Here’s the second part of my ‘Year in Review’ special. Among the 118 movie reviews I’ve seen from January 2008 to February 2009, six emerged as the Most Commented and Viewed. And here they are:
MOST COMMENTED MOVIE REVIEWS
5 – Ang Tanging Ina Nyong Lahat (29 comments)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/211
After seeing the number of comments and hits this review has received, I realized that it doesn’t matter whether the movie is good or not and whether my review is positive or negative. For the post to enjoy considerable attention in cyberspace, the film I’m reviewing should be POPULAR. It’s that simple.
Excerpt:
Deramas and del Rosario stick to the formula that made its predecessor a runaway blockbuster hit, combining a hefty dose of comedic stunts and a hint of family drama just enough to wet our hankies. The film could have experimented a bit to shake things up. But as it is, it is good to know that the charm of de las Alas and Domingo hasn’t worn off one bit.
4 – 100 (32 comments)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/210
With my nonstop plugging and support for the theatrical release of “100”, I guess my Multiply contacts got excited and finally took notice of this wonderful film. So when I reposted my Cinemalaya review for “100” (with a few modifications on the first paragraph), the post garnered 32 comments. Sabi nga ni Celes: “100, 100%”.
Excerpt:
The comedic performances of Dizon and Domingo are impressive. It feels as if there is a laughter conductor on screen signaling the audience to laugh in unison. The humor is sharp but never slapstick, getting its inspiration on slice-of-life comedy and pop culture references.
3 – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (33 comments)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/217
Interesting concept. Check. Special effects. Check. Epic length. Check. Oscar-baiting film. Check. A-list actors. Check, check, check. You can be assured a film with these characteristics will generate buzz.
Excerpt:
The film’s emotional touch point is the much-anticipated consummation of Benjamin and Daisy’s love story. They have all those chances to be together, but for a long time, they were merely counting missed opportunities. But when the timing was right, they finally met in the middle and caught up with each other. However, let truth be told of the ephemeral nature of life and the capriciousness of fate.
2 – My Sassy Girl (46 comments)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/172
I guess my Multiply contacts were just as surprised as I am to find out that I actually liked this “My Sassy Girl” remake. The US remake may be a modest hit compared to the original Korean franchise. (Well, at lead here in RP.) Everyone is still anxious to find out if Hollywood made an adaptation mess for the nth time.
Excerpt:
“My Sassy Girl” may seem like a senseless dating spree between a sadistic girl and a totally clueless guy, but it is not. It explores the depth of human nature by showing caricatures of two extreme personalities using quirky scenarios and colorful verbose.
1 – Slumdog Millionaire (52 comments)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/218
The underdog film that eventually became the frontrunner this awards season. This is not yet shown in the Philippines (and perhaps it will never be), but people who know a thing or two about movies are talking about it nonstop. And did my glorification to “Slumdog Millionaire” help? Well, everyone I know (except Gerard) say the same thing. It’s definitely a crowd pleaser.
Excerpt:
To label “Slumdog Millionaire” as a simple love story would be an unqualified insult to Simon Beaufoy’s sweeping and tightly-penned screenplay that utilized Mumbai as a central character in itself. We see the shanty houses as they turn into skyscrapers. We take a glimpse at the harrowing criminal underworld abundant with cold-blooded murders, greed, brutality, and exploitation. The expose on the roundabouts of the Third World life gives the film an undeniable social resonance.
MOST VIEWED MOVIE REVIEWS
5 – My Sassy Girl (108 views)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/172
4 – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (118 views)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/217
3 – Slumdog Millionaire (124 views)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/218
2 – For the First Time (158 views)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/179
Among the five most viewed blogs, this is the only one that didn’t get as much comments as the rest. Wanna know why? Here’s my theory: Everyone is secretly in love with this blockbuster. They love KC. They love Richard. They love the movie. They believe it should win a FAMAS award. But no one wants to admit it. And so, nobody wants to refute the harsh commentaries I made on Star Cinema’s worst (un)romantic film of the year. Now, that says a lot about its whopping 158 views and meager 9 comments.
Excerpt:
I usually allot my second paragraph to brisk through the movie’s synopsis. But this time, I wouldn’t attempt to insult you and pretend that “For the First Time” has a story, because it has none – no story, no conflict, no sense. Everything is made up and the movie expects us to be swayed by its repugnant artificiality.
1 – Ang Tanging Ina Nyong Lahat (160 views)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/211
STILL TO COME ON “THE YEAR IN PIXELS AND KERNELS”
My top 20 films of the year. Which is better? The Dark Knight or Wall-E? Jay or 100? Slumdog Millionaire or The Curious Case of Benjamin Button? And the worse is yet to come. Which films will join For the First Time in the Hall of Shame? Meet the Spartans? Kulam? Or When Love Begins?
MOST COMMENTED MOVIE REVIEWS
5 – Ang Tanging Ina Nyong Lahat (29 comments)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/211
After seeing the number of comments and hits this review has received, I realized that it doesn’t matter whether the movie is good or not and whether my review is positive or negative. For the post to enjoy considerable attention in cyberspace, the film I’m reviewing should be POPULAR. It’s that simple.
Excerpt:
Deramas and del Rosario stick to the formula that made its predecessor a runaway blockbuster hit, combining a hefty dose of comedic stunts and a hint of family drama just enough to wet our hankies. The film could have experimented a bit to shake things up. But as it is, it is good to know that the charm of de las Alas and Domingo hasn’t worn off one bit.
4 – 100 (32 comments)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/210
With my nonstop plugging and support for the theatrical release of “100”, I guess my Multiply contacts got excited and finally took notice of this wonderful film. So when I reposted my Cinemalaya review for “100” (with a few modifications on the first paragraph), the post garnered 32 comments. Sabi nga ni Celes: “100, 100%”.
Excerpt:
The comedic performances of Dizon and Domingo are impressive. It feels as if there is a laughter conductor on screen signaling the audience to laugh in unison. The humor is sharp but never slapstick, getting its inspiration on slice-of-life comedy and pop culture references.
3 – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (33 comments)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/217
Interesting concept. Check. Special effects. Check. Epic length. Check. Oscar-baiting film. Check. A-list actors. Check, check, check. You can be assured a film with these characteristics will generate buzz.
Excerpt:
The film’s emotional touch point is the much-anticipated consummation of Benjamin and Daisy’s love story. They have all those chances to be together, but for a long time, they were merely counting missed opportunities. But when the timing was right, they finally met in the middle and caught up with each other. However, let truth be told of the ephemeral nature of life and the capriciousness of fate.
2 – My Sassy Girl (46 comments)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/172
I guess my Multiply contacts were just as surprised as I am to find out that I actually liked this “My Sassy Girl” remake. The US remake may be a modest hit compared to the original Korean franchise. (Well, at lead here in RP.) Everyone is still anxious to find out if Hollywood made an adaptation mess for the nth time.
Excerpt:
“My Sassy Girl” may seem like a senseless dating spree between a sadistic girl and a totally clueless guy, but it is not. It explores the depth of human nature by showing caricatures of two extreme personalities using quirky scenarios and colorful verbose.
1 – Slumdog Millionaire (52 comments)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/218
The underdog film that eventually became the frontrunner this awards season. This is not yet shown in the Philippines (and perhaps it will never be), but people who know a thing or two about movies are talking about it nonstop. And did my glorification to “Slumdog Millionaire” help? Well, everyone I know (except Gerard) say the same thing. It’s definitely a crowd pleaser.
Excerpt:
To label “Slumdog Millionaire” as a simple love story would be an unqualified insult to Simon Beaufoy’s sweeping and tightly-penned screenplay that utilized Mumbai as a central character in itself. We see the shanty houses as they turn into skyscrapers. We take a glimpse at the harrowing criminal underworld abundant with cold-blooded murders, greed, brutality, and exploitation. The expose on the roundabouts of the Third World life gives the film an undeniable social resonance.
MOST VIEWED MOVIE REVIEWS
5 – My Sassy Girl (108 views)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/172
4 – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (118 views)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/217
3 – Slumdog Millionaire (124 views)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/218
2 – For the First Time (158 views)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/179
Among the five most viewed blogs, this is the only one that didn’t get as much comments as the rest. Wanna know why? Here’s my theory: Everyone is secretly in love with this blockbuster. They love KC. They love Richard. They love the movie. They believe it should win a FAMAS award. But no one wants to admit it. And so, nobody wants to refute the harsh commentaries I made on Star Cinema’s worst (un)romantic film of the year. Now, that says a lot about its whopping 158 views and meager 9 comments.
Excerpt:
I usually allot my second paragraph to brisk through the movie’s synopsis. But this time, I wouldn’t attempt to insult you and pretend that “For the First Time” has a story, because it has none – no story, no conflict, no sense. Everything is made up and the movie expects us to be swayed by its repugnant artificiality.
1 – Ang Tanging Ina Nyong Lahat (160 views)
Link: http://failed.multiply.com/reviews/item/211
STILL TO COME ON “THE YEAR IN PIXELS AND KERNELS”
My top 20 films of the year. Which is better? The Dark Knight or Wall-E? Jay or 100? Slumdog Millionaire or The Curious Case of Benjamin Button? And the worse is yet to come. Which films will join For the First Time in the Hall of Shame? Meet the Spartans? Kulam? Or When Love Begins?
