sasha's post

The Shipping News

2007-01-15T20:01:00.000+08:00

The Cinderella Complex

2007-01-15T19:59:00.000+08:00

I know why the caged bird sings

2007-01-15T19:58:00.000+08:00

The Ambassadors

2007-01-15T19:57:00.000+08:00

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

2006-09-20T01:23:00.000+08:00

Released in 2006
Director: David Frankel
Screenplay Writer: Aline Brosh McKenna
Based on the book by Lauren Weisberger
Actors: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway

I saw this movie almost two weeks ago and it is only now that I even thought to write something about it. A pity, since this is one of the movies I thoroughly enjoyed.

Anyone who knows me will say that this is not really my kind of film. It is a film I will place along with my sister’s Meg Cabot books. According to this article I found in Yahoo, I have a Type D personality which makes me more susceptible to cardiovascular problems (Well, duh, I think the heart attack at 22 speaks for itself). The Devil Wears Prada is a lighthearted romp, the kind my jet-setting sister would force me to watch while bribing me with a bottle of tequila.

But the truth is, I actually looked forward to seeing this film. Behind the uncaring façade, the body which has not known exercise in a while, the skin with despises lotion with vengeance, is a young woman who likes boots. And skirts. And stylish tops which cling to the waist. I watch America’s Next Top Model and scrutinize the designs on Project Runway. I am in awe while watching a Carolina Herrera show on Fashion Trance. Though you will never guess it while looking at me, I like shoes.

And I enjoyed this movie. I really did. The book was not the kind I would pick off at a bookshop in lieu of Jude the Obscure, but the movie itself I liked.

The Devil Wears Prada is about a young graduate who is in over her head. Wanting to become a journalist, Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) moves to New York City and lands a job as an assistant to the assistant of powerful fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestley (Meryl Streep). Faster than you can say Go to hell, Andy is finding out the serious business of fashion, and the even more serious business of getting it right for a boss who does not tolerate getting anything wrong.

There is a thread on a popular board on the Internet debating about Anne Hathaway’s breasts. No kidding. Whoever said people no longer have enough time in their hands do not surf the Internet enough. Anyway, apparently, some posters were put off by the boob-baring at the critically-acclaimed Brokeback Mountain.

My point? Well, if you are going to bare your breasts for a film role there is no better place to do it than on a film so wonderfully-directed by Ang Lee. He makes everything seem so seamless, including Anne Hathaway’s transition from a makeovered princess to an actress trying on more grown-up roles.

Anne Hathaway is one of the most promising young actresses of our generation. Her role in The Devil Wears Prada is admittedly light, but it is a good role and she carried it gracefully. I hesitated for but a moment when she said that she has graduated from college (Was it Northwestern University?) since I still had memories of her in her high school uniform at The Princess Diaries, but I recovered quickly. The implied sex was fine, the girl has grown up, and I am anxious to see as to what her next projects will be.

Meryl Streep perfectly underplays the devilish Miranda Priestley. I could almost love her. It is Stockholm Syndrome. When you are held hostage, after a while you begin to identify with your hostage taker. I felt the same thing during my first job. I was the assistant to the executive assistant of a politician. But like Andy, I cut my losses. I knew I was a better person than that. I left, like Andy. Well, I never got to wear fabulous free clothes but still, meals at five-star restaurants were more than I could afford from my then 20-year-old budget.

Therein lies the appeal of the film. Even for those who are not fans of lighthearted comedies, there is something here to be had. We all have experienced demanding bosses and hellish jobs. We know how it feels to have that elusive first job, and how difficult, size-changing it can be. We all have been there. And so, in the jam-packed theater we all watched, laughing and reminiscing at the same time.

The Devil Wears Prada is a feel-good film, and unlike others in the sub-genre it actually achieved what it set out to do.

LES MISERABLES

2006-08-28T00:11:00.000+08:00

Released in 1998

Director: Bille August
Screenplay Writer: Rafael Yglesias
Based on the book by Victor Hugo
Actors: Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman, Claire Danes

I have read too many nasty comments about this movie on the Internet, mainly centering on the fact that it is nothing like the book. I am careful about giving credence to such comments, as any movie fan should, since plenty of people are under the, dare we say, delusion, that the book is always better than the movie. Books and movies are two very different mediums, and to assume that one is always better than the other is ridiculous.

Also, there exists a certain wariness among fans of a particularly beloved book when the book is adapted to screen. There is a waft of butchery of the story by the filmmakers before the filmmaking even begins. I would rather not succumb to such thinking, as it emits a certain degree of snobbery for me. Alfonso Cuaron’s retelling of the Charles Dickens classic Great Expectations, for one thing, fell on the snobbery sword, notwithstanding the fact that it probably is one of the greatest achievements in filmmaking history.

Watching Les Miserables for the first time, I had high hopes. The title has been staring at me from our neighborhood video shop for quite some time, yet I avoided renting it for one thing: I dislike Claire Danes. It is not really simply because of that incident here in the Philippines some eight years ago (though the fact that she merely issued a half-assed apology for that still annoys me). I disliked her before that incident and I still do dislike her. That baseless dislike does not prevent me from appreciating the fact that she has a face which is perfect for roles like Cosette, and even Juliet in the Leo di Caprio-starring Romeo and Juliet.

Les Miserables the movie picked certain integral elements of Les Miserables the book, and they opted to run with it. Liam Neeson plays Jean Valjean, unjustly imprisoned for nineteen years for stealing a loaf of bread. Geoffrey Rush is Javert, the policeman who haunts and hunts Jean Valjean. Cosette (Claire Danes) is the daughter of the unfortunate Fantine (Uma Thurman), taken from the cruel Thenardiers and raised like a daughter of nobility by the now-wealthy Jean Valjean. Marius (Hans Matheson) was made into a student revolutionary, whereas in the book he was among revolutionaries, yet his heart, even his mind, was not really in it. He was more of swept by events rather than an agent of change on his own.

While watching the movie I was bothered by the fact that, though all the actors turned in excellent performances, the movie did not seem to have it. It is the X-factor which drives a movie-viewer to keep his eyes on-screen. I gave the movie my full attention at first, then my eyes started wandering to the Cosmo on my lap. If a viewer has not read the book or seen the play, I do not think they would have fully appreciated what was being shown on-screen.

I think the problem may have been with the color. When Alfonso Cuaron makes movies the scenes quiver with emotion. Here, they are flat. Even the excellent performances of the actors could not save it.

Unlike others I do not have a problem with what was excluded from the book, though I wish they had stayed true to Marius’ character instead of making him some lovelorn heroic young man. I agree, what they showed on-screen in simpler, but one has to have faith in the viewer’s intelligence to deliver a movie which is good, especially a movie with highly-emotional fans like Les Miserables.

There is quite an active thread on an Internet forum about Eponine, and her exclusion from the film. For those who have not read the book, Eponine is a daughter of the Thenardiers, evil former inn-keepers who became members of an underground criminal organization in Paris. After her parents lost their money Eponine was forced to join her father’s criminal activities, and even prostitute herself. Eponine fell in love with Marius, and it was because of Eponine that Marius and Cosette were able to see each other (in the book, at least). Eponine was also the reason why Marius ended up in the barricade of Bastille; she led him there.

Eponine is a very heartbreaking character and I understand how people can be upset over her exclusion from the film. However, I agree with the decision of the filmmakers, as her inclusion would have made the film un-watchable. If Les Miserables were turned into a mini-series, perhaps there is hope for the Eponine character. For a movie as short as what was done, however, there was no place for her.

In all Les Miserables is a good attempt, though it did not quite make it. It cannot stand on its own as a film and at the same time it cannot satisfy the fans of the book. It is an uncomfortable situation for any adaptation.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

2006-08-15T22:46:00.000+08:00

Released in 1998
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Screenplay by: Mitch Glazer
Based on the book by Charles Dickens
Actors: Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Bancroft, Robert de Niro, Chris Cooper

I was quite surprised upon learning that, when Alfonso Cuaron’s Great Expectations first came out, it received a lukewarm response from the critics, and fans of the novel. This I do not understand. I am a Charles Dickens fan, Great Expectations is one of my favorite novels, and I absolutely love the movie. Sure, it was different, it was modernized, Alfonso Cuaron even changed Pip’s name to Finn and Miss Havisham became Ms. Dinsmoor, wearing mostly bright green dresses instead of the tattered wedding dress of the book but heck, this is a very good film. It stayed true to the spirit of the book, it stayed true to the message, to the tone, to the soul. What more can fans and critics want?

Alfonso Cuaron’s adaptation of Great Expectations is as good a modern adaptation of a classic novel as it gets. I do not care what the critics say. This is a very good movie, a moving, visually-arresting film which deserves every little bit of praise it gets from people who are not too hung up with the fact that it did not strictly follow what old Mr. Dickens wrote.

This is a problem which those who choose to adapt novels to screen face --- the fact that people automatically think the novel will be better, the movie cannot compare, the movie will not be good, the movie will ruin the concept of the book. I agree on one aspect --- Alfonso Cuaron’s version cannot really be compared to Charles Dickens novel, precisely because this is one of those rare times when they are different, and that makes them the same. I apologize but I cannot put it any other way. Alfonso Cuaron made a movie loosely based on Charles Dickens’ work, following the story, following the concept, following the voice, yet retaining his own personal touch, his own vision, and he succeeded brilliantly.

Great Expectations follows the young Finn, who meets and falls in love with the beautiful and snobby Stella during a trip to Ms. Dinsmoor’s house. Stella toys with Finn, then eventually leaves for Europe. Finn, who dropped his childhood dream of painting after Stella left, suddenly finds himself in New York after a mysterious benefactor paves the way for his entry in the big city society. There he meets the all-grown-up Stella, icy and mesmerizing, treating him to a striptease and another lesson on the many ways a girl can break a young man’s heart.

The last couple of years have not really been that good to Ethan Hawke. Still, the guy has talent, and his ability to show the sensitivity of his character molded with the not-quite-genteel manner of a boy who grew up in poverty makes him perfect as Finn. Sure, I am not blind to the fact that there are others who could have played the part, yet every time I get to the scene where he is yelling at the top of his lungs, “Anything that might be special in me is you!” I find my brain functions deluded with my hormones. That is one of the many, many breathtaking scenes in this movie, handled perfectly by the director so that it comes off as boyishly heartfelt, not mawkish.

Gwyneth Paltrow as the icy Stella is just as perfect. I want to hate the girl but why bother? She pulls off the character so that she comes off as sympathetic, perfect body and couture clothing notwithstanding.

Ah, but we will miss Anne Bancroft. Immediately after watching Great Expectations I saw The Graduate, where Ms Bancroft immortalized Mrs. Robinson. Here, Anne Bancroft does justice as the jilted bride. Her scene with Ethan Hawke at the New York mansion, where Ethan mimics what she did the first time they met, placing her hand on his chest and saying, “You know what that is? It’s my heart, and it’s broken. Can you feel that?” is perfection. Every little movement of Ms Bancroft’s face shows her character’s inner turmoil, her pain, and her pain of having caused another human being pain.

Robert de Niro cannot do anything wrong in my eyes. As the convict cum benefactor, a New York times article pointed out that he gave the most Dickensian of performances in the movie. I can simply agree.

But it was Chris Cooper who moved me every time he was on screen. I have always had a soft spot for Joe ever since I read the novel, and Mr. Cooper translated the character on screen with the skill of a veteran, so effortless, so poignant, so heartbreaking. Mr. Cooper’s Joe is the kind of guy you would want on your side, because you know that no matter how much you fuck up your life, you can always go back to him, and he will take you, no questions asked.

Great Expectations is a brilliant achievement in filmmaking. Whoever came up with the musical score was a genius. And Alfonso Cuaron deserves what accolades he has received in his career.

It is rare that one comes across a movie which one can watch and feel good. Great Expectations is a jewel of a novel, and it became a jewel of a film. Watch it, and you will watch it again. If Charles Dickens were alive right now, he probably would have added a few misshapen arms, but he would have applauded.

THE HUMAN STAIN

2006-08-14T18:45:00.000+08:00

Released in 2003
Director: Robert Benton
Screenplay Writer: Nicholas Meyer
Based on the book by Philip Roth
Actors: Anthony Hopkins, Nicole Kidman, Gary Sinise, Ed Harris, Wentworth Miller

I have just finished watching The Human Stain. Like most poignant films which hit too close to home, The Human Stain is difficult to watch. Several times I hit the pause button and stood up, walked around the house, daydreamed a little, if only to compose myself enough to be able to continue watching. In the middle of the film I logged on the Internet, checked my mail, checked my messages.

It is a pretend life.

The Human Stain is about a man with a secret. Coleman Silk (Anthony Hopkins) is an esteemed college professor who stood accused of racism for using the word, “spook.” After losing his job, and his wife, he begins an affair with a much younger woman, blue-collar worker Faunia Farley (Nicole Kidman). He also begins a friendship with a reclusive writer, played by Gary Sinise. Ed Harris plays Faunia Farley’s estranged husband who has a score to settle.

It is a problem with films with big name stars that often the film becomes eclipsed with the stars. For this movie the silent integrity of the film was preserved. From the onset it was obvious that none was trying to win an Academy Award, none was trying to get noticed, none was trying to stand out. The actors turned in superb performances, and that was that.

Anthony Hopkins is already a legend, and deservedly so. Nicole Kidman is too beautiful to be a janitor, but she pulls it off by sheer skill as an actress. Gary Sinise and Ed Harris have always been solid performers whom for some reason have never really reached the level of stardom of certain lesser-talented Hollywood actors. And Wentworth Miller, then still a newcomer, held his ground amidst such cast.

When The Human Stain first came out, it was critically acclaimed yet it was also a box office disappointment. Critics and audiences do not always agree, and as great an achievement The Human Stain is, it was not a draw for moviegoers.

Now, though, it has been released on video. I do not know when, precisely, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the video will do good this time, if only because Wentworth Miller has become quite popular courtesy of the hit TV series Prison Break. While hanging out at Wentworth Miller’s page on a certain website I noticed that a lot of his fans are teenagers. These are the ones on whose eyes he could do no wrong, who would most likely buy DVDs of The Human Stain if only to see those stares one more. Indeed, after Wentworth Miller’s shoot to stardom The Human Stain became much-discussed on Internet boards, moreso than it was when it first came out.

The Human Stain tackled a difficult subject, racism, and did it with grace. I cannot recommend this movie more highly. It is an achievement in filmmaking, but more importantly, it is an achievement in human understanding in a changed world.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

2006-08-12T17:11:00.000+08:00

Director: Joe Wright
Screenplay Writer: Deborah Moggach
Based on the novel by Jane Austen
Actors: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Donald Sutherland, Rosamund Pike, Simon Woods, Judi Dench

I have just finished watching the Joe Wright adaptation of the classic Jane Austen novel, and now I cannot believe that I waited so long before seeing this. I have heard from many sources that the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, starring Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, was simply wonderful, so I had my doubts about this Keira Knightley-starring film. For one thing, I thought Keira Knightley to be too young to portray Elizabeth Bennet. I admire Keira’s spunk but I thought she was simply not Elizabeth Bennet, and my opinion did not change even after she picked up an Oscar Best Actress nomination.

I have to say, though, she pulled it off. Once again Ms Knightley’s confidence carried her through the film. She had a wonderful supporting cast, led by Spooks’ Matthew MacFadyen as Mr. Darcy. Donald Sutherland was perfect as the overwhelmed Mr. Bennet, Judi Dench as Lady Catherine was intimidating as always, and Mr. Collins, played by Tom Hollander, was just as annoying as I remembered him from the book.

This is a problem that I have when watching film adaptations of books; at the back of my mind there is this nagging thought on whether the film is staying true to the book, whether the film is at par with the book. At the beginning of this film I found myself recalling the lines from the book, which made my enjoyment considerably less. I was taken aback, though, by Ms Lucas’ outburst after she told Elizabeth that she had agreed to marry Mr. Collins. After that scene, I had no more problem keeping my mind on the movie.

Capturing the essence of Pride and Prejudice on screen is a daunting task for anyone. It is a novel which for centuries has been loved by so many, and though it is a “classic” to this day it maintains its popular appeal. Joe Wright’s version of Pride and Prejudice is quite well-made, and it was obvious that all the actors gave themselves to their parts, conscious of the scrutiny which will eventually come from Jane Austen fans. Though it is probably not a match to the sparkling wit of the book, it is a very good adaptation, and is worthy to be seen.

BLACK HAWK DOWN

2006-07-18T22:43:00.000+08:00

A channel on cable is currently showing Black Hawk Down. I have already seen this movie several times yet I cannot bring myself to change the channel. This for me is one of the best war movies ever made, underscoring the brutality and the chaos of the action.

When I first saw this film, the only face I recognized was that of Josh Hartnett, who played the diary-keeping Sgt. Eversmann. Now, of course, the whole world has become aware of the existence of a certain Orlando Bloom, a certain Eric Bana, a certain Ewan McGregor.

Here, it is difficult to keep track of which soldier is doing what because of the uniform and the fact that they have the same buzz cut, even the same grime of their faces as the battle rages on. I can only imagine what the actors went thru to be able to portray real-life soldiers in the way they did. I know that the actors on the HBO-produced Band of Brothers underwent actor boot camp under real-life Vietnam veteran Captain Dale Dye, the same way the actors in Saving Private Ryan did. I do not know if the Black Hawk Down actors did the same thing but really, I will not be surprised if they did.

Contrary to other criticisms about this movie, I do not think it portrayed the Somalis in a negative light, and the Americans in a heroic light. It had no such message at all. It simply told of a war which happened, where politics disappears the moment the first shot is fired. It is only a matter of accomplishing one’s objectives and getting out of the battle-ground alive.

It is heartbreaking how the movie portrayed the soldiers as inexperienced, very young, which is the truth. The youngest among them, 18-year-old Pvt. Blackburn (portrayed by a fresh-faced Orlando Bloom), fell from the helicopter while they were being deployed. A couple of soldiers were still recalling what was taught during training. It was as though these soldiers went from being rookies to being battle-hardened veterans in a matter of hours.

There were so many heartbreaking moments in this movie, but the one which got to me the most was how Cpl. Jamie Smith bled to death while they were waiting for back-up. I read on the Internet that he proposed to his girlfriend before leaving for Somalia. During his burial, his girlfriend placed the engagement ring with his body.

I still need to take a moment to deal with that particular story.

Black Hawk Down is a very well-made movie, and the actors gave outstanding performances. I think they were able to pay their respects to those who fought in that battle by giving credible performances. I normally do not like war movies, but this is one of the best, portraying a real event which my generation actually witnessed.

Black Hawk Down did not take itself too seriously. Black Hawk Down did not go on screen with the intent to preach. It presented what is, what was, and left it at that, and that makes it a powerful piece. Kudos to everyone involved in this film.

A NOTE ON THE CABLE TV VERSION

I noticed that certain parts of the movie has been cut, probably to satisfy the guidelines set by the sensors. To those who have yet to see this movie, I recommend watching the DVD or the VCD version, for a more complete take on the movie.

DEAD POETS SOCIETY

2006-07-03T16:58:00.000+08:00

I normally do not write about movies I really love. I am not that good a writer, and I constantly find the words I can string up wanting in describing movies which in my eyes are truly great. Also, I have always believed that there are certain things in life which are not meant to be critiqued, merely felt. Hence I do not know the first thing about critiquing a poem. Hence too, I have never written anything about my favorite movie of all time, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which is poetry in motion in my eyes.

I made an exemption with regard to Dead Poets Society, arguably one of the most moving movies ever to come out of Hollywood, and the write-up came out terribly wanting. I thought that I might give it a shot once more. If my words turn out to be wanting again, I apologize. It is simply that I have just seen this movie for the first time in years, and have just read some comments about it that I cannot help but add my own.

I first saw this movie when I was twelve or thirteen, living in a small town, still filled with dreams. I cried, an experience which millions of DPS viewers share. In my mind it was a cry for freedom, and I could but join. Unlike others, though, I did not view Neil Perry’s suicide as an endorsement of the act for those who feel trapped. I saw it as an unfortunate occurrence in light of Neil’s awakening from merely living the life his father wanted to finding what he wanted to do with his life. It was a moment of weakness, a child’s response to a life he found troubling and overwhelming. From Neil’s point of view it was probably the ultimate act of defiance, and as much as I understand the sentiment, I disagree with the action.

The movie is set during the 1950s at the fictitious Welton Academy, a prestigious preparatory school for boys known for their high academic standards and rigid enforcement of discipline and tradition. Amidst a group of impressionable young men comes the new English teacher, the charismatic John Keating, who teaches the students to think for themselves, to embrace life, to live with passion. Poetry is read and sang as students and teacher bonded, until the quest for freedom and passion culminates in a heartbreaking tragedy.

Dead Poets Society is superbly written, directed and acted. Other actors were considered for the part, but Robin Williams turned in probably one of his most memorable performances as an actor. Surrounding him was the equally impressive ensemble of then young actors, including Ethan Hawke as Tod Anderson, the ignored younger son who is shy and awkward; Robert Sean Leonard as Neil Perry, the dutiful son with a secret passion for acting; Josh Charles as Knox Overstreet, the charming son of a famous lawyer who used Mr. Keating’s teachings to pursue the girl of his dreams; and Gale Hansen as Charlie Dalton, the wealthy kid who takes his newfound freedom to extremes.

It has been seventeen years since the movie first same out and it is fun to think of what happened with the young actors of before. Ethan Hawke made it big in Hollywood, eventually marrying, then divorcing Uma Thurman. Robert Sean Leonard currently plays Dr. Wilson in the TV medical drama House, MD. He has a Tony under his belt. Josh Charles also continues to act but I have seen only one of his newer movies, SWAT. Gale Hansen is said to be involved in production. I would love to see him in other movies, though, just to see good old Nuwanda once more.

To this day English teachers the world over continue to recommend this film for viewing to their students, and understandably so. In a world which moves faster than our souls can take, it is imperative that time and again, we step back, we breath, we live.

I normally do not write about movies I really love. Perhaps I should do so.

SHE'S THE MAN

2006-06-01T11:37:00.000+08:00

Released in 2006

Director: Andy Fickman

Screenplay Writers: Ewan Leslie, Karen Lutz

Actors: Amanda Byrnes, Channing Tatum

I do not know if it was the champagne, but I thought this was a really cool movie. But then I did finish off three-quarters of a bottle of Torley while watching it, so perhaps my judgment was a little impaired.

She’s the Man stars Amanda Byrnes as Viola, a girl who wants to prove herself good enough to be in the boys only soccer team of her school. When her twin brother Sebastian decides to skip his new school to go to London, she decides to impersonate him, which includes the mandatory wig, pasted sideburns, and sharing a room with hot soccer player Duke (Channing Tatum). But then Sebastian returns a day earlier than Viola expected, throwing into chaos her well-laid plans of kicking her ex-boyfriend’s ass on the soccer field during the first game of the season.

I liked Amanda Byrnes when I saw her in What a Girl Wants, though I did wince during that scene where Colin Firth danced while wearing skin tight leather pants. I am not saying that she is going to win an Academy Award soon, but I appreciated how she tackled her role with confidence in this movie. Teen flick though it might be, it is not easy to do what she did without feeling a bit queasy, especially when you are a girly girl. She pulled it off without the tiniest trace of hesitation or embarrassment, which should prove handy when is she taking on more mature roles.

Channing Tatum came as a surprise. He was cast in a role which is more often than not relegated as a token cute guy but it seemed to me as though he really took his role seriously. I have seen too many young stars in his shoes who thought that appearing in front of the camera and taking their shirts off constitute acting. Perhaps I am making too optimistic, since I thought he was cute, but, given the right roles, Channing Tatum just might make it big.

Based on Twelfth Night, She’s the Man joins 10 Things I Hate About You in the realm of famed literary works adapted as teen flicks which have surprisingly enough been well-made.

X-MEN: THE LAST STAND

2006-05-30T10:38:00.000+08:00

So, it was not as bad as I feared. Brett Ratner’s take on the immensely popular X-Men franchise is nowhere near as good as Bryan Singer’s, but he did give enough for people who merely want to sit on a darkened theater and watch CGI do its magic.

My sister fell asleep during the movie. I did my best to stay awake and thought that I was watching a number of X-Men the animated series episodes which have been patched together to form a barely-there film.

All right, perhaps that was mean. Anyone who watches movies knows that Hollywood does not always export quality movies. Even the most hyped movies do not always deliver. The images of Pearl Harbor are still on my mind, a testament on how Hollywood can go so wrong even with the right material. But the finale of the X-Men trilogy? The movie adaptation of the beloved comic book characters who personified the feeling of isolation and alienation by teenagers the world over? The movie with one of the best cast ever assembled, including veteran British actor Sir Ian McKellen, Academy Award winner Halle Berry, and Wolverine? Why didn’t Fox wait for Bryan Singer to finish that Superman flick so he can finish what he started? Well, if imdb got it right, that Halle Berry refused to sign on for X3 since she and Bryan Singer have been having creative differences, then the studios chose Ms Berry over Bryan Singer. I am not saying that this is necessarily the wrong choice but why did they have to pick Brett Ratner? With all due respect, the reason the first two X-Men movies did well was because they had emotional depth to go with the special effects. With X3, with everything in its place for an emotionally-charged, powerful finale, including a winning storyline, Mr. Ratner let go.

The movie started with a look back twenty years ago, with the young Jean Grey already demonstrating her powers, with Professor Xavier and Magneto still the best of friends that they were. Then the screen read TEN YEARS AGO and I was like, What? It showed the young Angel clipping his wings, and that horrified look on his rich-ass father when he realized that his son was a mutant. And then we go back to THE NOT-SO-DISTANT-FUTURE, with a combat exercise which looked as though it has been lifted from the animated series I used to watch, and love.

From the start it was obvious that Storm has been given a more dominant role than she has had in the two previous X-Men movies. I have the greatest respect for Ms Berry as an actress but I believe that the Storm of the previous movies was more faithful to the character than this new, snappy leader. I love the fact that she was able to showcase her powers more --- such show was significantly lacking before --- but the director came up short in showing the strength of Storm from within. Wolverine is still Wolverine and in my eyes Hugh Jackman really cannot do anything wrong. Perhaps it was the lighting, but his presence seemed considerably less brooding. Rogue is just a jealous girlfriend who wants to kiss Iceman who has been paying attention to Kitty who turns out to be one of the too few good things in this movie. And Scott died. And Professor Xavier. And it just breaks my heart that an opportunity has been missed for a powerfully-moving movie.

A cure for mutation has been developed, a way to suppress the mutant X gene. Should they, or shouldn’t they? You’d have thought that the director would keep that question going throughout the movie, since it is, after all, the premise of the entire conflict. Yet he chose to have Magneto dismantle a bridge and use it as a makeshift flying saucer to land on Alcatraz. Even my sister, who is usually kind to such moves muttered, “Come on,” before going back to sleep.

In all fairness, Mr. Ratner had his hands full with this movie. There were plenty of characters to start with, and he had to add more to make up Magneto’s army. Yet the way he dealt with that was to merely present the characters, then overwhelm the viewers with special effects. See, this is why studios have to be wary about giving their directors a big budget. Sometimes too much money gets in the way of creativity. Whatever happened to the good old-fashioned close-up facial shots?

Good thing the movie had Jean Grey as the resurrected Phoenix. I did not care much for her character in the previous movies, and did not really like Famke Janssen that much. Yet in X3 she positively shined as the dark Phoenix, with that flaming read hair which she should keep for the rest of her life, it just suits her. Her portrayal of the two characters inside her body struggling to master each other was so effective that she just owned the screen whenever she was on it. Her torment was visible even when she had just annihilated countless soldiers and mutants in what was purported to be the film’s climactic battle.

Kelsey Grammer as Beast was also a great addition. Too bad gorgeous bad girl Mystique’s exit from Magneto’s inner circle was not handled well. Mystique has always been a compelling character, just like Rogue, but in this movie it was like the director merely wanted their transitions to be over with so he can concentrate on dismantling a bridge (sorry, that scene still burns me).

X3 is not a bad movie, it is a disappointing one. While I was going thru some posts on a fan site there already were some people who were talking about remaking this film. I think that is a better idea, rather than making an X4. But then remaking X3 would be next to impossible during the next few years, and a move like that would be quite a blow to Mr. Ratner.

It is always difficult to make movies when the expectations have been raised so high. When X2 came out the general opinion was that this was one of those movie franchises which just keeps getting better and better. Then came X3.

Ah, well, we can’t always get what we want.

THE X-MEN SAGA

2006-05-29T11:09:00.000+08:00

Written three days ago, I think.

As of this writing, I have yet to see X-Men 3: The Last Stand. I tried to hold off writing this piece till I have seen that Brett Ratner-directed final chapter of the X-Men trilogy but, after seeing Hugh Jackman on The Today Show this morning, I simply had to write something.

I first became acquainted with X-Men when I was still in my elementary years, thru the animated series shown by ABSCBN every Friday night. We only had one TV in house back then, and the men were always raring to watch either basketball or boxing, so I was constantly praying that nothing would come up that would disrupt my sojourn to a world which was difficult, painful, yet also, thoroughly entertaining.

Back ten, I did not like Wolverine that much. I thought that he was too angry, and Cyclops too cute. I even remember hating Jean Grey a bit, when I felt that she was cheating on Cyclops by feeling a bit of attraction to Wolverine. I rooted for Rogue and Gambit to get together too. Gambit was not included in the two X-Men movies I have seen so far, which is fine by me. I think the way the movies explored Rogue’s relationship with Wolverine, and then with Iceman, is even better than the one I saw on the animated series.

I never really thought that the movie version would be as good as the ones I have seen so far. I thought of X-Men to be far too complex for Hollywood to get. I also questioned the decision of making Wolverine the focal point of the first movie. My memory of his was this angry guy with claws who was trying this beautiful girl from this cure guy with shades. How come he gets to be the hero?

I, of course, did not know of Hugh Jackman’s existence yet back then. The moment I saw him as Wolverine, I knew that my doubts were unfounded, yet again.

I still believe that it is a testament of Hugh Jackman’s skill as an actor hat he was able to make Wolverine a sympathetic character. Wolverine has a lot of anger in him, yet he also has a big heart. When he cares for someone, he is willing to ris his life for her. He can be this moody, brooding jackass concerned only about finding the truth about his existence before the claws, yet he can also be this charming, compassionate guy who would be so great to wake up next to in the morning, in the middle of a rain forest, with or without clo, um, claws. Yes, Wolverine and his claws are just damn sexy. Who can blame Mystique for impersonating Jean Grey just to be able to sleep with the guy?

Usually, when I watch a movie, I complain about the casting. Hollywood has this tendency to choose a name when it comes to casting, which is actually a sound business practice until the viewers actually see the less-that-stellar output. I have no complaints over casting with X-Men, though. What I have seen so far is one of the best assembled cast ever. Ian McKellen in particular is chillingly effective as Magneto. He plays this kind of really, really great bad guy, the kind who makes the viewer understand why he does what he does and, no matter how evil his deed is, you still don’t want to see him get hurt that much. Halle Berry did not really get to do much on the first X-Men movie but her role improved with X2. And of course, there’s Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Famke Janssen as Jean Grey, Anna Paquin as Rogue, Shawn Ashmore as Iceman, Aaron Stanford as Pyro, I will get back to you with the name of the guy who played the Nightwalker and the gorgeous Rebecca Romijn as Mystique. Rebecca Romijn is one of the most gorgeous women ever, even when she has been blued. I still don’t understand how anyone can stand to divorce her.

Every time I think of X-Men, I am reminded of one of entertainment’s finest hours, and I am not referring to the movies alone. The creator of X-Men created this concept, this story, which dares ask hard questions, which presents an alternate reality which addresses our reality, yet which does not lose its entertainment value. I can only imagine how proud Stan Lee is of X-Men. If I could create something this powerful, this courageous, then I would have deemed my life’s work completed.

It is the dream of any artist to create something that will last thru the ages. The neverending conflict X-Men addresses about what we are as human beings ensures that it will be as significant a hundred years from now as it was when it first graced print media thru the comics, as it is now that we are celebrating its transition into film. X-Men is why we read comic books, why we watch animated TV shows, why we watch movies.

I am looking forward to watching the third installment of the X-Men trilogy. I do not know if the change of director will affect the outcome of the movie in a negative way. I hope not. The theatrical thrillers I have seen so far look pretty good, and the writers have come up with yet again another solid storyline. And hey, if the movie offers nothing else (highly doubtful) there is always Hugh Jackman. With him, Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman, Australia should be considered a superpower.

Anyway, I am going back to my movie viewing now, I am watching the first two X-Men movies again over the weekend, then I will watch X3 on Monday. Good enough plan for a blogging deadbeat like myself? I think so. Good night!

FIRST DAUGHTER/ CHASING LIBERTY

2006-05-28T19:06:00.001+08:00

The world has not really been kind to Katie Holmes ever since she started that potential career suicide/ lucrative almost marriage to Tom Cruise. Yet, compared with that European travelogue where Mandy Moore looked more like she was bragging about her stature than frustrated about the life limitations it gave her, Ms Holmes’ version is actually better.

Granted, if I were to cast someone in the role of a thinly-veiled Chelsea Clinton without the intern controversy, Katie Holmes and Mandy Moore would not have made my short list. Children who grew up while watching their parents wheel and deal political currency, have a look neither Ms Holmes nor Ms Moore have. I don’t know how else to put it. Ms Moore is simply too bubbly, Ms Holmes too cute. Yet when these two films were being made Mandy Moore’s singing career was still going strong and she has just had a very successful movie with A Walk to Remember. At the same time Katie Holmes’ has just wrapped up the immensely successful TV series Dawson’s Creek.

Hence the roles went to them. Chasing Liberty, Mandy Moore’s version, had first daughter Anna Foster escaping her parents and her Secret Service bodyguards by getting at the back of a hot guy’s motorbike, not knowing that the hot guy is also a Secret Service agent. Wanting to make his uber bubbly daughter even bubblier, the president of the Free World tasks the hot guy to follow his daughter around while she explores Europe, with the caveat that the daughter must never find out his real identity. Naturally, the hot guy has to make the charade realistic. What do hot guys do with bubbly virgins who want to explore Europe with a complete stranger? Why, they sleep with them, of course.

First Daughter, starring Ms Holmes, takes a slightly different tact. Samantha McKenzie is starting college and with that comes a security-approved roommate, bulletproof windows at her dorm room, and a battalion of Secret Service agents. I have a question about the bulletproof windows. Isn’t that also a security risk, since they are practically announcing to the world where the first daughter sleeps? Anyway, the nice guy who rescues Sam from an awkward situation in class, rescues her again from a barrage of reporters, and kisses her on the hallway without thinking about the other Secret Service agents lurking around, turns out to be (drums roll) also a Secret Service agent. Sam is devastated when she finds out, and so she does what any normal girl with a broken heart does --- gets a lot of condoms, dates losers and dances drunk on top of tables.

Too few people really know what it is like o be the child of the president of the United States. The rest of us mere mortals can only fantasize about having Vera Wang meet us when we are in dire need of a party dress, or have a bodyguard who looks so great in his underwear. And has a cool accent. Why did I not search the Net for hot guy’s name? Maybe I can withdraw my life savings and hire him for one night.

For such a potentially cool concept, Chasing Liberty and First Daughter were both not really able to deliver. I still like watching them, since there are plenty of times when I like not thinking. First Daughter tried to be a good film. Though in totality an entertaining film, it did not quite make it since Katie Holmes was miscast. She did much better than Mandy Moore, but she still was miscast. Also, I did not dig the whole Once upon a time thing. It simply rang false.

Mandy Moore, whom I liked in A Walk to Remember, was not only miscast in Chasing Liberty, I don’t think she understood her role at all. But then, in all fairness, she did not have much to work with. The producers just threw in a popular young star (Ms Moore), a hot guy (the hot guy), a bunch of characters or supposedly comic relief, and a bunch of European cities. The fact of the mater is, viewers deserve more.

Anyway, I am still glad they made those films. They are not bad films (Chasing Liberty is close to the border, though), they are just not that good. (TO BE CONCLUDED)

MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA

2006-05-01T11:09:00.000+08:00

When I first heard that Ziyi Zhang has been cast as Sayuri, I thought she was perfect. She did a great job with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and I thought she had the proper countenance for the role of the celebrated geisha. I know a lot of people, including some friends of mine, who protested about having Chinese actors play beloved Japanese characters on screen. I understand the argument but I thought that, if they can pull off the role, why not give it to them? After all, actors have traditionally crossed national boundaries in playing parts.

That controversy aside, Rob Marshall directed a sweeping tale which pretty much stayed faithful to the beloved best seller. A young girl named Chiyo, born in a poor fishing village, was sold to a geisha house. Never forgetting the kindness of one man when she was little, Chiyo began her transformation into a geisha under the tutelage of the legendary Mameha. Undergoing lessons in singing and dancing, learning how to beguile the most powerful men, auctioning off her virginity to the highest bidder, Chiyo becomes Sayuri, and meets the kind man once more, the man she has loved since she was a little girl, the Chairman.

I was falling in love with Ken Watanabe while watching this film. He radiated this almost regal power in The Last Samurai and played the legendary Ra's Al Ghul in Batman Begins. In Memoirs, he was perfect as the benevolent gentleman any young girl would fall in love with.

As splendid the performances were of Ziyi Zhang and Michelle Yeoh, the one who moved me was Gong Li, who played the devious Hatsumumo. You cannot take your eyes off her when she is on screen. She was simply radiant at every shot. I read somewhere that Ziyi Zhang and Gong Li were rivals in real life, and Ziyi Zhang was actually known as the younger version of Gong Li.

I also have to mention the girl who played the young Chiyo. I was not able to get her name but her performance was noteworthy.

I love how Mr. Marshall ended this film. In the book, Sayuri and the Chairman went to live in the United States, since the Chairman had a family in Japan. Instead of having to explain all that, and the fact that Sayuri could not return to Japan, the film ended with a walk by Sayuri and the Chairman. It was not a fairy-tale ending since Sayuri was not able to marry the man she loved. Instead, she remained a geisha, a half-wife. The way the director and the screenplay writers handled that non-traditional Hollywood ending was perfect.

One of the earliest reviews of the book called Memoirs of a Geisha a Dickensian romance. I cannot think of a more apt description than that. It is always a challenge to transform a beloved novel into film. This time, the film makers delivered.

THIRTEEN DAYS

2006-04-15T18:37:00.000+08:00

I cannot believe I have never even heard of this movie until a couple of days ago.

Released in 2000, Thirteen Days tells the story of the extraordinary days of October 1962 when the United States came dangerously close to a full-scale war with then Soviet Union. It began when US discovered Soviet missiles in Cuba. Under President John F. Kennedy (Bruce Greenwood), the US had to exhaust all possible means to avoid what could escalate into a nuclear showdown. Helping him was his brother Bobby (Steven Culp) and trusted adviser Kenny O'Donnell (Kevin Costner).

One would think that due to the political themse and the fact that the world already knows the outcome of this situation, the film would already be a drag. Not so. The filmmakers delivered gripping narrative and skipped the Camelot legend by showcasing a more real President Kennedy and his White House.

The film was told from the point of view of Kenny O'Donnell. I have not really followed the career of Kevin Costner but he did a good job in this movie. Canadian actor Bruce Greenwood also essayed his role as the celebrated American president with almost intricate skill.

It was Steven Culp's performance, however, which blew me away. Steven Culp is more popularly known in today's lexicon as Bree's husband Rex, thanks to the popularity of TV drama Desperate Housewives. His performance in this movie as Bobby Kennedy was superb. He captured the energy and the intellect of the man who occupies an almost revered spot on American history along with his brother.

Thirteen Days is a gripping account of a trying point in American history. It is a prime example of fact being more interesting than fiction, for the human frailties, the indecision, the doubt --- all this contributed to the movie's credibility.

HACKERS

2006-04-11T13:49:00.000+08:00

I forgot how cool this movie is. When it first came out I was barely twelve years old and too much of a small town girl to fully appreciate it. Eleven years later Hackers remains one of the most exciting cyber space thrillers on the market.

Hackers is the story of 18-year-old Dade (Jonny Lee Miller), who recently moved to New York City with his mother. Unlike any other teenager, Dade is a hacker extraordinnaire who, at age 11, crashed 1507 computers in one day. In his new school he meets others like him, including the already-sensual-at-a-very-young-age Acid Burn (Angelina Jolie). Before long these young hackers collide with crooked programmer The Plague, who frames them for a crime he committed. They have to band with other hackers around the world to clear their names and prevent a sinister virus from creating a real global crash.

Even for a civilian like myself, the movie rocks.

When I saw a copy of this movie at our neighborhood video shop, the first thing I noticed was that it was a new copy. The copyright of the package design, prominently featuring Angelina Jolie, is actually dated 2006. I wonder if the producers decided to re-release this due to the surge of Angelina's popularity after she started dating Brad Pitt.

Whatever their reasons are, I am sure that a lot of people will still be interested in this movie. Since its release technological advances have been mind-boggling (I might post an essay on biometrics at my other blog, Joie's Post http://joiespost.blogspot.com). Still, the entertainment value of Hackers has not diminished. Perhaps one reason for this is the fact that Hackerdom is a very small world, and for people like myself, the novelty of seeing technology in action will never really wear off.

So, I have to log off now, since I still need to finish Jane Eyre. Ciao!

BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN

2006-04-05T10:55:00.000+08:00

I purposely did not read any of the reviews of this movie before I was able to see it. I simply did not want my opinion to be influenced by what others have already written. I was not able to escape the buzz this movie created, however, since I watch TV, probably too much. I know that this was a big Oscar contender, directed by Ang Lee (who also directed my favorite movie of all time, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), has a kissing scene between Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, touted as one of the greatest films of our time, and is one of the biggest upsets in Oscar history, after the Best Picture went to Crash.

Just a few hours before watching the movie, a friend of mine, who has already seen it, told me that I might be surprised with Anne Hathaway.

After all the ink this movie generated, all the publicity, all the controversy, all the air time, all I can do is join in the chorus of praise. Brokeback Mountain is a wonderful, powerfully-moving story of love, probably one of the most poignant illustrations of that particular emotion in movie history. Now I understand why the shirts worn by Ennis and Jack sold on e-bay for $100 000.

Unless you live under a rock, you already know that Brokeback Mountain is the love story between two men (Ennis and Jack, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal) who met as sheep herders in Wyoming. The film traces the evolution of their love for twenty years, engulfing the separate lives they led, the marriages they made, the one place where they could be together for a while.

Heath Ledger was nominated for Oscar Best Actor, yet it was Jake Gyllenhaal who moved me. For a long time I thought of him only as a pretty face with a famous last name. Needless to say, I was wrong. He turned in quite a performance for this movie. He was nominated for Oscar Best Supporting Actor yet the award went to George Clooney. Unfortunately, I cannot comment of this one since I have yet to see Syriana.

Michelle Williams also turned in a moving performance as Heath's wife. All right, so it is not really a stretch since they are husband and wife in real life. Still, you have to feel for her as she struggled with her husband's secret while raising her children.

To those (like myself) who know Anne Hathaway from Princess Diaries and Ella Enchanted, her role here as Jake's wealthy and business-minded wife may come as a surprise. This is one of the instances when Ang Lee's great direction, and Anne's skill as an actress, is evident. I know Anne Hathaway as a face from Disney, a young girl, yet I did not feel the least bit queasy about watching her take on her role. Usually, when actors make a shift in the way Anne did, it takes time to get used to it. With this movie, Anne tackled her role with the confindence which comes in knowing you are being directed by a man who knows how to direct with integrity.

It takes more than consummate skill to complete a film such as this. There are certain similarities between Crouching Tiger and Brokeback Mountain --- the landscape shots, for instance. Yet integrity is the word which kept cropping up in my mind the entire time I was watching the film. It is a rare director who can present the scenes Ang Lee presented, and present them with conviction. It was much like hearing a song you know in your heart to be true, yet you have never known how to express until that time. Ang Lee did that for a lot of people.

The mark of a classic is the fact that you can go on and on about it for years yet never really exhaust the number of ways you can look at it. Brokeback Mountain is a modern classic. I am at loss in thinking of a movie which can be compared with it.

In the end, it does not really matter that Brokeback Mountain did not win the Oscar Best Picture. It will always be remembered by those it has touched as one of the greatest, most courageous films ever made. After all, delving into the mysteries of the human heart, and succeeding in bringing them up the surface, is not a feat a lot of people can accomplish.

CASABLANCA

2006-03-03T11:20:00.000+08:00

I am writing this while drinking beer. If there are times when I will not make sense, do not blame the beer.

I first saw this movie, oddly enough, at some obscure channel on TV. Actually, what I saw were only the last five minutes of the movie, yet it was enough to leave me enthralled. I started hunting for a copy of the movie afterwards, and I found one, and I finally understood why this movie was hailed as one of the greatest movies ever made.

Yes, it is a love story. Is it not strange that some of the most enduring films in history are stories of love? There really must be something about that darn thing.

Casablanca is the story of lovers Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), separated by chance and reunited in a place where dreams begin and end during World War II. Paul Henreid plays Victor Laszlo, Ilsa's husband and famed freedom fighter, who has defied Nazi authorities too many times while continually loving the woman who will never be completely his.

It is fortunate that Ingrid Bergman had a face you cannot hate. For diet-swearing, eyeglass-wearing girls like myself, it is difficult to imagine having two strong, perfect men in love with the same woman. If having to choose between Bogart and Henreid is not a problem to kill for, I do not know what is.

(On a not unrelated note, is it not amazing how truly beautiful the women of that period were? I cannot think of any actress of my generation who can be compared with Ms. Bergman. What about Elizabeth Taylor, breathtaking in Cleopatra? What about Audrey Hepburn, who lit up on film and made smoking cigarettes look so fashionable?)

In Casablanca, the filmmakers brought the perfect story in a perfect period. The duel of songs at the salon drove home the point that this is more than a weepy love triangle; it is a commentary of the time, a shrewd observation of the shrewdness, and passion, needed to survive. Even corrupt Captain Renault became a sympathetic character. Sam, Karl, Sacha --- they were regular people, yet you see them shine in the movie.

Casablanca managed the delicate balance between passionate resistance and humor, tragic love and tenderness. It was not a film meant to drive you to depression. It was made the way, say, Band of Brothers was made --- light, yet powerful.

If you have a film still widely quoted and discussed sixty-odd years after it was first shown, then it is a good bet that what you have is a beautiful film. Casablanca stood the test of time because it featured issues never resolved, showcased passion, real characters amidst very real atrocities. And always, there was the undercurrent of love, driving the story thru, giving everyone it touched, hope.

BEYOND BORDERS

2006-03-02T12:52:00.000+08:00

I should have written about this movie a long time ago. I should have, because in the oft chance that somebody actually reads my blog apart from myself and my few friends, I might have been able to convince him/her to watch this movie.

You don't have to be a member of Camp Jolie to watch this. You don't h ave to like Clive Owen, or know where Ethiopia is. All you have to have is an open mind and a basic understanding of English and I guarantee you, you will finish this movie, and remember it. This is a movie which had to be made. It is courageous, powerful, impossible to forget.

This is the story of Sarah Jordan (Angelina Jolie), a wealthy American living in London who, moved by a passionate appeal by renegade aide worker Dr. Nick Callaghan (Clive Owen) decides to leave her comfortable existence and become a volunteer. Love blooms between the two, surviving in the most difficult places around the world, amidst famine, malaria, war.

And no, this is not a period piece. The events depicted here are actually happening all over the world right now. It is a two-fold story, really, on one end depicting a world of need, and selfless giving, and another end a passionate love story between two people with the world literally between them.

I often wonder about those in power and how they sleep at night, knowing that someone's son paid with his life the excesses they enjoy. Oh, right. They do not really consider people poorer than they are as people.

Beyond Borders is a beautiful love story, not just between Nick and Sarah, but between those little people and their little acts of wondrous kindness which celebrate life. It is a mournful admonition to those who have the power to help yet choose not to. It is in recognition of the sacrifices too many people have made because of a firm belief that there are things in this world worth giving one's life for.

Watch it. You just might find what you have been looking for, at last.

CORPSE BRIDE

2006-03-02T12:38:00.000+08:00

I am in love with Johnny Depp. As I sit here in my car listening to the radio lambasting me with "Fixing a Broken Heart," I wonder at how luck had it that I was not born a French woman, with frightening/reproaching eyes and a rail thin frame, and enough belief in myself to sleep with a guy who slept with Kate Moss.

Would I have watched this movie had it not been for the voice of Johnny Depp? Yes (really) because the concept in itself is enough to make me fork over fifteen pesos for video rental. Corpse Bride is about a would-be groom Viktor (JD) snatched by a frustrated dead bride Emily (Helena Bonham Carter) and taken into the underworld while Viktor's would-be bride Viktoria (Emily Watson) awaits his return. The underworld turns out to be a place of music and color, a place where Viktor finally finds his sure stride.

I have to admit, I was at first having problems with watching the movie, as I found JD's voice a bit distracting. I was having trouble stopping my mind from wandering into the studio where JD recorded Viktor's voice and imagining his goofy, heartbreaking self making faces at the crew. Yet when we got to the piano scene with Viktor and Emily, boy, was I just sucked into their weird love-partnership-contract. That piano conversation was simply amazing. It was a stroke of genius and whoever came up with that idea should open a bottle of Dom Perignon and drink it all himself. It was moving and inspiring at the same time, and I cannot even tell you why.

While watching the movie, you get this sensation that you do not want anyone's heart to get broken, yet you know inevitably someone's will be. In some ways, Viktor and Emily were a great match, notwithstanding the fact that they have the barrier of life and death. They are both passionate on the inside, and they both have this loyalty to a lost cause. Viktoria, on the other hand, is not really the kind of heroine we coffee-loving, beer-drinking movie addicts usually root for. I don't know how Emily Watson di dit, but she was able to make Viktoria a sympathetic character.

And so, with the choice between a dead bride and a live love, what to do? Tim Burton takes us into a heck of a tour, complete with that particularly funny reference to Rhett and Scarlett. Several times during the movie I felt like I was watching Edward Scissorhands all over again. This is classic Tim Burton, complete with a musical score by Danny Elfman.

The movie was an image of perfection as Emily walked bathed in blue near the end. You could hear clearly echoes of the haunting, emotionally hounding power of that certain movie with that certain Edward and that certain scene with snow. Yet somehow, Corpse Bride stands alone too.

They say Tim Burton makes fairy tales for adults. I love this movie. I must have grown up already.

MUNICH

2006-02-20T15:17:00.000+08:00

The nothingness of it all. That basically sums up this brilliant new movie by legendary director Steven Spielberg.

Munich is about a Mossad operative (Eric Bana) tasked on hunting down the people who had a hand on the assasination of eleven Israeli athletes during the 1972 Olympics. Geoffrey Rush plays his handler in a performance as memorable as his Captain Barbossa.

The one thing which struck me as I was watching the film was that a lot of my fellow viewers were old. I saw quite a number of gray hairs, a rarity in movie theaters. Some of the younger ones carried notebooks with them, probably so that they can write their movie reviews later on. The theater was far from filled, and the audience was the quiet, somber, brooding kind.

I will be bold enough to conjecture that Munich will not be a big hit. It is too bad since this is probably one of Mr. Spielberg's finest works. The only scene which unsettled me a little was the intercutting images of Mr. Bana in bed with his wife and the killing of the Israeli athletes. It reminded me a little about that memorable sequence in Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather, where the killing of the five Mafia dons was intercut with images of Michael Corleone at the baptism of his nephew. I understand Mr. Coppola's intent but I am a little confused with Mr. Spielberg's. Was that supposed to showcase life and death? It was cinematic, to be sure, but I don't think it worked that well.

That, however, does not change the fact that Munich is a great achievement in filmmaking. Giulianna Dipandi called it "ultra-serious," and it was. Life and death, and revenge, and nothingness, at times tend to be.

CHICAGO

2006-02-20T15:04:00.000+08:00

I loved this movie from the first time I saw it and I love it still now that it is on DVD. I was feeling a bit restless earlier, fighting another craving for halohalo, and so I decided to exercise. I did a few stretches first, then put on my rubber shoes. I loaded up the DVD player with Chicago to help keep my energy up.

Chicago is the story of murder and entertainment in 1930s, well, Chicago. There was Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones), who ruled the entertainment circuit until she was charged with the murder of her husband and sister. There was Roxie Hart (Renee Zellwegger), a plain housewife dreaming of becoming the next Velma, charged with murdering her married lover. And there was Billy Flynn (Richard Gere), attorney to both ladies, puppet master of the scene.

Rob Marshall directed this smashing return to old Hollywood musical with a lot of verve. I would venture to say that the success of the Nicole Kidman/Ewan McGregor vehicle Moulin Rouge paved the way for this movie (in the same way that the success of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon moved Chinese movies into mainstream Hollywood). Evita came much earlier but truthfully, I was much too young when it came out to even form a plausible opinion on its impact on Hollywood.

Though Catherine Zeta-Jones was billed as a supporting actress, she was the one who carried this movie thru. I love Renee and I think she is one of the most charming Hollywood A-listers but her screen presence is simply not the same as that of Mrs. Michael Douglas. Catherine Zeta-Jones gave a powerful performance throughout the movie, rightfully earning her the Oscar Best Supporting Actress trophy.

***

It is on times like this when I am beset with doubt that I am grateful for the forethought of whoever invented film. In the olden days the wise defined good days with food and music and conversation. In an age of acquisition and heartbreaking materialism, what is there left for those of us who want to live?

Practicality dictates getting a job, any job, and making as much money as possible. Yet passion for a different kind of work is equally strong. Unfortunately, both are fraught with disappointments and losses.

A little entertainment there, a little reality here. And somehow, the world goes on.

BATMAN BEGINS

2006-02-01T16:52:00.001+08:00

I have been wanting to write a piece about this movie for some time now but somehow, I keep getting waylaid. Such is the curse of the writer who would rather not feel and could therefore not see.

Anyway, it really is a terribly pity that TomKat's red carpet antics overshadowed this movie and prevented it from getting the publicity it deserved. With all due respect to the makers of the other Batman movies, Batman Begins is the only one so far which deserves to be compared with the Tim Burton original. It us an epic in every sense of the word, not a mere caricature of a legendary superhero.

It was a good tactic of the moviemakers to surround relatively unknown Christian Bale with veterans Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman and Michael Caine. Mr. Bale essaying the role of Bruce Wayne was not brilliant, yet he defined Batman on his own, made the character with many faces seem to begin and end with him. As much as I like George Clooney (though not as Batman), it is difficult to remember him while watching this movie. Mr. Bale is quiet, brooding, and one more Batman movie to his credit and he will erase competition as though they never existed.

Liam Neeson is the brilliant actor, the perfect nemesis with a cause. You cannot take your eyes off this man every time he is on screen. (TO BE COMPLETED)

MR. AND MRS. SMITH (2005)

2005-11-27T11:20:00.000+08:00

Actors: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie

Screenplay Writer: Simon Kinberg

Director: Doug Liman

While watching this movie for the first time all I could think of was, My God, Angelina’s gorgeous!

All right, let me explain that. For years people are always saying that Angelina Jolie is one of the most gorgeous women in Hollywood. Though I admire her work, particularly in Girl, Interrupted and with the UN, every time I see her on screen, I get distracted by her lips. Sorry, I know a lot of people think they are perfect but with all due respect I think they can be a little bit too much sometimes. So, while other people keep going on and on about her beauty, I keep thinking, Yeah, okay, I can see that she is smart and strong and independent.

Then came Mr. and Mrs. Smith. I have to say, from the moment Ms. Jolie came on screen, I have never seen her that beautiful. The same goes with Brad Pitt, in fact.

Let’s go to the story first. If you have seen the movie trailers on TV, then you have the entire story. Two highly-paid assassins from rival organizations ended up marrying each other without knowledge of each other’s real occupations. Then came the order one day to kill each other. What to do?

Yup, that’s the whole story.

The movie had a lot of action scenes and a lot of subtle comedy. For non-native English speakers, following the dialogue can be a problem, especially if they don’t have DVD (which comes with subtitles). That’s too bad since what is good about the movie, after the casting perfection that is Mr. Pitt and Ms. Jolie, is the dialogue. I read from somewhere that the script underwent fifty revisions. It was worth it, really, since the script ended up crisp and fun.

Mr. Pitt and Ms. Jolie are mostly underrated actors since, most of the time, people can’t get past their good looks. I know I sometimes have that problem. They are perfect, though, in this movie, with not a single awkward scene. There was this one scene in particular (after shooting at and beating each other in their suburban house) when the two of them ended up pointing a gun at each other. Brad Pitt was the first one to lower his. Angelina yelled, “Don’t. Come on!” With that single shot Ms. Jolie was able to transform this action/comedy into drama for a few precious seconds. It was perfect without breaking the momentum of the film.

We have to give snaps for Mr. Liman who single-handedly managed to transform the not-so-flattering image of action films with The Bourne Identity. Though he did not bring a Jason Bourne-like brooding presence in this film, he was able to make a film that was cut above the rest on its genre, with the carefully-choreographed action scenes and the snappy humor. I don’t know who was in charge with the music but that was pretty cool too.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith may not be destined to be a classic but it definitely is one of the most enjoyable films of the year. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie might not work together in a movie again so this is one film to which fans can go back. It is by no means as seamless as Mr. Liman’s other works but it did live up to the hype.

And, oh, what about the much-talked-about chemistry? Ah, well, it won’t take you two seconds into the film to see it.25.11.2005.14.34

EPISODE THREE: REVENGE OF THE SITH (2005)

2005-11-27T11:14:00.000+08:00

Actors: Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Samuel L. Jackson
Written and Directed by George Lucas

Finally, the saga is complete. For some reason, it left me wanting.

Episode Three follows the further descent into the dark side by Anakin Skywalker (played by Hayden Christensen) until he ultimately becomes the sinister Darth Vader. Though from the beginning everyone who knows the word “movie” in any language knows what will happen to Anakin, and the next generation of Skywalkers, it did not lessen the anticipation as to exactly how Obi-Wan Kenobi’s protégé will transform into his murderer.

The movie delivered what is expected of any Star Wars movie: astonishing special effects, carefully choreographed lightsaber duels, a love story which has to fight for centerstage on the film with the intra-galactic battle. However, for this movie, I think Mr. George Lucas focused more on trying to get his political message across than creating a mass entertaining spectacle of a movie.

The balance between politics and entertainment, social conscience and escapism, was not really achieved to a satisfying degree in this movie. The presence of beloved characters, though, saved it, particularly the repeat of Master Yoda’s display of lightsaber skill which wowed fans in Episode Two.

I have to say, Hayden Christensen did his best to portray the complex character that is Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader. At times his performance borders on brilliance; at other times, though, he seems to hesitate. It really would have helped if his descent to the dark side was written with more fluidity. His pledge of allegiance to the sith lord in this movie seemed abrupt, the reason thin. The confliction which should have been tearing him up inside was not presented that well.

Ewan McGregor, as much as I love him in his other films (notably Moulin Rouge and Down With Love), did not have the sheer brilliance of Sir Alec Guinness. One can argue quite rightly that heck, those are huge shoes to fill. Throughout the film, though (and even back on Episode Two), I kept getting the impression that Obi-Wan and Anakin did not have a master-student relationship, that both are actually learning at the same time, and that Obi-Wan was not confident a teacher. When Alec Guinness is on screen you can’t take your eyes off him. It might be unfair to compare the two actors, though, as they played different periods in a warrior’s life.

Episode Three is a fan movie, made for people like me who has the complete VCD set and is contemplating on getting the DVD version. It did not disappoint but it did not really add that much to the saga. Now, who’s betting that there will be a prequel of the prequel?25.11.2005 .13.50

Colditz (2005)

2005-10-30T17:12:00.000+08:00

Actors: Damian Lewis, Sophia Myles, Tom Hardy, Laurence Fox
Screenplay Writers: Richard Cottan and Peter Morgan
Based on the book by Henry Chancellor
Director: Stuart Orme

I have to admit, I only watched this miniseries because of Damian Lewis. I saw it on Hallmark Channel a couple of months ago. This morning, while I was channel surfing with my breakfast, I saw it again, though I only watched it alternately with Coming to America and CNN.

Colditz is an escape story, a tale of POWs during World War II who have all tried to escape from German-run prisons and were put together in the Colditz Castle. Damian plays a British soldier who manages to escape and steals the girl (Sophia Myles) of a former co-escapee (Laurence Fox) trapped in Colditz.

Colditz is actually well-made, nowhere near as breathtaking as Band of Brothers, but an engaging tale nonetheless. It is different from other war films in the sense that it focused on the means soldiers used to try to escape, instead of showcasing one battle scene after another. It is in this film that I first saw how armies tried to help their jailed compatriots by sending compasses hidden in walnuts, maps in regular linen and other aides to escape. Though there are times when the film seems to drag it immediately picks itself up.

Easily the most moving performance was that of Lawrence Fox, the soldier most determined to escape, the one who would stop at nothing just to break thru the walls of the tightly-guarded castle. He stole the scene whenever he was on-screen. There was such dignity in his performance worthy of the character he was playing.

Jason Priestley, I did not recognize, as my memory of him is still that of his Beverly Hills 90210 days. If I had not seen his name on the credits, I never would have realized that he was part of this film.

I am not sure why Damian Lewis accepted this part as Cpl/Lt. Nicholas McGrade. I read somewhere in the vast Internet world that he chose not to accept a part in the blockbuster hit Black Hawk Down because he did not want to be typecast as a soldier. He did a good job, he maintained his accent and he was pretty believable as the devious guy who stole another guy’s girl, but I don’t think this is a film which would make other people remember him by (unlike his universally-acclaimed performance as Major Dick Winters in Band of Brothers).

Colditz is not a film I would have watched had not one of my favorite actors been part of the cast ensemble. Still, it was an enjoyable few hours. It took me back to a time of quiet films and good music and emotions palpable thru the slightest facial movement. Ah, well, maybe that’s why Damian took this film.

ELEKTRA (2005)

2005-10-30T15:30:00.000+08:00

Actor: Jennifer Garner
Screenplay Writer: Mark Steven Johnson
Director: Rob Bowman

I don’t know why Jennifer Garner felt compelled to accept this film. She was doing fairly well with Alias. She was the only good thing in Daredevil. Why, then, did she consent to acting in a film which is mediocre at best?

Elektra follows, well, Elektra, the billionaire’s daughter who became an assassin after her father was killed. Whatever happened to all her billions that this movie made her off as though she was working for money? I have no idea. Anyway, Elektra was tasked on killing this father and daughter tag team and ends up defending them instead.

Jennifer Garner did her best with the Elektra character and let’s admit it, kicking butt is what she does best. However, her presence was not enough to save this film. There was something creepy about the Abby Miller character, especially during those times when she would go on that action star pose. The subplots were all thrown out, even the backstory, to make a film which would make you feel as though you have been forced to watch something with a gun on your head.

Elektra was not able to take advantage of Jennifer Garner’s obvious star power. One can only hope that her future projects will be better than this one.

HOUSE OF WAX (2005)

2005-10-30T04:10:00.000+08:00

Actors: Elisha Cuthbert, Chad Michael Murray, Paris Hilton, Brian Van Holt
Screenplay Writer: Chad Hayes
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

Let’s admit it; Paris Hilton was the main draw of this movie. This movie came out at the cusp of the success of her TV series Simple Life and of course, that video which made the rounds on personal computers all over the world. Never mind that Elisha Cuthbert did a very, very good job on Season 1 24 (and even on Season 2; it’s not her fault that the storyline given to her was a little annoying). People came to watch House of Wax to watch Ms Hilton. The reason for that is the same as why Simple Life became a hit or why photographers follow her every move due to the sheer demand of it: At the littlest corner of the hearts of a lot of girls, they do want to live the life of Ms Hilton. They do want to be born on wealth and privilege, they do want the option not to work, they do want to party every night and hang out with the coolest crowd there is; they do want the fabulous clothes and exorbitant champagne and billionaire beaus, they might even want the pups. The fascination for a life a lot of us can never have is age-old. Paris Hilton merely made it paparazzi-flavored.

Back to the movie. I had some trepidation as I asked the ticket seller for two tickets to this movie. I am not a big fan of horror films. In fact, the only times that I watch horror films are when I am with friends. I have to admit, I was curious about Paris’ acting ability but I wondered if sating my curiosity was worth forking over the exorbitant movie theater fees. At the end my curiosity (and that of my friend’s) won over and we settled on the darkened theater with our popcorn and drinks.

House of Wax follows four friends as they get waylaid during a road trip and end up in an eerie little town. It was too late for them when they realized that most of the town’s inhabitants have been turned to wax.

This is a remake but I am guessing that the videocam was not part of the original movie. Another ode to Ms Hilton, perhaps?

Surprisingly enough, Paris was not really that bad. I can still remember this very good-looking Filipino-American who fancied himself an actor just because he shows up on screen and delivers his lines in a monotone. I thought Ms Hilton’s acting would be something like that. When I saw the movie, though, I thought that she pretty much did everything that was required of her, including the dancing (?). If I were in an acting committee I am not about to hand her any award but I won’t vilify her either.

The other cast members fared pretty well, too. Elisha Cuthbert and Chad Michael Murray did not let the fact that in terms of public attention they were overshadowed with a considerable degree by their heiress co-star. I am guessing that, given the right publicity, Elisha will one day become one of Hollywood’s premier female stars. Chad Michael Murray also did a good job in this movie, so good, in fact, that when I chanced upon an episode of his TV drama One Tree Hill, I was terribly disappointed. Sorry, but I really find it hard to swallow the idea of a high school basketball-obsessed town with a wealthy entrepreneur still obsessed over his high school basketball-playing days and enjoys being terribly mean to a son he did not want even as he had another son shortly after the first one was born. The only things I can enjoy from that series is the music and Sophia Bush (whom Chad married, then divorced).

What I really liked about House of Wax, though, were the special effects. The shot with that house melting was really cool. The cinematography was pretty good, too.

I don’t think I can ever fully enjoy horror films, as it is a genre I choose to avoid most of the time. To be fair, though, the makers of House of Wax did a good job. It is a good launching film for Paris Hilton, whom I am betting we will see around for a very, very long time.

And, oh, Ms Hilton’s draw for guys? I will leave that for greater minds than my own to explain.

50 FIRST DATES (2004)

2005-10-29T21:40:00.000+08:00

Actors: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore
Screenplay Writer: George Wing
Director: Peter Segal

I don’t understand why this movie did not become a huge blockbuster hit. This really is one of the sweetest, most touching, funniest romantic comedies to come in many years.

And I am writing as a non-Adam Sandler/Drew Barrymore fan.

50 First Dates follows the travails of Henry Roth, just another guy enjoying his swinging single life, never getting involved with anyone other than tourists in the picturesque Hawaiian island for fear that the relationship would turn serious. Then he meets the beautiful Lucy and starts to want what he has been avoiding all these years. The problem is, Lucy turns out to have short-term memory loss, which means that she forgets about Henry every day. Henry would then have to device a scheme to make Lucy fall in love with him every day.

And no, you don’t know what will happen next. Lose your preconceptions before seeing this movie because you will most likely be surprised.

I know I enjoyed the Adam Sandler/Drew Barrymore team-up in The Wedding Singer but I really think this one is even better. The film has this freshness rarely seen in movies, particularly in romantic comedies with overdone, overused plots. Those two pals are perfect for this movie.

I don’t particularly go out of my way to watch Rob Schneider movies and I almost did not recognize him in this one with the fake eye. What he did for this movie was good for laughs, though. Sean Astin (of Lord of the Rings fame) and Blake Clark provided touching performances as the brother and father of Lucy.

50 First Dates is one of those movies which will make you smile no matter how foul your mood is, no matter how many busted relationships you have had which left you a terrible cynic. It will leave you feeling good and hey, we could all use that once in a while.

THE STEPFORD WIVES (2004)

2005-10-29T17:50:00.000+08:00

Actors: Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, Bette Midler, Glenn Close
Screenplay Writer: Paul Rudnick
Based upon the book by Ira Levin
Director: Frank Oz

With all due respect to Ms Kidman’s talent which I greatly admire, I don’t know how to classify this movie. It’s… weird.

It is supposed to be weird, I know. It is supposed to be funny too. But in the end, the whole thing simply seemed forced.

The movie follows the travails of television executive Joanna Eberhart (Nicole Kidman) who, after a particularly disastrous outcome of a show under her watch, was fired. Hoping to help her recover from her nervous breakdown her husband (Matthew Broderick) decides to move the family to the rural town of Stepford.

From hereon begins the weird part. In the town of Stepford, the husbands simply seem too happy and the wives too perfect. It does not take long, of course, for the secret to be revealed and really, it did not make that much impact at all.

I am not sure if this movie is trying to make a commentary on a society which demands too much from women, or is simply trying to poke fun on a 1950s ideal housewife. I love the setting, I love the gorgeous houses, I love Ms Kidman at the beginning of the movie…That’s about it.

FINDING NEVERLAND (2004)

2005-10-29T16:25:00.000+08:00

Actors: Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet
Screenplay Writer: David Magee
Based on the play by Allan Knee
Director: Marc Forster

Ah, Johnny Depp! Are you ever so perfect!

Uhm, excuse me. I just had to get that out.

You might as well know, I was not one of those kids who grew up listening to tales of Peter Pan. I have seen cartoon versions when I was a kid but the stories read to me were that of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, not that guy who can fly. So, when I saw an advertisement at the mall about this movie by Johnny Depp, I was not really overly excited. I love Johnny Depp but I really did not care that much about JM Barrie.

See the bad choices that we make? I waited until Finding Neverland was on video before watching it and really, it was just one of the most amazing movie experiences I have ever had.

For those who don’t already know, Finding Neverland tells the tale of the conception and eventual completion of Peter Pan by its maker, JM Barrie. Coming off from a flop, Mr. Barrie spent his days sitting on the park, writing, until one day he met the Davies children and their recently widowed mother. A relationship between the Davies family and Mr. Barrie eventually blossoms, inspiring the writer to create one of the most enduring children’s stories of all time.

Johnny Depp perfectly underplayed his character as JM Barrie, and got that Scottish accent down sooo well. This is quite a change from his flamboyant Captain Jack Sparrow character in the huge hit Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. I really wish people who saw Pirates would watch this movie too. Then they will see the sheer talent of Mr. Depp.

I have seen Kate Winslet in Titanic and Iris but I have never fully appreciated the way she handles her roles as in this movie. She perfectly complements Johnny Depp’s performance in this movie with her own brand of touching underplaying. She was very physical with the kids so that her portrayal as their mother was really quite believable. I saw Johnny and Kate guest in Oprah and I loved it. Kate Winslet is a very good actress and a sensible human being and I for one cannot wait for her future projects.

Though I loved all the kids in the movie, I have to say that Freddie Highmore’s performance was most heartbreaking. I started crying while watching him watch Peter Pan for the first time alone in the theater. That kid is going places. And during that final scene between him and Johnny, well, that was just one of the most heartwarming and heartbreaking scenes I have ever seen in my entire movie-watching life.

Of course, not to be left out is the wonderful directing of Marc Forster, who also directed Monster’s Ball. He handled this material beautifully. You are taken from the world of reality to the world of fantasy and back again with such fluidity that it was simply, subtly moving. You have to watch the movie to see what I mean.

Finding Neverland is one of those rare jewels in filmmaking which will stay with the viewer long after the credits have stopped rolling. I know it did, with me.

TROY (2004)

2005-10-29T08:28:00.000+08:00

Actors: Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, Eric Bana, Peter O’Toole
Screenplay Writer: David Benioff
Director: Wolfgang Peterson

In my book, any movie with Brad Pitt on it is worth seeing. Add on Orlando Bloom and Eric Bana and it’s Christmas in my world.:-)

Seriously, when I first saw this movie, I did not like it that much. I thought that the flow of the movie could have been more continuous, more fluid. Also, Diane Kruger, as beautiful as her eyes were, was not really how I pictured the face that launched a thousand ships to be.

Anyway, I still kept watching this movie over and over again, if only to stare at my favorite guys. All the cast members gave credible performances, and the visuals were pretty good, especially during the battle scenes, so we have got ourselves a grandiose movie which in effect resurrected Mr. Pitt’s at that time fledging career.

Troy, for the one or two people who don’t already know, is a retelling of the classic Greek tale, Homer’s The Iliad. It is here that we see characters whom we have heard about all our lives, like Helen and Paris, Prince Hector, and of course, the warrior Archilles (Archilles’ heel, hello!).

By far, the best performance in this movie for me came from Eric Bana, whom I have liked from the first time I saw him at Black Hawk Down. In both movies Mr. Bana was able to showcase the depth of his character. Mr. Bana’s Prince Hector is an honorable man, a dutiful son, a loving husband, father and brother, a skilled warrior, and Mr. Bana was able to pull all this off to get across a highly-affecting character. You cannot take your eyes off this guy, even during his scenes with the more famous Mr. Pitt. He seemed to have been born to play the role of Prince Hector, and did so which much credibility. I know I was holding tears at bay as he addressed his men when the beach of Troy first came under attack. The strength, the complexity of emotions from his character was just there.

Brad Pitt had to play Archilles, of course. His fame all over the world practically rivals that of the legendary Greek warrior. There were a couple of scenes where Mr. Pitt looked a bit awkward but in totality, he pulled off the Achilles character in a way no other actor can. I am glad the movie people cast him, since I heard rumors prior to the shooting of this film that they were hesitant on signing up Mr. Pitt.

I also have to admire Australian actress Rose Byrne, who played the role of Briseis, cousin of Princes Paris and Hector and love of Archilles’ life. Ms Byrne’s spunk carried her thru the movie. There are not a lot of relatively unknown girls who can hold up their own against the screen presence of Mr. Pitt and Ms Byrne is one of them. You just have to admire the way she carried herself throughout the movie. Kudos also to the girl who played Prince Hector’s wife. Her name escapes me at the moment, but she gave a pretty good performance too.

Peter O’Toole also showed why he is a legend in his own right in the movieworld. The lead of the famed Lawrence of Arabia gave a touching performance as King Priam. His scene with Brad Pitt at the Greek camp was probably the most affecting scene in the movie.

Oh, and Orlando Bloom simply looks so good with that bow and arrow. His experience shooting the Lord of the Rings trilogy paid off.

Troy may not be a perfect movie but I think it was able to do the legend justice. The battle scenes are perfectly-choreographed and the play of human emotions is there. People who want to immerse themselves in a grandiose movie experience will not be disappointed.

BRIDGET JONES: THE EDGE OF REASON (2004)

2005-10-29T07:44:00.000+08:00

Actors: Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant. Colin Firth
Screenplay Writer: Andrew Davies
Based on the book by Helen Fielding
Director: Beeban Kidron

I don’t know what happened with this movie because I really liked the first one. This movie, instead of being charming, was mostly annoying.

The film follows on Bridget Jones as she faces the even tougher challenge of keeping the man she loves, top notch human rights lawyer Mark Darcy. Of course, in Bridget Jones’s world, nothing happens quite as one may hope it to be without immensely embarrassing circumstances happening first, which, in this film, included getting jailed in Thailand.

I read the book before watching this movie and the jail thing was really there. I liked the book but for some reason, this movie just came out all wrong. Even Renee Zellweger, whom one can always count to for being charming, was just a little off in this movie. I loved her interpretation of Bridget Jones on the first one but this second one came off a little bit too much.

One can always count of Daniel Cleaver and Mark Darcy (all right, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth) to save the day, and they did in this movie. Both of this men’s performance was as charming as ever, and they prevented this movie from being a total bore. That fight scene between the two of them was straight out of the first movie but it was still quite funny.

The Edge of Reason underlined the fact that some sequels simply do not work, and taking one good idea too far might just ruin it. But hey, Colin and Hugh are here, so there is still reason to watch it.

SECRET WINDOW (2004)

2005-10-29T06:34:00.000+08:00

Actor: Johnny Depp
Screenplay Writer: David Koepp
Based on the Book by Stephen King
Director: David Koepp

As I watched this movie for the first time in the privacy of my bedroom, I realized that this was the second time an actor I admired a lot did an adaptation of a Stephen King novel. Damian Lewis, whom I first saw in Band of Brothers and later gawked at at Colditz, played Jonesy in Dreamcatcher. And Now, Johnny Depp has the title role in Secret Window.

The story is about writer Mort Rainey, who, while undergoing divorce proceedings with his soon-to-be-ex-wife Amy, is confronted by a man named John Shooter, who claimed Mort plagiarized his work. What began as a struggle for rightful recognition soon became a murder mystery.

Though Johnny Depp dominated this film, it was not really Johnny Depp, famous for his movie star good looks and acting ability, whom we see on screen. Once more, Mr. Depp exhibited his ability to be different people on different times, giving the character a life of its own, successfully avoiding typecasting which has plagued actors of his caliber for so long. As I watched him on screen I kept thinking that a lesser-known actor could have played Mort’s part (not necessarily as well, of course). Understand that this film was released shortly after the critically-acclaimed and box office smash hit Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. I thought that perhaps the reason Mr. Depp accepted this movie was the ending (can’t tell you what it was, it will ruin the surprise).

Some have opined that this kind of psychological thriller has been seen before, over and over. I don’t really know because I rarely watch movies like this. If it had not been for the Johnny Depp billing, I never would have picked this out of the video shop. Writing entirely as a first time viewer, I must say that the twist on this movie was handled quite tastefully, even gracefully, by the director. One has to have tried writing with a huge mental and emotional block to fully understand where Mort’s character was coming from. I actually found this film quite disturbing that I ate a huge crab on my own for dinner (stress makes me hungry). I chased it down with milk instead of wine since I feel that I have been drinking too much lately (Mort flashback, here we go).

Anyway, John Turturro was really creepy in this movie as John Shooter. If my memory serves me right, Mr. Turturro played the Headless Hunter in Sleepy Hollow (to Mr. Depp’s Ichabod Crane) and Leo di Caprio’s father in Catch Me If You Can. I totally felt my skin crawl as I watched him in this movie. Whoever cast him with that creepy hat was a genius.

The movie also got great support from the other cast members who did not have that much screen time. It was actually part of what made this movie work; everyone did a commendable job.

If you are into psychological thrillers, then Secret Window is a good bet. If you are into Johnny Depp, well you wouldn’t be reading thru this commentary; you’d be halfway down the video shop by now. Be forewarned: If you are looking for a heartthrob, be sure to look closely thru the ripped robe. Watch the movie and you’ll know what I mean.

THE LAST SAMURAI (2003)

2005-10-28T17:53:00.000+08:00

Actors: Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe
Screenplay Writers: John Logan, Marshall Herskovitz, Edward Zwick
Director: Edward Zwick

I am not a Tom Cruise fan, really, but this movie is just awesome.

Set in Japan during the 1870s, Mr. Cruise plays the part of Captain Nathan Algren, an American military officer hired by Japan to train its army in the art of modern warfare. The government of Japan wishes to start the use of modern weapons and intends on wiping out the ancient Samurai warrior class. Captain Algren’s chance encounter with the leader of the Samurai warriors (Ken Watanabe) opens his eyes to their ancient customs and places him in the middle of a great battle between two eras.

I think Tom Cruise’s celebrity has overshadowed his talent as an actor. Rare will one hear accolades about Mr. Cruise’s talent; more often than not, what is in the news is the new love of his life or some gossip regarding him. This movie proves what a wonderful actor he is, with an amazing screen presence and an ability to be his character instead of merely playing it.

An equal match to Mr. Cruise is Ken Watanabe. There is an air of nobility in this guy that it is not hard to imagine him being the “lord” of an ancient warrior class. You can really feel his presence in every scene, even if he barely utters a few words.

I did not get the names of most of the cast who acted as members of the samurai class in this movie but I have to give my praise for all of them. That was simply an outstanding performance they all gave, even the children. I would love to see more of them in the upcoming films as the fusion of eastern and western filmmaking continues.

The Last Samurai is a grandiose film, more than living up to the hype which surrounded it for having Tom Cruise carry its banner. It is a wonderful look at another culture and one man’s tortured soul as he finally found peace in a land unlike his own.

LOVE, ACTUALLY (2003)

2005-10-28T15:07:00.000+08:00

Actors: Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson
Screenplay Writer: Richard Curtis
Director: Richard Curtis

All right, I’m a sap. I love Hugh Grant. And Colin Firth. And this film.

But really, what’s not to love?

Love Actually is a film about certain interconnected people and the loves in their lives. There. That is it. The premise around which the movie revolves is right there in the title. The movie contends against universal cynicism and asserts that, in spite of all that stuff in the daily news, love actually is all around.

And no, it is not a naïve film at all.

The point which the film tries to make is an important one, especially in these times when people seem to take a look at the world around them and see only darkness. Who can blame them? The negativity is all around. Then here comes this film which decides to take a look at things in a different way and it works, it really works. I mean, any film with Hugh Grant as the prime minister has got to be interesting.

Love, Actually is a funny, touching film which is exactly what we need in times of dire cynicism. Watch it. Watch it again. We all could use a break like this.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO (2003)

2005-10-28T14:07:00.000+08:00

Actors: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Johnny Depp
Screenplay Writer: Robert Rodriguez
Director: Robert Rodriguez

Once more, El Mariachi is back in the final chapter of this pulp Western trilogy. This time, he gets entangled with a rogue CIA agent and a Mexican drug lord. Add in a lot of firepower, the gorgeous Salma Hayek, and some snappy dialogue, most of them coming from Johnny Depp, and you have got yourself a complete picture of the movie.

This movie was meant to focus on Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek but Johnny Depp walked in in those shorts of his and that cool unrivaled by anyone on screen and the famous Jack Sparrow just walked away with this movie. When Johnny Depp is on screen you are going to look at him, even when Antonio Banderas is nearby. That guy is simply the best, most charming movie pirate ever; he keeps stealing scenes from his co-stars, even without meaning to do so.

Salma Hayek is gorgeous, just gorgeous. I saw an article about her on Vanity Fare a couple years back and I was impressed. She is one of those rare women who simply get better with age. I kept replaying the all-too-few scenes she was in on this movie just to look at her and marvel. I think she reached her full potential as an actress in Frida but her performance, nay, her presence here is something. She is simply a joy to watch on screen, exuding this sexiness and strength which are the landmarks of her character.

Antonio Banderas, well, what can I say? The guy’s the Mariachi. He was meant to play this part and he did so with much style. I first saw Mr. Banderas in The Mask of Zorro, a movie I thoroughly enjoyed, and since then he has been pretty much consistent with his acting.

Many thanks to Robert Rodriguez for providing us with a trilogy of thoroughly enjoyable films. I read somewhere that this guy makes his movies quickly. Well, he may have but the result is an highly-entertaining film (rather, trilogy of films) which spawned a cast of admirers for the famed director.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL (2003)

2005-10-28T13:55:00.000+08:00

Actors: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush
Screenplay Writers: Ted Elliot, Terry Rossio
Directore: Gore Verbinski

Yes, Jerry Bruckheimer was the guy who made us sit thru Pearl Harbor but he is also the guy behind this movie so he can’t be that bad, right?

Pirates is the movie where Johnny Depp’s appeal finally reached mass audience. Johnny Depp perfectly, charmingly played the role of Captain Jack Sparrow, the betrayed former captain of the pirate ship Black Pearl. No one could have played this part better, or with more aplomb than Mr. Depp. It simply seemed as though, after playing good roles without being universally recognized for so long, Mr. Depp finally picked a part which the box office would bow down to.

When the governor’s daughter Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) was kidnapped by pirates headed by Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), Elizabeth’s childhood friend Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) enlists the help of the jailed Captain Sparrow to rescue her. Seeing an opportunity to regain his ship, Captain Sparrow agrees.

I don’t think I have ever seen Orlando Bloom play a part in a “modern” movie. Not that I’m complaining. The guy is very cute and he chooses his parts well.

As for Keira Knightley, well, I first saw her in Princess of Thieves and I had no idea how young she is. Imagine to have done so much at such a young age! Her confidence carried her even during her scenes with Johnny Depp. Her spunk more than matched his, which is very very good for the movie.

Geoffrey Rush we are all familiar with from Shakespeare in Love. He, too, delivers a superb performance. Well, all right, they all did in this movie.

Pirates is an outstanding film from every aspect. I for one cannot wait for Pirates parts 2 and 3, which they seem to be shooting at the same time, I suppose to save on production costs. Clever, clever Jerry.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (2002)

2005-09-30T13:54:00.000+08:00

Actors: Leonardo di Caprio, Tom Hanks
Screenplay Writer: Jeff Nathanson
Director: Steven Spielberg

This movie is inspired by the true story of a brilliant con artist and the FBI agent who finally caught him.

Just how brilliant? Well, he was able to pass himself off as a pilot, a lawyer and a doctor --- all before his 21st birthday.

Yes, such a person actually exists.

You know, if you have Leonardo di Caprio, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg all in one film, I really don’t think there is any need to say that the movie is good. These three people have given Hollywood some of the best films in its famed stable and they don’t look like they are going to slow down any time soon.

A little note, though. Jennifer Garner has a small role here as a model/prostitute. Can I just say that the role did not really fit Ms Garner? I love Jennifer on Seasons 1 and 2 of Alias but her role here is just, well, not right for her. There was a certain awkwardness in the way she moved. Or perhaps I have simply gotten used to seeing her kick butt that accepting a thousand dollars from Leo di Caprio looked weird for me.

This is a fun, informative film, the kind that is perfect when you just want to sit back and relax after a long day at work. It has Leo, Tom and Steven, what more can I say?

BRIDGET JONES’S DIARY (2001)

2005-09-29T13:52:00.000+08:00

Actors: Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth
Screenplay Writers: Helen Fielding, Andrew Davies, Richard Curtis
Based on the novel by Helen Fielding
Director: Sharon Maguire

Did you hear the news? Renee and her husband are filing for annulment after only four months of marriage? Gosh, I suppose financial super-stability can lead some people to make rash decisions.

Yes, I know. That has nothing to do with this movie.

Still, I love Renee. Shame she has to put herself thru all that separation crap.

Back to the movie. This is the one where Renee really received attention, though she has been in the business for quite some time. After this movie, her star just started shining so brightly that she got herself a star of her own at the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Bridget Jones’s Diary, to the one or two people who don’t already know, is about the thirtysomething Bridget Jones who decides to chronicle her single life, makes some changes, and ends up with charmingly disastrous incidences. That’s it. That’s the plot. But put in Renee, Hugh and Colin together and you get a heck of a movie.

Yes, this one is hilarious. Renee really showed up those people who were skeptical if she could perform the role of this everyday British woman. Hugh is Hugh, Colin is Colin, what more can I say? If these two guys are fighting over me, I’d lose weight in a hurry.:)

Briget Jones’s Diary became a worldwide hit because a lot of women were able to identify with her travails. And the filmmakers more than did justice to the universally-loved novel which is, by the way, based on the 1813 novel by Jane Austen (yes, Pride and Prejudice).

If you have not seen this movie, well what are you still doing in front of your computer? Go down the nearest video shop and rent it!

BAND OF BROTHERS (2001)

2005-09-29T10:06:00.000+08:00

I don’t know any movie buff who has not seen or at the very least heard of this miniseries. This Tom Hanks/Steven Spielberg/HBO production is one of the most grandiose moments in television history, and is now preserved in DVDs for posterity.

My sister was the one who actually brought home the DVDs and for more than a year they sat untouched with the rest of our collection. My sister kept telling me to watch it, assuring me that she had seen it and was impressed by the whole thing, but I told her that I did not want to watch something as depressing as a war movie. Despite her repeated assurances that it was not depressing at all, I stayed firm in my ignorance.

I am not sure what actually prompted me to break open the first disc. All I can remember was that I was all dressed up and ready to go someplace importance when I suddenly found myself engrossed with the whole Band of Brothers experience. I ended up missing my appointment as I fed the DVD player one disc after another. Once I started, I simply could not stop.

Band of Brothers follows the trail of the Easy Company, an elite group of paratroopers during the World War II, from the moment they started training to their famed Normandy jump to their battle-filled days all over Europe. It is a searing tribute to the men who made tremendous sacrifices during a time when heroes were needed.

Band of Brothers chronicles the lives of real people, and it is quite difficult to keep track of them, given the fact that this ten-part miniseries featured ten thousand actors with five hundred speaking parts. However, the one who emerges to be the “leading man” is Damian Lewis, who played the role of Major Richard “Dick” Winters, Easy Company’s Commanding Officer. The real life Dick Winters is an enigmatic persona, a military leader who never says much to anyone and lives a life of strict discipline. Damian Lewis achieved what few actors could achieve, making a quiet, sometimes brooding, straight-laced leader a very interesting character. There was never that much expression on Damian’s face, which was how the real Dick Winters actually was, but Damian was able to convey a myriad of emotions with the littlest movements on his face. Damian achieved universal acclaim for his Dick Winters portrayal, and was even offered a role in the big-budget movie Black Hawk Down, which he turned down to do another mini-series (if I am not mistaken, the mini-series is The Forsyte Saga, based on the John Galsworthy novel). And, surprise, surprise, Damian is an Eton-educated British actor. You could never tell in the miniseries where he played a decorated American hero.

Another stand-out character is Dick Winters’ good friend Lewis Nixon, played by Ron Livingston. The well-traveled wealthy intelligence officer who drank only one kind of whisky (Vat 69) and saw fit to hide a case on his friend’s footlocker is an image of cool in the midst of the battle-weary men. He had some dramatic moments, of course, but his presence on-screen was refreshing as always.

I can go on and on about the sheer brilliance of the actors in this miniseries and I still will not be able to say enough. You have to watch as each of the actors took their performance to heart to fully understand the magnitude of what they were able to do. I even remember asking my mother if she thought the guys in Band of Brothers were real soldiers, they were just that good. And why wouldn’t they be? They actually underwent a ten-day actor boot camp with Vietnam veteran and adviser to war movie productions Captain Dale Dye. The DVD set carried a video diary which showed what the actors went thru before they even started shooting the film. They were trained the way soldiers were trained, guard duty and tank assaults and everything, just so they would have something to draw from when it was time for them to portray hunger or thirst or fatigue or fear. The producers of this miniseries really stopped at nothing just to make this epic retelling as accurate as they could.

The sheer magnitude of the production aspect was simply overwhelming. During the first episode alone, the costume department prepared two thousand authentic American and German soldier uniforms. Each of the paratroopers was outfitted in the way paratroopers were outfitted during the day. The production people kept rebuilding their acres and acres of set for it to portray various European cities. They used much more fake snow here than they did in Saving Private Ryan and those tree bursts looked as authentic as they possibly could.

Worried about not wanting to watch another war tearjerker? That’s all right because you won’t see one here. The dialogue throughout the entire miniseries is almost nonchalant, at times funny, all the while subtly moving. It is not the kind of film which leaves viewers feeling terrible. It is the kind which celebrates bravery, heroism, a sense of duty, love for the person next to you and for the unseen for whom you are fighting. It is the kind you would want to watch over and over again because it showcased men who reached their finest hours even as they suffered so.

Band of Brothers had to be made. It is a good thing that Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg saw to it that it did. Based on the bestselling book by historian Stephen Ambrose, it is an amazing portrayal of real people in a situation almost unreal in its reality. It is a message not to forget for us children of precarious peace.

CHOCOLAT (2000)

2005-09-28T07:19:00.000+08:00

Actors: Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench, Alfred Molina, Lena Olin, Johnny Depp
Screenplay Writer: Robert Nelson Jacobs

Based on the novel by Joanne Harris
Director: Lasse Hallstrom

I did not watch this movie because of Johnny Depp. Honest.

Of course, this does not mean that I did not thoroughly enjoy him while watching this.:)

This movie came out when I was seventeen. I was taking a summer class and one of my classmates put this movie up as part of his report. Needless to say, the entire class was enthralled.

The story follows Vianne and her daughter Anouk, who came to a small French village carrying their magical chocolate concoctions and shaking this tradition-bound society to its core. The community becomes further alarmed when a group of “river rats” headed by Roux arrived in the village.

All the actors gave outstanding performances, especially Dame Judi Dench and the lustrous Lena Olin. Who is Lena Olin? She’s the one who played Sydney’s mother in season 2 of Alias, duh! Can you imagine reaching that age and being that gorgeous?

Johnny Depp played his role here quietly. Those who have only seen him as Captain Jack Sparrow might be surprised.

Chocolat is a luminous movie, filled with little anecdotes. While watching the movie you can almost feel the North Wind blowing wisps of love around you. It is a wonderful exposition of the human spirit, the warmth of belonging and the beauty in the choices that we make.

THE ASTRONAUT’S WIFE (1999)

2005-09-24T19:41:00.000+08:00

Actors: Johnny Depp, Charlize Theron
Screenplay Writer: Rand Ravich
Director: Rand Ravich

Johnny Depp may be of equal billing but this movie is all about Charlize Theron. I have to say, I had a sense of déjà vu while watching this movie. It was as though Ms Theron’s character was straight out of Devil’s Advocate, but without the brown hair.

The Astronaut’s Wife follows the story of Spencer and Jillian Armacost, who are the embodiment of the perfect couple. An accident in space almost kills Spencer, and when he gets back Jillian starts to notice strange things about her heretofore loving and gentle husband.

Johnny Depp’s performance is solid as always. I was just struck at how normal he seemed on the first couple of minutes of the movie. I suppose I have gotten used to seeing him in films like Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Pirates of the Caribbean and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that seeing him with neatly-cut blond hair and hearing him curse the normal curses was surprising. There were moments when he was already revealed a villain that he was quietly menacing, but most of the time he was just this really really attractive guy.

I have no complaints about Ms Theron’s performance, except for the fact that I have seen it all before in Devil’s Advocate. Yes, in Devil’s Advocate, she moves with her husband from Florida to New York against her will for the sake of her husband’s new job, then starts to feel that strange things are happening to her. Her character is pretty much the same in The Astronaut’s Wife, except that her husband here is Johnny Depp and not Keanu Reeves.

The Astronaut’s Wife is more disturbing than scary. It actually picks up pace only in the last twenty minutes or so of the movie. It is one of those films which are by no means bad but are also not to be remembered for anything that special.

SLEEPY HOLLOW (1999)

2005-09-22T17:48:00.000+08:00

Actors: Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci
Screenplay Writer: Andrew Kevin Walker
Based on the story by Washington Irving
Director: Tim Burton

I only watch horror films when I am forced to. I wanted to get that admission right out. I saw The House of Wax with my friend because she wanted to see Paris Hilton. It was one of the most uncomfortable ninety minutes of my life.

But I did rent Sleepy Hollow, yes, because I wanted to watch Johnny Depp. And hey, speaking as a non-horror film fan, this is pretty good.

Once more, Tim Burton was able to create a complete world. Every time I watch a Tim Burton film, I always feel as though I am being transported in this alternate world of his creation. Sleepy Hollow is none different. There is this creepiness in the air which won’t leave you until the credits have rolled. The cinematography is just fantastic.

All right, let us backtrack a little and give a brief synopsis. In a small town called Sleepy Hollow, a murderous Headless Horseman has been terrifying the villagers. Constable Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp), an eccentric investigator, was sent to stop these murders. He goes to town and meets Katrina Van Tassel (Christina Ricci), a beautiful and mysterious girl who seemed to have ties with the supernatural murderer.

Ah, Johnny Depp, refreshing as always. When this movie was first shown Mr. Depp’s popularity was not yet as immense as it is now. However, his brilliance as an actor was already evident. He was able to convey multiple emotions with the slightest facial movement, something which I have always admired in other actors.

Christina Ricci was cast against type. I want to say that it worked, and I suppose it did, to a certain degree, since her presence did not really ruin the movie. But her presence did little to the movie, really. I like Christina Ricci. I even received an autographed picture from her or her staff when I was in high school (this was after Casper came out). But I simply did not see her matching Johnny Depp in this movie. There was no conviction in the way she talked and barely any emotion. There was supposed to be a hint of romance between Christina and Johnny’s characters and Johnny did what he could but Christina simply was not able to reply. In the end, even though Christina was on the scene, it was still like she was not there.*

In totality, Sleepy Hollow is a pretty good movie, a product of a visionary director who has earned his exalted place in Hollywood. I suppose I ought to get myself a copy of the book now, since horror stories are not that bad after all.:-)

*I want to make a little note on this about actresses who are cast against type. The girl who played Briseis in Troy was also cast against type from my point of view. Still, the Australian actress (her name escapes me at the moment) was able to hold her own against Brad Pitt. Her spunk carried her thru the movie.

THE CUTTING EDGE (1992)

2005-09-21T00:21:00.000+08:00

Actors: Moira Kelly, D.B. Sweeney

Screenplay Writer: Tony Gilroy

Director: Paul Michael Glaser

When I first saw Moira Kelly in One Tree Hill playing a mother, I thought, It can’t be! But then I realized that I was still thinking of her as the young skater in The Cutting Edge and that I, myself, have reached the age when, heck, I can be a mom (not yet, not yet!!!).

Anyway, The Cutting Edge is about this wealthy figure skater with an attitude problem and this ex hockey player dreaming of another shot at fame and fortune. Sparks fly as the two skate their way to the Olympics.

All right, all right, you saw that coming from a mile away but really, this movie is a joy to watch. One of the reasons why movies are in existence, in the first place, is to help people relax and this is one film which, no matter how many times I have seen it, still leaves me feeling good. What more can a loyal moviegoer ask for?

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990)

2005-09-20T12:15:00.000+08:00

Actors: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder
Screenplay Writer: Caroline Thompson
Director: Tim Burton

Edward Scissorhands is a touching, haunting tale of made man, uncommonly gentle and knowledgeable about love, and his adventures in suburban America.

An inventor who lived in a mansion up a hill has done his greatest invention, a man with thoughts and emotions. The inventor died, however, without finishing his creation. Edward, as he was called, had to live with scissor-like hands. A kind Avon lady one day chances upon the lonesome Edward and takes him into her home, where he embarks on a whole new adventure called suburbia.

While I was watching the film I could not help but think that director Tim Burton must have felt estranged from this world of regular working-class Americans. His picture of suburbia was filled with color, yet the distance the filmmaker felt to his setting was palpable. Because of this, he was able to present the setting with sharp and knowing eyes, something which would have been difficult to achieve with a setting much closer to one’s comfort zone.

Johnny Depp, of course, became quite well-known for his portrayal as Edward, and deservedly so. Edward never said much in this movie, but when he did Mr. Depp was able to deliver them in a way only actors of his caliber could. He was able to convey emotion with the slightest movement on his face. He made the character his own, and his portrayal was one of the most emotionally-moving ones in the history of Hollywood films.

Edward Scissorhands is a fairy tale suffused with melancholy and love. It is a beautiful tale of an uncommon man and the uncommon love he felt which carried this unforgettable film through.

DEAD POETS SOCIETY (1989)

2005-09-19T16:28:00.000+08:00

Actor: Robin Williams
Screenplay Writer: Tom Schulman
Director: Peter Weir

No one else but the incomparable Robin Williams can pull off a project like this. Though this movie first came out during a time when I was simply too young to enjoy it, I discovered it in the latter years and have loved it since then.

John Keating (Robin Williams) is a charismatic English professor who arrives at the strict boys’ prep school Elton. His unconventional teaching methods delight his students but draw concern from the other teachers.

Suffused in poetry and brimming with life, Dead Poets Society is a touching tale for anyone who has ever felt imprisoned by circumstances. It sings its mantra carpe diem, encouraging people to hey, get off your butt and live your life. After all, you only get one shot at it.

DOG DAY AFTERNOON (1975)

2005-09-17T11:07:00.000+08:00

Actors: Al Pacino, John Cazale
Screenplay Writer: Frank Person
Director: Sidney Lumet

I experienced having a gun pointed at my head last year. Three boys traumatized my mother, myself and some other people for the sake of bloody money. So, if I watch a film about a couple of bank robbers and sympathize, even laugh a little, then it has to be a heck of a good film.

Dog Day Afternoon is an account of a bank robbery which happened in the seventies in Brooklyn. I had a momentary Godfather flashback when I saw Michael and Fredo Corleone reunited once again (Al Pacino and John Cazale). Mr. Pacino’s almost menacing energy carries this film thru. As I watched him on screen yelling at the police and playing thru the crowd I could not help but think that here was this guy, one of the greatest actors in Hollywood history, doing his thing and carrying us with him. It was simply amazing to watch him.

The cast of minor characters all did their best in their individuals portrayals of their roles, and were not engulfed by the screen presence of Mr. Pacino. They all held out their own to create this thoroughly realistic film, this touching portrayal of life gone wrong.

I remember the title an episode of the now defunct TV series Dark Angel was a play of the title of this movie. Indeed, Dog Day Afternoon is still spoken about in Hollywood, and for a reason.

THE SWAN (1956)

2005-09-16T00:19:00.000+08:00

Actors: Grace Kelly, Alec Guinness, Louis Jordan

Screenplay: John Dighton

From the play by: Ferenc Molnar

Directed by: Charles Vidor

I know this is a little bit of a strange choice but I really enjoyed this one.

The Swan is a story of a semi-royal family whose fortune is rapidly deteriorating. Wanting to restore the family to its former glory, Princess Beatrix (Jessie Royce Landis) hatches a plan to marry off her daughter Princess Alexandra (Grace Kelly) to the Crown Prince Albert (Alec Guinness). The problem is, the family tutor (Louis Jordan) has fallen in love with the beautiful Princess Alexandra, causing a confusion for the supposedly soon-to-be bride.

There are elements of this story which some people may not find politically-correct (for instance, the romantic notion that two people may fall in love and live happily ever after in spite of the vast difference in their social stature is not really subscribed for here). Putting that aside, the movie still comes across as a resplendent film. Grance Kelly is born to play the role of a princess, and she did, in real life, when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco. Sir Alec Guinness is simply a joy to watch. From Lawrence of Arabia to The Bridge on the River Kwai to Star Wars, he is just the most wonderful actor. I have a theory that because English actors have a lot of experience on stage, they manage to convey complex emotions with the littlest movement on film. Louis Jordan is all right. I don't really know much about him, except that he did an all right job in this movie.

Though this was first shown sometime in 1956 (and based on a 1922 play). The Swan somehow transcends time and manages to delight even now. It is not a love story in the conventional meaning of the term. The element of duty and tradition plays an important role throughout the film. Princess Beatrix, though a bit of an annoying character, is really quite fun to watch. The scene where the whole family was waiting for the Crown Prince to come down for breakfast was hilarious. Each character, including Caesar the butler, played their part to the fullest.

WELCOME!!!

2005-09-15T20:33:00.000+08:00

Welcome to Sasha's Post!

This blog is dedicated to all movie addicts out there. I am going to write commentaries about certain movies and maybe profile some directors and actors. You are welcome to post your own comments. Just please remember to always be respectful of other people's opinions.

If literature's your thing, you are also welcome to check my other blog, sydneyspost.blogspot.com.

Happy reading!

Cher