Pixelated Popcorn

Film Logs:April-June

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

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

Nestle's Kasambuhay, Habambuhay

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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.