Happy Hunger Games!

I am stoked! As you can see, I reserved tickets already for Friday night to watch THE movie event of the year, The Hunger Games. Indeed, the world will be watching. I erased certain parts coz you know, someone might claim it before I do (LOL). I can’t contain the excitement I’m feeling now and I am ecstatic about the 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (15 reviews) which really says a lot. But to anyone who will be able to watch earlier, since the movie will start screening Wednesday night (21st), I can’t tell you how jealous I am. Still, it’s great I was able to get reservations coz they are selling like hotcakes!

If you search my blog, you will know I am a huge fan of the novels having read the first book around August of 2010 and then gobbled the series soon after. When the trailer first came out, I can’t explain it. You know that feeling when a novel you loved is turned into a visual piece and they exceeded what you’ve imagined it would be? That’s exactly how I felt. I wanna see Katniss, Peeta, Gale, Haymitch, Prim, all the tributes, Cinna, Effie in big screen action! I wanna see the Capitol, Districts, the food, muttations, jabberjays, tracker jackers and most of all, the blood! (hehe)

With that I leave you with this countdown – goosebumps!

One Day of Crazy Stupid Love

Two movies I saw recently that I absolutely loved. Here’s a back to back look on both films. Enjoy!

One Day was an interesting watch for me. I loved its simplicity and the story is out of the ordinary. Let’s set aside first that i-don’t-understand-why-she-had-to-die-tragically ending and you have a tale seldom portrayed in the media: that of a man and a woman as best friends. Of course in this film the term “best friend” evolves into a romantic status but really, it’s what best describes their relationship. Yup, even better than soulmates. I was fascinated by how these two people, Dexter and Emma, had the emotional connection and yet didn’t get involved until after several failed relationships and even a divorce. Maybe it was Emma’s odd ways and naïve demeanor but after the initial sex hold up they decided to be each other’s confidant. And true enough, that’s what happened. It was certainly an unusual arrangement. Dexter goes on dating girls, living the privileged life and Emma focused on her career but is always there to support him and silently loving him. It’s wonderful at the same time frustrating to see how the 2 characters grow and make wrong decisions as you see their state every July 15 for 20 years. Anne Hathaway always delivers; it’s not even a question anymore if she’s in it you got to watch it. She’s an actress you’ll love not only for her persona but for her body of work. Jim Sturgess was, can I just say, so charming and is one fine English lad! (haha) I didn’t mind all the nakedness going on. Well, his role is supposed to be that way but you believe him in every scene and feel his pain. The ending of course left a big “WHY?!” on my forehead. I didn’t get it – I still don’t. But life’s not fair yada yada yada and all that shit. So I guess you just have to accept that’s what happened. My only wish is that at least they could’ve had a child together so he wouldn’t be so alone. His daughter with his ex-wife somehow doesn’t suffice. Anyways, leaving the theatre your heart feels heavy but more importantly you also feel hope that may be there is someone out there for you. The film is directed by Lone Scherfig (An Education) and is actually based on a novel of the same name.

Crazy Stupid Love is just that but in a good way. It makes you question love but all the while reinforces your belief in it. It’s everything a romantic comedy should be: smart, witty, outrageous and loveable. I can’t run out of words to describe it! It was sweet, endearing, heartbreaking, sad but ultimately it makes you feel good. Come on, how can you go wrong with Steve Carrell? I honestly think, IMHO, he’s the funniest out there. I’m in love with Emma Stone! She is “IT” – whatever that means. I can’t wait to see her on The Amazing Spider-man. Going back, Ryan Gosling reminded me of his portrayal in The Notebook in the sense that you root for him and it didn’t hurt that he was hot as hell in the movie. The scenes between him and Carrell were funny and how the roles switched towards the end was comical. I appreciated how directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa depicted different types of love. There’s the first love, the forbidden love, the love lost only to be found again and the love that changes everything. The major twist caught me off guard! How all these people were interconnected was a shock. And the supporting cast is not to be taken lightly. You have Kevin Bacon, Julianne Moore and Marisa Tomei even Analeigh Tipton (the nanny) and Jonah Bobo (the son) requires a special mention. I loved the movie and I think everyone else did too.

Eugene Domingo IS Eugene Domingo

I swear she is one hell of a comedian and actress! Fresh from watching Ang Babae sa Septic Tank the other night, I can’t help but grin every time I remember a scene. A movie about an indie director and producer filming a story about a family in the slums wherein the mother (Mila) was forced to sell her kid for money. They needed someone to play Mila and that’s where Uge comes in. I feel guilty sniggering about the situation because these things do happen in real life and it’s no joke but Director Marlon Rivera managed to give it a spin. Uge’s brand of comedy: undeniable. Her timing: spot on. And her performance: award-winning. Evidently, the movie garnered awards from the Cinemalaya. Kean Cipriano and JM De Guzman, though odd choices, held their own – I was actually surprised they can act. They were believable as the 2 aspiring filmmakers. I had a laugh with the ‘expresso’ guy too. What a douche! You have no idea how many people are like that in Facebook. The musical portion was entertaining as well as the discussion whether Cherry Pie Picache and some actress were better fit for the role. (haha) I was doubtful when the movie started but once Uge (as herself) came to the picture it was a full-on riot. It’s like that scene in Kimmy Dora where Dora pretended to be her sister. Also I learned a thing or two about filmmaking. The end was side-splitting, so do watch out for that. All in all, the movie feels a little cut short but the second half is truly worth the build up. A must-see, I missed laughing like that in the cinemas.

With heavy heart I give you my last Harry Potter review

And to my dismay I can’t grasp why this is also my first. I searched my blog’s archive and I was surprised to find out that I have not written a single review about any of the movies or books. All my HP related entries were mainly promotions for the movies. In this case I will pour out everything into this one post. As some of you may have, I came to know Harry Potter through the first film, Sorcerer’s Stone in 2001. I was in high school back then and I can still remember how the fascination for this cute, wide-eyed, bespectacled, wizard boy with a lightning scar on his forehead exploded; I’m telling you most of my classmates’ notebooks were covered with cut-out pictures of him and even had posters on their bedroom walls. That time I wasn’t particularly interested, eventually I got more curious when Chamber of Secrets premiered but still I regarded it as children stuff. I knew then there were books from which they were based upon but it wasn’t until Prisoner of Azakaban in 2004 (one of the best both in movie and novel aspects) where I really started following and got the urge to read the novels. But being a late-bloomer when it comes to reading (in everything more like it) and by that I mean it wasn’t until 2008 where I picked up my first novel (Twilight) and since then regularly visited bookshops and carried with me a book almost everywhere I go. Going back, this was when Sirius Black came into the picture and the theme got evidently dark. I especially enjoyed the “time-turner” portion of the story. I wished then that Hogwarts was real and somehow a Hagrid-like character would barge in one day at our house to tell me that I was a wizard and that I didn’t belong in the muggle world (hehe). Then Goblet of Fire came and I was a huge fan already. I was eagerly anticipating its release and if I remember it right I even watched on the first screening. I loved the idea that there were other magic schools and the Tri-wizard tournament was the highlight of that year. 2007 brought along Order of the Phoenix and I was obsessed; I knew all the characters, memorized the spells/magical objects, cheered on Quidditch – to think I still haven’t read the books. This was when the rebellion went in full swing and things started heating up. Suddenly it wasn’t so much about school since You-Know-Who was back.

And then it was time, I finally got the novels. It’s a bit weird since I bought first the last 4 books. The reason was I couldn’t find a hardbound copy of the first one – yes it had to be in hard cover and besides I don’t think my pocket can handle buying all at once  . So I decided since I wanted to finish up to the last book before the last of the movie installments come out. That was when I realized how the books are so much more intricate and amazing and magical – yes that’s the word, magical. It truly is. You might say, “Well that’s because they’re wizards moron”. But it’s not so much because they have wands and can conjure spells or that they use owls to send out mails and fly on brooms but more of how the world was created and thought of; how it all came together and laid out. I am astonished on how the idea of this boy came to Rowling while riding a train to London. By the time Half-blood Prince was in cinemas I gobbled up the entire set including the first 3. Dumbledore died in this chapter of the series and his past was uncovered. Indeed, a chaotic time in the wizarding world. It was my first time to watch with the story in mind so normally I had moments where I said, “hey, that’s not how it happened” or “that wasn’t in the book”. Overall it was still a good interpretation. Generally, the books are usually superior but over the years the Harry Potter movies were some of the best adaptations from a literary work. The tweaks in the story here and there are necessary to properly translate it into a visual piece, smooth out the narration and of course, fit it into roughly more than 2 hours of screening time.

The epic finale was divided into two parts and it is a warranted decision for the producers because there is no way it could fit into one; so much would’ve been compromised. Although the Deathly Hallows novel was introduced in 2007, you still have something to look forward to that’s why I couldn’t believe it was truly the end when both installments came out. Reading it, I cried as the conclusion drew closer and page by page all questions are answered. I started sobbing practically when Harry, upon seeing Snape’s memories through the pensieve, discovered he needed to die to destroy Voldemort. I was stunned, I couldn’t accept it. I even loathed how Dumbledore and Snape were portrayed differently afterwards like the roles switched. Albus was not altogether innocent and Severus was, in a way, a brave hero. But I’ve learned to accept it, that’s how emotionally attached I am. The darkest moment was the battle at Hogwarts especially when some of our beloved characters died. The film was just as engrossing. I’m in full praise to David Yates because I can only imagine how difficult it must’ve been to stay true to the novel and please the fans. I can say that it was a masterpiece both visually and in storytelling. In the end, the good prevailed. It always does. I think the epilogue was also like cherry on top of ice cream. I appreciated that Rowling didn’t leave the story of our threesome open-ended. If I can just say though, there’s still a part in me that wishes that it should’ve been Hermione and Harry together but I love Ron so it’s fine. Lastly, I want to thank J.K. Rowling because although Harry Potter was not exactly a part of my childhood it sure brought out the kid in me again and it felt good. It was a wonderful sort of journey going through all the books and movies throughout the years. Let me end this post with the last words in the novel that I thought was just beautiful: “The scar had not pained Harry for nineteen years. All was well.” (sniff sniff)

Dark of the Moon: A dull explosion of CGI

At long last I have ample time to write a post! Between the month-end and quarter-end tasks I had in work (don’t ask), there was just no way I could fit in drafting an entry for my blog; weekends weren’t even enough for rest. I have 3 reviews in mind to write so I’ll just get on it and start with this one. Two weeks ago, on a regular Saturday afternoon I was able to watch Transformers: Dark of the Moon with the family (read: sister and niece, my parents don’t watch these things). It comes off from the idea that man’s first landing on the moon is a cover-up for an investigation of an ark that crash-landed there. While it is confirmed that this is Michael Bay’s last time directing the franchise, I’m not sure if there should be a fourth.

I won’t say it’s horrible but one thing’s for sure it’s unremarkable. It’s bad when you have to course through the whole thing in your head just to come up with your favorite part(s). The visual effects were right on as usual maybe even unparalleled for the time being but it didn’t excite me. My fave scene (I decided) was when Shia, Rosie and Tyrese were being chased by Shockwave in that massive building. Cool stuff right there. But it dragged on for the most parts and at some point I uttered to myself, “just get it over with!” It’s like they held back on the action and gave a generous amount of time for the build-up of the story but it wasn’t nearly as effective or convincing as they liked it to be. Quite frankly I enjoyed Revenge of the Fallen better despite the tirade of criticisms because I took it as it is: mindless action and CGI overload. I even like how that movie shifted from action to comedy in a snap. I didn’t expect it but the hilarity was a bonus. Now the movie lost that too like it was trying so hard to be taken seriously. Then again, alien robots taking over the earth is not exactly comedic.

My other problem is you don’t sympathize with the characters anymore; not the humans and certainly not the robots. Aren’t you tired of Megatron already? I don’t know why it became tedious all of a sudden, maybe familiarity. Some of the new cast were passable; sadly I’m not pertaining to Rosie Huntington more like Frances Mcdormand. Patrick Dempsey plays some evil bastard kinda like how I see his character in Grey’s Anatomy (hehe). Ken Jeong was not allowed to go ape-shit in his short stint but at least John Turturo was still there. Anyways, Rosie was – how do I put this? To quote somewhere: has as much charm as a dead slug. The men liked her there’s no doubt about that but why did you have to go Megan Fox? It seems so to abandon a sinking ship. Tyrese got more screen time but why is Josh Duhamel always on the side lines? Shia seems to have outgrown his character; his save-the-world-i-wanna-prove-myself act just doesn’t work anymore. The verdict? This movie lacks the entertainment value of its predecessors and can easily be forgotten.