Critic's Eyes

The Road Less Travelled

2010-06-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

It's very rare that I'll write a review on a movie that isn't currently in the theater. The last time I wrote about a borrowed movie it was about the movie Once. However, nothing has been nagging my subconscious more than the film that has stayed with me, no rather haunted me since I ordered on demand The Road with Viggo Mortenson.

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!! If you haven't read or seen the film, do not read further (Yes, I know my previous reviews have had spoilers, yet did not afford the reader the luxury of a warning telling him or her so...I have learned my lesson---smile)

I haven't read the book by Cormac McArthy, and I could be wrong about the ending as seen in the film. Directors often take the liberty of changing the ending of books. I'd like to think what I saw in the film is what happened...until I read the book to confirm my doubts.

This film is more than just a bleak post-apocalyptic road trip. Unlike the hijinks of most road trip films, this has the dark undertones of a zombie mentalist society in which humanity has been divided into two: kill or be be killed; eat or be eaten; survive or die. The main heroes, a father & his son, are gripped between realizing they have a choice-to become the Bad Guys or to stay human & "keep the fire", as the son's father likes to phrase it. That fire is symbolic. It is the fire of the old humanity that has died along with the familiar comforts of home, an established economy (which in our reality, these days, seems to be reaching an Apocalypse of its own), food, resources,and other remnants that makes what our civilization what it is today.

The father & son, having witnessed very gruesome things that humanity at its last sane thread is capable of committing, are able to have a brief reprieve hiding in an underground shelter. There they find great storage of resources. For a brief time, they are back to the pre-Apocalyptic world, where people still care for each other. In this scene, we see a glimmer of hope, most especially felt by the boy. The boy simply follows his father, however, for most of the story, and with good reason. Soon the father senses a threat & they are once again running from danger, real or imagined.

The father must try hard to survive not for his sake but for the sake of his son, so that when he is gone his son is prepared to survive on his own. In our reality, it's difficult to see our children grow up in this world today: increased deaths from war; suicides; global disasters; human errors creating more disasters; unemployment; etc. In almost the same respect, The Road mimics our struggle for survival-a dog eat dog kind of world- depending on your perspective on life. This sentiment is shared by Robert Duvall's elderly man who Viggo's character & his son bump into while running & hiding. "Whatever created humanity, they won't see it here," or words to that effect. This old man is nostalgic of the old life, the old world he knows. When he sees the boy, he thought he has died & gone to heaven. The boy, in the old man's eyes, is like an angel-more on that later.

As the story progresses, you can see Viggo's character start to unravel. He soon becomes increasingly distrusting. Even today, though we'd like to embrace an opposite view, with the potential misuse of technology & dishonest business practices we have seen in society, is it any wonder why we would keep to ourselves? On the other hand, we increasingly wish to reach out to others, however distant these relationships might be emotionally through social networking. In our efforts to become more efficient & more globally relevant, we ironically run the risk of isolating ourselves. Even in our culture, we have taken for granted our manners to replace them with callous attitudes expecting others to grow thick skins & indifference if one cannot take harsh words. Whatever defense mechanisms we use to deal with others in our anger, sadness, greediness, or any other unsavory trait we might possess, it can destroy not only the fabric of society but our inner souls as well. This way of interacting with each other may not physically kill but it can maim the spirit of others, leading to a different kind of cannibalism - a devouring of the flesh of the humanity's heart.

Preventing this evolution in his father is the hope of the little boy, who raises the issue with his father: "Are we still the Good Guys?" The father looks up, almost acknowledging his own vulnerability to becoming the "others". "Yes, we're still the Good Guys". His son follows up: "Because we're keeping the fire"...This fire is one that needs to be maintained forever. Soon, the roles of father & son reverse. As early as the encounter of the old man, the boy wishes to share the goods they have found to help the old man. It is this act of kindness to which the old man testifies that the boy has come from heaven, a savior of sorts. It is this simple act of extending kindness to another fallen soul in this decrepit existence that the only real way to survive is to help each other & be there for one another, rather than tear each other down...And if you think about it, if you eat everyone, sooner or later there will be just so many left before the last person is eaten and the lone soul dies of loneliness & starvation.

Nearing the end, the boy also teaches the father once again about revenge. Loving his enemy, even after being robbed, the boy pleads with his father to spare the theif from humiliation. Ignoring the boy's pleas "Papa, no!", Viggo's character yells at the thief, stripping him of everything even his clothes. Here, Viggo's character reinvents his own law "do unto others as they have done to you". "You left us with nothing, so we leave YOU with nothin."...The boy, with great discomfort begs his father to return to where they left the thief naked...Unable to find him, the boy finally has his father relent and leave the thief's clothes along with some blankets & food for survival...If we need to keep the fire alive, any one watching this film or reading this book would be relieved that the boy is the torch carrier for a greater way of life.

Soon, the father seems to reach his end, which threatens the security of his son. Earlier in the film, the father has taught him that if things came to the worse, he would know how to put them out of their misery. It was disturbing to see this, a young boy wielding a gun and being shown how to use it in the most final act one could imagine. By the end of the film, through the boy's teaching, it seems the father realized his mistake & the need for the fire to stay alive. It isn't directly stated in the film, but I'd like to think that the father is very proud of his son & knows that his son will be okay. He will survive because Good always triumphs over evil..

Without giving the ending away (as if I haven't given a lot away already--), it seems like a spiritual interpretation can be understood. It is as though a Higher power concerned for its creation, always provides, in order for it to continue. HOwever bleak this story unfolded, there is a lot that resonates about our life today and what we hope to correct before it is too late.

This film, if played out in any other genre, could easily be transposed to the boy as the main hero. This film, however, would be more of the backstory before the real adventures of our boy hero begins. Why is it that heroes must be orphaned before they realize their true value & meaning?....The Road shows that without a father, however, the boy may have never known what it means to keep the fire alive!!!!

Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting

2010-06-18T11:03:00.001-07:00

The Karate Kid version 2010 is a great upgrade from the original. Granted, not many teenagers will swoon over 12 years old Jaden Smith as many of my peers did over Ralph Macchio back in 1984, but lots of people WILL swoon over the amazing performance that Jaden delivers with a great kick to the heart strings! Jaden just has that ancient power harnessed by very few actors at such a young age. Trust me folks, this boy is someone we should watch!!! With Papa Smith near by, we can only hope for greater things...Let's hope that the discipline that brought Will where he is today will follow Jaden along his path to success!

Have I raved enough Jaden? Please don't think I'm a creeper, Jaden. You really have got talent & we all must admit that & bow down...Haha. But let's not forget Jackie Chan! It has been rumored all along that he has always wanted to be a dramatic actor. After more than a generation of films under his belt as a martial arts icon & often cast in comedic roles, its about time Chan gets his chance to throw his dramatic kicks & punches! Is he successful? Watch a touching scene where Jackie is brought to tears & you decide. I believe Jackie Chan is also another star we should watch in terms of expanding the dramatic roles that should be offered to him in the future.

As a whole, the film is very consistent with great drama & comedy thrown in with good measure. The action sequences are wonderful as well. Even more powerful to me is the effect music is used to establish the relationship between Jaden & his love interest. Forget the electric guitar girls, get out your violins & practice if you wanna win over the heart of that boy you've been eyeing :) As a result of the audition scene, I've decided to add to my iTunes library Chopin's Nocturne in C minor...Yeah, I'm a romantic sap! I don't care.

Even more powerful though is the message of the Karate Kid, old or new: Life will knock you down, but you can choose to get up!....Based on my own life experiences where I've felt more like the underdog hoping there's at least one person rooting for me with a Mr. Miagi or Mr. Han as my spiritual guide, I have opted to get up...Fall as many times as I might, I'll keep on getting up, with all the blood, bruises, sprains, and pain!

Don't Leave! I'll Eat You, I Love You So!

2009-10-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

Thank the heavens I didn't see that other buzzed about movie that rhymes with Paranoia Activity. Instead, I found magic once again on film, depicting my inner childhood emotions more than any book could have put in just words.

Lots of reservations are placed on adapting a book to film (e.g., Harry Potter series). However, unlike other upsets caused by deleting scenes or embellishing a story with extra needless scenes, Where the Wild Things Are takes the simple theme of a child using his imagination to a whole other level.

Rather than just use Max's adventure as one that kills time, Spike Jonze expands the theme of childhood into a dizzying and glorious infectious love affair that takes you back into a time machine and transport you into the mind of a child and seeing the world through his eyes...

I cannot put into words how much this film as deeply affected me. It reminds me so much of how as children, whenever one experiences difficulty, how hard it is to express that intelligently. Although I'm an adult, I still have that problem, and yet we are taught to repress that inability to find the means to cope with such loss or difficult emotions...

I love it that as children we have free reign to scream and get loud and cause a WILD RUMPUS to get out and vent whatever is inside us, whether it be joy, laughter, sadness, or fear.

Truly, Max is my new hero!!!!! ...Now, where do I get my wolf suit?

One Day to Love 500 Days of Summer

2009-09-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

As you can tell by my previous reviews of "love stories" I don't share the typical boy meets girl romance fascination. I love how the movie starts out with a narration...and warns us that this is not a love story.

I think the reason I adore this film as much as I think I male hero loves Summer, is how I can sort of relate to both characters at the same time at different points in the movie. We are caught up with the spark that first brings this excitement of what we envision as The Love of Our Life...only to be somewhat disappointed as the layers start to peel as the days go on.

I like how the male lead shows hints of his passion for architecture. This brings up my own memories of showing my love for music and art to the so called people I thought would be "the one". But I have been often the case the heartbreaker as well, as Summer sometimes starts pulling away...as you see in Zooey Daschanel's character.

I'm not really a fan of Daschanel's. I have yet to say that even this character she plays is an exception. She tends to not show that much emotion or range, and I'm still dumbfounded that a lot of people ask her to do all these movies...(It could also be my bad taste left over from The Happenning...so it could just be guilt by association). But I digress...

If anything, I think what makes this film work is it's innovative way of describing what we think love is, how we fantasize what loves is about, what love actually is (I love the split screen scene in which the male lead looks forward to seeing Summer during a rooftop party...) The music works well, and is almost like a cinematic equivalent to a Death Cab for Cutie music video, without the DCFC music .

As a whole, I give this 500+ stars. For Joseph Gordin-Levitt, he's now on my list of stars to watch out for. (Plus, he bears a similar resemblance to Heath Ledger, am I wrong?)

Alas, this one can only write of such movies. After watching this film, I feel compelled to become the architect of my own love story...write a screenplay...and show how love can be, all it's ups, downs, and its turnarounds...

In the end, even if we meet by coincidence, it is up to us to take action to take that moment further into more than just mere chance!

How Movies Saved My Life

2009-08-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

I thought you'd like to know what happened to me (or what ALMOST happened) on Friday night. I can't imagine what might have gone wrong if I hadn't acted the way I did. Consider it my "superhero" act of bravery?..LOL Somehow, though, I feel like I may have made some kind of difference. Makes me feel assured that we reallly do have a place and purpose in this world, whatever or however small the circumstances may be.

The following is like Lois Lane reporting on how Superman acted in a time of crisis. I felt like Clark Kent without being able to change into Superman not wanting to blow his cover because he lack his superhero powers. Nontheless, here's a full recount of the event.

ThanK God Friday!

I was at a Barnes&Noble, minding my business, enjoying my vente macchiatto. I had my iPhone on. Every one else in the store had been doing the same thing, oblivious to their surroundings on what seemed like an innocent Friday night.

That evening started about 800pm for me. I chatted it up with my friend/barista and smiled as I walked back to my table. Distracted from doing productive things, I did a little Twittering and Facebooking, then got down to business w/ some studying. Pretty productive hour by 9pm...Suddenly, this would soon change.

Two men sit by the table adjacent to mine, literally next to me with the exception of the gated division between the cafe and the book store itself. Suspicious behavior ensues:

1). One man picks up a magazine at random so as to "blend in". He is hardly even reading the magazine as a normal person would. By this point, I've turned down my volume to heigten my awareness. My pulse has started to quicken.

2.) Suddenly, his "friend" stands up...without a word exchanged between them, nor any eye contact thus far...Something was definitely not right here...My pulse starts to race.

3.) The man who has stood up walks in the middle of the cafe...and just lingers about standing still?...No words again exchanged to his "friend"...He has stood there for what feels like 10 minutes...By now, if he were a customer, he would've bought something...Blending in was not their forte...

4.) As time stood still by this time, my peripheral vision focused back on the guy who was pretending to read. His body language spoke volumes of something criminal...the nervous looking around, looking behind his back, the look of guilt basically...

5.) My Spidey-sense is now on high alert as I sense both men were somehow communicating non-verbally?...I exchanged my glances between the two, and suddenly the seated man looked like he was fidgeting in his pocket... I'm thinking...OMG! He has a weapon...Well, allegedly in my mind he might have.

All this made me quiver, my heart bursting through my chest. I was at the point I was ready to scream. WHo knew if the guy w/ the alleged weapon was gonna grab me or something to start something...What was stranger was soon, his companion was sitting by himself at his own table... Strange, right?

Not being able to take it anymore, I wrote a note to my friend at the cafe counter with the words:(his name), SOS! Call 911????? on a piece of paper which I placed non-chalantly on a plate I used to return back to my friend.

I basically told him everything above in my quivering sense of blubber I had been reduced to on the inside, but on the outside I had to remain cool, for fear I'd bring attention to myself to the other men. I felt like I was in an Ocean 11 movie. But unfortunately, just like a movie I hadn't seen yet, I wouldn't know how the movie ended...I had to start directing the scene, the hero and innocent bystanders surviving defeating the two men's insidious intentions.

The fact I'm writing you this story means I survived what could've been last night's news, or avoided being just another statistic of a woman who was accosted by two men on her way to her car.

Always trust your instincts. We have supersenses when it counts and don't be ashamed to look stupid in the face of possible danger. Better to be wrong than to end up in real danger when it's too late to respond.

And in this situation, I felt like 1 person vs. 2 potentially dangerous people who could've just as well turned the tables in a negative direction. Granted, it's my flaw that I can have such an overactive imagination and possibilities run wild, but truth of the matter is sometimes it is those people who dare to think beyond what is expected that can make a difference. (Also, watching a lot of movies doesn't hurt either).

Stand up for yourself. Stand up for others when no one can...You might save not only your life... but others as well.

Harry Potter and the Half-Hearted Review

2009-07-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how I like this installment of the series. It has become cliche to say, " I saw the movie, but the book was so much better." This has been a trend for years, though one might defend artistic license for the sake of the medium of film making (i.e., creating a scene not originally in the book; omitting a major scene or two from the book; retweaking character plots, although minor).

There are portions on its own that merit A+ scoring, yet as a whole this moving left me wanting. I felt there was a lack of pathos as found in the Order of the Phoenix. Perhaps the last year was my favorite unknowingly due to the fact it was written by a different screenwriter, while the previous movies' original writer returns for the 6th movie. I cannot say I was totally impressed with 1 through 4, but now I see why.

Perhaps the action (or lack of) or plot of the book lends itself to fault, but I'm not sure it deserves a repeat viewing as much as I did with the 5th movie. Nonetheless, I will watch it again, hoping that last night's IMAX debut will bring redemption...

I only hope David Yates does not fail to be true to the heart of the last book. Knowing that it will be divided into 2 parts brings more pressure and perhaps lack of excuses to stay true to the book. He has too much leeway and no reason to cram a story into 2 1/2 or more hours. The worse case scenario: that he creates a drawn out version of what could have been a true film classic worthy of it's literary counterpart!

Because I Believe!!!

2009-06-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

If you're familiar Joseph Campbell, you are familiar with his well received book The Hero with 1,ooo Faces. I myself have not read it, but I am familiar with Campbell's thorough exploration of the hero myth. In scanning the book, I have learned one or two ways in which the hero originates.

Transformers 2, perhaps unlikely candidate to wax philosophy about heroes, showcases the hero as one reluctant to adopt his destiny. Optimus Prime says something significant as the film's rising action starts to reach it's climax...

FATE RARELY MEETS US IN THE MOMENT OF OUR CHOOSING.

This theme is often mirrored in our tales we have seen throughout literature, later depicted on film. Take for example Frodo of Lord of the Rings, in which Gandalf reassures Frodo that none of us wishes the fate we might be given, but what is important is what we do with the time that has been given us. Or examine Harry Potter. His life is more or less filled with more choices, though he chooses the more difficult path....which leads to struggle and sacrifice....

These elements are subtle in Transformers 2, but towards one scene, I was reeling because it made me wonder what it would be like if Michael Bay directed the last installment of Harry Potter! I mean come on!!! Battle at Hogwarts Castle!!!! Bring it on baby! Explosions and ....well, we all want to here Mrs Weasley yell, "Not my daughter, you bitch!" at Bellatrix Lestrange! That would totally rock....

But I've been digressing. Transformers 2 has great subtle lines that one might miss among the cluster&^%$ that is explosions and fighting splattering on the screen. For instance, Tyson Beckford's character says as an aside, "They say God made us in his image; who made him?" when referring to Optimus Prime....

I always like to milk out some form of lesson from all the films I watch. I cannot say I learned much in the first 2/3rds but the last is enormously beautiful. Sam must do something impossible and when his girlfriend asks him how he thinks it can be done, he simply says with great conviction: "Because I believe....I believe!"

I got sort of emotional, and it really was a great testament of faith in some respect.

For further comparisons of the hero myth, reanalyze The Matrix and then read The Gospel of the Matrix. I find you will be surprised how much our movies are peppered with so much references of resurrection and redemption. In the end, we are all heroes of our own destiny!

We only have to believe!

Up, up, and Away!!!!

2009-06-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

A CLASSIC IN ITS OWN RIGHT....

There are elements to the film UP that I enjoy quite a lot. A movie enthusiast, who has great appreciation for films such as Citizen Kane, The Little Tramp, and knowledge of the movie The Bicycle Thief, I feel some familiarity to these great classics whenever I watch Up..With these comparisons in mind, it is no surprise that I am willing to watch Up repeatedly. There is a dynamic between the two character heroes Mr. Frederickson and Russell that reminds me of the aforementioned films. The nostalgia of childhood and realizing one's dream is fulfilled indirectly in Up, while the struggle to survive is noted in more hilarious and imaginative details compared to The Little Tramp and The Bicycle Thief.

The true lesson in this film are those of courage, and embracing life whatever the circumstances fate offers us. When closing a door in one chapter in one's life, another chapter or book begins to unfurl. It encourages all of us to view life as an adventure. Unlike Citizen Kane, where the main protagonist's ambitions get the better of him, only to regret losing his innocence and reminisce of his little Rosebud, Mr. Frederickson embraces a whole new way of life, however reluctant and "grumpy" he initially started. Instead, he is no longer alone, but gains a life enriched with that of a young boy, a treasure that only keeps growing as he gets older. In addition, Mr. Frederickson gains a new pal in Doug, man's best friend, loyal to the end!

The house is symbolic as one might compare the bike in The Bicycle Thief. In the latter film, the hero and his son have had their bike stolen. Their survival against poverty is dependent on getting their bike back, only to succumb to stealing another bike in the end. In contrast, unlike the need to gain something back, the house in which one carries all their memories and hopes as does Mr. Frederickson, adding the burden to the young boy's shoulders, carries the house in the hopes of fulfilling a childhood dream. The energy of the young boy contrasts to Mr. Frederickson's in the beginning but his determination to fulfill Ellie's dream gives him the drive to keep on going...and ultimately LET GO....knowing he must move on with his life...

By letting go, ironically, he fulfills both of their wishes.

To rate this film, I give this film more helium balloons than my hands can carry

2009-01-26T17:47:00.000-08:00

It's very rare I'll rave about a movie as much as this film has made me want to dance (stay after the film for the upbeat credits dance overture.

First of all, I'm a very visual and sound oriented individual. My senses become excited when these two are blended elegantly in the manner that director Danny Boyle films this movie. From the start of the film, you feel you're in the middle of the action. There are moments it feels like an anthology of music videos without being too pretentious. And as an audience member, you root for the characters in every situation, namely our love birds Jamal and Latika.

The themes are so many yet are the kinds that keep coming up in nominated films for best picture. The poverty of the soul caused by revenge, suffering, and greed all overcome by the values of redemption, persistence, hope, and truth. Most importantly love. For Jamal, his undying committment to Latika brings his life towards a destiny to a better life he easily could have fallen into, like his brother. If the book this is based from is as well written as this movie, you'll see me at a Border's sometime this week :)

Overall, I cannot describe how this film makes me feel inside. It is now up there on my list of favorites. I love how the movie opens with a multiple choice question and then ends the movie with the answer. It's enough to make you cry (I cried in the beginning, during, and after the film was over...Heck I'm still crying).

I close this review with the following:

Should movie goers see this movie?

A. Maybe

B. Not a chance

C. Yes

D. See it more than once

I pick D.......... And that's my final answer :)

See this more than once...

2008-10-16T11:37:00.001-07:00

After watching Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist last night, I was able to watch a borrowed DVD movie Once. Between the two, the latter can be said to be the far superior movie hands down. Where the first film tries too hard to create romance between supposedly unfit for each other individuals, the second film is the adult version of a romance that can never be or has tried to be but both parties restrain themselves...And I respect that. In the end of the movie, Once gives the viewer a sense that these characters will never forget each other nor stop thinking what they've done for each other. Both embark on an innocent affair-non-sexual but more spiritual, emotional all expressed with song. And being a romantic for music, this movie will always be on my "infinite playlist" if they had playlists for movies.

NOTED FEATURES THAT MAKE THIS ON MY FAVORITE LIST:

1. The riddle of love and how two try to find solutions to it

2. The music...my God, the music!

3. The authenticity of emotions

4. Emphasized the true meaning of the independent creative artist (e.g., film, musician, etc.)

5. The elements within the movie that remind me of myself-

a. playing improvised piano

b. jamming with a new friend

c. doing recognizance in a music studio

d. jamming in my bedroom

e. the need to move on and follow my dreams, with validation from family

f. the solace of the shore and the beach

g. the isolation of airports

h. composing new songs

There are some similar elements to the two movies above, such as friends packed in a car, music studios, and how music plays a major element in both movies. But where both lead male characters play guitar and make their own music, Once wins over with the female character able to keep up with the rest of the band...and sending the male character to potential musical success....And in that, she is the kind hearted one (see previous review). In a sense, the characters in Once are both kind to each other and their respective mates-whether estranged or separated. But maybe its because they are adults and no longer have to play games.....

For life is too short to play them....

and as said in the song Falling Slowly

..."and games that never amount to more than their meant

will play themselves out...."

Beautiful movie. A must to watch over and over and over again :)

Where Is Fluffy?...And Who are They?

2008-10-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

Music Makes Love Go 'Round

There are many who have passed scowls against this movie. Perhaps my bias comes from my infatuation with my "ideal man" Michael Cera, particularly as Nick. Focused on others vs. himself, I find that appealing. Unabashed at what others might think of him, he hangs with friends who happen to be gay and plays guitar as well as "synthetic" drums for them in their band. But as all heroes, we have our weaknesses. And his ex-girlfriend seems to warp his good natured self. Until Norah becomes an accidental part of his life in just one night that changes them forever. They both find themselves better for having known each other. The one scene I enjoy is where Norah talks about an aspect of Judaism that says the world is made up of broken pieces and its up to us to bring them together....to which Nick replies, "Maybe we're the pieces....Maybe we're the pieces." Nearly in tears, Norah is compelled by both the simplicity and profundity of this statement. Love has blossomed in this moment! :)

The music is awesome. I will have to investigate the soundtrack. As far as movie criticism, there are hints of old '80's teen romances, with dialogue such as when Nick says, "I don't like to wash my jeans. I like to keep the night on them." Corny? Perhaps. There is also this vibe of campiness similar to Adventures in Babysitting (which one has to admit was funny...), with the search for Caroline inside a Scooby -doo van of misfits that make up Nick and Norah's party.

I have to admit, on the Richter scale of comedy and laughs, the reading would have to be fair if not zero. There are cute moments and you get a few guffaws and one major gross out executed all too well by a female no less. But could it match the buzzworthiness of JUNO, on which this movie seems to ride its coattails? Maybe not.

But what this movie taught me is opening up again my heart to the possibilities of what life has to offer, and how certain decisions must be made...as in the end

"Are you sad that we missed it?" asks Norah.

"No," Nick quickly responds with a smile. "This is it."

And both of them ride the escalator in each other's arms kissing....

Yes, I'm a sappy romantic, even if it does seem outrageous and unbelieveable.

Dawning of the Knight

2008-07-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

Initially I didn't know what to expect or feel when The Dark Knight hit the theaters. So much buzz can soon become a buzzkill. And with the great chatter in the media about the late Heath Ledger's great performance, which has got some people thinking he'll be offered a posthumous Oscar nomination for his role in the latest Batman film, one watches with caution to make sure all the talk isn't hype.

Rest assured, Heath's performance is wonderful! But as a film in general, all aspects work well. Christopher Johnathan James Nolan has unveiled the Dark Knight once again with the glory its comic legend deserves. Even though I'm not really a hard core graphic novel fan, it may be safe for me to say that no fan of the real Batman will be disappointed on how Nolan's Batman has evolved. Praise to Christian Bale for his performance as well. Batman has many deep layers and though I feel that he keeps his emotions at bay, I still hunger and wonder if we'll ever see a tear come across the eyes of Bruce Wayne and his alter ego. But understatement must be his MO to be in character I suppose.

Technology is a plus here. The utilization of the advancement of cell phones and sonar capabilities has certainly upgraded Batman's artillery, allowing him to live up to his namesake, as bats navigate their surroundings in real life in similar ways through the use of bouncing sound waves. I wish I could have batvision like in the movie...

But once again, I fall along amongst the crowd and have to praise Heath in another performance that people will refer back to years from now. So much potential. I know lots have compared him to James Dean, and in some ways he matches the profile. But he was an individual in his own right, and in his acting that shines through. His Joker is one you love to love, but you know you must hate because he is just diabolically insane! Testing the limits of good and evil, and pushing good to do evil...only an insane "genius" would think of that....

I love how Harvey Dent had evolved from being the White Knight and then suddenly deteriorated after losing the love of his life. What love must do to our way of thinking that it can tear our core and rip us inside out to the point that life is just left up to chance.

And speaking of chance, leaving the fate of lives is extraordinary in this film. I know I run heavy with spoilers here. But I will not ruin one scene here for you. Just remember that once you see it , you might start clapping at the end of it for it makes you still have faith in good. :)

Go rush into the night and watch this latest installment of Batman....It will keep you guessing what will be in store for future sequels...

FYI: Is it possible that Gordon's son could be the next Robin??? What is his name?...... Stay tuned:)

A Robot More Human Than We

2008-07-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

This movie reminds me of a story idea I've been playing in my head for quite awhile. It makes me think about how we as humans so attuned to our ways of commercialism have overfed their need for products which make them forget about their humanity. We sit in front of the tube and forget how to live our own lives. We forget how to take care of our bodies leading them to unsafe diseases that may linger insidiously or present themselves more noticeably in preventable obesity. We take for granted the waste that this commercialism produces or the excesses we create and how the world suffers in the end.

Enter WALL-E. I appreciate the above poster's byline: 700 years after doing what he was built for, he discovers what he was meant for....This speaks poetically about my own frustrations with life. Is life all "eat, work, sleep, repeat cycle"?...Isn't life more than that? What is our TRUE purpose. I find that the intro, sans dialogue will divide movie going people from those who are hard on action and dialogue vs. the plain moving picture aspect with subtle emotions portrayed by character acting not heavily reliant on words. I myself do not speak much and I find myself relating a lot to Wall-E with his routines and his treasures of sentiment (i.e., love for Hello Dolly and his longing for love). But his world is devoid of any contact with anyone or companion, with the exception of his pet cockroach. My life has become like this sense of symbolic complacency until .......WALL-E's routine is changed.

Prior to his "life changing" moment of meeting his true love Eve, he picks up a plant. This will drive the rest of the film, which on many levels is comical and serious depending on what plane of thought you wish to dwell on. But I get ahead of myself. After a cute courtship between WALL-E and EVE, who by the way plays a wonderful game of playing hard to get (notice how many times WALL-E sheepishly tries to hold hands with EVE), WALL-E gives EVE the plant he kept as a token of affection...This sends off a remote alarm to EVE's ship which houses the newly colonized humans now vegging out in space.

It is a great commentary and warning as we see humans moving about in their personal bastardized versions of Segues that allow them to converse with people or watch tv non-stop while eating a meal in a cup! In WALL-E's chase to find EVE back on her on home turf, WALL-E breaks the barriers that these humans are used to, allowing a couple to see their surroundings for the first time, one now enabled to see the beauty of the stars or finding out that they have a pool! Even WALL-E brings back politeness as he teaches a robot how to say hello and goodbye with a simple wave.

Yes, there is a lot of heart to this movie ironically taught through robots. Robots teaching humans to take better care of themselves and their home planet. Many others who watch this may or may not get this kind of proselytization, or even become convinced that there's more than meets the eye than just good entertainment. What can be said is that movies still are able to make people think.

And I continue to do so until my own purpose is revealed :)

Ouch, that Smarts!

2008-06-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

The beginning of the recent Steve Carrell feature film leaves one dry at first. Even the opening sequence left me thinking of my own ideas wishing the writers would have taken it to a further level (particularly since Mel Brooks was one of three consultants during the filming). The meeting of Anne Hathaway's character on first screen is a bit rushed without the believability that these two could have any tension between them...(but you'd be surprised...though the party scene is quite cute with Anne and Steve in a dance off).

Action wise, no room for disappointment, of course one must think how far can one go with stunts in a comedy before it becomes more cartoon vs. action film. The balance was good enough to make Steve look tough and competent. Watch him holding a gun, impressive! I wouldn't want Michael from the The Office hold a fire arm. That's something Dwight would probably tutor him on :) (nudge to The Office fans out there-smile).

Acting wise, well, one thinks whose vehicle is this? Steve's? Steve & Anne's? Well, though there are a lot of names Alan Arkin and Dwayne Johnson to name a few, who garner A+ grades for their performance required of their roles, I'd have to say as a whole ensemble, the acting team earned a B+. Sometimes I just felt there could have been better delivery of lines. Then again, I WAS the only one laughing at most of the film's dialogue, which might have been lost on the rest of the audience...Humor is really touch and go.

Overall, this wasn't a bad film, nor was it THAT funny enough to let me remember lines worthy of repeating. For fans with esoteric taste in comedy, however, this film may have enough fans to hope for a sequel....And that might not be a bad thing.

What Happened in the Happening...

2008-06-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

This will be brief as this movie should have been. It felt like an overbudget film school project with a film student who had connections and just felt like writing producing and directing a movie with a thin and weak plot, if any at all. Over the top acting, even for Mark Wahlberg. Confused acting from Zooey Daschenel. A poor little girl in the midst of traumatizing scenes. A pun intended....overkill in every scene!...People against planet warning that the planet is out to get us?....Maybe better as a commentary that we'll end up killing ourselves in the end the way we treat the world, even each other....

This film may make you want to "kill yourself" for watching it. M. Night please, you need to make another Sixth Sense...I'm not Hayley Joel Osment, but the fact that "I see dead people" isn't adding anything to my experience to life after I walk out of the theater. In fact, I grew depressed....Oh no...it's happening....................Oh no.....It's..........>(died of senseless time wasted discussing movie that is senseless)

Vantage Point: My First Blender Movie Review

2008-02-24T16:04:00.000-08:00

What is a "blender movie" you ask. A blender movie is a movie mixed with lots of elements borrowed or derived from other known and perhaps not so well known movies. The knowledge of whether or not a movie is an obscure reference depends on the movie goer and his frequency of film viewing. The more movies you've watched, the greater the chances you are to pick up the following references.

I picked Vantage Point as my first blender movie review because it recently reminded me of two other movies I have seen last month: Cloverfield and Untraceable. Though the former was a botch job in my opinion, some of its elements were used effectively in the section featuring the vantage point from Forrest Whitaker. Being a tourist, he uses his HDV camera to capture his vacation to Spain, particularly a visit from the president. When the president appears to have been shot, he soon chases down a man, who we are uncertain is good or bad at this point but is actually a cop for the mayor. Cut away views from the main character's viewpoint back to first person perspective would have probably been a better technique used in Cloverfield.

As for Untraceable, technology is once again so advanced, that well, do I give the entire film away? For both films, technology caters to our needs towards voyeurism. More morbid in Untraceable, Vantage Point awakens a fear that technology can be used for evil as well as for good, though here good seems to have failed.

Then there are bits and pieces of The Italian Job and the French Connection. I call it the Spanish Connection Job. Small cars chasing each other brings me hope in my plans to buy a hatchback in the future. Though never a Nissan fan, Dennis Quaid came out of that chase in superhero fashion. You must watch this, but it may be a little unbelieavable, particularly towards the end. Everything seems to culminate in a traffic accident, bringing most of all the characters featured together as in the movie Crash. All roles appear intertwined to afffect one another.

On a happy note, never before has an action film gripped my attention nor made me cry at the same time. There is some brotherly love as well. If there is a need to call Dennis Quaid a comeback star, this movie is an excellent one to relaunch his career.

SIDE NOTE: New technique used in this film for me is like a LOST'S FLASHBACKS. You won't be disappointed with the twists either.

Happy Blender Movie Hunting :)

Book Runner

2008-01-26T02:15:00.000-08:00

If I haven't read the book, perhaps my emotional sentimentality would have been affected more by this film. However, this film misses a lot in terms of the internal voice that narrates the story in the novel, leaving the audience much to decipher what really is going on the in the head of Amir. Though the boy actors who portray Amir and Hassan are endearing in their parts, I do not feel that bond that needed to be established to really feel the guilt that Amir must have carried all his life.

Nevertheless, whether film or in book form, the story itself lends one to question the possibility of redemption and whether it is ever too late to be forgiven, even to oneself. Issues of tradition, honor, faith, and loyalty all make great themes in this tale. I myself would recommend the book.

Juno is Numero UNO!!!

2008-01-25T22:51:00.000-08:00

Fresh and witty dialogue wins immediate success for first time but witty and intelligent screenwriter Diablo (Brook) Cody! A short review of this movie pays homage to the concise delivery of the movie's film's 90 minutes which economically shells out laughs, tears, and mini-morality lessons all in one. Wrapped like a pig in a blanket, the wity verbal exchanges shared between every character -from the eccentric parents, the troubled young couple, and the growing teens on the verge of accidental adulthood-envelops the film's meaty core. The essential message seems that without any support, whether from family, friends, or significant others, life can be pretty crappy when crap gets slapped in your face! Words really cannot put my feelings into perspective in the way I had hoped....(Curse you Diablo and your writing genius which makes me feel unworthy of writing!)....

You just must go out and see this film.!!!

__________Overlyhyped movie of the month:.........CLOVERFIELD..........................................
This ad says it all. Overly mysterious to the great dissappointment this derivative art form has become. A throwback of Blair Witch Project without the chills but cheap thrills one might expect from an amusemnt park ride...If they had made this a 3D feature, perhaps I'd be more forgiving. Great angles allow for great opportunities to immerse the audience into the action. Funny J.J. Abrams didn't think of this. The director of this film should seriously think about doing a reedit before even considering a sequel...but let's hope the monster in the end this time has won! :)....

The first nail to seal the fate in which I lay to rest this film in the coffin it deserves to rest in: The size and proportion of the Statue of Liberty's decapitated head out in the streets of Manhattan to that of the screaming people running around it....Can I say "student film"?

Rush to see AUGUST RUSH :)

2007-12-02T21:40:00.000-08:00

Watched a beautiful movie, simple and profound at the same time. August Rush. It really tested the windsails of one's faith. Plus, Freddie Highmore is a great actor!

I love movies that make you feel emotions and compells you to cry. They make me feel alive, that I have compassion. Some movies just numb you, which can be good to an extent but emotionally powerfully movies stay with you, can even change and inspire you. Make you hope for something that you must just wait for.

This movie is really about a lot of everything: loss, hope, redemption, discovery. I like how the movie begins. Evan is conducting the field of grass like an orchestra. Then in narration as he gets beaten by some older boys at the home he's placed, he says that world sometimes knocks it out of you "It" can be anything, but in this movie it can be music. For me that had been the case. When I got depressed, suddenly I stopped playing music...When life changed drastically, I stopped feeling the passion-the world knocked it out of me....

Years time, with the faith of a little child Evan still believes he hears his parents and that learning music and letting them hear it somehow will bring them to him.

More beautiful than any movie celebrating music (refer to Mr. Holland's Opus). The character of Evan believes in music like others believe in fairy tales. It is this strong belief that we all must have in anything, whether it be finding a family, a purpose in life, or hope and happiness. You just got to keep having the faith.

Even more touching is when you see Evan discover the guitar for the first time. The joy and glee on his face is like watching a baby discover with joy his or her own ability to make noise for the first time :) I teared at this and many other parts of this movie.

I wish I were more articulate in describing the experience I felt watching this. This is definitely not an unabiased critique. On a whole, the movie works, although there are some quirks that I can overlook (like Robing Williams character in a setting that rivals Oliver Twist). I would definitely add this to my DVD collection as soon as available. My only wish was that there was a commercial hit song so that more people would be attuned to this wonderful movie (no lie: my family and one other couple were the only people in the theater; I bet the others were milking their money's worth watching Beowulf, or god forbid, Dusting Hoffman in the Mr. Maggorium's Emporium).

Two thumbs up!!! 88 keys well-tuned!!!

Across the Movie Aisles

2007-11-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since a movie actually MOVED me. It would have been easy to cry at this one. Music is my kryptonite and no matter how much I try to think music isn't in my veins, the Beatles try to pull me back in! And so witht his film! Julie Taymor, you are a film genius. I am proud to say that Hollywood, even in the midst of the writers' strike, has a future-and its in its female directors!

I loved the opening to this movie. "Girl" is so minimalistic in its setting - a man and his life set against the backdrop of a lonely beach shore, the place where I myself find solace. Here, the character Jude unfolds his love story with Lucy and his meeting with Maxwell, Sadie, JoJo, and Prudence-among other interesting characters along the way. The turmoil of the '60's is eeringly similar to the anti-Iraqi war sentiment of today. Unfortunately, we have no music to really shuttle us forth to move us to demonstrate for peace as is shown in the film. Perhaps from learning from our history, we the new generation felt that war will happen and there's nothing we can do about it. But as John Lennon said: "War is Over. If you want it."

Simple yet profound in the sense that Jude's initial pacifist views gets his relationship with Lucy into a sketchy (pun intended-he is an artist) turn and soon their lives are twisted during a protest and their lives are suddenly torn across waters. In different parts of the world we are unknown to each other unless we make that connection. Jude and Lucy are lucky to have made that connection, overcoming obstacles of distance and politics. In the end, we realize truly that all of really need is
LOVE!

Poignant observations: T.V. Carpio is fetching in her debut as she opens her first scene as a heartbroken closeted teenager who decides to hitchike and explore the world, in and of itself her own exploration of her own sexuality which reaches its pinnacle when Jude, Lucy, Sadie, and Max try to sing to her while she hides-how appropriately-in a closet. Their song is enough for her to come out and not be afraid any longer....For the rest of the film we must make the assumption that she's made a choice, particularly when they all meet up later after some time where she's joined Dr. Leary's compound/circus. She finally reunites with Sadie's band where she plays the toy piano with JoJo on the rooftop of an apartment building a la Beatles.

Max is another complicated character is as much as we desire to see how much he will change. He is a happy go lucky guy. He doesn't take school seriously with the privileged life he has having an ivy leage education. His father speaks over Thanksgiving dinner in which Jude is invited as points out that it is what you do that makes you who you are, insinuating that Max's lack of doing anything makes him nothing...Max's father asks Jude's opinion, to which he offers that it's that whatever you do you do it well. That could mean making choices and hoping they're the right choices. Once a choice is made, one must learn to live with it. In the case of Max, he tries initially to avoid the draft but is made to fight nevertheless. He serves his country well-enough until he's injured and sent back home. It has matured him but has it changed him?...Using his own experiences of what he's seen, the music changes into a scene of Max and Jude much older in two different bars in different countries as Max sings "Hey Jude"....And in the end we must all "take a sad song and make it better."

Lucy I will have to say reflects my desire to fall in love and the fear that is involved. All my life to think that my love would be where I live only to be snatched away, as in Lucy's case where her fiance is killed in battle. Then here comes Jude. Does she dare fall in love again? "If I Fell" is such a telling song as she sings like she's reciting a monologue and watching Jude cast debris into the sea. How often do we just take a look back at a situation and analyze it constantly before acting...I am not impulsive, but I am not Lucy...for she follows her heart and I do not :(

Sadie is a doppleganger for Janis Joplin. In fact, she is played by an actress who has toured off-broadway portraying Janis as well! The only tie i find between her and I is the search for creative success and need for expression. As for JoJO, the telling moment for me was when he performed "As My Guitar Gently Weeps." In a sense, I find my heart gently weeps each time I find I lose that sense of creativity dying and I need to resurrect it from the dead.

As for Jude, I find I am him in so many ways. I cannot really describe all the reasons here. I'm not good in expressing myself and when it comes to feeling left out or jealous I don't speak things through. Instead I go in an incomprehensible rage similar to when he bursts through Lucy's headquarters that she works for a peace organization as he loudly sings "Revolution."

YOU SAY YOU WANT A REVOLUTION WELL YOU KNOW WE ALL WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD.
...BUT WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT DESTRUCTION. DON'T YOU KNOW YOU CAN JUST COUNT ME OUT.
DON'T YOU KNOW IT'S GONNA BE....ALRIGHT.

In these words I try to convince myself that yes, things are gonna be alright...but is that for certain?...
Will my male Lucy and my female Jude "Come Together" in the end of my version of my life?....

Overall, sentimentality aside, this movie is powerful, emotional, visually stimulating, and a feast for the musical ear :)

Into the Wild by director Sean Penn

2007-10-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Another great film by director Sean Penn. The realism brought to Into the Wild, in the emotions and the people, accentuated the humanity that was initially shunned by Emile's portrayal of real life Christopher McCandless, who died after being on his own in the Alaskan wild.

In the film (based on John Krakauer's book of the same title), Christopher McCandless has become bitter about his relationship with his parents. He had nurture a grudge secondary to their abusive relationship with each other. Unable to trust relationships thereafter with others, he seeks nature for solace. Thus he embarks on the Great Alaskan Adventure. He bumps into different people, all sharing their joys and uniqueness along the way. However, Christopher (now taking the alias of Alexander Supertramp) has become blinded with his Alaskan quest, he doesn't realize where true happiness lies...until too late.

It is an unfortunate loss of humanity to realize that humanity, if we are gentle with each other and loving of one another, can actually help save and redeem itself! It is also a testament to how parents in their behaviors toward one another and how they express love can affect their children. Their own blindness to how their actions affected their children in this case drove Christopher away...How often is this with adolescents who grow up to become jaded adults about love. How often does dysfunction in humanity and love drive adolescents to doubt their security in life.

Christopher is an exception. He embraced life outside of the usual norms, one may even question his sanity, but in his search for truth in books, he writes the following (or so it is assumed after watching this film):

HAPPINESS ONLY REAL WHEN SHARED.

Don't isolate yourself! Only when you forgive will God shine His love! (a quote from the film)

See this film to be inspired and learn of the human condition! It will change you forever.

I Couldn't Wait for Evan!!!

2007-06-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

This morning was like any ordinary day. Woke up. Ate. Changed. Beautified my eyebrows with a wax and then prayed at a weekly novena... On the way home, a lady bug landed on my window, as if gravitated to my presence by some inner kinship unspoken by a much higher force between us. My family decided we were to see EVAN ALMIGHTy but debated whether we'd miss the 5:45 show. Knowing past encounters from being a movie fiend with a few minutes to spare before the movie starts, I realized that even though we were just pulling out of the drive way by 5:30 knowing a 20 minute ride was ahead, I had to have faith that as soon as I sat down in my cushioned theater chair that the last credits would roll with the words DIRECTED BY Steve Odekirk, popcorn in hand and just in time for the movie! As always, it never failed.... And then it hit me as I watched this film, God does work in subtle ways, watching our every move and preparing our next steps, communicating in small ways. Though what I'll explain in the following will be lost to those who are not me and unable to associate little things that connect with the film with my personal experience, I hope that those who do read this and see the film will appreciate the film's themes:

1) Family
2) Conservationism/Environmentalism
3) Faith in the heat of criticism, ridicule, and risk of losing everything
4) Corruption and materialism
5) Individual responsibility/Random acts of Kindness (e.g., in changing the world)

Before putting my personal spin to this film, I have to laud Steve Carrell for another performance. He has chosen a career path unlike any other. His comedy is unique, though all successes of great comics lie in their ability to maintain their individuality among a slew of others doing the same thing. Steve Carrell also portrays Evan in ways that present hints of a budding dramatic actor that has the potential to make an audience weep with a range to dance into our hearts with bizarre waves of humor and obscure pop culture references (Gomer Pyle's "Golllllllleeee"). His character in the film is different and yet in some ways similar to his character Michael from The Office. The two collide in their desperation to be understood, though they diverge in their ways of gaining sympathy from others. Evan's persistence to be understood by others has him ridiculed by others and accussed of being mentally unstable, he continues with everyone in the end seeing it his way with redemption in the way his life is changed thereafter. On the other hand, Michael's desperation for love and attention and understanding leads him to nearly just as bizarre behavior, but constant practice of such behavior only isolates him from his employees who will always continue to think he is insane. I look forward to Carrell portraying more serios and darker roles in the future which could not hurt his career but escalate him even further even beyond Robin William's caliber I dare say!

(SIDE BAR: To THE OFFICE fans, you'll be able to see some cameos of Dundees such as Andy who in the film has some airtime as anchorman, whereas a cameo of Martin can be seen if you watch the ark scene as they near the capital building!)

As for the themes mentioned above, I nearly cried much to the credit again to the acting of Steve Carell but let's not forget Morgan Freeman. In discussing the film afterwards, my mother made an astute comparison how the ALMIGHTY series is our generation's Oh God! films that featured George Burns as God. With the move in special effects, the ALMIGHTY films outdo Burns 100 fold but perhaps the proselytyzing is preserved in both generations. Evan's wife, Joan, who separted briefly with the kids in the midst of things getting out of control, is told by God : When you ask for patience, are you immediately patient at that time or are you given the opportunity to be patient? When you ask for courage, are you given courage or the opportunity to be courageous? And when you ask for family to be closer, do you get a quick warm, fuzzy feeling or given the opportunity to be closer?...Then he takes his opportunity to leave and in his absence, Joan is blessed with a return of food in a once empty plate....Indeed, ask and you shall receive! I wish God appears to me one day in a Starbucks :)

Side by side, in speaking about the ark as a love story, God emphasizes the need to have two people stick together whatever comes their way! And in truth, this is a message that should be shared more often than not. This is a time with families more divided emotionally distant through technology and materialism (note the gorgeous house and Hummer that Evan lives and drives, only to be driven into an oblivion making a huge statement that we certainly cannot take what we reap on earth with us where it matters! ) Corruption also rears its face and brings a throwback to the tragedy of the New Orleans plight caused by Katrina and the flood victims that followed in the aftermath. Though there was no Evan to save our real world, how beautiful to have film as a medium to get the message across that "cutting corners" will lead to consequences. Other sources of corruption is filtering money from cutting corners in efforts to create dams of low quality and then later using that money and clout to create a bill that will only destroy the earth of its beautiful land resources...Here is where the land and animals converge together to make their mark within a veiled attempt to respond in AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH fashion.

Faith in the heat of being told you are crazy is true belief in God. To lose your life is to gain your life, as the Bible is oft quoted. How appropirate in the end for Evan's case. As his days prior to building the ark seemed like a breakdown, he resisted human influence and trusted the unknown. In a world where we trust humans and the sometimes devastating consequences that can occur when that trust is left in inappropriate hands, we may need to build an ark in our own hearts to survive the flood of the culture that barrages us now with innappropirate lifestyles and selfish acquisitions we so much desire but are not so much in dire need of. How can we change the world? With an act of random kindness (A.R.K.)!

---------------- My Personal Connection -----------------------Evan Almighty-----------------
Because we arrived about 6:00 at the theater, I'm guessing I did arrive at my seat about 6:14? Coincidentally, everyday Evan wakes up, it is at this time which matches the Genesis verse where Noah is called upon God to build an ark made of gopher wood. Parts that made me cry, was already mentioned, that between Evan's wife and God, because I have often asked for courage, patience, and family to be closer-now I know I must pay attention to God's signs of those opportunities He must be sending but I've been ignoring.

Music and LYrics

2007-02-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

Charming and witty are adjectives least expected from this movie that many reviewers have panned as being, how shall we say, unworthy of being on Englands Top of the Pops! But if you're like me, which fortunately some of you are not, I would say swallow your pride and intelligence and simply go to a movie for a good smile and you might be rewarded with a good feeling similar to when you first heard the Beatles "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" or the first time you realized you wanted to pick up a tennis raquet and imagine you could play guitar.

This is that kind of movie. And because I too am a songwriter/singer and writer in the literary sense, I can appreciate both characters' struggles delivered comically as well with moments of depth and seriousness. Hugh Grant plays himself, offering us a Cary Grant for our time. And though the woman in me has fallen for him many times over in films like About A Boy (a film I'll review on a special Hugh Grant day yet to be determined), Two Weeks Notice, and Notting Hill, he has won me over 100 x more after seeing him behind a piano as he sings a song to Drew's character, Sophie. Did I mention he looks hot in tight pants? He has aged well!!!! And as the movie opener song suggests, when I saw him again (yes I saw it 2x) popped went my heart :)

True, there are moments when the movie leaves the audience a little skeptical about the potential for laughs, but Hugh Grant saves the day if not by Drew's sad puppy dog pouting eyes.

Generally, if you don't want a too deep movie but want a general good time, this is it. A good "chick flick" , date flick, or family movie. Whoever you see it with, if you love music you'll leave with a tune you can't get out of your head.

***Side note: Looks like there's a trend of singing celebrities...It won't be long before musicals make a comeback!!!!!!...Oh, I hope Hugh Grant doesn't leave romantic comedies and acting too soon for his career in writing. Many hearts will also pop in great deflation :(

Dreamgirls

2007-02-18T19:35:00.000-08:00

This is a long overdue review I've been meaning to write in a long time. Being that it has been maybe a week since I last saw it, my perspective may be affected slightly on the fact that I've listened to Jennifer Hudson's version of "I Am Changing" for the last 2 hours (with breaks of course). Let me tell you, that song in itself speaks volumes about what this film is about and the well-deserving Oscar nominated supporting actress.

I wasn't sure what to expect from Jennifer's performance but the first scene in which she enters I was impressed. And to think, this is her acting debut, aside from community theater but what community theater actor goes into the Oscars within just a few years? And to think she lost American Idol? No offense to America, but I do believe the public doesn't know talent very well. Jennifer Hudson's performance gave me chills, particular with the song mentioned above. She made me feel like I was watching and listening to a black Barbara Streisand!!! In that scene I knew she had a great future ahead. I pray that such early success won't get to her head or be her downfall as it has been with so many other celebrities.

Of course there are other actors!!! Eddie Murphy was great too. He's gone beyond Party All the Time from the '80's to Oscar nomination!!! A great evolution from a former Saturday Night Live alum! Jamie Foxx, though not much musical screen time, he had a subdued yet powerful presence as well. Beyonce has done well, but I can't help but think that Jennifer overshadowed her a bit ;) And Anansi did just as well, a Tony winner!!! More exciting, I hope to see Jennifer reprise her role in a live reproduction of the musical!

I can't really say anything critical in film analysis since this was based on an award winning musical. Bill Condon, director of the film version of Chicago does his magic once again. And I felt my feet tapping away in the theater once again :) I feel music should make a revival in the movies. Less violence and more love and harmony :)

Pursuing Happiness :)

2006-12-24T23:54:00.000-08:00

It is rare these days to come out of a movie theater feeling you've learned something and felt inspired. These are the feelings I left when I finished watching The Pursuit of Happiness. Will Smith should at least get an Oscar Nomination, but certainly I would not be surprised if he won for best actor! And can we start a category for his son too? I swear if we could only clone him and market copies, I would definitely buy one! :)

Overall, the movie made me feel like I should never let anyone trounce on my dreams, no matter how many times someone says you can't do something or how many people say you can't do it. If someone can't do something they see you can, they just don't want you to succeed...

Happiness...Pursue it with all your might, and grip a hold once you've got it, coz it isn't easy to come by, not today, yesterday, or tomorrow.

First Film Review: The Lady in the Water

2006-07-30T20:15:00.000-07:00

When You Thought it Was Safe to be ...Out of the Water!

Joining the growing number of mixed reviews to the list of M.Night "However Do you Spell or Say His Name" Shamalayan's critics, I have to put in my own 2 cents. (In this case, it would be $8.75 plus the cost of coke, popcorn, and a hotdog.) I have to give credit to Mr. Shamalayan's courage in putting out a movie as original as this. To satirize Hollywood's murder of originality in the business of filmmaking, Mr. Shamalayan strategically places a film critic as a new tenant in Mr. Heap's apartment complex. The film critic's lament of the absence of originality is probably felt by all film audiences, but perhaps Mr. Shamalayan overestimates the audience's capacity to believe in what he calls narfs, scrunts, and (another display of my weakness in spelling) tartoogas?

The premise appears simple enough. Mr. Heap, endearingly acted by Paul Giaomatti, is the superattendant of The Cove. The tenants all appear unassuming as the man who takes care of their building. Mr. Shamalayan would like you to think that each of them may not have a purpose but back to that later. One night, a la Steven Speilberg's E.T., Mr. Heap hears a splashing in the pool. With great apprehension, he edges slowly out to the pool to investigate. Perhaps too quickly, we meet Story, the narf who saves Mr. Heap from drowning in the pool after slipping and falling into it. And here is where the film starts to lose me.

Granted, any work of fiction requires us to suspend our disbelief. You're reading a review by the same person who saw The Lake House, another movie worthy of criticism. Perhaps any movie with a title that suggests something wet should signal our inner flag. Lady in the Water and the Lake House intersect in two ways: 1) they are both original and 2) their plots are so fantastical, one would have to be crazy to believe such things in real life happen! The two differ greatly in that one is more a sort of legend vs. romantic drama, but both the supporting characters are willing to suspend their disbelief at such an abrupt and sudden pace it's hard to believe that these people are living in the real world. One only has to catch a glimpse of the guy who only works out the one side of his body to know that this movie is totally "out there!" That's M. Night for you.

The dialogue at times can be a little convulted as the plot. There are scenes that could have been developed more or restructured or edited out. The one scene where an Asian girl interprets the legend as spoken by her mom spills the legend bit by bit but the diction is so stereotypical of what an Asian-American girl would sound like, that I begin to lose interest. And because of the way some of the dialogue is carried out, a lot is misunderstood but can be deciphered gradually as the action develops, however erractically.

Creating tension is how Mr. Heap falls into this legend. Story, the narf, is supposed to meet her vessel to pass on the secret of his future. Here Mr. Shamalayan plays it up for the camera. What an opportunity to be on the other side of the lens. It isn't any wonder why he's a director and not an actor. His performance, however small, seems stilted with exception of a smile here and there. The rare smiles or lack of looseness in his character I suppose is to portray his character as being very intense and dedicated to his writing which is supposed to affect the future of the country. In his portrayal on screen, I think we catch a glimpse of his directing style: very intense in the purpose of the film forgetting the lightness in mood that life also has to offer. Though he does show some redemption for all those involved centered around Story's need to return back to the Blue World, a quest constantly thwarted by those nagging scrunts who come out of nowhere from the grass. And you thought weeds were a problem!

Out of the mess is Paul Giaomatti's performance. He is truly and unsung and prolific actor. (I look forward to the Illusionist, in which he'll star). Through his performance, as in his film Sideways, Giaomatti delivers a human aspect that would have been missing had he not starred in this film. If I'm not mistaken, I believe that Mr. Shamalayan wrote the screenplay with him in mind, knowing his capacity to deliever the vulnerabilty but courageousness displayed in Mr. Heap's character. Unable to resist the urge to cry, I found myself becoming the Lady in Tears during the scene where everyone tries to bring back Story back to life. Being a "healer" myself, we find that among the band of misfits at the Cove, Mr. Heap through his supplication to God as it were (which I found refreshing) gave the power to heal and restore life to Story. Just as Mr. Heap brings Story back to life, Paul Giaomatti "heals" the Lady in the Water from nearly drowning.

In the end, we find that everyone has a purpose and that every act will affect another. We are all connected. These are great elements for any story, but could have been structured better here in this film...but who am I to criticize. Enjoy the movie. And maybe in the end you'll be rooting for the scrunt in one scene....Watch it and you'll know what I mean....

>(a shirt that M. Night could wear: "Critics= Srunts' Lunch")