District 9

Cast: David James, Sharito Copley, Elizabeth Mkandawie, Greg Melvill-Smith, Jason Cope, John Summer, Nathalie Boltt, Nick Blake, Sylvaine Strike, William Allen Young; Director: Neill Blomkamp; Producer: Peter Jackson; Screenwriters: Neil Blomkamp, Teri Tatchell; Music: Clinton Shorter; Editor: Jukian Clarke; Genre: Sci-Fi; Cinematography: Trent Opaloch; Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment; Location: South Africa; Running Time: 110 min.;

Technical Assessment: 3.5
Moral Assessment: 2
CINEMA Rating: For mature viewers 18 and above

In Johannesburg, South Africa, an isolated camp 200 kilometers away from civilization has been home to several insect-shaped alien refugees who landed on earth 30 years ago. Apparently, they survived a disaster in their home planet and were stranded on earth because of a mechanical problem in their spacecraft. Finding the aliens hideous and useless, the humans forcibly confined them to live in substandard conditions inside District 9. The aliens, or “prawns” as the humans call them, are too scared and confused to fight back and live by scavenging and selling whatever possessions they have left. The camp is controlled by Multi-National United (MNU), a defense subcontractor who wants to take hold of the aliens’ superb technology and advance weaponry, which, however, turn out to be useless without the alien’s DNA. Over the years, people have grown more hostile towards the aliens and now want them transferred to another isolation camp. The task of serving their eviction was given to a shy but annoying MNU employee named Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley). He carries out the job with arrogance and ruthlessness until an accident with a deadly chemical that turns him into one the prawns. Wilkus is forced to be a fugitive from the government and becomes an outcast like the prawns. He then realizes the mistakes of prejudice and segregation. He befriends an alien who was given the human name Christopher Johnson (voiced by Jason Cope), and works against odds to save their race.

DISTRICT 9 is a well crafted story that re-contextualizes the alien theme from man’s most shameful moments during the 1966’s apartheid. The storytelling technique using hand held and continuous cinematography engages the audience closer to the drama. The plot develops smoothly with a strong performance from the protagonist and a clever socio-political commentary about discrimination. The CGIs and production design are decent and satisfactory. But the real strength of the movie is in the director’s interpretation of the script that turns a violent science fiction into a powerful statement against prejudice.

Amidst the blood and gore, the movie develops the theme of acceptance quite well. It illustrates how people should learn to go beyond appearance, race or beliefs. The physical and moral metamorphosis of Wilkus shows how the world would be so much better when man achieves universal solidarity. The secondary theme of marital love is also demonstrated by loyalty and sincerity of Wilkus to his wife.

As a whole, the film is a tight production with a strong message. However, it contains several scenes of graphic violence, brutal action and offensive language. The explicit dark tones of the movie may not appeal to the sensitivities of most viewers. Adults and parents should guide their very young children when watching the movie.

Tarot

Cast: Marian Rivera, Roxanne Guinoo, Ana Capri, Dennis Trillo, Gloria Romero; Director: Jun Lana; Producers: Jun Lana, Rosselle Monteverde-Teo; Screenwriters: Jun Luna, Elmer L. Gatchalian; Editor: Tara Illenberger; Genre: Horror; Cinematography: Mo Zee; Distributor: Regal Films; Location: Philippines; Running Time: 102;

Technical Assessment: 3
Moral Assessment: 3
CINEMA Rating: For viewers age 13 and below with parental guidance

Nakalakihan ni Cara (Marian Rivera) ang panonood sa kanyang Lola Auring (Gloria Romero) na mabisang nanghuhula sa pamamagitan tarot cards kaya di nakapagtataka na matutunan din niya ito. Subalit ng mamatay si Lola Auring ay wala siyang pinamanahan ng baraha sa halip ay hiniling niya na isama ito sa kanyang puntod. Makalipas ang panahon ay naging kasintahan ni Cara si Miguel (Dennis Trillo). Naisipan nila na mamasyal sa gubat kung saan misteryosong maglalaho si Miguel. Hindi matanggap ni Cara na mawala ng tuluyan ang nobyo kaya naisipan niyang gamitin ang bisa ng tarot cards ng kanyang lola upang matunton ang nobyo. Di naman siya binigo ng tarot na hinukay pa niya sa puntod ng kanyang lola dahil nagkita at nagkasama uli sila ni Miguel. Subalit kasabay ng kanilang pagtatagpo at paghawak ni Cara ng tarot cards ay ang pagkakaroon ng mga nakakatakot na kaganapan at pagbabanta sa kanilang buhay.

Masalimuot ang kuwento ng Tarot at parang pinilit lang na ipasok ang tema ng pagbabasa ng tarot cards sapagkat tipikal na katatakutan lang na dulot ng mga ligalig na kaluluwa ang istorya nito. Tila kulang sa pagpiga ng emosyon katulad ng tila lumipas lang na pagbubuwis ng buhay ng isang ina at walang hatid na kilig ng tambalang Marian at Dennis dito. Gayunpaman ay tagumpay sa layunin na makapanakot ang pelikula dahil sa mahusay na paglalapat ng tunog at special effects. Mahusay ang transition ng mga eksena mula sa panaginip at imahinasyon pabalik sa katotohanan. Halata na naging maingat ang aspetong ito ng editing. Sa kabuuan ay naisalba ng mga nabanggit na aspetong teknikal ang mahinang kuwento.

Ipinakita sa pelikula na ang panghuhula katulad ng pagbabasa ng tarot cards ay maaaring masapian ng masamang elemento o pwersa at makapaghatid ng kapahamakan o kamatayan sa mga nilalang. Samakatwid ay di dapat panaligan sa halip ay dapat mag-ingat dahil wala namang tahasang makapagsasabi ng mangyayari sa hinaharap. Marami din namang positibong mensahe ang pelikula katulad ng tapat na pagmamahal ni Cara kay Miguel, pagmamalasakit sa kaibigan, at katatagan ng loob sa kabila ng mga pagsubok. Kapansin-pansin lamang na sa kabuuang daloy ng pelikula ay tila walang pag-uukol sa paghingi ng kalakasan sa Diyos na siyang pangunahin sa kultura ng mga Pilipino. Nagwakas ang pelikula sa nakababahalang patuloy na paghahasik ng takot at pinsala ng masamang elemento sa buhay ng tao.

Bandslam

ASSESSMENT ONLY
Cast: Gaelan Connell, Vanessa Hudgens, Alyson Michalka, Lisa Kudrow; Director: Todd Graff; Producer: Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas; Screenwriters: Josh A. Cagan, Todd Graff; Editor: John Gilbert; Genre: “Dramedy” Comedy, Drama, Music; Cinematography: Eric Steelberg; Distributor: Summit Entertainment; Location: USA; Running Time: 111 min.;

Technical Assessment: 3.5
Moral Assessment: 3.5
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above


BRIEF FILM SYNOPSIS

When gifted singer-songwriter Charlotte Banks (Michalka) ask new kid in town Will Burton (Connell) to manage her fledgling rock band, she appears to have just one goad in mind: go-head-to-head against her egotistical musician ex-boyfriend, BEN (Porter), at the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands. Against all odds, their band develops a sound all its own with a real shot at success in the contest. Meanwhile, romance brews between Will and SA5M (Hudgens), who plays a mean guitar a has a voice to die for. When disaster strikes, it's time for the band to make a choice: Do they admit defeat, or face the music and stand up for what they believe in?

OUTSTANDING FEATURES OF THE FILM: Peer influence on the character development of a teenager, as presented in the movie, is commendable for discussion.

Shorts

Cast: James Spader, Wiliam Macy, Leslie Mann, Jon Cryer, Jimmy Bennet, Jake Short, Trevor Gagnon, Jolie Vanier; Director: Robert Rodriguez; Producers: Robert Rodriguez, Elizabeth Avellan; Screenwriter: Robert Rodriguez; Music: Robert Rodriguez, Carl Thiel; Editor: Robert Rodriguez, Ethan Maniqius; Genre: Fantasy Comedy, Children’s film; Distributor: Warner Bros.; Location: USA; Running Time: 99 min.;

Technical Assessment: 3
Moral Assessment: 3
CINEMA Rating: For viewers age 13 and below with parental guidance

The story is set in a community called Black Hall where Mr. Carbon Black (James Spader) its richest and most powerful citizen owns a monolithic corporation that manufactures a super-gadget called the Black Box. This little box can be carried around, deconstructed in various shapes and can do all kinds of tasks, trivial or significant say be a cellphone, a computer or hair trimmer. Mr. Black’s corporation employs most of the townspeople and he tyrannically wants them to aggressively market this device, eliminating all competition. Anyone who does not foe the line gets fired. The Box has greatly affected the lived of most of the townspeople. In the community, there are lot of queer people, and families have become dysfunctional, like the family of nine-year-old Toby “Toe” Thompson (Jimmy Bennett). Toe is detached from his family (who miscommunicates with one another), lacks self-confidence, has no friends and is often bullied, especially by the evil children of Mr. Black. Toe’s situation improves when he comes into the possession of a multicolored stone which has magical powers so anyone who holds it can wish for anything. Nine year old Loogie (Trevor Gagnon) and his two friends find it after a thunderstorm and have wished for the most incredible things. Somehow, the stone inadvertently gets passed around from one person to another granting all preposterous wishes. The rock affects (often negatively but hilariously) the lives of various families including Mr. Black’s. Will it be able to destroy the Black Box or vice-versa?

Shorts may be a children’s movie but it is likely that a child will not find it easy to follow and understand the film. Using the non-linear method of storytelling, it is presented in episodes which are jumbled up with no attempt at chronology or logic. It is narrated by Toe Thompson who zigzags through the tale of the wishing rock like only a nine year old boy can. It begins with episode 2, goes back to episode 1 and goes on merely rearranging and presenting colorful, kinetic and engrossing images (to the child at least) with some newly minted characters like the giant one-eyed booger monster. The children get to be happily entertained and never mind if the film is quite confusing with the virtual absence of a plot. The adults may find some humor (though rude at times) in the absurdity of it all. The film is populated by such weird characters that one wonders if anyone can identify with any of them. Perhaps a nine year old who gets bullied outside the home and finds no adult sympathetic or interested in his plight inside his supposed place of refuge, can connect with Toe Thompson. Ironically, this character maybe considered a misfit but he is not rare in our own “saner” world. Though at times exaggerated for effects in their acting, the cast especially the children characters do adequately well. The photography is acceptable. Director Robert Rodriguez probably wanted to do something similar and yet different from his earlier well received work, Spy Kids.

In Shorts, one observes the effects of miscommunication or lack of it. It can make a family like the Thompsons dysfunctional. But better communication and getting “connected” can help make the family whole again. Also, one sees the effects of wishing for things that are inappropriate for one’s situation. Like Loogie and his friends who get the wish of a fortress surrounded with a moat and protected by crocodiles and snakes only to realize the danger they find themselves in. And one sees how ridiculous and limiting life can be if one is extremely obsessed with anything like Dr. Noseworthy with his horror of germs. And probably, one realizes like Mr. Black that rather than create a black-box that can be used to terrorize and indignify people, one can instead create something that can make life better for each one.

Love On Line

Cast: Sotto, Jose Manalo, Paula Taylor, Gina Pareno, Leo Martinez, Ricky Davao, Manilyn Reynes; Director: Tony Reyes; Distributor: Octoarts Films; Location: Manila; Running Time: 110 min.;

Technical Assessment: 2
Moral Assessment: 3
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above

Madalas pag-initan ni Samson (Vic Sotto) ang kasambahay na si Tot (Jose Manalo) dahil sa katamaran nito. Hindi nga lang magawang palayasin si Tot dahil tanging ito lamang ang nakakapag-bigay ng dugo para sa ina ni Samson (Gina Pareno) na may kakaibang karamdaman. Sa halip na gawin ang trabaho, nauubos ang oras ni Tot sa Internet kakahanap ng magiging kasintahan. Minsang nilagay ni Tot ang larawan ni Samsom sa kanyang profile sa isang social networking website, dumagsa agad ang mga nais makipagkaibigan sa kanya. Isa sa nagustuhan ni Tot si Paula (Paula Taylor) at pumayag agad itong makipag-eyeball o makipagkita sa kanya. Sa una’y magagalit si Samson nang malaman nitong ginamit ni Tot ang kanyang larawan ng walang paalam ngunit kalauna’y mapapapayag din niya ito na makipagkita kay Paula dahil ang alam ni Paula, si Tot ay si Samson. . Agad na magkakasundo at magkakamabutihan sina Samson at Paula na labis na ipagseselos ni Tot at dahil diyan, gagamitin ni Tot ang isang mahika kay Samson kung saan ay magkakapalit sila ni Samson ng pagkatao sa loob ng tatlong oras araw-araw. Magdudulot ito ng kalituhan kay Paula na siyang magpapagulo sa sitwasyon ng kanilang relasyon. Malusutan kaya ito ni Samson?

Ang Love On Line ay tumutukoy sa makabagong teknolohiya ngayon, ang Internet at ang lawak ng impluwensiya nito maging sa pakikipagrelasyon. Ngunit naging pawang mababaw at makaluma pa rin ang naging pagtrato ng pelikula sa dapat sana'y napapanahon at modernong konsepto. Ang pagpasok ng mahika sa gitna ng pelikula ay pawang hindi angkop sa nais nitong palabasin. Nakapanghihinayang na sa kabila ng hindi matatawarang galing sa pag-arte ng mga tauhan, hindi pa rin nakawala ang Love On Line sa pagiging slapstick nito sa pagpapatawa. Nariyan pa rin ang pambabatok, pananampal, paggamit sa mga bakla at pangit bilang mga instrumento ng patawa. Labas tuloy ay pawang kulang sa sinseridad ang buong kuwento at walang anumang bigat o lalim ang buo nitong daloy. Hindi iniaangat ng Love On Line ang komedyang Pilipino, sa halip ay pinapalala pa nito ang kalagayan ng naghihingalong industriya.

Ang pangunahing tauhan na si Samson ay wagas at dalisay ang hangarin sa ngalan ng pag-ibig. Hindi rin matatawaran ang pagmamahal niya sa kaniyang ina na hindi niya iniiwan sa gitna ng karamdaman nito at tinutulungan pa niya ito sa negosyo.. Ngunit hindi maiaalis na ang buong kuwento ay halos sumentro kay Tot, isang taong tamad, mapagkunwari at mainggitin. Maaring si Tot ay simbolo ng mga taong walang pag-unlad dahil na rin sa taglay nitong masasamang katangian. Nariyang ubusin ang oras sa Internet para sa mga walang kapararakag gawain, at nagbabalatkayo para lamang makakuha ng atensiyon lalo na sa mga kababaihan at pawang hindi naman relasyon ang hanap nila kundi panandaliang aliw lamang. Gayunpaman, naging instrumento pa si Tot upang matutong umibig muli si Samson na nakaugat naman sa pagbabalatkayo. Tuloy kahit mali ay kinunsinte na rin ni Samson si Tot. Mababaw naman ang samahang Samson at Paula na hindi halos maaaring ituring na tunay na pag-iibigan. At sa dami ng kabataang gumagamit ng Internet sa ngayon ay hindi magandang halimbawa ang pelikula sa paghubog nito sa makabagong konsepto ng pag-ibig. Hindi masama ang teknolohiya hanggat ito ay ginagamit sa kabutihan sa halip na sa pagbabalatkayo. Ang paggamit rin ng kapangyarihang itim at mahika na labis na nakaapekto sa daloy ng kuwento ay nakababahala rin. Hindi dapat paikutin ng mahika o teknolohiya ang takbo ng buhay ng tao.

The Time Traveler's Wife

Cast: Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams, Ron Livingston, Arlis Howard; Director: : Robert Schwentke; Producers: Brad Pitt, Nick Wechsler, Dede Gardner; Screenwriter: Audrey Niffeneger, Jeremy Leven, Bruce Joel Rubin; Music: Mychael Danna; Editor: Thom Noble; Genre: Sci-fiction Romance; Cinematography: Florian Ballhaus; Distributor: Warner Bros; Location: Chicago; Running Time: 107 min.;

Technical Assessment: 2
Moral Assessment: 3
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above

On a snowy Christmas day, young Henry DeTamble (Alex Ferris) and his mom drive through the slippery streets, singing jolly Christmas songs to their hearts content, unmindful of the approaching car ahead. But just before they crash, young Henry slowly disappears inside the back seat and reappears a few yards away with an older man who tells him he is the future version of himself. This incident begins a series of time tossing to the past and future for Henry. His time travels are beyond his control and he is unable to take anything with him, even his clothes on his body, which forces him to break into houses and steal people’s belonging’s to cover himself and survive. The next time we see him is in the library where he meets Clare Abshire (Rachel McAdams), who recognizes him instantly although he has never seen her before. Apparently, Clare recognizes him because of several meetings they had in the past beginning when she was 6 years old. Eventually, they get married despite his genetic “chrono-impairment” condition which gets worse whenever he is stressed or upset. At first they seemingly have a happy life until Henry disappears for awhile and reappears again, sometimes as an older man, sometimes a young boy.

Time Traveler’s Wife is the film adaptation of Audrey Niffeneger’s novel of the same title. Although, director Schwentke remains faithful to the literary version, the execution is weak and faulty. For one, Bana and McAdams do not have enough chemistry to make the audience believe and sympathize with their unrequited love. The plot development is confusing and stuck at the surface level. The characters critical to push the story forward are mere cardboard cut-outs used to fill in some gaps in the scenes. By the time we get involved with Clare and Henry, the end credits are already rolling.

The film underscores the power of love against time, distance and uncertainty. Henry and Clare’s love for each other is admirable and courageous. Despite the struggle and complications their relationship poses, they choose to remain faithful and committed to their marriage. Their situation can mirror most marriages nowadays when one spouse has to work away from home for a long time and husband and wife’s relationship is challenged by the loneliness and temptations created by time and distance. Further, the movie reiterates the value of life despite the many difficulties surrounding pregnancy and motherhood.

There is some light nudity, non-graphic premarital relations, and mild inappropriate language in the movie. Parents are advised to guide their young children who might watch with them.

The Hangover

Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Jeffrey Tambor, Rachel Harris, Heather Graham, Rob Riggle; Director: Todd Phillips; Producers: Daniel Goldberg, Todd Phillips; Screenwriters: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore; Music: Christophe Beck; Editor: Debra Neil-Fisher; Genre: Comedy; Cinematography: Lawrence Sher; Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures; Location: Las Vegas, USA; Running Time: 100 min.;

Technical Assessment: 3.5
Moral Assessment: 2.5
CINEMA Rating: For mature viewers 18 and above

On the day of the wedding, three groomsmen Phil, Stu and Alan (Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis) wake up in a $4,200-a-night-suite in Las Vegas with a chicken in the bedroom, a tiger in the bathroom, and a baby in the closet—but without the fourth member of the past night’s stag party: bridegroom Doug (Justin Bartha). They had meant to spend Doug’s last night as a bachelor by drinking and gambling and be home for the wedding the next day, but now they must first find the bridegroom. Phil, Stu and Alan have absolutely no memory of the night before, and in their search for Doug, they encounter people who remember them and recall for them bit by bit what took place during the (unmemorable) night. Encountering more mishaps in their search, they piece together the events until the fact surfaces that Alan had secretly laced their drinks with a drug that would disable the memory while the user is under its influence.

Much of the humor in and the structure of the The Hangover revolve around the four friends’ getting lost. Clueless about what they have done since they shared some potent drinks on the roof of Caesar’s Palace and desperately trying to find explanations for a virtual “rude awakening”, they provide really funny situations to an otherwise inconsequential movie. The movie succeeds in involving the viewer in this ridiculous whodunit situation, and the acting and dialogue are so good that you may even come to the point of caring about the crazy quartet, believing in the angelic-faced hooker, being entertained by the diminutive but mean Chinese mobster, hoping they find the groom safe and sound, and praying that nothing that bad happens to the baby in the pram tailing a delivery truck. This movie deserves credit for its being specifically written, not assembled from recycled parts of other comedies corny, vulgar, half-baked or all three combined. There is a solid story, and the extraordinary level of detail in the dialogue complements the characterization to a credible degree.

A plus in the movie is the power of friendship—what friends would go through to ensure the wellbeing of another. Ironically, this positive element also constitutes the negative one—what stupid and dim-witted risks these friends would take for the sake of the missing one. This is a movie men would enjoy and whose characters they would secretly relate to. Women should also learn something about male instincts from this movie, and brides can take a hint or two about how to occupy their fiancés to spare the latter from similar situations a few nights before the wedding day. While the laughable parts of the movie seem harmless enough for younger viewers, CINEMA would still rate it for adult viewers 18 years old and up for its raunchy theme depicted in flash still shots towards the end, and its treatment of life-trivializing and therefore life-endangering situations (tiger in a bathroom, baby in a pram towed through traffic).

And I Love You So

Cast: Bea Alonzo, Sam Milby, Derek Ramsay; Director: Laurenti Dyogi; Genre: Drama; Distributor: Star Cinema; Location: Manila; Running Time: 100 min/;

Technical Assessment: 3.5
Moral Assessment: 3
CINEMA Rating: For mature viewers 18 and above

Natagpuan ni Lara (Bea Alonzo) kay Oliver (Derek Ramsay) ang isang perpektong asawa na makakatuwang ng panghabangbuhay. Labis na pinaligaya ni Oliver si Lara ngunit limang buwan pa lamang silang kasal ay binawian ng buhay si Oliver sa mismo pang kaarawan ni Lara. Makalipas ang pitong buwan ay labis pa rin ang pagdadalamhati ni Lara sa biglaang pagkawala ng asawa. Makikilala niya si Chris (Sam Milby), isang happy-go-lucky na nawalan din ng asawa. Magkakalapit silang dalawa at magkakaibigan ngunit pilit pipigilan ni Lara ang kanyang nararamdaman sa takot na makasakit sa mga ala-alaalang iniwan ng nasirang asawa lalo pa’t hindi pa naman ito nakakapagbabang-luksa Sa gitna ng kanyang pagkalito ay may malalaman pa siyang sikreto ni Chris na labis niyang ikakagalit dito.

Makabuluhan ang tema ng And I Love You So na tumatalakay sa pagdadalamhati ng isang babaeng nabiyuda ng maaga. Mabibigat ang emosyon at damdaming ipinamalas ng mga karakter lalo na ni Alonzo. May mga ilang eksena nga lang na hindi maiwasan ni Alonzo na magpa-cute sa pag-arte ngunit maaring dala rin ito ng ilang mga linya sa pelikula na pawang pinilit. Mahusay naman ang pagkakaganap ni Milby at ng iba pang nagsiganap. Maayos naman ang sinematograpiya at kaaya-aya sa paningin sa bawat eksena. Sa bandang huli nga lang ay pawang may hahanaping kulang sa pelikula. Isa na rito marahil ang hilaw na pagkakalarawan sa relasyong Lara-Oliver na pawang lumabas na walang kapintasan ang huli. Ang naging resulta tuloy ay pawang hindi tao ang kanyang karakter. Hindi rin napaigting ang relasyon ni Lara sa mga tao sa kanyang paligid at umikot lamang ang kanyang buhay kay Oliver. Mas naging mahusay pa sana ang pelikula kung napalalim pa nito ang mga damdamin at relasyon at hindi lamang sumentro sa pagdadalamhati.

Kahanga-hanga ang pagiging wagas ng relasyong Lara-Oliver at tunay namang bihira na sa panahong ito. Maging huwaran sana ng manonood ang kanilang samahan na bagama’t maikli ay tunay na malalim at puno ng pagmamahal. Nakakabahala naman naging buhay ni Chris na naging masalimuot dahil sa ginawang panloloko ng kanyang asawa. Naging pariwara si Chris a kaniyang pakikipag-relasyon sa mga kababaihan na pawang bunga ng pagrerebelde at paghihiganti. Ngunit ipinakita naman sa pelikula na ito ay hindi magdudulot sa kanya ng kaligayahan. Marahil ang higit na nakakabahala ay naging bayani pa siya sa buhay ni Lara. Naging mapusok din sa kanilang mga damdamin sina Lara at Chris na talaga namang hindi katanggap-tanggap ngunit lumabas din naman sa kuwento na parehas na ligaw ang mga damdamin ng dalawa ng ito ay maganap. Hindi pa rin tama ngunit nailahad naman sa pelikula na ito ay mali. Sa kabila nito, maseselan pa rin ang ilang eksena at nararapat lamang ang pelikula sa mga manonood na nasa wastong gulang at hinog na kaisipan upang hindi rin maligaw ang kanilang pananaw ukol sa relasyon, lalo na sa relasyong mag-asawa at pakikipagrelasyong sekswal.

Book of Blood

Cast: Jonas Armstrong, Paul Blair, Sophie Ward, Doug Bradley, Gowan Calder, Graham Colquhoun, James McAnerney, Romana Abercromby, Simon Bamford; Director: John Harrison; Producers: Lauri Apelian, Clive Barker, Joe Daley, Micky McPherson, Jorge Saralegui, Nigel Thomas; Screenwriters: Clive Barker, John Harrison; Music: Guy Farley; Editor: Harry B. Miller III; Genre: Thriller/ Horror; Cinematography: Philip Robertson; Distributor: RCV Film Distribution; Location: Scotland, UK; Running Time: 105 min;

Technical Assessment: 1.5
Moral Assessment: 1.5
CINEMA Rating: For mature viewers 18 and above

Book of Blood is an adaptation of Clive Barker’s two short stories, “On Jerusalem Street” and “Book of Blood.” In the film, a bounty assassin named Wyburd (Clive Russell) tracks down the very frightened and almost deformed young Simon McNeal (Jonas Armstrong), whose skin is filled with occult writings. Wyburd tells Simon that he has been hired to remove his skin but will give him a quick death if he tells him the story of the writings. We learn through flashbacks that Simon was a psychic who was tapped to help in the investigation of paranormal researcher and best-selling author, Mary Florescu (Sophie Ward). She has apparently discovered a haunted house in downtown Edinburgh where a young girl was skinned and killed by unseen spirits. Also, the house is said to be standing at the intersection of so-called “highways” transporting souls in the afterlife. Wanting to learn its mystery, she employs her student Simon, whose family tragedy seemingly made him sensitive to the occult. At first, Simon fakes his visions and orchestrates scenes to scare Mary. But later on, the dead communicate with Simon for real and start carving their messages on his flesh.

Book of Blood starts off very promising and impressive. The first hour carries solid moments with a strong premise, great musical scoring, an eerie set and impressive CGIs. But in the middle, the film takes a nosedive with one lame scene after the other. The acting is dry and flat except for Clive Russel. By the time the story develops into something interesting, the audience are so far removed from the film that no amount of special effects or shock thrills will bring them back. The script is the major problem in the movie. It is too long and predictable with all the unnecessary prologues and epilogues. The premise of the film is good but direction is lethargic and predictable. Overall, the movie does not give justice to the book nor to the genre.

Like most horror thrillers, the movie once again romanticizes death, afterlife and spirit … in the negative sense. For horror film producers, spirits are just another means of presenting blood, gore and violence on screen. The movie is visually appalling and morally disturbing. Not only does it bring a twisted concept of afterlife and spirits, but presents them is a very gruesome manner. Blood, sex and flesh are served to the brim. The horror does not come from the story but from the shock and disgust of seeing excessive and uncensored gore. Parents are strongly warned not to allow their young children to watch the movie or the DVD release.

G. I. Joe: Rise of Cobra

Cast: Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Marion Wayans; Director: Stephen Sommers; Producers: Lorenso Di Bonaventura, Bob Ducsay, Brian Goldner; Screenwriter: Stuart Beattie; Music: Allan Silvestri; Editor: Bob Ducsay, Jim May; Genre: Action; Cinematography: Mitchell Amundsen; Distributor: Paramount Pictures; Location: Brussels; Running Time: 118 min.;

Technical Assessment: 3.5
Moral Assessment: 3
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above

The world's peace is threatened by the corrupt weapon dealer Destro (Christopher Eccleston) of Cobra organization and therefore those in command responsibility do not take it sitting down. Equipped with high technology weapons, the elite G.I. Joe team is tasked to face it off with the Cobra group to prevent their evil plan and spare the innocent people. As in any high profile mission, a battle with the equally high technology-equipped group is not an easy task. In this case, any help extended to fulfill the mission is necessary as offered by Ripcord (Marlon W) and Duke (Channing Tatum) particularly to find Baroness (Sienna Miller).

G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra is a spectacular film that is highly complimented by special effects and brilliant use of computer technology. Obvious efforts were put in keeping up the story; however, too much build-up of characters somehow complicates the plot and becomes boring at some point of the film. But the rest of technical aspects are good and succeed in creating excitement for young viewers. The chasing scenes in Paris, the explosion of Eiffel Tower, the deep of polar ice caps, and the wonders of high technology system and weapons are amazing ingredients of the film. Acting wise, all the actors gave justice to their respective roles as required. The director gave each character the necessary highlights in the story. Overall, G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra is indeed a good and entertaining film that immortalizes a popular set of toys.

Any person who is entrusted with a mission where precious life and world peace are at stake must be responsible, whether as an individual or as a member of a team. When your mission is on the side of the truth, evil forces expectedly get in the way, so it is important to keep focus. Relationship in terms of love and friendship are natural to humans and may be a factor in fulfilling or non-fulfilling of tasks. This is a challenge of focus and priority. In a team environment, it is vital that all members hold on to one another's strength in order to overcome weaknesses and succeed in the team’s mission. The advances in technology are a gift to human beings and should be used for human advancement.

Last Viewing

Cast: Janice de Belen, Maro Panganiban, Sherwin Ordonez, Angel Jacob, Tommy Abuel, Leandro Baldemor; Director: Ronaldo Bertubin; Producers: Ferdinand Lapuz, Antonio de Guzman, Olivia Madrigal; Screenwriter: Romualdo Avellanosa; Distributor: David Entertainment Productions; Location: Manila; Running Time: 120 min;

Technical Assessment: 2.5
Moral Assessment: 3
CINEMA Rating: For viewers age 13 and below with parental guidance

Si Laura ay isang crematorium supervisor na tulad ng mga bangkay na kanyang sineserbisyohan ay naging malamig na ang pakikitungo sa mga tao buhat nang itinakwil siya ng ama dahil ipinagbuntis niya sa pagkadalaga si Heidi (Maro Panganiban) na isang autistic. Bagama’t mailap sa lahat ng tao, si Laura ay naging mapagmahal na ina kay Heidi. Ipinasok ni Laura si Heidi sa isang day care center at isang araw bago ang graduation nito sa kinder ay ipinamili niya ito sa isang tiangge. Nalingat si Laura at hindi napansin na naglalakad na palang palayo ang anak at tuluyan na nga itong mawawala. Hahanapin ni Laura ang anak ngunit sadyang hindi na niya ito makita. May isang manghuhulang magsasabi na si Heidi ay nasa mabuting kamay ngunit nanganganib ang buhay. Mapapanatag ng kaunti si Laura sa kasiguruhang ito na buhay pa ang anak ngunit sadyang hindi pa rin niya ito makikita. Itutuloy ni Laura ang kanyang buhay sa gitna ng kalungkutan at makalipas ang apat na taon ay muli niyang makikita ang anak sa isang kakatwang sitwasyon.

Sa simula’y may kabagalan ang kuwento at tulad ng tema at karakter ng pangunahing tauhan sa pelikula, pawang napakalamig sa manonood ng palabas. Ngunit habang tumatagal ay umiigting ang kuwento at naipapamalas ang tunay na damdamin, diwa at lalim ng pelikula. Bagama’t walang masyadong gulat at malalaking eksena, lutang na lutang ang tamang timpla ng emosyon sa kabuuan nito. Hindi matatawaran ang pagganap ni Janice de Belen na nagampanan ng buong husay ang kanyang papel bilang walang emosyon na karakter. Ito ang naging tunay na yaman ng pelikula. Sa gitna ng mapanuksong histerya na karaniwang makikita sa ibang pelikulang melodrama, nagawang panghawakan at pigilan ni de Belen ang malabis na emosyon at bugso ng damdamin. Maging ang mga pangalawang tauhan ay pawang mahuhusay din liban na lang sa ilan na pawang karikatura ang labas. Mahusay sana ang direksiyon kung naiayos lamang ang daloy at napalalim pa ang karakterisasyon. Sayang din at hindi gaanong lumutang ang kalugaran at konsepto ng pelikula na may patungkol sa mga taong “naghahanap-patay.” Ang mga kuha ng kamera ay pawang madidilim at kung minsan nama’y kakatwa ang anggulo. Pero ito marahil ang nais ipahiwatig ng Last Viewing sa kabuuan: ang dilim at gulo ng buhay at kamatayan at ang liwanag nito sa pagitan.

Maliwanag ang mensahe ng pelikula ukol sa pagmamahal, pagpaparaya at pagpapatawad. Si Laura ay halimbawa ng isang taong nawalan na ng tiwala sa lahat dahil sa kanyang naranasang pagtatakwil ng ama. Anumang pilit niyang punan ang lahat ng kakulangan sa kanyang buhay sa pamamagitan ng pagmamahal sa kanyang anak ay hindi pa rin maging sapat sapagkat napuno na ng galit ang kanyang puso. Sa kabila ng ipinapakitang panlabas na lakas ni Laura ay kitang marami rin itong kahinaan. At kahit pa akalain ng lahat na siya ay “walang puso,” busilak ang kalooban ni Laura na pawang kabutihan ang nais para sa kanyang anak at mga mahal sa buhay. Sa paghahanap niya sa kanyang anak ay kasabay niyang hinahanap ang mga sagot sa maraming katanungan – tulad ng kung paano patatawarin ang amang minsang nagtakwil sa kanya. Hangga’t hindi niya magagawang magparaya at magpatawad ng buong puso ay hindi rin niya maibibigay ang kanyang sarili kahit pa bilang ina sa kanyang anak. Sayang nga lang at pawang walang naging papel ang Diyos sa buhay ni Laura. Hindi rin siya nakita man lang na nagdasal kahit pa sa gitna ng maraming kagipitan at kadiliman sa kanyang buhay. Ngunit ang pinakamahalaga ay ang mensahe ng Last Viewing na ang lahat ng nangyayari sa ating buhay ay may mas malawak na dahilan at ang mapagmahal na Diyos ay hindi kailanman magpapabaya dahil nananatili Siyang tapat sa sinumang may malinis na hangarin. Ang kailangan lang ay maging handa rin tayong maging bukas at handa sa pagmamahal na ito.

Nothing But The Truth

Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Matt Dillon, Alan Alda, Vera Farmiga, David Schwimmer, Angela Basset, Noah Wyle; Director: Rod Lurie; Producers: Marc Frydman, Rod Lurie, Bob Yari; Screenwriter: Rod Lurie; Music: Larry Groupe; Editor: Sarah Boyd; Genre: Suspense/ Drama; Cinematography: Alik Sakharov; Distributor: Cinestar; Location: USA; Running Time: 108 min.;

Technical Assessment: 3
Moral Assessment: 2.5
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above

Rachel Armstrong (Kate Beckinsale) is a passionate Washington DC investigative reporter on the rise. But her dreams plummet hard when she incurs the wrath of the White House after exposing CIA secret operative Erica Van Doren (Vera Farmiga) and then later refusing to reveal her source. Rachel is put behind bars and sent to trial with government prosecutor Patton Dubois (Matt Dillon) ruthlessly drilling hard on her. But she remains steadfast and refuses to name her source even at the expense of her freedom, her safety and her relationship with her son. As we follow the suffering Rachel experiences behind bars and the legal struggle of her lawyer, Albert Burnside (Alan Alda), as he pleads her case on First Amendment grounds, we also see Erica Van Doren fighting hard to protect her reputation in the CIA and the sanctity of her other life as a loving mother.

The movie is based on the exposition of Valerie Plame, an undercover CIA agent, and the subsequent incarceration of Judith Miller, a New York Times reporter, in 2005. Writer and director Rod Lurie delivers a powerful moral drama told from a feminine point of view. Although Beckinsdale’s performance is at times overtaken by her co-actors, she still manages to shine during the dramatic highlights and bring Rachel to life. The film is provokingly well made, drawing the audience into the struggle of the protagonists and teaching them to realize the evil of public apathy.

Nothing But the Truth raises several questions. How does a person choose during tough times? Does she value her self and her family more over truth and her principles? Does she succumb to pressure to ensure her safety and freedom? The film shows us how the line is drawn when we are asked to choose between one’s moral aptitudes versus self-preservation. At times, we have to uphold truth, justice and integrity at the expense of our personal happiness.

Our duty to our country, to the truth and to the common good should surpass our desire to protect our selves. This proves to be a painful and difficult choice, especially in times when people have become too self-centered and self absorbed. Nonetheless, it is the choice made by heroes and saints at heart.

Themes and situations in the movie will be more appreciated by mature adult viewers. The movie contains a mild sexual scene, violence and inappropriate language. Thus, parents are strongly cautioned against allowing their young and impressionable children to watch the movie.

It's Alive

ASSESSMENT ONLY
Cast: Sharon Farrell, Andrew Duggan, Michael Ansara, Guy Stockwel, John Ryan, James Dixon, Daniel Holzman, Shamus Locke, William Wellman Jr.; Director: Larry Cohen; Producer: Larry Cohen; Screenwriter: Larry Cohen; Music: Bernard Herrmann; Editor: Peter Hones; Genre: Horror/ Suspense; Cinematography: Fenton Hamilton; Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures; Location: USA; Running Time: 91 min.;

Technical Assessment: 3
Moral Assessment: 1
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above

BRIEF FILM SYNOPSIS

It's about an ordinary couple who become the parents of a bouncing baby boy. Unfortunately, the infant is a grotesque monster who embarks upon a grisly killing spree throughout Los Angeles! The cops attempt to track down the blood-thirsty babe, as the parents (who have no idea how or why this happened) try to cope with this unusual ordeal.

OUTSTANDING FEATURES OF THE FILM: The film does not show the cause that made the newly born baby a monster, engaged in killing spree of doctors and nurses on the time of his birth. However, the plot tells the audience that would be mother tried to abort the fetus but failed. Is the baby possessed by evil spirit that will lead him to murder people?

Orphan

Cast: Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman, CCH Pounder, Jimmy Bennett; Director: Jaume Collet-Sera; Producers: Leonardo DiCaprio, Susan Downey, Jennifer Davisson Killoran, Joel Silver; Screenwriters: David Johnson, Alex Mace; Music: John Ottman; Editor: Timothy Alverson; Genre: Drama/ Horror/ Mystery/ Thriller; Cinematography: Jeff Cutter; Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures; Location: Toronto, Canada; Running Time: 123 min.;

Technical Assessment: 3
Moral Assessment: 2.5
CINEMA Rating: For mature viewers 18 and above

Following a miscarriage, Kate and John Coleman (Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard) decide to expand their family by adopting 9-year-old Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman) to add to their own, 12-year old Danny (Jimmy Bennett) and 5-year old deaf-mute Max (Aryana Engineer). In a refuge run by Catholic nuns, the couple is charmed by the artistically-inclined Esther, a prim and proper 9-year-old orphan of Russian descent. Max and Esther click right away, with Esther easily learning sign language. Danny, however, begins to feel frustrated, thinking the new girl is getting too much attention from everybody, particularly his dad. Esther’s serious mien and taste for “Little Bo-Peep” clothes alienate her from other children in school, and make Danny the butt of jokes among his peers. When Kate catches Esther playing with Max on the frozen pond—a forbidden area—she becomes sensitive to Esther’s certain actuations, although she is ready to dismiss them as childish quirks. When the orphanage administrator Sr. Abigail (CCH Pounder) visits the Coleman home to check on the adopted child’s progress, Kate discovers that hardly anything is documented about Esther’s past. The nun also informs Kate that while Esther herself does not get into trouble, trouble “comes to her”, citing the recorded disasters that took place when she was around. The nun doesn’t return home; days later she is found dead in the wood. Kate’s hunches become stronger but John shrugs these off as the fears of a recovering alcoholic.

An engaging story combines with great acting to put this thriller several notches above the ordinary evil-child movie. With her seemingly innate ability to unsettle audiences, Farmiga delivers an intense and sensitive performance, portraying a conflicted character most credibly. She and Saarsgard display a full-bodied chemistry that makes marriage appear to be such an appealing option. There is also electrifying interaction between Farmiga and Fuhrman—keeping the viewer in suspense about what could go on between a vulnerable foster mother and a secretive, precocious adopted child. Crisp editing and camera work add to the realism that would keep the audience at the edge of their seats for 123 minutes.

For a sweet and well-mannered 9-year-old girl to be so vile, one could only guess she’s the devil incarnate. Rosemary’s Baby, The Omen, The Demon Seed—they all belong to a league in which Orphan could be the anointed princess. There are many lessons to be learned from this masterpiece of a thriller: don’t laugh at other people’s weird fashion taste; don’t leave an unconscious hospital patient unattended; nuns shouldn’t be out driving alone; don’t trust a child simply because she is a child; and lastly, investigate an orphan’s past before adopting. But maybe you wouldn’t want to adopt anymore after watching this film. The few minutes towards the end explain it all, and logically weave together into one cohesive and credible story all that wickedness and depravity in one who has lived for nine short years. The movie is about children, but it’s definitely not for children. CINEMA would allow it for viewers 18 and above, for its delicate theme and content.

Oh My Girl!

Cast: Judy Ann Santos, Ogie Alcasid, Roderick Paulate, Carmi Martin, Manilyn Reynes, Nova Villa, John Prats, Jon Avila; Director: Dante Nico Garcia; Producer: Lily Monteverde; Screenwriters: Tanya Bautista, Dante Nico Garcia, Jose Garlitos, Raymond Lee; Music: Von de Guzman; Editor: Danny Anonuevo; Cinematography: Odyssey Flores; Distributor: Regal Films; Location: Philippines; Running Time: 105 min.;

Technical Assessment: 2.5
Moral Assessment: 2.5
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above

Isang malalim na pagkakaibigan ang nabuo sa mga ulilang sina Biboy (Ogie Alcacid) at Opao (Judy Ann Santos) noong sila ay magkasama sa bahay ampunan. Nang ampunin ng isang palaos nang artista (Carmi Martin) si Opao, ay hindi na ito muling nakita ni Biboy. Lilipas ang maraming taon pero hindi pa rin makalimutan ni Biboy si Opao. Buong buhay niya’y wala siyang ginawa kundi isipin si Opao at hanapin kung nasaan ito. Sa wakas ay kanyang matatanto na si Opao ay si Darling na ngayon – ang pinakasikat na artista ng kasalukuyang henerasyon. Palibhasa’y walang yaman o kasikatan na maipagmamalaki, mahihirapan si Biboy na magpakilala o makalapit man lang kay Darling. Minsang sinundan ni Biboy ang shooting ng ginagawang patalastas ni Darling ay nangailangan ng ekstra makakasama ni Darling. Ngunit ang hinahanap na ekstra ay dapat isang matandang babae. Sa tulong ni Bob (John Pratts), magbibihis at mag-aayos si Biboy na parang isang matandang babae. Makukuha si Biboy na ekstra sa patalastas ni Darling at magsisimula na siyang makalapit dito. Mas lalo pa siyang mapapalapit kay Darling nang mangailangan ito ng personal na alalay. Subalit gustuhin man ni Biboy na magpakilala kay Darling ay mahihirapan siya sapagkat ang pakikilala niya dito ay isa siyang babae. Magkaroon pa kaya siya ng lakas ng loob na aminin kay Opao/ Darling na siya si Biboy?

Sa biglang tingin ay aakalain na isang matinong katatawanan ang Oh My Girl dahil sa mga bigatin nitong mga artista at de-kalibreng mga manunulat at direktor na kinikilalang magagaling sa industriya. Ngunit isang malaking kabiguan ang pelikula. Nabigo itong magbigay ng bagong bihis sa isang lumang kuwento ng pagkakaibigan at pag-ibig. Bigo itong magbigay ng kilig dahil walang dating ang tambalan ng dalawang pangunahing tauhan. Lalo pa itong nabigong patawahin ang manonood dahil lumabas na pilit ang pagpapatawa at hilaw ang mga ginamit nitong pangkiliti. Sayang kahit pawang ginaya sa pelikulang banyaga ang konsepto ng Oh My Girl, ay mukhang maganda naman ang intensiyon nitong bigyan ng panibagong putahe ang Pinoy comedy ngunit ang kinalabasan ay parang minadali na lamang nila ang pelikula at hindi na gaanong pinagtuunan ng pansin ang kaledad. At higit na nasayang ang galing ng mga artistang nagsiganap. Anumang talino nila sa pag-arte ay hindi nagsagip sa malabis na kakulangan sa kuwento ng pelikula.

Isang kuwento ng wagas na pag-ibig ang Oh My Girl. Isang pag-iibigang nakaugat sa pagkakaibigan at hindi nagbago sa paglipas ng panahon. Maganda ang mensaheng ito ng pelikula ngunit dapat pagtunuunan ng pansin ang ilang naging paraan ng pangunahing tauhan na si Biboy upang makalapit kay Opao. Nagbihis at nagpanggap siyang babae para lamang mapalapit sa isang dating kababata. Nakakabahala ang ganitong pamamaraan ng pakikipaglaban alang-alang sa pag-ibig dahil bali-baligtaran man, isang matinding panloloko ito at pananamantala sa pagtitiwala ng isang tao. Naging malabis din ang isteryotipikal na paglalarawan sa mga matatanda, pangit, bakla, tomboy, mga alalay, starlets at bisaya. Sa mga aspetong ito, dapat gabayan ang mga batang manonood sapagkat maari nilang tularan ang kanilang mapapanood at maari nilang isiping ito ang tamang pagtrato sa mga taong pawang saliwa ang pagtingin ng lipunan. Nakakabahala rin na tila hindi man lamang nagkaron ng utang na loob ang dalawang pangunahing tauhan sa mga institusyong kumupkop at kumalinga sa kanila. Pinalalabas ba ng pelikula na ang mga bahay-ampunan sa halip na maging bahay-kalinga ay nagiging kulungan kung saan ang mga naririto'y walang ibang kaligtasan kundi ang pagtakas? Ipinakita pa naman nilang isa sa mga bahay-ampunan na ito ay pagmamay-ari ng isang relihiyosong kongregasyon. Masamang larawan ito para sa Simbahan na nagnanais lamang makagawa ng kabutihan sa lipunang labis ang kahirapan. Sa halip rin na pasasalamat ang isukli ni Opao/ Darling sa pagkupkop sa kanya, panay sama ng loob pa ang ibinubulalas nito sa tuwing mauungkat ang kanyang buhay.

The Proposal

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, Mary White, Ramon Oscar Nuñez, Dennis O’Hore; Director: Anne Fletcher; Producers: David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman; Screenwriter: Pete Chiarelli; Music: Aaron Zigman; Editor: Priscilla Nedd-Friendly; Genre: Romantic Comedy; Cinematography: Oliver Stapleton; Distributor: Touchtone Pictures; Location: USA; Running Time: 107 min.;

Technical Assessment: 3
Moral Assessment: 3
CINEMA Rating: For viewers age 13 and below with parental guidance

Young and attractive, Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock), an executive and book editor of a New York publishing empire, comes across also as tyrannical. Demanding, she so intimidated her staff that they panic once she enters her office. Though seeming invulnerable, one day she gets a notice from the U.S. Immigration office informing her of her imminent deportation to Canada due to an expired visa (She’s Canadian). She devises a plan to get the coveted visa, that is, by marrying her surprised assistant Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds). She proposes a sham marriage followed by a quickie divorce once she gets her visa. Often brow beaten and usually compliant, this time he refuses. But she blackmails him and bribes him by offering him an editorship in the office. Ambitious, he consents. Suspecting something fishy, the immigration officer warns them of the punishments for fraud and informs them they will be questioned on intimate matter including each other’s family. Though together in the office for 3 years, they virtually know nothing of each other. For familiarization, on the part of Margaret, they visit Andrew’s parents in Sitka, Alaska. Thinking Sitka is some God forsaken Alaska outpost, she gets the shock of her life when she instead sees a charming, urbanized town with warm welcoming people. Loving and very closely knit, Andrew’s wacky family is thrilled to know Andrew and Margaret are getting married. With no affection for each other, they have to pretend before family and friends that they are in love. This situation is the well spring of many embarrassment and funny moments.

The Proposal has a plot that is as old as the hills; two people who almost hate each other at the beginning end up getting to like each other, in spite of the madcap obstacles that come their way. Very predictable and formulaic but it does not bore. Cheerfully done, this romantic comedy with all its conventions entertains with its hilarious moments. The humor is devoid of vulgarity, though one embarrassing funny scene involves the two lead actors in the nude. The cinematography enhances the viewers’ pleasure. Though said to have been filmed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, it replicates the pristine beauty of Alaska. The story is set in a picturesque town with chic, quaint shops (no fast foods or franchise chains) and a waterfront that looks like a tourist haven. This setting exudes a charm befitting this fantasy. Sandra Bullock is versatile as seen in various roles she has played in other movies, but her talent in this romantic comedy is remarkable in her convincing and likeable portrayal of the high-powered uptight New York woman (with the formidable look in pencil skirts and stiletto heels) who is touched and transformed by the loving embrace of Andrew’s family. Ryan Reynolds’ performance is just as commendable as he matches Sandra’s snappy banter and comic skills. Very good support is given by Mary Steenburgen and Nelson Craig as Andrew’s parents, Mary White as the 90 year old grandma and the preacher-exotic dancer Ramon.

The Proposal is entertaining and enjoyable. Scenes of family closeness, togetherness, affection, generosity and understanding will not fail to touch a chord in the hearts of those who value family relationships. It is heartwarming to see here depicted these “old fashioned” values still existing in some towns though practically lost in the fast rat race in the cities. The old grandma especially may be a bit bizarre in her antics but she delights us in her simplicity, wit, and respect for family traditions. On the other hand, there are some negative elements here that should not be glossed over. Like, for instance, the way marriage is viewed by Margaret and Andrew as a vehicle to attain ambition, power, or other mundane practical results like getting a visa. But this sadly happens in real life today. Young people getting married should always start life right and that is by getting the right perspective regarding marriage. Infused with love, marriage should primarily help fulfill each person’s quest for happiness and perfection as well as realize God’s plan. It should never be considered a mere tool for material advancements.

My Sister's Keeper

Cast: Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin, Alec Baldwin, Sofia Vassilieva; Director: Nick Cassavetes; Producers: Mark Johnson, Chuck Pacheco, Scott L. Goldman; Screenwriters: Jeremy Leven, Nick Cassavetes; Music: Aaron Zigman; Editor: Jim Flynn, Alan Heim; Genre: Drama; Cinematography: Caleb Deschanel; Distributor: New Line Cinema; Location: USA; Running Time: 110 mins;

Technical Assessment: 4
Moral Assessment: 4
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above

In this film version of Jodi Picault’s best seller, My Sister’s Keeper, Kate, the daughter of lawyer Sara (Cameron Diaz) and Brian (Jason Patric) is diagnosed at age 5 with leukemia. To save her life, the couple agrees to do the untried: engineer a baby by in vitro fertilization to provide a perfect genetic match to the sick child. The baby, Anna, since birth becomes the donor for Kate’s needs, for blood, bone marrow, and stem cells. Alive at 16 instead of dying at age 5 as medically predicted, Kate (Sofia Vassilieva) now needs a kidney to stay alive, but 11-year old Anna (Abigail Breslin) no longer wants to be her sister’s supplier of spare parts. She instead hires controversial lawyer Alexander Campbell (Alec Baldwin) and sues her parents to gain “medical emancipation”. In denial about Kate’s imminent death, Sara represents herself in court against her 11-year old daughter’s lawyer. The trial takes a surprise turn when the couple’s son Jesse (Evan Ellingson) bursts into a stunning revelation in court.

Besides a solid story and unsurpassably good casting as foundation for the film, director Nick Cassavetes’ My Sister’s Keeper has that subtle ability to emotionally affect its audience while continuing to engage their intelligence despite the occasional plot contrivances. The character-development is superb, with lead Diaz delivering the best performance yet of her acting career, surprising viewers with her dramatic flair and marking her graduation from romantic comedy roles she had also excelled at. Breslin is spunky, determined yet lovable and loving, and the bald Vassilieva makes a winning cancer patient who is cheerful and wise despite her losing battle with cancer. Every character in the sad story has issues of their own and the plot’s twists and turns reveal these in the rest: judge (Joan Cusack), Kate’s fellow patient and boyfriend Taylor (Thomas Dekker), lawyer Campbell, firefighting husband and father Patric, withdrawn son Ellingson. Flashbacks could demand viewers’ effort to situate but in time, through great dialogue, cinematography that captures both pathos and joys faithfully, and great makeup (Kate’s especially), all is understood.

Moral issues are definitely found here—from the start, in fact, when conceptualization is viewed through the eyes of the genetically engineered11-year old Anna. Right away one questions if it’s right for parents to produce another child to extend the life of another. No doubt it’s a happy, loving family, better than most families portrayed in American movies and other media, but how will they confront the consequences of misguided devotion? From birth, the engineered child’s body is practically mined to save her sister: she is coaxed, cajoled, bribed with ice cream as she cries and kicks her way into the operating room, knowing only the pain or inconvenience of medical procedures she is too young to willfully desire. She would be told that by doing so she is saving her sister’s life, but as she sells her gold necklace and raises $700 to offer as attorney’s fees because she “doesn’t want to be cut up anymore,” the viewer starts to root for her. Indeed, why can’t her mother see that the kidney transplant will only leave her with two sick children to look after, if it succeeds at all. If it fails, the dying one dies just the same, leaving the donor unable to enjoy a normal life; and if her remaining kidney fails, no one else in the family can donate. Will they then make another test-tube donor baby, or will this donor-child be virtually disposed of since she has served her purpose?

But how could a mother who did not carry a baby in her womb possibly see that? Test-tube baby Anna is not conceived in love, and if there was love at all, it was love for another child. Even the father Brian admits they “went against nature” in the conceptualization of Anna. The main issue here is a mother’s letting go, and the main message is, parents do not own their children. The viewer may think, this lawsuit wouldn’t have happened had they not created Anna in the first place. But in this development, if the viewer hears with the ears of faith, God speaks. God may have allowed Anna’s unorthodox birth, but in His time He tells the world what her parents missed in their blind devotion: that they are not God, but children are gifts from God. Anna, despite the cold and heartless circumstances surrounding her birth, emerges as the biggest gift in this story, eventually helping everyone else to see the light.

Manila

Cast: Piolo Pascual, Rosanna Roces, Jay Manalo, Alesandra de Rossi, Angelica Panganiban, Jiro Manio, Anita Linda; Director: Adolfo Alix, Jr., Raya Martin; Screenwriters: Adolfo Alix, Jr., Raya Martin; Genre: Drama; Cinematography: ; Distributor: Star Cinema; Location: Manila; Running Time: 90 mins;

Technical Assessment: 3
Moral Assessment: 2.5
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above

Dalawang kuwentong hango mula sa mga obra nina Ishmael Bernal at Lino Brocka, ang unang kuwento ay tungkol sa isang drug addict na si William (Piolo Pascual) na gagala-gala sa kalye ng Maynila, tila may kung anong hinahanap sa kawalan. Ito’y sa kabila ng pag-aalala ng ina niyang si Charito (Rosanna Roces) kung nasaan na siya. Sa kalye rin ng Maynila magsasanga-sanga ang ilan pang mga taong may kinalaman sa buhay ni William at sa pagkakalulong niya sa droga. Ang ikalawang kuwento naman ay tungkol sa isang bodyguard na si Philip (Piolo Pascual) na naninilbihan kay Barry (Jay Manalo) anak ng isang Congressman ng Maynila. Tapat ang paglilingkod ni Philip kay Barry sa pag-aakalang parang kapatid ang turing nito sa kanya. Ang katapatang ito ay masusubukan nang maka-enkuwentro ni Barry ang isang dating karibal. Makakapatay si Philip sa pagtatanggol kay Barry at dito niya mapatutunayan ang kawalang-saysay ng kanyang katapatan sa isang among tau-tauhan lamang ang turing sa kanya.

Masarap balikan ang ilang obra ng mga batikang Pilipinong direktor na naglagay sa Pilipinas sa mapa ng pandaigdigang sining. Ang mga pelikulang pinaghanguan ng Manila ay talaga namang maituturing na klasiko at nararapat lamang bigyan ng kaukulang paggalang. Maganda ang intensiyon ng Manila ngunit nagkulang ito sa akmang sinseridad na hinihinling ng kuwento. Sa halip na mapalutang pang lalo sa kasalukuyang panahon ang dalawang piling obra, ay lalo pang napalabo ang mensahe nito. Sayang at pawang magagaling pa naman ang mga nagsiganap. Maganda rin at mahusay ang kuha ng kamera pati na ang pag-iilaw. Hindi rin masyadong problema ang editing. Marahil ang tunay na problema ay ang kaiksian ng oras na inilaan nila para sa kabuuan ng pelikula. Pilit ipinagsiksikan sa iisang pelikula ang dalawang dapat sana’y malawak na istorya. Mahirap masundan ang emosyon sapagkat hindi malinaw ang pinanggagalingan ng bawat karakter. Sayang at malaki sana ang potensiyal ng pelikula na maihanay sa mga obrang pinaparangalan nito.

Isang masukal at malupit na gubat ang lungsod ng Maynila. Ito ang sinasabi ng pelikula. Ipinakita nito ang pinakamadidilim na kasuluksulukan ng Maynila. Ang dalawang magkaibang pangunahing tauhan ay sumisimbolo sa dalawang uri ng tao Maynila. Isang nagpakalunod sa masamang bisyo upang makalimutan ang mga realidad ng siyudad at isang humaharap dito nang buong katapatan sa pag-aakalang ito’y masusuklian ng kaginhawahan. Anu’t-anupaman, sina William at Philip ay larawan ng kadiliman at kawalang-pag-asa sa isang siyudad na siya sanang kakalinga sa mga tulad nila. Kung tutuusin ang kuwento ay nagpakita lamang ng isang parte ng mukha ng Maynila: ang kasamaan at kadiliman nito. Malinaw naman ang itensiyong ito ng pelikula. Hindi nga naman interesado ang mga manonood sa maganda, mapayapa at maaliwalas na buhay. Maaring tunay ang mga ipinakitang larawan ng Manila ngunit pawang hindi malinaw ang nais nitong iparating at kung anong klaseng imahe ng Maynila ang nais nilang ipakita sa ating mga kababayan at maging sa mga dayuhang manonood. Kung puros kawalan ng pag-asa at kabukutan ang ating makikita, ano nga ba ang nararapat na gawin? Marahil sinasabi rin ng pelikula na bawat isa sa atin ay may pananagutansa mga katulad nina William at Philip. Hindi lamang sila ang may kagagawan ng kung anong kapalaran nagkaroon sila. Malinaw na ang mismong lipunang kanilang ginagalawan ang nagtulak sa kanila sa maling landas. Dapat gabayan ang mga batang manonood upang maipaliwanag ito ng husto, kung hindi’y maitatanim sa kanilang isipan na ang Maynila ay isang malupit na siyudad sa mga mahihirap at walang lakas. Maaring ito nga ay totoong nangyayari ngunit dapat sana’y magpakita man lang ng kahit na isang kislap na pag-asa ang pelikula upang makapaghimok ng mga natutulog na damdaming makabayan.

Public Enemies

Cast: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Jason Clarke, Rory Cochrane, Billy Crudup; Director: Michael Mann; Producer: Michael Mann; Screenwriters: Ronan Bennett, Ann Biderman; Genre: Gangster- Action/Drama; Distributor: Universal; Location: 1930s Chicago, Florida, Miami; Running Time: 143mins;

Technical Assessment: 3.5
Moral Assessment: 2
CINEMA Rating: For mature viewers 18 and above

The movie begins as 30 year old enigmatic gangster John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) reunites his gang after orchestrating a prison break. They proceed to rob banks in Chicago and living it all up in their nightlives. Meanwhile, FBI director, Edgar Hoover (Billy Crudup) is eager to get a boost for the agency and decides that closing in on Dillinger would do the job. He assigns special agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale) on pursuing the “public enemy no. 1." However, Dillinger is smooth and popular and almost effortlessly evades being caught until a hotel personnel recognizes him when his crew takes a vacation in Miami . Dillinger is transferred to Indiana to stand trial but he escapes using a fake wooden gun. But life on the run proves difficult for him as he is forced to work with a new crew and the trigger-happy Baby Face Nelson (Stephen Graham), and violence replaces the cool precision of their robberies. Will Dillnger’s charisma be able to save him from Purvis’ determination and the disaster of working with Nelson?

Public Enemies is based on the true-to-life story of the 1930s famous gangster and the FBI efforts to catch him. Mann delivers a tight action drama that thrills the audience completely. The cinematography is tight and the hand-held shots bring the audience in the scene. The production design is perfect and alive from sets to costumes to props. The action is provoking and the drama is brilliant. Performances from Depp, Bale, Cotillard and Crudup are strong and honest. This is perhaps one of the best action biopic films of the year.

Like most characters of a gangster film, Dillinger is presented as a sympathetic and even lovable character, which unfortunately makes us root for the bad guys. But we do see members of Dillinger’s gang meeting tragic and horrible ends, so in a way justice is served. Dillinger has many redeemable virtues like refusing to participate in kidnapping and his gentlemanliness; however robbery no matter how non-violent is still stealing, immoral and illegal. No matter how cool, cute or popular a criminal is, he is still doing something against the law and against morality. Criminals who are glamorized as sensitive and appealing characters on the big screen may create a distorted image for impressionable young viewers. The violence in the movie focuses more on Dillinger’s complexities; however, some situations and language may not be appropriate for young impressionable viewers, especially those who love Depp’s Jack Sparrow character. The gangster theme is better suited for older viewers.

Brutus; Ang Paglalakbay

Cast: Ronnie Lazaro, Yul Servo, Timothy Mabalot, Rhea Medina; Director: Tara Illenberger; Screenwriter: Tara Illenberger; Editor: Fiona Borres, Tara Illenberger; Genre: Drama; Distributor: Bonfire Productions/ Cinemalaya; Location: Mindoro; Running Time: 110 minutes;

Technical Assessment: 3.5
Moral Assessment: 3.5
CINEMA Rating: For viewers age 13 and below with parental guidance

Sina Adag (Timothy Mabalot) at Bayang (Rhea Medina) ay dalawang batang Mangyan na nagbalak bumaba ng bundok at pumunta sa bayan nang may kani-kaniyang dahilan. Gusto ni Adag na makabili ng gamot para sa kanyang nakababatang kapatid samantalang si Bayang naman ay balak hanapin ang nawawalang kuya na hindi na bumalik matapos magpaalam na pupunta ng bayan. Upang makalikom ng panggastos ay nag-brutus sila sa mga illegal loggers kung saan ay mambubulabog sila ng mga troso at ilalakbay sa ilog gamit lamang ang kanilang balsa. Sa kanilang paglalakbay ay aanurin ang kanilang balsa dahil sa sama ng panahon. Sa kanilang pagkakaligaw sa gitna ng gubat ay makikilala nila ang isang grupo ng mga sundalo sa pamumuno ng isang sarhento (Ronnie Lazaro) na aakalin nilang dadakip sa kanila. Bagama’t mapapalapit sa kanila si Sarhento ay tatakasan pa rin nila ito. Dito naman nila makikilala si Carlito (Yul Servo) na isa palang rebelde na pinaghahanap ng militar. Maiipit sa gitna ng laban ng militar at rebelde sina Adag at Bayang habang namumulat ang kanilang mata’t isipan sa maraming katotohanan sa kanilang paligid.

Payak ang pagkakagawa ng Brutus: Ang Paglalakbay. Ngunit sa kabila na kapayakan nito ay lumutang ang tunay na yaman at diwa at pelikula. Ang lahat ng nagsiganap ay mahuhusay. Ang dalawang batang hindi kilala ay nagbigay ng natural na pag-ganap, tuloy nagmukhang dokumentaryo ang pelikula. Ipinamamalas nito ang hindi na karaniwang napapanood ng mga tao: ang buhay ng mga katutubo. Naipakita rin sa pelikula ang matulaing bulubundukin at ilog ng Mindoro, kasama na ang mayamang kultura ng mga Mangyan. Maayos ang daloy ng kuwento na bagama’t may kabagalan sa simula ay nagawa namang bawiin sa gitna hanggang wakas. Malalim ang karakterisasyon at malinaw ang pinaghuhugutan ng bawat karakter. Sa kanilang paglalakbay ay maihahatid ang manonood sa isang mundong bihirang silipin at sa payak na pamumuhay na talaga namang hitik sa puso at damdamin.

Mayaman din sa mensahe ng kabutihang-asal ang pelikula. Ipinakita sa mata ng dalawang inosenteng bata kung paanong ang kalikasan at mga katutubo ay nilalapastangan. Pati ang walang hanggang suliranin ng digmaan at kapayapaan ay tinalakay din nang walang kinikilingan. Tunay ngang sinira na ng modernisasyon hindi lamang ang kalikasan kundi pati na ang mayayamang kultura ng ating mga kapatid na katutubo. Sa una’y nakabahala kung paanong ang mga bata ay natututong gumawa ng bagay na labag sa batas, ngunit malinaw ang mensahe ng pelikula na hindi ito tama. Dahil sa pelikula ay mamumulat ang kaisipan ng mga manonood kung gaanong kalalang problema ang idinudulot ng ilegal na pagto-troso. Ang pagsira sa likas na yaman ay pagsira na rin sa buhay ng mga tao. Hitik din sa puso ang pelikula ukol sa kasalukuyang kalagayan ng ating mga katutubo na pawang nawaglit na sa kamalayan ng gobyerno at lipunang abala sa pagpapayaman at pagpapayabong ng sariling interes. Sa usapin naman ng mga rebelde ay walang pinanigan ang pelikula. Ang sinumang nagkasala sa batas ay dapat maparusahan ngunit ipinakikita rin sa Brutus kung ano ang maaaring tunay na damdamin at saloobin ng mga rebelde. Tao rin silang nagmamalasakit sa kapwa bagama’t iba ang kanilang naging paraan. Sa gitna rin ng kanilang gulo ay maraming inosenteng buhay ang nadadamay. Higit sa lahat, malinaw ang mensahe ng pelikula ukol sa pagmamahal sa pamilya at kaibigan—ito ay hindi matatawaran at makakayang tumbasan ng kahit na anong yaman. Mawala man at malapastangan ang lahat ay mananatiling masaya ang buhay kung may pamilya at mga kaibigan na handang magmahal at magmalasakit.