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Saturday, April 14. 2007
What do you expect with superhero movies but a lot of shitty plots and endings. I wonder why everybody's too stunned to watch the effects and cinematic tricks when it's far-fetched from reality. It's as if we're taken to a ride to Disneyland, thinking that Mickey and his gang is alive.
Let me relish you more of my witty cynicism. Who wouldn't recognize Clark Kent as Superman? That's absurd! He takes off his geeky glass, flies with red cape and body-hugging tights, and off you see him flying in the sky like another pest or locust. And his weakness is a Kryptonite? I'd say the real hurdle to Superman's claim is Lois. Let's give credit to women. They're the real nemesis. They conquer men with their lures and drive them to insanity!
The irony? I love Superhero movies. So you see, we're all part of a big dumb herd! But my favorite is Spiderman. "With great power, comes great responsibility!". Now that's a real drama! How many times have Spiderman been quoted for his mantra. Cleverly idiotic?! Nah, at least I'd say I'm impressed!
My reason? Well, aside from the creepy tension between Mary Jane and Peter Parker, it's closest to the real anthology called life. With modern science and spooky technology, it's not impossible for the battle of a mutant against men's evil tech drive.
Spiderman is a box office hit and surprisingly, even Tobey Maguire became a hunk though a little geeky. I'd say that producers of superhero movies should work more on the details of developing the character not just with surreal powers but of a human soul and heart. That way they will also capture not only our eyes but our hearts as well.
Friday, April 6. 2007
While it sinks, it also rises to number one as the most expensive movie production in Hollywood. But don't you worry, it is also one of the highest grossing movie of all time. Who hasn't seen the Titanic?
Isn't love always the best theme for a blockbuster hit? With melting icebergs, grandiose ship, and the tragic love affair of Leo and Kate, it certainly made giddy teenage girls watch it for the nth time. I like the movie but I hate the hype. Whenever someone would ask me if I've seen the movie, I would say no. I'm a hypocrite like most of you!
Titanic is one of the most memorable movie of all time. It was broke every record even in the prestigious Academy Award slam. Oscar bowed to its cinematic excellence and vision, while movie-goers wept 'till their tears dried out.
It launched many stars to fame. Leonardo DiCaprio became one of Hollywood's matinée idol taking lead roles in several Steven Spielberg movies (what a betrayal to James Cameron!). Kate Winslet, with her British tongue, was a success even to American audience. And James? Well at least he's compared to the great Spielberg.
Truly, the movie is sensational. Forget the hype, I'll admit that it's good. It's a 3-hour flick, and for me to survive that, it must be a thumbs up.
Friday, February 16. 2007
 Steven Spielberg is known for the movie box office hits he has directed and is continuously providing the movie fans of the world hits, including Catch Me If You Can, Artificial Intelligence, etc. But who in the right mind, as well as the right age, could forget his classic movie about a botanist alien who crashed into Earth with a high-tech electronic equipment it would supposedly use for its return to its home planet! This was again a display of sheer brilliance only a Spielberg could muster.
The ET movie did good in the box office, and it was released in 1982. It starred Henry Thomas, Robert MacNaughton, Dee Wallace-Stone, Drew Barrymore, and Peter Coyote. Yes, Drew Barrymore, and she was just about 8 or so back then.
This film is about an alien botanist who crashed on Earth and got stranded in the process on a planet far from its own. Yet, a group of school children helped it out, in which the extra terrestial entity found it hard to leave its friends when the time came for it to go back to its planet. Yes, an unusual mix of fantasy and drama, much like Spielberg's later film Artificial Intelligence. I think Spielberg enjoys touching the subject of how human emotions are affected by unusual situations, which was pretty much what I saw in the movie AI and ET. AI was very technical, like trying to figure out if a mobile phone would miss conversing with other cellphones after it gets used to its predefined purpose. Meanwhile, ET discussed matters of interracial love and friendship far from what we have here!
Thursday, February 8. 2007
 During the transition weekend of April to May, one family movie managed to make a journey to the number one spot in the box office hit charts. The family comedy "RV" grossed more than $16 dollars over the weekend during its release. It stars Robin William as Bob Munro, an executive at a large soda company. Although it became number one on the first week of its release, numerous critics lambasted the movie because of its substance, or lack thereof.
The movie is about Munro and his family who took off on the rode in an RV. Munro's daughter (played by young singer, Jojo) was moving on to college so as a send off gesture, he wanted his family to spend some time together in Hawaii. However, an unexpected merger involving the soda company is about to take place and Munro must attend a meeting in Colorado if he wants to keep his job. Torn between the trip to Hawaii with his family and his obligation in Colorado, Munro sets off in a road adventure with the rest of his family.
Sounds like a fun movie, right? Well, not really. The film uses numerous jokes and cliched antics repeatedly that it doesn't seem funny anymore. It's one of those movies where every thing that can go wrong in a situation happens. While it does lack in originality, some scenes does deserve at least a mild chuckle.
Friday, February 2. 2007
I love watching animated movies. Be it Pixar, Walt Disney Company or other production, I never miss out on any of these movies. Watching cartoons has some therapeutic effect and positive effect on me. Without a doubt, I am still a child at heart.
Among my favorites would be Finding Nemo. An animated movie which tells of the story of a clownfish father-son tandem Nemo and Marlin with their blue tang friend Dory. The story goes on with an unparalleled sea and land adventure and is filled with never-before-seen sea creatures. It is a tale of friendship, of obedience, of father's love to his only son and the son's love for his father as well. The movie will make you laugh, cry and will tinge your heart a bit.
Makers of the film did an excellent job in creating the perfect undersea environment. It takes children to another world and adults back to their childhood. It is a theatrical creation for lovers, kids, family, parents, teenagers, and moviegoers. Undoubtedly a film for all ages. Simple yet poignant, hilarious yet exciting, I found myself watching this movie over and over again.
If you're going to ask me, my favorite Finding Nemo character would be the ever forgetful Dory. I really find her amusing. Actually, she reminds me of myself. Now, if you would kindly excuse me. I still have to go and look for my car keys.
Sunday, January 28. 2007
 Asian flicks are the "in" thing right now. When I was in the foreign section of a video rental store, I came upon this Korean movie entitled, "My Sassy Girl". I was giving it thoughts if I was going to rent it since, it's sort of a chick flick, I think.
Well, lo and behold, the movie is a chick flick. But, it's a darn good one. I actually saw a tear about to trickle down my already red eyes. The movie is touching and yet it's totally funny. The movie is also an odd love story. Sure, it's your typical boy meets girl theme. But, the story has twists and turns that are surprisingly unique and very much thought of by the director.
The actors played their parts pretty well, too. Since I don't know them, I would have to say that they are a hundred percent realistic and kinda cute. The movie had a lot of famous scenes from famous movies, done in a comedic way of course. You have got to see this film if you want a good laugh. The actors are a breather from the usual American teen actors that you see everyday. My Sassy Girl is a classic original. That's why it hit Korea in 2001 like crazy. It grossed big bucks in Korea and Asia. We better jump onto the bandwagon then.
Saturday, January 27. 2007
The game-based horror flick "Silent Hill" spooked the spoof film "Scary Movie 4" when it debuted at number 1 in the box office charts. The real scary movie by Sony replaced the comedy flick from the Weinstein Co. when it debuted with 20.2 million; Scary Movie 4 only had 17 million in its second weekend in the cinemas.
Silent Hill is about the tale of a mother looking desperately for his lost daughter in an eerie town. There she encounters people with rotting bodies that resemble zombies and a dark presence that changes anything it touches. It is based from the internationally popular game series in the PlayStation and Xbox.
The film stars Radha Mitchell as the leading character, Rose De Silva. Her daughter Sharon, played by Jodelle Ferland, is sick so naturally Rose will do anything to find a cure for her daughter. Sharon has recurring dreams about the town of Silent Hill and Rose who is desperate to find answers went to the mysterious town that seems to draw her daughter. On the way, the mother and daughter had an accident which caused them to be separated...the rest you'll have to watch to find out. This horror flick, based from its ticket sales, is one of the best horror movies and game adaptations ever.
Thursday, January 11. 2007
Don't you just love happy endings, sappy scenes, and family feuds all rolled into one story? Well if you are into these kinds of drama, I bet you loved "The Family Stone". This movie provides good quality entertainment because it is close to reality. It's not some big-budgeted Hollywood movie wherein the scenes are unrealistic and implausible. Yes, The Family Stone is a star-studded cast, but, it is not at all the usual serving of movie entertainment.
The Family Stone is a surreal story of one family who dislikes their son's fiance, played by Sarah Jessica Parker. Her character, "Meredith Morton", is an uptight woman who likes everything organized. The Stone Family, on the other hand, is a crazy and merry family. In short, Meredith and the Stones are exact opposites. Now, you may have an idea why the family does not like Meredith. The family cast is, of course, overflowing with talented and famous actors. There's Diane Keaton, Claire Danes, Rachel McAdams, Luke Wilson, Dermot Mulroney, and many more. This comedy-drama film is set on the family Stone's annual Christmas celebration.
If you have not yet seen The Family Stone, maybe, it's time to see it. I am very certain that you'll cry your heart out in this one, with tears of joy and tears of sorrow. It's a good way to look into your own family, as well.
Friday, November 17. 2006
 Do you remember Silence of the Lambs? I'm sure you do.
You remember the plot, the scenes, the characters and the eerie feeling of watching it alone in your house with the lights turned off. You hold your pee in as Buffalo Bill dance in front of the camera, delighted in his transformation. You watch until Dr. Hannibal Lecter walks under the sunshine of some Caribbean island. You suddenly notice the credits are falling but you still can't stop the player.
I can still remember the first time I've watched this movie in the big screen back in 1991. As I went out of the theater I couldn't help but get paranoid about the strangers I meet on the streets. Psychiatrists were not as much in demand before than right now. I don't know if it is because of Hannibal, the "Cannibal" or because people were less depressed then.
I repeated every detail of the movie in my head before I went to sleep. I kept on picturing bloody faced Lecter bite the face off of the security guard. I kept on hearing Anthony Hopkins voice say "Hello, Clarisse" in my head. I have never felt so satisfied with a movie. From that day on, it has become my ultimate favorite movie of all-time.
The movie was directed by Jonathan Demme. This movie is based on the book of Jonathan Harris and was transferred into screenplay by Ted Tally. Jodie Foster gave an equally stunning performance in this film. She won the Oscar Best Actress Award for this movie. Anthony Hopkins won an award too. And yes, the Silence of the Lambs won in the Best Picture category.
Get a DVD copy now because, for sure, the Silence of the Lambs will go on for years as a total classic film. It'll be on my list forever.
Sunday, August 6. 2006
Steven Spielberg’s alien invasion epic, the 2005 remake of War of the Worlds, turned out to be a blessing for its parent studio, Viacom, which owns Paramount, which made the movie. The earnings from the movie helped raise Viacom's profits to a $708.5 million, up from a $487.6 million loss from last year. The film also helped raise Paramount's revenues by a massive 54% in the third quarter.
The sci-fi film, which stars Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning and Tim Robbins, was released on June 29, 2005. The film has made $234,043,462 so far in domestic release.
Sunday, July 23. 2006
What frightens you? Is it the dark? Spiders? Or maybe the unknown?
Many films have attempted to give an answer to this question, and many of them succeed in showing humanity what it fears. But few, if any, can even begin to compare to the fear and horror generated by The Exorcist. The classic tale of horror about demonic possession leaves an indelible mark on anyone who has seen it.
Spoofed and referenced in countless films, television series and even comic books, The Exorcist is an iconic piece of celluloid that comes very, very close to answering the question: What scares you?
Thursday, June 22. 2006
If Bruce Wayne produced this movie, he'd be rich enough to be Batman twice over. Batman Begins is a blockbuster, no doubt about it. But it's no surprise, as the Caped Crusader has always been a big box-office draw ever since the first one way back in the 90's.
Earning some $200-plus million dollars at the box office, with a budget of around $135 million, Batman Begins has earned more than its keep for its studio, Warner Brothers, and the Dark Knight's home, DC Comics.
And with the recent trend in superhero movies, hopes are soaring high for a sequel, which many fans do hope will star many of the same cast and continue in the new direction the series has taken. Take that, Schumacher!
Thursday, June 1. 2006
Film producers have only recently realized that zombies equal big box office returns. This was proven in 2004's Dawn of the Dead, a remake of horrormeister George A. Romero's original from 1978. It cost approximately $28M to make, and it had a worldwide gross of over $102M. Not a bad piece of celluloid, I'd say.
Soon after that, the master, George A. Romero would be able to make the film he always wanted: A follow up to his classic zombie trilogy (Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead) in the form of Land of the Dead. It cost around $18m to film, and made, so far, at least $20M. But that's not counting the overseas market yet.
This has caused other studios to scramble after zombie movies like a ghoul after fresh brains. If the trend continues, we'll be seeing more dead people on our screens, and we won't need some psychic kid to point them out.
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