Tag Archives: Film Review

Review: Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank [The Woman In The Septic Tank] (2011)

Posted on January 30, 2015 | Leave a comment
Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank

Everything about this film from the cast to the script resonates deeply, and when I say deeply, I mean it has a voice all its own! It’s witty, emotionally stirring, and simply brilliant!

The movie follows three aspiring filmmakers striving to create an Oscar-worthy masterpiece! JM De Guzman, Kean Cipriano, and Eugene Domingo nailed their performances in this film! I was captivated by its clever blend of humor and thought-provoking moments in each scene.

Beneath its ordinary façade lies a captivating narrative that takes us on an exhilarating journey, with the actors infusing their lines with unwavering passion. Kean Cipriano shines as the meticulous director, while JM De Guzman adds a touch of sensitivity to the screen with his supporting role. Cai Cortez leaves a lasting impression playing the efficient production manager.

Eugene Domingo’s depiction of Mila, a mother of seven, and her fictional persona, provides a solid force in the film, offering crucial support to the newcomers.

I won’t spill any more secrets since this film has been out since 2011 (and I’ve watched it a few times already). But seriously, if you haven’t watched it yet, what are you waiting for? Oh, and about that question from my friend about whether this film could actually bag an Oscar? I say, why not?

 The film was chosen by the Film Academy of the Philippines to represent the Philippines in the Best Foreign Language Film category of the 84th Academy Awards.

Rating: 9/10

Director: Marlon Rivera
Cast: Eugene Domingo, JM De Guzman, Kean Cipriano, Cai Cortez, Cherie Pie Picache, Mercedes Cabral

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Review: Water for Elephants (2011)

Posted on January 29, 2015 | Leave a comment

Director: Francis Lawrence
Based on the book by Sara Gruen
Starring: Resse Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Hal Holbrook, Christoph Waltz,Tai, James Frain, Paul Schneider, Ken Foree, Tim Guinee, Mark Povinelli, Scott MacDonald, Jim Norton, Richard Brake, Sam Anderson, John Aylward

Water For ElephantsWater for Elephants is about the young Cornell Veterinary undergrad Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) who found himself in the midst of the Circus world as the in-house veterinarian who fell for Marlena (Reese Whiterspoon), the wife of the circus’s owner August (Christoph Waltz.)

Jacob and Marlena had the same passion for animals and their love ensues until August suspects them having an affair. The two escapes by jumping off the circus’s train but August easily discovered them. Marlena appeared in her last show as August’s wife and Benzini’s Circus star attraction when that fateful fight ensues that would change hers and Jacob’s life forever.

I thought Christoph Waltz was amazing [as usual] as the villain August and was very much effective as the cruel Circus head master. His acting here reminds me of his award- winning Col. Hans Landa portrayal in Inglorious Basterds. He’s got that subtle darkness in him that makes you hate him terribly. Robert Pattinson was rather disconnected into this film. I didn’t feel enough emotion from him, there was too -much “Edward Cullen-ish” in his acting which isn’t good at all. Reese on the other hand kind of disappoint as the circus’ star attraction. For a short period of time, how could someone be so in love with a perfect stranger???? It was like as good as an escape scapegoated as falling in love. Moreover, there was no chemistry between her and Pattinson at all. I also thought that the dialogues were a bit off.

For some good points, the cinematography and the musical score are to die for. The sceneries were exquisitely shot and the music was perfectly rendered.

It thought the whole film was trying to be melancholic but failed miserably which made me think that they’re trying to recreate a The Notebook v2. Really?! Unfortunately, it didn’t work. No Sirreee.

 Rating: 5/10

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Review: Goodbye America (1997)

Posted on January 27, 2015 | Leave a comment

Director: Thierry Notz
Cast: Alexia Arquette, Alma Concepcion, Angel Aquino, Corin Nemec, James Brolin, John Haymes Newton, Maureen Flannigan, Michael York, Nanette Medved, Daria Ramirez, Wolfgang Bodison

Goodbye AmericaThrough some coaxing, I was able to get a copy of this film which I’ve seen in the late 90’s and I remember liking it back then. Watching it again, I rather find it a wee bit over the top but it’s still an okay film. The story took its premise from the closing of the US naval base in Olongapo City back in 1991.

There’s enough drama going on with most characters [I mean the navy seals] getting friendly with lovely Filipina women and their struggle to deal with their inevitable separation. This didn’t end though with most of them just leaving their Pinay beaus behind. There’s a plan assassination of a US senator which made the film a bit contrived but nevertheless made the plot not too Hallmark-ish. I was confused why said assassination plot became the epicenter of the film’s premise.

The ending was heartwarming yet heartbreaking and interestingly, it was the supporting character of Paul Bladon’s (played by Alexis Arquette) romantic involvement with a Filipina woman Emma (Alma Concepcion), who used to be a prostitute (not Alma, but the character Emma lol) that made the most impact in the film.

It was also such a pleasant surprise for me to find out that Alexis Arquette [sibling of Boyhood star Patricia Arquette] has already transitioned into a woman! Yay!

Alexis Arquette before and after. Alexis Arquette before and after.

Anyways, I guess some people could torrent this since it’s not available on Amazon, if the film interests them. It’s an okay film overall for a minimally budgeted B-Hollywood movie.

Rating: 6/10

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Review: Barber’s Tales [Mga Kwentong Barbero] (2013)

Posted on January 22, 2015 | Leave a comment
Barber's Tales

Taking place in a countryside setting amidst the decline of the Marcos regime, Jun Lana’s film “Barber’s Tales” primarily focuses on the empowerment of women, which reflects the period’s political turbulence and the consequential rise of Corazon Aquino as the first female president of the Philippines, following the death of her husband.

Recently widowed Malou, portrayed by Eugene Domingo, unexpectedly finds herself running the sole barbershop in town, a business that has been in her husband’s family for generations.

Struggling to attract customers due to her gender, Malou forms a bond with a prostitute named Rosa. Rosa encourages her fellow workers to direct their male clients to Malou’s barbershop or risk exposure. This alliance prompts Malou to gradually assert herself in the male-dominated landscape of the town, where gossip spreads rapidly. However, this endeavor also exposes Malou to perilous situations, forcing her to make difficult decisions to safeguard her legacy.

This movie effortlessly blends humor in a way that makes you pause and ponder whether to take the theme seriously or with a light-hearted touch. Its incorporation of magical realism adds an intriguing layer that softens its more serious undertones. Eugene Domingo’s portrayal, in contrast to her role in “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank,” showcases her versatility and deep immersion in her characters. Her depiction of anguish resonates profoundly, particularly in poignant exchanges with Iza Calzado’s character, the mayor’s wife. Domingo’s knack for selecting projects that amplify her cinematic charm and her reminiscent style of acting, akin to Whoopi Goldberg, adds an engaging dimension to the film.

While the film’s latter segment leans towards dramatic flair, I thought it could have been executed with a subtler touch, though the desire to tie up loose ends is understandable. The film’s visuals are striking early on but falter in consistency in the later part, while Ryan Cayabyab’s musical score, while occasionally feeling forced, enhances the emotional resonance of each scene.

In essence, “Barber’s Tales” succeeds in drawing audiences to the cinema, thanks in large part to Eugene Domingo. Though the technical aspects may not fully realize their potential, it remains a film that Filipino viewers can proudly showcase on the international stage.

Rating: 8/10

Director: Jun Lana
Cast: Eugene Domingo, Eddie Garcia, Iza Calzado, Daniel Fernando, Nora Aunor, Noni Buencamino, Sue Prado

Barber’s Tales premiered at the 2013 Tokyo International Film Festival where Eugene Domingo bagged the Best Actress Award. It had its Philippines wide release in August of 2014

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Review: Norte, The End Of History – Lav Diaz (2013)

Posted on January 21, 2015 | 2 comments

Director: Lav Diaz
Cast: Side Lucero, Angeli Bayani, Archie Alemania, Angelina Kanapi, Soliman Cruz, Mae Paner, Hazel Orencio

NorteThis was the Philippine entry to this year’s Academy Awards’ Best Foreign Language Film category. Despite not getting shortlisted, I still believe that this was the best choice for said category. Initially, I would’ve thought that the Barber’s Tales would have a bigger impact but watching one after the other – Norte clearly outshoned the Eugene Domingo-lead film in every aspect.

Set in the Northern region of the Philippines, the film introduced us to Joaquin (Archie Alemania) whose existence is mainly strengthened by his loving wife Eliza (Angeli Bayani). But even love could easily be tested by poverty. When Joaquin’s money-lender gets murdered, pointing fingers led him into prison that transformed his belief altogether into another persona. His wife however struggles to provide for their children as the years of his incarceration goes by.

Meanwhile, the real perpetrator Fabian (Sid Lucero) spiraled down into madness as guilt eats him up even if he thinks he’s already doing penance in his own way.

I was almost certain that I won’t be able to finish this film midway into it but it kept me glued up to the final frame for some reason. The story was compact yet the sequences were a bit longer than I would’ve liked. Archie Alemania’s indelible portrayal was a picture of hopelessness that it breaks you to the core. Sullen and cringe-worthy, Sid Lucero gave me the creeps but I was also rendered breathless by his sudden shift from normal into shifty nature as Fabian. Angeli Bayani’s performance fits the role perfectly and it was a given that she’d do well.

Director Lav Diaz’s vision may have been too ambitious for stretching this film well over four hours but his story-telling  acumen of this prose of a film is what made Norte a tolerable watch [running-time wise – you should be ready to seat your ass out]. The story was gripping, yes. It gave me that feeling when I was watching The Tree Of Life where I’d just like to bolt out of my seat but kept watching because I cannot resist having a glimpse into the next scene. Norte delivers a semblance of the Philippine society that’s still very much happening until now – what with all the politics, the power-abuse and even the inequality was so transparent that I may very well see this film in real life by merely watching the 7 o’clock news.

Rating: 9/10

 Norte was first released via Cannes Film Festival in 2013 with a Philippine wide release September of 2014.

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Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)

Posted on November 22, 2014 | 2 comments

MockingjayDirector:Francis Lawrence
Based on Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Sam Claflin, Natalie Dormer, Jena Malone, Willow Shields, Paula Malcomson, Stef Dawson

Wow. I  didn’t see it coming for this one to actually hear people muttering about wasted money and being snoozefest and all after leaving my seat in the cinema. I loved the books and the first two film installments are just perfect for me. Mockingjay Part 1 this time gave me that almost “slow-burn” of enjoying a book and being forced to drop it while in the midst of the most important chapter. That should’ve been a bummer right? But no, I welcomed it for this film.

There were some changes which I didn’t appreciate at all having read the book and feeling faithful with it but as a whole, I very much enjoyed it even with the cliff-hanging to be continued…blahblahblah.

After  the events from the last film (Catching Fire), Katniss Everdeen was persuaded to be the face of the revolution where she get to learn more about the District 13, President Coin and her people, the whole long brewing plan for rebellion and that’s when the going gets tough.

I get to appreciate Liam Hemsworth much better here since well, we see a lot of him here. He’s got some moments and there was this really angsty chemistry between him and Jennifer Lawrence.

A lot of Josh Hutcherson fans (including moi) will be disappointed though since we didn’t feel much from Team Peeta here – nuh uh – not at all. They were seriously pushed aside to focus more on Katniss. But man’ Katniss o’ Katniss delivered big time. I think I mentioned once that Jennifer Lawrence was like the “heir apparent” to The Meryl Streep and with all the hype around her over the past – like 3 years? Man’ so worth it! That speech in District eight was like – OMG! Give this girl another Oscar already!!!!

I’ve to wonder about Finnick though – he’s one of the secondary characters in the book who’s got a lengthy pagetime and here his character was like, bazzooom! It’s either they decided not to give Finnick an overly emotional focus  or the actor playing it (Sam Claflin) couldn’t really act to save his life – I’m almost leaning towards the latter because I didn’t really feel much from “his” Finnick impersonation but it could also be the material he has to work on. I loved his character in the book and felt like, he wasn’t there at all.

At first I didn’t really pictured Julianne Moore as President Alma Coin when she was announced to play the role but I thought she was amazing here. Her interaction with the late Philip Seymour Hoffman was a beautiful thing to watch. It’s really sad because it feels like we need to see more of him.

As a whole, I liked this film better than I expected if I’m being honest. I loved the more aggressive yet uber-vulnerable Katniss. The story was amplified by “enough” action sequences IMO and though, there were some changes I really think that director Francis Lawrence was able to deliver a very solid introduction to the conclusion of this franchise.

Rating: 8/10

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Review: For A Lost Soldier (1992)

Posted on October 12, 2014 | Leave a comment

(Spoiler Alert)

By May be found at the following website: http://www.geheugenvannederland.nl/?/nl/items/NAGO02:EYE-A32652, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44056341

For a Lost Soldier is a 1992 Dutch film based on the autobiographical novel by ballet dancer and choreographer Rudi van Dantzig. It tells a tender, quietly haunting story about the bond between Jeroen (Maarten Smit), a young boy from Amsterdam during World War II, and Walt (Andrew Kelley), a Canadian soldier who helped liberate the Nazi-occupied Netherlands.

When the Canadian troops arrive, Jeroen finds himself drawn to the young soldier. Walt, in turn, shows affection and interest in Jeroen, and their relationship gradually turns physical.

This is where the film enters more complicated—and at times uncomfortable—territory. Walt is clearly an adult, likely in his early twenties, while Jeroen is on the cusp of adolescence. It’s easy to view their relationship through a romanticized lens, especially as the film leans into nostalgia and longing. But there’s also an undeniable undercurrent of unease. Questions of consent, age, and power dynamics linger, and it’s hard to ignore the implications of what is, by today’s standards, statutory rape.

What I appreciated most about the film was its atmosphere and emotional resonance. The nostalgia Jeroen feels as he reflects on this chapter of his life is palpable. There’s a bittersweet ache in the way the story is told, and I found myself hoping, perhaps irrationally, for a reunion—sorry for the spoiler.

In the end, I was left wanting closure. But maybe that’s the point. Not every story has a neat or happy ending. Like the real-life Jeroen, we’re left yearning for a lost soldier who may never return.

Rating: 8 out of 10
Cast: Maarten Smit, Andrew Kelley
Director: Roeland Kerbosch

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Review: The Cure (1995)

Posted on October 11, 2014 | 2 comments

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

I was bawling after watching this film. I’m just like that – but only when the movie is sad and has a really good story. The Cure stars the late actor Brad Renfro and the very young fragile looking Joseph Mazzello. Dexter (Mazzello) is suffering from AIDS that he acquired through blood transfusion and his neighbor Erik (Renfro), a loner and into his adolescence befriends him that led to their journey in finding the cure for the young Dexter. Both have found someone to cling to in their young lives and they went into a short journey that made them entangled until after life.

This film is truly sad but endearing at the same time. There was ignorance about the disease but that did not drag the film. It didn’t talk much about AIDS but rather the personal and moral issues that was subtly masked thru simple lines and actuation of the people in the film. Annabella Sciorra who played the loving mother of Dexter was amazing! You’d really feel the pain that she was feeling as the mother who’s trying to make his son’s remaining days easier and happy. I know that there are similar cases like these in real life where young kids are affected not only through blood transfusion but also in different ways and that thought just adds additional heartache.

For some reason, the feeling that I had about this film reminds me when I watched The Boy Who Could Fly. There was this heartache I’m feeling for both young Dexter and Erik but there was also a sense of serenity because of the friendship they have imparted with the audience.

Rating: 9/10
Director: Peter Horton
Casts: Brad Renfro, Joseph Mazzello, Diana Scarwid, Annabella Sciorra
P.S
I found out that Brad Renfro died in 2008 and it makes it doubly sad for me. Gone too soon. Rest in Peace Erik.

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Review: There Be Dragons (2011)

Posted on July 13, 2014 | Leave a comment

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

One thing that I didn’t like about this film is that there are so many things happening in it. It was uninteresting at most parts and failed to deliver the theme at its maximum potential. The film focuses on forgiveness that inspects some aspect of life, its meaning and its purpose.

 Robert is a journalist writing a book and is trying to reconcile with his dying father whom he interviewed for his project and discovered that he had been a close friend of Josemaria Escriva, the founder of the Opus Dei movement. The story went deep as Robert learned about the dark past of his father, reluctantly sharing the stories to his son. The story takes place during the Spanish Civil War that seemed to topple what good potentials the film promised at the beginning. The production was good but it was lackluster in execution. It didn’t quite lived up to its promise of grandeur and even the extras having parts in the film were quite terrible!

 It was interesting to note that Charlie Cox who played Josemaria Escriva was quite impressive that you actually believe him and feel everything that he’s saying from his eyes. He was quite mesmerizing on the screen if I’m being honest.

 The rest of the cast were just miscast-ed or perhaps shown in such a way that are not as believable as Cox. The film would have been great if (in my opinion) Wes Bentley’s character, Manolo was played by another actor like Gael Garcia Bernal. I just don’t see enough conviction from him and even Dougray Scott who played Robert was a total disappointment.

I’m not really sure what pushes me to watch this film. It was quite interesting in its trailer but was a total disaster in its entirety. The film was okay for like the first few minutes but it went downhill up to the last part of it. Perhaps, I wasn’t feeling nice when I watched it.
Rating: 5 / 10
Director: Roland Joffe
Starring: Charlie Cox, Wes Bentley, Dougray Scott, Unax Ugalde, Olga Kurklenko, Rodrigo Santoro, Geraldine Chaplin, Golshiften Farahani
This film review was first posted at Pinoy Exchange. Read all my film reviews at Pinoy Exchange Official PEx Movie Reviews.

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Review: The Fault In Our Stars (2014)

Posted on June 4, 2014 | 2 comments

via impawards

via impawards

After raving so much about the book, it made me anxious and uber-excited anticipating the release of the film and I thank my lucky stars that I was able to score an invite for its advanced screening. Seriously, the wait was just about to kill me! The story is centered on sixteen-year-old cancer patient Hazel, who is forced by her parents to attend a support group, where she meets Augustus Waters, an ex-basketball player and amputee. From there, they were inseparable that even led to Augustus granting Hazel’s wish to meet the author of her favorite book, flying them both to Amsterdam.

I honestly didn’t set too many expectations prior to seeing this. I mean, the book was one of the best reads I’ve had recently and I didn’t want to spoil the whole experience if the movie didn’t live up to its promise. Fortunately, the movie didn’t disappoint. From the onset of the film, I was already grinning from ear to ear and midway through it until the end – I think I was one of the viewers bawling like a 12 year-old girl whose puppy just got kicked!

via pagetopremiere.com

via pagetopremiere.com

I just really love how effective and succinct Shailene Woodley as Hazel. This girl could pull you into a corner and just be in awe of her emotional depth. It’s amazing how she’s able to make you smile and feel giddy about her and Gus (Ansel Elgort). At the latter part of the film, I was with her crying. I feel her pain and I feel her resolve. She truly connects in such a way that everyone could easily relate to. Ansel on the other hand was dreamy as Augustus Waters. He’s got a really good chemistry with Shailene and I think everyone sighed heavily (wishing they were Hazel) during the swing scene and that oh-so-well-rehearsed dinner. It was almost too much but it’s still awe-worthy. Shailene and Ansel intricately worn the characters of Hazel and Augustus to life that it’s almost difficult to let any one of them go.

via rebloggy.com

via rebloggy.com

It was also nice to note that Josh Boone who directed the film and Scott Neustadter and Michael Weber who wrote the screenplay decided to be subtle about their approach on one of the characters fate. For someone who hasn’t read this John Green novel, it was a bit surprising and heartbreaking at the same time.

Another wonderful thing about this adaptation is the fact that it goes beyond its target audience much like the book. It’ll destroy your emotion but keeps you on the ride at the same time. The Fault In Our Stars has one solid story that will probably rival Noah and Allie on a different kind of level – bittersweet yet there is acceptance. It was magnified in such a way that it does not really revolved on two cancer patients but rather the romance, the young love and that heartfelt loss and acceptance that will forever be in their hearts.

#Okay

Director: Josh Boone
Based on the novel The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
Starring: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff, Laura Dern, Sam Trammell, Mike Birbiglia, Lotte Verbeek, Willem Dafoe, Emily Peachey

Rating: 9.5/10

Watch it nationwide on the big scree n on June 5, 2014.

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