BURN AFTER READING

Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, John Malkovich, Richard Jenkins

"Intelligence is only their job"

Trust the Coen brothers to come up with a full length film about a bunch of idiots. Basically, the story stems from a disk that is discovered by two gym employees Chad (Brad Pitt) and Linda (Frances McDormand) who believe it contains top secret intelligence data. They try to blackmail Osbourne Cox (John Malkovich) the owner for money. But little do they know that it is merely his inconsequential memoirs. A side plot involves a paranoid spook Harry (George Clooney) having an affair with Katie Cox (Tilda Swinton), Osbourne's wife.

This well edited film is a sequences of situational comedies abound with hilarious moments. Often times, you find yourself laughing out loud at just how ridiculous everyone and everything is in the movie. A bunch of idiots who think highly of themselves getting into silly situations yet you can't help but think they truly deserve their moronic fates.

The cast is peppered with good actors. Frances McDormand and John Malkovich's characters drew the most laughs from me. Her portrayal of Linda, the gym employee obsessed with cosmetic surgery was really funny in a pathetic and silly kind of way. While Malkovich as Osbourne Cox was a blast, especially when he starts flaring up in anger and starts swearing like crazy. Brad Pitt in a nonsensical comedic role was ridiculously hilarious. I like how he is willing to shed his 'matinee idol' status to portray a stupidly lame gym employee named Chad. For that matter, George Clooney another lead actor had great comedic timing in this film.

A typical Coen brothers masterpiece that never fails to entertain even the most cynic or especially the most cynic among us. It was fun to watch!

THE TIME TRAVELERS' WIFE

Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams, Arliss Howard, Ron Livingstone

Cinema 3, Shang Cineplex

There are movies based on novels which you can watch without reading the book and still understand the main storyline. Well, sad to say this film isn't one of them. Even though the book was quite popular on the best sellers list, I wasn't particularly interested in the time travel premise so I didn't buy it. Now I wish I did.

Having said that it doesn't mean I didn't appreciate this uniquely intriguing love story. Once you get past the mind boggling premise of Henry's constant time travels (for instance how can there be two Henrys in the same time period? How come an older Alba gets to play with her younger self?), you simply take it for what it is - a beautiful yet complex romance between two people who were destined for each other. In that sense, the film spoke to the hopeless romantic in me.

I admit the main draw for me was Eric Bana. He has always been this good actor who can churn out solidly believable performances in his movies. Here as Henry he is sturdy and non threatening even though he has to live with such a strange disorder. Rachel McAdams played Claire as a very sympathetic character. You could feel her frustrations as the very patient wife yet at the same time you could also sense her profound love for Henry. When she tried several times to conceive well that's when my tear ducts just flowed. It was such a sensitive and highly poignant moment for me.

I like the fact that the film didn't use some scientific and technical method to portray Henry's disappearing act. Or else it would have been like some superhero flick. Instead they chose to focus on the love aspect and in that sense the film works for me. Ultimately, The Time Traveler's Wife is about living life to the fullest without any regrets. Claire made it totally clear towards the ending when she uttered "I won't change one second of our life, together".

MILK

Sean Penn, James Franco, Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsh, Diego Luna

"His life changed history. His courage changed lives."

Sean Penn shines in his role as Harvey Milk in this biopic about the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in the US. The film traces the last few years in the life of Harvey Milk. His personal upheavals as well as his struggles in championing the gay rights movement. The film is set in the tumultuous 70s in San Francisco, the city where the gay rights movement was born.

The film uses flashbacks as it shows important snippets of his short life. Footage of actual TV interviews of personalities who made headlines during those volatile times are also featured. The end credits show pictures of the real persons with a short description about their current life.

Sean Penn is ably supported by a good cast of actors who all convincingly portray real people. James Brolin as fellow supervisor Dan White, Milk's main nemesis in the political arena. Emile Hirsch as Cleve Jones, an impassioned fighter for gay rights. Diego Luna as Jack Lira, the troubled partner. But I was impressed by James Franco's brilliant performance as Scott Smith. The loyal lover of Milk who stood by him through thick and thin. A faithful supporter till the end.

A well developed film about an inspirational character who usually begins his fiery speeches with "Hello, I'm Harvey Milk and I am here to recruit you" and his passionate battle to champion gay rights.

Movies Planet

Movies Planet is a movie-related social network. It is the perfect venue for its users to watch movies online. It is also the place to follow the full episodes of your favorite TV shows and read detailed biographies of actors and actresses.

Their interactive website is filled with informative sub sections. You have the popular movies and shows which are categorized according to their genre. Upcoming films like Just Wrong 2009 are also featured. Each film has its own dedicated page filled with interesting tidbits. They present the movie details, the movie plot, the cast and crew and its trailer. The movie meter displays the ratings and the number of users who recently watched the film online. You can also add your comments regarding the film. I am looking forward to seeing Julie & Julia, the biopic of Julia Child starring Meryl Streep.

Their extensive search lets you choose from their wide database of movies and current full length episodes of several TV shows based on your preference as well as recommendations from other members. Their user friendly interactive website is easily navigable and easy to use.

The Movies Planet poll lets you participate in interesting surveys. A featured Movies Planet members section highlights users profiles, the films they watched and their film ratings.

It allows its members to customize their profile, rate films, create personal "watched movies" list. You can also contact other movie fans and read about their favorite movies. You can exchange private notes, participate in polls, forums and chat with other members in their instant messaging facility. In fact interaction between members is highly recommended in this vibrant community of film lovers.

So join now ... registration is free!

THE PROPOSAL

Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Betty White,
Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson

"Here comes the bride ..."

Cinema 5, SM Megamall

When book editor Margaret (Sandra Bullock) faces deportation to her native Canada, she suddenly declares that she’s actually engaged to her unsuspecting assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds). The tormented but faithful Andrew agrees to participate in the charade, but he has set a few conditions. The unlikely couple heads to scenic Alaska to meet his family for the weekend. With an impromptu wedding in the works and an immigration official on their tails, Margaret and Andrew reluctantly vow to stick to the plan despite certain consequences.

This romantic comedy works because its two main stars have good chemistry and perfect comedic rapport with each other. Despite the visible age difference, they look good together as a couple. Next to Meg Ryan, Sandra Bullock has I believe captured the top spot in the romantic comedy leading lady roles. She is in her true elements when she portrays heroines who are partly impish, partly adorable all in the same breath. She is funny, talented and can definitely hold her own fort in the rom com genre. I also like how Ryan Reynolds has progressed from irritatingly annoying immature roles to dashing leading men with hearts of gold. Plus he's got a killer body to boot - that is an extra bonus. Hehe

The plot had its funny har har moments as well as some dragging scenes (those with the totally not funny Ramone!) but it all unfolds in stunningly panoramic Alaska that you can't help but admire the amazing scenery. A tad bit predictable despite their efforts to throw in a 'crisis' towards the end, it nonetheless was fun to watch. Bullock and Reynolds are ably supported by a talented cast (Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson) who do their share in spreading the cheerful nature of the film. Most notably Betty White who as Andrew's grandmother was a hoot to watch and generated most of the laughs from the audience.

A nice light and breezy romantic comedy with a talented pool of actors set in a breathtaking environment. Plus you get to see a great shot of a naked (but not in a vulgar way) Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock too for that matter - whatever suits your fancy!

MY SISTER'S KEEPER

Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin, Jason Patrick, Sofia Vassilieva, Alec Baldwin, Joan Cusack

Cinema 7, SM Megamall

Although I never read Jodi Picoult's novel, I've heard rave reviews about it. At first I thought the film would focus on the legal battle about medical emancipation. I'm glad it didn't. Instead, this film was a family drama filled with warmth, compassion and utterly heart wrecking moments. I cried several times during the film. I thought I was going to drown in my tears. Hehe.

I like the fact that the main characters narrate their innermost thoughts during certain parts of the film. It is much more expressive. The cast all played their roles with gusto. I never thought much of Cameron Diaz before but here she essayed the stoic mother role, poignantly. It was heart breaking during the highly emotional hospital scene where she finally breaks down in the arms of her dying daughter. It was her way of coming to terms with her daughter's desire to stop fighting her illness and simply let go. Abigail Breslin as Anna, the daughter genetically conceived to help her older sister never fails to amaze me with her acting talent. For someone so young, I wonder where she draws her strength in portraying such anguished characters. Sofia Vassilieva as Kate was such a beautiful character inside and out. Despite her sickly demeanor, whenever she smiled she simply lit up the hospital room and the movie itself. She had a radiant spirit and a beautiful soul. I simply fell in love with her portrayal of Kate.

The film was interspersed with a few flashback scenes of happier times. The plot was coherent and well played out. Although sometimes the sappy mushy music tend to over dramatize the situations. I read that the scriptwriters changed the ending for the movie. If you ask me, I figure the film's ending is much more realistic. The movie addresses the issues of life (a child conceived for medical purposes) and death in a light and sensitive manner without bordering too much on the legal implications of medical emancipation. But nonetheless it is a feel good family movie just remember to load up on tissue paper and hankies to wipe those tears away!

3rd International Silent Film Festival

The festival that brings together Philippine music with classic international silent films is back!

Set aside all your Thursday nights from July 30 to August 27.

This year’s festival features films from France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain, to be scored live by the likes of Corporate Lo-fi, Nyko Maca + Playground, Caliph8, Kalayo and Johnny Alegre Affinity.

The festival opens on July 30 with a screening of the Japanese 1931 film “Jirokichi the Rat (Oatsurae Jirokichi Koshi)”.

Director Daisuke Ito adapted the story from a novel by Furukawa Eiji. It is based on the life of Nezumi Kozo (The Rat), a notorious burglar active during the early 1800's who won great fame for his daring adventures stealing from the homes of wealthy people late at night.

On August 6, catch the 1921 ultra-rare film “The Mechanical Man (L’uomo meccanico)”.

The film is directed by André Deed, a protégé of Georges Melies. In it, a city is gripped in terror as a colossal robot runs rampant in an unstoppable crime spree. The police are powerless in the face of the frightening carnage and destruction, but the remotely controlled menace may soon meet its match - a second mechanical man is sent to confront it in a horrific showdown at the local opera house. The film will be accompanied by the music of Caliph8, who will be joined by Kalila Aguilos, Malek Lopez, Pasta Groove and Tad Ermitaño in a special aural and visual collaboration.

The 1929/30 German film “People on Sunday (Menschen am Sonntag)”, directed by Robert Siodmak, will be screened on August 13.

With unpretentious humor, this astonishing first film by artists who were soon to become Berlin exiles deals with how the working class spends its precious leisure time. Berlin is as empty as a ghost town, everyone flees to the countryside, and the train stations are packed. Erwin, a taxi driver, meets up with a young traveling salesman and his female companions, who are on their way to a nearby lake for a day of swimming, snoozing, and flirting, leaving the cabbie’s wife to sleep away her Sunday. The film is the early collaboration of five young Berlin-based filmmakers - Robert and Curt Siodmak, Billy Wilder, Edgar G Ulmer, Eugen Schuefftan and Fred Zinneman - who would all go on to great international success. Providing the live score will be Nyko Maca + Playground.

The 1930 Florián Rey drama “The Cursed Village/La aldea maldita” will be accompanied by the music of Johnny Alegre AFFINITY on August 20.

The film presents a story about poverty, honor and forgiveness in a small Castilian village, during a time when women had no rights at all to live their own life without the protection of men. Juan Castilla is imprisoned after quarrelling with a local political tyrant and usurer, leaving behind his wife Acacia, their child, and the boy’s blind grandfather, Martin. The neighbor Magdalena convinces Acacia to leave the impoverished town that seems to have a curse on it. Three years later, Juan finds his wife working in a pub, and obliges her to return home and serve the family until the death of Martin.

The last screening will be on August 27. The 1913 French classic “Fantomas: Under the Shadow of the Guillotine (Fantomas: A l’ombre de la guillotine”, directed by Louis Feuillade.

The film presents to us the character of Fantomas through a series of dramatic episodes: the robbery of the Royal palace Hotel, the successive transformations of Fantomas, and the substitution of the actor Valgrand. The masked hero is presented as a cruel being. We discover the mistress, Lady Beltham, accomplice and victim of Fantomas, then the obsessive inspector Juve introduced as her best enemy. Providing the music will be Corporate Lo-fi.

All the above screenings are at 8 pm at Cinema 1of Shang Cineplex, Shangri-la Plaza. Tickets are P75.

GONE BABY GONE

Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, Morgan Freeman, Amy Ryan, John Ashton

"Everyone wants the truth ... until they find it"

Star Movies

This movie adaptation of Dennis Lahane's novel was the directorial debut of actor Ben Affleck. It dealt with pretty heavy subject matters like child abduction, pedophilia and the proliferation of drugs set in one of Boston's toughest neighborhoods.

Affleck directs his brother Casey Affleck in a significant role as Patrick Kenzie, a private detective hired by the relatives of a missing child. Along with his partner/girlfriend Angie (Michelle Monaghan) they find themselves embroiled in a murky web filled with shady characters as well as corrupt law enforcers out to protect themselves at all cost.

The film much like the investigation progresses at a good pace. It starts with a frantic frenzy as we are introduced to the numerous characters and the circumstances of the abduction. Then it slows down a bit as several futile side plots are zeroed into the storyline. Thankfully, it picks up towards end when revelations are unveiled. It ends though on a pivotal turning point of moral dilemma proportions.

Casey Affleck who I'd dare say is a much better actor than Ben carries the entire film on his bony shoulders. His subdued style of acting worked wonders and he essayed his role with flying colors. He is ably supported by a neat ensemble cast of good actors like Amy Ryan, Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman and Amy Madigan.

Clint Eastwood previously tackled another Dennis Lehane novel, Mystic River with a good cast, solid plot and it received good reviews. Although Ben Affleck is certainly no Eastwood (as an actor and director), he did considerably well in his directorial debut. In fact, I was pretty impressed that he was able to present a good film adaptation of a complex story. He must stick to directing from now on. Let Casey (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Ocean's 11, 12 and 13) reap in the acting awards! Heh.

PUBLIC ENEMIES

Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, David Wenham, James Russo,Billy Crudup, Stephen Lang, Stephen Dorff

"America's most wanted"

Cinema 2, Shang Cineplex

Chicago in the early 1930s was hit with a series of crime waves. Bank robberies, gangsters, illegal gambling made the headlines in the newspapers. It was also the period when the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under the staunch leadership of J. Edgar Hoover (Billy Cudrup) was being tested for its mettle.

Taking center stage in this Michael Mann film are the enigmatic bank robber John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) and his nemesis, FBI Agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale). Yet it merely presented a short episode in the lives of its main characters. It basically lacked an in depth characterization about their true personalities. Perhaps they could have mentioned what drove Dillinger to commit bank robberies or how Purvis's relentless pursuit affected his family. But I guess that would take 2 separate full length autobiographical movies in some sort of semi-documentary format to further explore their psyches.

Nevertheless, the roles were well portrayed by Depp and Bale. Depp fashionably dressed for the part in his long black coat and fedora hat was brilliant to watch. He portrayed Dillinger a hardened bank robber in a sympathetic light. A gangster prone to extreme violence yet he also reveals a soft side when it comes to romance. As well as telling people at the banks he robbed that he only took the bank's money and not the people's loose change. Or something to that effect. The newspapers back then tend to glorify criminals and society developed a strange celebrity fascination towards them. I guess some sense of escape during the harsh Depression times.

Bale as Agent Melvin Purvis was a character driven with reckless imprudence. A dedicated law enforcer who would stop at nothing to capture his prey. Yet at the same time he was incorruptible and strictly adhered to the rules of the agency he willingly served.

It was difficult to focus on some scenes (it made me dizzy) as Mann used a hand held digital technique. Extreme close up shots to wide angle views of the Chicago landscape contributed to the realistic cinematography. Lavish set designs and authentic wardrobe did transport you back to the Depression era of the early 1930s. The film also had its vast array of well executed action scenes. There were intricate car chases, loads of gunfights and bloody encounters in true grand Hollywood production style. But it is well balanced with some romantic sequences between Dillinger and his lady love Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard) so it isn't just merely a bang bang bang film.

Overall the film despite lacking some profound character analysis was coherent and well paced with a good ensemble cast. It exuded an old Hollywood vibe reminiscent of those old Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart movies. For me, it was worth watching if only to see Johnny Depp weave his artistic skill into yet another meaty role as John Dillinger.

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, Jim Broadbent, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter

"Dark secrets revealed"

Cinema 1, Shang Cineplex

It is strange that the movies I've watched lately don't truly fit in the realm of my favorite movie genre. But my sister who was visiting for a brief period specifically had one request - I accompany her to see magic unfold on screen. So it was night filled with spells, potions and sorcery galore as we watched the latest installment of the Harry Potter franchise. Of course, admittedly I haven't read any of J.K Rowlings books but surprisingly though I have watched all of the movie adaptations, purely to be entertained.

Main draw for me is Alan Rickman. I've been a long time fan of this talented British actor whose portrayal of Professor Snape is brilliant in every sense of the word. Professor Snape is a man of few words yet he eloquently delivers his lines with steely flair and aplomb. Perfectly combined with a somber wardrobe that lacks any fashion sense, his icy gaze can melt a lesser mortal. It was interesting for me to note that the Half Blood Prince in the title refers to him. A little bit trivia my sister whispered to me since I am totally clueless about the background of the numerous characters that keep popping in and out in Hogwarts.

The set designs depicting Hogwarts are all very grand and majestic in scale. Computer generated imagery at its best. My favorite part are the Quidditch game sequences. A very engrossing game that is well executed on the screen.

The good ensemble of renowned British actors like Michael Gambon, Jim Broadbent, Helena Bonham Carter still ably support the 3 main characters. Harry, Hermione and Ron have literally grown up right in front of our eyes. Their acting skills thankfully have also grown and they seem more relaxed in their performances. I've observed that Hermione is no longer the precociously irritating kid she was in the past movies/books. Kudos to Emma Watson for a subtle yet more mature performance.

Although the plot for the film had a dark theme with tragic consequences, it was the romantic angles which registered the most impact for me. It was realistic to watch the 3 main characters behaving as normal teenagers with puberty angst to the core.

OVerall the film had a good mix of action, cutesy romantic sequences and the ever present dark and somber yet quite intriguing storyline.

It is always exciting to watch a Harry Potter film for its masterful presentation of a matured sorcery tale. For a few hours, you can get lost in a world of sublime fantasy and wizardry. Time well spent, if you ask me!