Megara

Posted on November 24, 2014 by heavenliner

meg & herc

My favorite leading lady in Disney cartoon movie is not a princess. Let me clarify that this category is totally different from my favorite full-fledged Disney cartoon movie villain which is Ursula The Sea Witch.

Female Disney characters most especially the popular princesses would usually be characterized at the start of their respective stories as weak, fragile, innocent, helpless and gullible. A typical picture of damsels in distress or youthful naivety. These Disney ladies as the story unfolds would only develop strength and conviction after having met severe trials and tribulations. And usually their advancement for personal potency and realization for self-conviction would usually entail the help of a prince or a knight in shining armor.

These platitudes are totally not true for the vivacious Megara. Nicknamed, Meg. Unlike other female Disney characters, Meg already possess a tough, brazen and resilient character at the start of the 1997 Disney cartoon movie Hercules (which by the way is my favorite Disney cartoon movie).

Meg is not the naïve sweetie type girl possessing an innocent high pitched voice. She instead is a woman with an appealing sexiness coupled with an alluring husky voice of seduction. Meg actually started in the film being part of the group of adversaries and foes of Hercules. She’s one of the minions of villainous Hades and was kicking a lot of Olympian butts until she later softened up and fell in love with the virile and charming Wonder Boy.

Though not well emphasized in the film, Meg’s past is not all cakes and sunshine. Prior to meeting cool dude Hercules, Meg sold her soul to Hades to save an unfaithful boyfriend. This of course characterizes her being a woman with admirable guts and intense personal passion. And being an experienced woman, this sets Meg apart from the other virtuous and virginal female leads of Disney.

Because of this unique persona, Meg for me is the best Disney female character ever. I totally adore her depth and maturity. She for me seem to be the closest to reality. No fancy neither fantasy! She may not be a Disney princess but she indeed acts and possess the traits of what a mature smart-aleck woman should be.

‘Aktwali, mas birgin at inosente pa si Herkules sa kanya!

Honing My Sixth Sense Through Beauty In A Bottle

Posted on November 2, 2014 by heavenliner

stars of beauty in a bottle: angeline, angelica and assunta (photo grabbed from starcinema.abs-cbn.com website)

Perceiving the unseen world of angels, ghosts or elements from a different plane and dimension is not my sixth sense. It is because what I consider as my sixth sense is my sense of humor.

And this has recently been sharpened and utilized when I recently laughed so hard inside a cinema. It is because of the Tagalog/Filipino movie Beauty In A Bottle that stars Angelica Panganiban, Assunta De Rossi and Angeline Quinto which I, Nengkoy and thirteen other members of my family watched.

Beauty In A Bottle is the type of movie that you would not mind in the end if it was good or bad. But what matters most was the spending of considerable amount of time having a good laughing spell.

The movie flutters basically about the old principles of ‘inner beauty’ and ‘self-esteem’ hilariously being paralleled to having smooth skin, young age, desirable diction and attractive body. I don’t remember when was the last time I laughed this hard on a Tagalog/Filipino movie. It was a riot! It was so funny I was having pits of persistent laughter even by simply seeing the movie’s video loop ads when we were already out of the movie theater.

But if I deeply assess what the movie waves about, maybe the reason why my sixth sense had a good workout is because I can relate. The very same hardships that the main characters in the movie are having trouble about – the rekindling of “the young and beautiful you” – are the very same troubles that I have been irrationally minding about. The theme is so close to my being! I was like laughing at my own reflection!

Laugh at yourself! Hone your sixth sense! See Beauty In A Bottle!

Laping trip ang peg!

Proving Ellen’s Fun Power for Nick the Gardener

Posted on October 14, 2014 by heavenliner

Hahaha! Ellen’s gardener already got a movie offer! This only shows how powerful Ellen DeGeneres could be…

Charming and now-the-world’s favorite gardener, Nick, got a call from no less than Channing Tatum to inform him that he is in the upcoming Magic Mike movie. The adorable guy really looked moved and surprised!

obviously surprised…

Now that Nick The Gardener will be in the next Magic Mike movie, it shall be something to look forward to then. It would definitely be a fun booster blast if Ellen would do a cameo!

Grabe ang pan pawers ni Ateng Ellen… Katuwa!

The Grand Symphony of Beauty of The Grand Budapest Hotel

Posted on September 27, 2014 by heavenliner

the grand budapest hotel

Can a film be at the same time funny, exciting, intelligent, poetic, violent, colorful and absurd? The answer can be found in the movie The Grand Budapest Hotel. It is because all these elements are present in this brilliant movie.

Ralph Fiennes character of Gustave H, the hotel’s superstar Concierge is such a joy to watch. He imbibes sophistication in his acting in which humor, action and drama were all mixed up in such a perfect balance. Aside from the great Fiennes, the film also boasts of master cameo performances by that of Adrien Brody, Willem Defoe, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Edward Norton, Owen Wilson, Jude Law, Tilda Swinton and a lot more. Presence of these superstars would definitely elicit giggles from the viewers by their mere simple recognition in the movie.

the visuals were simply brilliant!

Because of the gorgeous colors, the engrossing story, the stunning visuals and the array of actors with bits of roles in the story, the movie feels like I was walking through one fantastic and extraordinary music video. I was like transported to the eloquent 1930s Europe of a different universe without the jet lag.

Aside from all these elements, what I particularly would like to rave about the movie are the well-crafted sparkling dialogues. Spoken especially by the engaging Gustave H. The set of words spoken by Gustave are like pieces of art works hanging in a museum. He can be very eloquently composed and can also be uproariously agitated. And because of his difficulty from balancing his temperament he ends up being sophisticatedly hilarious!

To prove my point here is the dialogue, a letter in fact, written by Gustave H to his colleagues of the hotel when he was at the confines of a prison:

My dear and trusted colleagues,

I miss you deeply as I write from the confines of my regrettable and preposterous incarceration. Until I walk amongst you again as a free man, the Grand Budapest remains in your hands, as does its impeccable reputation. Keep it spotless, and glorify it. Take extra-special care of every little bitty bit of it as if I were watching over you like a hawk with a horse-whip in its talons, because I am. Should I discover a lapse of any variety during my absence, I promise swift and merciless justice will descend upon you. A great and noble house has been placed under your protection. Tell Zero if you see any funny business.

Your devoted Monsieur Gustave

The dialogues were so incredibly sharp, rich, witty and completely brilliant. In fact, because of the clever use of words in the dialogues, this is one of the few movies which would be worthy to be seen with subtitles.

No doubt, the Grand Budapest Hotel is one grand symphony of beauty. I truly enjoyed it!

May oskar ‘to. Pihado ko.

Feeling Charmed by The Way He Looks

Posted on September 3, 2014 by heavenliner

From my own personal observations and from what I have seen so far, pink movies usually have tragic or sad endings. It usually has too much or prolonged erotic scenes, it is fully packed with emotional wallop and it’s either too heavy or too flamboyant in terms of plot and characters. Everything seems too extreme making gay movies too cinematic.

Glad to note that all of these observations about a gay movie are not present in the Brazilian feature length film entitled The Way He Looks (original title: Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho) directed by Daniel Ribeiro.

About two or three years ago, I saw on YouTube the short film version of this movie where it was adapted and directed by the same director. That is why when YouTube recommended on its page the full length movie’s trailer I initially got confused. I was telling myself I already saw that adorable film but the images of the movie and the appearances of the characters seem to have changed. I thought the teaser was a continuation of the short film version and that the characters have grown a bit. Out of curiosity, I searched for the film online. I only realized that the director did a re-make of the short film into a new full length movie after I have clicked and searched YouTube.

Luckily for me but unfortunately for filmmaker Ribeiro, the full length version is available on YouTube. This enabled me to watch and appreciate the beauty and excellence of the film. Everything about this movie (both the short and the full-length versions) though simply expressed and executed, seem so brilliant – the light, lovable and innocent quality of the storyline, the captivating fineness of the actors, the distinction of the editing and production design and of course the cleverness of the director.

Even the endearing soundtrack is so merit-worthy. I am now so in love with the song ‘There’s Too Much Love’ by Belle & Sebastian. My favorite scene in the film includes the playing of this song! For me it was not the light kissing scene that is the most tender and most charming part of the movie. Rather it was when Gabriel was teaching the blind Leo how to dance while ‘There’s Too Much Love’ tune is playing.

Another appealing and impressive things about the movie is that it is not just about young gay romance. It is also about delightful family relationship, super friendship, boosting of self-worth and the quest for independence.

This movie deserves to be released commercially here in the Philippines. And if it does, expect me to be queuing at the box office and I would definitely be the first person in line.

Libre ko kayo pag pinalabas yan dito sa ‘Pinas.

Superlative Aesthetics of Barber’s Tales

Posted on August 22, 2014 by heavenliner

barber’s tales movie poster

All elements of a good movie seem to be present in the film Barber’s Tales written and directed by Jun Lana. Everything in the movie though simple in its attack seems mesmeric. It is so good the viewers at the end of the film could not control from clapping their hands.

It is a quiet movie yet its overall effect encompasses viewers’ expectations of a well-made film: honest-to-goodness directing and storytelling; unpredictable twists and characters; so-true-to-the-character acting performances; skillful use of the Filipino language; unobtrusive and discreet use of music that mixes naturally with the sound of the environment; and, lastly the brilliant use of old and faded colors.

I know there have been heaps of positive reviews and blog posts written about Barber’s Tales highlighting on how good the story is, how cohesive the direction and cinematography was or how impressive the actors were. Thus with this post, let me honor one aspect of the film that seems to have been slightly neglected. The production design.

Being a person who grew up in the era on when the story wheeled on, this element of the film truly delighted me. Thus, for me, Chito Sumera, the production designer of the movie is one of the movie’s superstars.

The movie’s production design brought me back to my pre-school years in Pasay. I agreed with all the 70’s period props and costumes featured in the movie. From the prostitutes’ usage of pink plastic rolers (curler tubes) on their hair, the presence of old transistor radio inside the barbershop, the usage of hoary kulambo (mosquito net), the presence of time-consuming ginanchillo (crochet fabric) on top of the rickety-looking tocador (a dresser) and even the old magazine with Margie Moran on its cover were all genuinely amazing to see. These well-researched props made me further feel the critical sensory-emotional values of the film.

when i was still a kid, i always thought that those batya (laundry tubs) were giant tansan (bottle caps)

I actually whispered to Nengkoy while the movie was running if she noticed and still recalls those reliable tin metal batya (laundry tub) which the main character and her best friend were using in one of the beautiful scenes.

These key design elements further elevated the film to be closer to what is the truth and what has existed in the past, thus, making the story so real.

The Barber’s Tales is still showing in few selected cinemas in the metro. For its ‘true’ aesthetics, this film is definitely a must watch movie.

Hanep!

Kasal by Joselito Altarejos

Posted on August 9, 2014 by heavenliner

kasal movie poster captured from cinemalaya 2014 website

My two most favorite scenes in the movie Kasal (The Commitment) directed by Joselito Altarejos are the dialogue-less squabble scene of the two main characters in the middle of a green-lush alleyway in which instead of spoken dialogues, a sweet Tagalog love/wedding song is being played and the passionate love making scene that features the two main characters along with the old-timer veteran Filipina actress Boots Anson Roa.

I loved the long-shot dialogue-less quarrel scene because even though you could not hear what the characters are articulating you can actually see and feel from afar what they are saying. This one is a truly magical achievement for the director who was able to capture such a rare feat. Very seldom in a Filipino-made film that I have seen this. Usually in a Filipino movie, for a message to be conveyed it needs to be overtly spoken and for an emotion to be felt the main character should be shot close up.

The other impressive scene was the pink love-making part of the movie. Aside from the challenging erotic calisthenic-demands for the actors, the scene was further made difficult because a film clip of the well-respected and morally-right veteran actress Boots Anson Roa is being flashed and projected directly onto their skin. It’s like having sex with someone while your senior citizen elementary school religion teacher is closely watching. How on earth can you attain the ecstasy and worldly bliss? Thus, kudos to the director who was able to think and execute something as unique as this.

the young bride (photo taken from cinemalaya 2014 website)

Aside from these two richly flavored scenes in the film, Kasal (wedding in English) was able to highlight various dynamics about marriage, love, commitment and family. And what is so impressive about it is that these dynamics were navigated in an incredibly solid and cohesive manner. The impressive story also depicts the irony of a happy wedding celebration which can actually be the reason for sadness, struggles and troubles by those involved by it. The story and scenes were so close-to-reality viewers inside the theater were expressing their unconcealed elated reaction while the movie is running.

Though the main characters did not end up being together as an item and that the ending was rather sad, you nevertheless will feel – if you would just deeply contemplate – that the lead characters in the story will be just fine in the future. And that is another remarkable achievement of this film. The ending was a sad silent pause yet still pleasant.

Now I can say that I already have a favorite Altarejos film. I had some problems with the technical aspect of the movie most especially the dubbing. But all these were easily erased by the trueness and sincerity of the story as well as the impressive execution by that of the superb director.

Kasal (The Commitment) is a finalist and an official entry in the Director’s Showcase category of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2014.

Ay howp it wins…

Hustisya by Lamangan: An Injustice to Nora

Posted on August 6, 2014 by heavenliner

hustisya movie poster grabbed from cinemalaya website

Joel Lamangan is a Filipino film director who has been very successful in consistently disappointing me with his works. I have seen a couple of his movies but seeing his latest one made me conclude that it would take me a great deal of convincing to watch his future works.

Lamangan’s latest movie is entitled, Hustisya. It stars the great Nora Aunor. This film is an entry in the on-going Cinemalaya film festival. Unfortunately, for my taste the 2-hour film, Hustisya, is a big disappointment. Because I was so bored in the first few minutes of the movie, I kept on looking at my watch. And to my surprise the first disenchanting 35 minutes of the movie was nothing but seeing Aunor walking within the rundown streets of Manila.

For me, the movie’s core and story can easily be told in less than 45 minutes. It ran for 2 hours because Lamangan inserted unnecessary footages of the sorry-looking and sordid spots of the City of Manila with the aim of putting socio-political connotations for the film.

For me, Lamangan is nothing but an inferior imitator of the genius Filipino film director Lino Brocka. The latter’s work contains heaps of socio-political implications and undertones which would hit directly into your being. Lamangan’s representation of socio-political issues on the other hand seem nothing but superficial.

Because of the footages inserted in the film and the secondary scenes placed in the movie (like the anti-government rally that suddenly came out from nowhere; the pickpocket scene inside a train; or, the stabbing murder scene along a dodgy street), which has nothing to do with the story has failed to touch a nerve. His depiction of social ills and government-political inadequacies looks artificially pilit (forced).

Lamangan must thank the heavens for Aunor who agreed to be in the film. She is the sole saving grace of this movie. And I cannot imagine how the film would look like or what the film would have become if it was not for the great Aunor who stars in it. Without Nora, this movie could easily be considered a non-worthy entry in this year’s highly prestigious Director’s Showcase category of Cinemalaya festival.

Jusko, epik peyl naman ‘tong si Manong.

Matt Bomer For The Win

Posted on August 3, 2014 by heavenliner

matt bomer as felix

When I learned in the past (about a year ago or so) that Matt Bomer was not considered to play the role of Christian Grey for the movie adaptation of the massive hit novel 50 Shades of Grey, I was glad. Besides the face of Matt Bomer is buckets-full prettier that the visualized looks of Christian Grey.

I was glad that I will never have to be compelled on seeing that movie, because otherwise, I would have to watch it simply because Matt was in it. Though 50 Shades of Grey was a massive hit novel series, I can profess that I am among the few adults on this planet who has not read it. And I don’t have any plans neither intentions of reading it anytime soon or anytime in the future. Reason? I actually don’t know.

I guess destiny did not allow Matt Bomer to star in 50 Shades because the universe intended him to star in a much much better material that is The Normal Heart. I saw this HBO film, adapted from the autobiographical play with the same title two months ago. And this movie definitely deserves an Emmy-worthy recognition for Matt. His characterization on his role as Felix in the film was no big joke. He loosed 35 pounds for it.

But beyond Matt’s physical transformation in the film, he was hauntingly amazing in this movie! He was the heart-wrencher in the story that will make you feel the pain. I saw the film 2 months ago and yet the drama, the thunderous message and Matt’s powerful performance still lingers in my mind. His character was definitely louder than the beat of a normal heart.

The Normal Heart is out for sale on DVD and Blu-ray format on August 28, 2014 – which I predict as – 3 days after Matt Bomer has gone home with an Emmy trophy.

Mat Bamer Por Da Win!

Nora, Bona and the Masa

Posted on July 15, 2014 by heavenliner

Though all things seem to have settled down and it has been considered a wrinkle in time, Nora Aunor the greatest actress on the face of Philippine cinema must nevertheless be thankful that she was not bestowed the recognition of National Artist.

Reason?

She should be thankful for not being conferred by a President who doesn’t seem to know anything about sining (art). I have yet to read or learn in the news that the present Philippine president supports Philippine art.

She should be thankful for being nominated by her fellow potent Philippine artists but only to be scratched by a non-worthy President because this made a lot of people especially today’s generation to be interested and curious about how magnificent her body of work has been.

She should be thankful because her not being declared a National Artist pushed me to watch one of her greatest works entitled Bona.

the prolific nora in bona

Bona, directed by the equally genius Lino Brocka, remains significant and substantial in today’s time. The story and characters still remains to exist in today’s Filipino realm. It is unlike other films made in the past that when viewed now would already look silly and stupid. It remains germaine and relevant up to this day.

Some would say that Bona (the movie) would have been a better film if it explained why Bona (the character) had so much obsession and bizarre infatuation towards Gardo (a bit player and struggling movie actor). For me, this impenetrable and baffling element made Bona a great work of art. It is like conveying that feelings of passion, adoration and reverence need not be explained for it is simply unexplainable.

Bona, the movie is so relevant! Simply look on how we, the masa (ordinary middling populace) adore and revere today’s movie stars. Can you imagine today’s glamorous movie stars being so filthy rich when in fact they did not even finished high school or college?

Furthermore, like Bona, we are so unexplainably awestruck by the charm of these movie actors and actresses, majority of us even had the bizarre obsession of voting for them during election to occupy crucial seats in government offices. Only to be duped and hoodwinked later on by these very celebrities (slash now-government-executives), similar to that of Gardo towards Bona in the movie.

Surprisingly, even though the movie is already 15 years old, it still depicts the poverty and destitution that an ordinary masa endures to experience and suffer from. It felt like this unglamorous movie was just done yesterday! It is so unfortunate that the country’s presidents in the past and the present (the one who refused to name Nora a National Artist) seem not have done enough to alleviate these adversities.

Now that the President has gone over with the condemnation by the Philippine art community because of his dim-witted decision of not declaring Nora a National Artist, he should find time to watch Bona the movie. He would definitely get enlightened and learn a lot about Nora, Bona and the masa.

Pans kasi ni kristeta…

Nengkoy

ruminations & travesties of the favorite yet naughty son of Nengkoy

Tag Archives: movie