GomBurZa

Dante Rivero, Cedrick Juan, Enchong Dee

Piolo Pascual, Jaime Fabregas, Elijah Canlas

Cinema 1, The Red Carpet

Shangri-la Plaza Mall

It's 2024! A new year so time to revive this blog. So much has happened in my personal life these past three years but let's just go back to reviewing movies.

This Filipino film directed by Pepe Diokno delves into an important event in our rich history. When the Philippines was still under Spanish rule, a royal decree drove a wedge between the regular and secular priests. Those that belonged to religious orders such as the Dominicans, the Recollects, Franciscans and the Agustinians were the regular while the secular priests (who did not belong to any order) were primarily trained to run the local parishes and were under the jurisdiction of the bishops.

The royal decree provided for the secularization of all parishes or the transfer of parochial duties from the regular priests to the secular priests. Since there were not enough seculars to fill up the positions, the Archbishop approved the ordination of Filipino secular priests. 

Monsignor Pedro Pelaez (Piolo Pascual) was a vocal supporter of the secularization of Filipino priests. Fr. Jose Burgos (Cedrick Juan) took an active role in the movement when Fr. Pelaez died in an earthquake. Under the wise tutelage of Fr. Mariano Gomes (Dante Rivero), along with other secular priests, the movement was strongly opposed by the regulars, mostly Spanish friars who believed it would lessen their dominance and influence in society.

In high school, history books exemplify the trio GomBurza (Fathers Gomes, Burgos and Zamora) as martyrs, and rightfully so. Their execution (by garrote) by the Spanish authorities awakened the Filipino people to demand and obtain freedom from Spain. The event shaped our nationalism and paved the way for the Philippine revolution.

Years later, I am now married to a history professor and as I am quite an inquisitive soul, I would ask him about personalities, events about our history. He willingly obliges and regales me with 'behind the scenes' narratives. So I am fully aware of all the circumstances behind the secularization movement, the background of these three priests, the symbolism of their execution.

That is why of all the films shown at the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival, "GomburZa" was my only choice to watch at the movie theater. To avoid the crowd, I chose to see it mid January as the film festival was on its last run. Lo and behold, there were only two of us in the cinema. And nope, the other person was not my history professor hubby (he was at work), just some random cinema goer.

Pepe Diokno's direction of the talented cast was precise. His visual story telling in dark, almost sepia tones added so much weight to the melancholic vibe of the story. My favorite scene in the movie is the execution sequence. Howling winds, hushed crowd, the garrote as the center piece, the three priests agonized facial expressions as they waited for their turn to be put to death. Set and costume design was scenic and appropriate. Dialogue, sometimes sounded theatrical yet still managed to depict the era. 

Did the movie do justice to the important roles "GomBurZa" played in our history? Yes and No. 

I say no, because I felt the script could have added more anti-Spain sentiments, more atrocities/anomalies which the Catholic Church committed towards the Filipinos, not just the local clergy but the entire nation. I expected more 'fire in the belly' moments. Perhaps they did not want the film to have religious and political undertones or they did not want to antagonize the current Catholic hierarchy in the Philippines. Thus justifying this strange scene (after the execution) of a Spanish friar lamenting that history won't be kind to them, that they will be blamed for the execution when it was Spain that gave the order for the capital punishment of the three priests. 

The fact remains that the storied lives of these valiant martyrs Fathers Gomes, Burgos and Zamora deserve to be told, and is still very significant today, now more than ever. 

Last Christmas

Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding,

Emma Thompson, Michelle Yeoh

"Sometimes, You've just gotta have Faith"

Cinema 4, The Red Carpet @ Shang

For this Christmas themed movie, I dragged my parents along so we can get some of that much needed Yuletide spirit. It is difficult to feel Christmas-y when the sweat pours like crazy because unfortunately, we don't have winter in these parts of the globe.

This movie is based on Wham's or more specifically the late George Michael's hit 1984 song. Coincidentally, George Michael died on Christmas Day in 2016. Quite a shock which I still cannot fathom. Emma Thompson together with other writers wrote the script expanding on the essence of the song.

Emilia Clarke stars as Kate, a down on her luck, wanna be singer who works as an elf in a year round Christmas shop. Her employer, Santa (Michelle Yeoh), a dainty Asian who likes to spread Yuletide cheers in her shop full of wonderful trinkets. One day, bored Kate meets Tom (Henry Golding) loitering outside the shop and who always likes to look up. They tend to always bump into each other so they begin hanging out. He shows her his sanctuary, a small park within the bustling city. Together they discover the wonders of London, which is all decked up for the season to be jolly. He seems like a dream come true - a charming polite, good looking dude who gets around London on his bicycle and even volunteers at the homeless center.

As we discover more about Kate and her family composed of her mother Petra (Emma Thompson), her father Ivan who used to be a lawyer in their hometown, the now defunct Yugoslavia but drives a cab in London and her sister who hasn't come out yet to their parents. An air of mystery still surrounds Tom. We don't know his surname, his job, his family - nothing. 

Eventually, everything is revealed in a clever twist which really makes sense. It felt like a champagne bottle popping open, you know the shock and the little jerk you experience when you hear the cork bursting out of the bottle. LOL It does give justice to George Michael's lovely song about the heartbreak and anguish during Last Christmas.

The ensemble cast led by Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding are both delightful in their roles. It is always refreshing to watch Clarke being her cheerful self as opposed to her Khaleesi role in Game of Thrones. Henry Golding is still pleasant eye candy and does a good job, picking roles which suit his personality, the charming leading man role. Emma Thompson is a hoot, perfect as the overbearing mother, complete with the Eastern European accent.

The soundtrack features George Michael songs even one which was released after his untimely passing. The city of London in all its Yuletide finery provides an excellent backdrop. So much so that I wanted to fly to London, never mind the expense & the almost 15 hour flight. I understand the intention of the narration but it could use some editing especially where it gets too cheesy and when Petra became too domineering. 

I will still add Last Christmas to the list of my favorite Christmas movies. Mainly due to the believable chemistry between its lead stars and seeing wintry London during the most wonderful time of the year. 

P.S.

Love Actually is the top movie on my list.

P.P.S

I visited London in November 1995, mostly to watch West End plays.

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.

Hotel Mumbai

Dev Patel, Armie Hammer, 

Jason Isaacs, Anupam Kher,

Nazanin Boniadi

"November 26, 2008
Terror Struck the Heart of India"

Cinema 11, SM Megamall

Any movie based on true events can be disturbing to watch, especially if these events involve terrorism, violence and the lost of innocent lives. "Hotel Mumbai" deals with the siege of the prominent Taj Hotel by a group of terrorists in Mumbai, India. Even if this horrific incident happened over 10 years ago, the anguish for those who lost loved ones as well as some survivors is still very raw.

In the beginning, we see the young men who carried out the attack, arriving in Mumbai on rubber boats. They disperse to different places where they will simultaneously unleash their evil plan. Then, we shift to the grand hotel where the staff is busy as guests begin arriving for their stay.

We are introduced to some characters like head chef, Oberoi (Anupam Kerr), a young waiter Arjun (Dev Patel), David (Armie Hammer) an American guest who arrives with his wealthy Indian wife Zahra (Nazanin Boniadi), their foreign nanny and their little baby. You also have a dubious Russian operative named Vasili (Jason Isaacs) as well as the rest of the hotel staff.

I believe the intent to cast some known actors as some of the characters is for us, the audience to get invested with them. The little background or information, we get about them, doesn't really matter because we know these character are based on actual people who became victims of this brutality.

There are also some scenes focused on the attackers. Young men whose orders are given by someone known as the Bull. Just a voice over their cellphones barking his commands, preaching to them, reaping them praises for the terrible acts they were about to commit and were committing.

I remember with clarity a specific scene. One of the terrorists is wounded, panicking and questioning his faith, yet the Bull prods him on. It clearly shows the vulnerability of these young men who were brainwashed, how susceptible they were. Easily influenced by a higher authority, believing their vicious acts are for the greater good. 

Of course, I am not condoning violence, their acts are inconceivable and quite barbaric. What I am trying to say is that this movie did a good job in projecting the different perspectives in this narrative. From the points of view of the terrified hotel staff, the hapless guests to these young men who perhaps didn't know any better but still chose to carry out these assaults.

It is very disturbing to see scenes of violence on screen, but it was necessary to show them. "Hotel Mumbai" was a tale which needed to be told. It didn't glorify these terrorists. More than anything it was a well crafted tribute to the victims, and the survivors - in the hope that they didn't die in vain and that this type of terrorism won't ever happen again, anywhere in the world.

SIDE EFFECTS

Jude Law, Rooney Mara, 

Catherine Zeta-Jones, Channing Tatum

"One Pill can Change your Life"

SM Cinemas

Deceit is the recurring theme in this latest thriller from Steven Soderbergh. The provocative film focuses on the life of Emily (Rooney Mara) and Martin (Channing Tatum), a married couple who try to get their lives back on track after suffering a few setbacks.  Emily is having a harder time coping so her psychiatrist Dr. Banks (Jude Law)  prescribes a powerful pill that will help combat her depression. 

Naturally a powerful pill will have drastic side effects which will only further aggravate Emily's vulnerable state.  Or does it?  That's for you to find out as I won't be revealing any spoilers.

As a firm believer that medicines cannot really solve your mental well being, I cringed every time she had to pop such a strong toxic pill.  Yet on the other hand, I also know that depression is a serious illness that needs to be properly addressed and supervised by medical professionals.

This film further validated my belief that we lived in an overmedicated society. That medical experts as well as pharmaceutical firms make millions of profits each year. They trick us in believing that a pill can solve all our health woes.

"Side Effects" with its well acted cast and complex story line was thought provoking. I recognize its brave effort in making a solid statement. A stand on the greediness of pharmaceutical firms as well as the unscrupulous doctors who benefit from the avarice at the unhealthy expense of vulnerable patients.  

It may be fictional and not presented in a Michael Moore type of documentary but it successfully proved its point.  We certainly got the message even though it did leave a bitter after taste in our mouth.

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!

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.

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.

SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD

Keira Knightley, Steve Carell

"Nice Knowing You"

Cinema 5, Trinoma Mall

So while people were scrambling over themselves to watch the most anticipated movie for this year, I ran the opposite direction. I wanted to be as far away as possible from luminous vampires and menacing werewolves.  Ergo, I found myself tuning in to the unusual love story that develops between Steve Carell and Keira Knightley in a movie with a bizarre title called "Seeking  a Friend for the End of the World".

Strangely enough, this movie with a doomsday theme was poignantly absorbing albeit in a quirky sort of way.   Banking on a premise that the end of the world is due in 3 weeks time once an asteroid named "Matilda" will hit earth, the film sets into motion the story of Dodge (Steve Carell) and his neighbor Penny (Keira Knightley). 

An insurance sales man whose wife leaves him amidst the impending disaster, his final mission is to seek out an ex girlfriend whom he describes as the love of his life.   His young(er) neighbor Penny comes along for the road trip as she intends to flight to England to be reunited with her family.  The road trip turns into a journey where the two former strangers get to know each other and discover what truly matters as they spend their last days on earth, together. 

There are no scenes of panic nor any military operation to stop the asteroid from hitting our planet like the movie "Armaggedon". Instead we are hit with short clips of people partying, rioting and turning into doomsday preppers who stock up on weapons and potato chips.

The several side plots doesn't deviate from the main gist which is the special bond and friendship that develops between Dodge and Penny.  Much of the credit goes to the brilliantly soulful performances of Steve Carell and Keira Knightley.  Their odd couple pairing succeeds because after all opposites do attract.

Sullen, downtrodden Dodge is a lonely figure who doesn't want to be alone while perky Penny goes through life wearing Converse shoes and listening to old vinyl records with a come what may attitude.   Penny and Dodge are both given their own proper back stories and dilemmas that feel fully developed by the time the two characters interact.

Both endearing, charming characters who makes us the audience believe that life can't be that bad (even though it is about to end in a fiery explosion) if you were to spend it with someone you just met a few weeks ago yet now know you inside out.

A right mix of drama and comedy with an awesome soundtrack of songs from PM Dawn, The Hollies, The Walker Brothers - "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" is certainly worth every cent!

SKYFALL

Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, 

Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, 

Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw

Cinema 1, Shang Cineplex

The James Bond franchise turned 50, this year.  I'm 44 years old so yes I grew up watching most of the films featuring this slick British agent provocateur who fought against outlandish villains, bedded beautiful women, likes his martini 'shaken not stirred' - all done under Her Majesty's secret service. 

Growing up, I always associated James Bond movies with fancy gadgets, exotic locales, Bond girls, the familiar James Bond theme music (which is now currently playing in my mind!).

It also came with amazing soundtrack composed of songs made famous by artists like Matt Monro ("From Russia with Love"), Shirley Bassey ("Diamonds are Forever"), Sheena Easton ("For Your Eyes Only") and Duran Duran ("A View to a Kill") to name a few.

So there is no way I would have missed  Daniel Craig as 007 in the 23rd offering of the longest running film franchise of all time.  It has to be said that I absolutely adore Daniel Craig in all of his films so seeing him as James Bond is quite an intensely thrilling experience!

In the first few minutes of "Skyfall", Bond is in hot pursuit of an operative who might have the list of all the secret agents of MI6 scattered all over the world in vital covert operations.  Fighting on top of a moving train, he is shot and presumed dead.  Then cue in the title soundtrack sang by Adele accompanied by dazzling graphics and you know you are in for a treat.

Director Sam Mendes then takes Bond to Istanbul, Shanghai, Macau as well as London with the able guidance of M (Judi Dench) who is shown in an entirely different light. She came across as more maternal than the usual no holds barred, no nonsense tough as nails head of MI6.

Bond is given only the bare essentials instead of the fancy gadgets.  He is provided a finger print enabled gun and a 'radio' tracking device which was developed by the new Quartermaster or simply known as Agent Q (Ben Whishaw) who quips "what did you expect, an exploding pen?" when 007 was skeptical.

It is 2012 so the villains are now known as "the Shadows". Not menacing despotic terrorists who wants world domination.  These villains operate using the latest technology to their full advantage to wreak havoc.  Javier Bardem as Raoul Silva was brilliant, as always. I believe he was a bit too over the top but still quite effective.  Although, his whole I was betrayed by my employers so I would throw a tantrum and bring down the entire agency premise was a tad flimsy, if you ask me.    

Yet it is during the pursuit where most of the beautiful cinematography comes into place. The gripping chase on the rooftops of Istanbul, Turkey. The well choreographed fight scenes shot in silhouette, the London scenes of the new HQ of Mi6 and the final 'battle' scenes in breathtaking yet bleak Scotland.   Several wide angle night shots with only the lights from the skyscrapers of Shanghai and the scenes in Macau - were all well conceptualized and projected very well on the screen.

But beyond the exotic locales, the acerbic and witty dialogue, the action filled sequences and the villains lies the true heart of the film - James Bond himself.  Daniel Craig settles in quite nicely in his 3rd offering as 007.  We are shown a less detached James who is more in tune with himself and also he comes to terms with his past.  For once, he isn't just a spy killing machine but more humane, less stoic.  Quite vulnerable as he is mostly hit with indecision.  Yet at the same time he is angrier thus exhibiting a raw hunger coupled with enough chutzpah to skillfully perform his duties.  

Lastly in an interview Daniel Craig was asked:

Q: There’s been a lot of talk about how this has personal stakes for Bond.  What does that require from you in your performance that maybe makes it more personal than the previous things we’ve seen?

Craig: I don’t think personally, it’s about the character and how he lives the experience.  Again, just harkening back to the script, through a lot of hard work I think we’ve kind of got together a script that has a really strong bed rock of a story and something for all the characters—of which there are a lot in this movie—to sort of experience.  There are very personal stories in it and hopefully the audience will get affected by them and moved by them.  It’s just a good acting job to do.

He was right. I was truly affected by the personal stories and declare that "Skyfall" is one of the best James Bond movies I've seen.   Excellent acting job, indeed!!!

SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN

Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt
Kristin Scott Thomas, Amr Waked

"Make the Impossible Possible"

Cinema 5, Trinoma Mall

For some reason, this charming little film was only shown at the Ayala malls cinemas. So I ventured out of my comfort zone and found myself sitting in an almost empty theater. It felt like I was seated in my own living room  - the only thing missing was my pillow.

The movie is based on Paul Torday’s novel with the very strange title.  It stems from a project of a wealthy sheik who wants to bring salmon fishing to his native land, Yemen.  Of course, it is an impossible task yet when the sheik is willing to invest 50 million dollars into the project, you simply cannot refuse the lucrative offer.   Not to mention the fact that the British government needs a moral booster after some of its troops were injured in a grenade attack in Afghanistan. Billed under the "good news from the Middle East" category, the gargantuan operation would certainly boost Anglo Arabic relations.

The persons directly involved in the enormous logistics for this major project include a skeptical fisheries expert named Dr Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor), the investment consultant of the sheik Ms Harriet Chetwold-Talbot (Emily Blunt),  Patricia Maxwell (Kristin Scott Thomas), the press officer of the British Prime Minister's office and Sheik Muhammed (Amr Waked).

Aside from the political connotations and questions like "Can money really buy everything?", the film strives pretty much on the solid acting of the cast.  I liked the chemistry between Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt.  Both equally talented, they essayed their roles with subtle nuances giving their characters so much depth.

Buoyed by a beautiful cinematography with interesting angles of long, wide shots of picturesque terrain as well as creative underwater segments, this movie was visually appealing.

The sheikh who is considered somehow of a visionary with progressive ideas for his country is very enigmatic. He strongly believes in the immeasurable power of faith and making the impossible, possible.  It is the same faith that guides the viewers as you watch and silently yet firmly wish that the project will be a success. 

"Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" is a delightful little movie that shows that it isn't always a bad thing to have dreams which no one believes in. As long as you have conviction, coupled with a positive attitude, you can accomplish and achieve anything with great success.  

ARGO

Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin
John Goodman, Victor Garber

"The movie was fake.

The mission was real."

Cinema 2, Shang Cineplex

"Argo" is Ben Affleck's third venture as a director, and I learned 3 things from this film.

(1) I was just a kid when the US Embassy in Teheran was stormed and its employees were taken hostage.  But I remember my parents were tuned in daily for updates on the hostage crisis because after all my diplomat father also worked at an embassy.

Through the years, I read bits and pieces of this event. But it is only through this film, I learned that 6 consular staff from the Embassy were able to 'escape' from the chaotic US embassy and sought refuge in the Canadian Ambassador's residence. 

The rest of the film focuses on how one CIA agent Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) who disguises himself as a Canadian film producer scouting for exotic locales in Teheran was able to rescue them and bring them home safely.

(2) The US government through its various departments and agencies would do anything within their power and jurisdiction to secure its citizens working and living overseas. During a brainstorming session, the top honchos  deliberate on various scenarios for a daring rescue.  Most of them if not all were bordering on the absurd.

Their final 'operation' sounds like a ridiculous idea on paper yet they managed to pull it off.  They decide to sponsor a fake movie complete with storyboard drawings, full cast and crew, producers and big studio backing, full media coverage (publicity shots) to serve as a front for the rescue.   And although it is a good thing, the operation was a success, "Argo" also exposes just how manipulative the US government can be in its quest to maintain its interests under the guise of protecting its citizens. Creepy, really.

(3) Ben Affleck  is much better at directing films than acting in them.  His technique to use a grainy cinematography reminiscent of the late 1970s is quite clever.  Not to mention his keen eye to details like the authentic wardrobe of the cast, the props (an old noisy typewriter and a clip from "The Battle for the Planet of the Apes " shown on a box type TV set) and a witty almost acerbic dialogue.

Although Affleck is the main character in this film, his subtle acting ensures he doesn't upstage the fine supporting cast led by John Goodman, Alan Arkin and Bryan Cranston to mention a few.

In the end, this 'hidden' chapter in the Teheran US embassy hostage crisis would never have been told if it remained classified.  Although certain parts were highlighted to give the film a gritty and dramatic vibe, this story pays homage to the heroic efforts of one relentless CIA agent who risked his life for the daring clandestine mission.  I'm sure those 6 foreign service employees are eternally grateful for his efforts.

TAKEN 2

Liam Nesson, Famke Janssen,
Maggie Grace, Rade Serbedzija

"First they took his daughter.
Now they're coming for him"

Cinema 2, Shang Cineplex

We have this running joke in our family that if our dad had seen the movie TAKEN, he might not have permitted me and my sister to go gallivanting around Europe. But the movie was shown in 2008 and our European sojourn was way back in the early 2001 so I figure we were relatively safe(r).  Obviously, our dad is no Liam Nesson but I'm certain given the circumstances any father for that matter would go to great lengths to protect his daughter(s).

So given that premise albeit far fetched, the original film sort of made sense.  A former intelligence agent with all the right connections at his disposal could certainly pull off a miracle.  Therefore I was curious how they would further stretch that storyline into another full length film. 

In the opening shots of  "Taken 2", we are shown a village in Albania where all the bad guys that Bryan Mills (Liam Nesson) killed in Paris are being buried and mourned by their loved ones.   At the funeral, Murad Krasniqi (Rade Serbedzija), the father of  Marko, one of the men Bryan took out while saving his kidnapped daughter vows to avenge the death of his son.   

So he rounds up some more goons to capture not just Bryan, but his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) and daughter Kim (Maggie Grace).   The Mills family are vacationing in Istanbul, Turkey so the whole abduction premise takes off in yet another exotic locale.  The myriad of tiny cobblestone streets, the rooftops of the crowded houses serve as excellent backdrop for Byran's spy skills to come into effect as he tries his best to once again save his loved ones from harm and in the process add up the body count substantially. 

Certain action scenes were shot with the shaky camera effect so it gave me quite a headache. While other moments had Liam Neeson's lanky frame do skillful hand combat with the villains.  Even at his age, Liam Neeson can make the fight scenes look so natural.  They are well choreographed and very realistically executed on screen.  

I kept thinking just how unfortunate it is for the Mills family to constantly find themselves in such precarious situations even when they are on holiday.  But the gorgeous locale with its chaotic and exquisitely exotic charm more than made up for the predictability factor of the flimsy plot.  

Hopefully, there won't be a Taken part 3 because honestly even though I love Liam Neeson and I've been a loyal fan of his movies even before his action hero phase, I believe it's time for the Mills family to live in their peaceful suburban environment without any Albanians or any other races bothering them.