THE VOW

Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum
Sam Neil, Jessica Lange

"The Vow" centers on Paige (Rachel McAdams) and Leo (Channing Tatum), a married couple whose lives change after Paige loses much of her memory in a car accident. Strangely though, she remembers her life before she met Leo. The part when she lived affluently with her prim and proper parents (Jessica Lange and Sam Neill) surrounded by her circle of sorority friends, her former fiancé (Scott Speedman) and when she was interested in attending law school.

Poor Leo! Suddenly he is ostracized by the one person he vowed all those cheesy yet sweet promises to when they got married in an art gallery. Now if this film wasn't inspired on true events, you would probably roll your eyes in disbelief! How can Paige just forget her very happy times with the love of her life, Leo? So even if I knew it really did happen to a real couple, I was mostly dumbfounded during the entire movie.

I guess it didn't help that there wasn't any chemistry between the two lead stars. Rachel McAdams though was and always is quite refreshingly believable to watch in any role. As Paige, you can feel her inner struggle to try to remember as much as she could but eventually giving in to what she felt was the right thing to do.

My main issue is with the very rigid acting of Channing Tatum. He pretty much looked clueless during the entire film. Firstly, he is miscast in the role as a record producer with connections in the music industry. Then as Leo he doesn't seem very helpful in trying to make Paige remember their life together. He just leaves her a note with the word 'evidence' on a stack of home made videos for her to watch. As if by merely viewing these dvds she would suddenly snap out of her temporary stupor.

So yeah I was wearing my sarcastic hat the entire time I was watching this supposedly romantic film. I would probably have gotten more sappy romantic overtones from reading a Nicholas Sparks book. Too bad I don't have any of his novels on my book shelf.

BEGINNERS

Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Melanie Laurent

"This is what love feels like"

The film opens on a quiet note as Oliver (Ewan McGregor) is rummaging through several items to clear in a big house. It is 2003 and his father Hal (Christopher Plummer) has recently passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer, leaving Oliver with a heavy load of baggage to sort through. Both physical and psychological, that it.

It wasn't that Hal belatedly and proudly came out as a homosexual - at 75 years of age - that threw Oliver so much. It came as more of a shock to realize that someone could keep his true sexuality a secret, most of his life. Hal comes out after his wife of over 40 years dies even though we can ascertain from the film that she knew about his 'secret'. But for Oliver, a taciturn graphic designer, this news is unsettling yet at the same time, he embraces his father's true self. He is in a way glad that his father is slowly regaining his joie de vivre.

As Oliver slowly recovers from his father's death, he has to face his own demons. His somewhat strange and sad upbringing courtesy mostly of his eccentric mother, Georgia (Mary Page Keller) prevents him from truly committing to a budding romance, to his dull job and to life in general. He has the capacity to succeed but he is having difficulty conveying it through the proper channels.

An intricate series of flashbacks depicting the final phase of Hal's life - as witnessed by a confused Oliver - is wonderfully warm and sincerely quirky stuff. Cleverly presented by showing still images from significant periods in both Hal and Oliver's lives, the film is buoyed by a narration from Oliver.

A vital supporting character Arthur, a soulful Jack Russell terrier, would draw all the audience attention away from the human characters. But the award winning performances by Plummer (he deserved the Oscars Best Supporting Award for this role) and McGregor are so superb that everyone is able to share in the glory.

A subtle, sensitive picture about love, loss and loneliness, I'd certainly recommend you watch "Beginners" and be utterly moved by its poignant story.

BRIDESMAIDS

Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Jill Clayburgh
Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Chris O'Dowd

Backstabbing. Sabotage. Jealousy. Rivalry. These words jump at you as you watch this chick flick. But since it is presented through top notch humor and perfect comedic timing, "Bridesmaids" is a hoot to watch. Dubbed as the "Hangover" film for women even though they never set foot in Las Vegas, it showcases the shenanigans of 5 women from different spectrum of society who are chosen as bridesmaids by Lillian.

But the primary role of maid of honor falls on Annie (Kristen Wiig), who is unlucky in business, in love, and in life in general. But her bond with Lillian (Maya Rudolph) has sustained her since childhood. Upon Lillian's engagement, Annie is poised to assume her role in the wedding preparations, but she is met with unexpected competition from Lillian's new friend Helen (Rose Byrne), a socialite who seems bent on usurping Annie's Maid of Honor duties.

The rivalry consumes a great portion of this raucous comedy. But main focus remains on Annie, whose jealousy and insecurity is brilliantly essayed by "Saturday Night Live" veteran Kristen Wiig. I've never watched any episodes of SNL but from this film alone, I can say that Kristen Wiig is a top notch comedian, par excellence.

Annie is by all means a sad character but you can't help but root for her to succeed. Yes, she is jealous of her best friend's new friend but who wouldn't feel insecure amidst those circumstances. We all do outgrow our friends whom we met in our childhood. As we add up to the numbers in our age, our interests also change so it is only but natural to seek the company of people who share our common interests.

The other bridesmaids are equally 'flawed' characters but all of them, both individually and as a group bring so much amusement to the film. Each actress is given ample opportunity to create big laughs from their unique characterizations, and Melissa McCarthy as Megan basically steals every scene she's in.

It has been ages since I laughed so hard, I snorted out loud and almost peed in my shorts. This comedy has all the key elements of a good film. Great ensemble cast with multi-dimensional characters. A well written plot with funny situations, witty dialogue and throw in a tinge of romance for those swoon moments. And most of all even though the title refers to a bunch of women, kudos goes to the maid of honor, Annie personified by Kristen Wiig. The wedding and this film would be nothing without her effervescent presence.

THE LINCOLN LAWYER

Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Philippe
William H. Macy, Josh Lucas

Star Movies

TV channel surfing can often lead to finding a film that can grab one's attention. "The Lincoln Lawyer" was a legal thriller I wanted to watch when it was shown at the cinemas but as usual I either didn't have the time or simply was too lazy to go out.

So Matthew McConaughey portrays Mick Haller a sleazy yet charismatic defense attorny who suddenly develops a conscience when he takes up a new case. His wealthy client Louis Roulet (Ryan Philippe) is accused of beating and raping a call girl. Haller begins to question whether his rich bratty client is indeed innocent. In the course of his current case, Haller finds clues that might be related to his former case. Things aren't as simple as they seem. Haller needs to work doubly hard to solve his case despite the danger he may have put himself in as a consequence.

Oh and the title comes from the fact that Michael Haller works out from the back of his old Lincoln car. He even has a chauffeur but you have to watch the film to find out the details about his driver. I ain't giving away spoilers.

I was quite impressed with the solid supporting cast who turned up to give this somewhat predictable thriller much needed depth. Marisa Tomei, Ryan Philippe, Josh Lucas and despite his short role William H. Macy all contributed their vast talent to deliver credible performances.

Of course, the main star is Matthew McConaughey who is believable in a role which doesn't require him to take his shirt off. His portrayal of a slick defense attorney fit him like a glove. Coincidentally, I think Matthew McConaughey should stick to playing lawyers. Some years ago, he was quite effective in John Grisham adaptation "A Time To Kill". Now he essays Mike Haller in the film adaptation of Michael Connelly's best selling novel.

The film offers a nice mix of character introduction/development with an intriguing yet somewhat predictable plot complete with twists which you didn't quite see coming your way. Or perhaps I was just distracted by sleep slowly creeping up on me.

All-Time Great Romantic Movies

Some of the greatest movies in cinematic history are romantic in nature. From such classics as "Gone with the Wind" and "Casablanca" to the more recent romantic movies "Ghost," "Sleepless in Seattle," and "Pretty Woman," you can choose from a plethora of movies to move your heart and bring a tear to your eye. Whether you are passionate film buff or an aspiring director, you may have an interest in learning about the qualities of a quality romantic flick.

So what makes a romantic movie great? For one, they are loves stories that the viewer can relate to, something that they can use as a tool of catharsis. Secondly, they help shield the viewer from the harsh realities of the world, providing with an escape. These tales of the heart follow the emotional and passionate encounters between two main characters on a path of courtship. Love is a complicated affair, and this is reflected in the wide variety of themes that romantic movies cover: unrequited love, love at first site, spiritual love, tragic love, forbidden love, sexual love, and sacrificial love. 

In 2002, the American Film Institute (AFI) released a list of the top 100 romantic movies, dubbed
100 Years … 100 Passions.” The top 10 is as follows:

1. “Casablanca”


2. “Gone with the Wind”


3. “West Side Story”


4. “Roman Holiday”


5. “An Affair to Remember”


6. “The Way We Were”


7. “Doctor Zhivago”


8. “It's a Wonderful Life”


9. “Love Story”


10. “City Lights”

The variety in this list reveals the various subgenres of romantic movies. This includes romantic dramas (“An Affair to Remember,” “Love Story”), which centers primarily on acts of love between the main characters, romantic comedies (“Roman Holiday,” “City Lights”), which are lighthearted in nature with humorous plot lines, romantic musicals (“West Side Story”), in which music is as much of an essential component to the movie as the plot and characters, and romantic thrillers (“Doctor Zhivago,” “Gone With the Wind”), in which elements of suspense and tension are intertwined with the love story.

So for you aspiring love story writers and film directors, do you want to take the next step in furthering your creative career? Online college classes and degree programs are great way to take this career step from the comforts of your own home. Perhaps after gaining the skills to make a great romantic movie, you will create a movie that will make a future AFI list of the top romantic movies.

Sources

American Film Institute (2002)

AMC Filmsite (2012)

 

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, Hal Holbrook

"Life is the most spectacular show on earth"

There seems to be too much on my plate lately that I hardly have time to watch a full length film, be it at the theaters or in the comfort of my home. Out of town trips, my sister's home visits, household chores and life in general keep me from my fave hobby.

So I have to discern which movies would merit my full attention. "Water for Elephants" has always been on my list to watch films for the sole reason that it features a circus. And who doesn't love a circus, right?

Based on a novel by Sara Gruen, it is set in 1931, an era of the Depression where prohibition was 'strictly' imposed and going to the circus was the only way to be entertained. The story is narrated by an older Jacob (Hal Holbrook) as he reminisces about his 'stint' with the Benzini Brothers Circus.

A flashback to the early 1930s shows us the circumstances how a young(er) Jacob, portrayed by Robert Pattinson gets his life intertwined with freaky characters, animals (lions, horses, elephants) and Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), the star attraction who also happens to be the wife of August (Christoph Waltz), the domineering ringmaster/owner.

The ensuing love triangle between the 3 main characters takes shape around an elephant named Rosie, which August acquires to boost sales for the struggling circus. Rosie becomes the emotional bond that brings Marlena and Jacob together, and the eventual object of August's violent, raging jealousy.

The movie does a good job of capturing the circus atmosphere and immersing the viewer in its uniquely tempting world. A fast-paced adventure tale which doesn't rely on computer generated imagery to awe its audience. Dramatic scenes are prevalent, the costumes look authentic and the story is riveting enough to capture our attention.

Witherspoon is a fine actress, and it is nice to see her in a serious, sensual role which is a far cry from the predictable romantic comedies she likes to star in. Pattinson, best known as Edward Cullen in you.know.those.vampire.movies further proves that he is a one dimensional actor. His performance is flat and wooden for a character that ends up fighting for both his love and his life. He is just as easily outshone by fiery Oscar winner, Christoph Waltz who won for his memorable role as a Nazi officer in "Inglorious Basterds". August can be a charmer, but he rules with an iron fist and treats people and animals with sadistic disdain. You feel your heart skip a bit whenever he is in a volatile scene.

Jacob and Marlena may be the movie's heart, but August provides the high-voltage tension that keeps "Water For Elephants" charging toward its explosive, destructive conclusion!

THE IDES OF MARCH

George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti
Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei, Jeffrey Wright

"Ambition seduces. Power corrupts."

This political thriller stars George Clooney as Governor Mike Morris, a Democrat presidential hopeful. Most of the suspense unfolds during the Ohio presidential primary. His team is headed by his campaign manager, Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and his spokesman, Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling), an idealist who is dragged into the dirty game of politics but his loyalty to the charismatic Governor Morris prevails at all cost.

As the writer and director, Clooney decided to present a simpler story about a man's character and the way he changes throughout the course of a single primary campaign.
The film is a comprehensive character study of Stephen Myers portrayed by the effectively talented Ryan Gosling. His Stephen is experienced enough at his age to presume that he knows better and young enough to still display the critical amount of conviction which gets the ball rolling.

It is fascinating to see the different sides to the Stephen character. He slowly becomes everything he loathed in politics and in a politician. Morris, his idol, full of values and ideologies that Steve believed in, betrayed them. His respect for Morris has gone. Towards the end, Myers learns to manipulate these flaws for the advancement of his career as well as boost the winning factor capacity of his candidate.

The storytelling is precise, the cinematography slick, the cast is highly credible. Even though there are a few glaring pitfalls in the side plots, the film still pulls the punches. Its criticism of the inner trappings of politics is apt yet it also provides the audience the opportunity to form their own conclusions from the ambiguous ending.

THE HUNGER GAMES

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Wes Bentley
Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Donald Sutherland, Stanley Tucci

"May the odds be ever in your favor"

Cinema 10, SM Megamall

Books that cater to the young adults market make millions for their authors. As if they aren't wealthy enough, these books are then adapted for the big screen. So everyone profits. The authors, the movie production companies, the cinema theaters, the concessionaire stalls at the movie houses.

First you had the Harry Potter series, followed by the Twilight franchise. Now comes "The Hunger Games", the first in the trilogy penned by Suzanne Collins. Admittedly, I never read a single book of any of these authors. I am too old to be swooned by a fictional world of blossoming young romance where wizardry, vampires and werewolves reign supreme.

Curious creature that I am, I wanted to see if all this fuss about Hunger Games was worth it. I reckon it was really worth every centavo, I was blown away by its visceral tale of the haves versus the have-nots set in a futuristic society. The film pans into District 12 of Panem. A bleak coal mining village where our heroine, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) lives with her little sister and her mother.

Every year a boy and a girl ages 12 to 18 are chosen from each Panem district to compete in some survivalist battle known as the Hunger Games. Katniss, a feisty, tough and resourceful hunter who can ably provide for her family, volunteers when her young sister Primrose was chosen as a tribute to represent District 12.

The game has 24 competitors who kill each other until only one emerges as the victor. It is televised to all the districts like a reality show where rules can be easily manipulated through a computerized command center. Days before the actual games, the competitors go through rigorous training. They are interviewed by an over the top talk show host named Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci) and have to 'beg' for sponsors. It's all a grand showbiz style production number with reality show overtones to the max.

The film takes on a thrilling suspenseful tone once the tributes are transported to the outdoor arena where, with wits and weapons, they battle each other and assorted perils generated by the organizers, who dole out death via computer touch screen. Much of Katniss's competitors are killed in a rapidly cut massacre filmed at such a frantic, blurry pace. Then it settles down a bit as one focuses entirely on watching if Katniss would survive the vicious attacks.

The thing that appealed the most to me was the casting of Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. Her flawless beauty is like a magnet, it draws you in. There was something luminous, slightly otherworldly about her. Her gravity and her steady gaze make her a fine heroine. Her love for her family was the fuel that triggered her desire to not only survive but to ultimately win the Hunger Games.

The film ran for 142 long minutes. Certain scenes were shot at full speed with shaky camera angles which were too jarring and quite blurry, you could hardly make out what was unfolding on screen. It was combined with a crisp, vivid cinematography of colorful costumes/wardrobe worn by the people living in the Capitol area. There were also impressive computer generated shots of the dystopian society. The ensemble cast (Woody Harrelson was excellent!) gave credible performances. Their characterization of those strange somewhat absurd personas were spot on.

Unlike my aversion to the Harry Potter and Twilight series, I'm hooked to this franchise. I'm looking forward to the next adventures of Katniss Everdeen. But no, I'm still not going to read the books, I'll just wait for the movies.

LIMITLESS

Bradley Cooper, Robert de Niro, Abbie Cornish

"What if a pill could make you rich and powerful?"

Star Movies

Finally, I was able to see this film in its entirety on Star Movies. When it was shown in the cinemas, I had second thoughts about spending so much on a movie ticket. Sci-fi thriller isn't a genre, I appreciate. But. 2 words. Bradley Cooper. Enough said.

"Limitless" focuses on Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) a writer who is taking forever to finish his novel. His girlfriend Lindy (Abbie Cornish) is walking out on him, he looks awful, physically and mentally. In short, his life is one big mess. Until, he runs into the brother of an ex girlfriend who tells him about this experimental pill called NZT. A powerful drug that can tap your mind into its full potential.

With NZT in his system, Eddie is on a roll. He completes his book instantly, he can read and absorb data within seconds, he can speak foreign languages, he can manipulate the stock market for his investments. His life changes completely for the better. Or so it seems. But soon enough as with most 'scams' that are too good to be true, the pill turns into one huge liability instead of an asset.

Despite some good camera angles with blurry montage scenes, the film is quite limited in scope. It is a standard rise and fall tale, the extended version for it seemed like it would never finish and then concludes with a vaguely intriguing ending. So was it a cautionary tale about drug addiction? Or a story on how greed and power can corrupt one's soul? Either way, the your choices are quite limited, despite what the title suggests.

BEAUTIFUL LIES

Audrey Tautou, Nathalie Baye, Sami Bouajila

"Sometimes a little white lie can change everything"

A French romantic comedy starring Audrey Tautou (Amelie) as Emilie, a perky somewhat eccentric beauty salon owner. Shy, sensitive Jean (Sami Bouajila) works as a handyman at the beauty salon and he is also madly and secretly smitten with his 'boss' Emilie. Jean decides to eloquently declare his feelings in an anonymous letter.

Oblivious to the fact that her mysterious admirer is Jean, Emilie retypes the letter and sends it anonymously to her mother, Maddy (Nathalie Baye), hoping to cheer her up. Maddy has been depressed, unable to accept that her husband, who left four years ago, isn’t coming back.

Then a whole gamut of bizarre and awkward situations of a mistaken romance rolls on by for an hour and 40 minutes. Even though the script had some snappy, funny little one-liners (in French, mind you!), certain parts could have done with some editing to make the story more coherent so the viewers' short attention span could stay focus and not be distracted with overlapping side plots.

It is only the superb performances of the cast (Tautou, Baye, and Bouajila) that redeems this rom-com. They are a great ensemble, who expertly play on the frustrated and strained relationships between their characters through some convincing onscreen chemistry.

The ever refreshing Audrey Tautou particularly stands out as Emilie by delivering a performance that is believable and endearing. And you know you are getting old when an actress from your youth like the elegant Nathalie Baye now portray mother with grown up children roles. But she still shines and gives a convincing portrayal of a woman in denial that needs quite a boost to her crushed self esteem.

A pretty average rom-com with the standard, predictable happy ending filmed entirely in French with English subtitles. Recommended for die hard Amelie, oops aka Audrey Tautou fans!