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The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)
Bonny City of Bones
As opposed to the general criticisms thrown at the movie, I actually find it really awesome. Indeed, it has been way too far from the book from where the movie's plot was lifted; but I guess those changes were necessary to improve the storyline to give the audience a more exciting viewing experience. The maneuver was totally mastered which gives an intense feeling for the viewers as they watch through a very mysterious battle between allegorical creatures.
The special effects were cool enough to satisfy me, but I think it would have been improved much better had the producers decided to be very meticulous on the small details in crossing the t's and dotting the i's. This way, the scenes of reverie would have appeared more pragmatic whilst remaining to seem realistic.
The music was definitely fascinating. It tickles my ears as I watch through every series of scenes because of it's wonderful composition. I think it really suits the motion picture that it harmonizes with, making the use of it really effective into bringing the rightful emotions with the audience.
On the other hand, the cinematography was good enough although I think it was just a bit above average. As a fantasy movie, it would have been more effective if they used more aerial views and continuous above-the-eye-level shots. However, I really would like to comment whoever the cinematographer is for not creating pirouette bewildering groggy-causing shots. Typical delusion films would prefer to create whirl shots which causes dizziness among the viewers. Going against is a laudable thing.
The acting of the actors were also great. They were acting really natural and it is noticeable that they have proper characterization for the movie characters. Nevertheless, a little overacting would have intensified the scenes. I mean, their faces were very brave-looking that causes a comfort for the audience knowing that the characters would win against all odds. For me, showing a little emotion of fear would sharpen the edges.
Overall, the movie was great and I think it deserves an 8/10.
Starting Over Again (2014)
Lovely Love Story with a Few Technical Fallouts
First of all, I would like to express my warmest sycophantic remarks to all the people behind this movie for making it big and for breaching 400 million gross.
Movie producers around the country just love to tag their romantic films as not the typical one; but in the end, the audience feel disgruntled with its tacky plot and character development. However, I can safely say that Star Cinema did not lie to the public when they said that "Starting Over Again" is not your typical love story. It went beyond my expectations as a moviegoer in terms of its plot.
Every sequence in the movie is something you wouldn't expect to happen. The strategies and literary techniques to make the viewers feel more and more engaged with the plot advances were so effective. The movie did a really great job for jumping away from the usual.
However, there are also several negative fallouts for using too much of these cliffhangers. For one thing, the flashbacks that were used to clarify issues in the plot before the movie ended held back the momentum of the movie to build emotions from the audience. Instead of helping the movie achieve sentiments from the audience, the flashbacks did otherwise.
On another side, the storyline ain't typical at all. It was refreshing to the eyes of the moviegoers to finally see something new for a Filipino romantic film. It is also noteworthy to keep in mind the fact that the pair-up of Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonazaga helped a lot in keeping away the clichés of love stories. It was soothing to see a new love team, far from being a mainstream. In fact, this I think is the secret weapon of the movie for making it big.
In terms of technical aspects, the movie needs a lot of improvement, though. The motion picture photography is plainly not good enough. The camera pans were very plain and dull. The camera motion techniques were just minimal and repetitive. The filters for flashbacks were no different from the scenes supposedly shot from the present, making it difficult for the audience to realize if they are watching the present or the past.
The musical scoring was nice. It builds the hype of the audience every now and then. This ain't surprising for a Filipino movie, however, because Filipinos are naturally inclined and talented when it comes to music. Other movie technicalities such as the scenery, sound effects, etc., are also nice.
On this note, I'm proud to give the movie a grade of 7/10.
Bekikang: Ang nanay kong beki (2013)
Wonderful Comedy Film for Every Filipino
Watching Wenn Deramas' "Bekikang" was surprisingly and unexpectedly a wonderful experience. Its fusion of drama and comedy in one movie, though not a unique idea, was very delightfully made to keep the hype of the audience in pursuing to watch the entirety of the movie from beginning 'til end.
The usage of postmodern style of comedy – particularly the technique that constantly reminds the audience that what they are just watching is just a movie and will always be – is very effective to bring giggles to the viewers. Also, the heaviness of the dramatic lines which varied the emotions of the watchers was effectually able to build up the lightness of the succeeding funny scenes.
The storyline per se made me feel somewhat fed up, because such kinds of plot has been used for myriad times already. Thanks to the creative and well-written script created by the scriptwriters that saved the weakness of the plot. The screen portrayals on the other hand were so-so. Joey Paras being Bekikang, along with his two sidekicks were quite good. I didn't expect to see that kind of superb acting they did, but they were able to exceed my expectations. However, most of the supporting characters were just not able to reach the standards.
On the technical side, the camera rolling could have been improved a lot, but was tolerable. The sound engineering was kinda good. They should, nevertheless, have removed some excess musical parts on the movie because it's just too much.
Overall, the movie was a nice experience and it deserves 7/10.
Girl, boy, bakla, tomboy (2013)
Delightful Farce Movie for Every Filipino Family
As expected, the Vice Ganda-starrer "Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy" under Star Cinema would break box-office records. For that, I would like to congratulate all the producers and staff of the movie for a job well done. Personally, I believe that the movie deserves all these successes because it's a marvelous comedy-flick movie that will make everyone inside the cinema laugh, cry, and entertained.
Like most of Wenn Deramas' movie, the synthesis of family drama and farce was gratifyingly made, making the movie worth to watch despite its high-priced tickets. Once you watch this movie, it makes you feel satisfied and indulged by the end of the story.
Vice Ganda's versatility as an actor was featured all throughout the movie. The portrayal of Vice on different persons with altered personalities and with dissimilar sexual orientations alone revealed his talent in acting while making people hoot. All the other characters in the movie, especially the character of Maricel Soriano, were also decently depicted.
The way of humor used by Vice Ganda was very effective, making everyone watching the movie laugh once in a while. The family drama also was effectually able to highlight the waggish and witty parts of the movie. On the other hand, the brilliantly written script undeniably brought several laughs and chuckles from the audience.
The plot was delightful especially for the Filipino taste, highlighting the importance of family bonds in the Filipino culture. It was also effective to show the characteristics of a typical Filipino family, and typical Filipino parents and siblings.
On the technical aspects of the movie, hands down for the visual effects that they used in video dubbing the four characters of Vice Ganda. I'm pretty certain that creating such kind of effect is not easy to do and is not easy to perform, especially that most of the scenes display four faces of Vice Ganda, unlike other movies with twin characters that usually uses doubles in conversations. Some 3D animations were somehow disappointing. It could have been improved, should they made it appear more realistic. The camera rolling, on the other hand, was creative enough for a farce movie like this. The musical scoring also was fit for most of the scenes.
All-in-all, "Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy" is a wonderful comedy movie for every Filipino family.
The Conjuring (2013)
A Conjuring Comment for The Conjuring
First off, I would like to praise the producers for having a great setting for the movie. It really added to the terrifying atmosphere that a horror movie can bring out. The cinematography and special effects were good... indeed, excellent. I love it especially that I'm really a fan of movies with good camera rollings. The screen portrayals were good, but I guess they have to work a little bit on some facial expressions to add more terror on the part of the audience. The stunts were amazing and I guess was very fit for the movie.
Nevertheless, I only gave this movie a 6 because I can't find satisfaction with the horror scenes. I haven't even felt my heartbeat go faster than normal. Yes, I consider the fact that they may not want to sugarcoat the scenes because it is based from the true case files of Warren, but I guess, that's what horror films has to be -- over acted. If you don't over act a horror movie, then it'll be plainly a reenactment.
Besides, the opening was not that good for me. I believe, for some cinematic effect, they added several non-significant scenes... but come on, the introduction plays a significant role for the entire movie and you have to place something in there that is significant for the plot.
Lastly, the musical scoring wasn't that stunning for me. I mean, there could have been more background sounds to frighten the audience since the sound effects weren't that much effective.
Not bad at all. Six for this movie.
Around the World in 80 Days (2004)
Combined Action and Humor Turned Good
I would have to admit that there are many Jackie Chan films better than this one as such movies showcase better humor and more truthful plots. However, I also would have to admit my real appreciation for this film because we do not measure the beauty of the film based from the past movies. And if I am going to vote for the movie without comparing it with other Jackie Chan films, it was really really good. (That makes me wonder why this is the biggest flop independent film in movie industry) The cinematography of this movie is one of the best that I have ever seen, my whole life. It really suits my taste, and I never got bored because the camera rolling in every scene was unique to the others.
We do not say that making war outside the earth is a goof, but why do we keep on criticizing that such infrastructure or landmark was not yet constructed in 1872 when in fact both movies are fictional? I really do not care about the errors in geography and in characters because this is a fictional movie.
The action scenes were perfectly done. It was very fluid and seems to be realistic. Well, I guess, it's a talent from the producers to create such scenes as smoothly as possible.
I just do not like the 3D effect in hopping between countries because of the special effects that are too childish. It is a caprice -- from action/comedy to fantasy. Besides, fantasy wasn't listed as a genre of the movie.
The ending twists was not that critical, and yet appeared to be good. I liked it. However, there were many elements left behind. And like in other movies, the question "What happened to the...?" baffled me.
Around the World in 80 Days got 8 points. :)
The Gift (2000)
Appears Natural, Affrights Natural
First of all, I would like to express how much I liked the movie soon after I've done watching it. The scene-switching goofs and errors aren't enough to destroy the whole of the film.
I like the entire concept of having a crime which was witnessed by a person who wasn't even in the crime scene but witnessed it through her dreams and visions.
Despite the fact that movies featuring extrasensory perception of a character is not very unique, what makes this movie really crafted is the great talent of its producers to create an ambiance of mystery without the need of making mainstream plots like having deaths caused by ghosts or monsters haunting for justice.
I also liked that they were able to portray spooky scenes without using heavy prosthetic make-up and with just a little of computer generated effects. It made everything appear natural and affright natural.
Furthermore, I know that the ending wasn't that perfect. There seem to be many aspects in the story left behind leaving the viewers ask: what happened to this and that. However, I don't know why I enjoy the ending that much (and that is how an ending should be, enjoyed by the viewers).
The screen portrayal of nearly all individuals was quite good and that ain't surprising 'cause they all are awarded by different awarding bodies.
The over exposure of the trees however, is I believe, something that is not needed because it just kills the runtime. The time occupied by showing the trees should have been used for something else that contributes to the development of frighten from the audience and development of the plot, as well.
Overall, I'd give it a score of 8 out of 10. Great job.
The Family Man (2000)
Something Squirmed, Mostly Good
After watching this film, I finally made my mind -- that films of early 2000s are the best films that one could ever watch.
I expected the entire movie "The Family Man" to be ridiculous and comedic by nature because it is what is written in the cover of its DVD, yet I haven't perceived the movie as such because for me, it's more of a drama rather than comedy, although at several scenes, laughing is really uncontainable.
The concept done in the movie was one of the best ideas that I have watched during the course of my entire life; I am not saying, however, that it's the best, because I was still left craving for something more from the movie because the theme was contained only into the romance rather than focusing on the bigger picture.
The development of the plot, on the other hand, was somehow squirmed making it difficult to understand how things happen and leave the audience jumbled and confused whether the "glimpse" happened in a dream or in a fictional world.
Furthermore, there also was lack of substance in some areas of the movie story. Some of the characters were not clearly introduced until the movie ended, leaving the audience ask, "Is he a magician or a witch or an angel or what?" There was not enough closure in the ending, neither making us, viewers, confused.
I appreciate the musical scoring, but how I hoped the songs were in English so that the audience may be able to relate better, although I know that there is a reason for playing non-English songs. (I also like the fact that Nicolas Cage was singing. He's got a great voice.)
The cinematography and the camera rolling was great after all. It's just the trimming of video clips that needs to be improved, since there were some scenes that can be considered "dead air" because there actually is no happening, and the succeeding clip could have been previewed on the time occupied by the dead scene.
Lastly, I believe some people may think the scenes are corny because it's overly fictional by nature, but I believe it was an asset to the movie.
One More Try (2012)
Averagely Favorable Taste of Drama
First of all, I'd just express my devastation knowing that this film is actually not the first one to tackle such kind of situation as claimed by its producers. It is a shame for claiming an original idea which was actually based from a foreign movie. If this is a clear coincidence, then they could have researched further so that they may know that they are not the first.
The screen presentation of the main characters is above average because we can clearly see the talent of each actor and actress. However, at several scenes, we can clearly perceive the lacking of facial expressions despite heavy lines brought out by the character.
The dialogues are very good, making a film not full of clichéd script. It was successful in making the audience internalize what is happening on-screen. However, I haven't liked many scenes as the sexually explicit scenes were obviously done just to attract the viewers.
The rolling of cameras is poor. There is barely a change in the techniques used making the screen dull.
The musical scoring, on the other hand, is very deserving of all the praise and I believe I don't have to elaborate much on this because music is incontestably necessary to uplift the spirit of the viewers.
The twists that happened are somehow similar to how much I expected it to occur, so I was overly satisfied. The ending was somehow overly familiar and I don't appreciate the conclusion of the plot that much because it wasn't that clear and really, it did not answer the crisis of the movie.
In a broad sense of critical analysis, I give it a point of 6 / 10.
In Tranzit (2008)
Historically Good, Visually Dilapidated
I would like to commend the producers for creating a film with unique concept incomparable to other war movies, because instead of tackling the rampant theme of war, they tackled the post-war situation.
First, in criticizing this film, we don't actually have to deal much about the screen portrayals because the movie does not include heavy drama. However, even if it does not, we still have to appreciate the fact that the actors and actresses really did well in portraying and none of them were over acting. Although, we cannot disavow as well, that there were some who were under acting.
Second, I love the fact that the producers did not frontline script to make a beautiful movie. They made it as realistic as it could be, for it seemed more natural than others.
Third, The musical scoring is on average, but one thing that really depressed me is the playing of violin by one of the prisoners that wasn't synchronized with the video.
Fourth, I was expecting something more on what I can see on the screen -- something like extreme panning of cameras to switch scenes or some amazing CGIs to depict extreme cruelty -- but then everything seemed to be mainstream.
Fifth, the video quality was good. It was not that dark so that we can clearly see what's happening on screen. It was not that light neither that gives a hinge of some historic feeling.
Lastly, The whole 113 minutes was dull. The only variations were the few sexualities which were obviously done to attract and catch viewers. They may use "It's a true story" as an excuse for having no pinnacle scenes other than the sexualities, but I believe it could have been better if they used some cliffhangers to retain, for at least, the interest of the viewers.
Overall, I'd give it a rating of 7 out of 10.
Free Willy (1993)
A Successful Whale Show
Although we could not deny that there are many other films that feature aquatic animals, what makes Free Willy different from other related films are its twists, distorted character profiles, and exciting plot.
Why would the director or the writer even think of having Jesse's mind baffled instead of just making it smoother by having Jesse focused on what he is doing? But those flabbergasting twists are what makes Free Willy a good movie. It never ran out of good ideas to convolute the screen portrayal so that the audience may be stimulated. In fact, boredom seldom touched me, being an audience and a critic.
There were just some scenes that irritates me because I believe that the producers could have intensified these sequences even more by adding some action scenes so that they may be able to add a greater tension on the viewers and that the audience may really feel and take in what is happening on screen.
The animatronic stand-in that was used in most close-up scenes of Willy also was quite good. There was never a time when the CGIs (Computer Generated Effects) failed. They really looked like real and natural. And the stunts made, although was created with the extensive use of CGI, was perfect and was pleasing to the eyes.
The screen portrayal of the actors and actresses also were quite good and was enough to please the audience.
The musical scoring of the movie was satisfactory, nevertheless. It was good especially during the crises of the movie, but I was expecting for more since musical scoring are a great factor to catch the audience.
I guess there's not much to say about this movie because I believe that its succeeding sequels are enough to prove how successful the movie is and that couldn't have been achieved if the quality was poor. All in all, congratulations to the movie and the people behind its production.
8 out of 10 for you guys!
A Very Special Love (2008)
One of the Best Romantic Filipino Films
I used to hate watching romantic films, especially those Filipino romance movies, because they are too mainstream. Usually, in movies of the same genre, the actors and actresses appear to be overacting, the dialogues are clichéd, the story lines are hackneyed, and the crises are stereotyped. However, this movie is quite different. It just showed that Filipinos can also create their own quality movie.
First: We can clearly see the good acting skills of both John Lloyd Cruz (as Miggy Montenegro) and Sarah Geronimo (as Laida Magtalas). The comedic lines were inserted very smoothly that makes the audience laugh in no time. Such is a great talent, because not everyone can make someone laugh. Also, their portrayals of heavy dramatic scenes were very sharp and bold. Even if one has no experience about love or family rivalry, it is undeniable that almost everyone can relate to their story.
Second: The storyline was well-founded. I love the fact that the producers finally thought of mixing genres so that the flow of the movie will be as exciting as it should be. The combination of having a family drama and romance is already good, but adding comedy is excellent. At least, they are valiant enough to try a different mix of sorts to give the audience new tastes of quality Pinoy movies.
Third: The scenes were virtuous to produce a movie that was never seen in the Philippine cinema ever before. Finally, the altering of clips from the traditional Filipino romance films has come. It is a great feeling that you can feel the 'kilig factor' with the new movie formula they were able to formulate.
Being a technical critic, I would only reprobate some switching of scenes where the lighting and the amount of rainfall changes between clips. I think they could have improved this one because it is quite obvious that the sun is shining on one clip and when it turned to a different angle, it turned darker.
Also, I'd criticize the cinematography. There was not much camera rolling techniques that was used in the movie. Either way, I think this one is not much necessary for a romantic film because still cameras may do for such kind of movie.
Generally, I'd give it a score of 7.
Must Be... Love (2013)
Clichéd Love Story, Rough Prod
By reading the plot alone, you can defy that the storyline is not that substantial in anyway. The crisis of the movie wasn't that heavy enough to raise the audience's feelings (well, except for the fact that Filipinos love to watch romantic movies).
On the first part of the movie, you can clearly recognize the very exact scenes repeating. Also, some of the scenes from the beginning were once again repeated before the end. Although they wanted to portray that the characters were reminiscing the past, they could have shown the eye-view prospective since the characters were reminiscing what they saw, not what the audience saw in the screen.
The switching of scenes also was not that good. The cuts are very obvious, as if the producers were too lazy to repeat shooting the lines, so they just trimmed and pasted the two video clips. If that was the case, they could have changed the angle of the camera projection so that the flow would be as smooth as it could be.
Many scenes also were just a copycat of the traditional romantic Filipino films. One is the boy-bumps-girl scene where the things of the girl scatter on the floor and the boy helps him out and they develop. Another example is the girl-wants-boy-but-boy-likes-another girl. Although these formula for movies are still effective for some viewers, the fact remains that viewers are already bored of seeing these kind of scenes over and over again.
The ending also wasn't that clear. They only focused on one element and left behind other developments from the plot. The question "What happened to the other half of the story?" reigned my mind. Also, the computer generated effect of the fireworks in the end was very obvious.
There were several plus points for the movie, though. The heavy lines brought out by Patchot (Kathryn Bernardo) were somehow better than before. On the other hand, the role of Ivan (Daniel Padilla) was able to lift up the romantic theme in the movie through the punch lines.
It is also good that the character of Ivan gives acronym and defines it afterwards, so the audience can relate to.
The injection of some comedic lines also was a good idea to change emotions of the audience every now and then. It is also good to think that they did it not forcibly, for it seems to be very in line with the plot.
Some of the scenes featuring the sky while the two main characters were having romance also was quite good. The cinematography was undeniably leveled up, although it was present only at few scenes.
It could have been improved in many ways. So, I give a score of 4/10.
Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
Near Perfection
Okay. So, it's somehow hard to criticize an animated film because it is incomparable to fictional films. However, I so much appreciate the fact that the writers and producers of this film really worked hard not just on the production, but on the pre-production as well.
Most animated films are just fantasy in nature, but Wreck-It Ralph viewed a different prospective for animated films. It showed a fictional idea of what may be inside the arcade game (even if we know it's just a software. Well, that makes it suited for children), what is happening around, and what is happening between the characters. I was left speechless because the idea is really really great.
I also appreciate the fact that the animation in the movie were adapted from how the real characters in the arcade move. It gave a feeling of realism and was drawn closer to the hearts of gamers.
It was just that it took time before the audience realized what was happening because the introduction was not that clear. I watched with my friends and all of them were baffled at first of the idea. They could have included some voice-over narrations that introduces the storyline. They should have been reminded that not all viewers were gamers, and not all viewers would take time to think of what's happening.
Overall, I'll give it 8 out of 10. Quite good!
Life of Pi (2012)
The Life of Pive
The Life of Pi wasn't all than how I expected it to be.
In most of the technical aspects of the film such as the special visual effects, computer generated visuals, musical scoring, and many other else related to the technical view of point, I was amazed and my standards were reached (well, except for some scenes). They really were good. Nevertheless, something that could have been improved was the cinematography. I would lie if I will tell that the camera rolling is awful because it's not. My point here is that they could have not overused the camera roll techniques in most of the scenes in top and underwater views.
Furthermore, as how I perceive a movie, it must not end on the technical aspects alone, but also on the substance of its content.
In the beginning of the movie, the perception that came into my mind was that it was a narrative movie as much time was consumed by Pi in beginning to tell his story. But, all those are not much important as the storyline progresses. The rising action saved the introduction as it was very very good. However, when it reached its peak, I can see no more progress. After some series of events happening on the climax, it came to its denouement and ended with sudden change of events -- not much smooth flow of plot.
If you will focus more on the adventure side of the Life of Pi, then you must enjoy the movie. But, if you analyze the central theme of the movie, it wasn't the life of Pi after all. It was just a hinge of his life.
There were good sides, but also bad sides. And thus, leads me to the decision of giving it 5 out of 10.
Sisterakas (2012)
Best Comedy Film of MMFF 2012
Besides the fact that Filipinos in the Philippines celebrate Christmas commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, we also celebrate the craft and creativity of local movie producers with the Metro Manila Film Festival. It is the biggest film festival that producers and moviegoers are waiting all year round. This year, 2012, 'Sisterakas' of Star Cinema was an official entry.
First things first, we have to acknowledge the fact that "Sisterakas" is a very good comedy film. You would be dubbed as numb if you haven't laughed all the time inside the cinema as there were many scenes which are very relatable and funny.
The producers had the guts as they had Jose Marie Viceral (Vice Ganda), awarded the Phenomenal Box Office Actor of 2011 for "The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin," Ai Ai Delas Alas which was dubbed as the Comedy Queen, and Kris Aquino, the Philippine's Queen of All Media.
One of the highly commendable things about the film is that they targeted the heart of every audience. It was suited for mature and non-mature audiences. They made it funny in a way that you wouldn't even notice that they are making you laugh because they did it as if they are just hosting a variety show or talk show.
Second, it is highly noticeable that the cinematography of the latter films of Wenn Deramas (i.e.: "This Guy's in Love with You Mare" and "Sisterakas") improved a lot comparing it from his past movies. However, we must be very keen in criticizing the cinematography and the screen play as there were some goofs and errors existing in some scenes.
Third, I believe that putting family drama, horror, and family rivalry into a comedy film is something we can consider their edge. It is good that they were able to create a wholesome comedy film combining these genres of movie.
Lastly, this may appear inconsiderate for my part, but I believe ABS-CBN Film Productions need to improve on their video quality as it is not that HD compared to some other films out there.
The Proposal (2009)
Here's my proposal, then
Usually, I am bored watching love stories because it seems to generic in my point of view, but because there's no good TV program during Sunday noon that I can watch (I'm residing in the Philippines), I decided to view some of my DVDs and when I saw my DVD of 'The Proposal' which I haven't yet watched, it struck me and made me view it on my DVD player.
The plot was not that good because it seemed to be predictable. I for one have predicted what events will happen next after I saw the first 15 to 30 minutes and even predicted what would happen in the ending. As it turns out, all of my predictions were correct.
However, despite my criticism, I would still commend the convolutions done in the storyline because it was good. It was unique in the sense that it is very weird to watch a girl propose for a man and the revolving love story between them wasn't generic.
The cinematography was on average and the screen portrayals were above average. The script was not that heavy enough, however, to make the audience internalize what is happening on-screen.
Lastly, I believe I can not and should not comment on the effects & camera tricks used because it wasn't fantasy nor action after all, so there should be no criticisms about special effects existing.
I haven't noticed any goofs further until I read all of them in IMDb. It's a 7.
Just Like Heaven (2005)
Watching this is just like heaven!
I watched this film during the holy week as it was aired on Philippine TV through ABC-TV5, and the opening scenes really impressed me pushing me to watch through the whole of the film.
If you ask me about my taste of movies, I usually am bored when watching love stories because for me, it appears too generic. On the other hand, I love watching films with unique genre and storyline that is obviously created with intellect.
This film is one of a kind. It is phenomenal - a usual love story redefined. I never imagined such kind of thinking but it was made possible, so congratulations to all the producers of this film. I really liked it, and I know many other people liked it too.
Second thing is I really loved when the director put some twists on the part before the ending. It really is heart touching and feelings could not be denied. And of course, the ending was comfortable to watch. Very good!
I have no negative point to raise but I'd just give it a score of 8 because I have to fair with those movies that got heavy production.
Baler (2008)
Magnificent
I can relate the movie Baler to my favorite movie, 'Pearl Harbor.' Why? Because both movies revolve in the story of war and is related to romance.
I cannot say that this movie was better than Pearl Harbor, of course, because 'Pearl Harbor' was made in Hollywood and effects were worked on very hard, while 'Baler' was made in the Philippines. However, 'Baler,' as I see it, could be something that the Philippine Film Producers can be proud of and is world-class. It is not just good nor very good. It was excellent.
Beginning from the plot, the film really did impressed me; and the production like filming locations, acting, and effects were explicit and is undeniably amazing. Also, considering that actors were from the Philippines, the pronunciation of Spanish words were very good that you may not be able to notice that they just memorized their scripts.
For the action-packed parts, I need not to elaborate anymore, because if you watch the movie, you will find it yourself. The drama part which was raised by the forbidden love of a Mestizo soldier (Jericho Rosales) and a Filipina lass (Anne Curtis) was also good.
8 out of 10 for Baler!
Praybeyt Benjamin (2011)
Good Comedy Movie
First of all, I would like to congratulate Star Cinema/ABS-CBN Film Productions and Viva Films for having Praybeyt Benjamin as one of the highest grossing Filipino film of all time.
The movie was quite hilarious and the storyline of having a gay soldier is a good idea, though not anymore unique. Nevertheless, what made it different from any other films with gay soldiers is that they mixed genres. They added a touch of science fiction (SciFi) and drama (Family Rivalry). And, thankfully, the romance they have put was only for the sake of comedy, and not being focused on the romance alone because if they did, it would appear mainstream which the Filipino taste is already burn of.
The camera rolling techniques that have been used was on average, and the CGIs appeared to be similar to that of old Filipino films (which I have to admit devastated me).
Heavy screen portrayal got no place in this kind of movie because it does not showcase heavy drama. However, I believe that some of the actors underacted making some scenes awkward and unnatural.
Overall, it reached 7/10.
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Hard but fair
The first part of the movie was a great idea to start the whole film. It already was able to make an action-packed atmosphere that you know will go more intense as the movie progresses.
Like my favorite movie Pearl Harbor which used to be an action-drama, I like the fact that the producers of this film "Full Metal Jacket" also put a touch of drama in it through the person of Private Pyle. It was a very effective style of putting drama in it other than romance which was made into effect on the movie Pearl Harbor.
However, I gave this movie only a score of 7 because I don't find the second part of the movie, which was after the training inside the camp, interesting. It was somehow generic and is usual.
Great job, though!
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Good, but not totally
The title "Inglourious Basterds" belongs to my list of titles which haven't caught my attention; but after I watch the movie, I was left somehow amazed, and this amazement of mine on the movie is to be owed on the last part.
The first part of the movie somehow bored me, maybe because of the fact that I do not understand what they are talking about because they were speaking in other language rather than in English. It was kinda static which was producing an effect of repose or quiescence.
Some parts of the movie also was not able to cope with the audience interest because it was so long and there was no progress in the storyline. However, there were scenes which made the tension rose, but I think it was very late.
The catch of the movie was actually the end part. It was quite good and unique. I commend the writers for this. The twist created by the producers on the near end part made it more likely to be exciting.
I also would like to commend it for giving World War films another touch of unique storyline, unlike other films which only is full of attacks.
The computer generated effects also were quite good. It really looked real and was so believable.
A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
Production wise: Excellent
I'd make no more introductions and go straight to the point. The very beginning of the movie really did surprise me because having a child-oriented animation as the introduction seems not to be common. I actually was supposed not to push through with the movie after seeing it, but for a while, I then realized it was just a technique used by the director.
The title 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' really does fit the film, but seems to be so literal.
The movie was excellent though the main theme of having children adapted was not that unique. What makes it different is that a series of unfortunate events really did happen to the lives of the two, and unlike other films, those unfortunate events that happened seemed to be fantasy and not much dramatic.
The effects used and the idea of the producer in solving mysteries was very very good. The effects seemed to be realistic and the way they solved mysteries was perplex and I enjoy it.
The ending was good. I am also a writer of stories and I usually end my stories with a tragic disclosure. Rarely do I write stories with happy ending. The movie - it was not how I expected it to end, but it ended that way and I commend it for that.
The Great Raid (2005)
Simply Amazing
My friend told me about this movie and said that this was shot in the Philippines and is quite good for the genre of war films, so I pursued finding a DVD to watch this and find it myself whether it really is good or not.
The whole film technically was about journeying towards the end of the second world war where American soldiers were trapped and they are to be rescued. However, the film went beyond the storyline which made it better. It showed not only friendship but camaraderie, and showed not only battalions but brotherhood.
The actors really did well, including local actors coming from the Philippines. They really did raised the tension on the part of the audience. I, for one, was so affected.
I understand that darkness added to the effects of the film, but how I hope they added some lights on most scenes because it was quite difficult for viewers to watch long dark scenes. It appeared to be very dull and thus the interest of viewers is slowly fading out.
I also have noticed some goofs on geography. They could have researched more on this because it was a big turn off especially for Filipinos watching who really does know the proper names of the places.
However, despite some criticisms, I'd still give it 8 because the whole package was tough and rough, but is very good to watch.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
Very dramatic that would make you cry
Actually, I watched this film out of boredom. I have nothing to do back then so I decided to watch this movie. I really had no idea about the storyline before watching it, unlike my usual watching habit of researching before watching.
The plot was quite amazing.
It was very unusual of me to get touched by a film from the very beginning. Even my favorite action drama film Pearl Harbor haven't made me shed tears from the beginning, but this film made me so. I felt lamented for the part of Bruno.
As the movie progresses, it made me feel sadder seeing a Jew jailed in a camp. I really felt guilty for the Jewish boy even if I never had an encounter with a Jew. The audience impact was quite good and is very commendable.
The screen portrayal can be rated above average, because I would be lying if I say that all acting done by the characters were perfect. Some of them could not express their facial expressions properly.
It could only just have been better if they improved the musical arrangement and accompaniment because such material is also important for the audience to internalize what's happening in the scene.
Overall, I like the whole of this film.