My Little Bride (Korea 2004)

Get this: a man and a woman forced to get married by circumstances. They live together in one roof yet promised not to consummate the relationship. Cute little fights between the two surface then and again as they get on each other's nerves. Bouts of jealousy happens and before you know it, the two realized that they couldn't live without each other. Thus, honoring their vow of matrimony. Very "Full House", eh?

There's always something romantic with two people hating each other's guts at first and eventually falling in love. Such formula in movies never grow old when it comes to movies as long as it is done with taste and has a good script.

"My Little Bride" is no exception. It is about a guy and a girl who were asked by their grandparents to get married in fulfillment of their promises to each other. The two refused the idea at first but later on agreed because of the manipulation of the girl's grandfather (who is the only one living among the grand parents) and their respective fathers. They live together in one house but stayed in different rooms. Because they are childhood friends, the two are not really unknown with each other. However, they still live their own separate lives with little arguments every now and then. In the end, they realized how much they have loved one another since childhood and remained committed to their marriage.

The movie works in every way as far the romance formula is concern. There are quite enough "kilig" moments and funny scenes (check out the hilarious scenes with the spinster Miss Kim!) mixed with a little bit of drama. I wouldn't be a surprise that Korea made a hit out of this one.

However, I don't know if it was just my sick thoughts or what but I feel that there was something twisted about the whole thing. You see, the movie doesn't involve the typical boy and girl characters. In this one, the guy is eight years older than the girl. Oh, there's nothing wrong with that, I know, except that the guy is in college and the girl is a high-schooler! Sangmin is 24 and Boeun is 16! Looking at them together doing the lovey-dovey thingy somehow creeps me out. The movie may have make some funny references to the "sugar-daddy" concept but it looked exactly like that, especially that Moon Geun-Young (Boeun) looked so much like a child and Kim Rae-Young (Sangmin) looked older than what he's supposedly be playing. I'm sure that perverts would have a blast watching this film especially when the girls are wearing their school uniforms!

The story of "My Little Bride" wasn't like that originally. It based from the Korean series "Sweet 18" and jugding from the title, the female lead character was 18 years old and was on her final year in high school. If that would be the case, then there'd be no problem whatsoever with the film. I just don't know why the makers of the film had to make the female lead 16 years old and on her first year high school! If Hollywood would recreate this one, I'm sure that they'd stick to the original story. If not, they'd get a much older-looking female lead or a much younger-looking male lead just to avoid the controversy that it may create to moralists.

Aside from that, the last scene didn't work for me. It was when Sangmin confessed to all the students and faculty of the school (oh, didn't I mention that Sangmin became Boeun's teacher?!) that he is married to Boeun. He made a plea to the students not to give her a hard time because she is still a kid who just honored their grand fathers' wish. In turn, Boeun admitted (to the whole school, as well!) that he was very much in love with Sangmin. That scene was very Hollywood that would work well for students who are infatuated with their teachers!

Minus those small (if you'd call them small!) set-back, "My Little Bride" is an entertaining romantic film. It is one of those romantic movies that came out in Korea that would easily capture the hearts of every movie-loving Filipinos. But still, it isn't at par with "My Sassy Girl" or "Windstruck".

Spanglish: A Heartfelt Comedic Drama

"Spanglish" is about a Mexican mother and daughter who moved out of Mexico to start anew. They moved to L.A. and stayed in a Spanish-based community. Until the mother felt that she needed a new high-paying job that would her keep nights free to spend with her daughter. She worked as a housekeeper for the Clasky family, an American family. As much as she tried not to, she got involved with them and have their lives intertwined with them.

This movie is all about the script and acting. It has a tight story and a well-put characterization. Flor Moreno (Paz Vega) is a mother who wants to offer the best to her daughter. As a single mom, she also wants the love of a caring man beside her. John Clasky (Adam Sandler) is considered to be one of the best chefs in America. In his restaurant, he takes charge of a group of people but at home, he becomes silent to his feelings because his wife, Deborah (Tea Leoni), has taken all the drama at home when she lost her job. John yearns for his wife sincere attention and passion which she couldn't deliver because of her insecurities in life. She is so self-absorbed that she takes it out on the people around her. Deborah's mother, Evelyn (Cloris Leachman), is a woman who wants to feel needed and cared for. Bernice (Sarah Steele), the Clasky's daughter, wants to feel appreciated for what she does best and not what she isn't doing. And, Cristina (Shelbie Brice), Flor's daughter, is a kid who just wants more than their lives could offer.

What I loved best about this movie is how it showed that people in real life just don't act on their instincts especially if they have responsibilities to other people. It doesn't say that one deserves to screw someone up just because that someone screwed them up so badly. It is a movie about adults who act like real adults. Emotion play a great deal on one's life yet you know that it isn't the ultimate. You feel that Flor and John compliment each other well and they deserve one another yet you don't root for them. You know that them being together isn't the right thing. You feel so annoyed with Deborah yet you know that she deserves a second chance. This movie shows life that way it is without the sugar-out. It is not pretentious.

"Spanglish" is magnificent and a work of art! It has truly heartfelt emotions that transcend throughout the screen and on to the audience!

Six Feet Under Season 4 Asian TV Premiere

"Six Feet Under" has premiered tonight in HBO. It is a two-hour premiere and I could say that it is still one of the best series that ever came out on TV. The characters are developing every season and new stories are being brought to make the audience glued to their seats.

In this season, Nate has to deal with his wife's death. Ruth is loving her life as a newly-married wife. David is trying to patch things up with Keith. Claire is struggling with her issues in life. Federico is dealing with guilt in his affairs outside marriage. And Brenda is having a new affair, minus the Nate obssession.

The stories may now be focused more on the Fisher family (since Season 2) and not so much on the death they are surrounded with, but this time, the death takes part on how they deal with their day to day lives.

Robots

"Robots," I could say, is the animated version of "I, Robot." The premise is the same: outdated models are being scrap in favor of those who can afford upgrades. However, what is noteworthy is its portrayal of the political and economic situation in one's country, particularly the third world countries. It is a satire. Those who could afford the nifty "upgrades" live their lives happily and those who can't end up with "junks". The latter are considered the bottom feeders or "latak ng lipunan". They will remain that way till the end because they don't have the means to live in luxurious ways.

With that said, I should say that "Robots" isn't your typical animation for kids. It has a lot to say, especially with its reference to pop culture every now and then. Kids in their elementary days wouldn't be able to grasp the true content of this film. Even its jokes lie in its witty dialogues.

However, 20th Century Fox's "Robots" wasn't at par with the rest of the animations that came out during the last three years like Disney's "Finding Nemo", Pixar's "The Incredibles" (which was also more of an adult animation), Dreamwork's "Shrek" series, or even their own "Ice Age". But it has its memorable moments. It was entertaining and fun to watch. Robin Williams, as usual, was at his best with his funny antics. Watch out for the Britney Spears reference! It made me laugh so hard!

P.S. Lightning strikes! I was wondering earlier if it is just coincidental that "Robots" and "I, Robot" have almost the same premise. I know now that it isn't. The two movies came from the same company, 20th Century Fox!

Joey: The Philippine TV Premiere

When friends Monica, Chandler, Ross, Rachel, and Phoebe moved on with their lives separately from each other, Joey has nothing else to do but continue with his on his own. He went to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career and be closer to his family. This is where the spin-off to the highly successful "Friends" started.

"Joey" aired its Philippine TV Premiere tonight at 8:30 PM in Studio 23. Of course, being a devoted "friend", I couldn't help but expect this show to be as good as the original, if not better. Unfortunately, it was disappointing pilot. There weren't enough funny scenes. If there were some, it was kinda "pilit". The characters weren't memorable. Although, Jennifer Collidge as Joey's agent, Bobby, stood out among the rest. She was really funny!

If this would continue through the rest of the season, "Joey" wouldn't last as long as "Friends" did. Didn't Warner/NBC realize that the six characters in "Friends" were great together because they compliment one another? They were a team, therefore, couldn't stand alone. Joey wasn't even the most memorable character in "Friends", for chrissakes!

Anyway, let's just see whether things would go well in the upcoming episodes...

Cheats (2002)

This is the third time I've seen "Cheats" on HBO. But this is the first time I've seen it in its entirety. I've missed a couple of minutes during the first two times.

The movie is a teen flick. It's about a group of high schoolers who think of clever ways to cheat their way to graduation. It wasn't the best movie about the said topic because at the end, there was really no values learned. But it was entertaining. It has its funny moments that would led you to think about your own school days. As for me, I have thought about my teaching days. The movie shows the typical bunch of students one has in a class. Of course, there are the cheaters: the clever ones and not so clever ones. With the clever ones, a teacher has a feeling that they've cheated yet can't prove it or determine their ways. With the not so clever ones, they leave out a trail of clues to their cheating ways which were not exactly intentional. Some are so dumb to even copy their classmates names!

Aside from them, who really didn't bug me that much, there are the I-am-so-intelligent-I-know-everything type of students! Those are the ones that get to my nerves. These students are the ones who so eager to get to the top and prove to everyone that they are the best! I've no problem if they are intelligent and get high grades but what I'm ticked about is when they rub it on your face! They are the ones who always have the answers to every teacher's questions. They are very much unaware that they are the only ones who are raising their hands and can't even give the others a chance. They are also so strict about their schedule that if something changes, their whole world falls apart. For them, the only exisiting letter in the alphabet is "I".

There are also the jot-everything-down type of students. They write every detail that the teacher says. As in every detail down to all the periods and exclamation points!

Other types are those I've-no-brain-so-I'll-use-my-charms type. They are the ones who smooth talk every teacher and somehow gets away with being kinda "bobo". However, they are different from those beautiful ones who doesn't have a care in the world. Sure, they can get out of being scolded and humiliated in front of the class, but when it comes to the end, if they fail, they fail! Brain lasts longer than looks!

The majority are the average ones. They are the ones who seldom make an impact on the teachers because there were no special memories about them.

And lastly, the below average ones. No matter what the teacher does, they can't seem to get the lessons inside their heads! Sometimes, during the grading period, they receive a passing grade for their effort.

Anyway, that isn't why I'm hooked on "Cheats". What I can't get enough if is Trevor Fehrman! He is soooo attractive that naming him "Handsome Davies" in the movie is so rightly appropriate! Aside from being so yummy, he is one fine damn actor! I hope that he'd be given lots of projects in the near future.

Cheats, a straight to video release, was from New Line Cinema that also has Matthew Lawrence and Mary Tyler Moore in it.

Video Vista has this to say about the movie, "What is funny is just how clever they think they are and how cheating has turned them into heroes but it is really an addiction which some find easier to shake. It appears as though proper 'grown-up' life is transferred into the teenage environment, they discuss their next scheme playing pool and sitting at a 'soft' bar like gangsters."

Trivia from imdb:

• Many of the events in the story actually happened. Even the scene in which Handsome starts bashing the lockers and ripping off his shirt when Harkin accuses him and his friends of cheating on the test. (Which is my favorite scene in the movie!)
• The real Applebee refused to take part in the documentary based on the actual Cheats, and as such his name had to be censored whenever used.

(more thoughts on the name "Handsome" in "Beautiful Soul")

Review Night: A Disappointing End

It has been a week since the last episode of "Review Night" has been shown. It was its 200th episode and was at its 4th year. My oh my, I didn't even realize that the show has been running for four years now!

I was expecting a lot more for the final episode, especially that Ryan Agoncillo said a week before that that they'd be ending the show with a sort-of party. But it wasn't a party! They just had their regular movie and cd reviews (movie of the week then was "Robots"). That's it! I was thinking that they'd be showing the best movies in their list for the last four years or have their reviewers said their good byes to the show. Yes, they have shown the people behind the reviews but it wasn't even so memorable. They've just shown pictures of them in a series.

It was really a disappointing end to the show that I've religiously watched. It was like Ross and Rachel ending together in "Friends" but worse! It was an abrupt ending and not well-thought of. Parang ginawa lang para matapos na. I feel like, we, its viewers deserve more. Or was I the only one who had continue to watch it? I don't think so!

Hay, I was hoping to watch pa naman its yearly award-giving ceremony. Teka, was it held only once? Hmmm...

Anyway, bye-bye "Review Night"! So long! My Fridays will be empty without you... *pahid-luha*

See Saw!

This is my second screening of "Saw" and it never fails to creep me out! It is one of the most clever thriller I've seen that came out of Hollywood these days! And frankly, there are not much during the recent times so they are now trying to adapt screenplays from different countries, particularly Asians.

The premise of "Saw" is this: you wake up in a room with one of your leg chained to a pipe. You received a saw that isn't strong enough to cut through the chains but could cut through your bones. You have two choices: a. kill the man you are with in the room who is also locked in chains, or b. stay in the room to rot and die. Galing, di ba? Of course, the story doesn't just revolve with that. There are other predicament that the character has to bear in order to survive. There are also other stories that would let you tie in the loose ends. However, just when you thought you had things figured out, it turns itself around and leaves you clueless! Right till the end!

"Saw" is one of those movies that one has to see to be able to get the real feel in it. A must-see for thriller freaks like me!

Some interesting facts about the movie:

• Shot in 18 days.
• All of the bathroom scenes were shot in six days.
• The actors had absolutely no rehearsals. The rehearsal takes were actual footage for the film.
• Film's pre-production was only five days.
• Film was shot and cut at the same time.
• Sundance showed the NC-17 uncut version. The actual theatrical R-rated version is cut and more finessed, and the sound and colors were evened.
• The whole film was essentially shot in one location, a converted warehouse, where the bathroom set was built. All the other locations were made from existing rooms and dressed them.
• Was the closing film for the Toronto Film Festival.
• Originally intended for a straight-to-video release. After positive screenings, it was given the nod to become a premier movie. (Thank goodness!)
• Director James Wan took a gamble and took no "up front" salary for the movie and opted for a percentage instead.

More trivia here.

Korea's "Summer Time" is Philippine's "Scorpio Nights"

I just recently saw this Korean film called "Summer Time". When I've read its synopsis on the net, I've found it be very similar to Peque Gallaga's "Scorpio Nights". I thought that the film might have based its story from SN because there are unfamiliar plots in the synopsis that I've read.

When I finally got hold of the DVD copy of ST and watched it, lo and behold! 95% (or even higher, I guess) of the film is practically very SN!!! From the plot to the main characters to the supporting ones down to the little details of the film!

I wonder, does Peque Gallaga know that ST adapted the storyline of SN? Actually, technically speaking, ST is a remake of SN. ST is a 2004 movie from Korea and SN was from the 80's. If he did, why are there no news about it? If he did not, what would he think about this? They have control over the disctribution of the story, right? So he/they should be given compensatory amount for it.

OR, was SN also based from another story which Korea based their movie on? As far as Ik now, SN was an original story...

(originally posted on Nov. 19, 2004 here)

Full House's Cliffhangers

In Episode 7, Ji-eun tried confessing her feelings to Young-jae: "If you love someone, you'd protect them, right? ...I want to protect you, Young-jae. I think... I... like you.."

In Episode 8, it was Min-hyuk who confessed his feelings to Ji-eun: "I don't know whether to take you away from Young-jae or not. He doesn't know how precious your are. Please like me..."

In Episode 9, Min-Hyuk told Young-jae on the phone: "I decided... I'm gonna take Ji-eun away from you..."

In Episode 10, Ji-eun had a heart to heart talk with Young-jae: "Min-hyuk wants me to give him a chance. Young-jae... can I... like him?"

In Episode 11, Ji-eun asked Young-jae for divorce. "I think... I really like you... I want a divorce so that I wouldn't get hurt any more..." Unable to confront his feelings, Young-jae dismissed her. "Don't talk like that. If you keep on saying that, I don't think I can stay with you any longer..."

In Episode 12, Young-jae is starting to get confuse a bit more. "The truth is, I want to protect you. When I'm with you, it's fun. You make me forget about Hye-won... I think I need to go to Hye-won now..."

It's great stories like these that make me want to go back and try writing once more. I just don't get much inspiration to write stories these days, though.

Full House's Funny Moments Eps. 1 & 2

EPISODE 1
Receptionist (in Chinese): How can I help you?
Han Ji-eun: Can you speak English?
Receptionist: Oh sure. What can I do for you?
Han Ji-eun: Ah... (looked in the dictionary) I made a reservation. My name is Han Ji-eun.
Receptionist: Ah, wait a minute.
Yoo Min-hyuk (arrives): I'm looking for Mr. Lee Young-Jae. He's staying at this hotel. (cel fone rings; talks in Japanese) Moshi-moshi! Yes... Things are unwrapped on this side so I'll be going home soon... I'll see you then... (kept the cel fone and looked at Han Ji-eun with a smile)
Han Ji-eun (smiles and speaks in Korean): What are you looking at? Am I that pretty?
Yoo Min-hyuk (smiles)
Han Ji-eun: Is that funny? Your English is pretty good for a Japanese. You must've taken some lessons. Do you even know what I'm saying?
Receptionist: I'm sorry. Maybe there's something wrong. You hadn't booked any room. Will you make sure again?
Han Ji-eun: Excuse me?
Receptionist: You hadn't booked any room. Will you make sure again?
Han Ji-eun (in Korean): What is she saying? (in English) Check-in, please.
Receptionist: Ok.
Yoo Min-hyuk (speaks in Korean): She says there's no reservation.
Han Ji-eun (shocked; eyes widens)
Yoo Min-hyuk (in Korean): Are you sure you have a reservation?
Han Ji-eun (still shock; in Korean): Yes...
Yoo Min-hyuk (to receptionist in in Chinese): But, is there any room available?
Receptionist: Yes, there is. How many days will you stay?
Yoo Min-hyuk (to Ji-eun in Korean): How many days will you be staying?
Han Ji-eun (trying to keep her composure): Until this Friday.
Yoo Min-hyuk (to receptionist in English): She's gonna stay until this Friday.
Receptionist: Wait a moment, please... Room 305, is it ok?
Yoo Min-hyuk: That's great. (to Ji-eun in Korean) You can go up when you get the key. Can I help you with anything else?
Han Ji-eun: No, thanks.
Yoo Min-hyuk (bows and leaves)
Han Ji-eun: Oh... (bangs her head on the desk)


EPISODE 2
Han Ji-eun: How was your shoot?
Lee Young-Jae: What?... Ye...
Han Ji-eun: What is the movie about? How does the story go on?
Lee Young-Jae: It's about a man... who loved a woman for a long time... But the woman is leaving him..
Han Ji-eun: So...
Lee Young-Jae: So the man decides to propose before the woman leaves... "I love you a lot... Don't leave. Stay with me..."
Han Ji-eun: But he can't tell her, right?... Because she's in love with another man...
Lee Young-Jae: How did you know?
Han Ji-eun: I'm a writer!
Lee Young-jae: You know anything about writing?
Han Ji-eun: Shall I continue? ...The man can't give up on the woman. The woman is like a light in his life that he can't live without. But he can't confess his feelings either. He's afraid of losing her forever. So he keeps his pain to himself. Loving someone doesn't always means happiness...
Lee Young-Jae (gets affected)
Han Ji-eun: However, he decides to let her go in the end...
Lee Young-Jae: Then what happens? You said he couldn't live without her...
Han Ji-eun: So he's really supposed to die over that?! ...The man goes on a journey to forget his pain. He runs into a fierce storm and gets starnded on a desserted island. The island is filled with strange fruits. Turns out it's a treasure island full of huge treasure hidden! Then he falls in love with a woman in the coast guard who rescues him. In the end, he realizes that life is an unknowable enigma...
Lee Young-Jae (stunned)
Han Ji-eun: Wasn't that good?
Lee Young-Jae: You... go to bed!

*****

Han Ji-eun hands the bowl of soup
Lee Young-Jae tastes the soup; somehow gets choked-up with up
Han Ji-eun: It's not good?
Lee Young-Jae: Is this soup or stew?
Han Ji-eun: It can be both! It's like... a multi-player!


-- end --

Bridget Jones: Going Over The Edge of Reason

I don't know which is worst,"Bridget Jones's Diary" or this one. The problem with both movies is that it is trying too hard to be a British movie with a Hollywood flavor (or the other way around). British movies and Hollywood have very distinct flavors that seldom win when they try to put the two together. "Bridget Jones" is neither romantic nor sad. It is not even in-between! So what should we make up for it? Beats me!

Like in the "Diary", they failed to show why Bridget should fall deeply for Mark Darcy. The movie didn't show why Mark is the best guy for her. For me, he is just one arrogant snob prick! What's so endearing about him? There's really isn't no charm about him! Unlike Daniel Cleaver, despite being an arse, showed how he could've fooled Bridget into loving him: with his smooth-talking ways and suave attitude towards women (before he gets them into bed!).

The only thing I loved about the film is its references to the Queen of Pop, Madonna! Plus, some great soundtracks that seemed to be popping up every few minutes of the film! What's up with that? Further, that lesbian thingy is so way over the top! Trying hard!

"Alfie" on Life, Love, and Women

If women has Carrie, men has Alfie...

"Here's my theory: For most women, if a guy's a good provider and generally a nice chap, six-pack abs really aren't a deal-breaker."

*****

For us boys, it's all about the F.B.B. Face. Boobs. Bum. (For "guys", it's the F.C.B. Face. Chest. Butt.)

*****

It's been said that clothes speak the international language... If you ooze masculinity, like some of us do, you have no reason to fear pink. (I agree! Pink looks great on men! However though, black is the universal shade for gays. That is, skimpy black shirt and tight pants! Eeeow!)

*****

Now, in the cologne department, most men overdo it. My rule: Nothing above the neck, though I do like a little splash on the Big Ben. You never know where the day will take you.

*****

So she's a tub of lard. The ship's already sailed, so why not make her feel good about herself, right?

*****

When it comes to shagging birds, it's all about: Location. Location. Location. (That is what I keep on telling Than-than. He won't find anybody just be waiting where he is right now--at the office!)

*****

Live life to the fullest. I require only enough to cover my modest expenses. I've no desire to be the richest stiff in the cemetery. (Right! If you have money, buy the things you want! Don't forget to save though. Just enough to get you going during the rainy days! What will you do with so much money in the bank and never get to enjoy it?)

*****

(Lying-in position, woman on top) I think this might be my favourite position. It gives you the maximum pleasure with minimum exertion. (It goes both ways, though. Submission-domination!)

*****

(When said another thing but did otherwise.) The more details you give, the less interested he'll be.

*****

Compliment from me comes when you least expect it.

*****

Never expect any thanks in this life. (Otherwise, you're bound for disappointments.)

*****

Now lads, learn from my mistake. Never get involved with a singly mum. See, they come with accessories, some of which can be... unfortunately, irresistible.

*****

It seems to me the problems you worry yourself sick about never seem to materialize. It's the one that catch you unexpectedly on a Wednesday afternoon that knocks you sideways.

*****

You know, when you're old, you learn to be patient. Used to be I never had time for nothing. Go, go. go. My wife was always hawking me to take a little vacation. Hawaii, Reno. I always said, "Next year, Evie, next year. I got too much on my platter." I always thought I'd have more time. Then one Sunday night, she takes the pot roast out of the oven. Yells, "Soup's on," and slumps to the kitchen floor. Just like that. Dead as disco.
-- Joe

*****

Two things I learned in life, kid: find someone to love and live everyday as though it were your last.
-- Joe

*****

Second loneliest night of the year: Christmas Eve. A night that brings on all those familiar festive feelings of hopelessness, anguish, despair. Not a good time to be flying solo. (True!)

*****

Couples should never split up between Thanksgiving and January 2nd. (For us, it's Christmas till Valentine's. Not to mention, birthdays!) Always have a relationship to see you through the holidays. Always.

*****

In every doomed relationship, there comes what I like to call "the uh-oh moment." When a certain little something happens and you know you've just witnessed the beginning of the end. And suddenly, you stop and you think: "Uh-oh, iceberg ahead!"

*****

Underneath all that bravado beats the heart of a guy who's a lot smarter than he thinks he is, but not nearly as cocky as he'd like everybody else to believe. (Just perfect, right?)
-- Liz

*****

Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder. (Clever!)
-- Liz

*****

You know you're in trouble when a sight like that can't keep you planted.

*****

When I was a boy at St. Alban's Secondary School, the school took us on this cultural trip to observe art at one of the-- one of those big famous London museums. Anyway, when I was there, I came across this statue of a Greek goddess in marble. Aphrodi-- Aphrodite, something like that. Beautiful, she was. Perfect female form. Chiselled features. Exquisite. I stood in awe of her. Finally, the teacher calls us all over, and I'm walking past it, and on the way I noticed, in the side of this Greek goddess, all these cracks, chips, imperfections. Ruined her for me. Well, that's Nikki. A beautiful structure... damaged... and in a way you don't notice 'till you get too close. (When you get pass all those imperfections, you're good to go!)

*****

(While packing) Don't worry, I'm already gone. (Such sad words...)
-- Nikki

*****

Strange. But even when you know it has to end... when it finally does... you always get that inevitable twinge: Have I done the right thing? (Truly strange, indeed.)

*****

Nikki was a showstopper. But as me ugly old Aunt Gladys used to say, "Looks aren't everything." I used to think that was a load of bollocks, but just lately I've been thinking... maybe the old bat had something.

*****

Alfie: I never meant to-- I never--
Marlon: You never meant to hurt anyone. But you do, Alfie.

*****

You don't know what you'll do 'till you really love someone.
-- Joe

*****

Think before unzipping.
-- Joe

*****

The thing with feelings is that they have this quiet way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it. (Be glad though that you are still able to feel...)

*****

Of all the women I've known, the one I let my guard down with delivers the knockout punch. Ironic. (You can never be too sure. You always find your match!)

*****

What have I got? Really? Some money in my pocket. Some nice threads. Fancy car at my disposal. And I'm single. Unattached. Free as a bird. I don't depend on nobody. Nobody depends on me. My life's my own. But I don't have peace of mind. And if you don't have it, you've got nothing. (One is the saddest word...)

*****

What's it all about?

*****

On Video: "Male Confessions"

I'd start off with the guys featured in this video:

Bamboo - Great conversations with the band! Mostly, si Nathan Azarcon ang bumangka sa interviews. I've no problem with it 'cause I like him eversince Rivermaya days. Bamboo Mañalac, though, was still himself: a reserved shy rocker! (Isn't it contradictory to be shy and be a rocker?) He hasn't changed much since he left Rivermaya. When can we get to see the rough (and wild) side of Bamboo? I'm sure, this video aimed to interview just him but ended up interviewing the band since they can't get much from him. Hehehe...

Derek Ramsey - What a pretentious prick! Dude, be yourself! All you did in this video was flirt with the cameras! You're not cute (and not handsome either), if you don't happen to know that!

Paolo Paraiso - Question: How could Mylene Dizon go from Ira Cruz (of Bamboo) to Paolo Paraiso?! 'Yun lang!

AJ Dee - I don't know what to make out of this guy! He's neither a looker nor ugly. Neither charming nor unappealing. He's just soooo plain! A vanilla ice cream that is about to melt!

Brent Javier - Oh my! Hands down (there) ako rito sa guy na 'to! His interview is the most honest conversation that this video had. If not for him, I wouldn't buy this one. Definitely God's gift to women (and men)!



Borgy Manotoc - If not for his brains, I wouldn't like this guy. But man, mukha kang tsonggo sa video na 'to! With that braided hair and those enormous lips?! Oh my! The missing link!

Production wise, this video is so-so! The questions were not well thought-of, bad locations, bad sound, bad editing! And please, stop marketing it as a way for women to understand the psyche of men! How could you say that when all you asked were about sex! Women are not just horny individuals, you know! Besides, clearly this is one heck of an exploitation of men featured here! Not that I'm purely against it (*wink wink*), pero gandahan n'yo naman!

Aside from those, this is a video for gays disguised as for women! Oh, c'mon! Admit it! How many women would actually buy this one? Stop manipulating the pink money, Star Records!

Million Dollar Baby: "Simplicity At Its Best"

Two things that I could use to describe "Million Dollar Baby" are "Poetry in Motion" and "Simplicity at its Best"!

Watching it is like reading a book while you're seeing it on screen. It is well-paced and it gets you along its journey. You get hooked with the words, the rhymes, and the beats that you find yourself not being able to let 'till you know how it ends. You get to smile and weep as the characters face their challenges in life. It takes you for a ride smoothly from where you start to the point of your destination.

It is done very simply yet artsy. No unnecessary parts, no striking colors, no fancy dialogues, and no shocking emotions. It's about ordinary people with simple dreams - a story about you and me. It may be revolve around boxing but it is mostly about making your dreams fulfilled!

Great performances from such fine actors. If it'd be the last movie that you see before you die, then you did alright!

"A Breath Of Fresh Air," i.e. Hitch!

Have you ever heard of a "Date Doctor"? Probably not. Yet (if ever there is one). "Date Doctors" come in handy when you find it difficult to express your feelings towards the person you adore. Or, when you have the words to say yet you don't know how to execute the moves you have in mind. Hitch (Will Smith) brings out the Jerry Maguire in any guy who had every Dorothy Boyd at "Hello"! He's one smooth talking suave guy who'd make any Alfie crawl into his skin. For Hitch, it is just proper timing and right moves and words to make your first kiss your last. He's the cure for every Gaylord Focker disasters!

"Hitch" is a breath of fresh air amongst the movies of its genre. It is not your typical laugh-out-loud movies where you get your eyes weep while laughing or your super kilig-to-death type of movies where you'd feel tingles all over your body. It has the right amount of physical comedy and romantic moments that would make you give out "giggly-laughs". The kind that you give out when you see something endearing with the one you adore. You know, the one that you give out when you're by yourself thinking about that special moment with the one you love. Or, the kind you show whenever you're out on a date. The giggly laughs that would not siginify that you're not a toad or the one that would not embarass your date. Did you get my point? A right amount of humor and romance, that's "Hitch"!

Hitch falls flat though when it tries to be cheesy with its I'm-pouring-out-my-heart-to-you scenes especially during the last part. It felt kinda long and unfit. It tries so hard to make a "grand declaration of love" the way Jerry Maguire did and it failed. Not every movie could make such grand gestures (meaning with so many people around that would cheer and clap after you say "I love you") and succeed with it. Besides, it has been done so many times that the industry need to make a new formula!

Performances wise, Will Smith was a charmer! He pulled the role very well. Not to mention how adorable Kevin James was. Kudos to him and his fine performance. With Eva Mendes, she was alright. More characterization, though, is needed for her role.

So, get hitched this instant and know how to make your first kiss your last!