays, the fine directing of Proyas will sustain the interest throughout. “Knowing” is not on top of the list as far as highlighting Cage’s acting prowess goes despite playing a character with drinking problems similar to “Leaving Las Vegas”. He never really gave a convincing performance this time around and seems to be selling out. Rose Byrne gives a good account of herself as the troubled daughter of Lucinda despite having a limited screen time.
The pacing of the movie is done well, as Proyas utilizes a series of eye-catching montages during the first part of story to unveil relevant information with some timely camera work and suspense-filled music. The use of CGI works well in key disaster scenes, one of which took days to both set up and shoot, and able to deliver a significant sense of urgency to Cage’s character as he becomes involved in these tragic events.
Holes in the plot are kept to a bare minimum, with loose ends being tied up towards the end. The twist in the climax is an attention-grabbing scene and answers some of the questions found during the beginning of the story.
As a whole, “Knowing” is not the director’s best feature film he has made, as his “I, Robot” flick gets some great points going for it, with “The Crow” coming in as second. Still, this is a solid piece of work, as he once again tries to send the message of hope amidst grim realities. This accessible pulse-pounding thriller may not be the best nor unique piece you’ll find, but what you have is a riveting story; a narrative about what lies ahead, and having the faith to know that all will be good in the end.
FILM RATING: 3 stars (out of 5)
Starring: Nicholas Cage
Directed by: Alex Proyas
“Alex Proyas’ latest flick, “Knowing”, is a good pulse-pounding thriller."
Poor John Koestler. It’s hard enough raising a precocious kid as a single dad, avoiding issues with his father for so long and then drowning himself in alcohol every night just to forget the loss of his wife. Now his life gets more complicated when a mysterious piece of paper containing only random numbers and accurately forecasting global disasters is displaying a serious warning leading to his greatest fears.
This is the premise to “Knowing”, a film which Alex Proyas directs with adequate success. Taking some of the plot twisting elements he dished out in “I, Robot” and showing brooding imagery he provided in “Dark City”, Proyas manages to mix ancient ideologies with present day visual effects into a well-paced science fiction/thriller flick.
The film brings us to present day Massachusetts, where an elementary school is celebrating its 50th year of existence. As part of the festivities, school officials dig up a time capsule containing illustrations of pupils from 1959 who were asked to draw images of what they think the future would look like.
When the drawings were given to the students, Caleb Koestler, (Chandler Canterbury) receives the most intriguing drawing – a document filled with random numbers. When his dad John (Nicholas Cage) stumbles upon the page and accidentally analyzes a couple of numbers in the computer, he learns that it accurately predicted the major global disasters in the last 50 years.
John starts to investigate and find out who drew those numbers and learns that the student, Lucinda Embry, has now passed away. He interviews Lucinda’s teacher and tries to get hold of Lucinda’s daughter Diana (Rose Byrne) but gets rejected. When the second natural disaster occurs exactly as what the document said, Diana decides to tell John everything she knows about her mother, and brings him to her house. As John examines the rooms of the abandoned dwelling, another shocking discovery leads him to believe that unless something is done, terrible things will happen.
Actor Nicholas Cage, who gained the nod of audiences for his spot in the film “Leaving Las Vegas” and cast in lead roles in action-adventure movies such as “National Treasure”, “The Rock”, “Face-Off” and “Ghost Rider”, is a good reason why people will be coming over to see this 121-minute flick. But beyond the main character he portrays, the fine directing of Proyas will sustain the interest throughout. “Knowing” is not on top of the list as far as highlighting Cage’s acting prowess goes despite playing a character with drinking problems similar to “Leaving Las Vegas”. He never really gave a convincing performance this time around and seems to be selling out. Rose Byrne gives a good account of herself as the troubled daughter of Lucinda despite having a limited screen time.
The pacing of the movie is done well, as Proyas utilizes a series of eye-catching montages during the first part of story to unveil relevant information with some timely camera work and suspense-filled music. The use of CGI works well in key disaster scenes, one of which took days to both set up and shoot, and able to deliver a significant sense of urgency to Cage’s character as he becomes involved in these tragic events.
Holes in the plot are kept to a bare minimum, with loose ends being tied up towards the end. The twist in the climax is an attention-grabbing scene and answers some of the questions found during the beginning of the story.
As a whole, “Knowing” is not the director’s best feature film he has made, as his “I, Robot” flick gets some great points going for it, with “The Crow” coming in as second. Still, this is a solid piece of work, as he once again tries to send the message of hope amidst grim realities. This accessible pulse-pounding thriller may not be the best nor unique piece you’ll find, but what you have is a riveting story; a narrative about what lies ahead, and having the faith to know that all will be good in the end.
FILM RATING: 3 stars (out of 5)
Friday, April 10, 2009
Movie Review: Slumdog Millionaire
Entertaining Realism
Question: Slumdog Millionaire won “Best Picture” at the 2009 Academy Awards because of:
A. Great storytelling
B. Awesome directing
C. Wonderful cinematography and film editing
D. All of the above
If posed with the question above and given the respective choices below, it helps to discuss first why the film “Slumdog Millionaire” works.
Well, it works primarily because the majority can relate to the story: a wonderful narrative about a kid with a dream and fueled by this universal phenomenon called love.
”Slumdog Millionaire” is the story of Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), a slumdog youngster living together with his elder brother Salim (Madhur Mittal) in the impoverished streets of Mumbai, India. Jamal meets fellow slumdog Latika (Freida Pinto) during one rainy evening and falls for her. After a series of unfortunate twists and turns, Salim forces Jamal to go live on his own due to personal greed. Jamal runs away in tears as he is separated from his love. Years later, Jamal works as an assistant for a call center and gets a chance to be reunited with both Salim and Latika when he covers for a call center agent who wanted to watch Indian’s version of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”. Although Jamal and Latika finally gets to see each other after so long, it lasted briefly, as Salim took her away from him. It is in this moment when Jamal decides to become a contestant in “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”, believing that Latika will be watching the show.
Jamal does join the show, pulling out his answers based on his remarkable experiences growing up in Mumbai. When he reaches the jackpot round that promises a bounty of 20 million rupee, Jamal is brought to the police station for questioning, based on the assumption that the reason why an ill-educated slumdog could answer correctly was due to cheating. As Jamal narrates his past and his phenomenal story unfolds, his fate to return to the show hangs in the balance. Will he be able to come back and answer the final question correctly? Will he be reunited with Latika as well?
Call this movie a mini-comeback of sorts for director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting). After making ”Sunshine” in 2007 which received its share of negative reviews, Boyle chanced upon the opportunity to helm “Slumdog Millionaire” after reading a script from screenwriter Simon Beaufoy, whose past work “The Full Monty” Boyle admired. The visual interpretation of Beaufoy’s well-written script is done well, adding a touch of realism with a breath of movie entertainment savvy and mixing them all in this artistic montage of flashback scenes that succeeds to tell the story as a whole. Co-director Loveleen Tandan also deserves the credit for helping bring together cohesion especially in the on-location scenes that show the raw emotions of the harsh conditions of the slums.
The actors who portrayed the characters showed authenticity, with some of them actually living their lives in the slums, further enhancing the realistic feel to the movie. Also, the use of smart shot selection is evident, particularly in the chase scene of Jamal and Salim in the middle of the shanties. From a close up shot looking down, the scene gradually zooms out to reveal the world where both kids live in. Another memorable scene is felt between Jamal and Latika, as they were both looking at each other in the subway station. Amidst the fast-paced, heavily populated and maddening chaos, everything else seemed to be in slow motion, as both protagonists express their feelings for each other.
The film’s plot lines come together in the end magnificently, fixing the loose ends and leading to a brilliantly executed climax that reflects life’s take on fate and destiny. What also makes this flick standout is that it is able to deliver its message about the existence of hope; that is exists no matter what circumstance a person is in.
Now going back to the question posted above as to why “Slumdog Millionaire” was chosen as “Best Picture”, my answer would be letter D. The film caught attention not only because it was uniquely special, but also because of great storytelling, awesome directing, wonderful cinematography and film editing.
D. All of the above.
And this is my final answer.
FILM RATING: 4 stars ( out of 5 )
Question: Slumdog Millionaire won “Best Picture” at the 2009 Academy Awards because of:
A. Great storytelling
B. Awesome directing
C. Wonderful cinematography and film editing
D. All of the above
If posed with the question above and given the respective choices below, it helps to discuss first why the film “Slumdog Millionaire” works.
Well, it works primarily because the majority can relate to the story: a wonderful narrative about a kid with a dream and fueled by this universal phenomenon called love.
”Slumdog Millionaire” is the story of Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), a slumdog youngster living together with his elder brother Salim (Madhur Mittal) in the impoverished streets of Mumbai, India. Jamal meets fellow slumdog Latika (Freida Pinto) during one rainy evening and falls for her. After a series of unfortunate twists and turns, Salim forces Jamal to go live on his own due to personal greed. Jamal runs away in tears as he is separated from his love. Years later, Jamal works as an assistant for a call center and gets a chance to be reunited with both Salim and Latika when he covers for a call center agent who wanted to watch Indian’s version of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”. Although Jamal and Latika finally gets to see each other after so long, it lasted briefly, as Salim took her away from him. It is in this moment when Jamal decides to become a contestant in “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”, believing that Latika will be watching the show.
Jamal does join the show, pulling out his answers based on his remarkable experiences growing up in Mumbai. When he reaches the jackpot round that promises a bounty of 20 million rupee, Jamal is brought to the police station for questioning, based on the assumption that the reason why an ill-educated slumdog could answer correctly was due to cheating. As Jamal narrates his past and his phenomenal story unfolds, his fate to return to the show hangs in the balance. Will he be able to come back and answer the final question correctly? Will he be reunited with Latika as well?
Call this movie a mini-comeback of sorts for director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting). After making ”Sunshine” in 2007 which received its share of negative reviews, Boyle chanced upon the opportunity to helm “Slumdog Millionaire” after reading a script from screenwriter Simon Beaufoy, whose past work “The Full Monty” Boyle admired. The visual interpretation of Beaufoy’s well-written script is done well, adding a touch of realism with a breath of movie entertainment savvy and mixing them all in this artistic montage of flashback scenes that succeeds to tell the story as a whole. Co-director Loveleen Tandan also deserves the credit for helping bring together cohesion especially in the on-location scenes that show the raw emotions of the harsh conditions of the slums.
The actors who portrayed the characters showed authenticity, with some of them actually living their lives in the slums, further enhancing the realistic feel to the movie. Also, the use of smart shot selection is evident, particularly in the chase scene of Jamal and Salim in the middle of the shanties. From a close up shot looking down, the scene gradually zooms out to reveal the world where both kids live in. Another memorable scene is felt between Jamal and Latika, as they were both looking at each other in the subway station. Amidst the fast-paced, heavily populated and maddening chaos, everything else seemed to be in slow motion, as both protagonists express their feelings for each other.
The film’s plot lines come together in the end magnificently, fixing the loose ends and leading to a brilliantly executed climax that reflects life’s take on fate and destiny. What also makes this flick standout is that it is able to deliver its message about the existence of hope; that is exists no matter what circumstance a person is in.
Now going back to the question posted above as to why “Slumdog Millionaire” was chosen as “Best Picture”, my answer would be letter D. The film caught attention not only because it was uniquely special, but also because of great storytelling, awesome directing, wonderful cinematography and film editing.
D. All of the above.
And this is my final answer.
FILM RATING: 4 stars ( out of 5 )
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Movie Review: Monsters vs Aliens
Let me just say right off the bat that I commend “Monsters vs Aliens” for showcasing innovative 3D and expected visual brilliance, but let me add that the film also exposed an inferior script, forgettable characters and story concepts stolen from several science-fiction movies. Though it was cool idea to have a family-oriented flick that featured two “special” beings go up against each other in a grand scale, it was disappointing enough to watch it unfold in half-baked fashion.
The movie begins with California girl Susan Murphy (voiced by Reese Witherspoon), who is happily expected to wed fiancé Derek Dietl (voiced by Paul Rudd). On the day of their marriage however, Susan is hit by a green-glowing meteor from outer space and grows to 50 feet. Susan is then captured by a military and brought to a secret facility which holds other “monsters”: Dr. Cockroach Ph.D.(voiced by Hugh Laurie), a brilliant scientist with the body of a roach, B.O.B. (voiced by Seth Rogen),a brain dead living piece of goo, the Missing Link (voiced by Will Arnett), a 20,000 year-old fish man skilled in hand-to-hand combat and Insectosaurus, a fuzzy insect that stands a monstrous 350 feet tall.
Susan, now called Ginormica (the names just keep on getting interesting right?), is oriented by General W.R. Monger (voiced by Kiefer Sutherland) about her new “home” but which she considers as prison. As she starts to miss her family and friends back home, several light years away, an alien overlord smartly named “Gallaxhar” (voiced by Rainn Wilson) begins to covet planet Earth and sends a gigantic machine probe over with hostile intentions. As the U.S. army realizes that conventional warfare has no effect on the rampaging alien visitor, the confident General Monger advises the President (voiced by Stephen Colbert) that the monsters can stand a chance to fight the enemy.
Compared to other recent computer-animated releases by DreamWorks (“Bee Movie”, “Kung Fu Panda” and “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa”), “Monsters vs Aliens” ranks as the least recommended of the lot. Whereas in past films we get characters we could easily fall in love with and even go to great lengths buying their toy versions for the kids, we could care less if we saw a scaled version of Ginormica hugging the shelves. Try imagining walking into Toy Kingdom and spotting a giant Kung Fu Panda stuff toy placed beside a fluffy and bouncy Insectosaurus. Which toy would you rather be buying? An insect that looks as scared as hell with bulging eyes the size of giant watermelons?
Reese Witherspoon tries to bring charm into Susan, but her character portrayals on previous live action movies endear us more. Among the actors who lent their voices to the project, Seth Rogen provides the most impact as the dimwitted B.O.B, though sadly the dialogue made for him are tiring in most parts.
Speaking of the dialogue, the script reeks of predictable storylines and stale jokes that keep on repeating. In one scene we find B.O.B. remark a punch line that elicited no response from the audience. Minutes later, the same type of lines are again being said but failing to tickle the funny bone.
The film is a parody of many past movies, and for awhile there it was tough to keep track how many works it made fun of: “Independence Day”, “X-Men”, “Attack of the 50 foot woman”, “The Blob”, “The Fly” and “War of the Worlds”. ( If you can think of other movies it parodied, it wouldn’t be a surprise.) A clever approach of uniting all these ideas into one flick, or a lazy attempt to come up with a fresh and engaging story?
With “Monsters vs Aliens”, it’s easy to be seduced by the groundbreaking visuals and not be bothered that it lacked enough substance to bring home its nice message that individuals considered to be “different” have their place in the world. But thinking a bit further leaves enough room to suggest that this film could’ve – and should’ve been better.
FILM RATING: 2 stars (out of 5)
The movie begins with California girl Susan Murphy (voiced by Reese Witherspoon), who is happily expected to wed fiancé Derek Dietl (voiced by Paul Rudd). On the day of their marriage however, Susan is hit by a green-glowing meteor from outer space and grows to 50 feet. Susan is then captured by a military and brought to a secret facility which holds other “monsters”: Dr. Cockroach Ph.D.(voiced by Hugh Laurie), a brilliant scientist with the body of a roach, B.O.B. (voiced by Seth Rogen),a brain dead living piece of goo, the Missing Link (voiced by Will Arnett), a 20,000 year-old fish man skilled in hand-to-hand combat and Insectosaurus, a fuzzy insect that stands a monstrous 350 feet tall.
Susan, now called Ginormica (the names just keep on getting interesting right?), is oriented by General W.R. Monger (voiced by Kiefer Sutherland) about her new “home” but which she considers as prison. As she starts to miss her family and friends back home, several light years away, an alien overlord smartly named “Gallaxhar” (voiced by Rainn Wilson) begins to covet planet Earth and sends a gigantic machine probe over with hostile intentions. As the U.S. army realizes that conventional warfare has no effect on the rampaging alien visitor, the confident General Monger advises the President (voiced by Stephen Colbert) that the monsters can stand a chance to fight the enemy.
Compared to other recent computer-animated releases by DreamWorks (“Bee Movie”, “Kung Fu Panda” and “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa”), “Monsters vs Aliens” ranks as the least recommended of the lot. Whereas in past films we get characters we could easily fall in love with and even go to great lengths buying their toy versions for the kids, we could care less if we saw a scaled version of Ginormica hugging the shelves. Try imagining walking into Toy Kingdom and spotting a giant Kung Fu Panda stuff toy placed beside a fluffy and bouncy Insectosaurus. Which toy would you rather be buying? An insect that looks as scared as hell with bulging eyes the size of giant watermelons?
Reese Witherspoon tries to bring charm into Susan, but her character portrayals on previous live action movies endear us more. Among the actors who lent their voices to the project, Seth Rogen provides the most impact as the dimwitted B.O.B, though sadly the dialogue made for him are tiring in most parts.
Speaking of the dialogue, the script reeks of predictable storylines and stale jokes that keep on repeating. In one scene we find B.O.B. remark a punch line that elicited no response from the audience. Minutes later, the same type of lines are again being said but failing to tickle the funny bone.
The film is a parody of many past movies, and for awhile there it was tough to keep track how many works it made fun of: “Independence Day”, “X-Men”, “Attack of the 50 foot woman”, “The Blob”, “The Fly” and “War of the Worlds”. ( If you can think of other movies it parodied, it wouldn’t be a surprise.) A clever approach of uniting all these ideas into one flick, or a lazy attempt to come up with a fresh and engaging story?
With “Monsters vs Aliens”, it’s easy to be seduced by the groundbreaking visuals and not be bothered that it lacked enough substance to bring home its nice message that individuals considered to be “different” have their place in the world. But thinking a bit further leaves enough room to suggest that this film could’ve – and should’ve been better.
FILM RATING: 2 stars (out of 5)
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