La Cordillera (The Summit)

Pelicula 2018

Spanish Film Festival

Greenbelt 3 Cinemas

A mountain resort in the picturesque Andes mountains in Chile is the setting for a summit of Latin American leaders. The main topic is the establishment of an OPEC like organization consisting of Latin American nations. 

The central character is Hernan Blanco, (Ricardo Darin) the newly elected president of Argentina who is attending his first summit meeting. Blanco, a former mayor of a small town is hailed as the leader of the common man. His low profile at the summit is being questioned by a critic in a radio show commentary who belittles Blanco's capability as a leader. 

A few minutes before they board the presidential plane, his staff receives news of problems on the personal front. His daughter Marina is distraught and insists she had no idea about the expose from her ex husband, who plans to reveal Blanco's previous corrupt practices. The president decides Marina should join him at the summit so he can keep an eye on her already frayed nerves. 

Ricardo Darin (Truman) is very credible as the plagued Blanco. As president, he maintains a calm almost stoic demeanor in the wheeling and dealing of diplomacy. There is a specific scene with Christian Slater as a high level State Department official in a clandestine meeting with President Blanco. In this shot, Blanco listens as usual, the imperialistic U.S. wants to act as 'consultant' to the proposed organization. Towards the end of the meeting, Blanco negotiates for what he believes will be beneficial to Argentina. Whether this is good or not is beside the point, I think this establishes Blanco as a certified negotiator/leader.

As a father, he is concerned, strong and decisive for his troubled daughter. He even agrees to a series of hypnotherapy sessions for Marina which reveals certain ambiguities. Whether those past events are true or merely a figment of Marina's complex imagination - are never fully explored. A side plot which could perhaps better explain why Marina is really messed up. 

So except for those intriguing hypnosis revelations which were left unanswered, the film does a good job in presenting international relations among world leaders. The breathtaking Andes mountain range providing an icy background to an engaging political drama.

El Autor (The Motive)

Pelicula 2018

Spanish Film Festival

Greenbelt 3 Cinemas

Alvaro is a notary in a law firm, a really monotonously boring job. His real passion though is to write a novel, something he calls 'real literature' as opposed to best selling book written by his wife, Amanda. In fact, he is very serious, Alvaro has even taken up writing lessons in a class taught by an over critical instructor.

Alvaro's life goes from sad to pathetic. He leaves his wife after she is caught cheating with a co-worker + he is put on forced leave after his work suffers from his erratic behavior. He moves into a new apartment, and now has a lot of time to concentrate on his novel.

His main problem is he doesn't have a fertile imagination so upon the advice of his teacher to roll up his sleeves and search for stories in the real world - he decides to eavesdrop on the lives of his neighbors in his new apartment block. He makes them the subject of his novella, going as far as manipulating and orchestrating their lives to make them more interesting characters for his book.

It is set in Seville, Spain with shots mostly within the confines of Alvaro's spartan and sparsely decorated apartment in bright almost blinding scenes. This is perhaps in contrast to the sudden influx of ideas that flood Alvaro's mind.

The creepy tone of the lead character, with his obsessive, stalker like tendencies as well as the dramatic phasing of the plot add some intensity to an otherwise predictable narrative. With a good premise and the exemplary acting of Javier Gutierrez as Alvaro, The Motive is a well made dark comedy.

Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Josh Brolin, Benicio del Toro,

Isabela Moner, Jeffrey Donovan, Catherine Keener

"No Rules this Time"

The sequel to this crime thriller once again tackles the drugs war on the U.S - Mexico border. Fed agent Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and 'consultant' Alejandro (Benicio del Toro) are back to continue the fight against the Mexican cartels.  Drug lords who not only peddle drugs but also resort to human trafficking and acts of terrorism on both sides of the border. The task force devise a plan to mess up the cartels but when it backfires, all hell breaks loose. Each of them basically on their own to sort out their own mess.

Sicario which was released in 2015 got a lot of raves for the way it was filmed. Emily Blunt was very credible as the small town FBI agent who was recruited by the task force. In this sequel though, she is not part of the team, no mention whatsoever about her character. This is fine as the Brolin - del Toro tandem still work well together without the distracting presence of a lead female character.

I liked Sicario (2015) and this sequel although with a few dragging parts was equally good in my book. We all know about the cartels running the show vis a vis the peddling of drugs through shows like Narcos on Netflix. But Sicario: Day of the Soldado offers a different perspective, as shown through the eyes of this special task force. An operation so covert, the U.S government denies of its existence, as usual. 

The film still retains its gritty, suspenseful tone with enough action sequences to keep you on the edge of your seat. I believe there was more depth in this narrative, as seen through the eyes of the young Isabel Reyes. An unfortunate pawn in this dangerously ugly and menacing drugs war.

The ending hints at a third Sicario in the making but it should remain true to form and present an alternative perspective (one that is not redundant and repetitive), then maybe, just maybe it would be worth waiting for. If not, perhaps it would be a good time to let agent Matt Graver and Alejandro rest from their stressful job.

Crazy Rich Asians

Henry Golding, Constance Wu, 

Michelle Yeoh, Gemma Chan

"The only Thing crazier than Love is Family"

I had no idea nor was I aware this movie was based on a popular novel by Kevin Kwan, a Singaporean author now based in the US. Everyone (by everyone I meant the critics and the mainstream media) was raving about it being a first since it was a Hollywood made film with an all Asian cast. 

Well, naturally the roles would be enacted by Asian actors, right? Long gone are the days when white actors would color their faces with black shoe polish to portray African Americans or white actresses would have their eyes made up to look Asian. 

The premise of poor girl meets rich boy and live happily ever after has been done various times in movies and plays all over the world. Nothing new really. So in Crazy Rich Asians, you have all the cliches - rich future mother-in-law disapproving of poor girlfriend, society (mis)judging the stature of the girlfriend of the most eligible bachelor in town, poor girl feels out of place etc etc etc.

Yet one thing stands out imho - that is the rich bachelor Nick Young remains humble and does not boast about his wealth. He may have not told Rachel (Constance Wu)  about his background but this goes to show, it did not define him. He was living in the US, had no interest in maintaining the family business, he just happen to be in town for the wedding of his best friend. In short, he is a cool dude and it doesn't hurt that he is portrayed by Henry Golding (not an Asian name, at all) who is va va voom handsome, dear Lord! 

I like the feisty spirit of Rachel. She remains true to herself and won't let her lack of stature defeat her. Sure she will be sad and feel betrayed but she is a brilliant scientist and an economics professor - that is more than just 'good enough'. 

The rest of the cast do good. They are tailor fit for their roles especially Michelle Yeoh as Eleanor Young, the mother of va va voom. Her conceited gaze, her regal bearing, calm yet menacing demeanor was spot on. This former Bond girl is aging really well, I'd say.

The author meant this film to be an expose (I may be wrong) on how the rich treat the 'poor' members of society as being less worthy. But for me that whole rich vs poor premise is pretty lame. Of course, the rich will look down on the poor, it happens anywhere and every time in any part of the world. 

It shouldn't be an issue let alone be the whole theme for a movie which took itself too seriously. Yes it is a Hollywood movie with an Asian narrative and cast but it should not restrict itself from being a good film. And gratefully, it was a well made fun, dramatic, romcom which should be proud and stand on its own merits.

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.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Daniella Pineda, 

Justice Smith, James Cromwell, Rafe Spall

"Life finds a Way"

This film continues three years after the closure of the theme park on Isla Nublar, located somewhere in Costa Rica. Naturally since the lab-developed dinosaurs ran amok and ate a lot of visitors which was elaborately explored in the remake of Jurassic Park trilogy named Jurassic World 2015.

Present day, Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) are 'reunited' and back on the abandoned island which is now threatened by the fury of an exploding volcano. They want to save and rescue as many dinosaurs as humanly and humanely possible. A deed made possible through the generosity of the Lockwood Estate which created a sanctuary where these animals can roam around freely without cages, with no tourists and no distractions. Even though the government itself decided it is best to leave them on the island - for the very reason that they should never have been 'created' in the first place.

But evil and green surfaces in the form of Ellis Mills (Rafe Spall) an underling working for the now aging and frail Benjamin Lockwood (James Cromwell). Mills thinks it is a great idea to auction off these dinosaurs to the highest bidders, who can use them for industrial, agricultural purposes but mainly turn them as 'weapons' of mass destruction. These species are transported to the Lockwood estate where representatives of several nations congregate for the auction. Both Owen and Claire were tricked into believing the dinosaurs will be airlifted to a safe haven. 

The main attraction at the auction is this humongous dinosaur that was bred using the DNA of  several really fierce dinosaurs so you can be utterly sure, the Indoraptor is as deadly as it comes. But surely, anywhere and anytime these massive creatures are present you can be sure, the situation will turn really ugly as they escape from their supposedly iron clad enclosures and eat any one that moves. Heh!

This really flimsy premise basically runs wild in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Another dangerous mission for Owen and Claire - they being the good guys trying their best to contain the situation which has gone awry in the very worst possible way. Plus some entirely crazy and silly subplot involving Lockwood's 'granddaughter, thrown in to just add confusion to an already murky plot.

The cinematography though is quite vibrant - the scene with numerous dinosaurs running, rushing down the jungle and trumping their way towards the sea as hot molten lava pour down from the imposing volcano is excellently shot. The pressure to escape quite palpable as you can almost feel the ground shaking from the massive exodus. One, if not the only memorable scene in this film.

The second half grinds down to a slower pace during the auction part, then picks up a bit with chaotic scenes of people trying to flee from the escaping dinosaurs, which were being sold off to bidders. And rightly so, the conclusion does leave us with a sense that the third installment will entail dinosaurs in the city streets. Something we have to wait for it until 2021!

So while the film could use some depth to the story line, there is a valid message it wants to impart - there was a rational reason dinosaurs were extinct and wiped out eons ago - these are very dangerous creatures and tend to eat people.

Ocean's Eight

Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett,

Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter,

Mindy Kaling, Rhianna, Sarah Paulson

"Every con has its Pros"

So in this very PC environment, the age of the #MeToo movement, gender equality and feminism, the big studio honchos decided a remake of the Ocean's 11 franchise, but this time with an all female cast would be a good idea. 

You know, that heist movie with an ensemble cast led by George Clooney, which was itself a remake of the 1960 film with the same title which starred Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr among others. Back then, they were popularly known as the Rat Pack.

It (Clooney's 11) worked NOT because it had an all male cast but mostly due to the interesting story line, sleek cinematography, numerous twists and turns. Plus the premise that a bunch of misfits can pull off a heist in a Las Vegas casino and get away with it was an added bonus. 

Now back to Ocean's 8 - the ensemble cast composed of talented actresses in their own right failed to capture our attention as much as the original film did. The plot lacked a certain something for us to be fully invested in a group of women who decide to pull off a jewelry heist during the famous Met Ball. That annual fundraising fashion event held for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume institute in New York City. 

The heist is led by Debbie (Sandra Bullock), the estranged sister of Danny Ocean who just came out of prison after serving her 5 years. It seems that jail did not reform the ex convict as she gathers a bunch of eccentrics to plan the stealing of a 150 Million US$ necklace. A piece of jewelry to be worn at the Met Gala by an floozy actress named Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway). 

The twists and turns were not riveting enough and also the motley crew characters were not engrossing personas. Too bad the great cast couldn't salvage this average heist movie. Perhaps next time, they should think twice, even thrice before they venture into a spin-off of an already well loved franchise. Such a pity to waste such talented actresses, really.

Memoirs of a Murderer

Eiga Sai 2018

Japanese Film Festival

Greenbelt 1, Cinema 2

So after I saw this film, I read online that it was based on a Korean movie with the same title. While watching this crime thriller, I had no idea about the original movie, so I went with fresh eyes, sitting in the dark theater, sometimes cringing from the violence on screen. Other times trying to wrap my mind over the manifestation of evil which can come in any form. 

The premise - it is 2017, a killer known as the Tokyo Strangler resurfaces in the public eye with a controversial memoir recounting his heinous crimes. The catch - these five murders occurred 22 years ago and the 15-year statute of limitations to apprehend any criminal has already lapsed. 

In this age of instant gratification, the curious public turn the memoir into a huge bestseller. Some of the younger generation even treat the killer as the newest social media star, which to me is sickening but it can and does happen in real life. Suddenly he and his book is constantly on the news cycle, TV media outlets milking him for their ratings. It turns into a big circus, flaunting the failure of the police force and one of its detectives (who has a personal connection) to capture him, 22 years ago.

The main questions - is he really the killer who committed those gruesome murders in 1995? Why is there someone else with a video showing a brutal strangulation claiming himself as the real killer? I am not providing any answers nor any spoilers.

The scenes jump from 1995 to present time, through seamless flashbacks with only the hair style of the lead detective indicating the period for the scenes. Yes there are violent scenes of the murders, so you have been warned. There are also several twists and turns, certain subplots which all add to the dramatic effect it was aiming for. 

There is enough intrigue to draw our short attention span in, masking several flaws in the presentation of the story. So for that, and only that, I am not giving this film, high marks. Just saying if you are into intrigue, mystery and criminals glorifying their dastardly acts in public, then give it a go. Otherwise, just carry on with rose-tinted glasses to shield you from the evil horrors of this world. Peace!

Survival Family

Eiga Sai 2018

Japanese Film Festival

Greenbelt 1, Cinema 2

A family of 4 - a couple + their teenage children embark on a journey of survival as Japan and later it seems the entire world experience a power outage, which also affected computerized and battery enabled products. 

In a highly industrial country like the land of the Rising Sun, power plays a major part in everything which affects the citizens' daily life. From cars, trains, airplanes to water supply, elevators in high rise buildings even the biometric machine to enter office buildings. Nothing is operational, turning lives upside down as they come to grips with a reality mired in darkness and chaos.

What started as a power interruption soon extends for days even months, thus the Suzuki family decide to travel to the countryside (to the hometown of the mother) on their bicycles with very bare essentials to tie them over. Hordes of people walking on expressways, most of them biking to distant places, anywhere but Tokyo which has been transformed into a ghost town. 

Yet I have to say, it is only in Japan that you will see people being so calm and accepting of such a bleak situation. No looting, no erupted violence - well it wasn't shown in this film, anyway.

The Suzuki family with an office worker dad, a housewife mom, a bratty daughter and an aloof son  - soon enough bond together during their 'road trip'. In a society where everyone have their noses down and busy with their smartphones, it was refreshing to see a family actually talking and doing activities together without any distractions.

It is mostly a light comedy which aims not to take the serious occurrence too seriously. The Suzuki family encounters well meaning strangers on the road, fleeting moments as they eventually part ways. They eventually settle in this gorgeous coastal town sans electricity but plenty of activities like weaving, gardening and actual conversations with each other to occupy their time.

 A good film that shows us how we tend to be too dependent on technology and its effects on modern society. Aloofness, lack of bonding moments, lost of face to face communication taking a toll on our lives. It could have been set in any country and we would all be able to relate to our dependence on technology, nowadays.

P.S.

The global power outage lasted for two and a half years and it was blamed on solar flares or an approaching comet. 

Black Panther

Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, 

Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis,

Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke

"Hero.  Legend.  King"

I would probably be the last person to stand in line to watch a superhero movie. Although I do catch glimpses of these type of movies on cable TV, when I am cooking or having breakfast/lunch/dinner. There was a lot of hype about "Black Panther", so I got curious. By now, I am sure everybody + his uncle have seen the movie so I won't get into the nitty gritty of the narrative. 

The cinematography was sleek and conveyed the spectacular nature of Wakanda. The costume design of the Black Panther, the Killmonger, the Dora Milaje, even the colorful garbs of the elders - was all very vibrant and projected well on the big screen. The set design - from the rustic backdrop of Wakanda with  its luscious forested area with amazing waterfalls, to the modern and technologically advanced gadgets used by the Black Panther - all contributed towards a visually stunning viewing experience.

Except for Martin Freeman as a rather 'weak' CIA agent (well I mean his physical appearance and demeanor isn't the usual mold of an American spy, right?) and Andy Serkis in a short lived role as Ulysses Klaue, the villain who stole Vibranium, the entire cast is composed of African Americans in well developed and multi-dimensional characters. 

Chadwick Boseman as the Black Panther was believable with his subtle portrayal. Not too flashy as I thought he should be, but he gave T'challa much depth. On the other hand, Michael B. Brown as his long lost American cousin Erik aka Killmonger was flamboyant and filled with rage and angst. I do like the contentious vibe and friction between them. Their fight scene during the 'claiming of the throne' part was skillfully choreographed and one of the best scenes in the film, I believe.

I also salute the presence of strong female characters in the form of Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and even Shuri (Letitia Wright). Gone are the days of helpless damsels in distress, women are now also capable of being powerful, strong and can really kick ass! Woot, woot! 

I knew nothing about Wakanda, its rulers, its army guards, its location, its strengths and weakness and its '"enemies". Thankfully, "Black Panther" did a good job in giving viewers a hugely entertaining story line with a good cast,  credible dialogue (even invented their own language), enough action filled scenes together with poignant moments.  Good one!