Tag Archives: Film Review

Review: Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Posted on April 23, 2014 | Leave a comment

Brokeback Mountain

Set in the 60’s, the film takes us to the journey of Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger), two country boys hired to herd sheep through the summer at the Brokeback Mountain. There, they discovered some kind of connection that ultimately awaken something about themselves. As their lives goes on after their Brokeback Mountain stint, the two men realized that truly, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Over time, despite having individual families – they still see each other knowing that what they had is something that is far more important than any forces in their lives.

With the screenplay written by one of my favorite authors, (Larry McMurtry who wrote it along with Diana Ossana) my attachment with this film goes beyond being a fan of the story. The mood of the movie was as melancholic as its characters accompanied by its absolutely haunting musical score. The subtle approach of Ang Lee in delivering a controversial yet heavy emotional narrative allows its audience to weep with the character – such instance happen when the distraught Ennis Del Mar broke down while hugging Jack’s bloodied clothing. That for me was the highlight of the film. This film was short of a stunning portrayal of love loss and eternal questions of what-if. Ang Lee truly is a master of his craft.


Year: 2005
Genre: Drama
Rating: 9 out of 10
Director: Ang Lee
Starring: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Randy Quaid, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, Linda Cadellini, Anna Faris, David Harbour, Roberta Maxwell, Peter McRobbie, Kate Mara

via Pinoy Exchange 2014 Movie Challenge
30 Days Movie Challenge – Day 10: A movie of your favorite director (Ang Lee)

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Review: Nine Months (1995)

Posted on April 22, 2014 | 2 comments

Nine Months

Nine Months is the story of Samuel Faulkner (Hugh Grant,) a child psychologist who’s gotten her girlfriend (Julianne Moore) pregnant that turns his life into oblivion. Fearing the responsibility and the thought of raising a family, Sam gets advises from different people that led to one thing – he’s got to face the inevitable. Soon enough, he finally realized that it’s not just about him – but also his girlfriend, his child and the responsibility that comes with it. This was the first movie that I’ve seen from Hugh Grant and I was like less than ten then. Hugh Grant’s just extremely funny here and extremely charismatic as well. The story isn’t that much to chew on as it’s just clearly a flat out story but I guess the main selling point here is its actors. The actors esp Hugh Grant and Robin Williams are just hilarious. I guess, when the film makes you laugh – either the “good laugh” or the “ridiculous laugh” – there’s still a part of you that enjoys it. Nine Months was my childhood favorite, though not extremely good, watching it over and over – it takes me back to that place. If the movie ain’t worth a thing, I don’t think it would have that effect.

Year: 1995
Genre: Comedy
Rating: 6.5 out of 10
Director: Chris Columbus
Starring: Hugh Grant, Julianne Moore, Tom Arnold, Joan Cusack, Jeff Goldblum, Robin Williams

via Pinoy Exchange 2014 Movie Challenge
30 Days Movie Challenge – Day 6 Your favorite comedy film

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Review: Ruby Sparks (2012)

Posted on April 12, 2014 | 1 comment

Ruby Sparks

From Director Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris of Little Miss Sunshine comes Ruby Sparks that centers on once-famous novelist Calvin Weir-Fields (Paul Dano) and his struggles to come up with another novel worthy of talk. Advised by his therapist to find inspiration, Calvin created Ruby Sparks (Zoe Kazan,) his fictitious girlfriend who mysteriously came to life. With Ruby, Calvin changed both for the better and for the worst.

I love the thought of Ruby popping right up tp Calvin’s life ins’t mind-nagging at all. I mean, despite it’s impossibility, it still created a realistic narrative of the relationship between them.

Kazan who also wrote the screenplay was really good in this. She provided subdued and funny, also annoying moments that adequately complimented Dano’s sublime performance.

Overall, the film sparks enormous creativity, although boxed by an impossible premise, its persistent storyline consistently developed from start to finish.

Director: Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris

Cast: Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Annette Bening, Antonio Banderas, Steve Coogan, Elliott Gould, Chris Messina

Rating: 8/10

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Review: The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013)

Posted on February 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

Oscar Trophy - Specials

Based on Jordan Belfort’s memoir, The Wolf Of Wall Street adequately narrates Belfort’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) conquest in New York making it big in Wall Street at any cost. Adapted by Terence Winter who created  HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and have written in the award winning The Sopranos, Director Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio partnered once again as they introduced as to Belfort’s world encompassing his rich and lavish lifestyle that includes drugs, sex and anything that money can buy.

When I “personally” pointed out that Jennifer Lawrence was seemingly the heir apparent to Meryl Streep, I immediately thought of his male counterpart and I easily thought of Leo. He’s perfection for the role and his subtle charm and overflowing charisma easily translates into the screen. Truly Leonardo DiCaprio is one of a kind. Some critics said that he’s sometimes too rehearsed or too exaggerated but I beg to disagree, dear Sir and Ma’am. I thought he’s acting style is singular because he knows how to commit into a character. Jonah Hill (who played Donnie, Belfort’s neighbor) was such a delight as he explode here with his comedic timing like no other actor could do. A one of a kind performance as well that nagged him several acclaims since its run. Margot Robbie whom I thought looked ravishing was equally amazing as Naomi Belfort – she’s just so fun to watch!

I’ve to say though, that what truly stands out in this film aside from the three actors that I mentioned above was the perfect use of scoring and cinematography. Both enamored me into feeling that this truly was the 90’s.  The 90’s was my growing up years and it felt fluid and too reminiscent all throughout the film. That is what I call good direction.

This is yet another Scorsese’s masterpiece depicting a charming Leo as a hero who scammed millions of dollars from unsuspecting investors – which is basically what the film’s all about. Their partnership was truly a force in the industry. Leo knows what Marty wanted him to do in this film and both delivered exceptionally well. Leo’s truly a gem in film.

Leonardo, you are simply magnificent. (mimicking Marion Cottilard during her Oscar presentation to Kate Winslet. LOL)

Director: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, Jon Bernthal, Job Favreau, Jean Dujardin, Joanna Lumley, Cristin Milioti, Christine Ebersole, Shea Whigham, Katarina Cas, P.J. Byrne, Kenneth Choi, Brian Sacca, Henry Zebrowski, Ethan Suplee, Barry Rothbart, Jake Hoffman, Mackenzie Meehan, Spike Jonze, Bo Dietl

Rating: 9.5/10

*The Wolf Of Wall Street received five Academy Award nominations, including the Best Picture category.

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Review: Her (2013)

Posted on February 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

Her2013PosterHer without a doubt should be considered as a frontrunner for Best Original Screenplay for the Oscars. Its premise of falling inlove with a machine (an operating system) was a reminiscent and was very much like the obsession of Al Pacino’s character to Simone. This film however took a direction very different from the latter. The year was 2025 and Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), someone who writes under a company named beautifulhandwrittenletters. Theodore was in the brink of divorce with his wife Catherine (Rooney Mara) and was desperately in need of company until he met the OS which he named Samantha. Together, they talked about love and life with Theodore seeking love advise from Samantha (Scarlett Johansson) which eventually led to them falling in love with each other.

Now this seemed to be a bit out of order, yes? But you gotta remember that it’s the year 2025 and falling in love is yes – that simple. Funny thing is, since Sam’s a microchip the two cannot have sex – an indication that the relationship to work in the long run is impossible and there can’t be no physical human connection that could transpire.

I thought Joaquin Phoenix portrayal was very commendable for there was a feel of longing and sadness in his approach which so become him

The premise may not seemed original at all but it’s charming and has character. Director Spike Jonze delivered a passive yet arresting sequences of events that is both endearing and unique.

Director: Spike Jonze
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Pratt, Matt Letscher, Sam Jaeger, Luka Jones, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Spike Jonze, Portia Doubleday, Soko, Brian Cox

Rating: 8/10

*Her  received five Academy Award nominations, including the Best Picture category.

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Review: Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

Posted on February 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

Dallas_Buyers_Club_poster

The film stars Matthew McConaughey as Ron Woodroof, suffering from AIDS and tried a way to improve his health by taking unapproved pharmaceutical drugs and illegally smuggled them for his fellow AIDS patient. The Dallas Buyers Club was the buyer’s club that Woodroof established with the help of  unlikely partners which became highly successful amongst AIDS patients.

This film clad in the ever so colorful life of homosexuals and people affected by AIDS established a strong balance of fact and fiction during the years when the combat against the disease was still unrecognized and was ostracized by the society.

Prior to watching this, the buzz about McConaughey’s performance was already loud and clear that he’s set to head in this year’s Oscar with no other rivals to get in the way. After finally getting the chance to watch it, I have to believe it myself. McConaughey’s rendition here as the homophobic Texan who became the unlikely hero of the gay community was flawless – it’s like the male Sophie – luminescent, one of a kind and truly singular.

Jare Leto who played the pre-op transgender Rayon was equally exceptional providing tenderness to McConaughey’s obnoxious yet effective approach to Woodroof.

Dallas Buyers Club is a biopic that lends its ears and opens its heart to the audience especially to the ones suffering from the disease for it supplemented a straightforward approach and presented what’s really happening back then and even now which keeps people fighting for their rights and fighting for their lives.

Director: Jean-Marc Vallée
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto, Steve Zahn, Dallas Roberts, Michael O’Neill, Denis O’Hare, Griffin Dunne, John Tabler, Jane McNeil, James DuMont, Bradford Cox, Kevin Rankin, Lawrence Turner, Matthew Thompson, Adam Dunn, Scott Takeda, Deneen Tyler, Donna Duplantier

Rating: 7.5/10

*Dallas Buyers Club  received six Academy Award nominations, including the Best Picture category.

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Review: Captain Phillips (2013)

Posted on February 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

Captain Phillips chronicles the hijacking of the US container ship Maersk Alabama by a group of Somali Pirates. Led by Captain Richard Phillips, the film depicted his captivity and the instances that follows his release. Based on A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea by Richard Phillips himself, the film isn’t as simple as it seemed. There were moments in it that some scenes oddly seemed predictable but due to their intensity, it still gives you that staggering affect of thrill and terror.

Tom Hanks for one delivered a powerful portrayal of someone under the mercy of another man. His interaction with pirate leader Muse (Barkhad Abdi) provided the heart of the film. Scenes that feels human and stretch a keen observation of the difference between two cultures.

Newcomer Barkhad Abdi provided a beautiful acting performance here that deserves respect and accolades. There was a raw approach in it, perhaps because he’s new but whatever it was – he should always make use of it.

This was a well-made film for it adapted a real event with less dramatics but more focus. Tom Hanks yet again proved why he’s still here and Paul Greengrass should be proud of this one because it’s truly a gem to be cited by film reviewers and film makers in the future.

Director: Paul Greengrass
Starring: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Catherine Keener, Faysal Ahmed, David Washofsky, Corey Johnson, Chris Mulkey, Yuz Vazquez, Max Martini, Omar Berdouni

Rating: 8/10

*Captain Phillips received six Academy Award nominations, including the Best Picture category.

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Review: Gravity (2013)

Posted on February 20, 2014 | Leave a comment
via wikipedia

via wikipedia

During the film’s theatrical showing here in Manila last year, the film initially garnered mixed reactions from the audience. Some people totally loved it and some peeps are just plain disappointed. Now, re-watching the film, I find myself still enamored with the whole idea of Afonso Cuaron’s baby.

Gravity is a space thriller that allows us to travel into space and be trapped in it. Yes, along with Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney,) we the audience went to our first shuttle mission with Kowalsky as our guide and advisor. But you see, Kowalsky couldn’t save us as we’re all running out of oxygen and we’ve little chances of survival to begin with. Much to our disappointment, we aren’t even trained to do this unlike the two! Great! Just fucking great!!

You see, Stone was a medical engineer who’s been training at NASA with Kowalsky supervising her. Now, the good thing is, like us – this was her first mission as well. But due to some stupid crew from some space station I wouldn’t even mention, we’re screwed! Their nasty debris went to our direction and we’re left floating around the space hanging rather floating for our dear life. Oh and thanks to you Ed Harris – thinking of Apollo 13 made me even squirmed! Let’s switch places here please! This is our doom!

Now, Stone’s just being overly dramatic. No don’t move Stone. You’re still good. Save the oxygen pretty please. I love it that I couldn’t exactly guess what you are thinking now since I can see everything in your face alone! That is what I call great skill! Keep that up Stoney!

Oh shoot! Watch out you guys! Damn! Fuck! What the fuck was that?!!!! Run, I mean, hover or float or whatever! Watch out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, there’s the long awkward silence again.

I’m suffocating now, I mean’s where’s the sun and why is it all dark? Yes, Stone – I told you! You are not to say a single word! You’re only allowed one word per eight minutes! Yup, okay. You’re doing great  just now! Let’s keep this up. And Kowalsky, you’re the man. You know it.

Silence…

Silence…

And that my friend was the effect of watching the film,– Cuaron took us to a place where we are with the characters. It’s a spectacular creation from a genius imagination with the help of some technical whiz kids. Now, I can’t tell you enough how much I totally enjoyed watching this film. It’s literally mind boggling – in a sense that this couldn’t possibly be that good. I mean, how did Cuaron made this one??

Silence…

I’m just speechless.

Rating: 10 / 10

Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney

*The film is nominated for 10 Academy Awards including  Best Actress, Best Director and Best Picture to name a few

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Review: 12 Years A Slave (2013)

Posted on February 19, 2014 | Leave a comment
via wikipedia

via wikipedia

Adapted from Solomon Northup’s autobiography, 12 Years A Slave chronicles the enduring and most of the time painful memory of Northup’s life into slavery. Born as a freeman, Northup was abducted and was sold as a slave from master to master and eventually grasping the freedom he never thought would come.

Prior to watching the film, I already have a preconceived idea about what’s it going to be. Not a clear one but almost a foreshadowing on how this would turn out – sold into slavery then the lead fought for freedom and that’s it. I was wrong though – blatantly  wrong.

12 Years A Slave may very well be the best movie of all time to capture the heart and soul of that nasty memory of human history where slavery and racial inequality was the most prevalent thing in the world that it’s almost dreamy.  Director Steve McQueen did not back down on letting us see the almost physical and psychological trauma that will engulf his audience. I for one felt a bit uncomfortable watching some of the scenes especially that scene when Patsey (Lupita Nyong’o,) a fellow slave was stripped, tied to a post and was whipped by Solomon (Chiwetel Ejiofor) himself and his second master Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender.) It was just heartbreaking and totally painful to watch.

 Now, speaking of the three, they all provided the right synergy to connect with their audience. Lupita Nyong’o delivered an almost innocent and flawless performance that I find myself overwhelmed by it. Michael Fassbender, the sadistic and drunk second master of Solomon was perfection here! He provided that lethal feel to the character yet at some point, you’d also feel for him.

Chiwetel Ejiofor on the other hand was almost numb to what’s happening with his character that his Solomon was flowing through him. He is him. Ejiofor was translucent and targeted his audience with those eyes – haunting eyes, blaming, begging, piercing eyes. This was a performance so powerful it will break you.

As an afterthought, the film was consistent in providing a drastic storyline that encompasses Solomon’s life to the point that it’s almost nonsensical to ask for more. It was sentimental, yes, but it provides authority. Sure, it’s a total Oscar bait but it’s all worth it. It was a film that is worthy of talk and worthy of endurance amongst all the films to come in later years.

Rating: 9.5 / 10

Director: Steve McQueen
Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o, Sarah Paulson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt, Paul Dano, Adepero Oduye, Paul Giamatti, Alfre Woodard

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Review: American Hustle (2013)

Posted on February 18, 2014 | Leave a comment

Oscar Trophy - Specials

American Hustle is one of those movies last year that talks about ripping people off, scamming and all that is seemingly conniving. Don’t get the wrong idea though, David O’Russell created this film with an ensemble so strong that they almost overpowered the film’s plot and each character made a stirring narrative that resulted to a film so flawlessly acted and smoothly executed.

via impawards

via impawards

Take for one the ever so versatile Christian Bale who made himself yet again, bigger and had to double the weight of his character from his equally stunning performance in The Fighter. Bale plays the part of Irving Rosenfeld, a con-man who partnered with Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams,) a very beautiful con-artist herself and was forced to work under an FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) to crack down politicians involved in the “Abscam Scandal” during the late eighties. Bale was, in my opinion at his best here with a charm so enigmatic you can’t help but applaud him secretly. That was also the case with Amy Adams who delivered a riveting and a straight A performance that supplemented Bale more angst and acuity in his role.

via movies.yahoo.com

via movies.yahoo.com

But you have to understand that this was not the case of prioritizing the leading roles. Nope, it’s not. Jennifer Lawrence who played Rosalyn, the chain-smoking better half of Rosenfeld explicitly pops up at every scene she’s in like she’s the boss. Lawrence could very well be the “heir apparent” on the throne held by La Streep. She’s just untouchable here and at any given year, she could easily win an Oscar even besting her Best Actress winning performance in Silver Linings Playbook. And then we have Bradley Cooper who wouldn’t let go and will prove his acting prowess over and over again. I never thought that Cooper could easily win me over a role so straight-up that he disappeared from it.

Now this is what’s a bit troubling about the film. It felt a bit contrive in a sense that it took some time to appreciate the story more than its characters. It’s a fine one though, a very fine one for that matter. I wouldn’t have much interest in it to begin with had it not starred Bale and Adams but for what it’s worth – the film was an affirmation of Russell’s attention to details and focus to what gives the movie a heart. It has a heart that moves people, a beating one that mobilize them and one that has its own mind.

Rating: 8.5 / 10

Director: David O. Russell
Starring Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner, Louis C.K

Nominated for 10 Oscars Category including Best Picture, Best Director, All the acting category and technical awards. (source)

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