DEFINITELY, MAYBE

Ryan Reynolds, Abigail Breslin, Rachel Weisz,
Isla Fisher, Elizabeth Banks, Kevin Kline

"Three relationships. Three disasters. One last chance"

This romantic comedy presents the different nuances of love relationships. The happy ups and the depressing downs one naturally has to deal with. The different emotions involved as well as the contributing factors towards maintaining a healthy romantic relationship. It is displayed in flash back scenes and narrated by a soon to be divorced guy Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds) to his precocious daughter, Maya (Abigail Breslin of "Little Miss Sunshine" fame).

I like how the father treats his child with maturity. He doesn't sugarcoat his past love adventures as he recounts them to his young daughter. Although he did change their names in his narration, he recounted them with such conviction. So much so that his daughter exclaims that she is shocked to find out that her father drank, smoked and was a 'slut' during his younger days. That was a hilarious scene.

His romantic entanglements with three different women is realistically portrayed by 3 good actresses (Elizabeth Banks, Rachel Weisz and Isla Fisher) They all get involved with him during different stages of his adult life. Since it was set in the early 1990s with Will being an active Democrat volunteer campaigning for Bill Clinton, the setting of the film was made believable with some actual footage of the presidential race.

"Definitely, Maybe" is a coherent love story with all the right ingredients. It presents romance without it being too mushy (well except maybe towards the ending but it was tolerable). Nor is it too serious that it would turn audience off and they would lose interest in the lives of the characters.

It is nice to watch Ryan Reynolds in a 'serious' romantic lead role. I always found him to be an obnoxious character in his earlier comedic roles. So he redeems himself nicely as Will Hayes. He has good rapport with all of his 3 leading ladies as well as with his daughter portrayed subtly in a somewhat brief role by Abigail Breslin.

Another pleasant feel good love story with endearing characters, a solid plot and some nice.to.hear.again 90s soundtrack.

BREAKING AND ENTERING

Jude Law, Robin Wright Penn, Juliette Binoche,
Martin Freeman, Vera Farmiga

"Love is no ordinary crime."

The main attraction of this film is the stellar cast composed of Jude Law, Juliette Binoche and Robin Wright Penn. That it is directed by the late Anthony Minghella is an added bonus. The talented director whose film repertoire include "The English Patient", "Cold Mountain" and "The Talented Mr Ripley".

This specific film is set in London and tells the story of complex characters whose lives interconnect due to a robbery. It presents the multi-cultural spectrum of present day London with its characters being immigrants from various European countries. You have a British architect, Will (Jude Law) who is married to Liv, a Swedish (Robin Wright Penn) mother with an autistic child from a previous marriage. The firm Green Effect which Will co-owns is burglarized one night by a young Serb lad named Miro. He is part of a Serbian syndicate that steals computers from offices. Miro leaves in an apartment with his mother Amira (Juliette Binoche) who sews for a living.

A movie that implicitly presents various themes through its myriad of flawed characters and its numerous side plots. It deals with the desire to belong somewhere. A need to fulfill a void in one's life. The complicated issue of being able to forgive someone as well as learning to forgive one's self for past indiscretions in order to move on from feelings of inadequacies without losing one's dignity.

The cast convincingly essay these complex issues with subtle performances aided with meaningful dialogue. Modern day London provides the stark contrast in the cinematography. It is documented through the disparaging differences in economic stature. From the ultra rich lifestyle of Will to the low cost housing estate where Amira lives with her son.

By the end of the movie, regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the course of action pursued by Will and his family, the fact remains that the film was successful in conveying its murky message across the screen.

CHANGELING

Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Colm Feore, Gattlin Griffith, Michael Kelly

"To find her son, she did what no one else dared."

This Clint Eastwood directed period piece is not to be confused with the haunted house horror flick, "The Changeling". That film with George C. Scott was pretty creepy.

"Changeling" is set in the early 1930s and it traces the true story of Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie). A single mother whose son Walter goes missing. A few months later, the LAPD claims to have found her son but much to her agony, he isn't her son. He isn't Walter.

The authentic set design accurately depicts Los Angeles in the early 1930s from the streets, the apartments to the trams. The wardrobe as well as the hair style of that era suits Angelina Jolie's frame. The film also showcases the Los Angeles Police Department in a bad light. Back then, the police force was marred with true allegations of corruption, bribery and acts of brutality against common criminals.

But before anything else, the film's main focus is Christine Collins. The hardships and personal struggles she went through to find her real son is painfully documented in this neatly edited film. I say painfully because Christine went through hell and back and never lost hope that one day her real son would resurface. I'd admit certain scenes were disturbing to watch. I guess it helps that Angelina Jolie did a good job in portraying Christine as a helpless yet hopeful sympathetic character with a never say die attitude. A strong woman who back in those days would have received a lot of criticism for being (a) a working woman and (b) a single parent raising her son on her own.

As usual, Clint Eastwood once again regales us with another masterpiece of human triumph realistically set in an era besieged with mayhem. A poignant film dealing with personal tragedy yet at the same time there is a small (a very tiny) tinge of hope that shines through.

HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU

Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Bradley Cooper, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Connelly, Ginnifer Goodwin, Kevin Connolly, Justin Long, Drew Barrymore

Let's all admit it, we have all been in the same scenarios as the characters in this film during several points in our adult dating life. From the one who waits eternally for that 'follow up' phone call, the one stuck in a relationship that goes nowhere and most especially the only single person left who has to attend family gathering and weddings of friends and relatives.

This film composed of several characters whose lives are intertwined with each other is set in Baltimore but it carries a universal theme. The various travails and pitfalls of trying to form a relationship, being in a relationship and how to get out of a relationship without losing one's dignity in the process.

Essentially it is a fun movie to watch. No major plot crisis to worry about. No hateful villains to make the lives of the little melee of ensemble characters, miserable. Yes, even those guys who don't return phone calls seemed harmless in this film. A situational romantic comedy with an interesting enough bunch of characters whose stories could have provided more than enough materials to turn into 3 different movies. But since their stories were intertwined, happy endings were to be predictably expected. I like how each character simply contributed their part to the story without overshadowing the other characters.

My one observation is how Bradley Cooper was a miscast as Jennifer Connelly's husband. If I am not mistaken he is a tad younger than her. But that's a minor oversight. He is such a cutie to watch. Teehee!

A MIGHTY HEART

Angelina Jolie, Dan Futterman, Archie Punjabi

"It was an event that shocked the world.
This is the story you haven't heard."

This poignant film based on a real life event will touch your heart. It is based on the book "A Mighty Heart: The brave life and death of my husband Daniel Pearl" pegged by Mariane Pearl, the French Cuban journalist wife of the Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl who was kidnapped and beheaded in Pakistan by extremist in 2002.

As told from her perspective, it is an authentic view of the-behind-the-scenes of the story which gripped the whole world with abated breath. Filmed in a semi documentary format, the movie traces the combined efforts by all the concerned parties (the local police, the US Embassy, his Wall Street Journal colleagues) in piecing the mystery (which group abducted Pearl?) together. So there were some exciting scenes mostly about the police investigation while the rest of the film would focus on Mariane's anguish. Neatly spliced with flashbacks scenes of their happy life together that certainly added a personal touch to the film. This film could have easily turned into a human tragedy story of the month like those on the Hallmark channels. But fortunately it did not.


The horrific tragedy that unfolds on screen is given a humane treatment through the credible acting ability of Angelina Jolie who portrays the bereaved wife. Her in depth and subdued performance of a pregnant woman going through a very difficult time filled with troubling anxiety gives this gripping thriller its soul. Her ability to essay different emotional expressions on her face without resorting to hysterics was a big factor. She even spoke softly with a French accent just like the real Mariane Pearl.

I remember reading many articles about the Daniel Pearl incident and religiously following the news on cable TV. But this film reaffirms my belief that his family, his colleagues and the authorities did everything to the best of their ability to rescue him. They never gave up nor did they lose hope. It also gave a personal account of his life, his dedication as a reporter and his devotion to his wife. The film humanized Daniel Pearl as a passionate man yet unfortunately it also gave a face to the very real threat of terrorism especially in that part of the world.

SHOOT 'EM UP

SHOOT 'EM UP
Clive Owen, Monica Bellucci, Paul Giamatti

"I'm a British nanny and I'm dangerous"

HBO

This non stop action thriller was shown constantly over HBO this past week. I first caught bits and pieces of it and actually liked what I saw. A few days ago, I finally managed to see it in its entirety and got sense of what the action was all about.

A wisecracking bystander with an attitude named "Smith" (Clive Owen) gets himself involved with some shady villains after he helps a pregnant woman give birth. After the woman dies, "Smith" has no choice but to protect the baby at all cost. Even if it means having a steady stream of men clad in black out to kill the poor baby. The bad guys are led by a man named Hertz (Paul Giamatti) who is relentless in his pursuit. He is fierce, violent and a totally despicable person. Tagging along for the ride is Donna (Monica Bellucci) a lactating prostitute whose sole purpose is to appeal to the male audience with her voluptuous body.

A fast paced action drama which strangely enough does have an interesting plot. It helps that it has well developed characters who despite being soulless are still fascinating to watch. Clive Owen as the carrot eating, wisecracking 'shooter' with a nasty attitude is perfect for the role. His rough facade disguises his soft side like when he actually cares for the welfare of an innocent baby. He delivers his witty lines eloquently and can manage to stay unfazed even when his character gets into pretty sticky situations.

Paul Giamatti is probably the most under rated 'supporting' actor there is in the Hollywood film industry. He can play any roles with ease without stealing the limelight from the main lead but it doesn't mean he is forgettable. Hardly so since his characters are equally significant in every single frame. More so in this film where his evil streak is creepy to watch yet at the same time you never lose focus on the fact that he has a mission to accomplish, at all cost. And Monica Bellucci well she is merely eye candy with her leather outfits and high heels.

So yes the film is filled with violent scenes of bullets flying off in every direction, blood spurting from broken bones as well as car chases. But it was really fun to watch in a pure adrenaline pumping action romp sort of way!

BECOMING JANE

Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Julie Walters, James Cromwell, Maggie Smith, Ian Richardson, Laurence Fox

"A woman especially if she has the misfortune of knowing anything, 

should conceal it as well as she can." - Jane Austen

Star Movies

This period piece is based on the life of literary writer, Jane Austen. It specifically focuses on an episode in her colorful life which reveals her real-life romance which sad to say didn't have a happy ending. Drawing parallels with the characters in her famous classic novels, the film presents Jane (Anne Hathaway) like many of her heroines as a bright, strong-willed female. Growing up in an era where women had to marry merely for money and not for affection yet Jane wants something more than just to conform to society's rules. She meets her 'match' in the Irish lawyer, Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy) But since they come from different spectrum of society, their romance is doomed.

At times, while watching "Becoming Jane" you get the impression you are watching a Merchant Ivory narrative based on a literary classic novel. Until you realize it is a biography of the author herself and not merely the film adaptation of one of her well loved novels. Then you start to recognize the themes and characters from her novels were drawn from her own life experiences. There's the devoted father, the nagging mother, loving sister, and, of course, the charming young man with whom the protagonist initially clashes but later falls for. They all seemed familiar that watching it unfold was like an eye opener, quite a revelation moment for the audience.

The cast led by Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy gave credible performances as the lead characters. As Jane Austen, Hathaway exudes intelligence and energy, playing exactly the sort of woman who appeared in the writer's work. James McAvoy is the perfect choice for Tom Lefroy, the good combination of rugged good looks with the glib tongue and dare I say the 'bad influence' to the prim and proper Jane. His charming presence was really worthy of a romantic leading man. The rest of the cast are ably represented by good British actors like Julie Walters, James Cromwell and Dame Maggie Smith.

"Becoming Jane" is an engaging look at the writer's life and her exciting love life. It ends with tiny snippets (which you can barely read, by the way) about the author's years after that brief romantic interlude. I was a bit saddened to learn that she never married simply because the 'love of her life' wasn't financially suitable for her status. But then I do applaud her feisty nature (using irony as the underlying themes of her novels) and her avant garde ways of being a woman ahead of her times and not letting society dictate the desires of her heart and her whole existence. And of course for her literary contribution through her well loved novels which remain quite popular even in this age of facebook, twitter and plurk!

CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC

Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Joan Cusack, John Goodman, John Lithgow, Kristin Scott Tomas, Krysten Ritter

"All she ever wanted was a little credit"

Cinema 6, SM Megamall

Here are my random thoughts on this movie:
* I thought that Amy Adams was in the lead role. Isla Fisher,("Wedding Crashers") aka as the better half of Borat (Sacha Baron Cohen) bears a striking resemblance to the "Enchanted" and "Doubt" star, don't you think so?

* Hugh Dancy is such a dear fellow in a Brit way. That is a good thing, I'd say. His role here reminded me of Anderson Cooper from CNN for some strange reason. Probably the heir of a rich family working for pittance vibe.

* I loved Kristin Scott Tomas as Alette the editor/owner of that chic fashion magazine. Her being French added some much needed edge and personality to her diva/mogul editor role. Not just a caricature of the stereotypical editor whom everybody loathes personification.

* On the other hand, I couldn't stand Suze, Rebecca's (Isla Fisher) best friend. I don't know how it is in the book (I never read it sorry I ain't into chick lit) but as far as the movie goes I thought her role was just so inconsequential to the whole plot.

* Good supporting actors like John Lithgow, Joan Cusack and John Goodman gave credible performances. They were not overbearing and provided the feel good vibe to the central character.

* The movie was fun to watch. No major problem to solve except perhaps how Rebecca would pay her credit card bills. Designer brands, luxurious boutiques make up most of the cinematography. I like how the mannequins in the display windows would turn into animated characters. That was a nice touch.

* Although the romantic angle was sort of predictable. I did cheer when they hooked up because they have pleasantly nice chemistry going on between them.

* Lastly, the whole point of the movie is to focus on how addicting shopping (beyond your limits) can be and how Rebecca Bloomwood managed to extricate herself from her addiction. But the entire time I was cringing at how much her credit card bill amounted to. While she was hyperventilating because she was being hounded by a 'stalker', I was hyperventilating at the thought of spending that much on wardrobe, shoes and what.have.yous! I kept thinking my God how materialistic! You are willing to be in debt forever, even go bankrupt just to have the latest Gucci bag or that branded scarf. So that part certainly didn't sit well with me the i.hate.to.shop person.

* But I take good heed that it is merely a book turned into a movie. Although I know there are shopaholics out there, there is something quite relevant and current in this movie. The concept of consumerism and commercialism which is now being blamed for the economic crisis the whole world is beset with. The global financial crisis though is best 'solved' by encouraging the public to spend, spend and spend so I figure this movie just plays its role in broadcasting that message across the screen and into our pockets.

GRAN TORINO

Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Ahney Her, Christopher Carley

I have to say that for someone who grew up basically ignoring Clint Eastwood's earlier films i.e his Dirty Harry phase, I have now grown to admire his latest body of work where his films (The Changeling, Million Dollar Baby, Letters from Iwo Jima) explore the human psyche right to its core.

Here he portrays a reclusive Korean War veteran who 'saves' his neighbor, a Hmong teenager from the bullying tactics of a gang. Thereafter, his whole 'isolated' life becomes enmeshed with the strange cultural antics of the Hmong race. In the process, both the teenager and the war veteran make life altering decisions which affect their lives, for the better. Even though they are from different cultural backgrounds, they develop a bond which transcends race, culture and generation gap.

The movie is devoid of distracting and sometimes unnecessary side plots. It is set in a little community filled with immigrants. A social reality that is enveloping small town America, nowadays. There are no fast paced action scenes, no noisy car chases, no inconsequential romantic angles. It uses the simplistic approach to tell a story.

The story of Walt Kowalski, the bigoted, bitter war veteran who has seen enough tragedies in his life. Circumstances which in turn made him develop a you and me against the world stance. As long as he is left alone in his little comfort zone, he doesn't really care much about anything else. His prized possession is his Gran Torino, a vintage car. But once his prize possession is under threat, he intervenes and in return his comfort zone doesn't seem that comfortable any more.

Clint Eastwood shines in this role. His usual underacting style works to his advantage. His dialogue is filled with funny, sarcastic lines. He delivers them eloquently. He is funny (in a sarcastic way) when he needs to be and he is dead serious in appropriate scenes. He has good chemistry with the actor who portrays the Hmong teenager.

A well directed, well acted simple story (with a slight twist in the ending which bestows the film its poignancy) about a man whose views about the outside world is ultimately changed when he learns to let go of his past demons. As a result in his own unique way, he contributes in making the community he lives in a much better place.

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Dev Patel, Anil Kapoor, Freida Pinto, Irrfan Khan

"Love and money ... You have mixed them both"

No wonder this delightful movie won all the major film awards (so far), it is a gem! A smorgasbord of all the emotions known to mankind all neatly manifest themselves within the film. It deals with grief, intrigue, happiness, envy, vengeance, personal triumphs and most of all love with a capital L.

It is the story of Jamal whose very interesting life unfolds on screen through his answers on the game show "Who wants to be a Millionaire?". Set in the chaotic slums of Mumbai, this vibrant city is vividly exposed in all its raw, poverty stricken elements.

The cast is composed of characters of all sizes and shapes - you have shady villains (corrupt policemen, syndicate members prying on innocent kids, envious game show host), innocent children growing up in very harsh conditions. But most of all, it is the two or I should say the three main characters - Jamal, Latika and Salim - whose various struggles and daring exploits contributed the necessary ingredients to make every single minute of this gripping human drama worth watching. The young actors (especially the toddlers) delivered very believable performances, their portrayal was very poignant and really heartwarming. A feat for first time actors.

The film is accompanied by a musical score that is filled with typical Indian melodic music/songs composed by A.R. Rahman, one of India's best musicians/composers. Most of the dialogue is in the Hindi dialect with English subtitles.

My formative years were spent growing up in New Delhi so I am quite familiar with the antics of the Indian populace. Their hero worship of Amitabh Bachchan (a local actor) is very well portrayed in the film. It simply cracked me up. Some of the Hindi words used in the dialogue made me nod with comprehension. The film is also a very realistic depiction of life in general in the Indian subcontinent. The huge gap between the haves and the have nots. The grim existence in the slums area. The corrupt public officials. Even the sweaty humid weather was clearly evident in the numerous scenes.

But inspite and despite the mayhem and the hardship, a pure love story blossoms. A romance that slowly yet definitely touch at your heartstrings. The kind of love story that is rarely depicted in films, nowadays. It was refreshing to watch it unfold.

I certainly won't be surprised if this film bags the best film honors at the upcoming Academy Awards this Sunday.

I'd have to say the film is worth watching several times if only to get some of that positive energy vibe to rub off on us during these tough economic times.