11. Fight Club (4.98/5)

Another whooping whoa! Can't help it but say that this movie is freaking insane!

So much violence, yea.. but the suspense and the thrill is literally killing me. The movie might be 11 years old but it can compete with new movies and still win! The shots are great, you wouldn't think that the movie is old. Not a single quite detail would make you think the movie is old-- even the effects, and the shots. The non-linear story telling. :)

At first, I was bored. The voice of the protagonist narrates lazily. But then I was hooked on the scene when he suddenly punches himself. I was like-- what the heck? That is the point when I realized this is a suspense type of movie.

I bet a lot of people could relate to the protagonist. Living life like a routine, that it feels like the society dictates what you should be. Since I am still figuring things out for myself, I decide that I'll be really wild once I turn 25. I'll do a freaking adventure once I am braver enough. :)

Need to re-watch this, I have few questions in my head so I need to re-watch!

My hype for this movie is comparable to INCEPTION. I give this movie a 4.98/5!!!!! 

10. Before The Night Falls (2.5/5)

This movie is about Reinaldo Arenas life- from childhood to his death. This is not your typical mainstream movie. At first, I was mesmerized how Reinaldo's teacher discovered his early talent and sense of poetry. But then-- I was shocked, he is gay. Pft, talented, artistic, attached with emotion guys are always gay. Well maybe not, a straight guy might be out their in Paris, Italy or anywhere that is poetic and artistic but is straight. 

I love his devotion for writing and his experience in writing. I don't know about the Cuban History, but it is just sad that the society oppresses gay guys specially during the war. I admire his guts, his honesty and sense of authenticity.

And Johny Depp was there, oh how Reinaldo lust for Johny Depp.

This gives the audience background about the gay community on Cuba's history, but if you are looking for action, you will definitely get get get bored.

I rate this movie a 2.25/5

9. Vera Drake (4.93/5)

All I can say is whoa. Her acting is really great, as in down right superb! And after I did some little research I found out that she is Umbridge in Harry Potter! Hell yea, you act great! AS IN! Fantastic!!

Watching this movie made me think of the true sense of morality. Own principle, belief, philosophy over law and crime.

Perhaps my description is too vague. To be specific this is a story about a mother, a caring woman who does abortion. The unique thing is that she doesn't think of abortion as a crime. She thinks of it as "helping girls out." The establishment of Vera Drake's character at the first part will make you feel how kind she is, how caring she is-- to the point that you question-- is she a criminal then? If your motives are good, will that make you a bad person then?

Let me quote one sentence: Whatever she did, she did it with the kindness of her heart. :))


No more questions ask. I give this movie a 4.93/5 I'll edit the review soon. :)

8. A Love Story (2.95/5)

Another one from Star Cinema! Weehee! Yea, this one is an oldie but since I found out that this is actually one of the blockbustered movie produced here in the Philippines I got curioused.

Seeing Aga and Maricel having sex is off for me. For me, they are old. But I wanted the twist here and of course, the Unique Selling Factor of the story. Who would have thought that the MISTRESS would be the older woman? That’s freaking cool. The way the scenes are arranged made you think that the mistress is Angelica, so I admired that. Being a trying hard/aspiring creator myself—I know that is not easy to do. So I admired the screenwriter of this movie!

I give this a 2.95/5.

7. Tangled (4.75/5)

Tangled is not your normal fairytale. It is Rapunzel alright, but it had given more depth and emotions to it that even adults could relate too. Sorry, would be bias—I love animation and cartoons! Plus the fact that I love musicals, this would be surely a WINWIN movie for me!

And hey, haven’t I told you I feel for Rapunzel so much? Well my current situation feels like getting out of the tower for the first time. I know the exact feeling—like wanting to explore and discover more; reach for your dreams—but there would always be the feeling of what ifs, buts, and hesitation. I understand the feeling of being scared because of breaking the chains and the routines.

I give this movie a 4.75-5. Sorry BIAS! Love love! :) 

6. Mamarazzi (1/5)

Another reason I bought this DVD? It is written by Ricky Lee! Well, this is by Regal and Regal loves comedy. But, even though I am now under Sir Ricky Lee’s workshop, I can say that this movie is a flop.

It is a comedy with nothing unusual on the story. Yea, some characters are quirky enough like Eugene’s role as a makeup artist for dead people, but the quirkiness is not enough. At some point you feel like you are in a messed up circus. It is like they solely leave it up to Eugene Domingo’s acting prowess. The story itself is so plain, and it feels like it is just trying hard to make us laugh.

The idea of Andi Eigelmann acting for dual roles is useless. I cannot see their objective. Are they trying to prove something? Like a big new break for Andi? They might be still under the hype of Eugene Domingo’s superb success on the movie Kimidora, and if I am not mistaken they thought this would work out. There is nothing funny about the two roles played by Andi, the two characters are just plain characters. Again, let me reiterate it feels that they have leave it up to Eugene Domingo to make it funny, plus the additional gay character quirkiness of John Lapus. The rest appeared to be normal characters.

Ah! I need to point out the Carla Abellana’s role, it is in a way quirky and funny—but it is somehow over the top making me feel they just made it pilit.

And there are questions about Diether Ocampo’s character. Why the hell did he think he is the father, where in at the end Eugene revealed that nothing sexual happen to them? That is a major loop hole.

Ok, don’t want to fry and criticize Filipino films because I know how hard and fast faced the creating process should be here in the Philippines in comparison to Hollywood. Hollywood is given like years to finish one movie. But here in the Philippines if you are under Star Cinema, GMA Films, Regal or any big movie houses creators--- you are always working on A FAST DEADLINE WITH SUPER LITTLE BUDGET and with COMMERCIALISM on the side, so we have only small right to pin point mistake.

But as a viewer, who let us say doesn’t know anything about Behind the scene issues—I give this a 1/5.

5. Sayo Lamang (3.25/5)

The actual reason why I watched this movie is because it is written by Ricky Lee. I wanted to know how he writes. The truth, I am moved. But I feel embarrassed knowing that a lot of people doesn’t like the movie, even despises it. I might have this thing for family drama or mainstream drama.

I actually love the movie. I love the power of script delivery of Bea Alonso to his dad. I can feel the hate, the years of pain, and the years of surviving (and becoming the breadwinner as the oldest daughter) without a dad whom you know is just out there somewhere. I love the realness and the delivery.

I also love the scene where Enchong and Coco Martin fought. I laughed at what Coco said to Enchong Dee: “Ikaw na, ikaw naman ang magaling—magaling mandaya!” Because if that was said to me, I’ll freaking punch too.  It is funny because it is real, and I can imagine me and my siblings fighting over petty things like that. I can feel there pride oozing inside.

I also love the revelation that Lorna is not after all the pure and sinless. She also had her sins and mistakes which makes everyone on the movie human.

The best part? The scene where Lorna is dying. The part where all of them are clinging to their mother and praying all together. That’s freaking dramatic. Made me want to cry, and cry and cry.

I don’t know, the realness is really compelling for me. My ate said she hated the movie because so much things are happening, and it is impossible for many things to happen on one family at the same time. Well for me, many things could happen if one major thing happened. It is like domino effect, you are so much affected by your father coming home, and so it affected each and every one differently. And hell! That’s how movies are; it is tight, magnified and summarized. You won’t expect things NOT TO HAPPEN on a movie. But yeah, the love problems of Bea might be overly highlighted—I think this movie would be better as a teleserye.

Hahaha, why am I defending this movie? Oh well… I love drama. It is real. This movie somehow also made me realize why tragedy happens in life: Things has its reason. The siblings became close to each other when their mother got sick. Things are hard to understand, but there is always a reason always a reason.

Embarassing, but I feel like grading this movie a 3.25/5

4. Love And Other Drugs (4/5)

Aside from saying that this movie is literally about love and other drugs, I can say that this movie is about the power of love and how it goes beyond, beyond all reasons. The story plot might be just similar to most love stories, but there is something that makes you feel that the movie is better than the others.

First and foremost, let me react about the sex scenes and the nudity. For me, those scenes are essential because Jamie will eventually sell VIAGRA, so it is important for the audience to know how Jamie is good at sex. Those scenes will make you feel convinced that he is the best man to do the job. Another thing is that it adds to the mystery and power of love. How will a man like him who loves having sex with different random girls, fall IN LOVE for the first time with a very, very sick girl? That’s how ironic and powerful love can be!

Aha! I now know what makes this movie better among the rest. Aside from the unique milieu of drug sales, and the added element of disease (Parkinson) I love the freaking script! It moved me. The part where Anne Hathaway was saying how it is unfair that he needed James more than he needed her is very dramatic and real. The music background is also best, you might haven’t recognized it but whenever this specific music is played, you’ll feel moved by the dramatic scene currently playing.

I also love the scene where James hyperventilated when he said he is already IN LOVE. You will feel how important and scary it is for him because it is the freaking first time he falls in love. SWEET.

  Anne Hatthaway character Magie reminds me of Summer in the movie 500 days of summer, reluctant about serious relationship. Awww men, I wanted to score this a high score again after reviewing!

But I’ll give this movie a 4/5 because of its simplicity and the feel of emotions.

3. Hachiko: A Dog's Story (1.75/5)

Hachiko is based from a true story about a dog’s loyalty to its master. I was actually expecting that I will cry bucketful of tears because I had been hearing good reactions from the movie. But I might be expecting too much.

I can say that Hachiko (the dog) is very cute; it reminds me of our house dog Snowflakes. I like the way they also incorporated the dog’s POV, the black and white scenes.  Because of this, all of the audience will now know that dogs cannot recognize colors the way people do. Also, the dog’s POV makes the story become more of Hachicko’s rather than Richard Gere’s.

The movie is stretched out to the maximum. It was like elongated to fit the full length type. You would feel that the pacing is so slow, which could be fine if you are and audience way back the 80s. But movies now are faster paced, so I guess some of the audience might feel impatient. Thanks for the cuteness of Hachiko, it still made me focus on the first part. And, I love dogs. But how about people who doesn’t love dogs that much?

I guess the best part is when Richard Gere died and Hachiko still waits for him at the train station. The mere fact that this is all a true story makes you sympathize more to Hachiko. You want to explain to him that he will never come back, that he should move on now. The question is, how will you explain that to a dog? You just want to hug Hachiko because of his love and his stupidity.

 To summarize, this story is about loyalty, about undying love. If dogs could love this way, humans could too. If you have a heart this movie will teach you how simple PURE love could be.

Waaaah, why do I feel different after making a short review I suddenly want to give it 4/5? Oh well I’ll stick to my first score: 1.75/5 

2. Memories of Murder (3.75/5)

Since I am now immersing myself to investigative, criminal, suspense and thriller movies that involves blood and brutality-- I picked this movie from Sir Ricky's shelf. It was a good choice. :)

The story is about a series of killings and the investigation process on solving the crime. The story is about Suh, a detective from Seoul and Park, a detective that lives on the area where the crime happens. At first, I hate it because there is no clarity at the end who the killer was. But it is actually the main reason why the movie is unique from the other movies. That's how reality is, sometimes you just know the truth but you feel helpless on convincing others because you can't give enough evidence. I like the way they also made it questionable for the audience. The audience would also sit back and think after the movie. I can imagine people asking- oh, wait, so who is the true killer then?

Scenes I like: The scene where Suh is beating the crap out of the last suspect. On that scene at the railroad you can feel the change of character of Suh because of the circumstance. The feeling of helplessness, the want to get the truth finally. The scene is very human. I can feel the emotion from Suh, and the sudden change of actions.

I also love the ending scene. The ending where Park went back to the crime scene after a 5-10 years. You can feel the calling of the area telling you to come back even after a long period of time, the unclosed crime the unsolved mystery. The want to know who the killer is. If he could have went there earlier he could have seen the person who visited. If the girl just gave more details or perhaps had taken a picture of the guy it could have been solved. But no. The audience longing to know also heightens. I love that dramatic feel. 

I also read on the internet that the movie has symbolisms on it pertaining to Korea's political history. I don't know if it matters though, because for me the movie is truthful enough. Eventhough there is tendency that you'll feel impatient and wanting to hasten up the development of the investigation, I love the uniqueness and the Indie feel of the ending. It makes you think.

For my own opinion and own feeling right now: I give this movie a 3.75/5.  

1. Hurt Locker (2/5)

James is a very confident, daring and wild detonator of bombs. After replacing a leader of a team of bomb detonators who died while on a mission in Iraq, he stirs the team with his indifferent attitude and confidence over death and danger.

I admire how he faces the bombs without his suit and protection, but if I am there, I would feel the same way his teammates felt about his actions. I will feel he is so careless, so arrogant, so uncaring about his life and his team’s life. What kind of a leader is that? You wouldn’t feel secured. But come to think of it, if you are on the very same situation you might just be shocked on how you will react or how you will transform your attitude. It is like either become a person eaten up by despair, fear and anguish, or a person who faces death like an everyday occurrence that you don’t feel threaten anymore.

The best scene for me is the scene wherein a human bomb was discovered inside a house, and James thought that the dead kid found as a human bomb was the Iraqi kid he strangely grew fond of. You will feel that James has not lost his value for life after all. He is still gets affected by these types of situation: THE ARROGANT CONFIDENT INDIFFERENT OVER DEATH bomb detonator still succumbs to questioning the reason of using an innocent kid as a bomb.

I am actually imagining sir Ricky Lee saying that this is the scene where the character is giving away his character. The shot of James taking a shower with his soldier clothes on, wherein you can also see water turning to red after washing his body is compelling. You can feel the feeling of dirt, of lowliness, and the need to wash away all of those feelings.

 The best of all scenes is the adult Iraqi family man who pleads for them to detonate the bombs he have around his body. I can feel the hesitation at first of the team to help him or not because they can’t tell if the Iraqi man is telling the truth or not. I can feel James wanting to save the man. I can feel James pride and self-esteem lowering down after giving up and accepting that he cannot detonate the bomb in time. Most importantly, I again felt the pride and self-esteem of James lowered to the MOST as the bomb explodes and the man dies together with it.

Another reaction is the last part. Actually I wasn’t able to watch the last part, the DVD is jumping. But since this is a movie that Sir Ricky keeps on giving out as an example, I know how that scene goes. He is talking to his baby, saying things about loving things when you are young; but as you grow up, you suddenly realize what you really love to the point that there might be just only one thing left. In James case, he love the feel of detonating bombs more than being  a family man, as he goes back to the war again. I love how the clouds on the windows pass by as he talks to his kid. Sir Ricky pointed this out as well.

 To sum it up, it is a great movie. But it is full of talkies. For audience like me who doesn’t know a lot about the war, the soldier life and the terminologies of bombs, it would be hard to catch up at first and it could be boring at the first part.

I give it a 2/5. Again, this is just my own ratings. Good movies for me are dramatic movies that will really shake me. The thing is I can fall asleep on this movie, but other people might rate it a 4 or a 5 even, it’s not just for me.