IRON MAN 3

Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow,

Don Cheadle. Jon Favreau, Rebecca Hall, 

Guy Pearce, Ben Kingsley

"Unleash the power behind the armor"

Cinema 10, SM Megamall

I find it strange that the 3rd installment in the Iron Man franchise is shown a week ahead in international cinemas than in the land where it was conceptualized and filmed. But that didn't stop me from seeing it, nonetheless.  So this means that viewers in the US will be bombarded with spoilers from anyone and everyone who reviews it. Best avoid reading them if you want to see the film when it opens.

When I headed to the cinema, I noticed a long queue so I was disappointed because I thought I had plenty to time to enjoy the trailers before the actual film commences.  But it turns out it was the line to another theater where Iron Man 3 was showing in 3D. Phew.

I'm not a big fan of 3D.  For one, I'm too cheap to pay extra just to wear some ill fitting eyeglasses so I can see the facial pores of the cast, up close and personal.  2nd, I know for a fact that it would just give me a headache to see computer generated images up close so why subject myself to such agony?

Now on to Iron Man 3. The film takes off after The Avengers where the Marvel superheroes battled machine like aliens who were hellbent on taking over planet Earth.  This incident has deeply affected Tony Stark aka Iron Man. He's been traumatized from the weary battle and now suffers from insomnia.  But this hardly makes him idle as he mostly spends his nights tinkering with his armored suit, enhancing its features as well as developing several prototypes of his Iron Man 'costume'. 

A blast from his past, (specifically 1999) comes back to haunt him. They are in the form of a rejected ex girlfriend, botanist Maya Hansen (Rebecca Hall) and a nerdy scientist with grandiose ideas named Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) who was equally ignored by Tony Stark.  There is also a megalomaniac villain simply known as The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), sporting a Bin Laden like beard who terrorizes the homeland. 

As far as villains go, the 3 above mentioned characters play their roles with much gusto. Wreaking havoc on America with state of the art technology to their full advantage as well as manipulating the media networks to propagate their cunningly evil ways.

Naturally all of these threats are nothing that Iron Man can handle. Even though his plush mansion is pulverized to the ground or in this case into the deep abyss of the sea. Even though his partner/love interest Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) has been kidnapped. Even though his faithful driver/ally Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) lies in a comatose state after he encounters a robot alien like being disguised as human.

Nothing fazes him although we are also shown a vulnerable side to the normally arrogant and egotistical Tony Stark.   A man scarred by a traumatic experience, bereft of his residence/lab and his inspiration.  He is totally down but surely the only way to redeem yourself is to fight against all odds.

There is the customary loud explosions and the high octane action filled scenes. Notably the sequence where helicopters basically fire away all their loaded ammunition towards the luxurious Stark residence which sits precariously on top of a hill overlooking the ocean.  Another note worthy scene is the finale at the shipyard where all the Iron Man armored suits battle it out with genetically altered human bombs. 

More than the caricature villains and the edge of your seat action scenes, the real heart and soul of the movie is without a doubt Robert Downey, Jr.  As Tony Stark/Iron Man this is a role he was born to play and he certainly lords it up with his fine acting skills.  

Aided by a witty and often funny dialogue, Tony Stark in this 3rd installment has certainly mellowed quite a bit.  But that is in a good way, he is no longer arrogant, so full of himself and egotistical. He shows his caring side especially when it comes to Pepper Potts.   Yet at the same time, he hasn't lost his extravagant flair and is still his ever playful, sarcastic self. Nice combination, if you ask me!   Robert Downey, Jr is my only reason to see Iron Man 3 and gladly he never fails to deliver a fine performance.   

P.S.

Be patient enough to stick around until the end of the credits (very long as there are a 1000 people involved in the making of the film) to watch the short clip.  It was cute!

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson,

Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy,

Celia Imrie, Dev Patel

Star Movies

A group of British pensioners (who do not know each other except for the married couple) decide to enjoy their retirement years in India. The online advertisement for the "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" in Jaipur states it is a resort for the elderly and beautiful.  Enticed by a life of leisure in a serene environment, not to mention cheaper lifestyle, they all arrive together to discover the hotel isn't exactly paradise!

The film basically follows the adventures as well as the mishaps they experience individually and as a group during their stay in India.  Everything from cramped transportation, flavorful yet very spicy nourishment to the warm hospitality of the locals. 

The ensemble cast led by revered British actors like Maggie Smith and Judi Dench is the main draw of this charming yet predictable film.  They each portray well developed characters with ease.  Even though some of them aren't exactly likeable ones.  Typical wry British humor abound as well as light fare dramatic moments.  

I, for one who lived in New Delhi for 4 years (during my childhood) cannot imagine spending the rest of my twilight years in a place with a completely different culture.  Lest you get me wrong, I am in no way disparaging India.   It does have its own exotic charms.  So even if I don't understand their choice, I figure they were probably attracted to the word 'exotic'!

THE IRON LADY

Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent

"Never Compromise"

HBO

With the recent passing of Lady Margaret Thatcher, her controversial biopic is being shown repeatedly on HBO.  It was controversial as her family and some friends of the late Prime Minister view the film as an insult to her legacy.   

Although she is portrayed brilliantly by Meryl Streep, the movie presents Thatcher in her older years as suffering from dementia. She often talks to the spirit of her beloved husband, Sir Denis who died several years ago.  Their conversations recall her political years through burst of flashbacks, from her first entry into a political party to her rise as Britain's first woman Prime Minister.

This biopic also explores her personal struggle as she ventures into an arena which was mostly dominated by men. She also had a difficult time balancing her life as a mother/wife and her role as the first and so far only woman UK Prime Minister.   Governing during a period of great turmoil both locally (mining incident and the IRA) and internationally (the Cold War and the Falkland War), her decisions and her policies were not always welcomed by her countrymen.   

Yet she thrived mainly due to her strong willed and principled personality and never compromise once she made up her mind.  She is quoted as saying: "One of the great problems of our age is that we are governed by people who care more about feelings than they do about thoughts and ideas."  She was a thinker, lacking what we now call the EQ (emotional quotient) factor, and her 11 year tenure as Prime Minister survived because of that trait.

It is quite hard to make a biopic about an iconic yet controversial figure who made great strides in the world of politics as well as an individual.  But Meryl Streep succeeded in humanizing a much lionized figure. She was Margaret Thatcher in every sense of the word and she deserves praise for her performance.  

Despite its failings, (one should have a fair knowledge about the important events which shaped the history of Britain during her reign), The Iron Lady remains an interesting biopic about an extraordinary woman and offers an excellent showcase of Meryl Streep’s astonishing abilities as a top notch actress.

THE LADY

Michelle Yeoh, David Thewlis

"Wife. Mother. Prisoner. Hero"

HBO

Luc Besson would probably be the last director on earth you would associate with directing a biopic. The French director is more renowned for high octane filled action movies.   

Yet with "The Lady" he presents a poignant look at the story of an iconic figure, Aung San Suu Kyi.  The Burmese leader who spent 15 years under house arrest for opposing the military junta in her country.

It begins in Rangoon, 1947 with the assassination of her father, a popular leader who was killed on the eve of his assumption of the presidency.  Almost 40 years later, Aung San Suu Kyi returns from London where she has been living with her British husband, a Professor at Oxford and her two sons.   In 1998, she returns to Myanmar to be with her mother who is gravely ill,  she then decides to stay in order to restore democracy.

The government puts her under house arrest for inciting people to fight against the junta. For most of her long confinement, Aung San Suu Kyi’s husband and sons remained in England although they were allowed to visit during school holidays.

Besson focused more attention on the much tested but enduring marriage between Aung San Suu Kyi and her husband, Professor Michael Aris  It may be a good way to personalize a political story, but it also derailed the movie’s pursuit of larger and perhaps more significant purposes.   

For instance, it didn't feature how she became a political figure.  Yes, granted that she is the daughter of a politician so naturally it is in her genes.  But it would also be interesting to know her views when she was still a student in London. Was she influenced by her studies in a Western society?  What made her believe that democracy was the only form of government which was help the Burmese people?

The film is well crafted and told with a well researched narrative.  It certainly shows that behind every great woman is a greater man who is secure and quite aware of his role in the equation.  Michael Aris was a man who stayed in the background by supporting his wife's noble intentions.  But he wasn't a silent partner as he did extensive propaganda and raised funds as well as worldwide political support for the Burmese people.  

The most intense moment remains that scene where he was already stricken with prostate cancer yet he refused to let his wife come visit him in London.  The couple’s decision for her to stay in Burma during her husband’s terminal illness, because they know the generals wouldn’t let her return, is played up as a more tragic personal sacrifice than anything else. 

Overall, the film comes across more as a vivid human drama than a political story. It doesn't really reveal much about the iconic figure's life before she became the definitive symbol against the oppressive regime in Myanmar.  For a news junkie like myself, it just played out events I was already quite familiar with.

But Michelle Yeoh as Aung San Suu Kyi was perfect for the role.  From her physical appearance to her manner of walking and speaking, she captured the essence of The Lady with the flower in her hair.

DJANGO UNCHAINED

Jaime Foxx, Christoph Waltz,

Leonardo diCaprio, Kerry Washington,

Dennis Christopher, Samuel L. Jackson

"Life, Liberty and the
Pursuit of Vengeance"

Cinema 2, Shang Cineplex

A few weeks ago, I was enthralled by how passionate President Abraham Lincoln was in having the 13th Amendment (the abolition of slavery) to the U.S. Constitution passed by all means.  Then here comes Quentin Tarantino's irreverent Western Spaghetti that viscerally exposes the horrors of slavery so you'd silently thank Lincoln for eliminating this abomination.   Alright, granted that it is based on the wickedly absurd yet brilliant mind of Tarantino, it still doesn't shy too far away from the unspeakable abuses that one race suffered during that era.

Set in 1858, the film opens with a German dentist turned bounty hunter named Dr. Schultz (Christoph Waltz) buying the freedom of a slave named Django, (Jaime Foxx) so he can positively identify a trio of brothers on his "Wanted: Dead or Alive" list.    Django (the *D* is silent) reluctantly agrees so Schultz promises to aid him in his quest to find and rescue his wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) from her new master, Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio) a viciously sadistic plantation owner.

The first part is a series of chases and shoot outs as the tandem 'capture' one by one the felons on their list. Dialogue is funny and witty mostly courtesy of the eloquent language employed by the loquacious Dr. Schultz.   Part drama and comedy (like the scene with the Ku Klux Klan bickering over their head gears), but mostly violent with racist overtones (the *N* word is mentioned repeatedly) all juxtaposed with loud rap music blaring out loud.

But that is totally tame compared to the second part where the sequence shifts to Candyland, the plantation where Broomhilda is literally held captive.  It takes on a different tone as we are caught in a bizarre realm where black slaves are trained to fight each other with their bare knuckles until death.  A sick form of entertainment for slave owners.  Candyland is also peppered with freaky characters like Stephen (Samuel L. Jackson) the manipulative and eerie head slave of Monsieur Candie.

The violent bloodbath leading to the climax is one of the most graphic and gory scenes I've ever seen on film. My eyes were closed during the entire scene but I could still hear the bone crunching, flesh tearing bullets ripping human bodies apart in the bloody carnage.  Totally horrific but I'd dare say well filmed and nicely orchestrated despite the cringe factor.

At almost 3 hours, the movie was naturally dragging in certain aspects. It may also be too graphic (like the dogs attacking the runway slave + the bloody climax) for sensitive viewers and too talky for the bored ones who prefer fast moving action scenes. 

Yet you can't help but credit Tarantino's creative mind in coming up with a crazy, never seen before western that leaves quite a powerful impact. His dialogue is smart and funny, his scenarios boldly unpredictable.  His assortment of interesting characters (imagine a slave who speaks German named Broomhilda!) have well developed personalities.  His main subject is quite a taboo matter yet he handles it with the right mix of humor, drama and action. Overall, "Django Unchained" is mostly a fun, twisted yet entertaining tale about freedom, vengeance and redemption.

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper,

Robert de Niro, Jacki Weaver

"Watch for the Signs"

Cinema 2, Shang Cineplex

After a stint in a mental institution, Pat (Bradley Cooper) is released into the custody of his mother. He comes home to reintegrate with his family and his friends.  Soon enough, he starts obsessing about reuniting with his ex wife whose infidelity led to his meltdown.

Along comes Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) the sister of Pat's friend who has her own mental issues, they seem to gravitate towards each other because of their common factor.  But Pat insists his quest is still on so Tiffany agrees to help him with a condition attached to her promise.

It was interesting to see Bradley Cooper in a role that doesn't have require him to be totally trashed (ehem: The Hangover series).  He was annoying and quite irritating the entire film but that just proves how credible he was in acting out the role.

Jennifer Lawrence as Tiffany was a delightful character despite her own idiosyncrasies. She was authentic, quite sharp witted and able to tame Pat's OCDC tendencies.   Honestly, he was quite a handful.  Her refreshing appearance totally belies her character's dark past.

Pat and Tiffany develop a good friendship. The two have an understanding and admiration for each other. A chemistry  which Pat desperately tries to quash as he doesn't want to lose focus on his quest.   Case in point, he agrees to be tutored in dancing lessons to give in to her condition yet he urges her to be the messenger of his letter to his ex wife.

"Silver Linings Playbook" is a peculiar story with just the right dosage of a quirky romantic comedy.  It is told through sharp dialogue and acted out by a genuinely talented cast.   One look at Robert de Niro's character as Pat, Sr., the obsessed Eagles fan and you will really understand why his son is so inclined.

The heart of the film no doubt belongs to Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, their charismatic chemistry is the main draw. Their romance proves there is indeed a silver lining behind every dark and turbulent cloud.

LINCOLN

Daniel Day Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones,

Sally Field, David Straithairn

Cinema 5, SM Megamall

I guess this Steven Spielberg movie can't really classify as a biopic, per se.  It deals with merely a short aspect (his final four months) of Abraham Lincoln's presidency.  Set in January 1865, he just got reelected to his second term, the Civil War is still brewing and he is hard pressed to have Congress pass the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. A controversial law that seeks to abolish slavery in the Southern States. 

So this well structured film mostly shows the different tactics Lincoln and the members of his Cabinet along with high ranking members of the Republican Party resorted to get the crucial 20 votes (from representatives of the Democratic Party) to pass the 13th Amendment.  

At the same time, there is a human tale. More notably him as a husband to his depressive wife Mary (Sally Field) and a father to 2 boys. We learn that he lost his young son Willie to typhoid fever, a sad incident that haunted him till his last breath.  How he tried his best to prevent his older son Robert (Joseph Gordon Levitt) to enlist in the army.

Daniel Day Lewis' performance is truly remarkable. I like how he completely immersed himself in the persona of the 16th US President.  From the high pitched voice (sometimes he sounded like Bill Clinton), his quirks as well as his manner of walking.   Abraham Lincoln is portrayed as a learned man that likes to tell stories, can easily talk to people from all sectors of society but can also be quite firm when he decides to take action.

The wranglings within Congress is quite a handful to absorb. Many characters abound, most of whom I'm not at all familiar with since I'm not American.  But I'd say "Lincoln" is worth watching for the formidable acting of this year's Best Actor at the Academy Awards, Daniel Day Lewis.

FLIGHT

Denzel Washington, Bruce Greenwood,

Don Cheadle, John Goodman, Kelly Reilly

Cinema 1, Shang Cineplex

Denzel Washington shines in his role as Capt. Whip Whitaker, a washed out pilot who is battling alcoholism in "Flight". This is one of his most complex, least sympathetic character to date and he gives a towering performance by dominating the film as he struggles to confront his life, his conscience and his various responsibilities. 

The first part where the horrifying plane crash occurs is gripping, edge of your seat action.  I mean after seeing that scene, I was just thankful I wasn't a passenger on that fateful flight. 

 
Sadly, the rest of the film loses momentum as it follows Whip's self-destructive alcoholism as he is caught up in an investigation into the cause of the plane crash. An addiction which he openly denies as well meaning friends try to help him and are spurned. Eventually he alienates his friends and family and seeks comfort through a stranger named Nicole (Kelly Reilly).

This is where the film runs into further problems. It wastes far too much screen time developing Nicole's character, only to drop her midway just when she developed some relevance.  Her character isn't all that interesting to begin with, and the same can be said for most of the rest of the characters.

The only redeeming factor would be Washington's fine performance as the embattled Capt. Whip, a truly flawed character who painfully seeks to extricate himself from the many demons haunting his life.

THE IMPOSSIBLE

Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor,
Tom Holland, Geraldine Chaplin

"Nothing is more powerful 

than the human spirit"

Cinema 2, Shang Cineplex

This film is based on a true story about one of the families that survived the disastrous tsunami which occurred in 2004.  It was adapted into film from the book written by Maria Belon, a Spanish tourist vacationing in Thailand along with her family on that fateful day, December 26, 2004.

For some reason, the nationality of the family was changed into British and the lead roles were portrayed by Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor.   While the family was relaxing by the swimming pool area, a tsunami struck the coastline of Thailand.  It was disturbing to watch the realistically shot scenes of the huge waves crashing into the resort.   For several minutes, your eyes are glued to the screen as you watch Naomi Watts being tossed around like a log in the debris filled ocean.

The destruction is vividly portrayed. The devastation is raw and piercing. For a few moments, I actually held my breath as I felt I was drowning just from watching the scenes unfold on screen.  Wide aerial as well as blurry underwater shots of the catastrophe hold you captive.

After the initial shock wears off, you sort of rejoice that Maria and her eldest son Lucas are miraculously reunited amidst the devastation.  The pace slows after the initial rush, once they are rescued by villagers and sent to a refugee hospital.  The rest of the movie focuses on their efforts to survive (Maria lying in a hospital bed waiting her turn on the surgery table)  while Lucas tries desperately to find his father and brothers.

The last part of the film drags on as the director desperately stretches every minute to add some drama.  The predictable outcome is best described by the title. It is quite impossible that family members can find each other owning to the huge logistical problems involved after such a devastatingly wide spread disaster occurs. But true enough, all the members of the Belon family survived and live on to retell their story through a well executed Hallmark type film. 

The acting is good with Naomi Watts even getting a best actress nomination in the Oscars but I'd say the horrifying tsunami sequence is for most part the saving grace of the film.

LIFE OF PI

Suraj Sharma, Irffan Khan

Cinema 11, SM Megamall

Everyone thought that this bestseller (I never read it but certainly knew about the story) by Yann Martel was unfilmable. Yet I think the word 'impossible' doesn't exist in Ang Lee's vocabulary.   His adaptation of "Life of Pi" is lyrical, beautiful, deeply poignant and unlike anything you have ever seen before.  

Most of the movie centers around an Indian boy named Pi (Suraj Sharma) who finds himself on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger called Richard Parker.  They are the only survivors of a shipwreck which killed everyone on board included Pi's parents and his brother.

An adult Pi (Irrfan Khan) living in present day Montreal recounts his amazing story to a writer who hopes to make it the subject of his next book. Seen through vivid flashbacks, Pi narrates his ordeal quite eloquently. Weaving out a tale that is both incredible and quite incredulous.

The special effects used throughout the movie are fantastic. I couldn't tell where the real animals ended and the CGI creatures began, whether it was at the zoo, aboard the lifeboat or during an astonishing scene involving a whale.  

The greatest drawing point for me was the fierce Bengal tiger. The intensity of his stare, his every nuances were quite compelling to watch.  It's a whole new realm of performance.  Richard Parker despite being a carnivorous animal, made us care so deeply about his fate.

If you could bring yourself to set aside the story’s ambiguous theological concerns, I'd say that "Life of Pi" is quite a masterpiece.  Although I'd admit it is quite difficult to ignore especially during the last part of the film as numerous questions go unanswered.  But kudos goes to Ang Lee for crafting a spectacular movie with so much depth, a visual treat for both the mind and the soul.

7TH SPRING FILM FESTIVAL

This year’s festival features different faces of Chinese society.   It will run from February 1 - 10, 2013 at the Shangri-la Plaza Mall.

Free Admission on a first come, first served basis.

The films for this year include "Piano in a Factory", "Storm Warriors", "Golden Times", "Jasmine Women", "2Become1", and "Space Dream". 

For more information, please call Ateneo de Manila University Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies at (632) 426-6001 locals 5208, 5209, 5280 and 5284.

For tickets, please call Shang Cineplex at (63 2) 633-2227.

Screening schedule:

February 1, 2013
2Become1 - 12:30PM
Piano in a Factory - 3:00PM
Storm Warriors - 5:30PM
Jasmine Women - 8:00PM

February 2, 2013
Piano in a Factory - 12:30PM
Space Dream - 3:00PM
Golden Times - 5:30PM
Storm Warriors - 8:00PM

February 3, 2013
Space Dream - 12:30PM
2Become1 - 3:00PM
Jasmine Women - 5:30PM
Piano in a Factory - 8:00PM

February 4, 2013
Storm Warriors - 12:30PM
Golden Times - 3:00PM
2Become1 - 5:30PM
Space Dream - 8:00PM

February 5, 2013
Golden Times - 12:30PM
Jasmine Women - 8:00PM

February 6, 2013
Storm Warriors - 12:30PM
2Become1 - 3:00PM
Piano in a Factory - 5:30PM
Golden Times - 8:00PM

February 7, 2013
Jasmine Women - 12:30PM
Golden Times - 3:00PM
Space Dream - 5:30PM
2Become1 - 8:00PM

February 8, 2012
2Become1 - 12:30PM
Jasmine Women - 3:00PM
Piano in a Factory - 5:30PM
Space Dream - 8:00PM

February 9, 2013
Storm Warriors - 12:30PM
Space Dream - 3:00PM
2 Become 1 - 5:30PM
Golden Times - 8:00PM

February 10, 2013
Golden Times - 12:30PM
Storm Warriors - 3:00PM
Jasmine Women - 5:30PM
Piano in a Factory - 8:00PM

ZERO DARK THIRTY

Jessica Chastain,  Jason Clarke,

Kyle Chandler, Mark Strong

"The Greatest Manhunt in History"

Cinema 4, Trinoma Mall

This riveting story about the manhunt for Bin Laden opens with a blank screen then you hear the actual audio tapes from people who were in the WTC Towers on September 11, 2001. Quite a chilling effect, as for a few seconds we are reminded of that harrowing moment. 

Next scene takes us to a remote location and our senses are jarred with graphic scenes of torture.  The main tormentor, a CIA operative called Dan is trying to extract information from a detainee using several EITs (Enhanced Interrogation Techniques) like waterboarding, white noise, sleep deprivation, humiliation.

Dan tells Maya (Jessica Chastain), a newly assigned CIA agent "It's not always this intense".  She replies she is fine although she is visibly shaken.  She is tougher than she lets on as her reputation as 'a killer' does prove later on in the film just how driven and dead set she is in her relentless pursuit.

The story is seen through Maya's point of view. The character is based on a real CIA agent whose identity has never been divulged. When the director Kathryn Bigelow was interviewed on several talk shows, she refused to volunteer any information on her source.  The same is true for Maya -  no back story on whether she is married or where she is from.  It is probably for the best as it kept the viewers focused on the manhunt and not on the personal life of the agents involved.

The plot spans through 10 years of covert operations in remote parts of the globe to the posh offices of the CIA HQ in Washington. Every minute details from phone calls, emails to chat room chatter is carefully scrutinized using the best communication technology.  As well as any information gained 'illegally' through questionable means.  

I disagree that "Zero Dark Thirty" glorified torture. The disturbing scenes were authentically portrayed and quite graphic.   Yet, the film clearly points out that the end doesn't necessarily justify the means as acts of terrorism still prevailed like the bombing of a bus in London as well as the attack on the Marriot Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan - despite the use of torture to obtain information.

It is  a long movie but there were no dull moments.  When the well planned raid on Bin Laden's hideout finally does happen, the film shifts up a gear in the last 30 minutes.  Mostly shot in the dark without any music added for dramatic effect, the tense shoot-outs viewed through infra-red goggles kept me on the edge of my seat.

"Zero Dark Thirty" is the military term that refers to 30 minutes past midnight. The time the raid on that compound in Pakistan began.  A well executed film that seeks to pay tribute to the men and women who risk their lives to make our world a safer place to live in.

LES MISERABLES

Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway

Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried,

Samantha Banks, Helena Bonham Carter

Palace, IFC Cinema 2 (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong - It was the first day of 2013 and for want of something to do, I suggested we watch the most hyped film "Les Miserables".   The 6pm screening was fully booked so we settled for the 7:10pm showing even though our seats were in the very front row.

My sister and I are big fans of the musical. We saw it 3 times when it was staged in Singapore, years ago. We know all the songs, bought the CDs and the souvenir items.  So I was really eager to see how it would unfold in its film version.

I do remember watching another film starring Liam Neeson as Jean Valjean in the late 1990s but it wasn't a musical.  I also saw the French film version with the late Jean Paul Belmondo impressively cast as Jean Valjean that wasn't a musical either which was shown once on TV 5 Monde (The French  TV Channel).

Jean Valjean is usually portrayed by an older man who is known for his robust strength and stamina so seeing Hugh Jackman as prisoner 24601 didn't really register well with me. The Aussie actor is my age for Pete's sake!

The film directed by Tom Hooper had all the grand making of an epic. The set design were magnificent and it really took you back to the French Revolution era. The costumes, the squalid surroundings were also authentic. The extreme close up of the main characters as they sang their hearts out was a nice touch.

But sad to say, even though I tried my best to like the film, it did not live up to my expectations. It is without a doubt a delicate procedure to turn a much loved staged musical into a film.   What may seem poetic on the stage came out rather silly or trivial in the film.  For instance, the young revolutionaries hiding behind the barricades and fighting the entire French army don't seem like heroes so much as spoiled brats getting slaughtered for no good reason.  Plus the barricades itself was too thinly assembled it didn't pose much of a threat, did it?

The pacing of the songs were too fast. They didn't evoke their contemplative state. The actors did a good job in memorizing all those songs and then singing them live during each take. But for some, (ehem Russell Crowe) you would notice that he was very consciously aware of singing the songs well instead of putting up an emotionally charged performance. Sure he can carry a tune but he did not sing from his heart.  On the other side of the spectrum, Hugh Jackman sang every note with heartfelt poignancy.  Not necessarily a good thing either because he had a tendency to over-sing the tunes, for lack of a better word.

In conclusion, "Les Miserables" was an OK film.  I was glad to hear the familiar songs but unfortunately, I wasn't overwhelmed by it. 

POSTI IN PIEDI IN PARADISO(A FLAT FOR THREE)

2nd MOVIEMOV: Italian Cinema Now

Greenbelt 3, Cinema 5

This comedy tells the story of 3 guys down on their luck in terms of their occupations as well as their personal lives who reluctantly decide to share a run down apartment. The 3 guys have very different personalities and habits, yet they are bonded by common problems like alimony, child support payments amidst harsh economic times. 

Most of the laughs arise from the dire situations these guys face on a daily basis.  Trying to make ends meet is difficult enough, they need to deal with the eccentricities of each other in a very cramped apartment.

The talented ensemble cast do their best to convey the difficulties faced by each character.  Although there were times in the story where too many side plots veered away from the essence of the film.   The main core of this comedy is love for family as best exemplified by how these guys expressions change whenever they talked about their children.

A good comedy that doesn't seek to resolve nor judge its characters based on the choices/decisions they make in life. It simply presents a valid portrayal of daily life through the eyes of 3 ordinary guys who just want to make the world a better place to live for their family.  

Although there is the customary and predictable feel good ending to tie up all the loose ends, somehow I left the cinema with a smile on my face after watching this heartwarming Italian film.

TED

Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis
Seth MacFarlane (voice of Ted)

Although this film is about a teddy bear that magically comes to life per the wish of an eight year old boy on Christmas Eve, it is definitely not a movie for kids.  

Ted (voiced by Seth MacFarlane) is a fuzzy and very sarcastic teddy bear that uses drugs, drinks heavily and talks offensively.  He is the best buddy (and only friend) of John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) a man child who works at a rent a car company.  Despite his childish behavioral antics, John is in a happy relationship (going strong at 4 years) with Lori (Mila Kunis) a smart and attractive woman.

The film starts off in 1985 and spans on until John is 35 years old and still lives with Ted. They are mostly high on drugs, leading direction-less existence.  It even comes to a point where John's romantic relationship is threatened by him spending too much time with his buddy.

There are a lot of 80s references from music, TV shows to cameo roles from celebrities who were famous during that era.  Dialogue is mostly raunchy humor courtesy of the foul mouthed Ted.  Sure the jokes and references were sexist and racially offensive but I was totally amused and actually laughed out loud on numerous occasions.  I felt like I was in on the private jokes between two friends and this surely stems from the fact that I grew up watching those shows and listening to that genre of music.

The best moments are from the special bond between Ted and John. Their friendship is genuine and they have great chemistry together, both sparring off from the silly and dare I say immature antics of each other.  

The introduction of a subplot where an obsessive stalker/fan kidnaps Ted is a bit weak and didn't really add up.  It was merely inserted to drum up some drama and was actually very creepy.  Despite the adult themed raunchy humor, I couldn't help but feel a certain warm, and fuzzy feeling/vibe emanating from the bromance.  So much so that I was actually sad when Ted 'faded' away.  

Overall, "Ted" was an entertaining film. The special effects were so realistic you forget stuffed animals don't talk.  But this type of movie might not appeal to sensitive and easily offended viewers. So proceed with caution!