..:: The Lake House

Right when the theatrical trailer for this film was released, I checked it out and was excited for the film to come out. Plus, the said 'reunion' of Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves since the hit flick Speed only exacerbated my level of excitement. I'm no overrated fan of the two, neither am I so giggly-feely all over when I knew they're going to team up again and to mention - in a love story. It's gruelling to admit that I was anticipating so much for Lake House, and more disgusting in my case to actually look forward to watch this so-called love story of 2006 (laughs!). Based on the trailer, it gives a promise to outshine Nicholas Spark's The Notebook. And the verdict? Let us see.The Lake House was the love story that picked up from the many love stories that had passed our way. I realised now that since the subject matter is 'in' in the film society today, Lake House tries to push into another whole new level that most love stories had never been able to reach. Sad to say, for me, it never reached that spot, but it's almost there. For those who have seen this film, you know what I'm talking about and it's injustice in the making if I would give out bits that would spoil readers (as if there are readers..wahaha). Anyway, as I was watching this film, it's a bit difficult to pick the movie's plot from the first 15 minutes but as it continued to roll, it feels like a curtain suddenly unveiling the mystery that lies behind. Two people living in different times, communicating each other through an enigmatic mailbox. Yes, sometimes it could be a no-brainer, I mean how could possibly two people communicate with each other when they're two years apart? It blows up all scientific theories and catapults right into the irrepressable blur called insanity. It's a bit foolish, ridiculous - but I tell you right now, there's no way you would enjoy the film if you wouldn't accept it as a plot, as a story and most of all, a movie. Forget everything. Forget about Physics. Forget about that you had been studying most of your life and not encountering a single lesson about two people communicating at different periods. Just accept it, go with the flow; it's fantasy. Two people, one living in 2004 and another in 2006, acting like pen pals and then suddenly fell in love with each other but suddenly realised that their love story is too tragic because they couldn't meet each other. Events in the story would start to connect each other and the viewer could somehow understand why these two people became so desperate in wanting to see each other's face and taste each other's lips. They both believed in fate, but time just hindered them to let it all fall down to destiny. What I appreciate most in this film was Sandra Bullock's performance. There's something that you should forget again - forget Keanu Reeves. I mean, dude, his acting in most of his movies are the same, where's the difference? Except for his role in The Devil's Advocate, he's pretty stunning in that. Back to Ms. Bullock, you'll see her like never before. She played so many comedic roles and the race-discriminating b*tch in Crash, but in The Lake House, it's as if she pulled out a new mask. Portraying the lonely doctor, she was able to bring out the fierceness of humanity amidst the angst of loneliness. Absolutely endearing performance. It's not better than the Notebook. They're both on the same level. It's a good love story though. I was not emotionally attached to the film like most powerful movies did, but it was some kind of experience in the end. For those who shed tears easily, be sure to have some tissues in your pocket.

Rating: B+

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..:: Lucky Number Slevin

I watched this film a week ago, and right now, upon writing this review, there wasn't so much left in my brain cells but only the film's hip and stylish cinematography. Oh, by the way, Josh Hartnett and Lucy Liu too somehow awakened my loss of memory.Lucky Number Slevin is not actually a very good film, 'cause my definition for very good movies includes the element of being unforgettable. It's not a bad film, either. It's in fact, in my opinion, a kind of movie that would somehow entertain you on a boring Friday night. Just a time-killer; it makes you forget that you had regretfully chosen to stay home, sit on your couch and watch the telly instead going out with your friends, waking the dead at dawn. What really rocked in this film was its classy, stylish, cunningly-donned cinematography. It's a gangster film, alright, and one could actually say that Slevin is another Pulp Fiction wannabe. I won't give away the plot here, and if I would, you would really hate me for saying it. But there's only one thing I could say for now. There's a major twist, and I could say I appreciated the fact how the filmmakers, or maybe plotmakers, were able to thread together the events that would lead to the conclusion at the end. I wasn't all too overwhelmed by the "twist" but I shall say it's effective and not disappointing. Also, making a movie made out of A-List actors is a tough job, especially putting together Sir Ben Kingsley, Morgan Freeman, Bruce Willis, Josh Hartnett and Lucy Liu on one set. They all played roles which are very common in a gangster movie, and to mention, bearing ultra-sleek names do add to the coolness. Sir Ben Kingsley played The Rabbi, who was in constant feud with another mafia kingpin called The Boss played by the respected Morgan Freeman. Both lived in glass towers facing each other, and the two were considered the great rival crime masters in the city. As what I've said, the cinematography is great and it only proves that there is more style than substance in this film. People like me, who crave for original and fresh cinematographies, would appreciate this film, and that's only that. The plot could be a bit ridiculous sometimes, but all-in-all, what it really wanted to pin down is your Friday night kind-of-entertainment. Josh Hartnett and Bruce Willis both played their roles coolly, and Sir Ben Kingsley and Morgan Freeman obviously enjoyed their parts as well. The one that I appreciated most is Lucy Liu. OK, she's petite and Asian, but she played the role well. Being able to transform from comic to emotional is difficult and this Asian lass pulled that out stunningly. Even though one might think that she's too small for Hartnett as a loveteam, she managed to do it and she's really funny. She could utterly prove a sparkle between her and Hartnett, killing of the size between them two. Also, in Hartnett's part, one could say that the film's costume department had been too detained in costume budget, putting Josh Hartnett on the set, running around with only a towel on his waist.

Rating: B

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..:: Garden State

I hate romantic comedies. I've said this over and over again. But I don't know why Garden State captured my heart. I guess, in my own opinion, Garden State isn't a romantic comedy but a story about love and more importantly, about life. It's message is universal: we once become lost in our existence and in the whole universe, there is only one person who would make you feel completely whole as if that person is the missing piece that would fill up every emptiness inside you. That is the message of Garden State, and what makes it more amazing is Zach Braff's wonderful portrayal of Andrew and Natalie Portman's Sam. At first look, one might think it's full of just standard stuff, but as you decided to dwell in the film, you would somehow see different things that life is made of, some that hurts, some that makes you shout and cry and laugh at the same time. It is a smart move for Zach Braff to write and direct this film himself, pouring out the twenty-something angst that most individuals feel in that specific age. A feeling of emptiness, a notch below being complete, and that consistent urge to find a place where you can call home, where your heat really belongs. It also did a splendid job to serve as a remedy to most family problems nowadays - that lack of communication and connection. In short, Garden State tells a tale that's very true, heartwarming and beautiful to its core.
The movie shines on such a character of Andrew that lived his 26 years of life fully enclosed and never disclosed to anyone but himself. He seemed so catatonic at some points in time. All his feelings, emotion, ideas had been kept hidden beneath his brain, that sometimes he could feel headaches for it. He decided to go for a doctor and later find out that there's nothing wrong with him. What was actually wrong was 'in him'. Until he went home to attend his mother's funeral and discovers a new found friendship by a free-spirited girl named Samantha, who would change his life forever. The character of Sam was effectively played by Natalie Portman, so effective that it's so impossible not to fall in love with this girl.
Garden State suddenly feels like as if Cameron Crowe directed and wrote it. There's so many elements that only Cameron may have put it to screen. It even reminds me of Elizabethtown but honestly better than the latter one. I shall say that Braff is a talent and he very well infused specific elements that makes Garden State a winning moment. It's so full of life, about searching for one's meaning, one's belongingness and one's other piece. It's warm, it breaks into you and gets deeper into your skin. It also has a brilliant soundtrack worth listening to. I love this film, and I believe in its spirit. It's got a great sense enough to prove most romantic comedies wrong today. It would make us believe that humans aren't really the most emotionally-detached species in the universe, but are and will always be the most emotionally-conscise ones. An thoughtful film that does not dwell in lies but only in truth. This is a romantic comedy, alright - fine. But comedy was subtly played beneath romance. And romance was undeniably tapped into something that is wholly universal - the beauty of life. It would prove us that everyone is weird in their own ways and that the only thing that could cure it is to find somebody else that's weird enough to cure your own weirdness.

Rating: A-

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..:: Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest

Define a perfect summer movie: a film released between the brackets of July and August with plentiful of fun, some gripping seat-back adventure, wow-worthy effects and ultra-expensive blockbuster ride. My definition of a perfect summer movie: ladies and gents, Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest. The former definition was even an understatement. Pirates 2 is so far the best action-adventure film ever released this year! And to boot, it's way, way much better than its predecessor. Honestly, the first Pirates film was OK for me and deserved a grade of B+, but this one - hell, throw some bucks into this much 'cuz you'll enjoy the rollercoaster popcorn-fun helluva ride. I have so much to say in this film and I'm just so confused where to start first. But more importantly, who cares about Oscar season when there's still the summer blockbuster hotness scuttling around? It's a kind of film where you would surely enjoy with your friends, buy some nachos and some sodas and then be thrilled by the very Jerry-Bruckheimer definition of the summer movie of the year. It's fun, fun and more fun!

And speaking of summer, of course it's never the summer "hotness" in the Philppines, but in Western countries like UK and US in that case enjoys summer fun between July and August. This is where studios set out for a big bang to attract more audiences in any other time of the year, except Oscar season, that is. So many films had started to spring out in cinemas like mad these days, one of the best was Superman Returns, but after watching Pirates 2, bloody murder-me hell, I'd say this beats the Man of Steel in every other way possible. If I graded Superman Returns with an A-, I think if it would be placed beside this film, Superman would surely fall flat downwards into the B+ category to make this Pirates flick rise from its depths, way above others. Gore Verbinski, the director, might have been smirking at Bryan Singer right now for conquering the blockbuster arena. And right well said, Disney hit the right jackpot. This film, as far as I could remember, is the best Pirates flick ever. It's fun-filled of humor, thrown with over-the-top swashbuckling adventures, oodles of fun, romance, drama, some soap opera elements, MEGA-COOL effects, nail-gripping, laugh-out-loud sequences, creepy but impressive underwater creatures, and boasting three outstanding actors in its plank. This two-and-a-half hour movie is indeed far better than the first one, and far better than anything else released this summer. You could really see and observe the investments of Mickey Mouse's house and Jerry Bruckheimer in this film, putting all the dimes into every single detail.

So, OK - let me start here first after letting me babble a lot of introductory words (haha!). The first scene of the film did not start with a bang as what I've expected but rather touched on a more dramatic kind of cinematography. From the appearance of the title alone, I'd say I was impressed, and to the rain sequence with the bride waiting in vain, soaking wet. This is the way Gore Verbinski tells us that the new Pirates film is a far better film because it touches now on human counterparts of the characters, which felt all too iconic in the first one. The cinematography really blows like wham! It felt a bit Tim-Burtonesque, with a bit of Alfonso-Cuaron-ish, which I really appreciate since I'm a big fan of dark, gothic films. The film sets, moods and production design is superb, very rich in detail. Just look out for the backgrounds, you'll see so many stuffs lying around. Astounding production design indeed, not to mention, gazillion of dollars being hurled into this one. Oscars should really take its production design more seriously now. Also, Hanz Zimmer's musical score majestically company the film's hit-by-hit sequences, and sometimes the music is funny too. Watch out for the classical music being played when Will Turner's company were trying to sway their selves inside a large cage made of bones between two cliffs. But of course, with the director, who could say this was possible? Gore Verbinski gives a solid directing chop and he really knew the material very well, as if he was a pirate himself.

Now, the story. Some children might find it a bit difficult to follow, and some no-brainer adults too, but I daresay, it's a forget-about-reality-and-enjoy-the-thrill tale. Based on many sea myths, like the Flying Dutchman, underwater creatures, cursed pirates, a chest with a heart (and I mean, throbbing heart) and Davey Jones, Pirates incorporated one kind of plot that would interest fantasy diggers and lovers. They put on a rather ridiculous plot but still enjoyable.

Kudos to Disney for helming this. Kudos to Verbinski for directing. But more kudos to this one man who made every possible scene worth putting your attention to. The man by the name of Johnny Depp. He's outrageous! He played Captain Jack Sparrow even more comfortable the second time around, and he played it with more fun, more humor, wit and nonsense immorality. He's really brilliant, and he's one of my all-time favorite actors. Boy, he never disappoints with this one and Depp shines. It's just so funny that his character struggles a lot between being a wisecrack pirate and a despicable hero. Watch out when he comes back aboard the Black Pearl saving Elizabeth with all his shining glory. Everytime when he's not around, all seemed to be incomplete. Most of the scenes here are really unforgettable, with fantastic swordfights over the rolling mill, and Sparrow escaping from a great bunch King-Kong-sidekick-looking cannibals. Orlando Bloom also did fairly well as Will Turner, and his background story worked in the film, adding up more color to the movie. His action scenes with Depp is funnier with his own scenes alone. Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Swann was splendid too. I just like the way her character developed, from an estranged soon-to-be-wife to a pirate-wannabe and to a guilty friend at the end who sacrificed someone near to her. Aside from Depp's breathtaking performance, it's Bill Nighy that rocked equally. Stepping into the boots of the Captain of the Flying Dutchman, Davey Jones, he superbly becomes a classic movie bad guy. Anyone who remembers that old guy rockin' your Christmas in Love, Actually? His look here is utterly stunning, with tentacles across his face, but although he was fairly covered with CGI effects, he still knows how to bring an inspired performance outwardly. Say, who had not enjoyed also the Flying Dutchman's crew. Everyone of them were awesome! All of them looked really real, and none of them seemed to have been wearing costumes of some sort. Also, Naoime Harris as the witch Dalma was terrific! She played the part deliciously with accent so difficult to imitate. So fun, indeed.

On final note, everything worked in here. I oh-so-love this film, and for me, it totally rocked! It all contained the elements of a pure, exciting summer film. I love the humor, the adventures and the performances. Pirates 2 is a great experience, a kind of film that would make the whole theater burst with laughter and thrill. The only thing disappointing is the ending, of course, we all know that there's the last part of the trilogy, Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End. Pirates 2, meanwhile, does not define a perfect movie, but it's a great paragon of the ultimate rollicking summer adventure flick! Bill Nighy rocks! Johnny Depp kicks ass!

I just can't wait for the next sequel to be released. Mark that date.

Rating: A

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..:: The Pianist

A riveting, powerfully envisioned, and at most times evocatively stirring work of personal filmmaking. Roman Polanski somewhat like created an artwork, a painter's masterpiece, pouring and emptying all his experience, sadness, wrath, vengeance and skill that created such a movie that would have a huge impact on humanity. Sometimes it moves, sometimes it makes us get near into tears, makes us angry and fearful - but there's only one thing that would stay on us for so long, the film gives us a potent view to how humans strive against all instinct to survive in the darkest of hours.
Obviousy following Mr. Spielberg's 1993 classic Schindler's List (I haven't seen that one yet, but it's on my list now so I'll watch it no sooner than later), The Pianist is a such a visage of the Holocaust, but only more on the one-man journey, fighting against all odds, battling evils and dilemmas that nearly cost his life. We know that this was based on a true story, and it seems indeed so cruel and horrifying to look back into the years of the Holocaust of Europe, where Jews were discriminated, tortured and killed. Polanski nonetheless creates that graphic; he was never afraid to slap his audience with brutal scenes, gore and graphic R-18 material that would leave people wide-eyed, mouth hanging open and tears almost flowing out of their faces. He puts so much knowledge in these years that made you believe that those times were the most terrifying times in human history. It painted so many unrestrained forces that made this movie so compelling like the story of the families, especially Wladislaw Szpilman's, whose struggle became so poignant. There was this scene where the father bought a caramel candy and then cut it into tiny little pieces for the whole family to enjoy in such a brief time. The making of this scene is simple, but it becomes so powerful that it stirs up the very edges of your heart.
As a one-man journey kind of movie, Adrien Brody makes this more satisfying. It's very difficult to act especially if you're in so many scenes alone, with a situation battling a kind madness difficult to go through, facing ultimate threats of war. Of course, he won the Oscar Best Actor for this.
This is a definitive film, rich, complex and visceraly haunting. Polanski makes this such a bold feat. He knew how to create hell in earth, and made human suffering more real than just history. Winning three Oscar nods, including Best Actor, Best Director and Best Screenplay, it's really that hard to resist.
The Pianist, in my own opinion, somehow awakes the master in you, to let you believe in your own talent in the shades of life. No matter how difficult it is to bear such thing as belief in your own self, especially when no one believes, there is indeed one place for each one of us is destined to go to. Let it be war, problems, heartaches and all the troubles in life - belief pushes us through anything, makes us more powerful, makes us become larger than life and makes us survive through the battle of the fittest. It a true fable about survival, and The Pianist just proved that us. If only Wladislaw Szpilman was alive right now and could meet him, I would congratulate him with all my heart. His music was indeed his passion, but his survival became his masterpiece.
Rating: A+

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..:: The English Patient

Anthony Minghella's grand epic scale of love is a triumph. It won 8 Oscar trophies back in 1996, including Best Supporting Actress, Best Sound, Best Picture and Best Director. It's like Brokeback Mountain without the Best Picture nod, without the landscape of Wyoming but on the swirling sands of Sahara, and of course, about forbidden love but not about men but about a man and woman who were both struggling to find contenment in their own lives.
But sometimes, we feel movies are never perfect. Not a single one is. All those A+ rated films are just paradigms of near-perfection. The English Patient is actually a very good film, very well directed and acted as well. It boasts a cinematography to boot, a musical score that haunts and a script that would make the Academy proud. The movie's only weakness was its dragging parts; there are scenes which were so apparently unconventional. However, such a movie with a grandiose scope could simply cover those flaws with the sands of cinema-making. Ralph Fiennes, for example, is nonetheless impressive. He's one of the finest actors working today I believe and I could say the he would continue doing more good movies in the future time. His portrayal of his character brings out the very best in him, playing a the Count Almasy who defined emptiness beneath power and wealth. He wasn't actually English. He was a Hungarian count who stayed in Egypt before the war broke out. And his skin was badly burned, and his memory was almost impossible to disclose.
The way the story developed was like reading an epilogue then its prologue. At the end of the film, you would somehow consider how fate had tried to bring two people together, putting all the pieces together and forming one final haunting vision - the essence of doomed love. One fantastic role her was played by Juliette Binoche (that actress from the recent French thriller, Cache). He ensembled many emotions into one complete portrait of a woman haunted by the death of everyone she loves, and then finally settled in one kind of fear that would bring her heart closed to any possible romance. The way she put it, "I must be a curse. Anyone who loves me - who gets close to me - gets killed." It amazingly squeezes a mighty punch in the heart, that sometimes you would feel the character is deeply wounded. And she resists in loving her patient, the one English patient she wanted to save. All this scenes come across together in such a beautiful way, like how the burned Count Almasy recollected every bit of information; his life, his love and his fated doom. Once again, Ralph Fienned performances is a definite top-form. Seeing him as he burned Count would let you remember his Harry Potter's Voldemort role with compassion, love and of course, heart.
This movie is an almost fantastic, heartwrenching journey into the deepest dooms of being human. Its worth watching, just ignore some dragging scenes, and catapult right into the film's message, especially in the last scene of the film where Binoche's character Hana travels under the lazy sunlight running past the gaps in the trees, seeing hope in the bleakest of summers. The English Patient whom she tried to save became such an inspiration to her to not be afraid of loving. And that she must be really lucky, realising that she's not the most wounded person in the world, and that there's indeed hope in very little things that we encounter every single day.
Rating: A-

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>>Book Review: Northern Lights

What a very impressive book! Philip Pullman's first part of His Dark Materials trilogy contains the elements that make a great classic. Majestic and grandly written, filled with gripping moments and entertaining imagination. Northern Lights is one of the very rare 21st century books that could edge out fantasy legends like Tolkien, Lewis and Dahl. Imagine dark fantasy, an advanced children's literature, then throw in some fantastic adventures, a feisty and witty heroine, a sturdy Polar Bear King, nasty evil villains, edged with a twist of the recent religious issues written in a very gripping and hard-to-put down style, Pullman's book had suddenly become a J.R.R. Tolkien-J. K. Rowling-Dan Brown masterpiece. Of course, this was compared to history's most successful literature, a personal favourite of mine, the Harry Potter series. I'd like to clarify this: Northern Lights isn't a Harry-Potter-kind-of-read, but it is as great as J. K. Rowling's craft. I would say more realistic than the Harry Potter series. OK, so stupid of me to compare since I really hate to compare things, I mean, why would I compare Harry Potter with His Dark Materials when they're two different stories altogether? Please do excuse my silliness, but I do believe that like Harry Potter, Pullman's book dwells not really on the face of children's literature but more on the young adult field. This is a very dark book. There are murders, blood, PG-13 bear against bear fights, witches against Tartars, children mutilation and so many perilous moments that an eight-year old kid might find horrifying to read. Also, it's a kind of novel that would spark the inevitable questions of 'what-ifs'. If in Harry Potter you would ask, what if there are really wizards and witches hiding from us Muggles, living a completely different lifestyle full of magic and spells? What if there's really a school of witchcraft and wizardry disguised as a ruined castle in the remote mountains of Scotland? What if there's really a magical barrier in King's Cross Station between Platforms 9 and 10, and that Muggles are just to indifferent to notice it? Those are the questions one might ask after reading Rowling's book. But in Pullman's, you'll ask entirely different kind of questions, such as, what if there are other universes existing beneath the world that we know? What if there are windows in our world that could open into a completely unusual place? What if the church was hiding a significant truth from us human beings and why did they silenced so many theologians and scientists from the past who suggested about other worlds? What if there is really another world existing beyond the Northern Lights? And why, of all places, the Northern Lights only shimmer in the North Pole? The book tries to ask so many questions that are most left unanswered, until you hurry into Book 2, The Subtle Knife, the pivotal part of the trilogy. But of course, this is a work of fiction, I'm just too astounded to dwell in the real world right now because I was engrossed by such a magnificent work of literary art. And so far, it's one of the most ambitious work since Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. Since this book is one-liner for movie adaptation, I say, this would make a great film too. I've heard Chris Weitz, director of About A Boy, would helm the film, and the major lead young actress for Lyra had already been cast.
The things that really made this book shine are the characters. Totally unforgettable, especially the young feisty heroine, Lyra Belacqua, or so named Lyra Silvertongue for her intelligence and wide grasp. It is very rare for books to have such a solid character as this, so opinionated, so witty and so determined for a 12-year old girl. I also love the way prophecy was foretold and that innocence itself would fulfill every marked event that the Magisterium was fearing to befall. Lord Asriel also was a very mysterious icon. This aristocrat is so ambitious that you really feel some kind of hatred for this guy, of course I wouldn't give out why. It highly connects to the plot and to Lyra's adventures. There so many amazing characters, and my favorite would have to be the wondrous Polar Bear, Iorek Byrnison. Such a spiffing bear! He's like Aragorn of the Lord of the Rings turned into a mighty polar bear.
Apparently, a novel wouldn't work without a very good story, and I shall say it's one of the most unique I've read so far. Cleverly plotted, filled with astounding images. It's one of those books that reminds me about my love of writing, about my dreams of becoming a writer and all that stuff (of course that would happen by the time Mars and Pluto would switch places, haha!). Audience might expect it to have a fairy tale ending, but sad to say no. It's a cliffhanger, and after you flip the last page, like me, you'll surely have your hands itching for the 2nd book. Harry Potter fans would love this, and if you're also itching for the 7th and last book of the wizard boy saga, then Pullman's His Dark Materials would be an awesome read for a long wait for Rowling's final epic. Hmm, bet it would be released this 07/07/2007. Such a perfect magical coincidence, my prediction.
Lastly, the best thing I like about this book is that it's a children's novel that's truly intelligent. It's a dark, almost gothic, vivid fantasy literature for children - for imaginative, clever, and bright children, that is. In fact, it's not only for children, it's actually for everybody from 10-80 years old who enjoys adventures, some nifty twists and turns, mighty battles, flights and magic.
Northern Lights is such a bloody good book. It's one of the works that most writers dream of having and dream of putting in history - immortality. Like Harry Potter, Northern Lights would surely be around and be read in the next generations to come. Now, excuse me while I scurry into the next book of the trilogy, The Subtle Knife.
Rating: A+

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..:: Serendipity

Many had said that this was a good film, so I was kinda curious also and checked out this flick, having been nagged so many times that I was such an unfortunate little freak who haven't watched this film. And so I watched it.
Before I start commenting about the film, I would like to restate again what I said before: I am not a fan of romantic comedies. I'm a kind of guy who doesn't dig romantic comedies. A kind of lad who doesn't believe romance and comedies should go together, and if they would, I believe only a very quite few could pass through the tiniest hole. In fact, only quite a few who had made through my mark. Love, Actually for example. I love that film, and it's a romantic comedy, no doubt about that. So what about romantic comedies? Most of them are critically smashed, and most of them belonged to the Jennifer Lopez territory, or maybe Hilary Duff's or Lindsay Lohan's.
So, about Serendipity, I was just glad that it wasn't too Hilary-ish, Lindsay-ish and J.Lo-ish. The real deal was Kate Beckinsale. I love this actress, and her beauty is the perfect contour suited in the big screen. Also, John Cusack was a good leading man. He wasn't too used into romantic comedies that's why it's a bit funny to watch him scuttle around. Things that I dig in the film: I like the soundtrack, especially Annie Lenox's haunting yet catchy rendition of Bob Marley's Waiting In Vain. I also like the message of the movie. It speaks to us that no matter how hard we try to control everything, there's only one thread that keeps us all moving, and that is fate. The way it was presented in the film was a bit funny, especially in those sequences where they keep on missing each other. You could really see destiny working behind it all.
The film moved well from the first half of the film, and I was engrossed by it, but all of a sudden, after the first half, it became a bit convoluted and redundant. The sequences became tiring and sluggish. I was even a bit disappointed by the ending. It was somewhat too melodramatic for me.
But anyway, it's not a bad film. Actually, it's good. A good B-movie. It just rightfully entertain you on your most boring night. Get out some popcorns, nachos and colas. Enjoy Kate and John chasing each other, defying destiny and time.
Rating: B+

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++Top 5 Nicole Kidman Films

So, I think this post really makes it obvious that I'm such a Ms. Kidman fan. Couldn't it get more
obvious than that? Honestly, in my own opinion, Nicole Kidman is the best actresses working today in the Hollywood arena, and she has already proven her talent no doubt. Not only that, not to mention her charms, beauty and sultriness - wohoo! She has made so many great films, most are unforgettable and absolutely performace-driven. And she doesn't only do movies, she does commercials as well. Chanel anyone? Who could ever forget that elegant and expensive Baz
Lhurmann-directed ad? And of course, will movie history ever forget this lady? I guess not, and she's continuing to make her mark as one of the most important actors in history. God, how this woman with such beauty prove such acting skills. Her acting range is just impossible to measure. Put her everywhere, throw her some roles, and she would perfectly fit in, whether as a courtesan, a schizophrenic weirdo, a seductive temptress - name it, she'll do it.
Although I haven't seen some of her films, like To Die For, Flirting, Dead Calm, Far and Away and Days of Thunder, I would just embarassingly limit my picks to what I have checked out. This must be stupid, I know, knowing that I'm such a big fan. One day, I'll check out all her films.

#5 BIRTH
This film rocked me when Nicole Kidman showed up in the screen. With very short French-like brunette hair and her air of professionalism, she gave one of her most stunning and shocking performances of her life. Tell me, would anybody handle an almost 3-minute scene with the camera held in front of your face? With this scene alone, Kidman masterfully did her craft. She plays the role of a professional woman being haunted by the death of her husband, and encounters a boy one day claiming that he was the reincarnation of her husband's spirit. You could really feel the character so troubled and so deeply confused. There's no one else but Kidman can do the job.

#4 DOGVILLE
Underseen, but very appreciated. Lars Von Triers's stupendous masterpiece shaped Kidman into an actress that could give out the most raw acting skills. This film is staged like a play, no effects, no visual-eye candies, no whoozah wham-bam explosions. Just the camera, a script, and pure acting. Kidman captured a very symbolic character, a lady whose role serves as a irony to the recent American society (one iconic role that would surely make President Bush's eyebrow raise like a bird's wing). She becomes so endearing at the first roll, captivating on the second, pitiful on the third and in the next minute, hate her with all your wrath that you wanted to crush her for her sudden redemption. This is a signal of course that she's a great actress.

#3 THE OTHERS
The Others, for me, is one of the most effective horror movies of all time, and without Nicole Kidman, I should say, this film wouldn't be on the list. It all goes down to Nicole, her wits, her air
and the talent she braves. It was the only recent horror movie I remembered that got all critics raving mad, and because of that, she grabbed an Oscar nod. Portraying a World War II victim, a wife of a lost soldier, she makes such a disguise that keeps us guessing who really are 'The Others' in the film. Of course, we all know the story, and what a solid ending it was! Nifty little twist there, and Kidman stirred us to believe that she's a behemoth in her field. She really made us believe how someone would react when she discovers about death, especially about her own self.

#2 MOULIN ROUGE
A grand visual and cinematic feat. My second most favorite movies of all time next to Braveheart. The movie that defines what love epic is all about. The film that changed the industry of musical movies. A lavish entertainment, full of delight, romance, honor, beauty, courage and of course, what else - true love. Kidman illuminates as the courtesan Satine (my, this is the film where her porcelain skin really haunts me, haha!) I can't quit watching it over and over again, and I can't just get enough of it. Truly, second of her finest performances. Before, we do not know she could sing, but after watching this, bloody hell, she could dance as well. Satine's character is just so full of feisty determination but sadness and hopelessness on the other side of the beautiful face, and we just grieve with her when she shouts with an angry, wistful voice with teary emptiness , "I can't take this anymore! I'm going away! Away from you, away from the Duke, away from Moulin Rouge!" A performance so fine that made Halle Berry looked like a shame when she grabbed the Oscar.

#1 THE HOURS
Ladies and gents, the Oscar Best Actress. No wonder, her most famous feat. I believe no other actress could pull out such a terrific act as Virginia Woolf in this film. Remarkably done and career- defining. This is the role that made a mark to the de-glam of actresses to play such ugly characters.
With prosthetic nose, add-on jaw, frowning brows and an air of petulance, she really had an uncanny resemblance to the late Virginia Woolf, writer of Ms. Dalloway. A great accomplishment that even overshadows her co-stars, the legendary Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore. She really encapsulates Woolf's moods, the way she looks, the way she moves; her troubled mind and consistent longing to find meaning in life, even in death. As what she said in the film, if she were given a chance to choose between Richmond and death, she would choose death, therefore defining her own humanity.
Best line that she delivered: "My life has been stolen from me. I am living in a town I have no wish to live in. I am living... a life I have no wish to live."
What an amazing film, and beautifull written too. One of those films that would make you change your mind about life, the way it works, its mysteries and its abnormalities. One of my Top 10 Best Movies of All Time.

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..:: Stand By Me

Based upon Stephen King's novella, I was a bit stunned to discover that the film was way out of King's trademark horror fest. Stand By Me is a story about the tests of friendship, self-discovery and the gruelling matter of growing up. Having watched this film 19 years after it was made, living in the recent 21st century, the story made a kind of appeal to me, knowing that I had once been a kid who had childhood friends, usually going out into adventures, doing silly nonsense like games and stuffs. It's a film that mostly everybody could really relate to, especially us boys. Four friends who agreed to go out into an expedition to find the body of a lost teenager in the wilderness, wanting to become heroes in their local sleepy town. As they set out for an unforgettable two-day adventure, they forged a unique bond of friendship that would stay with them forever. They march along railtracks, they "dodge" trains, they swim in mud, they got attacked by leeches, they pour out family sentiments, they fight their rural gangstas, they battle personal devils, and of course discover an unsual courage within themselves that would withstand any predicament that would pass along the way. It's actually a good film, but not really that awe-inspiring good. I like the ending, a bit melodramatic but still fine. I dig the song too, Stand By Me. It just went into me that the original title of this film was "The Body" and I think the filmmakers had done such a solid job for replacing the bloody title, making it more sound like a film about life, not a horror film, or somewhat like a soft-porn film. I don't like the way it sounds, "The Body". Too horrible for a title of this film. Anyway, the young actors did also compact performances. Mind them, they were really young back then in 1987. Jerry O'Connell was really young and chubby (remember the guy who played the title role in Kangaroo Jack? The guy who starred alongside Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire?). He played the scaredy-cat Vern Tessio, and he played with the role well. Also, River Phoenix was unexpectedly young too, who went into the shoes of the the tough boy Chris Chambers. I think he is the best character here, playing such a sturdy boy who also had heartaches in life. The once unknown Wil Wheaton played the sensitive Gordie Lachance, who struggled about his family, especially his father, who constantly underestimates his existence under his own brother's shadow, played by the younger John Cusack. The last member of the group was Corey Feldman who played the effervescent and haughty Teddy Duchamp. All of these four friends created a friendship that would last a lifetime, bringing such a great ode to life's unforgettable period: childhood.
A wonderfully crafted drama, based on Stephen King's genius hell of a brain.
Rating: A-

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..:: Empire of the Sun

Before Haley Joel Osment was born, back in year 1987, there was a young actor who did surely define the meaning of young talent. His name is Christian Bale. And this film surely boasts one of the greatest child-acted films of all time, in my opinion.
Here is also a film that is truly a work of a true filmmaker. A solid epic of humble beginnings. Empire of the Sun was Steven Spielberg's fourteenth directed film after The Color Purple, and seeing this film alone would make you realise how Spielberg masterfully realised his craft, making a definite trademark in the future Hollywood era that he's nothing less than one of the best filmmakers in history.
Empire of the Sun is a true cinematic experience, moving and often times touching.
Here is a story of a boy Jim Graham (Christian Bale) who was separated from his parents in the war- torn city of Shanghai, China. The British once settled in the place, but no sooner Japan occupied it, making China and the Japs warring among themselves, leaving the Brits as prisoners of war. A story that is so uncommon that you might find yourself inspired with J. G. Ballard's autobiographical work. Jim Graham lost his family and he wanders into the empty streets, using his bike, being alone in the harsh environment. He wanted to surrender to the Japs but nobody listens to him as he was only just a kid. He wanted to become their prisoner to find his parents. And soon, he was captured by the military and was trapped in a Japanese Internment Camp somewhere in the land of China. There he found courage, hope, bravery and honour. One boy who never gave up on life while most people around him did, one boy who never lost his dream while a few others were deprived of believing it, one boy who proved to the world that losing hope is only for fools. The character shines brightly, so immensely, that you might wanted to meet this person and congratulate him for the astounding spirit that he had. What I really love in this film is the message, and as film centers the viewpoint inside the character of a boy, we see through innocence, through the young eyes who sees war, learns from it and believe it to a hopeless evil that causes nothing but lives, torn people and torn families. Through Jim's eyes, we believe about hope and courage. And we feel so impressed by this young character with so much wisdom on his back. He once said: "The greatest teacher of all is in the University of Life." What an unforgettable line. What an unforgettable movie. This is what classics are made of and Steven Spielberg just rightly blended all elements that would have made this movie a gem. I believe Christian Bale is one of the best actors working today, and seeing him act when he was still 12 years old, I was nothing short of impressed. He is indeed a fine actor, even at a young age. And will please somebody give this guy an Oscar triumph? His portrayal of Jim Graham is astounding; and he defines bravery and hope through his innocent eyes. Thanks to Spielberg, who had shaped this young actor into a true performer. Such a terrific performance that he even overshadows the great John Malkovich and Miranda Richardson in this movie. John Williams' score also perfectly blends in the film; a kind of music that would wrench any heart.
Two words: great film. And it adds up to my list of my favourite movies of all time.

Rating: A+

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..:: Superman Returns

The ultimate iconic superhero is back. The king of 'em all, the master of all superheroes returns. And I shall say with a great wham-bam of entertainment. As we know Superman has his own flaws: kryptonite. This film, Superman Returns, has also its own kryptonite, or shall I say kryptonites.
Let's start with the bad side of the film. One, it's not a perfect movie. It has so many noticeable flaws, and only a blind person wouldn't notice such things. The script was like hurriedly written; there wasn't so much memorable lines that were supposed to expect such a majestic superhero atlas flick like Superman, probably the Godfather of Batman, Spiderman and all those silly heroes in costume with dual personalities. The dialogues were tightened that even Brandon Routh's character Superman itself felt too monosyllabic or even mute in some instances. He delivered only a few little lines; the longest line he delivered, as far as my memory could recall, was the final scene in the bedroom in which he was talking to the "kid" about strength and the future. And the only character that did all the talking was Lois Lane, and a bit of Lex Luthor. Another thing, why do villains really have sidekicks, that even most of them were almost too useless for the most part of the movie? And also, about Lois Lane's kid, why does he have to stare around like some creepy Damien kid from the Omen? And why does the scene in which the kid pushed the piano with unimaginable strength seemed a bit lackluster, as if he never moved or even winced at all? About the "New Continent" that Lex Luthor was staging, why does it looked like all gray? I remember him saying that the land would be the new continent that humans would die for to step onto it. So why does it have to be gray? In my own opinion, such land wouldn't even be habitable by humans, not to mention a cow could survive in such lifeless place. Also, Superman felt like a new savior sent from outer space to save mankind. Ring a bell anyone? Jesus Christ perhaps. Superman, as what I realise is an allegory of the Messsiah. Finally, why does the romance between Lois Lane and Superman seemed too quiet, or even though about without words?
Now, that's how I become to understand Superman himself. He was a man of few words (alright, I accept that he was the character that doesn't really voice out his feelings and emotions and keeps it in himself) and he's a superhero who lives in lies and also lives inconspicuously. It's difficult indeed, and the way they portray the love story between Lois Lane and Superman was a bit painful at certain points in time.
So let's talk about the stronger side of the film. First, Superman Returns boasts a very good direction by X-Men revolver Brian Singer. He brings so much intensity on the superhero and a different feel of the Superman franchise in which I like. He also did a quite dramatic edge to Superman that most of us wouldn't expect. More importantly, he mad Superman more human this time. The last time I remember Superman became more human was when Christopher Reeve still played and he lost Lois Lane and he flew around the world and turned back time due to anger and sadness. Now, Superman feels the pain of broken hearts and broken families. And he also struggled to save the world 24 hours. That's why we symphatize him and we feel his pain. Second, the special effects were solidly genre-defining. The action sequences were justifiably an oh-my-god-i'm-gonna-drop-my-mouth-to-the-floor kind of entertainment. They were all thrilling, and what they have done to the airplane-gone-wrong sequence was simply astounding and thrilling. There were many visually amazing scenes, like when Superman flies, with the surrounding sky shining in all its glory. Also, the characters shine. Brandon Routh was a definite non-disappointment. I shall say the late Christopher Reeve would be pleased by this lad. He has little lines, yeah, but he was able to portray the Man of Steel the way we wanted it to be portrayed and he has done fairly well on the process. He has charms that would capture the audience and poster-boy good looks that would squeeze out ladies out of hard-headed lesbians (laughs!). Kate Bosworth was surely stunning as well. Choosing her as Lois Lane was perfect; her beauty shines as well as her talent, and she's - ahhh.. beautiful. Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor was deliciously played. It wasn't over-the-top but it was the right kind of being evil, just rightly mixing the sarcastic tones of him. It was obvious Kevin Spacey played with the role and he enjoyed it as much as we did. It's just so fun watching him.
So if we try to bring this all to a balance scale, I think the brighter side of the film weighs more. After all, who could say movies are perfect? Even Superman isn't all that perfect himself.
Final question: does Superman Returns bring justice to the franchise? The answer is of course yes. It's not perfect, but it defines a perfect summer popcorn movie. It's entertaining, thrilling, with a bit of emotional tones, with Brandon Routh wearing the bathroom-mat-like costume, with a bullet being shattered as it shot straight against his eye, with his smirk saying to the man holding the gun, "I'm Superman, duh..."
I enjoyed the film. And I think Brandon Routh did justice to one of history's most iconic figures.

Rating: A-

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