The prenup

DIRECTOR: Jun Lana  LEAD CAST: Jennylyn Mercado, Sam Milby, Gardo Versoza, Dominic Ochoa, Jaclyn Jose, Tirso Cruz III  SCREENWRITER: Jun Lana   GENRE: Romantic Comedy  CINEMATOGRAPHER: Carlo Mendoza DISTRIBUTOR: Regal Entertainment LOCATION: Philippines; New York USA  RUNNING TIME: 1  hour 58 minutes

Technical assessment:  2.5

Moral assessment:  2.5

CINEMA rating:  V14

            Unang magkikita nang ilang saglit si Wendy (Jennylyn Mercado) at si Sean (Sam Milby) nang magbanggaan ang kanilang mga sasakyan sa kalye.  Magtatagpo silang muli sa eroplano, bilang magkatabi ng upuan sa business class, at mag-iinisan sila sa buong haba ng biyahe mula Maynila hanggang New York, kung saan inaasahan ni Wendy na makapiling ang kanyang tunay na ama.  Magkikita ang mag-ama pero hindi matutuloy ang pagpisan ni Wendy sa ama pagkat tutuol dito ang babaeng kinakasama nito.  Habang namomroblema kung saan tutuloy si Wendy, susulpot muli sa eksena si Sean, na tila hindi umalis habang naghihintay sa ama si Wendy.  Nagmamagandang-loob, kukupkupin ni Sean si Wendy sa kanyang apartment sa New York.  Sa madaling salita, magkakaigihan ang dalawa hanggang sa magkasundong magpakasal.  Dito magsisimula ang gulo sa matamis nilang pakikipag-ugnayan.

            Bagama’t may mga parteng nakakaaliw sa mga eksena ng The prenup, gaya ng mga kuha sa New York at ang pagkakagayak ng bahay/tindahan ng pamilya ni Wendy, marami din namang mga aspeto na hindi pulido ang pagkakagawa—tulad ng tunog (na minsa’y nakabibingi), ang kawalan ng orihinal na musical score, ang mababaw na characterization, ang editing na tila may bungi, at ang dialogue kung saan nangingibabaw ang bastusan sa kapwa.  Sayang ang kahanga-hangang talino sa pagganap ni Mercado na ipinakita niya sa pelikulang Rosario; sa The prenup, kahit “carry” niya ang rom/com, hindi nito hinamon ang husay ng artista.  Ang mismong istorya ng The prenup, tulad ng mabilisang pag-iibigan nila Wendy at Sean, ay mukhang minadali din, tinuhog ang mga pira-pirasong kuwelang eksena at kinoronahan ng isang happy ending—sa tingin kaya ng mga producers ay sapat na ito para katalinuhan ng mga manunuod?

            Gasgas na ang tema ng The Prenup—guwapong binata, magandang dalaga, magkakatagpo, magkakaibigan, pero tututol ang kani-kaniyang mga pamilya.  Ang isa kasi’y ubod ng yaman at ang isa nama’y … hindi nila kauri, ika nga.  Para hindi siguro malaglag ang predictable na kuwento, tutukuran ito ng bagong elemento: parehong lalaki ang mga adoptive parents ng ulilang si Wendy.  Hindi mapigilan ng CINEMA na magtaka kung walang hidden agenda ang The prenup—bukod sa mga binabaeng nag-ampon kay Wendy, ay may bakla at tomboy din sa dalawang pamilyang sangkot.  Ang pagtatapos ng pelikula ay “hati”, ika nga: bagama’t tumpak, ito’y artipisyal; hindi ganitong kasimple ang resolusyon ng ganoong mga situasyon sa tunay na buhay.  Buti pa ang mga fairy tales, pinahihirapan muna ang mga karakter bago makamtan ang matamis na happily-ever-after.

            Hindi nababagay sa mga murang isipan ang pelikulang ito gawa ng ipinakikita nitong kagaspangan ng asal at ang bunga nitong kabastusan sa pananalita.  Maaaring magdulot din ng kalituhan ang pelikula sa mga bata na dapat ay pinalalaki sa wastong pagpapahalaga sa pagkakaiba ng kasarian ng babae at lalaki. 

Hotel Transylvania 2

DIRECTOR:  Genndy Tartakovsky  LEAD CAST: Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg,Selena Gomez, Kevin James, David Spade, Steve Buscemi, Keegan-Michael Key, Molly Shannon, Fran Drescher, Mel Brooks  SCREENPLAY: Adam Sandler  WRITER: Robert Smigel  MUSIC: Mark Mothersbaugh  PRODUCER: Michelle Murdocca  FILM EDITOR: Catherine Apple  GENRE: Comedy, Animation, Family, Fantasy  PRODUCTION DESIGNER: Michael Kurinsky  ART DIRECTOR: Steve Lumley  PRODUCTION COMPANIES: Sony Pictures Animation, Sony Pictures Digital, Columbia Pictures, LStar Capital  DISTRIBUTORS: Andes Film, Columbia Pictures, Fundamental Films, Sony Pictures Releasing, United International Pictures. Universal Pictures, Warner Bros Entertainment, Westec Media Ltd.  LANGUAGE: English  LOCATION:  United States RUNNING TIME:  1 hr. &29 mins.

Technical assessment: 3.5

Moral assessment: 3

CINEMA Rating: V13

Hotel Transylvania has gone through several changes since Johnny first came into it—for one, the hotel is now open to human guests.  The movie opens with the wedding of Mavis and Johnny (Selena Gomez and Andy Samberg). Years later, Mavis and Johnny will have a baby boy, Dennis, whose lack of any vampire abilities worries his grandfather, Dracula (Adam Sandler) that he might be a human, and with that, Mavis and her family might leave Hotel Transylvania  to protect Dennis. So when Mavis and Johnny leave to visit Johnny's parents, Dracula finds the opportunity and calls his friends to train Dennis in the way of the monster—in the hope that he is one.

Hotel Transylvania 2 has managed to maintain its charm and comedic feel from its previous installment. The premise is still pretty interesting although maybe quite worn-out for a vampire-falls-in-love-with-a- human plot. The coming of the new addition to the family gave the story an interesting twist and angle. However, the film has the tendency to be quite under structured that it lacks cohesiveness. The characters are interesting and all the voices seem to be enjoying their part. But there are features that seem to be unnecessary in plot development (such as the break dancing) although it has to be there because of its adherence to randomness.  The film is able to drive home a point and it cannot be denied that it is still a delight to watch especially for the young and the young at heart.

Hotel Transylvania 2 presents a thesis against discrimination of any kind. The differences between humans and vampires are used as a metaphor to represent various kinds of discrimination on a local and global vantage point. The message against discrimination is very strong in the movie: that one should accept the other no matter how different—all creations are considered equal—and no one should be discriminated against by the color of their skin, gender, or by their gender preference. Acceptance, tolerance and equality are the big messages of the film. In between the laughter and the thrills, these messages echo up to the point of overselling the values of family, friendship, and marriage. Paradoxically, this vampire movie tells its audience to love and accept one’s child no matter how odd his or her choices may be. At the end of it all, a father’s love and a family’s love for one another springs eternal. And yes, love is love, and even vampires are capable of it. But watch out, such paradox may create confusion for the very young and the very theme of vampires would need guidance from adults since the film’s target market is the very young audiences.

Crimson peak

DIRECTOR:  Guillermo del Toro  LEAD CAST: Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston  SCREENWRITER: Guillermo del Toro, Matthew Robbins  PRODUCER:  Jillian Share  EDITOR: Bernat Vilaplana  MUSICAL DIRECTOR:  Fernando Velazquez  GENRE: Horror  CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Dan Laustsen  DISTRIBUTOR: Universal Studios  LOCATION:  Kingston, Ontario RUNNING TIME:  1 hr. 59 mins.

Technical assessment:  4

Moral assessment:  3

CINEMA rating:  V18

Edith (Mia Wasikowska) is a budding young novelist amidst a time when women authors do not get much interest from publishers. Her inspiration would mostly come from her tragic childhood experience of her mother’s ghost. When baronet Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) visits New York to seek investment from Edith's father for a technology he invented, Edith eventually falls in love with him, which  Edith’s father disapproves. His father dies a mysterious tragic death and Edith  marries Thomas and they move into her husband’s home in England, which he shares with his sister Lucille (Jessica Chastain). The house, apart from being old and dusty, seems to be haunted, leading Edith to discover the dark secrets of the Sharpes.

            Crimson Peak is a magnificent visual delight for a horror genre. The set pieces and costumes, the cinematography and the entire production design all intricately blend to create such a film art masterpiece. Like a painter creating a delightful still life, the director is able to use the film as his canvass where all color pallets using mixed media installations come together to bring about such compelling work of art. The showcase of Gothic romance is twisted in the terror and apparently dangerous fate the main character is facing. Jessica Chastain shines as Lucille with her gripping performance that combines Victorian class and terrifying threat. It’s rare to see a film that is visually arresting, emotionally moving, and intellectually challenging.  In Crimson Peak, audiences are terrified and delighted, and fall in love one moment in the film at a time.

            Crimson Peak boldly displays both recklessness and control in terms of conveying its message of horror, deceit, greed, ambition, obsession, lust, and love. The film centers on Edith being haunted by the ghosts both from her past and present. The ghost could be a metaphor of her past hurt from a sudden loss of a loved one, or a present danger she is about to face.  Nevertheless, the ghost as anchor of the story works very well to deliver the moral of the story: We are all haunted by our own ghosts. The ghosts could be something we have kept hidden—however we try to run away from them, they still eventually lead to our destruction. On the other hand, bravely facing our ghosts no matter how scary it may be could help us discover painful truths that we need to know. The film tackles illicit relationships, unresolved crimes, and graphic gory visuals of violence, yet taken into context and the call of the genre, the film stands firm and clear that goodness reigns over evil even in the midst of seemingly stronger dark forces. Ghosts are real, as the film says, but God is more real—as love is stronger than hate. However, the heaviness of the theme and the graphic visuals of blood and gore may be disturbing for young audiences so CINEMA deems the film as suitable only for audience 18 years old and above. 

Bridge of Spies

DIRECTOR: Steven Spielberg LEAD CAST:  Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan, Alan Alda  SCREENWRITER:  Matt Charman, Ethan Coen, Joel Coen  PRODUCER:  Kristie Macosko Krieger, Marc Platt, Steven Spielberg   EDITOR:  Michael Kahn  MUSICAL DIRECTOR:  Thomas Newman  GENRE:  Fact-based Historical dramatic thriller  CINEMATOGRAPHER: Janusz Kamiński  DISTRIBUTOR:  20^th Century Fox  LOCATION:  United States  RUNNING TIME: 141 minutes

Technical assessment:  4

Moral assessment:  3.5

CINEMA Rating:  V14

            In 1957 during the height of cold war, FBI agents of the US serve arrest warrant to Rudolph Abel (Mark Rylance) on ground of spying in favor of Russian government.  Insurance settlement expert lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks) takes on Abel’s case amidst the criticism that he is defending a traitor of his own country. Abel is found guilty, but Donovan manages to reduce the penalty to 30 years imprisonment instead of death sentence in view of invalid search warrant and the potential of his client to serve as an exchange deal for the release of US spy-plane pilot Francis Gary Powers (Austin Stowell) and economic graduate student Frederic Pryor who are in the custody of the USSR and the East German government. Telling his wife and children he would just go on a fishing trip, Donovan flies to Berlin to negotiate for the exchange.

            Bridge of Spies is another treat from Spielberg to the movie viewing public who wants to be informed, enlightened, and amazed. Inspired by historical facts, the story engages the viewer from beginning to conclusion. The film showcases the trademark excellence and compelling performance of Hanks, matched by that of Rylance.  Spielberg has successfully given life to these two characters with these lead actors while enabling the rest of the cast to give their best shot as well.  The cinematography is remarkable in conveying facts, appropriate emotions, and ambiance required by the film.  The editing and production design revive the cold war era through convincing sets. Lighting and sound effects are equally appropriate; the relative silence and music of the late 50’s enhance the atmosphere.

            Bridge of Spies conveys positive messages like hope despite trying situations, and honor and dignity when one’s profession is challenged. Donovan personifies the principle of justice for all regardless of guilt or innocence.  Devotion to family and country are other values underscored here.  Donovan is a dedicated husband and father and yet goes beyond the call of duty to be of service to his country for the sake of national security and interest.

    

Felix Manalo

DIRECTOR: Joel Lamangan LEAD CAST: Dennis Trillo, Bela Padilla  STORY and SCREENPLAY: Bienvenido Santiago MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Von de Guzman CINEMATOGRAPHER: Rody Lacap  FILM EDITOR: John Wong  GENRE:  Biography   DISTRIBUTOR:  Viva Films (2015)  PRODUCERS:  Vincent del Rosario, Veronique del Rosario Corpus  PRODUCTION COMPANY: Viva Films  LOCATION: Philippines  LANGUAGE: Tagalog, English  RUNNING TIME:  2 hrs. 55 mins.

Technical assessment: 2.5

Moral assessment:  2.5

MTRCB rating:  GP

CINEMA rating:  V14  

Magbubukas ang pelikula sa araw ng kapanganakan ni Felix Manalo, Mayo 10, 1886, sa isang pamilyang saradong Katoliko.  Ipapakita nito ang mga mahahalagang yugto sa buhay ni “Peles” (Dennis Trillo) mula sa pagkabata hanggang sa pagtatatag ng Iglesia ni Kristo  at kanyang kamatayan noong 1963, at magwawakas ito sa paghirang sa kanyang anak na si Erano bilang bagong pinuno ng itinatag niyang simbahan.

May balitang ang Felix Manalo ay kalahati lamang sa haba ng orihinal na pelikula—anim na oras. Marahil ay ninais ng mga producers ng pelikula na itampok nito ang talambuhay ni Manalo at ipapanood sa mga kasapi ng Iglesia sa kanyang kabuuan, ngunit iniklian ito para sa publiko pagka’t ang karaniwang “moviegoer” ay walang tiyagang upuan ang mga pelikulang hahaba pa ng dalawang oras.  Dito nagmumula ang mga kakulangan ng pelikula.

Tiyak na “nosebleed” ang editor sa pagbubuo ng Felix Manalo.  Ang resulta?  “Major surgery”, ika nga.  Kung ang Felix Manalo ay isang tao, inoperahan ito: iniklian ang bituka, tinapyasan ang baga, binawasan ang utak, tinaniman ng “pacemaker”, at inalisan ng apdo.  Bagama’t natuhog nito ang mga makahulugang bahagi ng kanyang buhay, hindi nito sinisid ang lalim ng pagkatao ni Manalo; sa halip, naging isang paglalahad ito ng simbahang INK, kung paano ito umusbong, naitatag, lumago, at lumalago.  Kung gayon, maaaring hindi ito tangkilikin ng mga manonood na gustong maaliw sa sinehan; kung ikaw nga’y nagbabayad para malibang, bakit panonoorin mo pa ang Felix Manalo?  Kung siryoso ka naman at gusto mong higit pang alamin ang tungkol sa INK, may Google naman para sa higit na malayang pananaliksik.

Hindi kataka-takang naging 150-milyong piso ang budget ng Felix Manalo: bukod sa maraming tanyag ng artista at 7,000 ekstrang ginamit dito, kitang-kita na pinaggugulan din ng salapi at panahon ang kanyang production sets, costumes, atbp., kaya lamang, halatang bago ang mga ito—mukhang hindi pa natitirahan ang mga bahay kubo, wala pang libag ang mga kawayang bakod, kasasabit pa lamang ng mga kurtina, malutong pa ang uniporme ng mga sundalo, etsetera, etsetera, etsetera.  Hindi maitatanggi na ang “nagdala” ng talambuhay na ito ay si Trillo, na marubdob na ginampanan ang papel ng yumaong Manalo, katulad ng kapani-paniwala niyang pagganap bilang isang bakla sa teleseryeng “My Husband’s Lover”.

Sa mabilisan at nakakalitong paglukso ng kuwento sa pagitan ng mga eksena sa buhay ni Manalo, maraming bagay sa kanyang pagkatao at sa mga pangyayari ang napawalang halaga.  Kapalit nito ay ang mga detalyadong tagpong nagpapakita ng pagrerehistro ng INK, ang pagtanggap ng gobyerno rito bilang isang lehitimong relihiyon, ang pagpapakita ng mga napakaraming retrato ng kanilang mga sambahan at kasapi mula noon hanggang ngayon pati na sa ibang bansa.  Ipinagtataka tuloy ng karaniwang manonood: “Ano bang talaga ang pakay ng pelikula—ipakilala si Manalo o ang kanyang iglesya?” Tila nanunudyo naman ang pagkakataon nang ilabas ang “pakita” o trailer ng Felix Manalo habang umaalingasaw pa ang krisis ng INK gawa ng pagkakatiwalag sa iglesya ng mismong ina at kapatid ng ikatlong pinuno nito, si Eduardo Manalo—isang pangyayaring nag-iwan ng lamat sa mata ng madla na dating nag-akalang matibay ang pagkakaisa ng INK.  Ang iskandalong ito ang naging sanhi ng protesta ng libo-libong kasapi ng INK laban kay Justice Secretary Leila de Lima sa EDSA, na ikinayamot naman ng mga motoristang naipit nang ilang araw sa trapik na idinulot nito.  Hindi masisisi ang mga manonood kung pagtatakhan nila ang “timing” ng Felix Manalo.  Ngunit ano man ang inyong isipin, hindi “naghahanap ng away” ang Felix Manalo.  Iniwasan nitong lumabas na nanghahamon sa ibang relihiyon habang isinasalarawan nito ang paghahanap sa katotohanan ng isang disenteng taong ang palayaw ay “Peles”.

Ano ang aral na maiuuwi ng mga manonood ng Felix Manalo?  Hind saklaw ng CINEMA ang sumangayon o sumalungat sa turo ng anumang relihiyong itinatampok sa anumang pelikula, ngunit bilang pangkalahatang aral, mawiwika ng CINEMA na kung sa paghahanap ninyo ng katotohanan ay nanaisin ninyong pag-aralan ang turo at Banal na Kasulatan ng isang relihiyon, huwag ninyo itong gawing mag-isa at makontento sa sarili ninyong pang-unawa.  Ang nagmamahal sa katotohanan ay hindi nag-aatubiling magpakumbaba at humingi ng liwanag mula sa tamang authority, sa mga bihasa na kinikilalang may kaalaman, kapangyarihan, karanasan,  karapatan, at tungkuling magpaliwanag nito.

Etiquette for Mistresses

DIRECTOR: Chito Roño  LEAD CAST: Kris Aquino, Claudine Barretto, Kim Chiu, Iza Calzado  SCREENWRITER: Julie Yap Daza  PRODUCER:  Charo Santos-Concio  MUSICAL DIRECTOR:  Carmina Cuya  GENRE: Romance/Drama  CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Neil Daza    DISTRIBUTOR: Star Cinema  LOCATION:  Philippines RUNNING TIME: 120 minutes

Technical assessment:  3

Moral assessment:  2.5

CINEMA rating:  V18

MTRCB rating: R13 

Matalik na magkakaibigan sila Georgia (Kris Aquino), Stella (Iza Calzado), Chloe (Claudine Barretto), at Charley (Cheena Crab).  Lahat sila’y mga tinatawag na “kabit” bagama’t hindi ganoon ang turing nila sa sarili nila pagka’t may sinasabi naman sila, matalino, at pawang matagumpay sa kani-kaniyang karera.  Hihilingin ng “partner” ni Georgia na si Rob (Freddie Webb) na pagbigyan ang kaibigan nitong si Frank (Zoren Legaspi) na “turuan” at sanaying maging pino ang batang-batang kabit niya na si Ina (Kim Chiu).  Hindi sasang-ayon si Stella, isang abugada, sa mungkahing iyon, ngunit itutuloy pa rin ni Georgia ang pagiging “mentor” kay Ina.  Sa pagsulong ng kani-kaniyang mga buhay lulutang nang isa-isa ang mga alituntunin na dapat ay matutuhan ni Ina bilang isang “kept woman”, mga tumpak na pag-iisip at pagkilos na dapat diumano’y maituro sa dalaga upang siya’y lumigaya, magpaligaya sa kanyang lalaki, at maging malayo sa iskandalo.  Ituturing na ng apat na bunsong kapatid si Ina, subali’t sasalungatin ang mga turo ni Georgia ng mapusok na si Chloe na walang pakundangang iginigiit ang kanyang mga kagustuhan sa lalaki niya.

Makakatayong mag-isa ang pelikulang Etiquette for Mistresses kahit hindi ihambing sa orihinal na nobela ni Jullie Yap-Daza na pinaghanguan nito.  Sa kalakhang bahagi ng pelikula, makatotohanan ang pagsasalarawan nito ng mga hirap-at-sarap ng pagiging isang “Number 2” ng mga lalaking nakaaangat sa buhay. Nagampanan nang mahusay at may damdamin ng mga pangunahing artista ang kani-kaniyang mga papel, gawa na rin marahil ito ng magaling na pagdidirihe ni Chito Roño.  Sa mga tanging dialogue ay mababakas ang kagustuhang maghatid ng aral ng pelikula sa mga kababaihan, kabit man o hindi.  May mga bahaging biglang nakakabingi ang tunog, at hindi rin gasinong pulido ang editing ng ilang parte.  Nagsimulang “solid” at matatag ang pelikula ngunit sa bandang huli’y “nagkalat” ito, nagsanga-sanga ang kuwento, hanggang sa katapusang “hinog sa kalburo”, ika nga.   

Ang tinatawag na “etiquette” sa pelikula ay kabutihang asal para lamang sa mga nakikiapid na nasa mataas na antas ng lipunan, at ang pakay ng mga babaeng ito ay ang iwasan ang iskandalo upang magtagal ang relasyon sa lalaking may asawa.  Parang sinsasabi nitong “Okey lang maging kabit basta alam mong hindi ikaw ang asawa, at kumilos ka nang naaayon.”  Sa tunay na buhay, maaaring walang matatawag na “etiquette for mistresses” para sa mga taong walang reputasyong iniingatan, mga uring “nangangaliwa” nang hantaran, at mga relasyong nagwawakas sa lagim tulad ng mga nababasa sa mga tabloids—ngunit mataas man o mababa ang lugar nila sa lipunan, pareho lamang silang nakapiit sa bawal na pag-iibigan.

Hindi kinukunsinti ng Etiquette for Mistresses ang pakikiapid, bagkus tinatangka pa nitong ipaalala—matapos nitong silawin ang manunood sa mga karangyaang tinatamasa ng mga kabit—na ito ay isang kamalian na dapat iwasan.  Marahil sa tindi ng kagustuhan nitong iparating ang positibong mensaheng iyon, kasama na rin ang pagnananais na kilitiin pa-more ang movie fans, sumobra naman ito.  Higit sanang kapani-paniwala kung tinuldukan na lang ang kuwento sa matapat at marubdob na desisyon ng mga kabit na talikuran ang baluktot na daan.  Pero hindi ganon ang nangyari—hinabaan pa, pinalabukan pa ng mga pangyayaring minadali at hindi ipinaliwanag, naglaho tuloy ang init ng mensahe, parang lumamig at nanigas na hot pan de sal.    

Bakit hinihimay ng CINEMA ang mga bagay na ito?  Tungkulin nitong magbigay gabay sa balana upang maging mapanuri at mapag-isip ang tao sa panonood ng sine.  Ang pagbabagong buhay ba ay ganoon lamang kasimple at kadali, parang switch ng ilaw, isang kalabit lang ay magliliwanag na?  Paano na ang mga nasugatang damdamin, mga nawasak na pag-aasawahan, mga nagkalamat na tiwala? Ano kaya ang aral na maiuuwi ng mga manunood na buong-tahimik na sumaksi sa sampalan nila Kris at Claudine, pero nagtilian nang walang mayaw nang biglang pumasok sa eksena si Piolo Pascual?  Kumita ng 15-milyong piso ang Etiquette for Mistresses sa unang araw ng labas nito.  Ilan sa mga nanood sa unang araw ang naliwanagan ng pelikula tungkol sa pag-ibig?   

Tungkol sa tema nito, mayroon pang nais bigyang-liwanag ang CINEMA—ito’y may kinalaman sa winika at binigyang-diin ng isang babae tungkol sa relasyon nila Stella at Ambet: ito diumano ang “love”.  Love?  Talaga?  Hindi po minamaliit ng CINEMA ang “love” na namagitan sa isang abogadang iniwan ang pananagutan sa korte upang arugain ang isang lalaking nilisan ang kanyang pamilya at piniling pumanaw sa piling ng kabit.  Ang sa kanila’y isang uri ng pag-iibigan, oo, ngunit pag-iibigang mapanira, naghahatid ng dalamhati at poot sa mga kinauukulan.  Ito ba ang ninanais ng Panginoon para sa atin?  Ang pakikiapid, ang pagnanasa o pagsiping sa hindi mo asawa—ano man ang itawag dito, wisikan man ito ng pabango at itubog sa ginto—ay pakikiapid pa rin, isang paglabag sa kalooban ng Panginoon.  May higit pang dakilang pag-ibig ang inilaan ng Lumikha para sa tao, isang pag-ibig na isinasa-alang-alang ang Diyos, walang bahid ng pagka-makasarili, nag-uugat sa katotohanan at nagbubunga ng kabutihan.

Papa Francisco: The Pope Francis Story

Direction: Beda Docampo Feijoo; Cast: Dario Grandinetti, Silvia Abascal, Leticia Bredice, Laur Novoa, Gabriel Gallichio, Alejandro Awada; Based on the Book: Pope Francis: Life and Revolution;  Screenplay: Beda Docampo Feijoo; Cinematography: Kiko de la Rica;  Editing: Cristina Pastor ;  Music: Federico Jusid ; Producers: Pablo Bossi, José Ibañez; Genre: Biographical drams  Location: Argentina/Vatican; Distributor: Pioneer  Films

Technical assessment:  3.5

Moral assessment:  4

NTRCB rating:  G

CINEMA rating: VA (Viewers of all ages)

Released as Papa Francisco: The Pope Francis Story in the Philippines, the film shifts from past and present timelines as Ana (Abascal), agnostic Spanish journalist, reconstructs the highlights of Fr. Bergoglio (Grandinetti) life from his childhood and his seminary life to the time he was Cardinal of Argentina until his election as Pope in the 2013 Conclave. In short and simple anecdotes, we see young Bergoglio’s unwavering desire to be a priest against his  mother’s wishes and childhood crushes, as well as his struggle to fight the injustices of the Dirty Wars. We are presented with his simplicity and humility as well as his endearing compassion for the less fortunate. Through each episode, Fr. Bergoglio imparts words—comforting for the sorrowful, sharp for the corrupt, and inspiring for the faithful. Anna’s story of becoming an unwed mother and finding God is told alongside Fr. Bergoglio’s journey.

There are two thoughts of critic schools for this Pope Francis movie. On the one hand, it is simplistic and devoid of cinematic techniques.  It puts an almost dry collection of tidbits about the Pope, downplaying the more controversial issues. One might find the film unjustly diminishing the enigmatic charisma of the real person the world has loved. On the otherhand, yes it is simplistic but effective enough because for a personality whose life is already an open book to the world, there is no need to delve into the nitty gritty anymore. The selection of events in Fr. Bergoglio’s life serves more to show the foundation for values he holds dear and principles he stands for than to dramatize them. That it is devoid of artistic interpretation and cinematic quality is true but for a man who has opted a life of simplicity and selflessness, the melodramatic treatment of mainstream cinema would not have been appropriate.

Papa Francisco: The Pope Francis Story resonates with inspiration. Forgiveness and compassion over judgement and punishment. Simplicity and humility over pomp and extravagance. Love and brotherhood over self and personal agenda. Even if Pope Francis were not a real person, the movie would have still made an impact in its messages. It presents a man of the cloth ready to defend the voiceless, the desolate, the victims of violence. The film shows us how faith is not practised just in the pulpits but also in the streets and alleyways. Moreover, we see a priest who is not just behind the altar preaching but inside the home loving, caring, sympathizing. Fr. Bergoglio is a friend to everyone and the embodiment of God’s mercy and compassion on earth. And all these have been presented in the simple poignant anecdotes that have been stripped of cinematic drama or hypocritical preaching.

Interesting tidbits about Papa Francisco, the movie

Last January, Pope Francis, the leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics, visited the country,  and inspired us with his warm, sincere, and jolly persona as he spoke of the gospel and God’s love for the world. 

Keeping the light and love that "Lolo Kiko" left in the Philippines, the movie entitled “Papa Francisco: The Pope Francis Story” further brings the Pope closer to the nation as the movie takes us back to his  younger days in Argentina until the time he was elected as Pope.  The movie, also known in other territories as “Francis: Pray For Me” is based on the book “Pope Francis: Life and Revolution” by Elisabetta Piqué, a close friend of the Pope and a correspondent in Italy and the Vatican for La Nación, Argentina’s main newspaper, since 1999.  

Pique’s book has been hailed in Argentina as the most complete and up-to-date portrait of the pope.  The movie “Papa Francisco: The Pope Francis Story”  brings us far back in Buenos Aires when as a teenager, Pope Francis quietly discovered his religious calling, little did he know that this was the first step that would eventually lead him to the Vatican.  The movie then takes on the perspective of young Spanish journalist Ana (played by Silva Abascal) who met Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Dario Grandinetti taking on the titular role) at the papal conclave of 2005.  It is here that they started a friendship  that would be imbued with the same warmth, good mood and wisdom with which the future Pope will astonish both believers and non-believers. 

It is through Ana’s eyes that the audience will follow the long, hard and touching story of Jorge Bergoglio.  Father Jorge, as he has always wished to be called, used his position as the archbishop of Buenos Aires as a means to challenge the corruption and abuse of the government dictatorship.  Ana was there to see his toughest battles when he gave a voice to those who had none, the victims of prostitution, slavery and drug trafficking within the many shanty towns.  Their story comes full circle at the conclave of 2013 when a Jesuit priest coming from South America is elected on the fifth papal ballot as Pope.  The son of humble Italian immigrants, he chooses Francis as his Papal name partly in honor of his Grandmother for she impressed upon him the biblical values of Saint Francis of Assissi when he was a young boy.  The name Francis perfectly summarizes the life of Father Jorge.  He is a man who placed the Gospel’s message of helping the needy at the heart of his pastoral work.

Award-winning writer-director and actors abound in “Papa Francisco: The Pope Francis Story” -  directed by Beda Docampo Feijoo who won Best Screenplay in the Argentinean Film Critics Association Awards for his work in the movie “El Marido Perfecto” in 1993 with Juan Bautista Stagnaro with acclaimed actors Dario Grandinetti in the titular Pope Francis role who won an International Emmy Award for Best Actor in 2012 and Silvia Abascal who was awarded Best Actress in Toulouse Cinespana and Malaga Spanish Film Festivals.

 Pioneer Films brings local audiences the story of the Pope who fearlessly fought against poverty and corruption amidst overwhelming odds in “Papa Francisco: The Pope Francis Story.”

Heneral Luna

DIRECTOR: Jerrold Tarog  LEAD CAST:  John Arcilla, Mon Confiado, Mylene Dizon, Epi Quizon, Paulo Avelino, Bing Pimentel, Arron Villaflor  SCREENWRITER:  E.A. Rocha, Henry Hunt Francia, Jerrold Tarog  Cinematographer: Pong Ignacio  PRODUCER:  E.A. Rocha  EDITOR:  Jerrold Tarog  MUSICAL DIRECTOR:  Jerrold Tarog  GENRE:  Biopic, historical action   DISTRIBUTOR:  Quantum Films  LOCATION:  Philippines

Technical assessment: 4

Moral assessment: 3

CINEMA rating: V14

Bagama’t nasa Pilipinas na ang mga Amerikano noon, hindi pa rin malimi ng bagitong gobyerno ng Pilipinas ang tunay na motibo ng mga Kano.  Si Heneral Antonio Luna (John Arcilla), ang namumuno ng puwersa militar ng Pilipinas at tagapayo ng Pangulong Emilio Aguinaldo (Mon Confiado), ay walang tiwala sa mga Amerikano.  Sa ganang kanya, dapat unahan ang mga Amerikano, tirahin na ang mga ito bago pa lumawak at humigpit ang kapit nito sa bansa—ngunit hindi sasang-ayon sa kanyang pananaw ang ilang miyembro ng kabinete, lalo na yaong mga interesadong makipagnegosyo sa mga Amerikano.  Mangyayari ang nakikinita ni Heneral Luna—digmaan sa pagitan ng mga Philipino at mga puting dayuhan.  Maninindigan si Luna sa gitna ng gulo at sa kabila ng pagiging pasaway ng ilang tauhan sa militar.

Kahanga-hanga ang pagpili ng mga nagsiganap sa Heneral Luna, hindi lamang dahil sa matalino at taos-pusong pagganap ng mga ito kungdi pati na rin sa kanilang mga anyo.  Sapagka’t kamukhang-kamukha ng mga pangunahing aktor ang mga tauhang kanilang ginagampanan, lumalabas na buhay at makatotohanan ang pelikula.  (Ano kaya ang naging resulta kung ang napiling Luna ay si Richard Gomez, Aguinaldo ay si John Lloyd Cruz, at Mabini ay si Alden Richard?  Baka naman naging masayang zarzuela ito.)  Salamat sa direksiyon ni Jerrold Tarog, kapani-paniwala din ang mga eksena ng paglalabanan; nakadagdag din sa  pagka-makatotohanan ng Heneral Luna ang pagkakaroon ng tila mga tunay na “kano.”  Wala nang pupunahing pagkukulang ang CINEMA sa ibang  technical aspects ng Heneral Luna, bawa’t aspeto ay may kanya-kanyang ambag sa maayos na kabuuan ng pelikula.

Kadalasan, kapag ang isang pelikula ay tungkol sa kasaysayan—sa ibang bansa man o dito sa Pilipinas—sinisikap nitong maging mapitagan.  Ang mga “bida” ay ipinakikita bilang mga bayani—magigiting, halos hindi mo makikitaan ng mga kahinaan ng karaniwang tao.  At ang mga pangyayaring isinasalarawan ay pawang mahahalaga sa buhay ng bida at sa pagsulong ng kasaysayan.  Kahit na nga maaaring magbigay-inspirasyon ang kanilang kuwento, minsan ay nakapangliliit din naman ito, lalu na’t kung iisipin natin ang tila lampas-tao nang tapang, giting, at kadakilaan ng bayani.  Dito naiiba ang Heneral Luna.  Ang Antonio Luna ni Arcilla at Tarog ay pinaghalong kagitingan at kabaliwan, kaya taong-tao.  Sa digmaan, walang takot; bilang anak ng Inang Bayan, iaalay ang buhay; kasama ng mga kawal, nambubulyaw, nambabatok, nagmumura, humahalakhak; sa piling ng sinisintang babae, naglalaho ang bangis.  (Hindi mapigilan ng CINEMA ang magtaka: uso na ba ang “P…… i….” noong panahong iyon?  Hindi ba’t sa wikang Kastila pa ang pagmumura, tulad ng “Hijo de p….”?  Naitatanong lang po).

Sa kabila ng mumunting daplis ng pelikula, nagtagumpay ang maningning na pagdidirihe ni Tarog na isalarawan ang dalawang mukha ng kasaysayan: katawa-tawang komedya at walang kapararakang trahedya.  Maraming ipinupunlang katanungan ang Heneral Luna sa isip ng manunood:  Sino bang talaga ang nagpapatay kay Heneral Luna?  Gaano katapat ang pelikula sa katotohanan sa likod ng mga pangyayari sa kasaysayan?  Bakit nasabi ni Heneral Luna na ang ating pinakamasahol na kaaway ay hindi ang mga banyaga kungdi ang ating sarili?  Di kaya ang hamon ni Heneral Luna sa mga namumuno noon—“Bayan o sarili?”  “Negosyo o kalayaan?”—ay hamon din ng Heneral Luna sa mga namumuno ngayon sa Pilipinas? 

Bagama’t itinuturing nating isang “demokrasya” ang Pilipinas sa ngayon, hindi maikakaila na tayo ay isang nahahating bayan.  Ang isang bayan na walang pagkakaisa sa puso, diwa, mithiin, at gawa ay madaling magugupo ng mga dayuhang nagnanasa sa kanyang likas na yaman at nagsasamantala sa kanyang kahangalan.  Iminumulat ng Heneral Luna ang mga mata ng makabagong Pilipino upang matutuhan natin ang mga aral ng kasaysayan.  Saan patutungo ang Inang Bayan kung ang tanging katanungan ng mga kabataan sa ngayon tungkol sa Heneral Luna ay “Bakit palaging nakaupo si Mabini?”

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

Direction: Wes Ball Cast: Dylan OBrian, Kaya Scodelario, King Ho Lee, Jacob Lofland, Rosa Salazar; Story: James Dashner; Screenplay: TS Nowlin; Cinematography: Gyula Pados; Editing: Dan Zimmerman; Music: John Paesano; Producers: Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, et al ; Genre: Action, Sci-Fi Location: USA; Distributor: 20th Century Fox; Running Time: 136 minutes  

Technical assessment: 3 stars

Moral assessment : 3  or 2.5

CINEMA rating : V14

After Thomas (O’Brian) and friends escape the BLADE, they find themselves in the seeming safety and comfort of the WCKED facilities as they learn that they have been part of the experiment conducted after the outbreak of the Flare virus. They are fed, given clean clothes, led to comfortable quarters and introduced to other Maze survivors. All seems well at first until Teresa (Scodelario) is separated from the group and Aris (Lofland), the first Maze survivor, reveals to Thomas the experiments being done on the immune survivors to find a cure against the Flare virus. Thomas persuades his friends to escape the facilities and face endless challenges from the Cranks to WCKED security. They meet Brenda (Salazar) and Jorge, leaders of an underground group of survivors who help them find the Right Arm, another resistance group of survivors and former Mazers. However, Teresa, who believes that a cure must be found for the Flare virus regardless of the means, betrays her friends and reveals their location to WCKED. A fight ensues leading to the capture of several survivors and his friends prompting Thomas to plan an attack on WCKED.

You cannot fault SCORCH TRIALS for its action and entertainment value but it does not necessarily mean it is a good movie adaptation or a better sequel. While audiences are kept at the edge of their seats with the endless chase scenes, when everything mellows, there seems not much of a storyline or character development. There are high points in the movie—a solid performance from the main cast, believable production design that takes us to another place, and cool effects that keep our hearts racing. But bestselling as the novel is, the movie offers nothing new. Dystopian societies, zombie virus, cold hearted leaders who have no moral qualms disrespecting life to achieve a noble end have been seen in so many movies and done in much better ways. Overall, it’s a good watch for fans of the novel and the first movie who will forgive its weaknesses.

Does the end justify the means? This cliché is easier said than done because when faced with the choice of defending someone’s rights against your personal gain, the latter will take precedence. But such choice is sugar coated as a necessary evil and passed on as collateral damage. Scorch Trials show us a situation where human life is devalued for the sake preservation. Our children are not to be experimented on—physically, emotionally or psychologically. But every time we throw them in situations where they are forced to helplessly defend themselves as we abandon their dignity and watch in amusement, we do exactly as the doctors in WCKED.

Everest

DIRECTOR:  Baltasar Kormakur  LEAD CAST: Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright, Emily Watson, Keira Knightley, Sam Worthington, Jake Gyllenhaal  SCREENWRITER: William Nicholson & Simon Beaufoy  PRODUCER:  Tim Bevan & Eric Fellner  EDITOR: Mick Audsley  MUSICAL DIRECTOR:  Dario Marianelli  GENRE: Adventure/Drama/Thriller  CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Salvatore Totino  DISTRIBUTOR: Universal Pictures  LOCATION:  UK, USA, Iceland  RUNNING TIME:  121 minutes

Technical assessment: 3.5

Moral assessment:  3.5

CINEMA rating: V14

          A story based on what actually transpired in 1996 expedition which claimed the lives of eight mountain climbers, Everest backs up that information as it presents two rival teams, led by Rob (Jason Clark) and Scott (Jake Gyllenhaal), who attempt to reach the top of the world's highest mountain—Mt. Everest. Their caliber is challenged by the hostile environment of the mountain: the snowslides, the missing guide posts, the zero visibility and worst of all, the raging snowstorms which swoop down the climbers as they are nearing the peak of the mountain and back again on their way down. 

            Everest is based on a true story involving seasoned climbers who met their respective fate while climbing Mt. Everest. At the level of information, the film has successfully portrayed the events on that fateful mountain trek, but it falls short of capturing the level of emotions to inject  drama or excitement to the film.  For instance, the scene of reaching the summit is not given much weight to convey the climbers’ jubilation and great relief after all the hardships overcome.  (Or is the film saying that the mountaineers were just too weary and breathless to celebrate?)  Nevertheless, efforts are seen in acting and characterization particularly that of Brolin and Gyllenhaal.  The constant use of close-up shots captures details and helps in carrying out the theme of individual struggle and survival. The production design is commendable and provides a credible picture of the freezing trek and camp sites.  Except for minor gray areas in the plot development, the film is educational and has very good technical qualities, especially the cinematography which does justice to the awe-inspiring scenery—the magnificent mountains against which man appears insignificant, like ants.

             Everest depicts positive values that movie viewers can reflect on.  More than climbing the earth’s highest mountain, the film is about individual dreams, personal satisfaction, family, teamwork, heroism, and sacrifice. Mountain climbers (whether amateur or professional) find a different sense of joy and self-actualization in pursuing this perilous activity.  For them conquering every peak means realizing a dream not only for themselves but also for their families and loved ones.  The film shows the family as inspiration and motivation for a person to keep going despite life’s adversaries and difficult situations, while the families are supportive of the climbers, too. Regardless of their religious beliefs, the climbers observed tradition by offering prayers at the temple and entrusted their activity to the supreme spirit.  Also, in spite of the competition between the two accredited guides, they are able to work as a team when called for to save and protect lives.  Leaders are not afraid to sacrifice and set aside the self in helping others.  In real life, the heroic acts of Rob Hall and company are remembered and are now part of the history of the world’s highest peak.