Pixelated Popcorn

Film Logs: December

2012-01-10T02:22:00.000-08:00

243. Incendies

Rating: 2/5

244. The Road

Rating: 3/5

245. Fright Night

Rating: 3/5

246. Margin Call

Rating: 3.5/5

247. Immortals

Rating: 2/5

248. We Need To Talk About Kevin

Rating: 5/5

249. The Skin I Live In

Rating: 3/5

250. Shake, Rattle, & Roll 13

Rating: 3.5/5

251. Moneyball

Rating: 4/5

252. Sky High

Rating: 3.5/5

253. Bellflower

Rating: 4/5

Now Showing: The Road

2011-12-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago, every single cinema in the metro was showing Breaking Dawn. It's good to finally have choices.

Yam Laranas returns with a brand new horror. The trailer looks promising and I really hope that it will be as good as Sigaw. We haven't been getting good horrors from the mainstream lately. Here's hoping that it won't be another Patient X.

Curious to See: The Road

Director: Yam Laranas

Starring: Rhian Ramos, TJ Trinidad, Marvin Agustin, Carmina Villaroel

I'm not really a fan of Tintin. But with Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson attached to this project, you can't blame me for being curious. Early word is that Tintin is an adventurous romp perfect for family viewing. Four words: motion capture in 3D.

Curious to See: The Adventures of Tintin

Director: Steven Spielberg

Featuring the voices of: Jamie Bell, Daniel Craig, Andy Serkis, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost

Film Logs: November

2011-12-01T05:42:00.000-08:00

218. Buenas Noches, Espana

Rating: 1/5

Psychedelic, trippy, nauseating, deafening, and unwatchable. Proof that some experiments may be harmful to you.

219. Horrible Bosses

Rating: 3.5/5

Solid premise. It's every employee's ultimate fantasy. It's great how the film captured the mania and fun of it all.

220. The Adventures of Pureza

Rating: 1/5

Is it destined to be a cult classic? Or is it just plain bad?

221. Midnight in Paris

Rating: 4/5

This charming Woody Allen feature is an ode to the arts and to the City of Lights.

222. In Time

Rating: 2/5

It started out with an interesting concept, but the writers failed to create a thrilling story out of it.

223. Monte Carlo

Rating: 1/5

Ths is too bland and too sanitized to appeal to anyone above the age of 12.

224. Retreat

Rating: 3.5/5

More of a character study than an apocalyptic film. Great performances from Thandie Newton, Jamie Bell, and Cillian Murphy.

225. The Kid With A Bike

Rating: 4/5

A masterclass in drama. My first Dardennes and it didn't disappoint. Poignant, yet unsentimental.

226. The Silent House

Rating: 2/5

This Uruguayan single-shot horror film is all style and no substance. I can forgive the occasional lull, but the stupefying twist is just too much.

227. The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence)

Rating: 2/5

I have high tolerance for gore and grotesqueries, so I really don't have any problem with violence and all that shit (pun intended). The Human Centipede II is sloppily made with little accompanying narrative. I can get more satisfaction watching a snuff film than this mess.

228. Another Earth

Rating: 4/5

This low-key indie sci-fi boasts of a perfect mix of pathos and mystery. The discovery of Earth Two serves as the backdrop for a painful love story. This is Mike Cahill's follow-up to his heartwarming debut King of California. Cahill's confident direction and Brit Marling's mesmerizing lead performance will take you to sci-fi wonderland.

229. Quattro Hong Kong 2

Rating: 1/5

I could think of better ways to utilize the talents of Brillante Mendoza, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Stanley Kwan, and Ho Yuhang.

230. Pina (3D)

Rating: 4/5

This is how you pay tribute in style. Easily the best dance film and best 3D film of the year.

231. Toomelah

Rating: 2/5

If you want an aboriginal drama, watch Samson & Delilah instead.

232. Ka Oryang

Rating: 3/5

It's well intentioned, beautifully shot, but somewhat empty. So what separates it from Joel Lamangan's over-the-top political dramas? I really don't know.

233. My Paranormal Romance

Rating: 4/5

This Cebuano romcom took me by surprise. It is random, over-the-top, but utterly charming.

234. Six Degress of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay

Rating: 4.5/5

Lilia Cuntapay, the most popular extra in Philippine showbiz, finally gets her first lead role. Genius concept. It's amazing how the director seamlessly interspersed reality and fiction. Lilia Cuntapay is comedy gold. But the film also managed to pull some heart strings as well. Another proof that Cinema One Originals produce kick-ass movies. MUST-SEE!

235. Big Boy

Rating: 1/5

If barrio kids in the 40s/50s were already making home videos, it will look like this. Through the use of Super 8 cameras, director Shireen Seno gives us a whiff of nostalgia. She captured the brittle and unreliable nature of memories. But the style easily wears off, what started out as a novel experiment becomes an arduous experience. When the film ended, we were all in awe... dumbfounded... either we were hypnotized or we were collectively contemplating on asking for a refund.

236. Boundary

Rating: 4/5

Great script. Direction can be tighter. Ominous musical score. And once again, Ronnie Lazaro shines.

237. Friends With Benefits

Rating: 3.5/5

Better than your average romcom but still not at par with Crazy, Stupid, Love which gets my vote for romcom of the year.

238. Life In A Day

Rating: 3.5/5

The filmmakers were able to cull interesting snippets. But collectively, it missed the impact it was aiming for. I hate the ending monologue!

239. The Help

Rating: 3.5/5

Palatable to general audiences, but lacks the extra oomph to make it compelling. Great turns from the ensemble cast especially Jessica Chastain, Octavia Spencer, and Viola Davis.

240. 50/50

Rating: 4/5

I was in the mood to cry and JGL made me cry. I was in the mood to laugh and Seth Rogen made me laugh. His annoying character isn't too annoying this time. Noteworthy to mention Anjelica Huston and Anna Kendrick as well.

241. Like Crazy

Rating: 4/5

This year's Blue Valentine. Like Crazy captures the determination and fickleness of love.

242. Anatomiya ng Korupsiyon

Rating: 2/5

I really don't get the love for Maricar Reyes. She was better in her Star Cinema romcoms. In this movie, she's too stiff. Or maybe it is the entire film that is stiff.

Shaking It Out with Florence

2011-12-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Along with Adele's 21, Florence + the Machine's Ceremonials is easily the best album released this year.

Film Logs: July-October

2011-11-30T22:16:00.000-08:00

148. Summer Days With Coo

Rating: 3/5

149. Insidious

Rating: 3.5/5

150. The Murderer (The Yellow Sea)

Rating: 1/5

151. 17 Again

Rating: 3/5

152. Memories of Murder

Rating: 3.5/5

153. Love in a Puff

Rating: 4/5

154. Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 2

Rating: 4/5

155. Bahay Bata

Rating: 4/5

156. Isda

Rating: 4.5/5

157. Cuchera

Rating: 3/5

158. Paglipad ng Anghel

Rating: 1/5

159. Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa

Rating: 4.5/5

160. Hanapbuhay

Rating: 4/5

161. Oliver's Apartment

Rating: 1/5

162. Immanuel

Rating: 4/5

163. Debut

Rating: 1/5

164. Hazard

Rating: 3/5

165. Un Diutay Mundo

Rating: 1/5

166. Samarito

Rating: 1/5

167. Walang Katapusang Kwarto

Rating: 4/5

168. Every Other Time

Rating: 1/5

169. Nino Bonito

Rating: 3/5

170. Liberacion

Rating: 1/5

171. Ang Babae sa Septic Tank

Rating: 3/5

172. Nino

Rating: 4/5

173. Amok

Rating: 4/5

174. Bisperas

Rating: 2/5

175. Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me

Rating: 3/5

176. Patikul

Rating: 2/5

177. Busong

Rating: 4.5/5

178. Gayuma

Rating: 3/5

179. Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington

Rating: 4.5/5

180. Freakonomics

Rating: 2/5

181. Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Rating: 3/5

182. Winnie the Pooh

Rating: 4/5

183. The Broken Hearts Club

Rating: 3.5/5

184. Shallow Grave

Rating: 3.5/5

185. Leap Year

Rating: 2/5

186. The Way Back

Rating: 2/5

187. The Beaver

Rating: 4/5

188. Submarine

Rating: 3.5/5

189. Mother's Day

Rating: 2/5

190. Prom

Rating: 1/5

191. Another Year

Rating: 4/5

192. Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Rating: 4/5

193. Super

Rating: 2/5

194. I Am Number Four

Rating: 2/5

195. The Last Circus

Rating: 2/5

196. Win Win

Rating: 3.5/5

197. The Myth of the American Sleepover

Rating: 2/5

198. School of Rock

Rating: 3/5

199. Hesher

Rating: 3/5

200. I Spit On Your Grave

Rating: 2/5

201. Temptation Island

Rating: 1/5

202. The Woman

Rating: 3.5/5

203. The Greatest Movie Ever Sold

Rating: 3.5/5

204. Bleak Night

Rating: 2/5

205. Attack the Block

Rating: 4/5

206. Contagion

Rating: 4/5

207. Bad Teacher

Rating: 3/5

208. Attenberg

Rating: 2/5

209. Rakenrol

Rating: 2/5

210. Bridesmaids

Rating: 4/5

211. Crossbow

Rating: 2/5

212. Melancholia

Rating: 4/5

213. Drive

Rating: 4/5

214. Everything Must Go

Rating: 3.5/5

215. The Secret in their Eyes

Rating: 4.5/5

216. Bad Day To Go Fishing

Rating: 2/5

217. No Other Woman

Rating: 3/5

Advance Warning: Best Actor/Actress Contenders

2011-11-22T06:04:00.000-08:00

We're all guilty of Oscar-watching. We anticipate the end-of-the-year releases so we'll know where to put our money on. Since most of the films vying for the golden statue have already released their trailers, it's easier for us to judge the films. Two of my most anticipated categories are Best Actor and Best Actress. Judging by the trailers alone, here are my top five contenders from each category.

Best Actor Contenders:

Michael Fassbender, Shame

Michael Shannon, Take Shelter

Leonardo DiCaprio, J. Edgar

Woody Harrelson, Rampart

Jean Dujardin, The Artist

Best Actress Contenders:

Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn

Elizabeth Olsen, Martha Marcy May Marlene

Meryll Streep, The Iron Lady

Charlize Theron, Young Adult

Michelle Yeoh, The Lady

I ♥ Cinema. I ♥ Cinemanila.

2011-10-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

Remember the date: 11.11.11. As with every year, not much info has been released yet. So what do we know so far?

Cinemanila is back in Taguig City. Screenings will be in held in Market! Market!, Fully Booked, and outdoor lawn of Bonifacio High Street.

The festival will run for only 7 days. Mark your calendars. It's November 11-17, 2011.

Italian director Dario Argento and actress Nora Aunor will receive lifetime achievement awards.

The best news so far is that Wim Wenders' Pina will be the opening film. Pina is Germany's submission to the Best Foreign Language category of the Academy Awards. The film is a documentary about the great German choreographer Pina Bausch. What's laudable about this film is its impressive use of 3D technology. So for the first time ever, Cinemanila will have the opening film in glorious 3D.

I'll let you know once Cinemanila releases the official lineup. For the meantime, here is the trailer of Pina.

Advance Warning: We Need To Talk About Kevin

2011-10-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

It is but right that I feature my most anticipated film in Advance Warning. When I heard about We Need To Talk About Kevin during this year's Cannes Film Festival, I was immediately hooked. It doesn't hurt that it stars my most favorite actress, Tilda Swinton. Everyone is buzzing about her performance in Lynne Ramsay's adaption of a novel about a fictional school massacre told through the perspective of the killer's mother. The mother, of course, is played by the versatile Tilda Swinton. We Need To Talk About Kevin joins the long list of films about school murders like Elephant, Bowling for Columbine, Polytechnique, and Beautiful Boy. What separates We Need To Talk About Kevin from the rest of the pack is that it is played out like a thriller, a cautionary tale, a horror film.

Aside from the chilling trailer above, the promotional posters of this film are probably some of the best I've seen this year. See below.

Advance Warning: We Need To Talk About Kevin

Director: Lynne Ramsay

Starring: Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller

Now Showing: Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa

2011-10-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

Taking inspiration from feminist poetry, Alvin Yapan (the critically acclaimed director of Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe) combines dance and literature to tell a story of love and longing. I haven't seen any other Filipino film this year that is as well written and well crafted. Don't miss Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa. Now showing in Glorietta, Trinoma, and selected SM cinemas. Stop whining that we don't have enough good movies in our cinemas. Do your part. Watch good movies so good directors can continue making them.

Must-See: Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa

Director: Alvin Yapan

Starring: Jean Garcia, Rocco Nacino, Paulo Avelino

Do you miss our friends from 100 Aker Wood? Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit, Kanga, Roo, Owl, and Christopher Robin return to the silverscreen with a brand new adventure that is nothing short of magical. Winnie the Pooh proves that old-school, hand-drawn animation is here to stay. My bet for best animated film of the year.

Another Must-See: Winnie the Pooh

Director: Stephen Anderson, Don Hall

The third installment of the found footage franchise shows us how the activity began. Creator Oren Peli relinquishes the directing duties to the duo who gave us the Facebook docu, Catfish. I hated the first. I didn't bother to see the second. But people are saying that this is the best out of the three. What do you think?

Curious to See: Paranormal Activity 3

Director: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman

Rihanna & Calvin Harris Found Love

2011-10-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

A little reminder that David Guetta is not the only DJ making waves in the mainstream. Rihanna and Calvin Harris collaborate for this amazing track. Watch the video above. Which film does it remind you of?

Blog Hiatus

2011-10-26T05:05:00.000-07:00

It's been two months since my last blog post. I know I've been neglecting this blog the last few months. I have a bad case of writer's block. In fact, I didn't accept any writing assignment from PEP after Zombadings because of this problem. Despite this, I still religiously update the sidebar with the latest films that I've seen. Anyway, I'm back now and I hope I'm back for good.

To shake things up, I'm introducing new sections in this blog.

Advance Warning I did a list last year featuring my most anticipated movies. Read the last part here. Instead of doing another list for 2011, I will just post trailers and promotional materials one movie at a time.

Now Showing As the name suggests, I'll write about films that are currently playing in our theaters.

Soundbytes for album reviews, music videos, news, and anything about music. Aside from being a film enthusiast, I'm fond of music as well.

Couch Potato I'm not a big TV fan, but I have my fair share of reality shows and mini series. I'll share my current boob tube addictions in this section.

Click Here where I will post links to articles that I think will interest you.

Aside from the aforementioned sections, I will continue posting my PEP Reviews, Film Logs, and Lists. In fact, I'm already preparing my year-end lists as early as now. Color me excited!

Zombadings is the breakout comedy of the year

2011-08-12T04:16:00.001-07:00

Night of the Living Dead, the George Romero classic, served as the template for modern zombie fiction. Since then, the formula has been modified and rewritten countless of times. Dawn of the Dead and 28 Days Later opted for blood and gore, while Shaun of the Dead tempered the violence with satire. Since the zombie genre refuses to die, Filipino filmmakers take a stab at tweaking the formula with Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington – a horror-comedy about gay zombies. Although it features minimal gore, the comedy unfolds with enough flair and pizzazz to make up for it.

Remington (Martin Escudero), as a naughty youngster, is fond of teasing and making fun of gays. A grieving homosexual (Roderick Paulate), who happens to be a witch, cursed him that he’ll turn gay when he grows up. Fifteen years later, the curse starts to take effect on Remington. In his dreams, he is hunted down by a creepy macho man. Every time he wakes up, he starts to notice changes in his physical appearance, his actions, and his manner of talking.

Remington suddenly becomes fluent in gayspeak. (Don’t worry if you don’t speak gay lingo, the filmmakers were kind enough to provide subtitles.) His sense of style also changed. He prefers tight-fit blouses and skimpy shorts over t-shirts and jersey shorts. To make matters worse, he develops a crush on his male best friend (Kerbie Zamora). Needless to say, Remington succumbs to the curse. The homophobe is now a full-pledged homosexual.

In the midst of Remington’s metamorphosis, a serial killer is on the loose in their town. His victims are parloristas – all gays. Remington, his best friend, and his lady love (Lauren Young) must break the curse before the serial killer gets to him.

Zombadings is the third feature from Jade Castro who is responsible for Endo, a romantic film set against the backdrop of terminable contracts starring Ina Feleo and Jason Abalos, and My Big Love, another romantic film about an overweight guy looking for love starring Sam Milby and Toni Gonzaga. Taking over the screenwriting duties are Raymond Lee and Michiko Yamamoto. The same duo that brought us the critically acclaimed Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros.

When I first saw the trailer of Zombadings, I wonder why the filmmakers cast Martin Escudero in the lead role. He is a relatively unknown actor. The filmmakers could have opted for a more popular actor or someone with more credibility in doing comedies. But Martin is a stunning discovery. His comic talent is impeccable. He speaks, sashays, and acts like a real gay man! He is the crowning glory of Zombadings, in the same manner that Angelica Panganiban and Eugene Domingo are the scene-stealers in Here Comes the Bride and Kimmy Dora respectively.

That’s saying much given the impressive supporting cast led by Roderick Paulate, Eugene Domingo, Janice de Belen, Angelina Kanapi, John Regala, and Odette Khan. If you think Roderick is hilarious in Ded Na Si Lolo, expect no less in this film. Despite his brief exposure, he shows us how to do gay the funny way. He is theatrical, over-the-top, and immensely funny. We all know how good Eugene is. She lets the gays do the outrageous antics, but it doesn’t mean that she held back her guns. Meanwhile, indie favorite Angelina Kanapi (formerly known as Mailes Kanapi) shows us that she can do comedy as well. She embraces her bat-shit crazy character with gusto.

Good comedies do not come often. A lot of filmmakers substitute humor with slapstick, camp with mere exaggeration, and comic delivery with “elevator acting” (see Ang Babae sa Septic Tank). It’s a good thing that a comedy like Zombadings comes along. A film that knows what constitutes a good comedy.

The effective mix of absurdist humor, risqué jokes, mischievous fun, and pure camp will make Zombadings the breakout comedy of the year. Of all the comedies I’ve seen in the last couple of years, I laughed the hardest and cheered the loudest while watching Zombadings. It's an instant favorite!

Zombadings was one of the two closing films in the recently concluded 7th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. The gay zombies are coming to a theatre near you on August 31.

Notice the number 1 on the title? I wonder if the filmmakers are planning to do a trilogy. If they are, sign me up. I’m ready for more zombadings!

*published on PEP

Cinemalaya 7, Ranked

2011-07-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

Bouncing back from a lackluster 2010, the 7th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival offered a number of upgrades this year: an additional venue (Cinemalaya goes to Greenbelt 3); a new section called Focus Asia; not one, but two closing films; and most importantly, better films. Hence, the attendance is better than ever. It's good to see that these indies were received warmly this year.

In 2010, I was able to watch 20 full-length and one short. I thought I can beat that record this year. But due to limited time and limited budget (the price of the festival pass increased more than two-fold), I have to settle with 15 features and 10 short films. Not too shabby, but I swear I could have done better.

Allow me to rank the films I've seen from best to worst.

FULL LENGTH
1. Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa
2. Isda
3. Busong
4. Nino
5. Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington
6. Amok
7. Cuchera
8. Ang Babae sa Septic Tank
9. Bahay-Bata
10. Gayuma
11. Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me
12. Bisperas
13. Patikul
14. Liberacion
15. Paglipad ng Anghel

SHORTS
1. Immanuel
2. Walang Katapusang Kwarto
3. Hanapbuhay
4. Hazard
5. Nino Bonito
6. Samarito
7. Oliver's Apartment
8. Debut
9. Un Diutay Mundo
10. Every Other Time

PERSONAL PICKS

Best Direction: Alvin Yapan (Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa)
Runners-up: Auraeus Solito (Busong), Lawrence Fajardo (Amok)

Best Actress: Cherry Pie Picache (Isda)
Runners-up: Raquel Villavicencio & Shamaine Buencamino (Nino), Jean Garcia (Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa)

Best Actor: Martin Escudero (Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington)
Runners-up: Garry Lim & Dido dela Paz (Amok)

Best Screenplay: Rody Vera (Nino)
Runners-up: Jerry Gracio (Isda), Alvin Yapan (Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa)

Best Cinematography: Louie Quirino (Busong)
Runners-up: Louie Quirino (Amok), Arvin Viola (Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa)

I'll try to write some more soon. That is, if my writer's block goes away.

Film Logs:April-June

2011-07-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

63. The Last Exorcism

Rating: 4/5

64. Shaun of the Dead

Rating: 3/5

65. I Saw the Devil

Rating: 4/5

66. A Single Man

Rating: 3/5

67. Brick

Rating: 2/5

68. The Sleeping Beauty

Rating: 1/5

69. Latter Days

Rating: 1/5

70. Sucker Punch

Rating: 3/5

71. Pinoy Sunday

Rating: 1/5

72. We Are What We Are

Rating: 4/5

73. High Tension

Rating: 1/5

74. Whip It

Rating: 4/5

75. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Rating: 5/5

76. Deadline

Rating: 3/5

77. Triangle

Rating: 3/5

78. Heartbeats

Rating: 4/5

79. Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Rating: 4/5

80. Pulp Fiction

Rating: 3.5/5

81. Once

Rating: 3/5

82. Sunshine

Rating: 4/5

83. The Crush

Rating: 3.5/5

84. Plastic Bag

Rating: 3/5

85. Bedevilled

Rating: 2/5

86. The Troll Hunter

Rating: 3/5

87. 4 3 2 1

Rating: 2/5

88. Volver

Rating: 3.5/5

89. Rubber

Rating: 2/5

90. Clovefield

Rating: 4/5

91. Smiley Face

Rating: 3.5/5

92. Keka

Rating: 3.5/5

93. Selda

Rating: 3.5/5

94. Everyone Says I Love You

Rating: 2/5

95. Circuit

Rating: 3/5

96. Rain Town

Rating: 3/5

97: Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

Rating: 3.5/5

98. Let the Love Begin

Rating: 1/5

99. The Loved Ones

Rating: 4/5

100. Tropic Thunder

Rating: 3.5/5

101. Magnifico

Rating: 4.5/5

102. Millions

Rating: 3.5/5

103. Psycho

Rating: 3/5

104. The Roommate

Rating: 2/5

105. Strapped

Rating: 3.5/5

106. All Good Things

Rating: 2/5

107. Ang Ninanais

Rating: 1/5

108. Dark City

Rating: 3/5

109. Bully

Rating: 1/5

110. Vertigo

Rating: 3.5/5

111. Cube

Rating: 3/5

112. Thor

Rating: 3/5

113. What's Eating Gilbert Grape?

Rating: 3/5

114. Who's that Girl?

Rating: 1/5

115. The Hours

Rating: 3.5/5

116. Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

Rating: 3/5

117. The Thing

Rating: 3.5/5

118. Martyrs

Rating: 4/5

119. Grease

Rating: 3/5

120. Funny Games (US Version)

Rating: 2/5

121. Leaving Las Vegas

Rating: 3/5

122. Trick 'r Treat

Rating: 3/5

123. Dazed and Confused

Rating: 3/5

124. Pisay

Rating: 3/5

125. The Class

Rating: 4/5

126. Kinse

Rating: 3.5/5

127. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Rating: 3/5

128. The Prestige

Rating: 3.5/5

129. Julia's Eyes

Rating: 4/5

130. Paalam Aking Bulalakaw

Rating: 3.5/5

131. Hobo With a Shotgun

Rating: 3/5

132. Elephant

Rating: 3.5/5

133. Billy Elliot

Rating: 3/5

134. Confessions

Rating: 4/5

135. Kasambuhay, Habambuhay

Rating: 3/5

136. Super 8

Rating: 2/5

137. X-Men: First Class

Rating: 3.5/5

138. The Lost Thing

Rating: 3/5

139. Paul

Rating: 3.5/5

140. The Tunnel

Rating: 3/5

141. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Rating: 3/5

142. The Tree of Life

Rating: 2/5

143. Hanna

Rating: 4/5

144. Source Code

Rating: 4/5

145. Kooky

Rating: 4/5

146. Quarantine 2: The Terminal

Rating: 1/5

147. An American Crime

Rating: 4/5

Robyn's Body Talks

2011-06-21T06:36:00.000-07:00

In a perfect world, Robyn would sell more records than Rihanna and Katy Perry.

Nestle's Kasambuhay, Habambuhay

2011-06-13T02:44:00.000-07:00

In this age of YouTube and short attention spans, even movies can now be served in bite-sized proportions. In celebration of its 100th year anniversary, Nestlé Philippines produced a collection of short films to illustrate the different ways that its products have become a part of Filipino's lives.

Kasambuhay, Habambuhay (with the English title: Companion in Life, for Life), a 100-minute long anthology, is composed of 10 segments, approximately 10 minutes apiece. It is helmed by nine commercial directors including Chris Martinez (who megged 100, Here Comes the Bride, and the upcoming remake of Temptation Island).

I have my reservations when it comes to company-sponsored films, especially if the company is in the business of selling consumer goods. At first, I thought Nestlé is just trying to trick me into watching a 100-minute long commercial. Although the film is not spared from product placements, they were more tolerable than I imagined. The product placements range from barely noticeable to impossible-to-ignore.

I like the fact that Nestle Philippines chose the medium of cinema to commemorate its centennial anniversary. However, the idea behind the film is more laudable than the actual film. Like most anthology films, it suffers from a conflict of moods and styles. Aside from the featured Nestle products, there is no other unifying factor that ties the segments together. When you rule out the issue of narrative cohesion and look at each short film separately, you’ll find each segment entertaining in its own right.

I can't praise the production values enough. I think it's at par with full-length films. The films will elicit chuckles, tears, and applause as well as take viewers on flights of fantasy—all within a span of a few minutes. You will find Kasambuhay, Habambuhay to be a heartwarming collection of films that impart core Filipino values.

The Howl and the Fussyket
Director: Chris Martinez
Starring: Eugene Domingo, Gerald Pesigan, Kiray Celis, Dennis Padilla

An eight-year old boy joins a declamation contest despite a speech impediment: he tends to interchange the pronunciation of English words with the letters "f" and "p". His ever-supportive mother (played by Eugene Domingo) assembles a team that will groom him into a champion public speaker. This is the funniest segment in the anthology and that's saying much since most of the short films are comedies. Once again, the tandem of Eugene and Direk Chris produced magical results.

Unplugged
Director: Raul Jorolan
Starring: Marvin Agustin, Kaye Abad, Eddie Garcia

The Futkaleros spend their weekend at a provincial home where gadgets are not allowed. They are taught how to disconnect from technology in order to reconnect with each other. It delivers a great message: learn to appreciate Mother Nature instead of being too attached to the virtual world. However, I was expecting more from Direk Raul, who helmed what I consider one of the best films of 2010: The Red Shoes.

Silup
Director: Jun Reyes
Starring: Sid Lucero, Gloria Romero

Silup (which is reverse for Pulis) shows the sensitive side of a dedicated policeman (portrayed by Sid Lucero). Its best asset is its simplicity. The ending of this suspense drama short packs an emotional punch that I'd rather not reveal so that you can experience it for yourself.

Isang Tasang Pangarap
Director: Sid Maderazo
Starring: Ramon Bautista

An ordinary man, whose only pleasure is drinking coffee, discovers that he can see the future by looking at coffee mugs. It has an interesting premise but it has escapist entertainment written all over it. Obviously a tribute to Ishmael Bernal's Himala, Ramon Bautista delivers Nora Aunor's trademark cry, "Walang himala!"

Sali-salita
Director: A/F Benaza
Starring: Bodjie Pascua

A mother who writes children's storybooks ironically doesn't have enough time to create stories for her own son. Her child lets his imagination run wild in a storytelling game with his grandfather. For a short film, the production values of this film are stunning: viewers get to see a powerful warrior crossing a deserted plain and fighting a futuristic looking robot in order to save a beautiful princess. This segment demonstrates the power of the imagination and the importance of parental bonding.

Oh! Pa Ra Sa Ta U Wa Yeah!
Director: Jeorge Agacaoili
Starring: Neil Coleta, Jillian Ward, Coleen Garcia

We all know Nicos (Neil Coleta) from the famous Nestea commercial series. He is still head over heels in love with the elusive Mattina (Coleen Garcia). To help him out of his misery, his father gives him a century-old manual on courting a woman. Of all the segments, it has the advantage of having a familiar set of characters. Instead of using this opportunity to progress Nicos’ storyline, it goes nowhere. Instead, we get cheesy musical numbers one after the other. The most disappointing of all the segments.

Downtown
Director: Stephen Ngo
Starring: Virgilio Que

A bittersweet glimpse into the life of an aging man who makes baby steps to get his life back on track. Viewers will get to see vignettes of life in Binondo in this quiet story about love. Like Silup, it has a simple narrative structure but the buildup and the payoff is so much better.

Tingala sa Baba
Director: Henry Frejas
Starring: Arvy Cesar Viduya, Eubert Marc dela Cruz

Two boys are playing on a seesaw. One of them is well-off and chubby, while the other is less fortunate and lanky. Because of his weight, the rich kid is stuck at the bottom of the seesaw. How will they reverse their positions? This short imparts important lessons about social class, charity, and friendship. This is my favorite segment from the anthology.

Cooking Mo, Cooking Ko
Director: Chris Martinez
Starring: Isay Alvarez-Sena, Robert Seña, Sharmaine Buencamino, Nonie Buencamino, Eda Nolan, Dominic Roco

Direk Chris puts a culinary twist to the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet. The Capule family and the Montano family take their dispute to the kitchen as they try to outdo each other's recipe in their respective eateries. The star-crossed lovers must find a way to unite their families. This Shakespearean parody hits a comedy goldmine.

Sign Seeker
Director: Carlo Directo
Starring: John Lloyd Cruz, Solenn Heussaff

A torpe, superstitious guy asks for signs if he should ask his crush out on a date. Solenn looks gorgeous as the female officemate who is the girl of his dreams. I know it's meant to be light-hearted, but it gives a silly ending to such a whimsical film. I guess John Lloyd Cruz's charm can only do so much.

Rating: 3/5

*published on PEP

Kinse: 15 Stories on Human Rights

2011-05-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

Human rights are probably the most basic of rights. These entitlements are inherent to every human being regardless of gender, race, religion, educational attainment, and social status. Human rights are universal. Ideally, everyone must enjoy these rights without discrimination or exemption.

But the world is far from being ideal. Women are abused by their partners. Children are forced to work to provide for their impoverished families. Gays and lesbians are discriminated in the workplace and in society by and large. Indigenous groups are stripped off their heritage. Journalists are slain for doing their job. The list goes on.

In light of these pressing issues, ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel) launches an omnibus film project titled Kinse. Kinse is the magic word for ANC as it gathers 15 filmmakers to make 15 short films to mark its 15^th anniversary. This advocacy aims to portray the different sides of human rights violations prevalent in the country today. This is ANC’s follow-up to last year’s AmBisyon 2010, a collection of short films about the state of the nation in connection with the May 2010 elections.

Some of the best shorts are the ones laden with humor. Erik Matti (director of Gagamboy, Pa-Siyam, and The Arrival) tackle the most fundamental right – the right to live freely. His short film entitled The Stripped, Barenaked Truth is about a wannabe actress asking permission from her parents to do a sexy film. The banter between the daughter and her parents is hilarious especially when Anne Curtis's character screams: "Gusto kong maghubad!". This short is the most entertaining out of the bunch. It is insightful without being preachy. This comedy stars Anne Curtis, Gina Alajar, and Rez Cortez.

Richard Somes (director of Yanggaw and Ishmael) and Jon Red (director of Utang ni Tatang, Astigmatism, and Ang Beerhouse) pack a one-two punch with their respective shorts that touch on children’s rights. The first one is about two siblings scavenging for metal scraps. Despite its child labor theme, the short managed to remain light-hearted and funny. Having the same mood is Direk Jon’s Absent, which narrates how a boy spends time with his father the day he skipped school. Despite its simple narrative structure, the film is effective in reminding us of the simple joys of bonding with your family.

Meanwhile, filmmakers Ato Bautista (director of Di Natatapos Ang Gabi and a segment inCinco), Raymund Amonoy (assistant director of ANC’s Storyline), and Paulo Villaluna (director of Selda and Walang Hanggang Paalam, together with Ellen Ramos) explore the darker themes of human rights violations. Direk Ato’s Pilay follows a crippled man searching for justice for his murdered sister. The short film plays with our notion of justice. Just as we thought that justice is served for one man, another man is denied of justice. It stars Cholo Barretto and Archie Adamos.

Direk Raymund’s Ang Liham Para Kay Marco is a battered wife’s love letter to his lover. The film shows us the price of domestic abuse. It stars Sue Prado. Direk Paulo’s Intolerance, on the other hand, shows us the price of homophobia. It is about two best friends with one seemingly confused of his sexual orientation.

Similar to the themes in Joel Lamangan’s Deadline, Kiri Dalina (director of ANC’s Truths) and Mark Meilly (director of Crying Ladies and Baler) tackle extra-judicial killings and freedom of press in their short films. Activist filmmaker Kiri names the slain journalists and victims of the Ampatuan massacre, while Direk Mark shows how a radio commentator is silenced for voicing his opinions.

Filmmakers Kidlat de Guia (documentary filmmaker and son of reknowned director Kidlat Tahimik) and Auraeus Solito (director of Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, Pisay, andBusong) aim their lens at one of the most neglected right – the right of indigenous people. Direk Kidlat talks about the cultural preservation of tribal communities, while Direk Auraeus portrays the struggle of the Sambilog tribe in claiming their ancestral domain.

Nico Puertollano’s (New York-trained filmmaker and graphic artist) contribution to Kinse is very relevant considering the debate over the Reproductive Health Bill. His mini-documentary titled Labinlima is about a poor couple with 15 kids. Direk Nico interviews the head of the household about the use of contraceptive, her dreams for her children, and how they are struggling to make both ends meet.

Completing the list of filmmakers who have contributed their skills to this endeavor are Jim Libiran (Batch 2011), Raymond Red (Bangin), Ray Gibraltar (Ang Bayu ni Manilyn at Pekeng Duck), and Carlitos Siguion-Reyna (Choices).

This anthology of short films on human rights will be aired on ANC as a six-part TV special beginning on May 23 (Monday), 9:30 PM. Kinse will be hosted by actress and women’s right advocate Angel Aquino.

Rating: 3.5/5

*published on PEP

Who did Adele proud?

2011-04-28T09:07:00.001-07:00

Adele's Rolling in the Deep has been playing on my iPod on repeat these past few days. I love myself some Adele. She is not the cookie-cutter pop star we're accustomed to seeing on TV. Finally, someone really talented is getting the attention she deserves. Fearless forecast: Adele will be the frontrunner in next year's Grammy's, thanks largely to this song.

In the battle of singing competitions, which reality show contestant did Adele proud?

Haley Reinhart, American Idol

Vicci Martinez, The Voice

Did these newbies sing better than Adele? Who was better: Haley or Vicci? Sound off in the comments section.

The Beats of Heartbeats

2011-04-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

The young auteur Xavier Dolan dissects young love, both real and imagined, in his latest film Heartbeats (French title: Les Amours Imaginaire). What strikes me the most about Dolan's films is his vivid use of colors and rousing soundtrack. Below are two of my favorite songs from Heartbeats.

best party scene I've ever seen

Pixelated Popcorn’s Favourite Miyazaki Films

2011-04-13T06:08:00.000-07:00

Hayao Miyazaki is Japan’s greatest living animator. His illustrious career spans 50 years. He has directed, written, and produced over 20 animated features – from full-length and short films to TV series.

This auteur is responsible for Japan’s most celebrated and world-renowned animated films such as Spirited Away (the only non-American winner in the Best Animated Feature category of the Academy Awards), Princess Mononoke (the first animated film to win Picture of the Year at the Japanese Academy Awards), and Howl’s Moving Castle (nominated in the Best Animated Feature category of the Academy Awards).

The words magical, visually arresting, and epical are often used to describe his body of work. Miyazaki likes to take his audience to strange lands that only his genius can envision. He introduced us to otherworldly creatures and characters that reflect the good side of humanity.

It’s terribly difficult, if not impossible, to choose a favourite among Miyazaki’s film so let me pick my top three instead.

3. Spirited Away

“Spirited Away is the story of a girl who is forced to survive in a bizarre otherworld. She works in a bathhouse for gods and spirits after her parents are turned into pigs by a sorceress.”

2. My Neighbour Totoro

“When two girls move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby.”

1. Princess Mononoke

“The plot centers on the struggle between the animal spirits who inhabit the forest and the humans who exploit the forest for industry.”

Deadline exposes corruption behind killing of journalists

2011-04-13T02:28:00.000-07:00

Due to the rampant killings of journalists, the Philippines has earned the notoriety for the Philippines as the most dangerous place in the world for media workers. According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), 143 journalists have been killed since the ouster of dictator Ferdinand Marcos's regime in 1986. A total of 137 journalists were slain during the nine-year term of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Given the grave occupational hazards that journalists face today, it's admirable that they still choose to speak the truth. The same is true of director Joel Lamangan and writer Bonifacio Ilagan who tackle this controversial issue in their latest film.

Deadline: The Reign of Impunity follows five journalists in their struggle to expose the corrupt ways of a well-heeled and well-connected politician. Henry (Luis Alandy), a columnist for a major newspaper, is writing about a political dynasty in Mindanao that is receiving personal favors from the Palace. He receives reports from Azad (Allen Dizon) and Claire (Ina Feleo) from the Mindanao Weekly Herald.

When the powerful governor of Abdul Rabb (Tirso Cruz III) hears about the exposé, he sends his trigger-happy henchmen to silence the three journalists. The next morning, Henry is found dead while Azad and Claire are missing. Newscaster Greta (Lovi Poe), Henry’s fiancée, feels that she must finish what Henry started. Together with Ross (TJ Trinidad), Henry’s acquaintance and also a journalist, they plan to reveal the true colors of the governor. Will they be successful in their exposé or will they be silenced as well?

Aside from the story of the five journalists, the back story provides a lot of insight. In the film, the governor’s family has held on to the gubernatorial seat for decades with the help of the Palace. In return, he helped the president to be re-instated into office through election fraud. He used public funds to support his private army and to live like a king.

The back story’s parallelism to real life is not mere coincidence. Although Deadline is a work of fiction, its story is based on real events. This is where it gets tricky. The film combines real events, speculations, and fiction that I suggest that you watch it with an open mind.

Director Joel Lamangan and writer Bonifacio Ilagan are treading on dangerous ground. Although names are changed, it’s easy to identify the real people behind the characters. I wouldn’t be surprised if the filmmakers are have received death threats because they have chosen to tell this story. Like the five journalists in the film, Lamangan and Ilagan are vanguards of truth who are keen on exposing the past administration’s secrets. I applaud their bravery and I hope that more films of this nature are made.

Despite my appreciation for the courage of the filmmakers for making such an important film, I wish that the story is more cohesive. Like Lamangan and Ilagan’s last film Sigwa, Deadline needs more focus. There are so many things going on. It would have been better if the story focused on either Azad and Claire or Ross and Greta. By cutting corners, the script will be a lot tighter and the film will be less dragging.

What the film lacks in focus, it makes up for with good acting. Lovi Poe proves that the acting awards she received for Mayohan is no fluke. This girl can surely act. Her passion and intensity make her turn as Greta believable and convincing. TJ Trinidad, Ina Feleo, and Allen Dizon provide good support, although I wish that Ina and Allen were given more screen time. Meanwhile, Tirso Cruz III’s portrayal of the political warlord makes for a despicable villain. I have no complaint about his acting, but I feel that the character is too one-dimensional.

Rating: 3/5

*published on PEP

Animation Marathon Part 2

2011-04-13T01:53:00.001-07:00

This is the 2^nd instalment of my two-part tribute to animated films. For the month of March, I decided to devote most of my time watching all sorts of animated films – from the crowd-pleasers produced by Disney and Pixar to the critically acclaimed works of studio Ghibli and the avant-garde films of Sylvain Chomet. I wouldn’t claim that I’ve seen everything but this is a good start.

58. Rango

Rating: 3.5/5

Not for kids and rather dull. The filmmaking involved is commendable though. More technically polished than your usual animated film.

59. Monsters, Inc.

Rating: 4/5

Boo is, by far, the cutest and most adorable cartoon character EVER! And the film sure knows how to bank on her charm.

60. The Rescuers

Rating: 1/5

This vintage cartoon doesn’t hold a candle against the classics.

61. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Rating: 4/5

Perfect blend of humor, drama, and sci-fi.

62. Howl’s Moving Castle

Rating: 3/5

Impressive visual design with a messy, unfocused narrative.

Animation Marathon Part 1

2011-03-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

I made a list of genres I’m least familiar with. My top three are classic films (‘80s and older), costume dramas (period pieces and historical films), and animated films. I was surprised when I saw animated films on that list. I don’t see myself as someone who despises animated films and yet, I haven’t seen some of the most famous animated films ever made like Grave of the Fireflies; Monsters, Inc.; and Ratatouille. I used to watch a lot of anime and cartoons back when I was a kid. But for some reason, I outgrew that habit.

In an attempt to rekindle my love for animation, I decided to devote most of my free time this month to watch animated films. Aside from the usual suspects (Pixar, Disney, and Dreamworks), I will also take a look at the works of Sylvain Chomet (The Triplets of Belleville, The Illusionist), Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro), and Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue, Millenium Actress).

Let’s get the ball rolling, shall we?

40. Kung Fu Panda

Rating: 2/5

Slapstick. Formulaic. Ordinary.

41. The Illusionist

Rating: 2/5

A little too quiet for my taste, and that girl is so friggin' annoying!

42. My Neighbor Totoro
Rating: 3.5/5

Imaginative and perfect for kids.

43. Ghost in the Shell
Rating: 2/5

Too complex to be fully understood.

44. Perfect Blue
Rating: 4/5

If the speculations are true that Black Swan was inspired by this film, I wouldn’t be surprised. A tense, gripping psycho-sexual thriller that elevates animation to a whole new level.

45. Fantastic Mr. Fox
Rating: 4.5/5

This sits comfortably on the top of my favourite animated films of all time, together with Wall-E and Finding Nemo. Witty, hilarious, and uberly fantastic!

I take a short break from animation to catch some live-action fare.

46. The Adjustment Bureau
Rating: 4/5

Interesting conceit elevated by the palpable chemistry between Emily Blunt and Matt Damon. It doesn’t hurt that it is also exhilarating and mysterious.

47. I'm Here
Rating: 4/5

Spike Jonze directs this short film about robots in love. The premise is not that original, but the outcome is undeniably heart-warming. Need more encouragement? Andrew Garfield stars as the robot. Go figure. ; )

48. Senior Year
Rating: 4/5

Last year’s MMFF Indie breakout hit is finally on our theatres. Catch it while you can. Senior Year is the authentic high school movie. Click here to know why.

49. Country Strong
Rating: 2/5

Not even Holly Holiday and Blair Waldorf can save this mess.

50. Kaboom
Rating: 2/5

A little silly. A little funny. But with more than a little sex.

51. The Princess and the Frog
Rating: 3.5/5

Too bad Disney won’t be making a new Princess film anytime soon.

52. The Triplets of Belleville
Rating: 3/5

It made me feel grossed out, confused, and amazed all at once.

53. Princess Mononoke
Rating: 4/5

An epic animated film with an ecological message to boot. Mystical, highly original, and visually stunning.

54. Grave of the Fireflies
Rating: 3.5/5

I prefer a version with downplayed drama. But in its current form, it is undeniably moving.

55. Ratatouille
Rating: 3.5/5

Unadulterated family entertainment.

56. Mary and Max
Rating: 3.5/5

It deals with themes that are not quite kid-friendly, despite the kid-friendly visuals.

57. The Secret of Kells
Rating: 1/5

As boring as a Sunday mass.

My New Year resolution is to watch 211 films this 2011. As of March 15, I’ve already seen 57 films. Not bad, right? This is how I keep track of the films I’ve seen, click here.

Cinematon! Cinematon! presents Japanese Cinema

2011-03-14T06:04:00.001-07:00

All eyes are on Japan after the earthquake and tsunami incident last week. So here's a little remembrance on the good things about Japan: Hayao Miyazaki, Takeshi Kitano, Yasujiro Ozu, Akira Kurosawa, Yoji Yamada, etc. This April, Cinematon! Cinematon! will focus on Japanese cinema. Everyone is invited in this blogathon. What's a blogathon, you say? According to Adrian, "A blogathon is an internet activity where web writers or bloggers write anything related about the topic at hand during the course of the event. Hence, for our blogathon, writings will involve mainly about Japanese Cinema from its infancy to now. Since Cinematon! Cinematon! subscribes to pluralism, we encourage all bloggers and web writers to free themselves from the rigor of film criticism." Join us. Go to Cinematon! Cinematon! for more details.

Senior Year: The Authentic High School Movie

2011-03-12T01:35:00.000-08:00

Whether you remember your days in high school so vividly they seem like yesterday, or see them as far distant memories that are already impossible to recall, you will undoubtedly find something to love in Senior Year. Director Jerrold Tarog assembles stories from a gamut of colourful, albeit stereotypical characters normally found in a high school campus: the bully and the bullied, the popular kids and the outsiders, the freaks and geeks, and so on. Although we’ve seen these characters countless times before, we’ve never seen them this authentic. Tarog’s characters, effortlessly remind us of an amusing classmate, the bully we loved to hate, our very own clique or a long-lost love. The dialogue and the plot resonate primarily because the characters are so familiar. We were those kids ten or twenty years ago.

Senior Year flips through the yearbook of St. Fredrick’s High School. It charts the journey of a motley crew of senior students four months before their graduation. Henry can’t seem to write a valedictory speech that will inspire his classmates. Carlo learns the true meaning of being a man. Bunda deals with domestic issues. Steph discovers the identity of her secret admirer. Briggs breaks up with his girlfriend Bridget. Solenn teaches Sophia to come out of her proverbial shell. Mitch washes the dirt of revenge off her hands.

These events may be too trivial for us adults, but for high school students these are life-and-death scenarios. Senior Year transports us back to a time when an unflushed fecal matter can cause a commotion in the boy’s room and when losing the intramurals feels like losing a loved one. The events unfold in a brisk pace, moving from one trivial event to the next.

Senior Year doesn’t pretend that high school is the best time of our lives, because it isn’t. High school is nothing more than a fun experience that wouldn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. There are no life-changing decisions. Our crush does not turn out to be the love of our lives. We search for ourselves and continue to do so way past our adult life. We teach our enemies a lesson but we never learn. That’s high school. And a lot of high school movies have been telling us otherwise. Well, sorry to break it to you but the real high school is nothing like the movies.

Adding to the film’s authenticity is the amazing cast of no-names who played the students. During the first part, it’s hard to follow the individual stories of each member of the ensemble. It’s hard to distinguish one from the other. They all look the same–pimply, ordinary-looking, and all too real. Early standouts were Solenn (Nikita Conwi), with perfect and annoying conyo inflections, and Sophia (Rossanne de Boda), who goes from ugly duckling to beautiful swan. As we spend more time going through the motions of high school, we get to know each character and we are reminded of our imperfect selves back in the day. That’s nostalgia served with no garnish or embellishment.

Meanwhile, the teachers are played by professional actors. Che Ramos reprises her role as the idealistic teacher in Faculty, the Ambisyon 2010 short film. At this point, Che can do no wrong. As long as she keeps making the right films, she is on her way to getting the attention she richly deserves. Ramon Bautista essays the role of the gym teacher who urges his students to “work like a teamwork”, while LJ Moreno plays the role of an English teacher with an ‘abusive’ boyfriend.

Senior Year also gives us a peek of what happened 10 years after the students graduated from high school. Ina Feleo, Arnold Reyes, RJ Ledesma, Dimples Romana, and Kalila Aguilos play the older versions of some of the senior students with the same sass as their younger counterparts. Did the batch valedictorian turn out to be the success story his teachers are pimping him out to be? Did young love triumph over the obstacles of adulthood? And did the beautiful swan complete her metamorphosis?

Maybe, they did. But does it really matter? It doesn’t make us less of a person if we don’t turn out to be the person we are groomed to be. We are not a failure if we fall short of expectations. Senior Year teaches us to savor the moment, hope for the best, and stop worrying about the future.

*published on PEP

Rating: 4/5

Film Log: January & February

2011-02-28T02:47:00.000-08:00

As you can see below, most of these films are 2010 releases as I was trying to catch up to see the essential films of the year. Now that Oscar is over and my year-end lists are written, I can finally say goodbye to 2010. Anyway, here are the films that I've seen in the last two months.

6. 127 Hours

Rating: 4/5

7. I Am Love

Rating: 4/5

8. My Amnesia Girl

Rating: 3.5/5

9. Never Let Me Go

Rating: 4.5/5

10. True Grit

Rating: 4/5

11. Devil

Rating: 2/5

12. Exit Through the Gift Shop

Rating: 4/5

13. Cairo Time

Rating: 3.5/5

14. Applause

Rating: 3/5

15. Hereafter

Rating: 3/5

16. Presa

Rating: 2/5

17. The King's Speech

Rating: 3/5

18. Blue Valentine

Rating: 5/5

19. Temple Grandin

Rating: 3.5/5

20. Let Me In

Rating: 2/5

21. Love & Other Drugs
Rating: 3.5/5

22. Frankie & Alice

Rating: 3/5

23. Handumanan

Rating: 1/5

24. Hospital Boat

Rating: 3/5

25. Burlesque

Rating: 3.5/5

26. For Colored Girls

Rating: 3/5

27. Accident

Rating: 3.5/5

28. The Disappearance of Alice Creed

Rating: 4/5

29. Symbol

Rating: 2/5

30. Amer

Rating: 4/5

31. Tangled

Rating: 3.5/5

32. The Ghost Writer

Rating: 4/5

33. Certified Copy

Rating: 3/5

34. Greenberg

Rating: 2/5

35. The Dreamers

Rating: 2/5

36. Sugar

Rating: 2/5

37. Food, Inc.

Rating: 4/5

38. Mysterious Skin

Rating: 4.5/5

39. The Departed

Rating: 4/5

Up next: Hayao Miyazaki. Sylvain Chomet. Pixar. Brave Little Toaster. Perfect Blue. You know what that means? March is Pixelated Popcorn's Animation Month.

Pixelated Popcorn’s Top 25 Foreign Films of 2010

2011-02-24T04:53:00.000-08:00

Ranking films is like styling my hair in the morning. I keep on changing it every two minutes. This is not the ranking when I first made this list last month and I’m pretty sure this wouldn't be the ranking of 2010 films when I look back two years from now. But for the present time, this will do.

I wish I have the time to spare a few sentences for each film. Unfortunately, I’m out of time. In a week or so, this list would be completely irrelevant so let me get this out while I still can.

25. The Disappearance of Alice Creed

Director: J. Blakeson

24. The Ghost Writer

Director: Roman Polanski

23. How to Train Your Dragon

Director: Dean DeBlois & Chris Sanders

22. The World is Big and Salvation Lurks Around the Corner

Director: Stephan Komandarev

21. Amer

Director: Hélène Cattet & Bruno Forzani.

20. True Grit

Director: Joel Coen & Ethan Coen

19. [REC] 2

Director: Jaume Balaguero & Paco Plaza

18. I Am Love

Director: Luca Guadagnino

17. 127 Hours

Director: Danny Boyle

16. Toy Story 3

Director: Lee Unkrich

15. Ondine

Director: Neil Jordan

14. Buried

Director: Rodrigo Cortes

13. Exit Through the Gift Shop

Director: Banksy

12. Enter the Void

Director: Gaspar Noe

11. Animal Kingdom

Director: David Michod

10. White Material

Director: Claire Denis

9. Rabbit Hole

Director: John Cameron Mitchell

8. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Director: Edgar Wright

7. Never Let Me Go

Director: Mark Romanek

6. Shutter Island

Director: Martin Scorsese

5. Dogtooth

Director: Giorgos Lanthimos

4. Blue Valentine

Director: Derek Cianfrance

3. Black Swan

Director: Darren Aronofsky

2. Inception

Director: Christopher Nolan

1. The Social Network

Director: David Fincher

I try to avoid bad films as much as I can, but these are simply unavoidable. The worst part is that I have to pay to see four of them in the cinema.

Worst Foreign Films:

Eat Pray Love

Going the Distance

Charlie St. Cloud

Amphetamine

When in Rome

You’ve seen the long list here. And now let me narrow it down to the top 12 acting performances.

Best Actress:

Natalie Portman

Black Swan

Runners-up (in order of preference):

Aggeliki Papoulia

Dogtooth

Barbara Hershey

Black Swan

Nicole Kidman

Rabbit Hole

Emma Stone

Easy A

Do-Yeon Jeon

Secret Sunshine

Best Actor:

Jesse Eisenberg

The Social Network

Runners-up (in order of preference):

Ryan Gosling

Blue Valentine

Leonardo Dicaprio

Shutter Island

Andrew Garfield

The Social Network

Christian Bale

The Fighter

James Franco

127 Hours

Lastly, let me give you the top 10 films I’ve seen this year that are not from this year. Get it?

Best Films Not From This Year:

[REC]

dir. Jaume Balaguero & Paco Plaza

2001: A Space Odyssey

dir. Stanley Kubrick

Dogville

dir. Lars Von Trier

Fight Club

dir. David Fincher

Happy Together

dir. Wong Kar Wai

Irreversible

dir. Gaspar Noe

Reconstruction

dir. Christoffer Boe

The Pianist

dir. Roman Polanski

The Squid and the Whale

dir. Noah Baumbach

Transamerica

dir. Duncan Tucker

Hopefully, I’ll have more time writing my list next year. And more importantly, I wish I’ll have more time watching films. It’s been a great year for films–so much better than the last year. This is Fidan of Pixelated Popcorn officially saying

adios to 2010.

More lists:

List of foreign films seen in 2010. click here

Pixelated Popcorn's Top 18 Foreign Films of 2009, click here

The Year in Pixels and Kernels: Top 20 Movies of 2008, click here