10000 Hours Review

I honestly taught 10,000 Hours was referenced on Ping Lacson's work ethic and how he became a top class public enforcer. You know, like the Malcolm Gladwell theory. As it turned out, it was loosely based on the former senator's life while in hiding following a warrant of arrest for the murder of Bobby Dacer and his driver Manuel Corbito. In the movie, Senator Gabriel Molino Alcaraz (Robin Padilla) finds himself running from authorities as he is about to expose a massive corruption in the government. Yep, just like what you see in the news.

Before Alcaraz even gets to the Philippine senate, he gives an impression that he somehow expected that some high ranking officials are after him, evidenced by how he knowingly gave subtle signals to his wife (Mylene Dizon). With this, you'd think that he's prepared for anything, including a planned escape. Oddly, though, he's about as clueless as the viewers as who or how the help came. Enter Maya Limchauco (Bella Padilla), an aggressive news reporter who's knack for getting a scoop would inspire even real-life reporters. Having watched too little local television, it's so refreshing to see a beautiful TV celebrity who can do much more than use sexual innuendos. Thumbs up for Bella's acting prowess.

The film drags a bit as Gabriel settles to a new life in Amsterdam. Aided by Carla Humphries' mysterious personality, he searches for a man from his past (Pen Medina). Back home, his family suffers the consequences of his absence. The relevance of each character falls into place when the story of a kidnapping rescue way back when Alcaraz was still serving as a field agent is revealed.

Overall, the casts, even the ones with minor roles, have played their part well. There were some scenes that looked amateurish but the coherence of the story is solid. The twist in the end, while not original, is passable. Compared to other local films being produced 10,000 Hours is arguably one of the best. If you're tired of the Philippine brand of comedy and romance, 10,000 Hours is a good movie to start believing in locally produced films again.

It's More Fun (Being a Mistress) in the Philippines

Yes. It's official. Forbidden affairs are the new cool thing. Just ask our local producers. It seems it's the only genre they care to release these days. And why not? People are lining up in the cinemas like they haven't watched a movie like this before. 

Only the characters change, but the story is essentially the same. Hunky Guy (insert hot male celebrity here) is committed to a fragile woman (insert young beautiful celebrity name) who happens to be so boring that his guy would resort to adultery given a chance. Of course that chance comes with a scorching hot lady (insert FHM cover girl here). Hot lady only has to show subtle hints because the guy is totally game on having an affair, and well, she's really really hot that no one will dare say no to her. 

So they start an affair. Hot lady is satisfied in getting hunky guy on hook at first. Later on, she realizes that she's falling madly in love that she's prepared to ruin her already wretched life for him. Hunky guy is happy of the ego boost.  Keeping the dirty secret from his wife thrills him. When fragile woman eventually finds out, she'll be a different character from the first time we saw her. She will either vent her anger on hunky guy or hunt the hot lady to retaliate. Or both. 

Since fragile woman is a symbol of decency and class she will not want to humiliate herself and go ballistics in public. Instead, she will throw pointed remarks to hot girl like "The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Pero sa ganda mong iyan, siguradong marami kang alam na shortcuts". Proving that she actually knows other things other than spreading her legs, hot lady will also say something clever, "You can call me anything you want: a snake, a bitch, an other woman. But I will never be a pathetic, boring housewife." 

Boom.

Filmmaker Joey Reyes made excellent points in his blog on how mistresses have evolved on screen. 

Twenty-first century mistresses justify their fallen status because "they are confused" or "they are in dire need of love" or worse ... "they did this out of need."

No longer will we see them nasty and mean out to steal someone else's man. Mistresses have become classy and elegant, who just happened to fall in love. Sadly, people are interpreting this in a bad light. They actually think that the mistress was the victim and some would even go far as to rooting for her because her love is worth fighting for. Wrong. 

Love has nothing to do here. It's having the decency and the respect not only for the other people, but to yourself. Would you be happy living the rest of your life knowing you just stole someone's partner like a candy in a toy store? And who's to say you're not going to commit the same deed when another opportunity to screw someone comes up? 

There's a part of the story they never tell you in movies. It doesn't end when the affair is over, because their lives are forever changed. They will continue to be haunted by the sad tragic mess they got themselves into. Wounds may heal, but scars will remain.

The Expendables 2 Review

I'm not sure if the old dogs of Hollywood actions films are trying to make a statement for the cheap stunts being produced which seemed a step back even if digitally enhanced. Could also be that they're trying to revive their long gone careers. The movie is full of big names and action heroes, albeit the past generation. But hey, how often do you usually see Arnold and Bruce and Sylvester and Jean Claude all in one frame? Oh did I forget to mention the legend that goes by the name of Chuck Norris? Yeah he's there too.

The taller lead guy from The Hunger Games Liam Hemsworth is also there. I suspect he was casted to provide much needed girl fans' support. As you may already figure, this movie is filled with so much testosterone that a guy can easily punch another guy in the face and get a thank you for it. There's blood, guns and violence, but if you're looking for sex, there ain't any. And that's a compliment, I think. I haven't watched a single Hollywood action movie without an eye-popping girl who's sexually assaulted (usually by the male lead). Except for Bruce Lee films of course.

The story is about...who am I kidding. Who cares about the story? As long as there is chaos, gory scenes and people killing each other we will be entertained. If I wanted a decent story I would have watched Katy Perry. Oh wait we're talking about movies here. My bad.

One singular thing worthy of note is the mystifying presence of Chuck Norris. Every time he appears on the screen people are both awestruck and feverishly trying to suppress their grin. Because they know everyone is at his mercy. I tell you this man is a legend. Only he can walk around guns ablaze unschathed.

Even 911 calls Chuck Norris for help when they have an emergency. 

Bourne Legacy Review

The Bourne Legacy is the fourth installment in the film franchise previously starred by Matt Damon. The movie takes off after Matt Damon declines to take on a fourth film the CIA decides to dispose of their black ops programs and all its agents in the wake of Jason Bourne's dismemberment. Jeremy Renner plays Jason Bourne Aaron Cross, a spy agent running for his life because he knows too much. There was a lot of talking and explanations on the first part, and the name Jason Bourne is repeatedly mentioned to remind us that we are watching a Bourne film. Then a doctor gets crazy and kills everyone except Rachel Weisz' character Marta Shearing. I initially taught the killer intentionally left her alive for good reason other than to let her reunite with Aaron Cross whom she got acquainted with during medical tests. Apparently, it doesn't matter because the incident was never crucial to the whole story. 

Aaron Cross then saves Martha when she's being chased dead because he wanted to know where his enhancement drugs are. That lead them to the Philippines where most of the action scenes were shot. On a granular level the scenes were a spectacle, but it was dizzying trying to follow down all the camera shifts and turns from one frame to the next. I actually taught the creativity was wasted because of the fast phase. 

Jeremy Renner is a good actor, and he can do some serious stunts. But one thing I hated about his character is he was so inclined to run away instead of fighting everyone that gets his way. Sure he landed some punches to random agents, guards and policemen, but there was no real combat action where he was seriously challenged. Instead of fighting he chose to run away. To treat Rachel Weisz a grand vacation in Palawan.

Is this a Bourne movie? No. A spy-agent movie perhaps, but not Bourne. If they hadn't referenced it to the previous franchise I wouldn't have made the connection. Will there be a next Bourne movie? Depends on people's reception for this one. The story is open-ended leaving us scratching our heads, but there are so many possibilities they can explore, assuming of course that people want to see it. Is this movie worthy enough to watch? If you just want to see the Philippines in a hollywood movie, this is probably the longest exposure you can get. 

Just don't expect to see Jason Bourne in it.

The Avengers Review

With all the hype and build up leading to this ultimate union the mere idea of seeing big name superheroes on one screen is highly appealing even for noncomics fans. It actually helped that the movie has a decent and acceptable storyline. With 6 superheroes teaming up (Nick Fury is arguable) it seemed the only real question is who will eventually kick the enemy’s ass. But the same heroes have one bigger problem to deal with for them to remotely act as one team – their own egos.

Personally the only clash I expected was between Ironman and Captain America given their history. Well that one never happened. It was Stark and Rogers that was on each other’s nerve almost all throughout. In hindsight it is a bad idea because Captain A is surely out of Ironman’s league in terms of firepower.

The fight scenes between Thor and Ironman is a pleasant surprise with perhaps the funniest line when Ironman referenced Thor as “Shakespeare in the park”. Bruce Banner’s anger problems were very well played, giving an impression that he’ll be on total rampage when he unleashes “the other guy”. He and Thor also face off for a battle of strength. Meanwhile, Hawkeye is under Loki’s spell so he’ll also get screentime fighting the ever gorgeous Black Widow.

The biggest concern from critics is how they’ll manage time with all the big names in the movie. Ironman/Tony Stark had great moments with his battle scenes and sarcastic/taunting lines. With the only enemy coming from Asgard you’d expect Thor will get alot of screentime, but not to the point of overshadowing the others. Captain America/Steve Rogers got an early start on fighting and capturing Loki, and was visible all throughout with his trash talks with Stark. Hawkeye got to show off his talents because he’s on the enemy’s side and was in turn got his butt kicked by Black Widow. The coolest thing that happened is I actually got to like The Hulk. Though he doesn’t talk much he sure as hell can smash and his actions speaks volumes. The climax battle in the heart of New York City will satisfy your imagination with amazing camera shots, making sure you are in the thick of every battle of every heroes.

With past disappointments from comics-turned-movies you’d be forgiven if you somehow lowered your expectations, but it’s a guarantee you’ll love this film. The Avengers delivered what we expected, and arguably gave us a lot more. If you’re a true comics fan no amount of negative review will make you not watch a movie this big. But for noncomics fans who just want to be entertained, The Avengers will surely give you value for your money.

“I’m a huge fan of the way you lose control and turn into an enormous green rage monster.” – Tony Stark

Step Up Revolution Review

I want to start this review by first setting expectations. The movie franchise is about dancing so don't be surprised if you won't see award-winning acting performances. The dancers have to act to weave a story together, and embed a dance routine that will go well with the plot. I am skeptical to watch a dance movie because I don't really dance, but then again I don't really act but it doesn't stop me for watching movies altogether.

There is a feeling of excitement at the start of the movie when they're setting up to perform their  first dance as "the mob". What were they doing? Why does the coconut vendor have a camera? Who is the delinquent looking guy? How will they dance in that congested area? And why are all the girls in bikinis?

The dance routine turned out to be good. I actually find every performance to be creative. The best part is they're not dancing to win a competition. Well technically they are because they wanted to win a sponsor or something by getting viral on the internet. But they are not in a dance battle and that is good! I find it lame anytime a story revolves around winning a tournament where there are two competing sides and the main cast would win mainly because the other group is incompetent on purpose. 

The dance routines get better from there, or to be more precise, much grand. I liked the dance in the museum and when they were in a corporate attire, but the dance in the "slums" felt bigger  and had more impact than all the rest combined. I just wished the last dance between the two leads didn't ruin the vibe. But hey Kathryn McCormick is flaming hot in there so it's tolerable. 

Overall it was entertaining and the story surprisingly holds together. Although even an average third grader can guess what happens next, we all know we watched it for the dance right? If you are looking for serious acting or can't appreciate even a simple dance step, you're insane to even think of watching this film. It was all about the dance, everything else you find good is a plus.

One burning question though. Can't they think of anything else to call their group other than "The Mob"?

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Review

Watching a movie a second time has its merits. You know the pace it is going and you'll know what to expect. I have been planning to watch LotR: the Two Towers again for some time now but it was only recently that I got the time (it's three hours long!).


The movie kicks off when Aragorn searches for the two lesser known hobbits Merry and Pippin after they were kidnapped by Saruman's army. I'm  not certain what was the intention of the orcs (or whatever those creatures are called) for not killing them except that the two hobbits have big roles to play in winning against Saruman's army. In short, the orcs didn't kill the hobbits so the hobbits can kill the orcs later. 


Meanwhile Frodo and Sam crosses path with gollum, who will offer to help them in their quest. Sam distrusts him, but Frodo pities him and the lead cast always get the last say. Shifting from being gollum/smeagol, he guides the hobbits to the gates of mount doom. I have closely watched gollum ever since I found out he was not purely animated. Andy Serkis acted and played the character well, with the help of CGI of course.


Fight sequences dominated much of the film. Legolas seems a bit too showy at times, but I could still appreciate how he skates away to kill enemies or roll around and over a horse before riding it. Gimli is a bit short of being funny, and i'm not referencing to him as a dwarf. Aragorn shows some flashes of leadership and dominance. Gandalf is very wizard-like - Falls off an abyss and apparently not dead, scares off his own companions and comes in late for battle but not really too late to save the day.


Overall I still enjoyed the movie, probably because I'm doing something else while watching it. I doubt I would have more fun if I was fully absorbed in it. Still, it was a good way to spend your time if you have so much. 

What are we holding onto, Sam? 

That there's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo... and it's worth fighting for. 

The Dark Knight Rises Review

For someone who didn't actually see the first two films, I was excited for the last installment of this epic (or so they say) saga of batman. Much of it is well, because it's a Christopher Nolan movie. Ever since I watched Inception, I was made aware of Nolan's brilliant storytelling ability. He has developed a reputation of keeping viewers glued to the screen and thinking on their seats. 

The Dark Knight Rises begins eight years after Bruce Wayne's self-imposed exile from taking the blame on Harvey Dent's death, making him a fugitive. He'll be forced to put on the cape and mask again when Gotham City is threatened to be destructed by Bane. For non-comics fans,  Bane may not be the most popular adversary, but he gets the job done. He looked physically stronger than Batman so it should be an interesting matchup.

Much of the first part of the film were heavily referenced on the previous films. Though I was not totally lost, I admit I would have enjoyed the movie more had I known what the hell they were talking about. There were moments when it became a bit dragging and I actually had to ask myself if this was a Christopher Nolan film I am watching. For some reason I expected some grand twist to happen. I waited and waited, got bored, and waited again. And then there were guns and explosions. That's when you know an action-fantasy movie hits its climax. I was ready to give up and come to a realization that I expected too much. And then it happened.

Amidst all the commotion, Nolan managed to pull it off. It wasn't as brilliant as his other films, but it was enough to satisfy me as a viewer. There was never an indication throughout the entire film that something like that was about to  happen, and the surprise it created was truly refreshing. It kept everyone in the audience glued for what's more to come. 

At the end of the film people would probably wonder, is Bruce Wayne dead? The movie would like us to believe that he is not, but I personally want him smothered into ashes because I don't want to know how he miraculously survived in the next movie. Let this trilogy end in a high note and get the recognition it had earned. Let it go down in history as the most entertaining batman series ever made.

A hero can be anyone. Even a man doing something as simple and reassuring as putting a coat around a little boy's shoulders to let him know that the world hadn't ended. - Batman

Overrated

So it's that time of the year again where girls drag their partner to watch an overrated movie they're pretty sure they won't like. But for the sake of a long and arduous argument, the guy gives in. Surely, a guy would naturally not object to her girl just to avoid this scenario:

Girl: Why don't you watch this movie with me?
Boy: Because I find it lame and a wast-(he is quickly cut short.)
Girl: No, maybe you don't love me anymore...
Boy: But I do love y--
Girl: Surely you'll going to watch it with someone else.. is that it
Boy: No cupcake (or some random corny term of endearment), where did you ever get that idea?
Girl: then why don't you want to watch it with me?huhuhu
Boy: It's not that I don't want to watch it with you, I just don't like to watch...
Girl: Huhuhu...
Boy: Oh please, don't be unreasonable.
Girl: Huhuhu...so now i'm the one who's unreasonable?ahuhuhu
Boy: Hey would you please stop crying? stop it...
(Girl cries louder)
Boy: (Consoles girl in vain, then says hesitantly) All right...i'll watch the movie with you...
And girl hugs boy triumphantly.

So in the end they'll watch the movie together.

Time and again there have been movies that are supposedly 'potential blockbusters' that people tend to line up for it come opening day. Never mind that it isn't really good, or not even entertaining, but if a friend of a friend of a family of a friend tells you to watch this so and so movie, chances are you'll really watch it. Imagine having a media hype for a movie? It would be a surefire blockbuster even before its playdate.

Kung Fu Panda

Kung Fu Panda

(isinaboses ng maraming artista)

Likha ng mga walang magawa sa Hollywood, naisip nilang gawing martial arts expert ang isang tamad na hayop na kadalasan ay makikita mong may bitbit na kawayan. Hindi ko alam kung hilig lang talaga ng mga panda na magpapiktyur kasama ang kawayan o sadya lang talagang matakaw sila at di nila magawang tumigil sa pagngata.

Kung pareho lang tayo ng alam tungkol sa mga panda, puwes tama lang na panoorin mo ito. Ihanda mo ang sarili mo na magpabola sa pelikulang ito. Matututunan mo na ang panda pala ay mahilig din sa noodles at ramen. Likas sa kanila ang pagiging madaldal, bukod sa pamimilosopo sa kapwa hayop. Ayos! Isang witty na panda – may character! XD

Ang kwento: isang tigreng pinangalanang Tai long ang nagbabalak na pagharian ang sangkahayupan. Gagawin nya ito dahil bad trip sya sa dati nyang master na si Shi Fu (mukhang daga pero mas sosyal ang hitsura) dahil hindi nito kinilala ang kanyang husay sa martial arts. Dito papasok ang pangangailangan sa istorya ng isang super hero (take note, dapat isa lang) na magtatanggol sa lahat. Siyempre sino pa ang gaganap na bida kundi ang panda.

Ang panda na si Po ay likas na ambisyoso kaya iniisip niyang pwede syang matuto ng martial arts. Dahil boring ang kwento kung walang kokontra, papasok sa eksena ang limang magigiting na legendary warriors. Mistulan silang mga taga oposisyon na pilit na pinapabagsak ang hebigat na si Po. Sa huli, matututunan din nilang tanggapin at kilalanin ang angking kakayahan ni Po kahit na ito’y kaplastikan lang. XD

Sa paghaharap nina Po at Tai Long madidiskubre na ang makapangyarihang scroll na magtuturo sa lihim na teknik sa martial arts, ay wala palang laman. Dito lalong mababadtrip si Tai Long dahil hindi kinaya ng mababa niyang IQ ang nais iparating ng blangkong papel (maniwala ka, may nais iparating ang blangkong papel!). At Dahil kasing taba ni Po ang kanyang utak ay madidiskubre nya at mabibigkas ang binitiwang salita ng amang gansa; “There are no secret ingredients”, na tumutukoy kung bakit masarap ang paninda nilang noodles. Sa palliwanag ng amang gansa (oo, gansa ang ama ni Po), hindi mo na kailangan ng espesyal na sangkap upang mapasarap ang noodles, ang paniniwala ng iba na ito’y may espesyal na sangkap ay sapat na upang ito ay mapasarap. Kailangan mo lang maniwala.

Marahil hindi ko papanoorin ang pelikulang ito kung hindi dahil sa kadate ko, kaya naman nagpapasalamat ako sa kanya. Ngunit higit akong nagpapasalamat sa pelikula dahil nakasama ko sya.XD Kung may mali man sa pagkakaintindi ko sa pelikula ay dahil abala akong nagiisip kung paano magiging cool sa harap ng kadate.

Sa kabuuan, sadyang nakakaaliw ang pelikula. Kasiya-siyang pagmasdan ang mga fight scene at training ng panda, pati na ang pabalang nyang sagot sa mga kausap. Idagdag pa na naririnig mo ang tinig ng iyong kadate habang mahinhin syang tumatawa, Hay sarap!! XD