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Reviews
Precious (2009)
Just like a tunnel-- dark but there's that light at the end
Precious is a heart-gripping drama about an obese, illiterate and pregnant girl who lives with her abusive invalid mother in Harlem. Upon the birth of her second baby, which was sown in by her father, Precious decides to change her fortune by applying for an alternative school while battling the unknown and the harsh.
The moment I first saw Precious' trailer, I knew this was a film to watch for. And I have to say I do not regret spending two hours in front of a computer monitor just to watch this superb film.
Gabourey Sibide gave an outstanding performance as Precious. The way she acts seemed to reflect that numbness one gets from constant abuse, and you could really see her struggle to improve her fortune. The heart-melting scene where she finds out that she has HIV had me tearing up a bit, which is a sign that her acting is no less than effective and efficient. She might not be as well-known as her other costars but her efficacy levels them. I smell an Oscar for her, and they can never go wrong with her.
Comedienne Monique meanwhile, gives such a monstrous yet memorable performance as the abusive mother. Monique holds nothing back--throwing pans and glass objects to her costar and even physically inflicting pain on her, and there even was this scene where she just threw a child down to a sofa! As much as she shone as an abusive mother and as efficient as her performance is in soliciting gasps of horror, the scene where she tries to reclaim Precious back was another proof that she could succeed Penelope Cruz. Her sob monologue was a bit cringing, translating all that suppressed hate and abuse to an expression of extreme apology. Like Penelope Cruz last year, I am betting my aces on Monique. Her portrayal of a hateful mother devoid of maternal compassion is haunting as it is awesome.
Mariah Carey is never to be forgotten, so is Paula Patton. Carey shone as a social worker who refuses to be attached, but in one scene it showed that even in such a solid facade, she could not escape the penetration of extreme emotions. Paula Patton too, gives an endearing character of a teacher such a humanistic flair.
In terms of story, Precious does not go bush rounding. It is as straight to the point as all the cuss words there and shows a fusion of realism and naturalism, with the best backdrop for such color-- Harlem, New York. The stark realism presents itself too on the sharply contrasted speech patterns among the different characters.
All in all, the film can be compared to a tunnel. Lee Daniels directed it in such a way that you enter it knowing it will be dark, but as you progress to the end, you can see the light and the unknown yet lighted path that follows. It's something quite juvenile but nonetheless the execution was superb.
Final verdict? Taking over Toronto and Sundance, Precious can never ever go wrong. Such socially and morally-conscious film with a beautiful layering of human emotion and spirit cannot be ignored. Just like Slumdog Millionaire, Precious captures the heart of the viewer, and with actresses preferring to go dirty over glamorous, the stark realism of the film will both haunt and inspire you. Not as apocalyptic as 2012, but it says one thing-- there is still hope.
The Oscars can't so go wrong with this. Expect awards or nods, the least for Sibide, Monique, and hopefully Carey and Paton. And like the film, it will defy odds and hopefully win Best Adapted Screenplay, Director and Picture.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
No it's not talent...it's genius, GENIUS!
Slumdog Millionaire is the story of a young, uneducated man who joins the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire, in the hopes of not winning 20 million rupees, but to fulfill his one true destiny.
If there is one word to describe this film--it's GENIUS.
Danny Boyle is, in the words of Penelope Cruz in Vicky Cristina Barcelona...genius, genius! It's a film that is sure to have every viewer hooked and jumping up and down on their chairs! I think the description of Boyle that the film makes you root for Jamal (Dev Patel) is correct. Juxtaposing Jamal's life and struggles, and the tension of a game show makes one see behind the "oh this is just some scripted segment like Wowowee" maxim. The idea of "destiny" is well-established by Boyle and the editing. The overlapping of the events from Jamal's life makes one jump up and down on his chair on the final question. To think I was screaming all over the shop in tension!
The fact that Boyle takes a Bollywood approach makes it a refreshing spring in the selection of the nominees for Best Picture, and that is a great edge, unlike some films like The Reader, or Milk, or Frost/Nixon, which seem to be quite dusty in approach.
From start to finish, it's as if I was watching a Bollywood film, and the establishment of India in the film really makes one feel it rather than just see it. At one moment of the film, I almost thought that when I came out of the door, I would be seeing green cabs like the ones they painted in TAR 13! Another element of the film that makes it memorable is the cast. From the fat policeman extra to Dev Patel, one can see that the extras are not your randomly picked guys. They embody their minor roles, and could quite give Viola Davis her male counterpart!
I applaud Dev Patel. The actor clearly deserves an Oscar. I don't know about Michael Shannon, but where is the compassion! At parts when Dev Patel's character gets angry, goosebumps just erupt like mushrooms! The guy clearly is a good actor! Kudos! I hope he gets another role which will merit him a nod.' If he would have an Oscar clip, I would recommend the "There is no message, there is no message, there is no message!" part. Bone-chilling and fear-provoking.
That's the key word--GOOSEBUMPS. When I get goosebumps while watching a film, I know it's a film worth watching and skipping almost 2/3 of Philosophy for (shhhhhh!). The whole film I was just having them!
Final thoughts about the film--well, no doubt-- it's an Oscar! No, I mean four sure Oscars (Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay and Editing). I would be so torn if it doesn't win Best Picture! This is a film that had everyone talking, and I'm sure by the end of the day, you'd be one of them too...
American Beauty (1999)
A comedy/drama/suspense film that is definitely going to make the viewer reflect in some way
American Beauty is a film that exposes the secrets and unruly predicaments of a suburban American family.
My reaction to American Beauty can be summarized into one word-- spectacular, as what Kevin Spacey said in the movie. The movie combines different genres to form a very interesting mix-- drama, suspense and comedy.
American Beauty is definitely praise-worthy, especially with the way the story went. The characters' lives get messed up in very unpredictable ways that will make the viewer stick till the end. The alternating mix of comedy, drama and suspense work under the spell of the beautiful score.
The characters are also a secret to the film's beauty. The not-so-usual-but-really-interesting characters are well-complemented with outstanding acting, especially Kevin Spacey, who I think did a good job in portraying a fed-up father who loses it.
Final say? American Beauty is definitely Best Picture quality. It is able to capture the dark side of suburban America while providing viewers with witty laughs.
Yesterday (2004)
A film brilliant in very many ways
Yesterday is a film about a mother infected with HIV and her struggles with life and living the remaining days of her life to the fullest.
Yesterday is definitely a commendable film. First thing to praise is the cinematography. Although it does not evoke some emotion in some way, it is just aesthetic and lighting seems to be in check. The film also did a good job in showing Zulu culture and village life.
The most commendable aspect of the film is definitely the acting. All the actors in the film, especially the lead female, gave unforgettable performances. The movie definitely has that dramatic air, but it is definitely not a Disney chaser. It stands on its own and in some way, it is a very beautiful Mother's Day treat.
Final say? Yesterday gives viewers a zoomed look of how HIV transcends across cultures and races. Everything is commendable, from cinematography, to the score, and to the acting. A beautiful film for Mother's Day, and also for the remaining 364 days of the year :-)
The King Maker (2005)
Great art direction and costume design, poor execution and acting
The King Maker is a film about a series of real (citation needed) events that occurred during the Portuguese Occupation in Indochina.
Although the costumes and art direction are commendable, the movie still fails to impress the viewer. The acting, in particular, was extremely poor. Some of the actors are trying hard to let tears down and the accents, both real and fake, are extremely irritating. The storyline was also too dumb and too stupid to be true and it seemed more like a history lesson. The movie couldn't even capture that sort of regal and century-old air and it looked more like a botched attempt to make an Asian version of Elizabeth.
Final say? Costumes and art direction give the film a breath of fresh air, but the execution was extremely poor and the actors couldn't even give natural bursts of emotion. In short, the movie sounded more like hullabaloo than a script.
The In Crowd (2000)
Almost great, but may seem a little convoluted
The In Crowd is a film about a friendship that went wrong, leading to sequels of manipulative actions.
Although Lori Heuring's acting is somewhat commendable, the movie has its share of extremely disappointing downs. Some gaps in the plot seem to make the film too convoluted for some viewers and the ending was extremely cliché. The movie also had too much to say that it saturates the film with more convolutions.
Final say? Lori Heuring was great, but the movie's convoluted plot and seemingly cliché chain of events may make some viewers bored to death. It might make up for a good late night watch but it still doesn't come close to the minimum requirements for a good film.
The Fox and the Hound (1981)
A tear-jerking animated feature
Fox and The Hound is a story between a fox and a dog who befriended each other, only to be separated by time and reunited by revenge.
This movie is a family-friendly one and it teaches the value of friendship in a way that adults and little children (no not the Kate Winslet movie) alike will appreciate.
The movie is an outstanding animated feature that will leave viewers with teary eyes, especially the scene where Todd the Fox and Widow are separated. It is not overly mawkish and the animation is breathless. If only an Academy Award for acting could be given to animated characters... Todd the Fox would have won it.
Final say? A worthwhile family-friendly movie
North Country (2005)
A movie that excellently delivers a strong message
North Country is a movie about a group of women miners who face sexual harassment in their work place with nothing more than their will to live and their courage.
First of all, I want to praise Charlize Theron's performance in this film. Although she doesn't look like a mother, she certainly acts like one. Theron's acting captured a mother's love for her children and a woman's despair in an uncomfortable environment. Kudos! The film has a very strong message. What makes the movie watchable is that the argument in debate is strongly explained through the outstanding performances of Theron's costars.
Final say? North Country delivers a very strong message, and the plight of the women affected are heard by the viewers through the effective acting of the actors. It is an outstanding film that will leave viewers emotionally satisfied. Definitely, in this movie, viewers will be rooting for the protagonists!
Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
A cinematic masterpiece that will be etched in the annals of war film history
Letters from Iwo Jima is the story of a group of Japanese soldiers fueled by the love for their country, who attempt to defend a key strategic defense point of their country at all possible costs. The movie also focuses on the stories of some of the major characters.
One thing is for certain-- Letters from Iwo Jima is one of the greatest war movies ever made. It is also quite cool that this time, the Japanese are made protagonists, which breaks the banality of World War II-based films. It is also outstanding that Clint Eastwood was able to direct characters who speak a language different from his. It's just astounding.
It is inevitable that war films like Letters from Iwo Jima have the highly-pumped action scenes and sequences. However, Iwo Jima does not rely on this to make it through to the end. Iwo Jima pushed each and every actor to the best of their acting abilities, and definitely had the viewers empathizing. Every line in the film has emotion-- and it is no hyperbole whatsoever.
Another thing that makes watching Letters from Iwo Jima worthwhile is that the stories of the characters are introduced with faded flashbacks. I found the move intelligent and enriching to the movie.
I cried a little because the deaths of the soldiers were just heart-wrenching. Unlike other war movies, where the soldier dies and the viewer goes "OK. Like, who's that guy who died?", Iwo Jima gives a reason that every soldier who is killed is remembered by the viewers. From Saigo's friend who committed grenade hara-kiri up to General Kuribayashi's dramatic pistol-in-the-chest death-- all of them are characters worth remembering. Even Uranus the Horse's death seemed a little tear-jerking. A little confession (whisper) I cried the most when Baron Nishi killed himself.
Letters from Iwo Jima is like any war film- there's the action-packed scenes and sequences, there's the death of several soldiers by brutal and unspeakable ways, and there's the usual friendship between the soldiers and the drama that comes when one is killed. However, Iwo Jima exceeds the usual war film by 200%, and these usual factors are magnified by Letters by Iwo Jima by the number of times it needs for the individual epithelial cells of the intestinal serosa to be seen.
Outstanding directing, outstanding acting, outstanding story-- all of these sum up to an outstanding movie. This is a war film that is so full of emotion that Pearl Harbor would have to make a run for its money!
Final say? Letters from Iwo Jima is an outstanding cinematic masterpiece that will have viewers' eyes glued to the screen. Every second is breathtaking, momentous, thrilling and emotional-- and this is no hyperbole. In my opinion, this is the greatest war movie ever made, and I stand by this.
Capote (2005)
A movie that will never be forgotten throughout the ages
Capote is a film adapted from a book tracing author Truman Capote's journey in writing his legendary piece, In Cold Blood, a novel about a gruesome murder of a family in Kansas.
The most praise-worthy aspect of the film is acting. I applaud Phillip Seymour Hoffman for his outstanding portrayal of an openly gay individual. My sister actually mistook him for one, only to blame it on his outstanding acting. Catherine Keener also gave a somewhat satisfactory performance, and so did Clifton Collins Jr.
Capote also guarantees viewers to shed at least a single teardrop because of its moving story that is enriched by the outstanding acting of Hoffman. The development of the friendship between Capote and Smith is definitely underlined in order to keep the story moving in that direction, and that friendship definitely brought out strong emotions from the actors and viewers alike. By the end of the film, my sister, who said that she felt that the movie was boring, was actually the one crying buckets! I too teared up a little, and it is actually rare that I cry because of a movie.
Final say? Capote's an outstanding movie. It has a good story that runs straight up to the end, the outstanding acting makes viewers empathize with each and every character, and the overall direction is also outstanding. I commend the producers for making such a brilliant film that will be remembered throughout the ages.
You Got Me! (2007)
Lackluster romantic comedy with lackluster acting
The movie presented a very unique concept which I found so cool and watch-worthy. However, I was OVERLY disappointed with the others toppings on the cake. Please stop exposing love teams. They tend to get very boring movie after movie and characters are often underwritten to accommodate the fact that they are a "love team". Sam's character is definitely an underwritten one. His parents are both Filipinos, yet in the movie he has the American twang, which is kind of disturbing. Toni sometimes makes this face like "I need to go to the bathroom". Yes, the romantic connection was there, but I don't get why it had to be a trying-hard action flick that does not even fit the word "action". Toni does not deserve the role because she sounds like she's forcing the wind out of her throat, and Sam often looks like "Okay... what's next". There is nothing personal and biased about this. I wish the movie would have been transformed into a police station tracking down a potential assassin. Think The Manchurian Candidate + Hollywood Homicide. And cross Toni, Sam and Zanjoe out.
Meet the Spartans (2008)
Honestly I don't know if this is a movie
Meet the Spartans is a parody of one of the biggest movies of all time, 300. It gives a poke on 300 and aims to make viewers laugh.
Honestly, is this still a movie, or is this a cinematic piece hoping for a miracle? Sorry, miracles don't exist for this movie. It is excruciatingly painful to watch, extremely corny, and badly constructed. I understand that this is a parody, but honestly, this is a piece of junk waiting to be ditched into a trash can.
I understand that this is an attempt to rake big at the box office, but honestly, who would want to watch this movie. I'd rather buy myself pot and booze and kill myself in the process than watch this dumb and extremely stupid movie.
Final say? Can somebody please save these people from themselves!
Juno (2007)
A film that will satisfy viewers of any age
Juno is the story of a sixteen-year old girl who gets pregnant by her boyfriend. Finding herself not ready to become a mother, she decides to put up the baby for adoption. Juno soon finds herself in a bunch of complicated situations.
Juno is a decent comedy that will satisfy viewers of any age. Diablo Cody's witty screenplay makes the movie a laugh fest without making the characters look foolish. I give props to Ellen Page for her outstanding acting as a teenage girl, when in fact she's twenty-one. That's what you call getting into character.
What makes Juno watchable is that anyone who watches the movie easily relates to it. The story is easy to understand, and definitely, along the way, Juno teaches important life lessons without the moralist tone. The scenes after Juno gives birth are definitely emotional in some way.
Final say? This is a movie that will satisfy viewers of any age. Its funny and witty lines, outstanding acting and simple story contribute to its likability. Juno is a movie that is natural and quirky at the same time.
Aquamarine (2006)
The female version of "Dude, where's my car?"
Aquamarine tells the story of a young under-the-sea kingdom princess who meets up with two girls. She wishes to show her father the concept of love, but in the process, the girls encounter a love quadrilateral, the b-girls and an angry town.
When it comes to the positives, costume design is definitely the best. Aquamarine's tail was so amazing, and all the costumes she wears flatters her character.
Now here's the fun part...
The movie offers a very cliché storyline. Definitely this alone makes the most scrutinizing viewers find it dry. What is this? Little Mermaid without the animation?
Cecilia in this movie looks like she just had Botox. Honestly, the b-girls look like they should be playing roles older than what they play here. Makeup is definitely challenged here.
Aquamarine offers young girls a movie to love and praise, but definitely not a movie to imitate! I wouldn't want my daughter to see this film and end up looking for love like it's some sock under her bed. The movie's somewhat clad in stupidity and some scrutinizing viewers might find this-- uncomfortable. Costume design saves this movie from total wreck.
Final say? This is definitely the female version of "Dude, where's my car?"
My Big Love (2008)
A corny, copycat and crass comedy film that is beautiful, outstanding and superb to those with bad taste
My Big Love tells the story of an obese man's struggle to get back into shape in order to bring back his estranged girlfriend. In the process he falls for his trainer and the latter develops feelings for him too.
The movie is a total train wreck, just by the movie concept alone. What is this, Million Dollar Baby plus Nothing Hill? Honestly, they have the nerve to actually say this is an original screenplay. This is nothing but a movie with a copycat concept.
Acting was poor. Poor is still a meiosis. Toni Gonzaga did have some improvement after her stupid performance in You Got Me, but it still looks like she's just blurting out lines. Sam Milby here acts like Toni's fat gay friend who's giggly all over her like he just spotted some cute guy instead of acting as the guy. Kristine Hermosa is definitely the better actress here.
Makeup is also poor. I know they want to make Sam Milby look fat, but honestly, it doesn't convince me. The prosthetics were used wrongly and instead of making him look fat he looked more like the white robot from a Japanese TV series. You know, the one made of circles and takes the form of the villains.
The movie is just so stupid. Honestly, I would have appreciated if Krstine Hermosa's character here was the ultimate b-character but no, she lets Sam go and hook up with Toni. So stupid.
The movie may have been a good movie to some, but pardon my mouth. Those who find this beautiful have extremely bad taste. Acting is poor, the story's just like Million Dollar Baby and Nothing Hill combined, and the prosthetics are wrongly applied. Yet, they have the nerve to call this movie the blockbuster of the year? Movies like this mark the climax of the decay of Filipino cinema. Luckily independent films come to save the day.
Final say? It's stupid, corny, and boring. Over hyping is the only thing that keeps this movie alive. Movies like this should be burned and shoved down the throats of bad-tasted fans who find this worthwhile.
Babel (2006)
Not for the weak at heart
Babel is the story of three stories, four rather, and how they are interconnected. It is also a story of how a single turn of a page can affect the world.
I like Babel. The thing that I praise the most in this movie is acting. All the characters-- from the major to even the policemen all delivered natural and riveting performances. I give props to Rinko Kikuchi, who portrayed a deaf-mute character without viewers thinking "she hears it at all!". She needed no words to actually impart the emotions she wishes to express! Adrianna Barranza is also an actress to watch for! Her deportation scene was full of raw emotion.
The scene where the police attack Hassan Ibrahim was very heart-grabbing, as the actor portraying Hassan gave a performance that would have viewers empathizing with him, especially when he was kicked repeatedly! The scene where Abdullah slaps his children had me cringing and actually feeling the strength of those slaps! Acting is definitely superb! Sound is another thing I praise. The guitar strum score gives the movie emotion. I also loved it when they removed the sound in order for the viewers to "experience" what Rinko Kikuchi's character actually "hears". The editing is also something to praise, as it captures different scenarios-- chaos, energy, love, loneliness and despair.
The downside to Babel is that there is a loose weave on the story-weaving Iñarritu planned. The Japan-Morocco link was somewhat unsatisfying, and although the "start + end" twists are amazing, I think the movie still needs to follow rules of chronology.
Babel is indeed a movie that has so many meanings-- some are etched in the back of the VCD, some are actually found throughout the film. Although some might think that the movie will work itself out, think again. Listening is definitely the secret skill in unlocking the complexity of this movie.
Final say? Babel is a knockout film that does not compromise the most important details of a film to knock the viewer out cold. However, the movie is not for the weak at heart, as it shows some servings of violence that might haunt the viewer. And as the Japanese said, the movie is a health hazard!
Munich (2005)
Not your usual action movie!
Munich is a movie that exposes the effects of the prevailing principles of "peace" on the men at the receiving end. It is an intelligent movie that does not stress and excruciate the viewer despite its long running time.
One thing is for certain-- the cinematography is very intelligent. It seemed as if the camera angles alone would tell a story! The cinematography also gives the movie that sort of suspenseful air that makes the movie rather slow than the usual fast-paced.
Another factor that makes Munich watchable till the end is the story development. The ending was definitely an ending, unfolding a hidden plot that has been running throughout the film. It does not rely on the killing of the targets to keep the story going.
Munich definitely has a plot, and it keeps that plot running until the end. The actors all gave good performances, and the cinematography aids the overall mood the movie wishes to impart to the viewers.
Final say? Definitely not your usual action movie! It's sleek and intelligent, and it definitely has a plot unlike other action movies which depend on the action sequences to keep audience members watching!
The Covenant (2006)
Oh my god... a total headache
This movie gave me headaches that plagued me for days. Definitely not for the same reason as Babel gave Japanese viewers nausea.
The thing that had me so super duper angered in this movie is the acting. Where's the acting here? It seemed as if the cast just blurted out lines. Ugh. The fight scene was so boring I guess I slept that's why I wasn't able to see it much.
Special effects-- nice, but it will not save the movie! Also, I find it a little too cliché. There's the good guy, his girl, a bad guy, and the good guy's pals. They go to a bar, hook up with girls, and soon they realize... there's a ghost. Great... for first time viewers.
Final say? Over hyping is what this movie can only boast.
I apologize for being a fool and watching this and complaining of headaches.
I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006)
Oh my god... another headache
If there would be a zero rating available, I would have given this movie a zero.
Honestly, this doesn't fit in with the previous "I Know What You Did Last Summer" movies. It is not in their lead, and definitely it is two worlds away.
The thing that put me off was acting. Honestly, they were just blurting out lines and they lack that "afraid" factor. I found myself just yawning while watching the film.
Also, the movie is kinda boring and languid. It doesn't offer much thrill and just like The Covenant, it is too cliché and nothing can actually save this movie.
Final say? Just like in The Queen... Can somebody please save these people from themselves!
The Notebook (2004)
Needs some work
Honestly, I didn't like this movie that much. I was bored all throughout the film.
Positives first...
I have to give props to Gosling and McAdams for their exceptional acting as star-crossed and confused lovers. They were definitely not afraid to go down and dirty! Cinematography was great. The mellow capture of certain scenes was breathtaking, but Atonement still has my vote.
Now the fun begins!
The movie offers excruciatingly painful editing. It seemed as if... whoa, like where did this come from. Definitely, editing had me a little dizzied.
The actions of the characters were a little dumb. I know they're driven by love, but it doesn't work for me.
Final say? Mawkishness is in check, but editing isn't!
See No Evil (2006)
Good... and bad
Let me start off with the positives...
Art Direction definitely provided us with this hotel that gives the visitors an environment of eerie fear and fright. However, I don't get it why they need to have bodies lying on the hallways.
Story is nice. I've never seen movies with this kind of concept but definitely it carries itself throughout the film, staying at that point and not swerving to other story lines.
Now for the fun part!
First of all, I am a student nurse. The eyes can't be removed just that quick! And behind the eyes is the optic nerve. It is a single nerve fiber that provides signals to the brain regarding optic stimuli. However, how come I saw three? Inaccuracy. Never ever make a mockery of human anatomy. It comes handy even at these sort of circumstances.
Acting is so poor. There is no "afraid" factor and well, although they do look afraid occasionally, they do not sound like it at all. Ugh.
Too cliché-- from deaths to characters. The end... is also too cliché
Definitely this movie can still save itself.
Walk the Line (2005)
A biopic in the lead of great ones
Walk the Line is the story of Johnny Cash and June Carter, two people I have never heard of.
However, Phoenix's and Witherspoon's acting gave me an idea of who these two were.
Speaking of acting, I praise this aspect of the movie. Joaquin Phoenix gave the performance of his life. I like his acting here, especially in the scene where he performs after being dosed with a lot of pills. His face alone spoke three lines of dialogue.
Reese Witherspoon's tough cookie acting also got me there. She definitely got the spirit of the '50's and makes it look easy.
One thing I did not like in the movie is that the vocals didn't match the lip sync. But anyhow, it doesn't matter.
This movie is in the lead of great biopics such as Selena and La Bamba.
My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006)
Nasty...
I do appreciate the fact that the movie offers a unique and catchy concept, but honestly, it doesn't work out for me! If there's a positive to this movie, it is definitely the fact that the movie is able to make the viewer laugh. The fight scene between Uma Thurman and the other girl was kinda cool.
However, what put me down in this movie is something in the acting. It was a little of the exaggerated comedic type of acting. The part where the two girls decide to cooperate to save a plane was the perfect example of not-so-good acting in this movie.
Definitely relies a little on foolish actions rather than wit.
The movie has a good concept, but bad execution.
SupahPapalicious (2008)
Mediocre comedy that merely depends on foolishness to call itself a comedy
Yes I find the movie quite funny, but honestly, it relies on sheer foolishness to make the viewers laugh. I find it a little sorry for the s word-- stupid. Pardon my bluntness but this movie is for anyone with a bad taste. Definitely a shallow and low class comedy.
One thing is for certain-- the movie offers good art direction and costume design. Makeup is also something to praise. However, these do not contribute to a raise in my rating.
Family film? Yes, there's the family there, but it is blurred by overly foolish lines and overly foolish actions. One would focus more on the "comedy" than the "family film value". Yes, the quotes have meaning.
All in all, this movie lacks comic value,and needs to depend on foolishness to call itself a comedy. I don't even know what the title has to do with the story!
Chopsuey (2007)
Simplicity is beauty
This indie movie is a story about three sisters-- the breadwinner, the slave and the black sheep, their relationship with their incapacitated brother, and their personal struggles with love and life.
The movie, although it might seem a little low quality to some, is actually a silent-killing masterpiece!
Andrea del Rosario shocked me with her outstanding acting as a workaholic older sister. She was able to carry her role naturally, needing no exaggeration to make it real. She could bag an award for this!
Dimples Romana was a surprise to me also. Although she was a little young for her role, her acting was definitely natural. Her role as a disgruntled mother is definitely hard for someone of her age, but she was able to pull it off! Piolo in a supporting role is still outstanding.
Art direction was definitely fine, as a Tsinoy home was portrayed well.
Although some might find the movie a little boring, there is some infectious something in the movie that makes it watchable. Though the accents are well, not caught, the acting isn't definitely compromised.
Simplicity is beauty. This is definitely an epitome