Gloria Bell

Julianne Moore, John Turturro

"Dance to Your own Tune"

NETFLIX

Julianne Moore stars as Gloria, a 50 something divorced mother of two grown children. She likes going to nightclubs/bars to dance the night away. Meets men for one night stands and goes on with her lonely, yet satisfied life. One night, she meets Arnold (John Turturro) at the bar and they start dating. But something is not right with Arnold. Well, not physically but it seems he cannot say no to his ex-wife and his two grown daughters when they summon him. And boy, they do 'need' him a lot, constantly calling him up wherever he goes. 

At first, Gloria didn't mind but as the neediness grew to an irritation. She had enough.  In Las Vegas, during an intimate dinner, his family calls and just like that he left poor Gloria all alone on what was supposed to be a romantic getaway.

Yet the thing with guys like Arnold is that they have no clue about how horrible they are as a human being. Totally oblivious to how despicable they are. So sure enough, he kept calling Gloria like he did nothing wrong. But Gloria is tough and she has moved on with her life, right after she had her 'revenge' over Arnold for treating her so badly.

The film ends with Laura Branigan's song "Gloria" at full blast and Gloria dancing away during the wedding of her friend's daughter. Julianne Moore has starred in many movies and she always make her characters multi-dimensional. But her great talent couldn't salvage the average plot but she did a good job of personifying Gloria.

Blue Jay

Sarah Paulson, Mark Duplass

NETFLIX

On May 1, a Rotten Tomatoes article listed the 250 best movies on Netflix, it was a rather interesting mix of original Netflix movies as well as those which were released in cinema theaters. I tend to navigate towards small, independent movies which may have limited budget costs yet are still quality films that pull no punches. 

Blue Jay, # 188 in the list stars Mark Duplass as Jim who is based in Arizona and works in construction. Upon his mother's death,  he returns to his hometown in California to sort out her affairs. While at the grocery, he runs into his former long time girlfriend Amanda (Sarah Paulson) who is visiting her pregnant sister. 

At first, it was awkward and a bit of a shock for the both of them. Over coffee, they get re-acquainted as it has been 20 years since they kept in touch. As night falls, they continue to reminisce at Jim's ancestral house. They embark on a very nostalgic trip, even re-enacting their little make believe skit complete with a Annie Lennox song, "No More, I Love You's", a 1990s classic.

While going through some items in Jim's former room, Amanda discovers a letter in a sealed envelope addressed to her. This letter plays a pivotal role in their relationship, eons ago. It is opened in the final few minutes of the film and it is like a Pandora box of past regrets. A painful yet significant event in their past which I believed shaped their lives, without them fully realizing it.

This film is entirely in black and white, and was shot over the course of 7 days in Crestline, California. A small town in the San Bernardino mountains which we don't really see much of since the leads are mostly indoors. Mark Duplass along with his older brother,  actor Jay have a film production company which mostly roll out independent movies.

Sarah Paulson has a very refreshing face even though Blue Jay is in black and white, her striking features still shine through. Mark Duplass tend to portray lonely, good guys in most of his films and as Jim, he is in true character form. Together, Amanda and Jim's chemistry is palpable. It feels like one is eavesdropping on a couple who were in a deeply pure relationship in their teenage years until an unplanned incident led to their separation. Even if they haven't kept in touch, they seem to pick off from the time they were in their teens, albeit in a guarded position.

The last few minutes was intense with the revelation of the contents of the letter coming to the fore. It begs the questions: if the letter was read when they were still together, would they be a happily married couple now? Or it won't make much difference and they would still break up?

So yes I was left with more questions than answers. But allow me to merit a guess - I believe it made Amanda stronger and wiser to face life head on because as much as I hate to admit it, Jim will always be happier in a small town setting. The fact that he remained single proves he is not that mature to handle what life throws at him. Amanda married a much older guy and this just proves she needed maturity and guidance in her life.

I'm not a psychologist nor a psychiatrist but merely a keen observer of human behaviors and patterns. So I'm glad I chanced upon this gem of an independent movie because it had depth, passion and more drama therefore the need to put my thinking hat on - which in my book is a good thing. =)

Phantom Thread

Daniel Day Lewis, Vicky Krieps

Leslie Manville

NETFLIX

I'm grateful for Netflix, it has a wide selection of films which were first shown on the big screen. I've been meaning to see Daniel Day Lewis' final film but due to time constraints, I missed its run by just a day.

Director Paul Thomas Anderson and Daniel Day Lewis worked together in the award winning movie "There will be blood", a grand tale about the rise of a ruthless oil tycoon. 

Their second collaboration is a post-war narration, set in London about a famous fashion designer named Reynolds Woodcock. His stylish attires/gowns are sought after by royalty members, stars from tinsel town and the affluent sector of society. Together with his sister Cyril (Leslie Manville), a Mrs Danvers type and his business partner, the atelier is thriving.

After Cyril "rids" (no, she was not killed)  Reynolds of his lonely  girlfriend or wife (not sure if they were married); he drives at top speed in his sports car to his regular vacation spot.  There he meets Alma, a meek and shy waitress at the inn he frequents, who takes his order of a very hearty breakfast.

Alma (Vicky Krieps) is a bumpkin but Reynolds is totally smitten and brings her back to his atelier in London. At first, her role is ambiguous. She is assigned to help the other seamstresses yet she also shares his bed. They are polar opposites as she is awkwardly clumsy while Reynolds is refined and demure befitting his status in high society. 

But they are a good tandem as she's his inspiration, his muse, his everything. Things get  a bit bizarre when Alma commits some macabre deed so Reynolds is totally dependent on her. A side plot which I honestly didn't see coming. Soon enough, her 'gesture' works, so they seal their bond with matrimonial vows. Now official married, Reynolds lighten up a bit without losing his essence while Alma also tries desperately not to lose herself. Without compromising who they really are, their marriage is successful, even being blessed with a child. 

Newcomer Vicky Krieps was a revelation. Her Alma was able to evolve from an awe stricken shy waitress to a woman with a strong personality especially when it comes to "manipulating" her husband. Although she does have a morbid streak which manifests itself on some occasion, she is no longer the long suffering heroine. She has come into own person, a good thing for women during that decade when they were supposed to merely be decorative pieces.

Daniel Day Lewis doesn't disappoint at all. As Reynolds, he is in his best elements. Sans make up, salt & pepper hair slick and combed back, his face weary but distinguished, delivering his lines effortlessly. Totally imbibing this complex character with ease. At first, a stubborn snob but eventually submitting to a lifestyle completely different from his very uptight upbringing.

The Anglo-Irish actor has come a long way from "The Last of the Mohicans" (1992) as a swashbuckling hero rescuing a damsel in distress. He has had a flourishing career. Even though "Phantom Thread" is quite a 'minor' film compared to his other much celebrated movies, it was a fitting vehicle to capture his brilliant acting skills making him a great thespian. I will miss seeing him on the big screen but I also understand his reason for retirement. 

God speed, Daniel Day Lewis!

Downton Abbey 2019

Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery,
Joanne Froggatt, Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter,
Imelda Staunton, Laura Carmichael, Brendan Coyle

"Based on a TV series"

Cinema 4, Ayala Malls the 30th

Fans of this period drama TV show were thrilled when we heard it would made into a full length movie. Characters we have learned to love, somehow feel like our family members even though it is set in an entirely different century. If you are familiar with another British TV show, "Upstairs, Downstairs" in the 1970s, then Downton Abbey would be quite similar to the same premise. 

In this case, the upstairs refers to the landed Crawley family - headed by Lord Grantham, his American wife, his daughters and their significant others, as well as his feisty mother Lady Violet Crawley. While the downstairs are the cook, the maids, and the footmen who serve them headed by head butler Mr Carson.

The series folded up nicely after 6 seasons with 52 episodes on aristocratic intrigue, servants foibles and everything else in between which delighted us and charmed us from 2011 to 2015. The older Crawleys aging well with wisdom, while the younger Crawleys got married, had kids with their every loyal household staff still performing their duties with aplomb.

So after 4 long years, it is back with a movie. A reunion of these endearing characters with the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Downton Abbey as its main premise. Naturally, the 'aristocrats' with all its family members present are very excited about this news and their dedicated staff immediately get to work from coming up with an extensive menu, polishing the silver wares and even bringing back the old reliable Mr Carson from his retirement to be the head butler, yet again. A duty and a job, he can do with his eyes closed.

The main premise (the royal visit), with various side plots tackling issues like homosexuality, opposition to the monarchy,  an estate inheritance all blend well together until the very satisfying end. Wardrobe is visually attractive with the costumes reminiscent of that century. The massive castle they call home (Downton Abbey) is the principal setting along with several other places which exude their period drama locales vibe. The ensemble cast are all in their elements headed by the indefatigable Maggie Smith as the spirited Lady Violet Crawley still dispensing her sarcasm masquerading as wit dialogue with gusto. 

One always gets a pleasant feeling when Downton Abbey is on. All those years, these characters were very welcome guests into our homes through the telly. Their 'reunion' movie did not disappoint in any way and we left the cinema with smiles on our faces and in our hearts.

10,000 KM

Cine Europa 2019

Cinema 1, Greenbelt 3

This movie is Spain's offering in this year's Cine Europa. It commences with a couple having sex in the hopes of conceiving. They are Alexandra and Sergei, in their early 30s, together for 7 years and live in Barcelona. Sex, breakfast and an important work email for Alex on a lazy Sunday sets the tone for this simplistic film about a long distance relationship. 

Alex, who is British accepts a year long stint as a photographer in Los Angeles while Sergei remains in Barcelona to prepare for his teaching board exam. Soon the setting shifts to a white minimalist apartment of Alex and their shared place in Spain. They keep in touch, despite the time difference through video messaging. Updating each other about their lives and their occupations. 

The problem with long distance relationships (believe I know since I was once in one) is your mind never stops wandering and wondering. Simple things such as what the other person had for breakfast, did he go to the gym? or did he remember to water the plants? - they get highlighted not because you don't trust the other person. But you have this need to still feel like you are part of what used to be your routine as a couple. That connection to each other remains a vital part of the communication. With modern technology like high speed internet, a laptop and a computer with webcams, keeping and staying in touch is way easier in this wifi loaded era.

Naturally, when you see the other person posting pictures with new people, you can't help but wonder if it isn't just platonic. You both set a certain time for the video call and when the other person does not answer the call, you can get paranoid. Is he ok? Did he get home, safe? Is he out with someone else? It is a crazy mental exercise to stay sane when one is part of this type of relationship. 

All of the issues I mentioned above are well portrayed in 10,000 KM. Sergei and Alex have a major argument, deciding to stay away from any forms of communication for some peace of mind. Their relationship reaches its breaking point when Alex wants Sergei to join her in California. This triggers Sergei into thinking she doesn't value what he does for a living. She points out that for the longest time, she was supportive, even living in Barcelona so they can be together.

The last few minutes was vague, in some way a surprise yet not totally unexpected in any LDR. Someone has to indeed sacrifice, make a bold move and hope it works out. In this case for Alex and Sergei, I have my doubts it was the best thing to do. But that is the sarcastic me, being negative. The positive part of me, however small, would like to believe Sergei and Alex will grow old together with their kids, no matter where they decide to live and raise their family.

Aladdin 2019

Will Smith, Mena Massoud,
Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari

"The Magic Comes to Life"

I really don't remember much about the animation version of Aladdin except for its famous song "A whole new World". So I watched this 2019 edition with fresh eyes. 

Aladdin (Mena Massoud) is a thief who robs people with the help of his pet monkey, Abu. A chance encounter with a young lady will forever change his life for the better. Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott) is the daughter of the Sultan of Agrabah. She likes to go out in disguise to see how the citizens live outside of their immense palace. She introduces herself as Dalia, her chambermaid to Aladdin who stole her bracelet. Meanwhile, Jafar (Marwan Kenzari) the grand Vizier to the Sultan 'hires' Aladdin to steal a magic lamp from within a cave with a Lion Head entrance. He intends to use magic lamp + the genie for his nefarious activities within the sultanate.

But with the help of Abu, Aladdin somehow becomes the 'owner' of the magic lamp. Upon rubbing it, the genie in the personification of a blue floating Will Smith comes out of the lamp and tells Aladdin, he can grant three wishes. One of Aladdin's wishes is to be a prince so he can vie for the hand of Princess Jasmine as mandated in the laws of Agrabah. Naturally, a major stumbling presents itself before everyone has a happy fairy tale ending.

Guy Ritchie, the English director known for his action filled British gangster movies helms this Disney retelling of a well loved story. Quite surprising as you really don't expect Ritchie to deviate from his usual style of filmmaking. But I believe he does a good job in making us fall in love again with Aladdin, Princess Jasmine and the witty genie. 

The costumes are bright, colorful and reminiscent of an Arabian nights setting. Some of the songs from the original are back and sang in the same tone so we can easily recognize them. CGI (computer generated imagery) plays a big part in making this visually vibrant and fast paced fantasy movie, a success.

Will Smith as the blue genie is sometimes ridiculous and over the top while other times, he blends well with the other characters. It is good he is a rapper/singer so he can certainly carry a tune. His witty dialogue is well delivered but nothing can totally match Robin Williams as the hilarious genie in the animated version. 

Both Mena and Naomi can sing well enough without any pitch problems. Aladdin is portrayed as a wily thief with self esteem issues, who redeems himself and changes for the better, by the ending. Jasmine has changed from the love struck princess singing cheesy love songs while riding a flying carpet to a feisty,  sassy female character who can easily rule her country, sans qualms. A sympathetic leader who knows what her people want and want what is good for her country, her citizens and her man, Aladdin.

Overall, this 2 hour 8 minutes movie is an entertaining musical, in the sense that they don't sing every 2 minutes which can be quite irritating. For me, it is 3.5 out of 5, worth of popcorn buckets.

A Star Is Born

Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga

Sam Elliot, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle

This is the fourth version of this iconic film and I haven't seen the other three movies. But the gifted Bradley Cooper directs and stars in this "musician meets unharnessed yet talented songwriter and turns her into a rising star" saga, so I was game! 

After a tiring show, crooner Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) enters a bar to drink his fatigue and troubles away. He comes across a struggling singer Ally (Lady Gaga) who performs there after her job as a waitress is over. He is impressed with her talent and soon invites her to join him in his numerous gigs. Naturally, they fall in love amidst all the fame, his alcoholism and all the intrigues that hound a powerful music couple.

Bradley Cooper's portrayal of Jack as a vulnerable singer with a drinking problem, as his way of coping with his declining fame is a very convincing and heartfelt performance. It was difficult to watch so he did a great job in showcasing his character's flaws and struggles.

First of all, I had no idea he could sing, I like his rich, deep singing voice. I read he had extensive training with a voice coach and he also learned to play the guitar. His voice blended well with Lady Gaga's solid tone in their duets. 

In fact, they exuded so much chemistry on screen, people actually believed they were a couple in real life. Never mind, that Bradley Cooper was with model Irina Shayk with whom he has a daughter, during the filming of the movie. But now, they have already called it quits yet I don't believe Lady Gaga is the third party. Well okay, I will stop gossiping and speculating. LOL

Lady Gaga as Ally in her first full length movie did have some awkward moments. Her lack in acting skills was fortunately masked by her very soulful voice. She has a great tone and most of her songs (as Lady Gaga not Ally) are now anthems for several people who credit her as their inspiration.

The fourth edition of "A Star is Born" steered by Bradley Cooper is a good offering with a brilliant soundtrack. It tackles the trappings of fame, the effects of alcoholism within a believable plot and well performed by its main leads who really sang everything, live.

Destination Wedding (2018)

Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves

"Check your Baggage"

Frank (Keanu Reeves) and Lindsay (Winona Ryder), two strangers on their way to a destination wedding collide with each other through constant bickering over anything and everything. 

Frank is the brother of the groom, while Lindsay was the ex-gf of the groom even though they both don't seem to be close to either of the marrying couple. It is never explained why Frank and Lindsay were invited, at all. Always bitter and highly egotistical, these two strangers have a lot more in common than they care to admit to themselves and to each other. 

"Before Sunrise" - it is definitely NOT even though it seems to copy the Richard Linklater masterpiece. This is the most dialogue I have seen Keanu Reeves deliver in his entire career. Heh. While Winona Ryder has aged well and tries her best to keep up with the pacing of both the dialogue of Keanu as well as the slow progress of the story line. She gets an A+ for her effort. I can only cringe at the thought of poor Winona putting up with Keanu's character irritating  and really disgusting gurgling sounds. Oy!

The setting of the film in wine county is lovely and certainly didn't add any of its charm to this highly disappointing reunion of Ryder and Reeves. Perhaps in some distant future, they can get together in an action film instead of a trying hard 'intellectual' romantic comedy. 

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Amanda Seyfried, Lily James, Dominic Cooper,

Julie Waters, Christine Baranski, Hugh Skinner,

Josh Dylan, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Cher

Jeremy Irvine, Andy Garcia, Stellan Skarsgard

10 years later, the sequel to the popular musical movie Mamma Mia is back. This time, the story takes off 5 years later, when Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is preparing for the grand reopening of the Hotel Bella Donna. The small B&B on the Greek isle first opened by her mother Donna (Meryl Street). 

We find out Donna is no longer in the picture but no details or any mention of how she passed away is revealed. Through seamless flashbacks, a young Donna (Lily James) who just graduated from Oxford, discovers herself on the small Greek isle. Her aspirations, her romantic life dating three guys (one of whom is Sophie's biological father), her pregnancy then her decision to start a bed and breakfast to support herself. All of these situations are naturally filled with Abba songs.

The same cast (but some of them older) is present in full force, singing their hearts out, belting Abba tunes - some of them familiar songs while others are songs I've never heard before. The story shifts effortlessly between the young Donna and the present day with Sophie trying her best to keep the memory of her mother alive through the Hotel Bella Donna.

The plot is believable and works well with the songs they chose to represent each situation. Lily James is a refreshing presence as the young Donna, she does well to carry the entire movie on her shoulders and dare I mention, she sings way better than Meryl Street. 10 years is a long time difference for a sequel to come out, but the plot is simple enough, you can easily piece together the story. 

A couple of flaws - the casting of the younger men in Donna's life. They all look alike and I couldn't tell them apart and who they grow up to be. Maybe I wasn't paying too much attention in the first film so I didn't know the names of the characters Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard were portraying. I got a bit confused in the sequel. 

Now, Cher as Sophie's grandmother, What? Not credible at all, I don't how and where it is possible for Cher to be Meryl Streep's mother. Then Ruby (Cher) whole connection with the Andy Garcia character is just plain stupid. Probably just a silly excuse for Cher to sing "Fernando".  

I don't have an issue with characters bursting into song while acting. Clearly everyone knows this is a musical. I love most of the Abba songs and it was a good walk down memory lane hearing songs I grew up listening to during my childhood. It was also a good introduction to their songs which didn't fare well at the music charts.

Toute Premiere Fois(I Kissed a Girl)

French Film Festival 2016

Greenbelt 3 Cinema

34 year old Jeremie wakes up in bed with a Swedish woman after a drunken one night stand. Only problem is ... Jeremie is gay and has a partner named Antoine, a mild mannered doctor. They have been together for 10 years and are engaged to be married. Yet Jeremie finds himself getting obsessed with Adna and even hires her in his polling company which he co-owns with his childhood friend, Charles.

It is quite rare that a same sex relationship is fully explored in a film. Same sex marriage has been legal in France for almost 2 years now so this romantic comedy doesn't aim to shock nor exploit this type of relationship. 

I'm amazed though that Jeremie begins to doubt his sexuality after he meets Adna. He manages to hide his 'true' identity from her through a web of lies and deceit. Although it is presented through comedic scenarios and is pretty light weight, the fact remains that yes, indeed ... it is possible to simply 'switch' back to one's original sexuality ... just like that.

Relying heavily on the ridiculous and silly antics of the lead actor and his very heterosexual best friend to draw in a few laughs, this film is pretty absurd and not to be taken seriously. Specifically since it seems to be based on the Katy Perry song "I Kissed a Girl" which is the English title of the film even though the literal translation is "First Time Ever".

The Age of Adaline

Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman,

Harrison Ford, Ellen Burstyn, Kathy Baker

"The World has changed in the Last Century.
Adaline has not."

Through some odd phenomenon, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) has remained 29 years old spanning through almost 8 decades. At the turn of the century, this condition occurs after a freak road accident so due to her ageless spirit, she lives a solitary life and has to constantly move to change her identity.

The film starts with a voice over narration which vanishes as the story progresses then re-appears towards the somewhat predictable conclusion. Certain scenes dragged on even as the film skips from present day setting to Adaline's past through seamless precision.

It is still engrossing enough to keep viewers tuned in to her fate and this is brought about mainly because of the charming performance of Blake Lively as Adaline. An actress who although not really pretty is blessed with a charisma that exudes and also masks her average acting skills.

The whole magic realism gave the film a fairy tale tone where you would root for the hapless leading lady to find her prince charming so they could live happily ever after. Yet knowing Adaline's secret, frustration would ensue. Of course, the film is given the Hollywood spin to strike its magic (pun intended) wand and make sure that Adaline does have her happy ending even though she has to face obstacles and struggles before she achieves it. 

"The Age of Adaline" is a type of film that would pique your interest but doesn't really require too much brain function. A good movie that aims to entertain and succeeds.

The One I Love

Elisabeth Moss, Mark Duplass,

Ted Danson

At first glance, you'd think this movie was going to be just another film that deals with a married couple trying to work out their marital woes. But as it progressed, the film took on an imaginatively inventive manner in analyzing and exposing the cracks in the marriage. 

Ethan (Mark Duplass) and Sophie (Elisabeth Moss) visit a marriage counselor seeking help. He notes their glaring differences and suggests they go to a place where he claims many couples in the same boat went to rediscover themselves and sort out the kinks in their relationship. 

With no expectations, Ethan and Sophie venture out to this sprawling bungalow and settle in. Soon enough, the house exudes a different vibe as the troubled couple slowly realize there is another dimensional element right within the confines of the compound.

The plot is complex and deals with self discovery, redemption and forgiveness. At its heart is a raw dissection of our daily expectations on the roles we have to assume to make a marriage, succeed. Is there a  general sense of marital discord and discontent because we expect too much from ourselves and from our partners? Or is it just right to merely blame incompatibility as the main culprit for the complications that are bound to arise? Pointed questions which are effectively explored in this film.

Moss and Duplass are the only characters (aside from Ted Danson as the marriage counselor in a very brief role) and the quirky twists in the plot demand a lot from them. They have to display multiple interpretations of their characters and they do a good job with much flair and great acting skills.

"The One I Love" is a well crafted, clever unconventional romance with finely marked twists and turns. Great performances from the two leads are an added bonus. Highly recommended!

The Longest Ride

Britt Robertson, Scott Eastwood,

Alan Alda, Oona Chaplin

In a moment of weakness, I started reading Nicholas Sparks' "The Longest Ride", digitally. I say weakness because his novels are not my cup of tea. I admit I'm too sarcastic for these types of stories. I only made it to chapter 7 then lost interest.  

Lucky for me, there is a movie version so I don't need to read it, anymore. In the novel, the pages shift between the love story of Sophia (Britt Robertson), a graduating college student and Luke (Scott Eastwood), a champion bull rider and the narrative of an older man named Ira who is reminiscing about his own love story.

The standard ingredients for a typical romantic film are present - instant chemistry between the couple, a stumbling block to their blossoming romance along with the predictable conclusion -  boy and girl live happily, ever after. 

Actually, I found Ira (Alan Alda) and Ruth's (Oona Chaplin) love story and their life together much more interesting than that of Sophia and Luke. I was especially drawn to their inability to have children as I'm basically in the same boat. A sob story angle thrown into the loop is guaranteed to bring in the poignancy factor as well as some tears.

Naturally this begs the question "if a love story makes you cry, does this mean it was effective in sending its message across to the viewers?"  Well for me, it does. But given that I tend to cry easily especially when I can relate with the dire situation the characters encounter onscreen, perhaps it is best I don't use this factor as a strong basis for a successful narrative.

As for the cast, I like the onscreen chemistry between Clint Eastwood's carbon copy of a son and Britt Robertson. Never mind that Scott Eastwood still needs to take some acting lessons to further hone his craft. He is quite pleasing to the eyes so I can forego his awkwardness, for now! 

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort,

Laura Dern, Willem Dafoe

"They Don't Have Forever,

They Have Each Other"

Yet another best seller novel which was adapted into a movie. Both of which were much hyped and generated quite a frenzy from the fans. Of course, as usual I never read the book. I'm too cheap to buy books, I'm too lazy and/or I don't find the time to just stay put and read.

Having said that, neither am I, a person who goes for hyped up 'events'. Be it the newest restaurant that draws a long queue, or a novel that lands in the best seller lists. I would shun away from it - just because it is the latest trend and wait patiently till the hype subsides, then I make my move. Yet I keep myself informed and know all about the latest 'happenings' in town. 

"The Fault in Our Stars" as everyone knows is about two young adults with terminal cancer who fall in love. Hazel (Shailene Woodley) is young, smart and quite witty and walks around with a portable oxygen tank which eases the flow into her respiratory system given that she has only one lung.  While Augustus or Gus (Ansel Elgort) is the typical charming boy next door type with a pleasant smile and you wouldn't know he has cancer unless you are shown his prosthetic leg.

They met at a cancer support group and even though Hazel was put off by Gus' attitude - they eventually realize they are mostly in the same wave length when it comes to their attitude towards life. They exude a certain level of maturity which gives them strength to accept their fate without dwelling on their illnesses. But rather focus on living their lives to the best of their abilities.

I have a feeling this common bond would have been more palpable in the pages of the novel because I hardly felt any chemistry between them in the film. Shailene Woodley was a revelation though and I like her comfy style of acting in her role as Hazel. She made Hazel, an endearing character. Unfortunately, I can't really say the same about Ansel Elgort. He needs to attend more acting workshops to add more depth and dimension to his portrayal.

Naturally any type of love story, be it tragic or not would draw in the crowds. I can see how such a plot would appeal to a wide spectrum of audience. But I'm now too sarcastic to get swayed merely by the love story angle. That is why I like the part where Hazel and Gus go to Amsterdam to meet their favorite yet reclusive author. The guy turns out to be quite a jerk but I think that unpleasant encounter was a good 'conflict' which contributed to the personal growth of the two leads.

I also like how Hazel and Gus were not cut out as tragic characters but as 'normal' people who just happen to be in the terminal phase of cancer. Not to make light of their illness but they handled the aspect of dying in an acceptable and non offensive manner. Certainly not dwelling on something they could not control but celebrating life in all its glory, something we should all emulate!

CANIBAL(CANNIBAL)

PELIKULA

SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL

Cinema 2, Greenbelt 3

I had my reservations about watching this film because I was under the impression it would show some really gory scenes. But it was not to be. Well I hope, I don't sound disappointed because I am glad with the way the film handled the cannibalism aspect.

Carlos is a prestigious tailor in a small town in Granada. But his well dressed and quiet demeanor exterior hides a chilling secret. He feeds on human flesh. But as I mentioned above, the film avoids gore but gets the point across in moments that do not involve actual.teeth.biting.into.raw.human.flesh scenes. Although the hunt and chase for his 'victims' is chillingly portrayed through silently haunting and terrifying vignettes.

Carlos is pretty much a loner, hardly socializes and does not really have any friends in town. But he is a much respected tailor and judging from his esteemed and well heeled clientele, he makes quite a good living as a tailor.  Things get a bit messy when his new neighbor Alexandra moves into the upstairs flat. A Romanian who speaks Italian, she is clearly a troubled soul and leads a chaotic life. A stark contrast to Carlos' ordinarily routine life.

An intriguing yet quiet attraction develops between the two of them, although neither of them act on it. Until one day, Alexandra just vanishes after she seeks Carlos help with a domestic dispute. A few days later, Nina her twin sister comes to investigate the disappearance and also finds herself drawn towards the reticent tailor who lives downstairs. She too is intrigued by the supportive Carlos who 'helps' her find Alexandra. Although, we know that he probably killed and ate her as well. 

As the film and their mutual attraction progresses, numerous questions abound. Little if ever any facts are known about Carlos. What drives him to kill women then eat them? Is he truly falling in love with Nina or is she just another victim for him? There are too many elements of the film and the characters themselves that is never really explored.  

As the 'secret' and twist is revealed towards the ending, the natural reaction of Nina is both shocking and a bit underwhelmed, to say the least. Until the final scene of reckoning for Carlos comes to a close, the film barely answers any of the questions that twirls inside the audience's discerning minds. 

The cinematography though is top notch with vividly clear scenes of a small town, the snow capped mountain (where he vacations in his cabin) which all nicely capture the quiet nature of both the main character as well as the manner the film unfolded across the screen.

Although I was relieved that the depravity of its main character was not exposed through bloody and messy scenes, I was also disappointed that the audience is simply made to accept Carlos for what he is - a cannibal who just happens to be a tailor!

UNA PISTOLA EN CADA MANO(A GUN IN EACH HAND)

(SPAIN)

CINE EUROPA 17

Cinema 2, Shang Cineplex

Rarely do films focus on the emotions or sentiments of men. Perhaps because we associate feelings with women, that somehow men are incapable of being sentimental or emotional. Well, we are in luck since this Spanish film gives us a welcome glimpse into the lives of eight men in their 40s who are suffering some form of identity and/or relationship crisis.

It is presented in five different vignettes that exposes the deepest secrets, fantasies, emotions and sexual fears of these men. The execution of this concept is through several conversations which involve one or two of the eight men at any one time and through their dialogues, a series of details expose bit by bit their lives to some extent. Some details are implied, other facets are openly discussed. All shared with no qualms, no inhibitions and it seems as if they were not aware of any camera taping their conversations. It is that candid and the acting of the ensemble cast of credible Spanish actors is top notch.

Adultery, regret, lust, inadequacy and betrayal are some of the emotions showcased as the men show themselves as vulnerable and incapable of relating to intimacy or are poor at properly communicating their feelings.

The film has some engaging moments although some vignettes are more successful than its whole. Eventually, a party towards the ending reveals that these guys know each other in one way or another. As they socialize with each other, their innermost feelings are once again hidden and only the audience is aware of their flaws and their insecurities. And we are none the wiser for it!

ALLACCIATE LE CINTURE(FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS)

MovieMov 4: Italian Cinema Now

Cinema 2, Shang Cineplex

A film about a couple whose opposite personalities at first vehemently clash against each other; yet find their attraction for each other is too powerful to resist. The first 20 minutes or so of the movie establishes the background as well as the milieu for Elena and Antonio to meet each other. From the get go, something about Antonio's brutally frank demeanour repels Elena who works at an open air bar/cafe.  Although they are both involved with other partners, something draws them closer to each other.  You might call it lust or blind obsession but it happens.

Then the plot jumps to 13 years later when Elena and Antonio are now married with two kids. Antonio hasn't changed he is still carefree and laid back while Elena is still the hard working and clearly a woman with many ambitions for herself, for her business as well as for her family. Naturally, you would say that despite their individual shortcomings and their contrasting personalities, they have a fairly successful marriage. Never mind that Elena is fully aware of Antonio's philandering ways.

Until they are thrown a curve ball by way of a health crisis. During her routine check up, Elena discovers she has breast cancer. Even though the film's title translates to "Fasten your Seatbelts" the ride is not as rough as one would expect. The second part primarily deals with Elena's time in the hospital as she undergoes chemotherapy for her cancer. With the full support of her family (Antonio, her mom, her aunt) and her friends (her best friend the gay Fabio) she is able to handle the chemo sessions even as she takes on a solemnly reflective mood. Quite understandably so as anyone battling a serious illness would be quite pensive about one's future.

For far beyond the daily grind of her thriving business, the constant worry about her husband's infidelity issues - the film basically shows us that the bond between Elena and Antonio remain intact throughout their marriage. That a difference in personalities and in their outlook in life and about life isn't a deterrent in making the marriage work. 

In an unlikely twist towards the end, the director uses a trick to take us back to the beach where it all began. A juxtaposed scene of Elena and Antonio on a bike (13 years ago) and them together in a SUV after he fetches her from the hospital.  I'm not sure this trick worked in the natural flow of the story of Elena and Antonio and neither do I know for sure just what Ferzan Ozpetek (Turkish director who now lives in Italy and has penned many Italian films) wanted to achieve in inserting this flash to the past sequence. 

All I can say and know is that Elena and Antonio's love will surely endure and last a long time and I guess in a love story and life in general ... that is all that truly matters!

LABOR DAY

Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin

Gattlin Griffith

A coming of age tale set in 1987 (although it seems more like the mid 1970s) unfolds during Labor Day holiday. An unexpected visitor holds a single mother and her son hostage in their own home. It turns out he is an escaped convict although he insists the crime he committed was an accident. 

Josh Brolin plays the mysterious stranger Frank who is quite menacing, physically but eventually turns out he has a heart of gold. I mean anyone who would come across the hunky figure of Josh Brolin would naturally run the other way. Frank's back story is glimpsed through dreamy like flashback sequences sans dialogue. And as his past is revealed interspersed with the ongoing drama, you slowly form an entirely different opinion about his true character.

Once we establish that there is nothing threatening nor menacing about Frank, we feel comfortable about his getting close to Adele (Kate Winslet). After all it really isn't difficult to 'like' Frank, he repairs the house, cooks for them, teaches them to bake a delicious peach pie and he even teaches her son to play baseball.

They are both lonely, lost souls trapped in an unforgiving world who find comfort in each other's company. As expected, Kate Winslet is brilliant in her role. You feel a lot of empathy for Adele as it is revealed that in her distant past she was a fun loving and carefree person, who sadly lost her joie de vivre due to a painful episode in her life. 

Together, Frank and Adele exude a palpable chemistry with an implied underlying sexual tension that is enough to heat the screen yet it isn't laid bare for the audience to feast on. In this case, it is a good element as it doesn't cheapen or vulgarize what Frank and Adele share.

Yet at the same time, it seems that is the only main draw of the film. Aside from the very few minutes of threat and tension of imminent danger as the authorities close in on their search for Frank, the movie pretty much falls flat. 

Since I like and tend to focus on the positive, I'd say "Labor Day" is a tender, nostalgic family drama that is a tense yet powerful dramatization of a deep relationship that blossoms between Frank and Adele. 

HER

Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams,

Scarlett Johansson, Rooney Mara

"Her" is set in a futuristic LA where technology has completely taken over our lives. We meet Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) a loner (going through a divorce) who works as a letter composer for a company.  Basically he writes love letters for other people and he is quite adept at it. 

When he installs a new operating system (OS) in his computer, it completely takes over every aspect of his life. From sorting his files to arranging dates for him, "Samantha" is the name of the female voice that assists him. Soon enough, Theodore develops a very special bond with Samantha and even calls her his 'girlfriend'. 

This Spike Jonze directed piece thoroughly explores their relationship. It is a complex love story of a lonely man and his endearingly adorable OS.  In this day and age where social media reigns and social isolation is quite rampant, "Her" is a fitting tale of a pure connection, albeit it is between a human and his self aware computer personality.   

But this romantic connection would certainly ring a bell with anyone who has been in an online relationship.  A bond that develops from spending hours on end chatting with each other through an IM (instant messenger) facility.  A budding relationship that mostly unfolds through a monitor and a keyboard. But where one's most intimate feelings and sentiments are shared without the awkwardness of a face to face encounter.  It most certainly feels 'real' between the parties involved even though some skeptic would say otherwise.

I admit I've been in several of these online relationships so I could surely commiserate with Theodore's sentiments.  But having said that, there comes a point when  the normal thing to do is to go beyond the online chats and have a face to face encounter.  There lies the 'obstacle' for Theodore and Samantha.  She is not human and as we find out towards the ending, she has been programmed and uploaded several times in different computers so let's just say her loyalty is questionable.  Plus the glaring fact that she is NOT human.

Most of the background and landscape scenes were shot in Shanghai, China. Apparently in Spike Jonze's brilliant mind that is how Los Angeles would look like in the future. Strange looking skyscrapers, minimalist apartments that rely heavily on computer gadgets, people communicating through an earpiece and a small rectangular device.  It is all very well represented on screen and it plays out well with the alternative subject matter.

But the praises must go entirely to Joaquin Phoenix. He is in almost every scene but he underplays, bringing a gentle irony to his role even at the most climactic moments. He is mostly lost in his thoughts and those of the operating system moulded to fit his psyche.  His awkwardness and boyish giggles make him seem authentically vulnerable yet at the same time a sympathetic somewhat endearing character.

Even though we can’t see what Samantha looks like, her sultry voice is warm, caring and a bit playful at times. One would imagine that someone with such a nice (for lack of a better term) voice would have quite a pleasing personality if she was a real person. But the mere thought that she is voiced by the sensual Scarlett Johansson, you can't help but personify the face behind the voice.

I'd have to say that "Her" is not for everyone. If it were a food item, it would take an acquired taste to really appreciate and savor its uniqueness.  Yet what makes the film so provocative is that the nature of love, companionship and obsession is both universal and timely.  The contours of the relationship between Theodore and "Samantha" can easily be read as one between two normal people with all senses in tact. It’s a love story for our time and for all time.

ARTHUR NEWMAN

Colin Firth, Emily Blunt

Anne Heche

"If you Don't have a Life, Get someone Else's"

SM Cinemas

I found myself at the mall to do some errands. I wanted to catch Clooney and Bullock as the unfortunate astronauts on a mission that goes wrong but unfortunately I missed the appropriate showing time, so I settled for Firth and Blunt.  

That's Colin Firth who stars as a down on his luck sales agent who decides to fake his death so he could start a new life as Arthur Newman. His dream is to resume his golf career so he intends to pursue a job as an  instructor at a golf club in another state.  Along the way, he meets Mike (Emily Blunt) herself a lost soul and they connect on more levels than one.  

This is their story.

I reckon it is quite easy for someone to just vanish into thin air without anyone missing them and assume a new identity in a huge country like the US.  In Wallace Avery's case, I found it quite sad that he didn't have a solid support system like a loving family to provide him with whatever he felt was missing in his life.  But as we see in the film, he doesn't have a warm personality. He is divorced and estranged from his family while his current girlfriend played by Anne Heche seems to be neglected and largely ignored.

The loneliness is all the more highlighted when one lonely soul meets another lonely soul. In this case, Arthur meets Mike who is I'd say more troubled than lonely.  Somehow, together they click and make the most of the time together (read: have sex a lot) even though they clearly know zilch about each other lives. 

As the film moves on and the notion of second chances peeks in, surely redemption and finding one's self cannot be far behind and right on cue they appear towards the ending. I know it's predictable but somehow watching good actors like Colin Firth and Emily Blunt bring to life such sad characters somehow made the film easier to bear.