Sunday, November 29, 2009

VALKYRIE

Tom Cruise, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Eddie Izzard, Thomas Kretschmann


"Many saw evil. They dared to stop it."


Star Movies



This film based on actual events unveils a plot to assassinate Hitler at the height of the second World War. It is a gripping suspenseful thriller about an operation hatched by top ranking members of Hitler's Third Reich.

The movie delved straight into the rigors of the operation. It showed the intricate planning, the roles each character played in the plot, the actual execution of Operation Valkyrie as well as the aftermath after its dismal failure. Although it is teeming with too many characters for my coherent comprehension and most of them portrayed by British actors with British accents, it still succeeded in narrating a chapter in history not often told. It still conveyed through dramatic sequences along with loud blaring music for maximum effect, the main aim of the plot - to kill Hitler.

Before this film, I didn't know that there were several attempts to kill one of the most hated men in history. Then to find out through this film that a plot was orchestrated by disgruntled members of his inner circle was quite a revelation. It completely changed my view about the Germans. For years I've often wondered how the citizens of Germany could tolerate such atrocities to be committed against the Jews, now I know better.

One of the central characters involved in the plot uttered: "We have to show the world that not all of us are like him. Otherwise, this will always be Hitler's Germany." So this film restored my firm belief in the good nature of mankind. In particular, that not all Germans wholeheartedly and blindly supported the Fuhrer and what he vilely stood for as documented in the annals of history books.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Inglourious Basterds at Robinsons cinemas



The wait is over. The action-packed adventure movie of the year Inglourious Basterds will finally be shown on December 9, 2009 exclusively at Robinsons movie world theaters nationwide.

Directed by Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds relates the heroic exploits of a group of soldiers organized by Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) to wage war against the militant Nazis during World War II.

In accomplishing their difficult and dangerous mission, the group of Jewish American soldiers will wreck havoc to the enemies that will muddle your thoughts and leave you gasping to the edge of your seats.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Brazilian Film Festival

This November, the UP Film Institute and the Embassy of Brazil bring you BRAZILIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2009 which guarantees a panoramic view of everything Brasil.

Four charming titles of contemporary Brazilian cinema, celebrated by local and international film festivals, will have complimentary and exclusive screenings at the UPFI Videotheque.

The festival started November 13. It screens a different film every Friday at 4pm until December 4, 2009. Admission is free!

November 13, 2009 Friday 4pm - BOSSA NOVA
November 20, 2009 Friday 4pm - O OUTRO LADO DA RUA
November 27, 2009 Friday 4pm - A DONA DA HISTORIA
December 4, 2009 Friday 4pm - ABRIL DESPEDACADO

Saturday, November 14, 2009

THE WRESTLER

Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood


"Love. Pain. Glory"




Mickey Rourke has always been one of those actors you hardly notice in films or maybe you did but for his 'bad boy' image. Except for a few 'lead' roles, he would usually portray supporting parts as some villain out to get the main star. But he would essay these roles in such convincing manner that you tend to believe that he was indeed a bad person in real life. So I was really glad that he was given a meatier role for his comeback film. For someone whose career has spanned for decades now, it is about time he proved himself in a role that I believe was tailor made to fit his personality.

In this poignant film, he is Randy "The Ram" Robinson who is an aging professional wrestler. After he is suddenly forced to retire (for health reasons) from the wrestling world, Randy struggles to come to terms to a life outside the ring. With hardly any savings, no meaningful social relationships, it is a pretty lonely and sad existence.

I admit it was painful to watch, sometimes. This film really tugged at my heart strings. It was filled with really miserably sad scenes of a man's painful attempt at rebuilding his life. As well as desperately trying to reconnect with people who mattered to him like his estranged daughter and his 'love interest'.

But the film also gave interesting insights into the world of wrestling. Of course, we all know that most of the 'stunts' are rehearsed or scripted yet it doesn't mean the wrestlers don't get hurt. I actually cringed during those violent wrestling sequences.

Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei were brilliant in their roles as they both convincingly perform down on their luck individuals past their prime. A film that is buoyed on with a soundtrack of mostly 80s tunes with the likes of Guns n Roses blaring out loud, it serves as an excellent comeback vehicle for Mickey Rourke.

No wonder it got noticed by critics, it is a simple film but quite soulful in its presentation of the harsh reality in the life of an aging wrestler.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

5th Cinema One Originals
Digital Film Festival



This November, Cinema One continues with the highly anticipated 2009 Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival as it kicks off on November 13 to 17 at Cinema 9 Gateway Cineplex 10, Araneta Center, Cubao Quezon City.

Now celebrating its 15 years of leadership in the movie cable viewing landscape, Cinema One has maintained its winning streak since its inception in 1994. It has now erected its own pillar in the Philippine entertainment arena.

Maintaining itself to be a melting pot of new and fresh talents from film-makers to screenplay writers to actors and actresses, Cinema One Originals is the biggest and most happening event that completes Cinema One's 15 Year Anniversary.

Ticket price: P120

Festival Program:

November 13, 2009 Friday
11:50 AM - Yangaw
2:00 PM - Dear Heart
4:30 PM - Kinatay
7:00 PM - Maximus & Minimus
9:20 PM - Wanted Border

November 14, 2009 Saturday
12:30 PM - Dose
2:30 PM - Gaano Kadalas and Minsan
5:00 PM - Si Baning, Si Maymay, at Ang Asong Si Bobo
7:30 PM Paano Ko Sasabihin?
9:15 PM - Bala Bala

November 15, 2009 Sunday
12:30 PM - Confessional
2:30 PM Nagalit Ang Buwan Sa Haba ng Gabi
5:00 PM- Serbis
7:30 PM Lola
9:55 PM - Maximus & Minimus

November 16, 2009 Monday
12:30 PM - Tambolista
2:30 PM - Palabra De Honor
5:00 PM - Tirador
7:15 PM - Wanted: Border
9:10 PM - Paano Ko Sasabihin?

November 17, 2009 Tuesday
12:15 PM - Altar
2:00 PM - Bakit Manipis Ang Ulap?
4:30 PM - Masahista
5:50 PM - Himpapawid
8:00 PM - Bala Bala
9:50 PM - Si Baning, Si Maymay, At Ang Asong Si Bobo

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

7th Australian Film Festival



Six critically-acclaimed films from Australia will be part of the 7th Australian Film Festival. In Manila they will be screened at the Greenbelt 3 Cinemas from November 5 - 8, 2009.

Click here for the synopsis of the films.

Admission Fee: P65.00

Schedule:
November 5 (Thursday)
04:00PM The Bank
06:00PM The Black Balloon
08:00PM Danny Deckhair

November 6 (Friday)
04:00PM The Hard Wood
06:00PM Unfinished Sky
08:00PM Garage Days

November 7 (Saturday)
04:00PM Danny Deckhair
06:00PM The Bank
08:00PM The Black Balloon

November 8 (Sunday)
04:00PM Garage Days
06:00PM The Hard Wood
08:00PM Unfinished Sky

The festival is presented by the Australian Embassy, Screen Australia, and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in cooperation with the Ayala Malls Cinemas, Greenbelt and Ayala Center Cebu.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Zenni Optical

Zenni Optical the shop that offers $8 Prescription Zenni Glasses is pleased to present their New Arrivals. Their Holiday Fun Eyeglasses are just in time for the merriest of all seasons. They are modern, funky and trendy eyewear that caters to everyone's taste.

Personally, I prefer my glasses to be basic, functional and trimmings free. I wonder if an eye wear with a funkier design like this would suit me?