I Missed...

...because of the numerous delays and postponements in seeing it on the big screen, I have lost interest in watching it. Will catch it on original DVD soon!

I Miss...

...my weekly dose of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte! The "Desperate Housewives", though billed as the new girls to watch after them, aren't as great as them! I miss the laughter, the thoughts, the tears, and the sex! Good thing that I have a complete collection of DVDs. Gawd, that UK DVD cover blows me away! Not to mention RP's Gucci VCD covers!
Until now, though, I am still not in favor of Big and Carrie getting back together! Big (or John) is nothing but a shmuck! He never did anything special for Carrie during the time they were together. He just needs her and not love her!
One day, however, I'll have that Miranda kitchen tiles in my own kitchen! Bwahahaha!

Wanee & Junah (Korea 2001)

First and foremost, what attracted me to this movie was the DVD cover. It wasn't the one shown here or below. I couldn't find that cover here on the net. Anyway, it was a yellow cover featuring three different poses of Wanee & Junah from the same shoot. It was really eye-catching! Not to mention the fact that both actors are quite a looker! However, what made me decide to buy it was the review I've read. According to the reading, it has an amazing animation for its prologue and epilogue. It was amazing, indeed! A simple animation done in watercolor that merely states how the two lead characters have met. For that alone, watching this film is all worth it!

Anyway, "Wanee & Junah" are live-in lovers in their mid-20s. Wanee is an animator whose career is starting to boom while Junah is a movie scriptwriter whose struggling to make a name for himself. Their peaceful lives was disturbed when Wanee learned that her step-brother will be visiting Korea from Europe. From that day on, thoughts of the past haunted Wanee at the expense of her relationship with Junah. Junah, in turn, took the back seat to give Wanee the chance to figure out things on her own.

The progression of the events is so smooth and calm. It's like reading a book with less dialogues but full of emotions. The emotions may not have been projected well by the characters but you know they're there. Because we are all but human, one way or another, we have been in their shoes.

"Wanee & Junah" isn't perfect in terms of its acting depth but its beautiful colors, sights, and sounds surely make up for it!

Note: This film, according to Korean critics, bravely go where the others dared not to. It has filmed two of the tabooed relationships in Korea: live-in and homosexual. Although the film centers more on the former and just merely passes by the latter.

Shutter (Thailand 2004)

Ghost stories have come and went and only a few managed to create an impact to its audience. "Shutter" may be another take on avenging ghosts but it was effective in its effort to give chills and scares. It has given a new look to all the Sadako-type characters that seemed to be on most Asian horror flicks! Aside from that, it made Sadako's style looked ancient! No more coming-out of t.v. screens! It's time to get out wherever you are and be with your target person!

"Shutter" gave the saying "Watch Your Back" a totally different meaning! Soon, you will see!

Kimchi

If others go for the classic Sushi, I go for Kimchi. It rightly suits my tastes. It's fresh but not raw. It's flavored but not too tasty. It has the perfect concoction of spices that set my emotions on high and lows. In other words, my type of cinema!

And when I said that I am addicted to Korean Cinema, I wasn't kidding! Just recently bought 13 DVDs in a day! Plus, there are others I haven't (and want to!) bought yet! The coming weeks would really be an ultimate movie marathon for me!

Korea
Over the Rainbow
Wanee and Junah
Desire
The Sweet Sex and Love
Please Teach Me English
First Kiss
So Cute
100 Days with Mr. Arrogant
Crzay First Love
Oh, Happy Day!
3-Iron
Once Upon a Time in High School
Too Beautiful to Lie

Thailand
Shutter

Mr. & Mrs. Sexy!

I'd like to start this review by quoting a review that I've read in Click the City a few days back before I saw "Mr. & Mrs. Smith". His/Her exact introduction (and the way it was written-"typos" and everything) was "BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG KAPISH....." He/She followed it with, "This movie should not have been on the summer movies. This movie shouldn't have been made either. In short this movie is really really bad."

I'd want to respect the reviewer's opinion re this movie. Hey, to each his own, right? But I can't help wondering if we really watch the same movie. Is this the one that opened just last Wednesday or was there a version that I didn't know of? How did a movie that is so good became really really bad?

Anyway, to continue with his/her review, he/she added, "If your an extreme action fan guy..go watch this movie. It's full of action allright, full of gun shooting, to a poin that there seems to be no more story. The gun battling scenes are just the same ones you've seen in other movies. Brad pitt was well..Brad Pitt... he really just has the looks but his acting sure stinks. What chemistry are the people talking about? Both Pitt and Jolie didn't really seem to be into it." His/Her last words were, "Bottom line..this movie's bad."

Oh-kay... Enough said. I'll digress his/her statements one by one. "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" isn't pure action. Oh yeah, there were lots of gun shooting but it was only during the second half of the film. I believe that those scenes were essential to the story. They are expected since the Smiths are assassins who became the target of both their firms (oops, spoiler!) so there's no other way to do it but defend themselves. Thus, the need for such battle. Aside from that, there are fights that are contextual in nature. Because first and foremost, the plot of the movie is about the couple's marriage. Them doing what they're doing are just part of what they're going through in their relationship.

Let's divide the battle into two. First part are mere representations of the things they have said and couldn't say. Of all the five or six years in their marriage, they neither fight nor argue. So imagine all the pent-up anger and frustrations for all the lies that surfaced. It reminds me of the Pinoy saying, "Kung nakakamatay lang ang mga salita, ilang beses ka nang namatay!" During arguments, we curse, cuss, or say hateful words. With the Smiths, though, they don't use words. They use bullets! It's kinda "War of the Roses", only this is much violent. And most of the time, fights are just sparks that light up a bigger fire, i.e. intimate passion. They serve as foreplay for couples who, after the arguments, somehow becomes relieve of the problems and are wanting to make love.

Second part, as I've said, is to defend themselves. This time, they are fighting for each other and not with each other. Complications still arise during the battle like who's better or who should lead or as simple as what weapons to use. But nothing could not be solve by compromise. Marriage (or any other relationship) without compromise is nothing.

In the end, when all skeletons are out of the closet, they love each other even more. It turned out that the thing they kept from each was the one that would keep them together. They found a common ground.

Is that what you call "no story at all?"

And as much as I hate to admit it, Brad and Angelina have great on-screen chemistry that Brad and Julia lacked in "The Mexican". Whether they are doing "it" or not, I wouldn't want to know until Jennifer Anistion formerly Pitt becomes as big as Nicole Kidman formerly Cruise. They should just keep the chemistry in reel and not for real! Aside from that, they are so damn hot and sexy! They deserve each other... in the movie! Sequel please!

The CTC reviewer gave "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" one star out five. I'd give it four and a half!

Bought This Today

I am soooo glad that I still found a VCD copy of this film from Astro Plus, Carpark, SM North. Although the price was different from the first time I saw it (PhP99.00), ok lang (PhP150.00). It doesn't matter because this is one remarkable film. Besides, the important thing is that I'd be asking Direk Ellen to autograph it on Monday. ;-)



"Angels" is the story of Rudy and Angie who are both blind. They work as masseurs to sustain their family's needs. They have three children and Jonathan, their second child, is the one helping them as they go through their day to day struggles - including the care for their first child who happens to be mentally incapacited. The biggest challenge that they faced, though, was when the DSWD tried to take custody of their children because of believing that they are incapable of raising their family.

This is an honest portrayal of the true events that happened to real people. If you think you are having a tough time in life, think again and see life in the eyes of Rudy and Angie...

My favorite lines:
Jonathan: Itay, pa'no kayo nagligawan ni nanay?
Rudy: Basta 'yun na 'yun. Love at first sight!
Jonathan: Tatay naman, e. Sige na... Pa'no n'yo nga nilagawan si nanay?
Rudy: Sa tinginan lang!

This movie should be released internationally! Calling Star Cinema!

Anne Bancroft 1931-2005

I just learned today that the Academy-Award winning actress, Anne Bancroft, died last June 6, 2005 of uterine cancer at 73. She wasn't exactly my favorite but it was a delight to watch her on screen. She was one fine actress, I should say. She became famous via The Graduate opposite Dustin Hoffman as Mrs. Robinson. The films I saw her in were Great Expectations, Torch Song Trilogy, G.I. Jane, Home for the Holidays, How to Make an American Quilt, The Assassin (aka Point of No Return), and Agnes of God.

Rest in peace, Madam Anne...

The Billy Crawford "Exorcist" Picture!

"Dominion" recieved not so good reviews from critics but Billy Crawford sure created some raves! "Despite "Dominion's" generally unfavorable reviews, Crawford should gain some boost in his Hollywood acting career since several publications used stills that featured him and most reviews, including those that praised him, listed him as part of the main cast," Los Angeles, posted in Inquirer on May 23, 2005.

Way to go, Billy!

Saw These Today...

...at the Pink Festival in UP Film Institute.


Formula 17 (Taiwan)


Mga Pusang Gala (by Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil)

This one served as the opening movie for the festival in UP headed by Progay Philippines and Mowelfund. Direk Ellen and some actors attended the event along with Nick deOcampo and UP Film Institute President.

Reviews soon...

Jenny, Juno: When You're Young and In Love

"Jenny, Juno" created waves when it was shown in Korea early this year. Basically because of the sensitive nature of its topic: teen pregnancy. Being a conservative country like ours, of course they would condone such issue much more sexual freedom among teens! Not to mention that the teen characters were portrayed by actual teenagers. In Hollywood, sexual freedom among teens were highly discussed in Larry Clark's "Kids" and in the much graphic "Ken Park" (it has a Pinoy-American character). This movie received an R-18 but after much uproar from the makers of the movie and some fans, it was toned down to PG-15.

"Jenny, Juno" can basically be divided into three parts. First, Jenny and Juno found out that they were pregnant. They both tried to hide it from their parents fearing that they might abort the baby. For a couple of months, they did what they think is best for the baby. In their innocent ways, they were building their future. However, Jenny's sister found out the truth so eventually, they needed to tell their parents the truth. That being said, the focus has now been shifted to the parents - their initial reactions, their feelings toward their children's situations, their dealings with both side of the families, etc. Third part would be how Jenny and Juno resolve their situation.

"Jenny, Juno" has the makings of a great romantic movie, only that the characters are 15 year olds. All the kilig elements are there that would make you wonder whether, in your teens, would you have done stuffs like that? The lead characters were perfectly portrayed by the actors and were perfectly written. No one would doubt that the love they have for each other is true (at those moments, of course). You would even somehow root for them to be together. Oh, the wonders of young love!

The major problem lies, though, on the parents' side. Their initial reactions were perfectly shown: the anger, the denial, the embarrassment, the bargaining and the eventual acceptance. However, it ended there. The film had treated its subject as if it was a simple Romeo and Juliet type of story. I wouldn't be surprised if young audience would feel like the contravidas in their lives are their parent certainly because they were made to look like that in the movie. Their side of the story wasn't given much depth. They weren't able to talk about the repercussions of teen pregnancy to their children.

What I'm afraid of is the impression that this movie might give to young audience. Raising children by children isn't like raising puppies that only need to be fed and played with. It takes more than that. The film failed to emphasized that or even mention it. Aside from that, what saddens me is that abortion becomes part of the choices. Shouldn't it be not mentioned at all?

Anyway, as a romantic/drama movie, this one had surely soared high! It's great! One of the best, I should say, especially for being so bold in tackling such topic. However though, I'd advised parents to see this films with their teens and not let them get the impressions that teen pregnancy is cool! Despite that, this one tops my favorites list!

Bought These Today...

My Tutor Friend
Daddy Long Legs
Jenny, Juno

To Adapt is Human; To Pay is Divine

I was planning to see "Say That You Love Me" today. I didn't because I've read that the movie was sort of an adaptation of "My Sassy Girl". When I saw its trailer, a friend already commented that it seemed like an adaptation (actually, the Pinoy word is "ginaya" which seemed to have a really bad connotation here) but I refused to believe it because I'm rooting for the Jennylyn Mercado-Mark Herras tandem. But then, when I read the Click the City review, it was confirmed! According to them, it was still an enjoyable film despite "borrowing" some key elements that made Sassy worked. They added that the movie adapted "three explicit things: Kristine is an insolent lady to Stephen, who always bows to her ingratiating whims; at one point, Stephen details the things that he had learned about Kristine; and lastly, someone has been trying to introduce them to each other since before they met."

I've no problems with adaptations. I believe that there are only a few original stories around and it's up to the writers to make something different out of it. How many times have the story of "Cinderella" (i.e. "poor" girl meeting her "prince" and falling in love) resurfaced on screen and on tv and still succeed? I've problems with adapting a certain story without ever mentioning the original story where it came from. It'd be really easy to accept an adapted film if in fact, it admits that it came from an original story. So many Filipino films have been a product of adaptation yet not crediting the source. Why? Is it because they don't want to pay any royalty? Would paying royalty means less income for the film? If that would be case, then I suggest that they better come up with original and creative stories and not "steal" anyone's hardworked product.

Anyway, I still have high hopes about this film. As I was reading its synopsis on the official site, I still think that it could stand on its own. I may or may not catch it on screen. But I'd surely see it on video in case I missed it. So sad, though, that Sassy was not shown here. Filipino audience is missing a lot by not seeing this Korean gem. I hope that distributors would also include Korean romantic movies on their list of releases here and not just focus on horror stories. I believe that we had enough of those Sadako-type characters who kept coming out in most Asian horror movies.

My Brother (Korea 2004)

"My Brother" is gripping with emotions yet done with simplicity and subtlety. It reminds of movies like Maryo J. Delos Reyes' "Magnifico" or Jose Javier Reyes' "Minsan May Isang Puso". It honestly portrays the rift amongst the members of the family yet not undermining the obvious love they have for one another. This is definitely one the the tissues!

La Visa Loca

Without a doubt, one of the best films in RP Cinema and one of the first great films of 2005! "La Visa Loca" garnered an A rating from the Film Ratings Board which would give it a 100% tax-free incentive. The highest rating most films receive is B+ and seldom do films receive A. Some ratings may even be quite questionable but this one was truly deserving! It was funny, touching, irritating, and heart wrenching all at the same time! Aside from that, "kakaiba siya!" Its treament hasn't been done before in Phil. movies. Simple yet aims directly to the core!

I wouldn't go much with the details of the film because one could only appreciate its greatness by seeing it. What I'm quite bothered about is the theme that it tackles. Sobra na bang nakakalimutan na ng Pinoy ang mga mahahalagang bagay sa buhay dahil sa kahirapan (o pera) at kailangan na siyang tapikin upang makaalala? Sadya bang nawawala na ang pagmamahal natin sa ating bayan dahil sa sunod-sunod na pasakit na ating nararanasan?

Yes, I know how hard it is these days to live in the Philippines but it is not enough reason for one to loathe staying here. Go on, work outside the country but one has no right to judge it badly because no matter what you say, pinakinabangan mo rin naman siya!

Shall We Dance? (2004)

I have resisted seeing "Shall We Dance?" because I wanted to see the original Japanese version. I've read that it was far more superior than this Hollywood adaptation. But then, not being able to find a copy of it, I took the chance of watching this. Besides, if there's one guilty pleasures I have, that is watching Jennifer Lopez. What I feel for her is love-hate. I don't wanna be drawn to her 'cause I know how terrible she can get some times (acting and singing-wise) yet I can't help myself. She could be very irresistible without her trying much!

Anyway, not having any idea about the Japanese version, I have fallen in love with this film! It was able to touch a part of my life. I was able to relate to the "emptiness" that Richard Gere's character, John Clark, was feeling. It wasn't about the empty feeling of love but the empty feeling of fulfillment. You know that the life you are enjoying could be better. With that being said, of course, this film made me cry. Tears that have been longing to come out for months now. Never did I realized that all the pent-up anger I have felt inside was due to the fact that I haven't let those tears out.

One of the memorable lines in the film that made an impact to me was "Be alive like this!" by Paulina (J. Lo)while she and John were dancing. I have forgotten the last time I've felt so alive. Lately, things haven't been going smoothly for me in terms of career even though I know now what I really want to do. Why is it that when you are determine to be who/what you are, that's the time when things are not going in your favor?

I apologize if this review became a personal write-up. It is because that that is the effect that this film has given me! It made me smile, think, feel, and cry. If only life could be as easy as taking dance lessons...

Babae Sa Breakwater (2004)

Isa yata ang pelikulang ito sa nakaranas ng "one-day showing" sa Pilipinas. Ipinalabas ito ng hindi man lang namamalayan ng sambayanang Pilipino. Ganun pa man, nakatanggap ito ng kabi-kabilang papuri sa mga krikito mula rito maging sa ibang bansa. Natalo pa nga nito sa "Best Picture" ng Gawad Urian ang pinakapaboritong pelikula noong 2004, ang "Magnifico"! Mananatiling isa sa mga paborito ko ang pelikulang "Magnifico" kaya isipin n'yo na lang ang tuwa ko nung makita kong mayroon ng kopya ang pelikulang tumalo sa aking paborito.

NGUNIT, isang malaking disappointment para sa akin ang "Babae Sa Breakwater". Hindi ko alam kung nasa akin ba ang mali at hindi ko nakuha ang gustong paratingin ng pelikula o sadyang nabulagan lamang ang mga manunuri sa kadilimang ipinapakita ng pelikula. Para sa kin, ang pelikulang ito ay:

1. Pretensyoso. Gusto niyang palabasin na isa siyang "art film" gayong maikukumpara lamang siya sa isang dokumentaryong hindi maayos ang pagkakasulat at kasuklam-suklam ang pagkakadirehe. Itinuring ko siyang dokumentaryo dahil pinapakita niya ang "below poor" na aspeto ng lipunan gayong wala naman masyadong ikunukuwento tungkol sa kanilang buhay. At kung anuman ang kaniyang ipinakita, nagawa na rin iyon ng mga dokumentaryo sa telebisyon tulad ng I-Witness at sa isang epektibong paraan pa!

2. Eksploytasyon. Nakakaawa ang mga "artista" na gumawa sa pelikulang ito. Isipin n'yong palanguyin ba naman nang makailang ulit sa babayin ng Manila gayong alam naman (siguro) ng direktor kung gaano ito karumi at kung anu-ano ang sakit ang pwede nilang makuha rito. Dahil nga baguhan ang mga artistang ginamit, masasabi bang sulit ang binayad sa kanila kung sakaling magkasakit nga sila dahil dito? At ang pagpapakita ng suso ng matandang artista na kilala bilang "Yaya" sa isang "Shake, Rattle, & Roll" na pelikula kung saan si Kris Aquino ang bida o ang matandang bersyon ni Alma Moreno sa "Aswang" ay lubhang kahabag-habag! (Pasensya na at hindi ko alam ang kaniyang pangalan.) Hindi naman kailangan pang gawin 'yun para lang ipakita ang kahirapan sa Pilipinas. Ang pagpayag niya sa eksenang iyon ang makapagpapatunay na sadyang kakapit sa patalim ang taong hirap na hirap sa buhay. Na kahit ang natitirang dangal ay pwedeng isawalang bahala sa konting halaga. Bakit naman pinayagan pa ng direktor na mangyari iyon?

Kung akting naman ang pag-uusapan, hindi ko rin mawari kung paanong nanalo si Katherine Luna bilang pinakamagaling na aktres sa ilang kumpetisyon gayong wala naman siyang ipinakitang galing! Siya man ang nasa titulo ng pelikula ngunit hindi sa kanya nakatuon ang istorya kundi sa magkapatid na napadpad sa Breakwater. Siya ay malinaw na nagamit din upang ibenta ang pelikula lalo pa sa mga paghuhubad niyang ginawa na hindi rin naman kawalan kung sakaling hindi iniligay sa pelikula.

Sa istorya, nakapahina ng mga karakterisasyon! May mga pangyayari sa pelikula na wala naman saysay o katuturan sa kabuuan ng pelikula. Napakaraming karakter na hindi naman talaga kailangan o kaya'y hindi nabigyan ng sapat na lalim. Maliban sa kahirapan, wala ng iba bang bagay ang nagbubuklod sa kanila sa mga pangunahing tauhan. Dahil doon, naging "detach" ang mga manonood sa kwento ng kanilang buhay.

Ang direksyon ay lalong hindi kapuri-puri! Tama ba namang maglagay ng "bloopers" at "behind the scenes" sa credits ng pelikula gayong drama ito?!

Godsend/White Noise (2004)

This movie started as a film about cloning and its possible repercussion to the "cloned" child. However, in the middle of the film until the end, it became a movie about the ghost of another kid! Ano ba talaga?! Seemed like the writer and director couldn't make up their mind on what film to do and ended up doing both which really didn't jive with each other!



An effective horror/thriller film that wasn't given much credit. At first, I thought that it was just about having closure re the sudden death of a love one. But as it went through, it was more than that! It talks about the ghosts who mean to harm people instead of help them deal with their loses. And I'm telling you, those three seemed to be like X-Files characters were creepy!

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?

The Prince & Me (2004)

"The Prince & Me" came out the same year as the two first daughter's movies. Judging from its trailer, it seemed like that this film had the same theme. Only this time, the lead character was a prince. "Oh no! Not again," were the words I blurted out. "Enough!" If I'm not mistaken, maybe that's the reason why this film was quite a disappointment in the box-office.

HOWEVER, when I saw this on video, I was surprised that it wasn't bad at all. It was even quite better than the two mentioned movies. Although not exactly original, it was way different than the two with its well-researched life of the royalties. Check out the making of the film and you'd see what I meant.

The first fifteen minutes of this film was a blah especially the reason why the prince decided to study in a university in Winconsin. For an educated royalty like him, he was characterized as the stereotypical loser, sex-starved teens portrayed in Hollywood teen flicks. Why would he resort to pretending a nobody when he can get any girl he wants (actually, he was already doing so in Denmark!) by being himself--a prince! Besides, proving his self-worth as an ordinary guy was not really in his agenda. Nevertheless, the film slowly moved on after that into a typical romantic film with a not so-typical turn of events.

Despite her efforts not to pay attention to the gorgeous classmate, the studious and serious about life girl still fell for him only to learned that he was a distraction to the straight path she wanted to pursue. Not to mention the fact that he is a prince! Too late to back-out now, she went to Denmark to be with her prince. Soon enough, the ordinary duck turned into swan ala "Pretty Woman". She also won the heart of the queen mother of the soon-to-be-king because she saw her good effects on him. But she wasn't about to give up her life and dreams for the fairy tale romance that she wasn't ready for. She eventually went back home to pursue her university education to become a doctor and work for the Doctors Without Borders team. I had hoped that it ended there but it didn't. Eventually, the now king expressed his desires to wait for her until she becomes ready to be his queen. Yeah, it sounded so cheesy yet it still worked! Thanks to the on-screen chemistry and good acting by the two leads, Julia Stiles and Luke Mably.

Overall, "The Prince & Me" was worth the almost two hours that you've spent watching it! This is "The Princess Diaries" and "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" combined made better!