He Was Cool (Korea 2004)

One of the things that I admire about Korean movies are their poster! They are stylized and well-thought of. The kind of posters that would attract the audience to see the film. In Pinoy's terms, "Poster pa lang, ulam na!" That is what I wish the Filipino producers would do. I hope that they would give much attention to the publicity items of their particular movie. Tigilan na 'yung mga pictorials kung saan naka-pose 'yung mga artista, nakangiti, at 'yun na! Poster na! Although I must admit that some are already changing the styles of the Filipino movie posters. Sana magtuloy-tuloy na. And please, Carlo Caparas! Ang pinagtagni-tagning scenes sa pelikula upang ilagay sa poster ay di matatawag na art at kailanma'y di nakakatawag pansin! However, what could you expect from a man who thinks that his movies are gems to Philippine Cinema?!

Anyway, back to Korean movie posters. When I saw the DVD of this movie, I didn't have any idea what it was because everything was written in Korean, even the title! But I thought to myself, the poster looks good so the film itself might be good. At least I know who stars in it, Song Seung-heon (Johnny of "Endless Love 1" series). As it turned out, the title of this film is "He Was Cool" or for better wording, it is also known as "The Guy Is Cool".

As the title suggests, is this movie as "cool" as its poster? Yes, it is. But only during the first half of it. It started out great. Eun-sung (Heung-heon) is the leader of a rebellious group who happens to roam the streets at night and somehow was able to protect innocent girls from bully guys as they victimize them. Although not particularly happy with it, he would also warn the "innocent" ones to stay away from trouble. One person who naively replied to his warning through the school's bulletin board was Ye-won (Jung Da-bin). From then on, Eun-sung hunted her but accident happened. While she was running away from him, Ye-won fell over him and accidentally kissed him! Believing in no physical contact before marriage, Eun-sung asked Ye-won to be responsible for what she did and marry him soon! Because she fears for her life, Ye-won agreed to go out with him and become his girlfriend. The "coolness" ended there. 'Cause after that, subplots kept on emerging. There was about AIDS, about death, about friendships lost, unrequited love, love triangle, and destiny. There were too many things going on for a movie that was supposed to be a light-hearted romantic comedy. I want to like it but the subplots are just too much for me to handle. Not to mention the ending that just seemed to be out of place.

However, despite of it all, I could still suggest that you see it because I might be wrong for not liking it. I am not sure whether it was me or it was just an overkill for me! I might have expected a lot after seeing "My Boyfriend Is Type B". Or maybe because the subtitles are not that good. Whatever it is, I can't decide well. What the film did for me though is like Seung-heon! He is really good (and looks good!) in this one...

Il Mare (Korea 2000)

It's official! Jun Ji-hyun is now one of my favorite actresses since she did three of the most outstanding films I've seen namely "My Sassy Girl", "Windstruck", and "Il Mare". Though the latter came out first in 2000, I've watch it the latest because it was just recently that I was able to take hold of its DVD. I've been hearing about the said movie long before I became a Korean Cinema addict. But not knowing anything about it, I didn't purchase any copy. It was only when I learned that Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves is recreating it for Hollywood that I became interested in it. I want to see it before Hollywood make a trash out of it, I thought. So when I finally got hold of my copy, I didn't jump quickly on watching it because it had "Frequency" plot written all over it! I'm a big fan of "Frequency" and I feel that those who tries to adapt such plot are just mere poor copycats. Anyway, having exhausted all the Korean DVDs I have, it was but time to see this one. And never realizing it, I have saved the best for last!

Eun-joo (Ji-hyun) and Sung-hyun (Lee Jung-jae) met by corresponding through letters. They have both lived in the same house called "Il Mare" but only in different times. As they write to each other, they eventually learned more about one another and somehow fell in love. Love became the reason why they wanted to meet each other. Only that they were living and writing to each other in different time lines: the end of 1999 (Eun-joo) and 1997 (Sung-hyun). How was the conflict resolve? Well, I'd just leave it here so as not to spoil anything for you.

So, was "Il Mare" a mere poor copycat of "Frequency"? I stand corrected. It was not! It had adapted the plot in an entirely unique way and made it all its own. What stands out the most was how heartfelt the emotions were. This movie would take you along with its ride that in the end, you'd be where the characters are. Honestly speaking, this movie made my tears flow, my heart ached, and my emotions soared up all at the same time!

I definitely see Keanu and Sandra doing this movie. I just hope that they wouldn't take so much out of it just to make it Hollywood-ish.

P.S. The TV trailers for this movie are magnificent! Ibang klase! Gawang Asyano!

My Boyfriend is Type B (Korea)

No, Type B doesn't pertain to one's personality but rather with one's blood type. A Japanese concept, matching blood types are popular among Asians as matching birth signs in the West. Although, as a Filipino, it was the first time I've heard of such thing. According to this belief, different blood types could determine one's personality. In that case, it could also determine with which type one could have lasting relationship with. Yes, it may sound quite silly and absurb but there are people who religiously prescribe to such beliefs. It wouldn't be no different to people who believe in fate or destiny. (To check out what personality each type has, visit this page.)

Hami (Han Ji-hye), whose aunt match people according to their blood types, met Young-bin (Lee Dong-gun of Lovers in Paris) by accident. She wrongly sent him a message and when she learned about it, she felt that they were destined to be together. Being a guy who goes in and out of a relationship, Young-bin decided to be Hami's boyfriend. Only that he is of Type B blood. No matter how much her aunt disuades her to be with him, Hami still continued to see Young-bin. In time, they were able to get to know each other better that made them decide to continue the relationship despite being of different blood types.

The premise may be about blood types but the movie did not advocate the idea all thoughout the film. The focal point is still the relationship that developed between the characters. As a romatic comedy that came out from Korean Cinema , the movie succeeded. (Gawd, the last "great" romantic comedy we had was Got to Believe!) It was light and the mushiness and the kilig factor were kept at a minimum. Besides, with lines like "Are you into order? Hands first, kiss, then tits?", you'd know that this movie isn't your typical Korean romantic movie. Conservatism was thrown out of the window especially with the reply "You can forget the order. We could do it randomly or repeatedly!"

Ji-hye and Dong-gun, whose first team-up was the series Sweet 18, were quite a pair. There was good chemistry between them and they did a fantastic job.

Guys, watch out for the "Superman!" scene and try re-enacting it to earn major pogi points!

Bikini Open

Since his debut film in 1998 via the critically-acclaimed "Sana Pag-ibig Na" to last year's "Minsan Pa", Jeffrey Jeturian hasn't failed in giving us excellent films! With six films to boot (including this one), Jeffrey remains to be one of the great directors of this generation.

Not equally great as MMFF's "Bridal Shower", "Bikini Open" somehow levels off with its movie counterpart. It is a mock documentary about the numerous bikini contests that are sprouting during summer season. It is also a funny and honest look at the reality-tv shows that seemed to be sensationalizing (and exploiting) the lives of the people who participate in them.

The script can still be improve, though, but thanks to an ensemble of good cast that was able to pull of a good movie! Definitely, one of Philippine Cinema's must-sees!

Double Creepfest!

I don't remember seeing the original version of "The Amityville Horror" in 1979. If I did, though, I have long forgotten about 'cause for sure, I've watched it when I was in my young age. With that being said, I wouldn't be able to compare the two films in terms of their developments.

"The Amityville Horror” remake is a decent horror flick that would make you realize that "ghosts" still have the shock-you effects that they gave in "The Sixth Sense". They still manage to scare the hell out of you with just the right project and story. However, that was it. This film is "decent" enough to pass as a horror movie. It has a background story, it has enough creep-out scenes, and has enough suspense that'd make you watch it till the end. Not that great but not so good either.

Technically wise, the movie adapted a 70's feel to it since it was a story from the 70's. The film was old-ish, grainy, and quite dark. I have no problems with it except that they have adapted a 70's style of writing, as well: scare, talk, talk, scare, talk, talk, talk, scare, and so on and so forth. The scary scenes has no continuity and don't hold much grip on the people whose watching it. I hope that they just did an entire movie on the Reverend rather than re-made this one.

For some interesting stories re the Amityville haunting, visit this one.

Hmm... A movie that stars Paris Hilton. Sounds exciting? NOT! In fact, Paris would be the factor that'd either draw out an audience or not. However, with or without Paris, "House of Wax" could stand alone. (That's not to say that this movie is excellent.) Her presence didn't even matter much. It's a good thing that she died because she really couldn't act at all! Ooops... Spoiler alert! My apologies. But who needs acting when you could be your plain "whore-y" self in the movie, right?

I appreciate it that this remake of the 1953 original movie tried to create a back story and conflicts to the lead characters (Elisha Cuthbert and Chad Michael Murray) and somehow connects them with the main protoganists. But then, does anybody care? The audience just came to see the film to creep themselves out and not sympathize with the actors or cry while their guts were spilling out. Not to mention that the so-called story only slowed the pace of the entire film. Besides, the characters are stupidly written that wouldn't care whether they die or not in the most gruesome ways as possible. Death served them right for trespassing on other people's properties, if I may say so!

Were the movie able to deliver the goods? Yes, it has some shock-you moments but they weren't able to sustain themselves long after the movie was over.

Recommendations: 2002's remake of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "Wrong Turn" are two of the best shock-and-creep-you-out kind of films that I saw in recent years. Better rent them out than see "House of Wax".

Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist

Warner has decided to show the original "prequel" of the "Exorcist" on May 20 in the US. Why? Have they realized that "The Beginning" truly sucked and they made a wrong decision of making it in the first place? According to Billy (Joe) Crawford, their version was way better than the one shown. It was more of a psychological horror rather than gory horror. But of course, we have to see it for ourselves. We really cannot put our trust on someone who is part of the film. Anyway, I have yet to see the trailer here. I hope it's good. Too bad that it wasn't making much noise here and even in the US. Where are the promotions, Warner?! Are you just showing this one just to at least make some money out of it?

Queer As Folk Season 4

"Queer as Folk Season Four" isn't as much exciting as the first three seasons. For one thing, there aren't many new things that happened among the different characters in the series. Basically, the events that took place in this season are continuation of what transpired in the last season. Ted is recovering from drug addiction, Emmett is living a life on his own, Michael and Ben are building a family with Hunter, Melanie and Lindsay are waiting for the new baby, and Brian and Justin are still in their usual trying-to-live-as-a-couple-but-fuck-whoever-you-want ways. It has the most boring season opener and the story only picks up during the last few episodes. Even then, some of those emotional events seemed force, especially Brian's cancer which is so-Samantha of Sex and the City! It didn't have much depth and substance. I assume that the audience didn't even care enough since the character didn't grow as much since the first season. So what if he is sick? He still looked his darnest best and didn't lose a single strand of hair during radiation treatment!

As for the rest, they remained a puppet for the oh-so-tragic writing. The Melanie-Lindsay emotional crisis somehow managed to salvage the season but still remained unsatisfying. Thanks to the mere not mentioning of Melanie's cheating on Season 2! Not to mention the unbelievable Hollywood adaptation of "Rage"!

It's a good thing that Showtime will be finishing this series on its sixth season. Some good things never really last especially if "sex" is all that they could offer. And for chrissakes, lay off the Brian-Justin sex scenes! Not only that they're less thrilling, they're too enervating, as well!

In Good Company

A feel-good movie that has an outstanding soundtrack to back-up with it! That would best describe "In Good Company". Topher Grace may be the main straw to draw out teen (mostly girls!) audience but Dennis Quaid is the main lead in the film. This is basically his movie and he did an amazing job! I believe that he is one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood. With that being said, it is safe to say that this isn't a teen flick. Topher and Scarlet Johansson are just icing to a deliciously-baked cake.

For movie synopsis, visit the official site.

RP's Lost Film Treasures

Tonight in I-Witness, Howie Severino went to Thailand to look for the old Philippine movies that were said to be in their care. He saw there the so-called "lost" reel/copy of the first ever "Darna" film made in 1951. However, there was only Valentina in the 40-minute film and no Darna in sight. So it was questionable whether it was truly a Darna or Valentina movie. The audio had been clipped because during the early times in Thailand, actors used live vocals to incorporate with the film that they are showing. Dubbing wasn't as click back then.

Afterwards, the archivist showed another classic film which was already dubbed in Chinese. All credits were still intact expect the title of the film. It was another epic-fantasy film which they weren't sure whether it was Filipino or Malaysian. I swear, I almost cried when I saw the footages of the said film! There were mixed emotions. I was overwhelmed with the fact that Thailand had kept such film and I was also saddened by the situation of movies here in our country. Wala man lang tayong nasagip sa mga sinaunang pelikula natin! Dati, pagkatapos maipalabas ang pelikula, tinatapon na lang ang reel sa basurahan at kung minsan ay ginagawang torotot o banderitas. Kung ang Thailand na halos pareho lang natin ng estado pinansiyal ay nakagawa ng film archive, bakit tayo hindi? Kung tutuusin, tayo ang pinakaunang gumawa ng pelikula sa mga bansa sa Asya! Now, either we have to search the world for copies of our old movies and asked them for it or actually buy them from countries who have them. Hindi ba nakakalungkot 'yun?

Kung ako halos napaiyak, si Nick de Ocampo ay napamura pa! He, along with other film experts, made sure that the said epic-fantasy was made in the Philippines by Filipinos. From LVN Productions, it was directed by Gerry de Leon and starred Efren Reyes and Edna Luna. It was entitled "Banga ni Zimadura".

Now, the mysterious "Darna" film. Another film expert who actually saw that movie in 1951 in Clover Theater said that it was really THE "Darna" movie by Rosa del Rosario, directed by Fernando Poe Sr. It couldn't be a Valentina movie because there was no such thing as Valentina The Movie. Asan si Darna? That remains a mystery. Either the film was cut into two movies or something happened with the sliced Darna part.

According to Thailand's film archivist, he is willing to give back our films only if we would promise to take care of them and put up our own archive. Meron pa nga silang "Dyesebel" movie in their possession!

Hay, sana naman ay magkaroon nga tayo ng archive. I want to experience the time when our movies would compete globally at pagkakahuluhan ng mga taga-ibang bansa, the way Korean movies hit RP.

Love, So Divine (Korea 2004)

I'd like to start this review by saying how much I adore Kwon Sang-woo! He is such an ultimate Korean cutie, next to Rain and Won Bin, of course! Hehehe.

If Sang-woo is the ultimate charmer, I'm afraid that I couldn't say such about the movie. During the first few scenes with Kyushik (Kwon) and Sanghee (Ha Ji-Won), one would feel that it seemed like a "My Sassy Girl" wannabe except that the guy would soon to become a priest. However, it wasn't. The similarities just goes with the girl being quite aggressive and the guy being the timid one, that's it. Of course, them both being romantic comedies is a given already. As the movie progresses, it actually veers away with the mentioned film and takes it own course. My oh my! If "Pretty Woman" became the ultimate romantic comedy in Hollywood, could it be that "My Sassy Girl" is Korea's? Why not? They're both equally great films! Btw, what's with Koreans and aggressive (meaning: tough) girls, anyway? Is that some sort of a fetish among their men?

Major flaw of this film goes to the lack of romantic chemistry between Sang-woo and Ji-Won. There is no "kilig-factor" seeing them together. Add to that is the faulty script which fails to capture the growing romance between the two characters. They just fell in love with each other without the audience ever knowing why, how, and when it happened.

Even if I'm not a fan of Cholo (Stairway to Heaven) ooops I mean Sang-woo, I still would say that he was the saving grace of this movie. Watch out for the sing and dance scene! It was worth all the trouble of seeing this film!

Lastly, did I mentioned how cute Sang-woo looked in here?! *wink wink*

Can This Be Love?

Another over-hyped production/promotion of ABS-CBN's Star Cinema! Why do I always forget that Star Cinema's tagline is, "If it's over-hyped, it must be bad!" and still fell for it? Or is it because I'm really a sucker for romantic comedies? Er, remember "The Wedding Date"?

I admit that I am Kapuso but nevertheless, I still get to appreciate some of Kapamilya's works, especially those of Star Cinema's. It is now the leading movie producer these days. However, di ko mapapalampas ang pelikulang ito! This movie is only about the trailer and nothing else! It is the major reason why I decided to see this film. Heck, so what if it was a Hero-Sandara movie?! I'm all about the storyline. Besides, it is a Jose Javier Reyes movie whose last romantic outing, "Kung Ako Na Lang Sana" (if I'm not mistaken), was terribly great! When every aspect about the film though was put together, the result was disastrous!

The biggest problem about this film was how it addressed inter-racial relationships. Not to mention Filipinos working abroad or wanting to subplots. The Filipino/Korean leads were characterized very poorly. The movie tried to uplift the good in Filipinos yet it kept on showing how bad they were! When did a Filipino bully someone just because she was of different race? It was not in sync with our hospitable nature. The fact remains that Koreans who are studying here are the ones who seldom approach their Filipino classmates, not the other way around. Kailan pa naging api-apihan ang mga Korean dito sa Pinas? At kailan pa tayo naging discriminatory?

Ryan (Hero Angeles) was so proud of his being a Filipino that he insisted on speaking in Tagalog to Daisy (Sandara Park) eventhough he knows that she won't be able to understand it well. Talk about being a Filipino gentleman! I don't understand why the Filipino characters here are so not into speaking English to Daisy when most of them are in college or professionals. Talk about authenticity! Never did a Filipino asked a foreigner to adjust to our own language rather we try our best to talk in the universal language, i.e. English. Kahit pa carabao English, go pa rin! We are not Japanese. Mali man 'yun pero 'yun na ang nakasanayan natin. The truth is, Koreans went here to study English and not Tagalog!

Re the Korean characterization, why do the film insists that Korea is a very rich country? It is not the US nor Japan, for chrissakes! Bakit ba pumupunta rito ang Koreans para mag-aral? Kasi mura ang tuition fee compared to their country! So 'yun ba ang pagka-yaman-yaman? At least one true thing that it shown was the Filipino thinking, "basta foreigner, mayaman!" Further, why didn't the film explain the tradition of Koreans marrying their own kind and not because they look down on Filipinos? (Though, I don't exactly know if they really look down on us.) Not to mention how much they respect their elders. (We do respect our elders, as well, but with the influence of Western ideas, we tend to be disrespectful at times especially with expressing our opinions or desires.) I wonder how could Daisy brushed aside so easily the Korean tradition handed down on her just because she fell for a Filipino guy. At least, she should've given it much thought and weighed the pros and cons. The dinner scene with Ryan and Daisy with her uncle was so inappropriate! As far as I know, Ryan was well-educated that he'd know how to behave well in situations like that. Besides, di siya patay-gutom para masabik sa mga pagkaing nakahain sa kanya!

Napapa-omg na lang ako rito sa pelikulang ito! Whatever happened to Joey Reyes? I didn't expect him to do good in his recent horror movies because it wasn't his forte. But what happened with this one? Sobra ba siyang nadala sa concept ng pelikula at nakalimutan niyang importante ang kabuuang laman nito?

Acting-wise, Sandara was good. Hero needs to smoothen his craft. Dapat maisip niya na hindi laging kailangang sumigaw just to get your message through. May pinag-aralan naman 'yung karakter niya at hindi bobo 'yung kausap niya! Kung nag-English sana siya e de mas nagkaintindihan pa sila! BUT what bothered me most was the fact that his lips were poutier and shinier than Sandara's! Ano ba naman 'yun?!

Should you still see "Can This Be Love?" after reading this? OMG! Bahala ka sa buhay mo! Gets mo?

P.S. How true that this movie was supposed to compete with the Mark Herras-Jen Mercado flick, "Say That You Love Me" but suddenly backed-out? Was it a case of making sure that there won't be another "Dreamboy" box-office disaster?