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).

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

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

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

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 )

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)

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.