The Best and the Worst of 2005

These are the films that have been shown (and released) here in our country this year. I have classified them according to what I feel and think about them. You may agree or disagree with me but they are my choices. This is in random order.

*Best Films 2005*

Ang Pagdadalaga in Maximo Oliveros

Cinderella Man

Crash

-- *Outstanding* No exact words could describe this one!

The 40-Year Old Virgin

Mga Pusang Gala

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Nobody Knows

Closer

Million Dollar Baby

Must Love Dogs

Spanglish

Kung Fu Hustle

3-Iron

Old Boy

The Exorcism of Emily Rose

La Visa Loca

*Good (to Average) Films 2005*

The Family Stone

Just Like Heaven

The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants

War of the Worlds

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

The Fantastic Four

Masahista

Dubai

Lovestruck

Batman Begins

Hitch

Meet the Fockers

The Phantom of the Opera

Red Eye

In Good Company

The Wedding Crashers

Sideways

Star Wars Ep. 3: The Revenge of the Sith

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

The Eye Infinity

Constantine

Shall We Dance?

The Amityville Horror

Jenny, Juno

Bikini Open

Nasaan Ka Man

Say That You Love Me

Fever Pitch

*Bad (to Worst) Films 2005*

Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo

The Fog

Bewitched

Elektra

Flight Plan

Boogeyman

The Exorcist: The Beginning

The Exorcist: Dominion

The Skeleton Key

The Wedding Date

Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous

House of Wax

The Pacifier

Can This Be Love?

Boso

I know that I have forgot some movies so I'll just update this from time to time...

Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros

The joys and pains of first love. That is the exact statement that one would get upon seeing the film.

Maximo Oliveros (Nathan Lopez) is a twelve-year old gay boy who attends to his family's house needs. He lives with his father (Soliman Cruz) and two older brothers, Kuya Boy (Neil Ryan Sese) and Kuya Bogs (Ping Medina). Their family's main livelihood is the money they get from selling stolen cellular phones. Maximo's life revolves around them and his friends. In the afternoon, he would go to a neighbor's house to watch movies.

One night, while going home from a friend's house, an incident happened. A policeman named Victor (JR Valentin) saved him. From then on, they became friends until he becomes infatuated with him. Things got complicated when his family's lives where threatened because of Victor's occupation. Maximo suddenly became caught between his commitment to his family and his loyalty to his first love.

What may keep people from seeing this movie is the fact that the main character is a gay boy. It may be characterized as a "gay film". By being characterized as such, some people might stay away from it. But I'd tell them that they shouldn't miss the opportunity of seeing a woukd-be classic! Amongst other things, Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros tackles a universal theme: first love. Each and everone of us has gone through such stage in our lives and it just so happened that Maximo is a gay boy. But each experience, whatever gender you may be, is almost the same for all of us: it is exciting, happy, confusing at times, and/or sad.

Maxi's being gay wasn't questioned in the entire film. He was as normal as everybody else. He is the center of attention of his family and takes care of him like he is a their little girl. Even Victor, his policeman first love, never judged his sexuality. What matters to him is the friendship built between them.

The movie depicted a family lifestyle that is out of the social norms yet it isn't judgmental nor preachy about it. It merely shows how life unfolds in its day to day situation. The crimes, though, aren't the ones that are disturbing but how the law tends to be manipulated. The law sometimes favor not just the innocent but the ones who have money - whether their status quo belong to the rich or the "poor".

Great performances from the lead cast particularly the head of the Oliveros clan portrayed by Soliman Cruz. Nathan Lopez's strenght is acting naturally as a gay boy and his weakness are the dramatic scenes. But he outdid himself during the scene where he felt he'd become an orphan anytime soon. The silent tears would just break someone's heart into pieces!

The praises wouldn't mean, though, that Maximo is lacking in faults. In fact, it has several like some awkward delivery of lines (or maybe it is the script itself), editing and the irritating guitar plucking which serves as its soundtrack. But they wouldn't matter because you'd leave the cinema with a smile on your face and a happy heart.

Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros is a must-see movie for everyone! It is about love, family, friendship, values, and redemption. This is one movie that we could call "proudly Pinoy!"

Note: To Mother Lily, give chances to independent film makers such as Aureaus Tolentino (or Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil - I may be biased but, imho, she still did an excellent job with her work!). In their hands, the Philippine movie industry would have a better and bigger chances in recuperating to its healthy state!

To Pinoy film snubs who, for sure, would have a say in the upcoming MMFF movies even if they won't see even a single film in the lot, if there's one Pinoy film you gotta see, this is it! You won't regret it!

Visit: Maximo's Blog (Akalain n'yo 'yun! Sosi na sin Maxi! Pa-blog-blog na rin!)

On Video: Dubai

Dubai is about Raffy, Faye, and Andrew who went to the city of Dubai for different reasons. Raffy (Aga Muhlach) worked there to support his brother, Andrew. Faye (Claudine Barretto) wanted independence from her mother. While Andrew (John Lloyd Cruz), after 8 years of separation, was asked by his brother, Raffy, to join him.

Raffy and Faye's lives got complicated the moment Andrew came into the picture. They were having an open relationship until Andrew fell in love with Faye. Faye and Andrew had a relationship till she realized that Andrew isn't the one in her heart but Raffy. When they broke-up, she managed to not only break Andrew's heart but also broke the bond that the two brothers had.

Knowing the plot, you'd think that Dubai is your typical love story re-told over and over again. And I must say that you have thought it correctly! I'd like to say that there's something more that this movie had to offer but there's none. It is very typical except that it is done in the city of Dubai. Take out Dubai and bring it anywhere else, it still wouldn't matter. Nothing will change. The city served just as the location for the film and did not do anything much to change the lives of the characters involved, as far as the story goes.

The problem with the film is that it boasts of the OFW's in Dubai yet we don't get to see them much in action. We neither see any struggles in the characters (except their love problems) nor interact with the people of U.A.E. All we saw was Pinoys mingling with Pinoys in a different country. So how could we take a glimpse of what life is all about in that foreign country when we didn't see any? Raffy's speech in a wedding was even quite patronizing that it lacked conviction. It is quite a kiss-ass kind of speech.

In terms of performances, this film is very much a John Lloyd Cruz movie. His character is meaty and he was able to deliver it well. Sad to say for Aga and Claudine, this movie didn't give them new characterizations. Not only that, both of them looked physically tired the whole time and not on their best performing selves. With Claudine's character, there wasn't much of an impact. Take her out and use another actress (or even a starlet!) and it won't make a difference!

Over Dubai, I'd take Milan, Anak, or Sana Maulit Muli anytime! This one just doesn't cut it above the rest!

Back to Originals!

I am back to what I love the most, original DVDs! I know that these times call for "practical" measures but there are so many good releases (and collectibles) this year that are difficult to resist!

Imported from Taiwan by Warner Bros. Phils. that comes with a comic book and specially priced at PhP550.00 . No more stocks available in RP stores today

Imported from Taiwan, too, that comes with a limited edition notebook; also priced at PhP550.00. Very few copies left as of today in RP stores

This is the Region 3 cover used for the 2-Disc Limited Edition

I believe that this 2-Disc Limited Edition is also an import from Taiwan. But unlike Warner Bros., Magnavision priced this one at PhP999.000. To fight off piracy, Magnavision usually releases "inferior" copies at PhP299.00. Also available is the 1-Disc Widescreen Edition priced at PhP799.00.

This is my most-awaited DVD! While I'm no fan of locally-pressed DVDs (or CDs), this one is practically a steal for the price PhP900.00! Besides, the Tagalog subtitle makes it a collectible (aside from the movie and special features themselves)! This DVD has limited copies in RP stores. In fact, they are not on display...

A Not So Perfect Flight Plan

Eversince I learned about this film and saw its trailer, I have been excited to see it! Not only that I adore Jodie Foster, I felt that this movie has the makings of one of my favorites suspenseful movies called The Panic Room (which is also a JF starrer).

Kyle Pratt (JF) was about to bring home her dead husband's body from Berlin to New York. She was with her daughter, Julia, abroad a state-of-the-art 474 aircraft which she helped design. After flying for three hours, she woke up seeing that her daughter was missing. She looked for her everywhere in the plane but she was nowhere to be found. The flight attendants were also asked by the captain to search for Julia but it was futile. The captain and the crew suspected that Julia wasn't on board to begin with and that Kyle was experiencing a depression regarding the mysterious death of her husband. But Kyle refused to diginify their suggestions that she went through all means to prove that Julia was with her. Till she learned that there was more to her daughter's disappearance than she'd expected.

The movie may be entertaining enough for an audience who wants thrill and excitement. It managed to capture its audience attention to the conflict that they have been seeing on screen. Some even did feel what Kyle must've been going through upon losing her child. But when the movie ends, the questions begin. Unfortunately, one would managed to pull out a thousand questions yet get no answer.

The problem with the movie is that it focused itself on the whats and the whys of the conflict and how to solve it. It has forgotten to go through the how it all began issues. In the first place, why was Kyle chosen as the victim and what was the original plan of the antagonists? What happened in the film was already the result of the screwed-up plan. Should we be seeing a prequel to this film just so that we could understand it better?

Overall, this film is about one's behavior. It is about how one would react and behave in a given situation. If everything that happened in the film was part of THE plan, then I commend the antagonists for a well-made plan. However, how did he manage to know how Kyle (and the rest of the people on board) would behave in such a situation? Was he a behavioral science expert? Does he know Kyle that well?

The US has a strict policy on not negotiating with terrorists at any cost. How could the US agreed so easily on giving the demands of the terrorists? Was the higher authorities ever contacted?

Where are the camera monitors all throughout the ride? Not even the captain thought of inspecting it just to know whether or not Kyle went on the plane with her daughter!

I also understand the disgusted feelings of the flight attendants who have seen the film. They were portrayed as uncaring and unaffected when in fact, full service to all passengers is their main goal.

I know that the movie isn't Air Force One or Executive Decision. It couldn't be even compared to The Panic Room. But please don't insult our intelligence by giving us a half-baked film! Not even Jodie Foster's good performance could save the stupidity of the events that unfolded!

Deuce Ko!

"Deuce ko!" Those are the two words that came out of my mouth before and after watching Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo. I'll explain why.

We saw the movie in Megamall. I've asked a friend to buy the tickets immediately once he arrives in the said place so that we wouldn't pass the cut-off time. What is the cut-off time? You see, Megamall cinemas have a (new) policy of selling tickets at a regular price from 10 am to 4:59 pm. 5 pm onwards, they'd be selling the tickets at whatever the highest price of a particular cinema has! Regular prices vary from PhP90-110 while the highest is between PhP120-PhP130. When you pay the cut-off price, you are entitled to sit anywhere you want: balcony or orchestra. We have experienced paying for the highest price twice since we didn't have enough choices! We'd either go a different mall (which is tiring and we'd have to wait for another screening time) or not see the movie. Of course, the last choice isn't an option anymore. Pissed as we are, we let it slide. Then today, I was surprised when my friend told me that he paid PhP130 each for the tickets when in fact, it was just 3 pm! Apparently, policies have changed. Or, we were in a cinema where prices were fixed at the said amount. My oh my! Now you have to learn the policies for each theater in Megamall!

I really wouldn't mind paying such a high price only if the cinemas in Megamall were as good as those in Glorietta 4! The thing is, when they have re-modelled their cinemas, nothing much has changed in the picture or sound quality of the movie. It was still the same, in DTS or Dolby Surround. That's good, right? But they have been using such sound quality even before their re-modelling! The thing that changed inside the theater are the seats (not leather anymore) and outside are the wall designs. But who cares about the wall designs really?!

My point is, Megamall is asking too much for their ticket prices. Their theaters are not comparable to G4's because first, G4 theaters are smaller than theirs. Thus, the DTS or Dolby Surround Sound has way much better quality. Second, G4 theaters are on per screening basis only. So understandably, they get to ask for higher ticket prices. However, what is so special about theaters in Megamall? Not much! Galleria theaters are even better than them! So how could an ordinary movie-going public afford such a price? Even SM North Edsa are starting to go with the trend! Aren't there affordable theaters anymore? We wouldn't want to see a movie in a theater where bugs are all around us and is so dark that anyone could do some "hocus-focus", would we? No wonder why an ordinary Juan would rather buy a pirated DVD than see the movie itself in theaters!

Attention SM Management! You belong to the few people who, instead of promoting the industry, are killing it! Wake up!

Second, I know I said that in my earlier post about Deuce 2 that I still wanted to see despite the fact that Roger Ebert lambasted this film! I hate to admit it but he was right! In his words, the movie sucks! Big time!

I don't know. I've lost my senses. I was so damn caught up with how funny the trailer was and the idea that The Hot Chick was too good for me. I never realized how much I hated the first movie. So how could the sequel be good if the original was already bad in the first place?

Okay, let's start with how this movie goes. Don't dare ask me about the first movie because I have forgotten all about it. Deuce decided to go to Amsterdam where his friend, TJ, works after being wanted by the police in the US. He did something stupid that really wasn't his own fault. TJ asked him to be a man-whore again since it is a big business in the said country. He rejected the idea but was forced to do it to solve a crime. Man-whores in Amsterdam are being killed one by one. Believing that the killer is a woman, he started to date every woman that the last man-whore who died had dated. Only that he found out that it wasn't any of the woman but the... Should I say it or you still want to see the movie? As if one would watch the movie because of the thrill and suspense (kuno) of it!

Anyway, what is so bad about it? Everything! The jokes were not funny at all! Whatever scenes are funny in the trailer are not funny anymore when you get to see them in the whole film. Unlike The 40 Year-Old Virgin, Deuce 2 is full of prejudicial and racial jokes that are not laughable and quite insulting to the race it has talked about: Europeans, Canadians, Indians, and Asians. Even the different physical attributes of the women featured in the film were degrading not only to women but to mankind. It projects that people with special needs are likely to subscribe to prostitutes because those are the only people they can get. Some antics were even disgusting like the fries in the toilet bowl, the sneezed semen from the woman who has penis for a nose, the inserted nose-penis in the traechiotomy-hole of another woman, etc.

I understand that the ideas in the film may seemed funny when talked about but when you get to see them on screen, they became silly and offensive! I don't understand why this film was made in the first place. It is sickening and nauseating! Rob Schneider said in an interview that lots of gay-themed scenes were deleted because he was afraid to offend the gay crowd. However, he failed to consider about the feelings of the race and differences of the people that he featured in the film, even the people who would watch it! He was even mean to Asians when he is part-Asian (Pinoy pa nga!) himself! Why not delete all the scenes together and not show anything at all?!

Using his words and I rephrased, "I'm Deuce Bigalow... I'm Deuce Bigalow... I'm Deuce... biggest loser you'll ever see!"

Deuce ko! We pay PhP130 for such crap! Such a punishment!


Related Post: Rob Schneider Vs Roger Ebert

The 40-Year Old Virgin

As the title suggests, The 40 Year-Old Virgin is about a closeted virgin middle-aged man and his journeys towards his "first time". Sounds exciting, right? Sex comedies regarding first times and curiosities about sex almost always feature adolescents and teenagers. Thanks to Steve Carrell for coming up with the genuis idea (used in his comedy skits) and Universal Pictures for producing the movie!

The movie stars Andy (Carell) as a 40-year old guy who was contented wth being a virgin. At his age, he has become complacent about it. Instead of making a big deal out of it, he has sheltered himself with the things that he loves doing like collecting action figures and playing video games to the point of obssessing over them. However, his life suddenly turned upside down when he was invited by his co-workers for a night of poker game. After the game, the night turned into talks about sex. When it was his time to relate his most unforgettable sexual story, he could not describe it well. That was when his co-workers realized that he was still a virgin and obliged themselves to help him fulfill his manhood in any way they can!

David (Paul Rudd), Jay (Romany Malco), and Cal (Seth Rogen) gave Andy suggestions and took him to places where he could hook up with women. Each guy has their own experiences with women and they impart to him whatever knowledge they have gained about them. David is a heartbroken guy who is still in love with his ex-girlfriend. Jay, yet already committed, still practices being a ladies' man. Meanwhile, Cal is a guy who believes in being "practical" about dates and women. However, whatever they do or say, it was futile. It has to be in Andy's way on Andy's time.

Along the teachings and advices came Trish (Catherine Keener). She is the woman whom Andy falls in love with. It poses another problem for Andy. Not only that he had to come out of his shell but he had to share a part of himself with a woman for the first time in his life.

Apart from the goofiness and sometimes slapstick jokes of the film, The 40 Year-Old Virgin boasts a witty script and funny dialogues. It manages to avoid racial jokes, refuses to make caricatures out of its ethnic characters, and is devoid of prejudices re virgin and gays. It is a breath of fresh air amongst the sex comedies that came out during the past years. The movie didn't end as another sex comedy but it was above par the rest of them! It had something more to offer than laughs and giggles. It was insightful and had three-dimensional characters.

As for Andy, on the surface, it may sound as if he was idealistic and values chastity. He would say that he had high respect for women or holding out for "the one". Not that there's anything wrong with both! In fact, the film had clearly (yet subtly) tried to state that we should respect women (by asking what's wrong with "putting the pussy on the pedestal"?) or not have sex just for the sake of having it (by waiting for the "right" time which of course, would really depend on you!). But in the end, you would realized that Andy held on that long because he was scared shitless about his first time! Who wouldn't want their first experience to be special, right? He was so scared that he ended up shielding himself with his obssessions. These obssessions may have protected him with whatever his first time might bring but they retarded his "growth"! It was only when he learned to let go of them that he realized that it was time to grow up.

His being a virgin was also a manifestation of how he runs his life. Even at work, he always takes the backseat. Afraid to deal with customers face to face. Only when his boss took the initiative to make him a sales person that he realized his true potential. In life, there's no room for people who are scared. One has to make bold steps order to succeed!

As for his friends, they may be keen on giving Andy his first sexual experience but it was more than that. They became his best buddies whom he never had when he was growing up. Even Cal who seemed to be so full of himself learns to sacrifice his desires by helping him get the girl he wants or employing a hottie yet stupid girl just so he could hook her up with the depressed David. Jay may be two-timing his girlfriend but it was all because of his insecurities about himself. When his girl has proven how much she is willing to give him, he felt secured and stopped fooling around.

The 40 Year-Old Virgin has to a lot to offer. Audience would have a heck of a time laughing at the green jokes and sexual situations but would also learn a thing or two regarding the things that are most scared in life: friendships, love, and relationships. I hope that teenagers would take home with them not just the jokes but the subtle advices the movie gives.

Lovestruck (GMA Films)

(Note: I started writing this on Sept. 20 but wasn't able to finish it. Then, I got sick for about two weeks. It was only now that I am able to focus on it again.)

The 80's gave us the youthful charm and energy of Bagets. We noticed the maturity and troublesome years of the teens in the 90's in Pare Ko. In this decade, we were bombarded by the adult issues that the teens are facing via Kuya. However commendable, as a teen movie, it failed to register well to its market: teen audience. Probably because of its too serious feel. It would make you wonder whether if teenagers these days are really struggling with too big of a problem. No wonder they are growing "old" so easily. Where have all the fun in being teenagers went?

This time around, with the release of GMA Films' Lovestruck, we are back to the times when kids are kids acting like life only revolves around their world. Nothing is taken much seriously. It's all about pursuing the wishes of the heart lightheartedly.

Lovestruck is about Denise (Jennylyn Mercado) and Caloy (Mark Herras) who grew up together. They became best buddies. On her (1*th) birthday, Denise's only wish was to get the book called "Lovestruck" and meet the writer herself, a love guru named Jandra (Jolina Magdangal). The book will serve as her guide to meeting her her soulmate.

Denise is a party planner. On one of her planned children's party, she met the eye-candy Jason (Mike Tan). He is everything that she wants in a guy. Soon enough, with the help "Lovestruck", she makes sure that she gets to do every trick in it to make Jason notice her and eventually fall in love with her.

When she finally gets her wish, she feels as if something was missing. She realized later on that the true desires of her heart was just right next door all along!

Lovestruck is, of course, formulaic and typical. It doesn't pretend to be different from the rest of the teen movies whether Pinoy or Hollywood. What is refreshing, though, are the new faces you'd see on the screen.

Jennylyn Mercado's voice may sometimes sound squeaky but she has the makings of being a screen sweetheart ala Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts. Who'd thought that she could pull off such a funny/clumsy character? Rainier Castillo, despite being conscious of himself at times, was quite natural as the gay friend. He almost steal every bit of hilarious scenes from Jennylyn. Mark Herras has the depth of a rising dramatic actor. While Mike Tan could be the next heartthrob of this generation. Every angle agrees with him. The camera loves him!

Lovestruck is one of the best "entertaining" Pinoy movies that came out in recent years. It is capriciously entertaining without insulting one's intelligence. It is recommended best for teens and those who were young once. It would remind you about the joys of falling in love for the first time! *wink wink*

When Sequels/Remakes Are Not Enough, You Gotta Breed Them!

I was supposed to finish a review but heck! This is more fun!
Note: Photos may take time to upload so please be patient...
****

The League of ExtraViolent Gentlemen
There's no way out!

The most gruesome training ever!

He shouldn't have put the mask at all!

Killing is just a hobby! Wait till he gets serious with it!

I repeat, bring IT on!

Stuart wants another family! This time, he wants sisters!

There are lessons to be learned from Hellboy...

Two dirty jobs for a girl! But someone has to do it!

You've met your match, Samara!

The murder of Se7en!

A horror of epic proportions!

It's time to hit the stage!

Whoa! There's really something about Mary!

Which finger? Ouch!

Very clever, indeed!

What happens when your mom becomes Jason?!

What's hidden in those 8mm tapes, Eminem?

Place your bets!

Will magic work this time?

and
Lastly,

Be touched... Be hurt... Be very afraid...

***

Source: Worth 1000

RP Movie Release Dates Updates (Sept.-Nov. 2005)

Rocketboy, see the highlighted movie! ;-)
***

Sept. 21-27
• Dark Water
• Perfect Catch
• Land of the Dead
• Constant Gardener

Sept. 28 – Oct. 4
• The Transporter 2
• A History of Violence
• Perfect Man
• Dubai

Oct. 5-11
• Into the Blue
• The Man (Samuel L. Jackson)
• Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
• Undiscovered (Released by Viva)
• The 40-Year Old Virgin

Oct. 12-18
• Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo
• Lord of War (Nicolas Cage)
• Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit (Animation)
• Ispiritista (Vic Sotto)

Oct. 19-25
• Doom (US Simultaneous Release – Oct. 21)
• Underclass Man
• The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl

Oct. 26 – Nov. 01
• The Legend of Zorro
• Sukob (Kris Aquino)

Nov. 2-8
• New World (Collin Farrel)
• Four Brothers (Mark Wahlberg)
• Waiting (Justin Long, Ryan Reynolds)

Nov. 9-15
• Flight Plan
• Beautiful Boxer
• Prime (Meryl Streep, Uma Thurman)

Nov. 16-22
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• An Unfinished Life (Jennifer Lopez, Robert Redford)

Note: Play dates are subject to change
Related Post: RP's Movie Release Dates (Aug.24 - Dec. 25)

Red Eye

In the 80's, Wes Craven is very much synonymous to Freddie Krueger. In the 90's, although he made another version of Nightmare, the new generation knew him as the man behind the Scream franchise. In 1999, he took the drama department via Music of the Heart. I like the film but I wasn't very much fond of it. Maybe because Mr. Holland already got to me! :-) Also, I believe that he didn't make much of an impact in the said genre. This time around, he takes on the pyschological thriller genre under Red Eye.

Red Eye is about LisaReisert (Rachel McAdams) who would be going home to Miami after attending the funeral of her grandmother in a different state. She hates flying but it was a good thing that he met Jackson Ripner (Cillian Murphy - Batman Begins; 28 Days Later) moments before take off. He was charming and quite an interesting guy. A guy that seemed so perfect to take away her sadness only that their meeting was premeditated. What he wants from her was to do what he asked for or else, her father would be killed. During the flight, Lisa struggled with the thoughts of saving her and her father's life and doing what is right.

As a thriller, Red Eye is entertaining enough. It had a few cheap thrills that would make you glued to you seats at the very end. Wes Craven have seemed to have crafted the genre so well that he already knows where to hold the audience's excitement. However, as always with his suspense-filled movies, he overlooks the writing. There was a lot missing in it. During the time when Jackson divulge his motives, there wasn't enough tension between the characters that would permeate onto the audience. The danger wasn't felt as imminent. Because you don't know Lisa and her father that well, the audience failed to relate to them or root for their lives the way we did in Panic Room. Besides, her father looked like a gangster that, in the end, you'd think that he might be involve in the whole thing after all. (You could never tell. Twisted is how Scream ended, right?) Aside from that, you don't know anything much about the would-be victims to even care at all about their lives.

Don't get me wrong. Rachel and Cillian seemed to have done the best thing they could with a poorly-written script. But they could only do so much.

As a director, Wes Craven couldn't seemed to get away from his type of antagonists. Jackson seemed to be a Freddie Krueger-reincarnate. He exudes the creepiness and eerieness of the said character. Not to mention that he doesn't die that easily! I am not saying that it is bad but the verdict would still depend on how the audience would take it. I'd say, though, if Robert Englund decides to retire as Freddie, Cillian is a perfect candidate! Even if he looks way better than Robert!

My recommendation, see Red Eye for some entertainment. It won't hurt. It isn't even a waste of time and money. But don't expect much out of it. At the end of it all, it is all about cheap thrills that would get hold hold of you for an hour and a half!

Fever Pitch aka The Perfect Catch

I don't know if 2005's Fever Pitch is a remake (or adaptation) of 1997's Fever Pitch. But they sure both have the same plot. I haven't seen the latter but it starred Colin Firth (Bridget Jones's Diary; Hope Springs; Love, Actually) who was an obssessive baseball fan who met the love of his life. Only that he didn't know if he could balance both his love for baseball and his woman.

In the Farrelly Brother's Fever Pitch, Drew Barrymore plays Lindsay Meeks who is a workaholic and spends most of her time at work. She has been longing for a relationship and is looking for "the one". However, all she meets are guys from her own circle - hardworking as she is and could be temperamental. Then she meets Ben Wrightman (Jimmy Fallon) and his kid, i.e. his students who toured around her office. He brought them in her office just to show them that Geometry (or Math) is not a worthless subject. There are actual people who made a career out of it!

On their way of Lindsay's office, one of Ben's students teased him that she was way out of his league and that he couldn't ask her out. So to strenghten his ego, he did ask her. However, it was only days after that Lindsay agreed on a date after she had laid all her apprehensions.

Their first date wasn't at all perfect. She spent all night puking and tied to her bed. But Ben was "the" perfect gentleman who had spent all his night taking care of her and her mess. Since then, they started going out often till they realized how much chemistry they have for each other. Not only that, his family and friends adore him!

"What's the catch?" Lindsay's friends would asked. "How come a perfect guy that he is is still single?" What is the secret that's keeping him away from a marriage vow? Well, out on a beautiful day date, Ben finally said "I'm a baseball fanatic!" Thinking it wasn't such a big deal, Lindsay thought it was okay. But Ben reiterated, "I am obssessed with baseball!" Still, Lindsay didn't think it was that bad till she had to rearrange her schedule to accommodate him and their baseball dates.

The movie may have baseball written all over it but it is mainly about relationships. It started out as "cute" the way romantic comedies are - the "kilig" moments, the fun dates, the sweet words. But as most relationships do, first sweet dates and lovey-doveys end and reality sets in. How far would one go for a relationship is the ultimate question of this movie. And it isn't a quest for a relationship that is not there yet but how would you be able to sustain it? It is a question of committment, making compromises, and knowing what matters most to one' s life.

See Fever Pitch and ask the same question, "How far can you give up something that you care about to accommodate the love of your life?"

Fever Pitch aka The Perfect Catch opens in RP theaters on Sept. 21.

On Video: Pa-Siyam (RP 2004)

Pa-Siyam came out a few months after the highly-successful Pinoy horror flick Feng-Shui. Of course, good publicities for the film were left and right. I had my doubts because it was from Regal Films. Regal Films and horror are words that truly don't jive with one another. Most Regal horror films are highly commercialized that stories are being overlooked. True enough, when the movie came out in theaters, it turned out that the good publicities were all hype!

When I went to the video stores, Pa-Siyam was available. I wasn't really too keen on watching it but I told myself, what the heck? Let's see what is it all about. I wasn't expecting anything good. I wanted to know how the movie truly sucked!

Pa-Siyam is about five siblings who came back to their hometown to bury their mother. The reason for her death was still unknown to them. After the burial, the family held the traditional 9-day novena (pa-siyam). From then on, a series of weird events happened to them. Until finally, they were able to uncovered the truth behind her death.

The moment I put the disc in, I started flipping the remote control - fast forwarding the film when there were no dialogues spoken. Actually, you really wouldn't miss a thing because, for a so-called horror film, it dragged a lot! There wasn't even any scenes that would make you crawl out of your skin. So, for a horror film, this movie sucked big time!

HOWEVER

For the movie to work, one should not take it as a horror flick but rather a psychological thriller/drama kind of movie. The strange events weren't scary but rather weird. So the weirdness of it all wouldn't get one scared but rather seek answers. Besides, there is nothing scary about your own dead mother trying to make her presence felt among her children. A dead relative isn't the best one to use as a horror creature.

Because it is oh-so-slow, you have to sit right through it till you get the answers. In that respect, it is already a psychological ride ala A Tale of Two Sisters. And I suggest that you stay put because you might never know, you may get the suprise twist of your life! But of course, it really isn't that twisted but commendable enough to pull you through and rip your heart out in the end! Trust me, if you were one of the siblings, you might think of killing yourself afterwards!

Pa-Siyam has the distinction of using the being "the first horror movie to be shot using high-definition digital tape with original live audio on the soundtrack". For that, it is really commendable! From that start of the film, it would really make you get the weird feeling. The use of green color for the entire film was great! Plus, music soundtrack was eerie! It would make you feel like bawl yourself to death while credits are going on. But the story surely needed some more polishing.

My recommendation, try Pa-Siyam. Just do as I tell you and you won't get disappointed.

Quick Rundown

I have seen a few movies on videos but I haven't made any reviews on them. So I thought that I'd make a quick rundown of reviews on the movies I think are worth the look!

"Not typical" are the two words that would describe A Lot Like Love. It isn't the usual romantic comedies or those saccharine-sweet love stories where audience get to feel either a tingling sensation all over their body or choke to death with their usual sappiness.

Emily (Amanda Peet) and Oliver (Ashton Kutcher) met on a flight to New York. On the airplane, they had their very first "encounter". From that day on, they knew that was instant chemistry between them. Despite not being an "artist" that Emily seems to like, Oliver is witty and charming. In New York, they met, dated, and parted. Four years past and circumtances allowed them to meet once more. On their date, it's both obvious to them (and to the audience!) that they are good together only that Oliver had to leave for another state the following day. Past forward to a few more years and there they are again, together. The moment when they realized that they belong together was the time they would learn that their current situations wouldn't allow them to.

A Lot Like Love, apart from the great performances of the actors, has a very well-written script. It isn't teeny-bopper cute or neither trying too hard to be romantic. It is perfectly engaging with characters that are so human and dealing with realistic situations. Sure, there are cliched moments but you'd get over them.


Finally, a Ben Stiller type of movie without Ben Stiller in it!

Simon Green (Kutcher) was about to meet his future in-laws on their 25th Wedding Anniversary. Only that his girlfriend, Theresa (Zoe Zaldana), didn't tell them that he is white! Thinking that the color won't matter to her parents, Theresa didn't bother to tell them at all. However, it did matter to her father, Percy Jones (Bernie Mac). The tension between Percy and Simon started to widen when Simon tried lying to him just so he (Percy) would get to like him more. However, instead of Simon losing Theresa, both of them lost their partners because of their battles.

Yes, this movie is very Meet the Parents more than an adaptation (or remake) of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. Despite that, it has its moments. For one thing, as I've mentioned earlier, it has no Ben Stiller in it! Besides, even though his and Kutcher's characters seemed the same (as the guy who screws things up in his fiancee's home), Kutcher was better and quite acceptable. Isn't Ben quite old enough to be brought home to someone's parents or the one who is still looking for love (Along Came Polly)?

This movie somehow touches on the issue of race without being too preachy. It was funny and endearing at the same time. Thanks for Kutcher! We can give Stiller a break with these kind of movies. Hehehe...


Daisy Gamble (Barbra Streisand) asked pyschiatrist, Dr. Charbot, to help her with her nicotine addiction. She wants him to do a hypnosis on her and make a suggestion that she should slowly quit smoking. However, during regression, Dr. Charbot discovered that Daisy was Melinda Tentrees in her past life. Thinking that she might just making it up, he continued the sessions with her. Smitten with Melinda, he soon discovered that she truly lived during the days she said she had lived. But what he didn't expect was falling in love with her (Melinda). To complicate things more, Daisy had fallen in love with him. Only that she didn't know that he was in love with Melinda who happened to be her in her past life that she didn't know had existed.

On a Clear Day You See Forever may not have become a hit like other Streisand films, but for me it is! It is one truly enjoyable film that I would take over Funny Girl! The emotions were clear and the picture was vibrant and colorful. The songs and dialogues were equally great, too!

There are these lines that blew me over while watching the film:

Melinda: Is love so blind that I didn't see that he was already hurting me?
Dr. Chabot: No. Love isn't blind. It is just not trusting is too tiring...

True, isn't it?

Off-topic: I'm Not Usually This Vocal But...

I posted this in my personal blog. I thought of posting it here to be some sort of warning to people who would get calls from Prudential Life Plans...
***

Representatives from Prudential Life Plans have been calling me for 3-4 months now. They have told me to pick up the "free" insurance plan that they would give me in their office. Because I don't usually go (and don't feel like going) to Makati, I wasn't able to drop by their office. Until a few days ago, a representative told me that the insurance plan was in Ortigas already. Feeling quite bad about not getting it-- you know, I felt that I should at least be grateful that I'd be given an insurance plan for free, I decided to go and get it.

When I entered their office, there were lots of people "claiming" their "free" insurance plan. There were also noises coming from the other rooms where people were talking. Because of that, I felt anxious about the whole thing. Did I make the right choice? A guy (whom I forgot the name) came to me and said that he would be assisting me. Assist me with what?! Can I just get the insurance and leave?

So I was taken in a room where three other groups were talking. From the moment I sat on the chair, the guy began explaining about their saving/pension plan. Uh-oh, I told myself! I think I knew what was about to happen. He talked about savings, death, emergency, and the works! The usual speech of someone selling an "insurance". I listened to him attentively yet not really absorbing what he is saying. At the back of my mind, I felt that I was about to get duped.

After all the talk, he mentioned about my credit card being the one responsible for the payment of my so-called savings. That was the time when I knew that I had to speak up. He asked me for my credit card but I refused. I asked him, "So it would mean that I have to pay for this savings along with my purchases? E de lalaki ang gastusin ko niyan imbes na makatipid?" Of course, he then proceeded with his recorded speech.

"Sir, savings nga po ito. At least may makukuha kayo 'pag nangailangan kayo..." His words are to that effect.

"Oo nga. Still, kailangan ko ring bayaran yan. Sa'n naman ako kukuha ng pambayad niyan? Poproblemahin ko pa yan!"

"Pwede n'yo naman po i-terminate. Saka kung ano lang ang kaya ng budget nyo."

"Ayoko pa rin..."

"Try lang po natin. Tutal for approval pa lang ito. At least na-try n'yo. Ngayon lang po namin ito ino-offer..."

"E kapag na-approve, ano na gagawin ko?"

"E sir..."

This time, I felt that I need to stand my ground. "Look, I appreciate and understand your explanation. The thing is, wala akong ipambabayad diyan. Wala nga akong trabaho, e. Iintindihin ko muna 'yung gastos ko sa ngayon kaysa sa susunod pa."

He again talked about having financial problems in the future. I know that my reasoning about not thinking about the future is wrong but hey, I have to get my point across to this man! So I further added, "Ganito kasi 'yun. I went here cuz you have been calling me several times. I felt that I should be at least be grateful to what you're giving me. But I was told that it was free..."

"Free nga po itong insurance. Pero kasama po kasi sa package 'yung savings plan..."

"E de ganun din? Hindi pa rin free! Isa pa, you're telling me that you are offering this today." Actually, may sinabi pa siyang 1 minute lang ang ibibigay sa 'kin. After that, the offer is no longer available, parang ganun. "You are not giving me enough time to think. You are putting me on the spot. At hindi tama 'yun! To add to that, you're pressuring me..."

"Sir, kailangan po kasi ng pressure dahil nagyon lang 'to..."

"'Yun nga 'yung ayoko, e! I don't want to be pressured with these kind of stuffs!"

Medyo natahimik na siya. "Okay, sir. Pirmahan n'yo na lang po itong free insurance plan."

"And then what?"

"Wala po. Free 'yan. No obligations."

So I did. Afterwards, I fill out the raffle coupon. Then I left...

Before I left, though, I heard the agent saying to his co-agents, "Di ako nagwagi." Pasensya ka! Ako napunta sa 'yo, e!

I don't usually talk like that to "strangers". But I felt that I was deceived and I didn't like it. Ako pa ang lolokohin nila? I know how their speech works! I was trained in a computer-selling company for a week after I graduate. I was also deceived then. I thought that I was getting a job, 'yun pala pagbebentahin ako along with some other duped people. (Ang siste, they would tell that if you buy the computer on that day, free printer will be given! Only for that day kasi last day. So the customers are forced to make a decision. When in reality, you are paying for the printer, as well! Kasama sa presyo 'yun! Because I don't like pressuring people to buy stuffs from me, I left the so-called job as soon as the training was over.) Aside from that, I know how the pressure tactics work! I won't be put in agreeing with a situation that I would regret afterwards! I'm not that stupid!

Here my other thoughts re what happened. How could I buy from an agent who is younger than me? How could he made me believe that he was already saving for his future? Yeah, right! Aside from that, how could I be convinced by someone who spells "transfer" as "transper" and "lump sum" as "lumsum"?!

If the insurance was really "free" from anything, why couldn't they send it at home directly? At least, they wouldn't be hassled to call us every now and then. Palibhasa may hidden agenda! They want to bring people in their territory and pressure them from giving what they want!

Isa pa, how would I know the offer was legit? May magagawa pa ba ako kung hindi?!

The moment I felt anxious, I thought of "Family First" immediately! My advice, never ever receive free movie tickets from "Family First" representatives! Because once you do, they'd ask you for your name and number. They'd call you and ask you to come to their office. Before you know it, sinisipsip na ng mga linta ang dugo mo!

Credit card companies should be reported to the proper authorities! They shouldn't be giving names and contact numbers of their account holders. This is definitely an act of violation! Savings nga pero talong-talo ka naman sa interest na babayaran mo! Iisahan n'yo pa kami! Utot nyo!

There is nothing wrong about insurance plans as long as you get them from legitimate sources or referrals from people you know. Maybe PLP is legit but the way they do their business is wrong!

Lastly, I guess, there is really no such thing as "free" in this world!

Sigaw AKA The Echo

Sigaw was well-received in Hollywood. In fact, its director, Yam Laranas, was asked to be part of ICM (International Creative Management), Inc. which would represent him in Hollywood.

The movie will have it's North America premiere via Screamfest LA International Horror Film Festival. It will be shown along with The Grudge (I dunno if it's the Hollywood version or the Japanese one) and A Tale of Two Sisters (Korea).

Isang mahalagang balita ang inihayag ng Regal Entertainment sa movie press nu’ng Miyerkules nang gabi sa Café Imperial.

Ang pelikulang Sigaw (The Echo ang international title) na pinagbibidahan nina Richard Gutierrez, Angel Locsin, Iza Calzado at Jomari Yllana ay opisyal na napili upang maging kalahok sa Screamfest LA International Horror Film Festival na gaganapin sa Loews Universal Studios Cinemas sa may Universal City Walk sa Oktubre 14-23.

Bukod doon ay meron pang isang malaking announcement ang direktor ng pelikula na si Direk Yam Laranas.

Ani Direk Yam, "I wanna sit beside Mother Lily (Monteverde). I wanna hold her hand and say, ‘Thank you, Mother, for giving me Sigaw. Because of you, because of Regal, here we are…’

"I just want to hold her hand when I announce it. Kasi, she doesn’t know. It’s my late birthday gift to Mother. Tinagu-tago namin sa kanya ito ni Roselle (Monteverde-Teo) until everything is on paper.

"Now, I am so proud to announce that I am very lucky to be handled by the International Creative Management, Inc. or the ICM which handles the careers of Julia Roberts, Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mel Gibson, Richard Gere, etc.

"Its roster of directors includes Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings, P.T. Anderson (Magnolia), Hector Babenco (Kiss of the Spider Woman), Robert Altman (Gosford Park), Sidney Lumet (Dog Day Afternoon) and many others.

"It was thru my friend Roy Lee, he’s the Korean-American executive producer of The Ring, The Ring 2, The Grudge and Dark Water remakes in Hollywood. He has become my confidante and friend.

"Nabasa niya ‘yung article ni Tessa Jazmines, our local correspondent sa Variety magazine. Tessa wrote an article about the last Metro Manila Film Festival, how varied the movies are and then at the same time, Manila is now producing horror films…

"Like the blockbuster Feng Shui and everybody liked the movie. And on Christmas time, we produced new horror films like Spirit of the Glass and Sigaw. Something like that. And I had a quote there kasi, I said something like, ‘My objective in Sigaw is for the audience to bring home the fear.’

"Naintriga ru’n si Roy Lee. Hinanap niya si Tessa, in-email niya si Tessa, hinanap ako ni Tessa, nag-email-an kami ni Roy Lee. He was so intrigued with Sigaw and humingi siya ng copy sa akin tapos, pinadalhan namin siya.

"Roy gave the DVD to Screamfest. It’s a big filmfest in LA, it’s the biggest genre festival. For horror films lang ‘yon, so kumbaga, hindi saturated na ang dami mong kasama na ibang pelikula. Ito, isang genre lang.

"I’m not so sure this year kung ilang films ang kasali, but last year, I think there were like 30 to 50 films. What they do is they will ask for a DVD of your movie and then they will view it. If they like it, they’ll invite you to the festival.

"They’re supposed to announce it pa on Sept. 1. Kaya lang, the organizer was so excited, she said nag-violate siya ng rule niya dahil gusto na niya agad sabihin sa akin. In-email niya agad sa akin na kasali na ang Sigaw sa Screamfest.

"Part of the advisory board aside from Roy Lee was Wes Craven and other masters of the horror genre and the art of special visual effects. Official na ang invitation na ‘yon. That gave me the visa sa US embassy," masayang salaysay ni Direk Yam.

Sa Oktubre 12 o 13 ang alis ni direk at umaasa siya na makakasama niya ang ilang stars ng Sigaw sa nasabing event sa Amerika.

"Mga 3 weeks ako doon to a month because aside from the festival itself, my agent will set up a lot of things for me. They call the Screamfest event as ‘honoring the masters but opening new blood.’ Gusto nila itong i-open sa mga new directors.

"The festival organizer, Rachel Belofsky, is a famous marketing agent for Cannes films. So, we have the advantage of distribution also.

"In fact, there are offers already but nothing in black and white pa. Kami kasi ni Roselle, wait and see muna until after the Screamfest kung sino ang mag-o-offer ng maganda. Hopefully, ma-distribute din ang The Echo sa Europe."

Si Cesar Montano ang naunang napabalita na pipirma umano sa isa sa malalaking talent agencies sa Amerika, pero naunahan pa ito ni Direk Yam.

"I signed up last Saturday lang. We call it a ‘handshake deal’. It’s when you say yes and it’s yes! Verbal lang siya but a lot of their stars actually do the handshake deal because if you break the handshake deal, they will break you.

"Kumbaga, ICM is the biggest and most powerful talent agency in Hollywood or even the whole world. So, you don’t break an agreement with them.

"We’ll be signing a contract but according to my agent, ‘It’s not important because we’ve already listed you as part of our roster of talents and that’s all you need’.

"They email me, they call me up, we always talk. Kaya ako napupuyat ngayon, kasi bukod sa nagtitimpla ako ng gatas para sa baby ko (10 month-old boy), eh, gumigising ako nang alas-dos nang madaling-araw at nagtetelepono!"

***

Hindi raw ibig sabihin nito ay sa Amerika na magbabase si Direk Yam. Katunayan ay may bagong horror flick siyang gagawin dito pagbalik niya mula sa Screamfest.

"I wanna take it one little step at a time. Take it slow and let’s see what happens next. I don’t want to jump too much too soon. I’ll just wait for my agent to tell me what to do.

"I’m not gonna stay there. It’s a per project thing. Kung may project doon, which definitely will gonna happen next year, I’ll go there. Marami namang international directors na gano’n, eh. Like sina Ang Lee or John Woo, even Jackie Chan.

"Aside from directing, we’re also thinking of doing commercials or advertising in the States, also music videos. Nakagawa na ako rito ng music videos pero mostly movie tie-ins lang, like ‘yung kay Regine Velasquez.

"I’m more attached sa advertising. The latest commercial I did was Drew Arellano’s McDo. I’m now writing the story of my next project with my wife Gin de Mesa (ng ABS-CBN) and Roy Iglesias. It’s really super-super-scary! Parang it will make Sigaw a walk in the park!

"The guys in the States are waiting for it already. Some are asking me nga na, ‘Why don’t you just sell us the script and do it here?’ I said, ‘No, I wanna do it with Mother Lily. I wanna do it with Regal. I wanna do it in Manila.’

"We’re still casting, and the first one to be in is Iza Calzado. But she’s not playing ghost here. Her partner will be Dennis Trillo. Ang tentative title is Kapitbahay (The Neighbor)."

Ano raw ba ang ikinaiba ng Sigaw sa sangkaterbang horror flicks na naglipana ngayon?

"They always say it’s the atmosphere, na ‘yung horror daw, ‘yung takot ng Sigaw, pumapasok sa buto mo. And sabi nila, ‘You guys did so good in sound’. Tuwang-tuwa ako because that only means na meron tayong technology to do it. Hindi tayo third world when it comes to moviemaking!

"Sabi ni Roy Lee, napatalon daw siya nang mapanood niya ang pelikula. Kaya sana, everyone will do and come up with quality films not just for the consumption of the local market but also for international release.

"Alam mo, next year, I believe that it will be the start of the year of the Filipino films. Finally! It’s not just me, maybe in some other competition or maybe in some other ways," pakli pa ng mapalad na direktor.

It's a very good news, indeed, to direk Yam and for us, Filipinos. At least now, we could show the world that we as good as our Asian neighbors. When I saw Sigaw last year, I know that it is at par with the rest of the Asian horror flicks. Whatever it lacks in story telling, it makes up for it technically. It had a dark and eerie feeling to the whole film which made it effective as a horror film.

As what I've read in one of the foreign reviews about it, it says:

"Sigaw, despite its oppressive use of drab olive greens and dreary sepia browns, is a beautifully shot film with some truly interesting camera angles and clever use of negative space. The moody musical score adds to the feelings of foreboding and danger, and the ambience of knocking, crying, and clanking are stealthily woven in to create a creepy cloak of sound. Each of the actors does a believable job of conveying a real sense of dread. While the solving of the mystery comes as no surprise and some questions are left hanging, the writer (Roy C. Iglesias) and director do a nice job of making the audience care what happens to the characters anyway."

It further adds, "Slowly drowning in a netherworld of torment and loneliness, Sigaw is not a feel-good horror movie. It’s not even particularly scary or thought-provoking, but there is something oddly compelling about it."

The Echo will also be screened in Cine Asia International Film Festival in Cologne, Germany on December 2005.

So, should I say, "Hollywood, here we come?"

***

Credits: PEx Post
Visit: The Echo
Related Post: Sigaw Review

Oh, Jennifer...

My favorite Friends star, Jennifer Aniston, finally breaks her silence in the recent issue of Vanity Fair.

The tears, the shock and, now, even more bombshells are being revealed by JENNIFER ANISTON. The heartbroken actress isn't holding back about her feelings for soon to be ex, BRAD PITT, in the new issue of Vanity Fair magazine on newsstands Tuesday, August 9.

In her first official interview since splitting from the 'Troy' boy, you've heard her talk openly -- and emotionally -- about their breakup, her devastation over seeing his W magazine photo shoot with ANGELINA JOLIE, and the false reports that he left because she didn't want to start a family.

"I've never in my life said I didn't want to have children. I did and I do and I will!"

Now, VF contributing editor LESLIE BENNETTS reveals that Brad became "unavailable" to his wife during "Friends"' final season, that he confessed his feelings for Angelina to his wife, and that Jen met with the 'Lara Croft: Tomb Raider' vixen face to face!

"People that are close to them feel that he basically checked out of the marriage emotionally, the minute he started working with Angelina," Leslie says. "It was a very difficult time period for Jennifer because she had just finished 10 years on 'Friends.' This was her life, this was her career, this was her community. She turned to her husband and she said, 'He just wasn't there.'"

Jennifer is Vanity Fair's September cover girl and appears on the front of the new issue wearing little more than an unbuttoned, oversized white men's shirt and a big smile. Inside are more provocative photos, showing her topless torso and bikini-ed bottom.

The VF editor visited the famous "Friends" beauty at the Malibu beach bungalow where she's been cocooned since her breakup. In the article, Leslie writes that the fragile Jennifer answers the door with a "radiant smile" and then "bursts into tears."

After confessing that she will "love him for the rest of her life," Jennifer talks about how she and her husband became estranged during the final season of "Friends" when she says she needed him most.

"That was really painful," the daughter of divorced parents says. "It was a family, and I don't do great with families splitting up."

Brad was off shooting 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith,' which Jen was initially thrilled about. She even went out of her way to introduce herself to his co-star, Angelina.

"I was on the lot of 'Friends,'' TV's Rachel Green tells the mag. "I pulled over and introduced myself. I said, 'Brad is so excited about working with you. I hope you guys have a really good time.'"

Months later, "Team Aniston" would reportedly be shocked when Brad grew more and more distant with his wife of four and a half years.

"I think he was attracted to her," Jennifer supporter COURTENEY COX says of Angelina. "There was a connection and he was honest about that. It was an attraction that he fought for a long period of time."

Before they separated in January of this year, Brad denied that he had been unfaithful with his bewitching co-star, but photographs of the two taken around the world since then seem to suggest otherwise.

"At this point, I wouldn't be surprised by anything, but I would much rather choose to believe him," Jennifer says.

Today, she says the two are completely out of touch and she is looking forward to a new future with a new man -- and, no, it's not her co-star in the upcoming comedy 'The Break-Up.'

"I adore VINCE VAUGHN but I'm not going out with Vince Vaughn," she says. "This was a seven-year relationship that was very dear, very complicated, very special. I need to honor it."

In addition to that, being her Rachel self, she this to say regarding the Brad blonde look through Yahoo! news:

"Billy Idol called he wants his look back."

Oh, Jennifer... That is all I could say at the moment. Till now, the divorce seemed so surreal to me. I told myself, though, that 'till she can't bounce back ala Nicole Kidman, I wouldn't forgive Brad for doing what he did! Hahaha! As if Brad cares! :p

RP's Movie Release Dates (Aug.24 - Dec. 25)

I received this line-up of release dates through e-mail from a friend who works for an ad firm. It's time now to save money for the upcoming blockbuster films!
***
Aug. 24-30
• The Longest Yard
• Valiant
• The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants
• The Truth About Love

Aug. 31-Sept. 6
• The Dukes of Hazzard
• The Cave
• Sky High
• Pasaway (Bonel Balingit)

Sept. 7-13
• Red Eye
• The Brothers Grimm
• My Sassy Girl (Tagalized Version)
• The Champ: Kamao (Manny Pacquiao)

Sept. 14-20
• Cinderella Man
• A Sound of Thunder
• The Crow 4: Wicked Prayer
• Lovestruck (GMA Films)

Sept. 21-27
• Dark Water
• Fever Pitch
• Constant Gardener
• Land of the Dead

Sept. 28-Oct. 4
• Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo
• Transporter 2
• A History of Violence
• Perfect Man
• Dubai (Star Cinema)
• I Will Always Love You (GMA Films)

Oct. 5-11
• Into the Blue (US Simultaneous Release)
• Flight Plan
• The Adventures of Sharkboy & Lava Girl 3D

Oct. 12-18
• Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
• Lord of War
• Ispiritista

Oct. 19-25
• Doom
• Underclass Man

Note: Play dates are subject to change

Other Movies with tentative play date
• The Legend of Zorro – Oct. 26
• Sukob (Kris Aquino) – Oct. 26
• V for Vendetta – Nov. 2
• The Reaper – Nov. 2
• The Fog – Nov. 9
• Beautiful Boxer (Thailand) – Nov. 9
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – Nov. 16
• Waiting – Nov. 16
• An Unfinished Life – Nov. 16
• Four Brothers – Nov. 23
• Dungeons & Dragons – Nov. 23
• The Myth – Nov. 30
• Just Like Heaven – Nov. 30
• The Family Stone – Nov. 30
• Chicken Little – Nov. 30
• Before Midnight (Piolo/Judy Ann) – Nov. 30
• Proof – Dec. 7
• Underworld: Evolution – Dec. 7
• Class Action – Dec. 7
• King Kong – Dec. 14

MMFF 2005 – Dec. 25
• Ako, Legal Wife
• Enteng Kabisote 2
• Mulawin The Movie
• Exodus: Tale of the Enchanted Kingdom
• Nasaan Ka Ng Kailangan Kita
• Shake, Rattle, & Roll
• Kutob

-end of list-

Nakakahiya!

I'm used to ordering DVDs online from Amazon. Not only that their prices are discounted, they also have great service! Once, they send me a DVD copy of Saving Private Ryan by mistake. Afraid that they might have billed me for it, I told them about the incident. I asked them whether I should send it back. Because it would cost me a lot if I'd send it back, they just gave it to me for free! Of course, I wasn't billed for it. It was their mistake, they said. Then, I ordered The Pillow Book from them but it didn't arrive soon (mostly a month or less after shipping) as expected. I became worried and asked them about it. They immediately shipped another copy that reached me about a week after I have asked them. For which I was taxed heavily because they have used 2-3 days delivery option via UPS. But they also paid for it when I made a complain. After a few days or so, the first shipped Pillow arrived at my doorstep! There was a delay in the delivery process, I guess. (Eventually, I sold both Pillow to Pinoy buyers because I needed the money.)

Anyway, I found a site which sells DVDs for less than what Amazon sells! A DVD that costs $24 originally may sell in Amazon at $19 while this site would sell it at $11 or so! Imagine the difference?! So I immediately made my first order. They sent me a confirmation e-mail then informed me about the shipping that would take place soon. But after a few days, I didn't get any e-mails from them. When I went to check the status of my order in their site, it was CANCELLED! I didn't understand because I did not make any cancellations. Was there a problem with my credit card or something like that? I asked them why. Here is what they have to say:

Order # 24459919 was cancelled due to the high volume of unauthorized purchase claims from your country. We understand that you may not fall into this category and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. We regret that we cannot fulfill your request for orders that are to be billed or shipped to your address. Your credit card has not been charged.

OMG! Sobrang nakakahiya na tayo! It is bad enough that the customs officials tax us wrongly. (Either they tax too high or they reduce it and keep the payment to themselves!) What's worst is that they steal the items which now banned us from ordering (in some sites) abroad! Sobrang basang-basa na ang papel natin sa ibang bansa! Eventhough I am proud to be Pinoy, I just can't help but be embarrased sometimes. These people give Pinoy a bad reputation!

Must Love Dogs

This summer (US, that is!), Hollywood have us bombarded mostly by comic super heroes. Amongst the action and the special effects comes this rare of a gem called Must Love Dogs.

Sarah (Diane Lane) has been divorced for eight months already. Her family is starting to feel anxious and bothered about her lack of relationship. They feel bad for her especially that all of them are either (happily) married or in a committed relationship. Of course, they have this itch to pair her up with all the possible men they know.

Sarah's sister, Carol (Elizabeth Perkins), decided to post an ad about her on the internet with the description that goes "Must Love Dogs". Through the calls and messages she received, she decided to meet the guys that appeal to her. But the dates ended all in disasters.

Meanwhile, Jake (John Cusack) is a recent divorcee. He has been wallowing in sadness eversince his marriage collapsed and focused himself into making boats and watching Dr. Zhivago. Seeing Sarah's ad on the net, his friend decided to answer it.

Sarah and Jake went on date in the park. There was chemistry between them but it was awkwardness that ruled. Will they listen to what their hearts tell them or decide to go on a different path? (Should I really be asking this?!)

Oh, it has been awhile eversince Hollywood gave us a feel-good romantic comedy that truly worked! Must Love Dogs stands-out among the likes of The Wedding Date disasters.

Diane Lane may not have the quirkiness of Julia Roberts or the cuteness of Meg Ryan but she has the sophistication and charm of a woman. In the movie world, it is the like of her that couldn't get dates! Can you imagine that? Her team-up with John Cusack is simply amazing! A bread to a butter! A pen to a paper! (Oh, I can't come up with good analogies! Dammit!) Also, the whole cast ensemble just worked really well to come up with a good comedy with a heart!

The movie will work for any kind of audience. It is a perfectly date-movie for lovers of all ages. It is for single people who may feel bad or blessed about their status. It is for the hopefuls, who despite all their heartaches, are still looking forward to the day that they will find the one who must love them truly.