Sa'yo Lamang & Despicable Me

Sa'yo Lamang Director: Laurice Guillen (Tanging Yaman, I Love You Goodbye) Starring: Bea Alonzo, Lorna Tolentino, Christopher de Leon, Coco Martin, Enchong Dee, Miles Ocampo, Shaina Magdayao Sa'yo Lamang is a modern take on Tanging Yaman, not that the latter should be modernized because it's so last decade. Oh wait, Tanging Yaman was shown last decade. There are many similarities between the two: the title that pertains to a religious song, the broken family, the sick matriarch, the ensemble treatment, and the central themes of forgiveness and faith. However, Sa'yo Lamang is like a little sister trying to follow the footsteps of her successful older sister. I'm not saying that Sa'yo Lamang is no good. There is just nothing new. But it's better than any of the rom-coms Star Cinema has produced this year. The central drama (the one that involves the dutiful eldest daughter) is strong and the characters are beautifully flawed. Just five minutes into the movie, you'll hear members of the audience sobbing because of Bea Alonzo's cussword scene with Christopher de Leon. This is Bea's acting vehicle and best work to date. A real tear-jerker. Rating: 3/5 Despicable Me Director: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud Featuring the voices of: Steve Carrell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews If you look into the dictionary to search for the meaning of the word despicable, you won't find anything that will describe this film. There is nothing vile or mean or awful or despicable about Despicable Me. Instead, the film is funny and adorable and touching and charming. Despite some slapstick, its overall humor is solid and the characters are memorable: the bidang-kontrabida Gru, the minions, and three girls (most especially Agnes). Rating: 3.5/5