A Throwback

Shake, Rattle & Roll VI

When i was a kid i used to see this film during Halloween and Holy Week in a local TV network.  I've seen plenty of Shake Rattle and Roll film's through the entirety of my life and SRRVI is the only one that appeals me by the fact that i never mind watching it over and over again, and despite of It's old use of Visual effect, the entertainment I've got to this was actually exceptional. I also admired the early SRR films, specially the first one and the second one but i think VI has the perfect fit for my SRR taste until now. It has this three series which is "The Television", "The Bridge" and "The Moon" which for me has a very entertaining stories. It's uniqueness doesn't try to pull too much , it knows where it belongs, It's not so over the top unlike the new the films in the franchise. I'm not saying that VI is the greatest in the series it's just that it has something into it that is so memorable to me, specially that clown who takes children through television, that's a total childhood nightmare out there. Now that's the only that i remember about this film, i forgot more aspects about it because i have not seen it again for a long time, and when i am trying to watch it i couldn't find any reliable sources to see this movie once again. Hopefully someday i found a way to see this movie, because i had a lot good memories in this particular film in the series, and it is very special to me and to my childhood.

Heneral Luna

Heneral Luna (2015)

Directed by Jerrold Tarog | Cinematography by Pong Ignacio

Its the feeling that you don't always get watching Filipino films. Despite of student discounts, i am happy to see that people are actually lining up for a local movie. That's what i feel when i first see this film, when the cinema is full of people, you hear their reaction, and the applause the movie get afterward is just a fantastic feeling. But the question is, does the movie deserve this applause? My answer is "YES", I myself as moviegoer who prefer watching silently still get along with the audience who seems to appreciate the art the film whoever they are i guess.

Life and Butchery

Kinatay (2009)

Directed by Brillante Mendoza

The only thing that triggers me to see the film is when I read some of Roger Ebert's stuff on his webstite, and I've read one of his journal that talks about this particular film. Ebert simply butchered this film, naming it as "The Worst Film in history of Cannes Film Festival", and i was simply shocked about it knowing the fact that before i even see this movie the feed backs that it got was simply mixed and most of them are atrocious. It just that way Ebert describe this film shocked me, i have a complete face on the ground moments while reading it, and Ebert wasn't just beating the movie itself but it mostly directed to the director, Brillante Mendoza.

The Sweet Tale of Anita

Ang huling cha-cha ni anita (Anita's Last Cha-Cha, 2013)

Directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernando

I wasn't expecting anything from this movie until I've seen it, and when i finally seen it i was very surprise on how intricate it was, pretty much controversial if you took the view point of the other people. Before watching this movie the audience must understand that it tackles a very sensitive subject, and for that i must say the film is mostly redirect for Open-Minded people and to those who have wider understanding.

Ang Simula at Wakas ay Kapatiran

AKO Batch '81 (1982)

Directed by Mike De Leon

This film is like one of the films i really look up to when i talk about movies. AKO Batch '81 is Mike De Leon's let's say masterpiece of it's time. It shows a fascist nature, getting a metaphorical representation of the  political administration during the 80's, Marcos Administration. I cannot believe myself that such local films like this existed, i was surprise on its nature, no wonder why Mike de leon is like one of the greatest Filipino film director out there.

Oh i love our Films. Filipino Films!

A brief thought about Philippine Cinema.

Florentina Hublado, CTE (2012) by Lav Diaz

The more i discover Philippine Cinema the more i stop worrying about it because little by little i carefully realize that movies in the Philippines is not the problem, there's plenty of better Filipino films out there than what we usually see, its just a matter of discovery, or how many have you seen. Let's start ending this atrocity of comparing Indie to Mainstream Cinema because Films have a respectful divisions; Yes sometimes we hated certain filmmakers about the way they making films, but then i suddenly realize they are not supposed to be worried to because if we hate it then don't watch and if we supposed to watch there's no problem about giving an opinion, just a year ago I write a practically "Rant" about what's going on to Mainstream Cinema of this country because my perspective as an audience hasn't been that wide enough but everything I've said there has a point so I don't considerably regret it. The main thing is if you ask me, Philippine Cinema is doing fine, the movies are doing fine, but the complication is the society, on how they approach our own Local movies, the lack of appreciation is what makes the difficulty in Philippine Cinema. It's not about the Budget, It's not about how big the movie is, It's all about how people see it and appreciate it. We are doing fine but We need to push a little more, so we can expand on how the society see our very own movies. The mission is to expand the vision.

Bundle of Joy

Inside Out (2015) Review

Pixar and Disney once again prove that their magic was never gone. Inside Out despite of it, let's say deeper premise, Pixar's shows a fantastic execution on this movie. We might think of its idea as an complicated narrative but it's amazing how the overall movie felt very simple and can easily enjoy by all the ages. Inside Out was directed by Peter Docter and Ronnie Del Carmen, and it came from this directors who made "UP", "Toy Story" and more which are the Pixar films i actually grew with and enjoy until today. I love how this film makers express emotions from a movie about emotions itself and it was very clever and unconventional way visualizing it with such heart on it.

Paper Towns

Paper Towns (2015) Review

Cinematography by David Lanzenberg

Paper Towns might be one of the most fun coming of age film i have seen this year, with its relatable humors and references, it has those great elements for such way of telling an adventure story, but what really stands on this movie are the message that it tries to tell to us. It's the second movie that was adapted from John Green's best selling books, the first movie "The in our Stars" (Directed by Josh Boone) is the best example of a great execution of book-to-movie adaptations yet "Paper Towns" stands in a very different way, it successfully tries to avoid some cliches away from a usual romantic coming of age movies, it doesn't try to pretend at all moments that it has.

My Life to Live

Vivre Sa Vie (1962) Review

Cinematography by Raoul Coutard

If you're going to ask what film could possibly beat my love to Steven Spielberg's 1993 Schindler's List i would likely answer "Vivre Sa Vie".  Vivre sa Vie or My Life to Live is one of the earliest Jean-Luc Godard works and it was one of the greatest of his, yet the brilliancy of this film didn't came from a very conventional attraction rather it came from it's purposely artistic work in a very self-conscious type movie which i consider unconventional way of enthralling the audience. It was 1960's where the french new wave has started to rise but also it was the point where Godard's started make much more deeper movie with an all out reliance on his own style.

Genisys

Terminator Genisys (2015) Review

Cinematography by Kramer Morgenthau

Arnie is back and his good once again. Terminator Genisys is a self confused movie whether it wanted to stand on it's own or not, and the fun factor that i get through out the movie reminded me a lot Jurassic world (But that film is way better). The first thing i would say about this part reboot part sequel movie of Terminator Franchise was: Thank Goodness it wasn't disappointing or greatly bland compare to Salvation however Terminator Genisys was Enjoyable and nothing else more.

King in Manila

Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story (2011) Review

Cinematography by Carlo Mendoza

It's obvious that the main residual problem of watching ER Erjecito's Films is not the other things around the film-making such as acting, action or etc but rather it's the focal point of having a trouble making a precise pacing on editing. Yet this film is the best example of a modern age Filipino big budget action movie that fails to push it's sense but it always highly entertaining and fun. Sadly we rarely see such local movies like this that tries to be different and unconventional among the others. 

She Walks Alone

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014) Review

Cinematography by Lyle Vincent

There's a few things i consider on why I'm so excited about seeing this movie. First it's a vampire movie, i haven't seen a good vampire movie for a long time and i have hope that this movie is going be a good Vampire film, Second it was shot Black and White, there is something on Black and White that i really love, it's just for me Black and White represents the atmosphere more subtle, Third and the last it was an unconventional Vampire film, that reminds me of old horror vampire movies like Nosferatu and Dracula, yet this movie has Iranian actors that was very unique in terms that we usually see vampire movies if not american it's English. It was one of the most complex and unconventional vampire film i have seen.

Focus

Focus (2015) Review

Cinematography by Xavier Perez Grobet

It's Fun and It feels good until is not anymore and it confuses you. It seems like those aspects are always present to some of Will Smith's movies like I am Legend and Hancock but what charming about his films is that they take some different approach that gives a broad idea compare to any movies that tries to be different. I am always been small fan of Glenn Ficarra and John Requa and their films just feels so good even if they are weak at some point and Focus is one those once again but it's more twisted, It's it build some chemistry between Ficarra, Reuqa  and Will Smith. So i'm asking: Does Will Smith has a big contribution to all films he was in in terms of script  ? That's what i don't know.

The Entourage

Entourage (2015) Review

Cinematography by Steven Fierberg

First before i begin i would to thank my buddy Matthew, The Film Geek Guy who invited me to see this movie with him on its Screening, definitely a cool guy. Going into this film i wasn't expecting anything more than just i know it's from an HBO TV Series and it's a comedy, that i never seen, but i like the fact it's never become a hindrance for me to appreciate this movie, in fact if i ever seen the series i think the movie stands on its own. It's a fun that keeps you from start to end.

It Follows

It Follows (2015) Review

Cinematography by Mike Gioulakis

I wasn't big fan of Horror movie Genre in Films , and by that i am one of those people who carefully chooses what movie to watch, but as a movie buff it's inevitable to always choose what you want and rely to others opinion before seeing a particular horror movie, the more you get into films that more you are naturally see  movies because you love watching it no matter what is going to be the outcome, and that will be talked about after you watch a movie. The last horror movie I've seen was Insidious 2 and The Babadook and now i given my chance another horror film and that is It Follows.

3rd World Hero

Bayaning 3rd Word (1999) Short Review

Cinematography by Ding Achacoso

It was back on the days where Cinema in the Philippines had a more broad and border less idea of making movies rather than sticking on what is trend, Mike De Leon along with Clodualdo Del Mundo jr. creates a very imaginative and unique approach doing an unorthodox way of making a biopic about one of the most iconic person in Philippines, Jose Rizal.  There are a lot of attempt making Jose Rizal that talks about his story, from Documentaries to actual feature films (most notable was Marilou Diaz-Abaya's 1999 Jose Rizal) and Mike De Leon's Third World Hero is one of the most different among the others.

Jurassic Reverence

Jurassic World (2015) Review

Cinematography by John Schwartzman

It's been 14 Years ago since the last time we have seen a Jurassic Park movie and it wasn't so amusing, 22 Years ago Steven Spielberg change the phase of visual art in Motion Picture by bringing us the Original Jurassic Park, not only the movies stand by it's visual effects and Animatronics but it also releases a inspired yet original take on a movie that talks about the relationship between mankind and nature. Jurassic World did what it was supposed to do at so many ways, Colin Trevorrow's enthusiastic approach on this movie was highly visible that only means one thing. It's more worth to be a Jurassic Park Sequel than any other Jurassic Park Sequel that has been made.

Jurassic Abomination

Jurassic Park 3 (2001) Review

Cinematography by Shelly Johnson

The Greatest Sin of the Franchise. If there  is Jurassic Park 1 and 2 then there should be Jurassic Park 3 to complete the circle. Jurassic Park 3 is the third take of the franchise, the very first Jurassic Park movie that wasn't adapted from Novels and was not directed by Steven Spielberg. The first movie is one of the greatest film of all time, the second one has strength despite its flaws to its roundabout, definitely had more sense on what's going on the tone of the franchise, but the third is just completely unnecessary and lazy, everywhere frame by frame.

Remembering Mo Cushle

Million Dollar Baby (2004) Review

Cinematography by Tom Stern

Clint Eastwood film making seems to rely on a very simple premise and straight - forward Story Telling. His best asset today as a director is to make drama movies in many different forms yet very minimalist execution, from a grumpy old man who loves his Grand Torino  to one of the best Sniper in american army, all shows a generic set of characters, you have the bully, the hero, the mentor and the bad guy yet most the drama movies with the same kind of treatment to their film doesn't really work out well but Clint Eastwood made simple a special when it comes to drama genre.

First Man In Mars

Matt Damon First Look in Ridley Scott's The Martian

Entradanumerada (via The Playlist)

Ridley Scott's New Upcoming Film got it first look by showing us Matt Damon in an Astronaut Suit.

Looks Familiar ? That is because Matt Damon also appear as an Astronaut in Last Year's Christopher Nolan Interstellar. The Martian is an adaption from Andy Weir's Novel with the same name.

iFlix

iFlix a Netflix-like Treat

iFlix

This is a fine treat for Movie buffs and TV Junkies in Asia. iFlix is a new platform that will allow the user to stream Movies, or latest TV Series on demand. It will work more likely as "Netflix" of asia, where you pay monthly subscription to experience this Video-on-Demand based service platform. iFlix will over 10,000 hours of viewing satisfaction for its subscribers. Source: The Malay Online

The Lost World

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) Review

Cinematography by Janusz Kaminski

After the Incredible Success of auteur Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park, Spielberg has return after four years to brought in a sequel for the Jurassic Park. The Lost World felt like an unnecessary sequel and that is after the people have already seen it. The enthusiasm that Spielberg has bought in Jurassic Park  wasn't felt on this film, however despite of its weakness as a direct sequel for a great movie its never been a bad follow up at all.

Mahal Kaba Niya Talaga ?

Edna (2015) Review

Cinematography by Larry Manda & Arvin Viola

Edna a first film from a first time director Ronnie Lazaro, a great actor who have worked in many great Filipino local films from Independent to Mainstream Cinema. When i said great actor i mean it, even if he was often typecast as a "Taong Grasa (Vagrant)" he can still manage to be a flexible and gives a One Type character with many different takes, he also bold and brave one who can take any role that will give to him. Although he is a multi-awarded actor it seems to be that he is locked down lying on his job, but the question is What if he is the one who will direct his own film ? Edna is the answer.

Oh Winter

Game of Thrones First Impression and Season 1 Review

We all know Game of Thrones is one of the most phenomenal Television Series nowadays. Adapted from George R.R. Martin best selling book franchise A Song of Ice and Fire, bringing the lore to life, the memorable characters and interesting narrative.

Beauty in Blade Runner

Roger Deakins will shoot 'Blade Runner 2'

Blade Runner (1982) | Directed by Ridley Scott | Cinematography by Jordan Cronenweth

The 1982's Blade Runner Directed by Ridley Scott is fairly one of the most beautifully shot science fiction film we have seen. Cinematographer Jordan Cronenweth is the reason why the beloved sci-fi is beautiful in every frame. Today that mean't "Unnecessary" sequel for Blade Runner is happening and it will be directed by Denis Villenueve and not by Ridley Scott anymore, although for me personally i certainly think Blade Runner 2 is never necessary we can't deny that Denis Villenueve is great director, His mind bending work in 2013's Enemy and Prisoners and the most recent of his work Sicario which i haven't seen but it receives positive feedback shows that Denis is worth taking the direction for the Sequel of Blade Runner.

Mad and Furious

Mad Max Fury Road (2015) Review

Cinematography by John Seale

A High Intensity film can easily end up in a bad place but if this movie is aware of its intensity alone, the result might be not what as you expected. Going into this movie you have to understand that it's going to be crazy. Mad Max Fury Road directed by George Miller was undoubtedly one of the greatest action film not only in this year but might be the greatest action film of the decade. It's a movie that lives up to its Title, might be even more crazier than you thought, with an intense non-stop action without exhaustion. This movie holds everything it promises from the start to end, and i must say Its one hell of a ride.

Lost Art

Lost River (2015) Review

Cinematography by Benoit Debie

Ryan Gosling's Directorial debut is full of technicalities and broken poetry, Lost River was indeed the weirdest film i have seen in this year 2015. The movie gives me a very mixed emotions and leaves me a very mixed impression. The film felt like it was dedicated to a persons like me who often prefers the technically and the artistic design of the film over the narrative itself. There's no doubt that Lost River is inconsistent but at same time beautiful. It's a good movie yet a bad film at the same also that leaves a very unsatisfying and unsettling impression to others specially for those normal audiences.

Maggie's Life

Maggie (2015) Review

Cinematography by Lucas Ettlin

Maggie is never was your typical zombie flick, not the one you'd expect to have high intensity of tension, and scare tactics rather it focuses more into humanity of the characters and emotions that surrounds it. You got to give Henry Hobson a credit for his directorial debut for delivering unique idea to the said genre of movie world.

Cinamalaya Short Film Finalist

Cinemalaya 2015 Short Film Finalist

Cinemalaya Foundation

The Cinamalaya Foundation  finally announces their finalist for Short Film Category this year for Cinemalaya 2015 Film Festival and Competition, now on its 11th year.

There is 150 entries nationwide but only 10 finally make it.
Here is the list of the 10 Finalist for Cinemalaya Short Film Category:

1. APASOL (Chasing Sun) by Ryanne Murcia
2. GATILYO NG BARIL by Glenmark Doromal (Marky Doromal)
3. KYEL by Arvin Belarmino (Kadiboy Belarmino)
4. LISYUN QNG GEOGRAFIA (Geography Lessons) by Petersen Vargas
5. MATER by Annemikami Pablo
6. NENOK by Rommel Tolentino (Milo Tolentino)
7. PAPETIR by Darwin Novicio (Darwin Alegre Novicio)
8. PUSONG BATO by Martika Ramirez Escobar
9. SANCTISSIMA by Kenneth Dagatan (Kenneth Lim Dagatan)
10. WAWA by Angelie Mae Macalanda (Anj Macalanda)

Congratulations to the finalist !

For more information go to
Cinemalaya Facebook page

Barber's Tales

Barber's Tales (Mga Kuwentong Barbero, 2013) Review

Cinematography by Carlo Mendoza

It is a great opportunity to us to see award winning indie film that was made by local Filipino film makers. Thankfully GMA News TV decided to celebrate this Film gems that even most Filipinos themselves are not aware that we have this kind of movies. Indie films doesn't always get a chance to have a wide release sadly, Although the movie get its mainstream release it wasn't get any attention by the reason of other bigger films are there. Even if the film got ton of recognition that might be often blinded average Filipino audience that 'Filipino Movies' came only from Mainstream Philippine Cinema though there's so much thing to talk about that. 

Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park (1993) Review

Cinematography by Dean Cundy

Vision is a perpetual concept for every filmmaker, without it there is no goal of visualizing things that coming from their head and heart. A Filmmaker who had a pure enthusiasm on the vision they have mostly done things memorable. Signature of their significant outlook to the film they wanted to create. Steven Spielberg vision comes to life before even Jurassic Park but it was fully establish when he finally got chance to develop something bigger than anyone else would think.

Exquisite Hateful

Quentin Tarantino's Hateful Eight First look

Finally the most anticipated film of Quentin Tarantino's Western flick Hateful Eight first look shows Samuel L. Jackson, Jenifer Jason Leigh and Kurt Russel westernize looks on this week's EW cover.

New Hope

Star Wars Episode IV New Hope (1977) Review

Cinematography by Gilbert Taylor

To Celebrate Star Wars Day and even possibly Star Wars Year i am going to review all the 6 Star Wars films starting from the Original Trilogy to the Prequel Trilogy. Now i am a huge Star Wars fan and i started being fell in love to the franchise 6 years ago, and today i will start it by reviewing the very first Star Wars film.

Indie Kalibre

GMA News TV To show great Local Filipino Indie Films

A Berber's Tale by Jun Robles Lana

GMA News TV to Celebrates the excellence of our Award Winning Local Filipino Indie films this month of May to July. It is a good set of news to all movie enthusiast specially that this film will going to be aired on a Free TV. Appreciation is the main key of this news, even if you're just an average film audience everyone should look forward seeing this. This is an Opportunity to take a closer on what is happening to our local Cinema spcially to those who missed this great films. We should take it all.

Starting from May 9 to July 4 we will be seeing 9 different films from different Award winning Filmmakers. Here is the full Schedule of the films to be showed on GMA New TV presents Indie Kalibre it will be aired every Saturday Night at 10:15 PM :

May 9 – BARBER'S TALES (directed by Jun Lana and starring Eugene Domingo)

May 16 – PLONING (directed by Dante Nico Garcia and starring Judy Ann Santos)

May 23 – BANAL (directed by Cesar Apolinario and starring Christopher de Leon)

May 30 – THY WOMB (directed by Brillante Mendoza and starring Nora Aunor and Bembol Roco)

June 6 – CONDO (directed by Martin Cabrera and starring Coco Martin)

June 13 – SAYAW NG DALAWANG KALIWANG PAA (directed by Alvin Yapan and starring Rocco Nacino and Paolo Avelino)

June 20 – KUBRADOR (directed by Jeffrey Jeturian and starring Gina Pareno)

June 27 – MAYOHAN (directed by Dan Villegas and starring Lovi Poe)

July 4 – BWAKAW (directed by Jun Lana and starring Eddie Garcia)

For more Information go to: GMA Network, Indie Kalibre

QCinema Top 8

QCinema Circle Competition Top 8 Finalist

Silence

First Look of Martin Scorsese's 'Silence'

Another most anticipated film for next year unveils set of photos released by (via Itn) and later EW released a higher resolution. The images shows Andrew Garfield playing as Father Rodriguez during thr 17th century. He is a Portuguese Jesuit who travels to japan with fellow priest. We also see the glimpse of Liam Neeson and Shinya Tsukamoto who plays the villager in EW photo.

New Galaxy Discovered

Vanity Fair Exclusive Photos Reveals more about Star Wars The Force Awakens

Happy May The 4th ! Happy Star Wars Day !

A Mighty Sequel

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) Review

There just some Blockbuster movies that you thought Great in the first viewing but when you watch it again the more you realize its good on what it is but its not Greater than we thought. In my personal view  i thought Age of Ultron is greater than its predecessor but when i watch for two more times i realize it wasn't the case, that doesn't mean Age of Ultron is a bad sequel but the excitement and the narrative of the first film was even more better. What i want to clarify is that there is some Age of Ultron moments that are better than the first The Avengers and so does it, but its not equally match up.

A Suicidal Regime

David Ayer Reveals Suiced Squad or Task Force X.

Task force X assembled and Ready
 @DavidAyerMovies

Suicide Squad is one my favorite Comic Book team, they are so unique in many different ways. Just by the fact that they are villains who forced to save the day is just an amazing concept. So by the time Warner Bros announced they are making a Live Action adaptation of it i immediately get excited.

Devil's Avocados at Law

Marvel's Daredevil Season 1 (2015) Review

One of the Greatest thing Marvel ever made.

No its not over praise its the fact, i'm not huge Marvel fan since i was young yet a fan of their action ever since the Comic book days. In fact, at first i don't even thought about watching Daredevil at all from the day it was announced 'cause the last time i have seen one it was completely disastrous. What made watch it is my curiosity, Images has blown all over the internet, we see Charlie Cox classic black suit that is straight out of Frank Miller's The Man without Fear which i really love i even prefer the suit to the Red one. Knowing nothing but images of Netflix Daredevil surprises me in a very big way.