The love affair

--> DIRECTOR:  Nuel C. Naval  LEAD CAST:  Dawn Zulueta, Bea Alonzo,  Richard Gomez, Tom Rodriquez , Tonton Gutierrez  Vanessa R. Valdez  PRODUCER:  Star Cinema  GENRE:  Drama/Romance  DISTRIBUTOR:  ABS-CBN Film Productions

LOCATION: Philippines RUNNING TIME:  125 minutes

Technical Assessment: 3.5

Moral Assessment: 3

MTRCB Rating: PG13

CINEMA Rating: Mature viewers 14 and above

            Kasalukuyang nagkakaproblema ang pagsasama ng mag-asawang Vince (Richard Gomez), isang doctor, at Trisha (Dawn Zulueta) na isang businesswoman dahil sa pagkakabisto ni Vince sa pakikipagmabutihan ni Trisha sa bestfriend niyang si Greg (Tonton).  Aaminin ni Trisha na bagama’t nagkakalapit sila ni Greg, wala pang namamagitan sa kanila maliban sa isang halik.  Gayunpaman, hihingi siya ng tawad kay Vince subalit mahihirapan si Vince na patawarin ang asawa at kalimutan ang ginawa nito, pagkat sa kanyang isipan, pagtataksil pa rin ito.  Sa puntong ito ng sama ng loob at paninibugho ni Vince sa asawa aymagkukrus naman ang landas ni Vince at ang dalagang abogado na si Adie (Bea Alonzo). Katulad ni Vince, may pinagdaraanan ding sakit ng kabiguan sa pag-ibig si Adie dahil tinalikuran siya ng kanyang fiancé na si Ryan (Tom Rodriguez). Makakasama  at makukumbinse ni Vince si Adie na makahiligan ang  sailing sport kaya nagkakasama sila tuwing weekend hanggang tuluyang magkalapit at magkamabutihan.  Katulad ng dapat mangyari ay mabibisto ng asawang si Trisha ang nabubuong relasyon sa dalawa. 

            Karaniwang kwento ng problemang may-asawa, pangangalunya, paghahanap ng sarili at pagpapahalaga sa pamilya ang hatid ng The Love Affair.  Subalit naiangat ng director mula sa karaniwang talakay ang kwento dahil sa mga elemento ng tinatawag na power casting, characterization, at pagpapalabas ng emosyon sa mga eksena. Wala pa ring kupas ang chemistry ng tambalang Gomez at Zulueta gayundin ang mga husay nila sa pagganap lalo na si Zulueta. Makahulugan at tumatatak ang palitan ng mga linya. Hindi rin nagpahuli sa kanyang mga eksena at mga linya si Alonzo. Epektibo rin ang ginawang trato ng direktor sa mga malalapit na kuha ng kamera. Tagumpay ang stratehiyang ito na makuha ang simpatiya ng manonood at mataman na sundan ang mga susunod na eksena o pangyayari sa mga tauhan. Medyo nakakainip lang ang pinahabang mga eksena ng paghingi ng tawad na hindi naman maibigay-bigay.  Nagpatagal din ang mga inulit na eksena ng flashback tulad ng inulit na death scene  ng anak nila Vince at Trisha para ipagdiinan ang kasalanan ni Vince sa pagkamatay ng anak. Gayunpaman ay maganda ang disenyo ng produksyon at maayos ang mga transition ng mga indoor at outdoor scenes.

            Mayaman sa mensahe ng pagpapahalaga sa pamilya ang The Love Affair. Ito ay sa kabila ng pinakitang kahinaan ng mga magulang sa harap ng tukso, dahil sa kasunod ng pagbagsak nila sa kanilang mga kahinaan ay ang pagbangon na maitama ang mga pagkakamali at makapagsimulang muli.  Totoong mahirap matanggap ang pagkakamali at makipagpatawaran sa pagitan ng mag-asawa. Mahirap ding ibalik ang nawalang tiwala.  Subalit gaano man kasakit o kasalimuot ang mga naging sitwasyon ay dapat pa rin itong harapin at lapatan ng lunas sa halip na takasan at dagdagan pa ng ibang pagkakamali.  Bagama’t ang tema ng The Love Affair ay pagtataksil ng asawa (sinabi na nga sa pamagat nito), malinaw at matatas ang mensahe ng pelikula: hindi kailanman mabuti o tama ang pakikiapid, nakakasira ito ng buhay, dapat itong iwasan.  Ang mga kaibigan ni Adie na mismo ang nagbababala at pumipigil sa dalaga sa ginagawa nitong pagpatol sa isang may asawa.  Natatangi dito ang karakter ni Feleo na gumanap bilang kaibigan ni Adie.  Naging totoo ito sa pagpapakita ng malasakit at hayagang pagsasalita sa kaibigan upang maimulat lamang ang mga mata nito sa kanyang kahangalan.  Ang pagpapahalaga sa pamilya ay isa pang maliwanag na mensahe ng The Love Affair, mensaheng pinadaan sa mga anak ni Vince at Trisha na sa kabila ng kanilang kabataan buong tatag at tapang na hinarap ang problema at sinikap na makatulong maiayos ang pamilya.  Gawa ng mga maseselang isyung tinatalakay sa The Love Affair, pati na rin ang mga markadong linya at eksena ng pagtatalik, maaring malabis na ito para sa pang-unawa ng mga kabataang may murang isipan.

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation

DIRECTOR: Christopher McQuarrie  LEAD CAST: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner AUTHOR: Christopher McQuarrie, Drew Pearce  SCREENPLAY: Drew Pearce, Will Staples  FILM EDITOR: Eddie Hamilton  MUSIC: Joe Kraemer  GENRE: Action, Adventure, Thriller  CINEMATOGRAPHER: Robert Elswit  PRODUCED BY: Tom Cruise, JJ Abrama, David Ellison, Bryan Burk  PROUCTION COMPANIES: Alibaba Pictures Group, Bad Robot Productions, Skydance Productions, TC Productions  DISTRIBUTORS: Andes Films, Columbia Pictures, Paramount Pictures, United International Pictures, Westec Media Limited  FILMING   LOCATIONS: Austria, Morocco, England, Malaysia  RUNNING TIME: 131 mins.

Technical assessment:  4

Moral assessment: 3

MTRCB:  PG

CINEMA rating:  V14

            With the Impossible Mission Force (IMF) closed down, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) becomes a fugitive, bent on proving the existence The Syndicate.  As Hunt begins to investigate The Syndicate and its goals, he realizes the group is way ahead of him, with its network of highly skilled operatives launching an escalating series of terrorist attacks to establish a new world order.  Hunt is captured by The Syndicate but is helped to escape by Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), a disavowed M16 agent and syndicate operative.  She betrays him later on, only to reappear as Hunt’s savior again.  Is Faust a friend or an enemy?  A perplexed Hunt is kept guessing.

            Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation may be the most thrilling mission yet, where Cruise outdoes himself with his own daredevil stunts.  In Ghost Protocol, he clung to the towering Burj Khalifa; now the movie opens with him hanging on to the outside of a plane taking off.  Quite a feat when the actor is over half a century old, but Cruise pulls it off impressively, especially since he does it without benefit of a double or special effects.  The stunts alone make the film worth the price of admission, but Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation does one better—to the melee it throws in Ferguson whose Ilsa is just as lethal and menacing as Hunt.  Standing shoulder to shoulder with Hunt in the skills department, Ilsa is not just an equal to Hunt—the woman may even be superior, often rescuing instead of being rescued by the man.  Other bonuses are: the picturesque glimpses of Vienna, London and Casablanca where the movie was filmed, and a breathtaking chase in a theater as an opera is playing.  The few flaws (like inconsistent lighting) fade out in the brilliance of its overall technical merits, from acting to plot, directing to cinematography.

            If you are among those who are against violence being sold as entertainment but can’t resist this “entertaining violence”, be warned that this movie has loads of it: intense fistfights, knife fights, gunplay sequences, car and motorcycle chases, characters punched and kicked and flying out through windows and hit by cars or thrown off motorcyces, broken necks crunching, cars exploding with people inside them, people collapsing from knockout gas, etc.  The violence is almost completely bloodless, though, as if to remind viewers “It’s only a movie, guys!”   Despite the mayhem, however, positive themes underlie the hyperactivity: enduring friendship, courage in fighting for one’s convictions, loyalty to one’s country, respect for morals and dedication.  And despite its James Bond-ish coloration, the hero and the woman in the end, although accomplishing the impossible mission… no, no… no spoilers here.  

Ant Man

DIRECTOR: Peyton Reed  LEAD CAST:  Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Anthony Mackie, Wood Harris, Judy Greer, David Dastmalchian  SCREENWRITER:  Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, Paul Rudd  PRODUCER:  Kevin Feige  EDITOR:  Dan Lebental, Colby Parker, Jr.   MUSICAL  DIRECTOR:  Christophe Beck  GENRE:  Action & Adventure, Mystery and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, comedy  CINEMATOGRAPHER: Russel Carpenter  DISTRIBUTOR:  Walt Disney Studios, Motion Pictures  LOCATION:  United States RUNNING TIME: 117 minutes

Technical Assessment: 3.5

Moral Assessment: 3

CINEMA Rating: PG 13

            Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is an ex-convict who has just been released from prison where he served time for committing a crime—urglary. He has vowed to change his ways after his release so the first thing he does is find a job. But consequently, he has trouble finding one because of his record. This leads to further complications of not being able to see his daughter Cassie until he is able to pay child support. Until some ironic events lead him to Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) who offers him another chance—he is tasked to use a suit that will make him shrink. He is hesitant at first, but he will come to a point wherein he’ll have no other choice but to take the offer or he’ll remain in jail. Dr. Pym wants Scott to use the said suit to plot a strategy to stop the evil plans of his former trainee, Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) who is bent on unlocking the secrets of shrinking technology and selling this to the highest bidder, putting in danger the entire humanity.

            Ant-Man is a fine “little” film with a big heart in human beings’ both human and super-humanness. The story is solid, focusing on one flawed man and in the background are a web of relations and interrelations that make the film very personal. Ant-Man alternates with its comedic and dramatic appeal. This is not the usual superhero movies audiences see with protagonist trying to stop a villain that is about to destroy the world. Rather, this is a film that talks widely about second chances and healing broken relationships. Given the meat of the story, the film in its entirety has worked well in choosing the cast. The actors fit their characters well. Paul Rudd is truly likeable in this film and the supporting cast headed by Michael Douglas gives added force to the film with their simplicity, sincerity and natural depth. Technically, Ant-Man is excellently done. More than a spectacle, the CGI works in intensifying the film’s appeal and storytelling. The special effects do not overpower the very essence of the film that audiences hardly notice that there is CGI at work; they just suspend their disbelief and are convinced that yes Ant-Man is for real. That in itself makes the entire film a real success.

            Ant-Man centers on flawed characters and their equally flawed relationships – and how all power, fame and money shrink in the background when heart and character and meaningful relationships take center stage. It may seem that Ant-Man is just another super-hero story but overall, it is a story about family and friends, about fathers and daughters, mentors and protégés. The film demonstrates a father’s great love for his daughter: both Lang and Dr. Pym sacrificed a lot for the sake of their daughters. Meaningful relationships really give breath to one’s life and reasons for humans to live. Unconditional love is the fuel that keeps relationships burning. More than a story about the triumph of good over evil, the film has also given premium on giving sinners and convicts or ex-convicts a second chance. For as long as there is a tiny desire for a man to change his ways, there is always hope and that is only possible if one concerned soul would be willing to extend a helping hand. The film is calling its audiences as the Church calls on his people to be disciples in their own little ways. Dr. Pym has done just that with Lang. But given the film’s sci-fi action and violence, heavy theme and some crude language, CINEMA deems the film as suitable for audiences 13 and below with Parental Guidance.

Paper towns

--> Direction: Jake Schreier;  Cast: Nat Wolff, Cara Delevigne, Halstone Sage, Austine Abrams; Story: based on Paper Towns by John Green; Screenplay: Scott Neustadter, Michael Weber; Cinematography: David Lanzenberg;  Editing: Jacob Craycroft; Music: John Debnet, Son Lux; Producers: Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey; Genre: Mystery- Teen Romance:  Location: Florida – New York, USA; Distributor: 20^th Century Fox Running Time:109 minutes

Technical Assessment: 3

Moral Assessment: 2.5 stars

MTRCB Rating: PG13

CINEMA Rating: V14

            Nerdy Quentin (Wolff) has been obsessed with his next door mysterious childhood friend Margo (Delevigne) but they have slowly drifted apart because of their opposite personalities. One night, Margo appears at Q’s – Margo’s pet name for Quentin – bedroom window and convinces him to help her take revenge on her cheating boyfriend and her bestfriend. Since Q still has feelings for her, he agrees and discovers the rush and thrills of breaking the rules and spending time with his long time crush. However, Margo disappears the following day. Q and his friends, believing Margo left for them clues to find her, follow a series of leads until New York. On the road trip, Q and friends discover certain aspects of Margo’s personality. After a while, Q’s friends head back to Florida to make it in time for their high school prom, while Q remains to search for Margo and when he finally bumps into her, he discovers that the image he had of her was as unreal as the paper towns in maps.

            Paper Towns is an adaptation of John Green’s bestselling novel intended as a coming of age romance but ended on the big screen as story about friendship, thanks to the enigmatic chemistry of the supporting actors playing Q’s friends who deliver their lines with power and hilarity to create several quotable quotes. The pacing is a little slow for comfort and music is used to fill the emotional gaps which the movie does not deliver. Performances are believable but not engaging enough. John Schreier’s interpretation is acceptable but nowhere near memorable.

            There is one clear cut message in the film: don’t be deceived by looks or packaging. Q is in love with his idea of Margo and fails to read who she really is. Margo’s character is a glorified perception of teenage angst and emotional fashion while all she is is a confused broken girl. Especially for teenagers who are easily swayed by the glittering lights of fame and promise of popularity, the film serves as a good reminder for them to be discerning and honest. That being said, there are a lot of disvalues presented: revenge, permissiveness and apathy, teenage sex and substance abuse. In fact, CINEMA’s main question in the entire film: where are all the parents while high schoolers do all the things they do in the film. Parents are cautioned to make sure a responsible adult accompanies their young children when watching the film.

Terminator Genisys

Direction: Alan Taylor;  Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney Screenplay: Laeta Kalogridis, Patrick Lussier; Cinematography: Kramer Morgenthau;  Editing: Roger Barton;  Music: Lorbe Balfe; Producers: David Ellison, Dana Goldberg; Genre: Sci-Fi Action;  Location: US; Distributor: Paramount Pictures; Running Time: 95 minutes

Technical assessment: 2 ½ - 3 stars 

Moral assessment: 3

CINEMA rating: V14 

            By 2029, Skynet has come online and taken over the world but with the Resistance led by John Connor (Jason Clarke) slowly winning over the machines. However, he knows Skynet will make a last ditch effort to save itself and deploy its secret weapon. (Thanks to his time traveling ability that enabled him to know past and future events.) So he sends his right hand man, Kyle Reese (Courtney) to travel back in 1094 and save his mother, Sarah (Clarke) from the Terminator. As Kyle is being transported in time, he witnesses the attack on John and unknowingly gets transported in an alternative 1984 timeline where Sarah has been raised by a protective Terminator she lovingly named Pops (Schwarzenegger) and no longer is the damsel in distress he is expecting. They travel in the future to stop the birth of Skynet but is greeted by a hostile John who has been transformed into a half human-half machine. John no longer is humanity's last hope but Skynet's.  

             Terminator Genisys puts forward a decent original storyline paying tribute to the  James Cameron franchise. That it unrealistically mixes consequences and sensible plots if one were to follow the events of 1984, 1991 and 2003, can be forgiven since this is a time travel fiction. One can also overlook the bland portrayals of Courtney as Kyle Reese, Jason Clarke as John Connor and gawky attempts of Emilia Clarke to summon the spirit of Linda Hamilton's Sarah Connor.  What is unforgiveable is the presence of Schwarzenegger as the "old but not obsolete" Pops. His look, his one-liners and his delivery are old and obsolete. And no matter how many times these lines are injected in the screenplay, it brings more pity than laughter and awe. Arnold is no longer the masculine pride he was and should have had the dignity to choose roles that will be less of a joke. Story-wise, it could have been a lot better if John Connor's "world last hope" character has not been so screwed up. He is after all half machine and half human and the latter should have been made to win over. Over the years (and franchises), John Connor was raised and developed into a man willing to sacrifice himself for the salvation of mankind. It would have been appropriate if we saw a little struggle and an attempt from what was left of the human John to still do that. Oh, but this a Schwarzenegger movie, so naturally the last bravado should be about him.

            The future is not permanently written on stone with people mainly acting out what is expected of them. Set aside time traveling, fate is never predetermined but is a consequence of decisions and actions made in the present. At best, we are called to live each day with intelligence and ethics so that our future will always be the better one. Since we do not have the capacity to go back in time and rewrite history, what we say and do today matters so much. With a little more struggle, one can find a few more glimpses of positivity in the film. Like how man's perpetual dependence on technology will be the cause of their downfall and enslavement. Technology is indeed powerful but can never be greater than mankind. It is refreshing to watch a macho action film where a woman calls the shot, is able to stand for herself and not just a shrieking damsel who needs to be saved and later taken as a romantic partner by the leading man. The movie has some heavy action scenes that may be a little violent and its plot may be confusing for the very young ones. Parents are cautioned to make sure only their older kids get to watch this. 

Minions

DIRECTOR:  Pierre Coffin, Kyle Balda  LEAD CAST: Sandra Bullock, Pierre Coffin, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton  SCREENWRITER:  Brian Lynch  PRODUCER:              Chris Meledandri, Janet Healy  EDITOR: Claire Dodgson  MUSICAL DIRECTOR:  Heitor Pereira  GENRE:  3D computer-animated comedy  ART DIRECTOR: Olivier Adam  DISTRIBUTOR: Universal Pictures  LOCATION: United States RUNNING TIME: 90 minutes

Technical assessment: 4

Moral Assessment: 3.5

CINEMA Rating: For viewers 13 years old  and below with parental  guidance

MTRCB Rating: PG 13

Out of  boredom,  Minions Kevin, Bob, and Stuart  aim  to do something worthy  and  remarkable under a despicable master. When they see from a hacked TV broadcast about a major event gathering of villains called by the super villain Scarlet (voiced by Sandra Bullock), they immediately go out, hoping to hitch a ride to the venue of the event in Orlando, Florida, to actually meet a potentially new boss. After some failed attempts to get a ride, they are finally taken in by a family who, like them, are also heading on to the villains’ event in Orlando. Along the way, this family amazingly orchestrate robbery to the surprise of the Minions. At the villain convention, the Minions, particularly Kevin, steals the scene by accidentally winning the challenge by Scarlet and becomes her partner in her next crime mission—to steal the crown of Queen of England. In time, something happens that irks Scarlet, making her aim to stage revenge on the Minions.

Minions offers an unusual story of protagonists who join the crowd of  “praising” a woman super villain in her “greatness” and “remarkable” leadership in the field of crime. But the plot development manages to keep the focus and audience sympathy on the innocence and cuteness of the Minions as main characters especially when they talk in their own language. Subtitles are not provided in the film but characterizations are still well carried out. Dubbing by voice cast is impressive, especially that of Bullock (for Scarlet).  The voicing blends well with the digital creation of motion picture and sounds. Humor in form of jokes is constantly injected in the film which brings more fun and entertainment.  The director did well in the overall treatment for Minions as digital film creation. The musical score complements the film to consistently highlight the requirement of the scenes such as the music of the 60s.  The editing is good and has contributed to the entertaining quality of the movie.

            Whose person with good moral ascendency will join a known and proud supervillain? This happens in Minions. In reality, even the most evil person will not openly admit or be proud of his villain status. Even the most obvious criminals deny  their wrong doings in court. This is  because bad  actions are not something that anyone can be proud of. The “end justifies the means”, appears to be the message of  Minions, but the entire run of the film highlighted in scenes, characterization and dialogues all praises to the villains. Although it tackles positive messages like loyalty and friendship, and towards conclusion, there is an effort to correct the wrong, these messages are overpowered by negativity and malicious humors.  A person’s search for despicable master can be a noble personal mission and may be a good opportunity to practice humility and spirit of service.  And there are surely good and upright masters around.  The film is fun and entertaining but parental guidance must be given to viewers 13 years old and below.

The breakup playlist

DIRECTOR: Dan Villegas  LEAD CAST: Sarah Geronimo, Piolo Pascual, Rio Locsin, Dennis Padilla, Diego Loyzaga, Maris Racal, Anna Luna, Teddy Corpuz, Cris Villonco, Badji Mortiz, Jet Pangan  SCREENWRITER:  Antoinette Jadaone  PRODUCER:  Malou N. Santos, Charo Santos-Concio, Vic Del Rosario Jr.  GENRE: Drama, Music, Romance  CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Dan Villegas  DISTRIBUTOR: Star Cinema and Viva Films  LOCATION:  Philippines RUNNING TIME:  115 minutes

Technical assessment:  3

Moral assessment:  3

MTRCB rating: PG 13

CINEMA rating: V 14 (Viewers age 14 and abov

             Nag-aaral ng abogasya si Trixie David (Sarah Geronimo) bilang pagsunod sa kagustuhan ng mga magulang (Dennis Padilla at Rio Locsin), ngunit musika ang kanyang hilig at pangarap. Pinagbigyan siyang sumali sa isang music camp kung saan nakilala niya si Gino Avila (Piolo Pascual) na isang musikero. Kinumbinse ni Gino si Trixie na maging miyembro ng Pencil Grip na banda niya. Tuluyan nang huminto sa pag-aaral si Trixie at gumawa sila ni Gino ng magandang musika. Nagtagumpay ang banda nila ngunit umiral ang pagka-insecure ni Gino nang makita nitong laging pinupuri si Trixie. Parang nasasapawan na siya ni Trixie kaya’t ipinagtulakan niya itong palayo. Pagkalipas ng tatlong taon, muli silang inanyayahang mag-perform na magkasama. Makakaya bang magpatawad ni Trixie? Magkakabalikan pa kaya sila?

            Magkasama sa unang pagkakataon sina Sarah Geronimo at Piolo Pascual sa Breakup Playlist. Mahusay silang magsiganap bilang Trixie at Gino, at kahit malayo ang agwat ng edad ay kapani-paniwala ang kanilang chemistry, at ang kanilang musika. Nagpakita ng higit na galing sa pag-arte si Geronimo sa pagsasabuhay ng kanyang papel. Makabuluhan din ang pagganap ng mga supporting actors na nagbigay ng kabuuan sa mundo ng mga pangunahing tauhan. Kakaibang love story ang Breakup Playlist, salamat sa malikhaing panulat ni Antoinette Jadaone, na nakilalang direktor sa That Thing Called Tadhana. Simpleng kuwento ng pag-ibig na magsisimula sa breakup bago makita ng manonood kung paano ito nagsimula. Maraming memorable dialogue at nakakatuwa din ang paggamit ng mga titolo ng CD albums sa kanilang pag-uusap. Akma ang musika kaya lang ay sobrang lakas ng volume nito. Mahusay ang paggamit ng flashback  kaya lang ay parang pilit ang conclusion. Kapansin-pansin ang somber at dramatic lighting ng pelikula, na ibang-iba sa mga romance movies, na bumagay naman sa takbo at timbre ng istorya. Kaya lang, bakit napakaraming product/service endorsement na halatang isiningit at wala namang kaugnayan sa kwento?

            Makatotohanan ang paglalarawan ng pamilya sa Breakup Playlist. Nariyan ang pagsisikap ng mga magulang upang maging maganda ang kinabukasan ng anak, ang mga pangarap na nasawi, ang hangganan ng pagpapaubaya, at ang pagpapatawad. Makikita rin ang kapusukan ng kabataan sa kabila ng kagustuhang tumalima sa magulang, at ang pagtugon sa sariling pangarap at hilig. Bahagi ng responsibilidad ng magulang at ng mga anak ang linangin at pagyamanin ang anumang kagalingan/talent na ipinagkaloob sa iyo. Isinabuhay rin dito ang karaniwang insecurity ng kalalakihan – ang kahirapang tumanggap sa galing at tagumpay ng kababaihan, na para bang kumpetisyon ang buhay. Ipinapakita rin na sa anumang relasyon, kailangan ang pagkilala at pagtanggap sa sariling kahinaan at pagkakamali, ang pagpapakumbaba ubang humingi ng tawad at ang pagpapatawad.

            Sa kabila ng magagandang aral na napapaloob sa pelikula, iminumungkahi ng CINEMA na mga kabataang mula sa edad na 14 lamang at pataas ang manood nito dahil sa tema, at sa subliminal suggestion na OK lang na magsama ang magkasintahan bilang mag-asawa na hindi ikinasal.

Mad Max: Fury Road

DIRECTOR: George Miller  LEAD CAST: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult   

SCREENWRITER:  George Miller & Brendan McCarthy   PRODUCER:  George Miller, Dough Mitchell  EDITOR: Jason Ballantine & Margaret Sixel CINEMATOGRAPHER:  John Seale GENRE:  Action  DISTRIBUTOR: Warner Brothers  LOCATION:  Australia RUNNING TIME:  120 minutes

Technical assessment: 4

Moral assessment: 3

CINEMA rating: V 18

            The film begins with a brief prologue of apocalyptic future—a world that is turned into a wasteland with nothing left but rage and darkness. In Citadel, a ruthless leader, Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Bryne), reigns and all the people fear him. Until one of his priced warriors, Furiosa (Charlize Theron) rebels and kidnaps his slave wives and “breeders” (Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Zoe Kravitz, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee and Courney Eaton) out of Citadel. She heads east hoping to bring the women to a safer place—a place where she was born, they call—the green place.  Consequently, Immortan Joe is outraged and sends his men to chase after her in the desert. There, Max (Tom Hardy), now a prisoner haunted by the ghost of his past and on the brink of insanity, finds himself in the middle of this mess created by Furiosa—he’s reluctant at first but eventually decides to help Furiosa out.

            Mad Max: Fury Road remains faithful to its original look and feel of madness but this time, with a much bolder, bigger and profound vision. The story can be considered simple—single tracked without unnecessary subplots and distractions. In its simplicity, there lies intelligence and intricate craftsmanship both reckless and controlled as it shows order in the midst of chaos. The film defies typical action-genre plotlines by putting premium on the meat of the message while providing above-average level of excitement and thrill. Mad Max: Fury Road is an achievement of technical excellence in itself and director George Miller never ceases to amaze Mad Max followers.  Miller has once again outdone himself after almost two decades since the last Mad Max franchise. The acting is great and flawless from the lead actor Tom Hardy up to the ensemble of crowd characters. But the real gem of the film is Charlize Theron who exudes charm amid required toughness of her role without losing femininity. Her portrayal of Furiosa is such a remarkable achievement in her career given the demands of the complicated and complex character. She’s every inch perfect fit for the role. Mad Max: Road Fury is such an enjoyable and unforgettable hell of a ride where madness is really everywhere in the film but not without a compelling story to tell.

            Mad Max: Fury Road is a film about revolution and redemption. The film gives a clear glimpse of an apocalyptic future where humans will lose everything but still would hold on to life’s essentials and to what would eventually remain—faith, hope and love.  The women, as the source of life, are portrayed as the ones who have the ability to cling on to hope. In its entirety, Mad Max: Fury Road is a film about women. It shows how women rule in a male-dominated world. It questions status quo and stereotypes by showing equal physical strength of men and women. The resistance of women as being used and abused in reproductive coercion, and being treated as merely “breeders” of men and future warriors is very evident in the story. Amidst the chaotic and violent backdrop, humans’ innate goodness springs eternal and good triumphs over evil in the end. Such messages both salient and loud are a rarity in action genres. However, it cannot be denied that given the core of the message, the film has to be consistent with its genre so there’s violence, blood and gore and even a certain level of sexual theme and nudity (although done in context) here and there that might not be suitable to the very young audiences so CINEMA deems the film as appropriate only to audiences 18 and above.

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