Saturday, January 28, 2012

THE ARTIST

Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo
John Goodman, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller



It is 1927 and George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is at the peak of his career. The silent movie star is also aware that his fame and fortune is at stake with the advent of the talkies. Yet he vehemently refuses to change with the times mostly due to his massive ego and his pride.

One of the extras in his film is a young aspiring actress named Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo). A wide eyed gal filled with ambitions to succeed in the movie industry. She does achieve stardom through a little prodding from Valentin and also by her own merit.

As Valentin's star begins its decline, he has only his obedient Jack Russell terrier and his faithful chauffeur Clifton (James Cromwell) for company. He is forced to sell off his possessions after a film he produced and starred in flops at the box office. Miller meanwhile is the new It Girl, with a bright future ahead. She wants to help him, but again, his pride stands in the way.

In this cinematic day of loud action sequences, computer generated images and stunning cinematography, this black and white movie without any spoken dialogue but filled with up tempo music reminiscent of silent movies is quite refreshing to watch.

The delight mostly stems from the fine acting skills of the main characters who provided broad but heartfelt performances that mirror the era. They had good chemistry together and individually. Their on and off screen projections were palpable and quite credible. You'd really think they were silent movie stars!

"The Artist" is a fitting tribute to a bygone era of classic Hollywood films which were able to charm its audience by weaving a compelling storyline with true to life characters that truly uplifted cinema and film making to an art form.

I just found it a bit odd that it took French actors and a French film production crew to come up with a film about the silent movies era of Hollywood. Nonetheless, this brilliant concept worked! So kudos to them!

Saturday, January 14, 2012

6th SPRING FILM FESTIVAL



In line with the Chinese New Year which kicks off the Year of the Dragon on January 23, 2012, Ateneo de Manila University Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies together with Ateneo-Celadon will stage its 6th Spring Film Festival. It will feature 6 films that showcase the artistic prowess and the cultural heritage of China.

The annual event will present a mix of old and modern films, of various genres. The ten-day film festival begins from January 20 to 29, 2012 at the Shangri-la Cineplex.

Admission is free on a first come first served basis.

For more information please call the Ateneo Leong Center 426-6001 local 5208-5209; 5280. For tickets, please call Shang Cineplex at 633-2227.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Do Good. Buy a pair. Give a pair!

Anyone who wears prescription glasses know that most optical shops have limited range when it comes to trendy eye wear. These accessories which for some are a necessity don't come cheap, either.

But over at WarbyParker, a 17 month old startup company, they have revolutionized the eyeglasses industry. They sell eyeglasses, online. Their customers test the retro-style glasses, which go for $95, including prescription lenses, through a mail-order, try-it-at-home program. Founded by 4 graduates from the Wharton School of Business, the startup company has sold over 50,000 eyeglasses worldwide.

Their hip, trendy range include optical frames as well as sunglasses for both men and women. Their home try on program is a big success. You select any 5 pairs of eye wear, you'd will to try at home. Then WP ships them to your address free of charge. You are given 5 days to choose before you make your final decision.

In the spirit of good social corporate responsibility, their buy a pair, give a pair promo is huge success. For every pair that they sell, they provide a pair of glasses to someone in need. They have partnered with non profit organizations that provide glasses to impoverished communities around the globe.

So check out their highly comprehensive website to learn more about this hip trendy company that believe that it's good business to do good and give back to society!