Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing.
“The Holdovers” transports audiences back to the winter of 1970, where a group of boarding students find themselves stranded at school during the Christmas break. Amidst the watchful gaze of a strict classics teacher and the school’s head cook, their holiday takes an unexpected turn, leading to stirring character development that reveals both virtues and flaws.
What sets this film apart is its refreshing originality, offering a fresh narrative that breaks free from remakes, sequels, or true-story adaptations. The storyline is straightforward, but it is elevated by the exceptional performances of the cast. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, with Paul Giamatti and Da’Vine Joy Randolph delivering standout performances, while newcomer Dominic Sessa is such a revelation in his pivotal role.
Director Alexander Payne delivers a brilliant homage to 70s cinema, capturing the era’s aesthetics flawlessly. The stellar cast, including Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Giamatti, and Dominic Sessa, delivers Oscar-worthy performances, infusing the film with both heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. I’m going to nitpick its pacing, but it’s an overall charming, heartwarming, and thought-provoking comedy-drama that is going to be one of the nostalgic holiday classics in years to come!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Director: Alexander Payne Produced by: Mark Johnson, Bill Block, David Hemingson Cast: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa
Nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Original Song, Best Production Design.
Greta Gerwig’s take on one of the most iconic figures in history, Barbie, is a delightful surprise, offering much more than just a glossy, plastic world. Gerwig infuses the film with layers of depth, transforming it into a thought-provoking exploration of identity and societal expectations.
Barbie and Ken are thoroughly enjoying themselves in the vibrant and seemingly flawless realm of Barbie Land. Yet, when an opportunity arises for them to venture into the actual world, they swiftly encounter both the pleasures and pitfalls of coexisting with humans.
Margot Robbie shines in the titular role, bringing a refreshing complexity to Barbie’s character as she navigates the pressures of perfection. Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Ken adds charm and wit to the dynamic duo, while America Ferrera’s poignant monologue resonates with the struggles women face in a world dictated by unrealistic standards.
Gerwig’s direction ensures that Barbie is not just a feminist movie but a universal story of self-discovery and realizing there really is more to life than the status quo we were told to live in. Through Barbie’s journey, audiences are invited to examine their own perceptions of gender roles and the constraints they impose.
Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, Barbie captivates with its blend of humor, heart, and social commentary. Gerwig’s signature storytelling coupled with a stellar cast make this film a must-watch for audiences of all ages.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Director: Greta Gerwig Produced by: Margot Robbie, David Heyman, Tom Ackerley, Robbie Brenner Starring: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, Will Ferrell, Alexandra Shipp, Hari Nef, Sharon Rooney, Ana Cruz Kayne, Ritu Arya, Dua Lipa, Nicola Coughlan, Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, John Cena, Helen Mirren, Michael Cera, Connor Swindells, Jamie Demetriou, Emeral Fennell, Asim Chaudry, Ray Fearon, Erica Ford, Hanna Khalique-Brown, Mette Narrative, Marisa Abela, Lucy Boynton, Rob Brydon, Tom Stourton, Ann Roth, Annie Mumolo, Lauren Holt, Ryan Piers Williams,
The Boy and the Heron tells the story of a boy named Mahito (voiced by Soma Santoki), who, upon discovering an abandoned tower in his new town, ventures into a magical realm accompanied by a talking gray heron. Mahito, full of longing for his mother, travels to a realm where life and death coexist.
Watching my very first Hayao Miyazaki’s work on the big screen, I cannot help but be enchanted yet again by its meticulous animation. Each scene is a visual spectacle, transporting viewers into a world where everything feels like a new experience, even though the film is very reminiscent of the many Ghibli films from the director that we’ve come to love.
What I really appreciate about Miyazaki’s storytelling is that it is always thought-provoking and contemplative. The pacing of the film was initially slow, and its narrative seems confusing at times, but I think this ambiguity is precisely what makes it a great film because it invites its viewers to dig deeper, prompting exploration of the film’s underlying themes.
After watching the film, I was asking myself, “What did I just watch? But after a few days, while still thinking about what to write for my review, I figured that each viewer’s understanding—or rather, my understanding—is uniquely my own.
The Boy and the Heron is a captivating journey of masterful storytelling with top-notch animation that breathes life into each frame, evoking a poignant resonance that defies easy categorization because it engages its audience on a personal level based on personal experience and perspectives.
It is a testament to the power of Miyazaki’s storytelling. Whether it leaves you yearning for something undefined or sparks a newfound understanding, one thing is certain: Miyazaki’s masterwork is an experience that transcends the boundaries of cinema, leaving an indelible mark on those who dare to venture into its world.
It’s finally here! “The Boy and the Heron,” the newest film by Hayao Miyazaki, will debut in Philippine theaters on November 29 released by Encore Films Philippines via Warner Bros. Pictures.
Dubbed a “big fantastical film,” it centers on a boy named Mahito (voiced by Soma Santoki) who, upon discovering an abandoned tower in his new town, ventures into a magical realm accompanied by a talking grey heron. Mahito, full of longing for his mother, travels to a realm where life and death coexist.
This film is written and directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, with Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki producing.
I will be in Tokyo on the 29th but I’d definitely watch immediately after my return! Can’t wait!
“How could I have ever been ashamed of loving Dante Quintana”
For devoted followers of Benjamin Alire Saenz’s beloved novel “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” the anticipation surrounding its film adaptation and upcoming theatrical release this year feels endless! Premiering at the 47th International Toronto Film Festival on September 9, 2022, the movie is set to hit theaters in the US tomorrow, leaving fans in the Philippines eagerly awaiting its arrival. (Fingers crossed!)
As we anxiously await, why not indulge in the excitement by watching the official trailer and a sneak peek clip of the movie?
The movie stars Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales as the titular characters along with Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria, Veronica Falco, Isabella Gomez, Luna Blaise, Kevin Alejandro and Marlene Forte.
Aitch Alberto penned and directed the film with Lin-Manuel Miranda as one of its producers.
Today, I feel so unwell due to this persistent dry cough that I had to take some time off work. And since I am not doing anything, I decided to do a quick update here on what I have been doing lately.
A couple of months ago, I traveled back to Japan, this time to Tokyo. I absolutely loved Japan and was only able to visit the Kansai region the first time around, so after three years, I was back and got to visit Tokyo! I am absolutely in love! Tokyo is a different kind of city from the several cities I’ve visited during my travels. I’d probably write about that trip soon, but I am definitely so enamored by it that I am already planning to come back soon!
And this year, for my birthday, I decided to celebrate it overseas. I wish I had spent it in Tokyo, but that trip was already planned a long time ago, so I went to Sydney again instead. I loved Sydney; it’s just chill, and everything seems fast-paced. Again, I’ll do a separate blog or “vlog?” about it later.
I also just got my visa for the US! I am already planning everything in my head and will probably try to visit New York City first since it’s been on my bucket list for the longest time now. That is still 50/50 for now, though. I am still thinking of traveling back to Europe this December, so I am still thinking about which I should prioritize first.
You’re probably thinking, Why am I talking about all this travel stuff? Well, I am just at a point in my life where I feel that I am financially independent enough, and I am not getting any younger, so I am taking this opportunity to see the world while I am still capable. I don’t want to regret not seeing the world, especially now that I have all the opportunities in front of me.
I’ve also been thinking of creating a travel agency. I’m just mulling about it for weeks now, and I know that I still got a lot of research to do. Another thing that I’ve been thinking about lately is perhaps creating a YouTube channel. I hope I will have the time and energy to do all this in between my jobs and travels that I’ve been doing.
So that’s it for now, I guess. I’ll try to watch some anime for now since it is technically my ‘rest day.’
“Suzume” follows the journey of a 16-year-old high school student named Suzume, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Souta, a young man claiming to be a “closer.” Souta reveals a mission to prevent a calamitous worm-like creature from emerging through mysterious doors scattered across Japan. When a magical keystone transforms into a cat, cursing Souta and turning him into Suzume’s childhood chair, Suzume feels compelled to join him in closing these dangerous portals. Together, they embark on a fantastical adventure across Japan, facing challenges and uncovering secrets as they strive to protect their world from impending disaster.
II’m torn on Suzume because I’m a huge admirer of Makoto Shinkai, and his recent blockbusters, Your Name and Weathering With You, set the bar quite high. Even though Suzume opts for traditional 2D animation, I felt compelled to experience it in IMAX. After catching it over the weekend, I can confidently say that spending 690 PHP was worth it solely for Shinkai’s visually stunning animation.
Suzume, the protagonist, embodies bravery and responsibility, admirable traits considering her upbringing by her aunt following her mother’s early demise. Despite her maturity, she’s still a 16-year-old grappling with typical adolescent struggles and yearning for her mother, showcasing remarkable resilience.
In contrast, Souta’s character lacks depth in backstory. While we learn he hails from a family associated with closing gates, his motivations seem simplistic, leaving unanswered questions about his familial ties and the nature of their role as “Closers.” Similarly, the origin of the mysterious worms remains a central enigma, despite hints at alternate dimensions or the afterlife.
While inspired by significant events like the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, which left a lasting impact, Suzume’s narrative falls short of the director’s previous works. Despite tackling weighty themes, it feels somewhat niche, leaving viewers with lingering uncertainties about its broader context and significance.
What I meant earlier about being undecided was that I didn’t feel a strong connection with the characters in the movie. While they’re pleasant enough, unlike the compelling relationships of Mitsuha and Taki in “Your Name” or Hodaka and Hina in “Weathering With You,” I didn’t find myself truly rooting for them.
Instead, I found myself focusing on other elements of the film. I particularly enjoyed the moments when Suzume interacted with the fascinating strangers she encountered while traveling with Souta as a chair. The climax was undoubtedly the film’s highlight, allowing Suzume to confront her grief, her feelings of guilt towards her aunt, and ultimately find her own path.
Additionally, the music was a standout feature. The soundtrack was ethereal; I was compelled to stay until the very end of the credits to fully appreciate it.
The movie received a nomination for Animation of the Year at the current Japan Academy Film Prize, underscoring the immense respect for Shinkai’s work within his native land. While I may be among the few who didn’t fully embrace the film, if you appreciate stunning visuals and captivating music, it’s definitely worth watching!
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Director: Makoto Shinkai Cast: Nanoka Hara as Suzume Iwato (岩戸 鈴芽, Iwato Suzume)[4] Akari Miura as child Suzume[5] Hokuto Matsumura as Sōta Munakata (宗像 草太, Munakata Sōta)[6] Eri Fukatsu as Tamaki Iwato (岩戸 環, Iwato Tamaki)[7] Shota Sometani as Minoru Okabe (岡部 稔, Okabe Minoru)[7] Sairi Ito as Rumi Ninomiya (二ノ宮 ルミ, Ninomiya Rumi)[7] Kotone Hanase as Chika Amabe (海部 千果, Amabe Chika)[7] Kana Hanazawa as Tsubame Iwato (岩戸 椿芽, Iwato Tsubame)[7] Matsumoto Hakuō II as Hitsujirō Munakata (宗像 羊朗, Munakata Hitsujirō)[7] Ryūnosuke Kamiki as Tomoya Serizawa (芹澤 朋也, Serizawa Tomoya)[8] Ann Yamane as Daijin (ダイジン)[9] Aimi as Miki (ミキ)[10]
It’s been an incredibly trying four months and the national elections in my country have come and gone, and there’s still this bitterness in my heart that I’ve yet to process wholly, but I’m getting there one step at a time. I’ve written a few posts in my drafts which I’m unable to post because I didn’t feel like communicating, didn’t feel like I could share more these past months, but I figured why the heck not? Let’s keep that ball rolling, and as I’ve said, let’s take it one step at a time.
Back in 2016, I read an article in Vogue about the five ways to recover from the post-election blues, and I didn’t think that it would somehow be relevant to me six years later. To quote it, the article said to stay connected, “Spending time with friends and like-minded people is key. “Seek people who can understand and validate your experience,” says Keenan-Miller. For some, a small or large dose of being alone is restorative, but cutting yourself off from your current life ultimately won’t help. We all generally get a mood boost through support and empathy from others.” I’m trying to do this. I think I’d get there soon enough. I hope.
With the pandemic still hovering, I’ve decided to focus on work and plan for future travels. I was pretty successful at doing these two, which kept my mind off the terrible news bombarding us each and every day. This coming December, I decided to go back to Europe for a month to get a taste of travel after these two grueling years of COVID lockdown. I am excited and I cannot wait to just escape the monotony of what I’m doing, even just for a bit.
“I used to think that if none of your family or friends knew you were dead, it was like not really being dead. People can invent the best and the worst for you.” – Celine, Before Sunrise. Loc: Me at Zollamtssteg Bridge, Vienna
Now, with that bit of update out of the way, I’m looking forward to sharing some stuff in my next few posts. I’ve not been reading a lot, but I was able to get hold of some books I’ve postponed reading from years past. I also watched The Sandman over the weekend. I’ve not watched any series since last year, but this one really piqued my interest and I enjoyed it. I’ve also collated all the figures I bought over the last two years, and there are a lot. I didn’t realize that I spent quite a lot during this pandemic. The start of the BER months is in two days, and that means early Christmas planning! exciting!! Ooh! Not really. But we’ll see.
It’s been two months since I’ve posted anything, so for my first post in 2022, I want to share this picture of a colorful sea urchin shell I took a couple of years back, which feels like a totally different time than these last two years. In a blink of an eye, things could change, and this quote from Henry David Thoreau really resonated with me —
“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.”
Even if people around me say that we should just learn to live with COVID, it still doesn’t feel right. Maybe because I’ve been cooped up at home for two years, and it’s been getting to me just now. I mean, I consider myself a homebody, and “peopling” really isn’t my favorite thing, so I thought I’d be okay, but I also realized that it could get tiring. So here I am in 2022, feeling hopeful that this nightmare will soon be over.
There. I wanted to say more, but I am tired. Maybe tomorrow will be a different day. Oh, siya sige. Till next time!
Glimmer by Marjorie B. Kellogg is a pseudo-dystopian novel set in New York City in 2110, where climate change has altered the city’s landscape, mostly flooding and practically destroying it. Those who could escape did, and those left behind bonded and created some sort of faction, akin to “Water World,” called dens.
The titular character, Glimmer, is simply a name that she gave herself and who seems to have lost her memory—narrating the grim situation of the city and the world entire, and her life in Unca Joe’s den. I do love Glimmer as a character. She’s charming, intelligent, and incredibly resolute. She’s a young adult who consistently makes admirable decisions.
The author’s world-building in this narrative presents a scenario highlighting humanity’s vulnerability on Earth, emphasizing the urgency for us to unite and take action before it’s too late. Several elements mentioned reflect ongoing issues in different regions globally. For instance, during the Covid-19 pandemic, there was widespread panic-buying and hoarding of supplies, illustrating the detrimental impact of selfishness. In “Glimmer,” the depicted situation is even more severe, prompting readers to contemplate its implications.
It took me a while to finish Glimmer. The first half was sluggish and not as engaging, but the premise is interesting enough for me to push through. After the very slow beginning, the pacing started to pick up, and the story morphed into something scary, exciting, and thought-provoking. There are many great scenes here, especially when the group came together to move into a new home within the city. It was heart-racing and heartwarming at the same time.
I do love the relevance of this book on what’s happening in the world now. I commend the extensive research put into it as the scenarios depicted are all plausible, with some even occurring currently. While the slow pacing at the beginning may require perseverance, I can guarantee that it ultimately offers a compelling and well-crafted narrative. Although the ending may feel sudden, it becomes inconsequential once you reach the conclusion.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Published October 19th 2021 by Daw Books
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Daw Books, via Netgalley for an impartial and honest review.
About the Author Writer and scenic designer Marjorie Bradley Kellogg lives in Franklin, NY, where she is the editor of The New Franklin Register. She is the author of Glimmer, A Rumor of Angels, Harmony, The Dragon Quartet, and Lear’s Daughters. She has designed scenery for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and for resident theatres across the country and in Europe, receiving many industry awards for her work. She taught at Princeton and Columbia and was Associate Professor of Theater at Colgate University from 1995 to 2017.
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