Les Miserables

I have always liked Dreamgirls since its release in 2006. Musicals has always fascinated me. Chicago, Mama Mia and Moulin Rouge are just some of the contemporary Broadway musicals which were transformed to the silver screen which I really find interesting and has withstand the test of time for me.  There are some that hits but there were a lot of misses as well like Rock of Ages and Hairspray. This year, we are in a surprise with the release of the highly acclaimed Broadway Musical Les Miserables.

Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel of the same name, Les Miserables is an adaptation of the hit Broadway Musical to the big screen. It follows the struggle of Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) for redemption after he was convicted for stealing a loaf of bread. Consistently sought by Javert (Russell Crowe) after Jean suddenly disappeared, Jean became a wealthy man swearing that he will always find justice to those who are in need. However, a sudden turn of events made Jean to keep a promise to a dying woman who was a victim of circumstances, Fontine (Anne Hathaway) to have her daughter be rescued in the clutches of an inkeeper. While the French has a revolution to fight, Jean is torn between making his adopted daughter Cosette (Amanda Seyfreid) happy in the arms of the man she loves or keep on trying to protect her by escaping constantly on the clutches of Javert.

This is the beauty of transforming the great Broadway musicals into a movie feature. It allows other audiences to enjoy the material without going to New York. Les Miserables is a wonder to behold. Right from the first frame of the film, one can see and feel the grandiosity of the film. As the first lyric was uttered, one may be amazed as how it was delivered. I can see no flaw as the movie progresses and did not notice that it is running for almost three hours and to think that I am watching it at around 2am in a local cinema. As the characters are being bloomed and understood with each note they sing, I was emerged into their own emotions. One of the defining moments was Anne Hathaway's rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" where she was submerged into pure emotion coupled by sincere rendition of the song, feeling each words that were uttered like it was hers to sing in the first place. Much applaud are given to Anne that even with a small screen time, she has affected me most with such powerful performance. One could not also deny that Hugh Jackman shined brightly as the lead. Backed by his Broadway experience, Jackman is a surefire to nail Valjean's character. Samantha Bark's Eponine is also a sight to behold as she renders such depth to her wounded character. While Rusell Crowe may have struggled in some parts, he has proven that he is the actor and that he can also sing. Seyfreid and Redmayne are great as well but somehow has been overshadowed by the other leads. 

One of the wonders in this film is that all of the songs were recorded live on set with only a piano as an accompaniment and background music were just mixed in post production. This allowed a more emotional rendition of the songs than the usual pre recorded music and later lip-synched during the film production. One can feel the emotions to every lyric with this type of approach in a musical, making it feel like you are witnessing the Broadway musical itself. Director Tom Hooper was successful in capturing the essence of the film. The actors gave justice to the material. 

One could only be emotional as emotions are escalated up to the great finale making you breathless until the very last note making Les Miserables one of the best Broadway Musical adaptation of all time.

GRADE: A+ 

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Life of Pi

Ang Lee has been around for years and he has chosen his movies well. (except for The Hulk). It has been expected of him to make really good movies after his worldwide phenomenon better known as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. His latest offering is nothing short of amazing as he delivers one of the best known books that are considered to be at par with The Alchemist.

Life of Pi follows the story of Pi as he struggles his way to Canada after the shripwreck with a tiger as his companion. Plots like this are not very inviting to some moviegoers but what is special with this film is the story itself, not the superficial plot that one has to see in trailers. Life of Pi touches the most sensitive topic which is religion. Though it may not seem to be that evident at first, you will know that this would be one of the most important films of the year as it tackles a topic that is somehow considered taboo in Hollywood. 

Life of Pi may seem a bit familiar to most of the moviegoers who has seen Cast Away. While Cast Away tackles how a man could survive a tragedy, Pi's story us more personal as he struggles in faith. What is more surprising is how Lee transforms this movie into a visual journey without making the story beneath it. As Pi, struggles to his survival, we are also transported into his own spiritual journey.

Several questions were raised as the film ended. Questions like, which story would you prefer? Which is more appealing? How would we face reality? How did Pi found God in his experience? This is one strength of a film. How to make its viewers think even after the show, how each moviegoer would see the entirety of the film and sees it for the message it wants to convey rather than the display it was able to portray. 

The deep connection of characters in the film is what makes this different from all the rest. Life of PI should be seen years from now and see how it has changed the lives of those who have seen it. Though it may have imprinted a small fragment or changes in how we view life, the mere fact that it has shown us that even at the most impossible times, there is someone out there who still is present looking down, never to have left us.

GRADE: A-

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The Hobbit

It has been 11 years since Peter Jackson released The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and 9 years when the series concluded with Return of the King. It has been rumored that Jackson will proceed in directing The Hobbit following the success of the trilogy, however, he decided to direct a remake of a Hollywood classic and stalled The Hobbit for a few years. And now,it is totally here, the 1st half of the tale of Bilbo Baggins and his adventures in Middle-Earth.

The Hobbit is mainly about how Bilbo managed to acquire the One Ring from Gollum during his adventures together with the dwarves as they reclaim The Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. Their journey started when Gandalf tricked Bilbo into hosting a gathering of Dwarves headed by their leader Thorin. They went to the wild encountering different creatures which eventually led them to Rivendell, the lair of the Elves. It is there that they were able to decipher the events.The group continued their journey, walking through each obstacle and knowing that Bilbo is just not a hobbit, but a Hobbit.

I am always amazed of how vast Middle Earth is.It was also refreshing to see it back in the silver screen. Going back to The Shire is like arriving back home. One of the key factors why The Hobbit works for me is that it was able to rekindle my liking to the series. To see old characters such as Gandalf (who is still Gandalf The Grey), Galadriel, Frodo and Bilbo back is such an overwhelming feeling.

Peter Jackson is still in control of Middle Earth and with this film, he was able to make a lecture out of the movie by making conversations between characters feel like they are introducing to us Middle Earth in a deeper manner. For a book that was actually short compared to the Lord of The Rings series, one might wonder why it has to be split into two. Jackson made it sure that fans will be able to totally relate with the characters and add tidbits about Middle Earth itself.

There was a great improvement in the special effects division. When we see Gollum back in 2002 we were amazed on how detailed the animation was. But when we saw The Hobbit, they pushed the technology to the limit that he seemed to be so real. Peter Jackson wants his Middle Earth to be perfect and he succeeded.

This has been a great comeback for the series. For years, Tolkien fans and Jackson fans alike will be in great happiness with the translation of the hobbit and once revisit the place that has triggered our imagination with wizards, nobility and greatness that comes from the smallest person one can imagine.

GRADE: A

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Metro Manila Film Festival 2012: What to Watch?

Christmas season won't be the same without the annual Metro Manila Film Festival organized by the Metro Manila Development Authority. This year, there is a new line up of new movies and two recurring series of films that has been regulars for this festival. The problem now is what to watch. Now take a look of the contenders for this year's MMFF. Choose wisely. You will never able to get back the money you paid or the time you spent watching a bad film.

El Presidente
- Right after the success of George Estregan Jr.'s epic Asiong Salonga, it seems that in the coming years expect him to make biographies of Philippine's known men in history. This year, his entry is about the 1st President of our country. There has been a lot of MMFF entries about our heroes which bomb in the box office, but how will this one work? The trailer shows a promise of a grand cinematography coupled by a cast that is to be match as Estregan brings together the legends of Philippine Action Cinema. Will this be worthy of one's attention in this year's MMFF? I hope so. Estregan has put up an image that should maintained, and I hope they stick to what they have done with Asiong last year.

One More Try
- One of this years tearjerker has Angel Locsin, Angelica Panganiban, Dingdong Dantes and Zanjoe Marrudo buckle up in one single frame. The story, according to the trailer, has something to do with an old flame being blazed up with an inevitable consequence. With lines like, "Kahit isang gabi lang, pahiram ng asawa mo," is a sure attention grabber for movieviewers to pack up the moviehouse.

Shake, Rattle and Roll 14
- And I would say, NOT AGAIN. Regal must be part of the MMDA but not as advocates for Philippine Cinema but as Environmental Advocates for their efficient recycling of an already tired franchise. Shake, Rattle and Roll has not lived up with its standards during the 90s. I wonder, the return of veteran stars like Herbert Bautista can make any difference with the worn out franchise. However, I am hesitant of wasting my money watching a flick that has tried to make it mainstream just like any Hollywood Horror film but fails miserably.

Si Agimat, Si Enteng at si Ako
- What is MMFF without Enteng or Agimat? For years, this franchise has been one of the greatest money generating entry for MMFF. It is no wonder that MMDA would have them back every year. Enteng and Agimat once paired up 2 years ago. It seems that their individual stories are getting dumbed up that they have to pair up once again and adding another moviestar that may generate even a bigger box office in this year's MMFF - Judy Ann Santos. Judai's fans would surely line up in the cinema, and so would the children who adores the other two heroes but is there anything in their sleeves to make this franchise a bit more interesting other than pairing them up together?

Sisteraka
- One of the new entries with fresh concept is Sisteraka. I know we are all tired of Kris playing a character who is afraid or confused, this year, she comes back to MMFF with a film that will surely bring out the "bubbliness." She is joined by AiAi and Vice Ganda in a film by Wenn Deramas. I just hope that Wenn would not be lazy in terms of helming this film, the actors would be such a waste if this film will not be properly executed.

Sossy Problems
- I am no bias but Sossy Problems will be the reigning flop for this year's MMFF. Who wants to watch a film about 4 girls dealing with high class problems? Nuff said.

The Strangers
- this year's second horror entry in the MMFF. I am doubtful if this film will ever make a fraction of what the other films will be able to make. The concept seemed to be tiresome. The trailer seemed to be off and that is not a good sign. I can sense another "Amorosa" in the making.

Thy Womb

- the late entry in this year MMFF is Nora Aunor's award winning film about tradition. To include this one in this year's MMFF seemed to be unfair in both sides. If this film wins almost every single award, I bet, the other contenders will feel like they were cheated since this film has competed internationally. On the other hand, if Thy Womb will not win Best Picture in this year's MMFF, it would put the cast and crew in shame. However, Thy Womb would be the most interesting film entry in this year's MMFF.

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Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2

When Twilight was released in 2008, I have no idea what the film is all about it. It was one of my friends who introduced me to the material that it was about a vampire who fell in love with a mortal. Intrigued, I watched the film and when I left the cinema I felt like that there was nothing special to it. I heard that there is a hype with the material it was based on and was able to borrow the book and I find it hard to swallow the material and was able to read only a few chapters and put it down and was never opened since. The first film was downright disastrous. The 2nd and 3rd were tolerable. The 4th one was okay.

Breaking Dawn Part 2 finishes off the very long and unneccessary Part 1. Bella now wakes up as a vampire, a powerful one. She and Edward now becomes proud parents to Renesme who seemed to be growing fast. This concerns the Cullens especially if word comes out to the Volturi, but fate must be very hard to these vampires that Irina, a relative of the Cullen's reported the incident to the Volturi. This event led to the confrontation that would change the lives of Bella, Edward and their daughter.

I don't want to divulge any spoilers with this review. However, I really find it hard to restrain myself that they change a major event as a cheap attempt to make this finale end with a bang. When the change was finished, we felt dumbfounded and some moviegoers who was watching with me felt that they were cheated out with the emotions that they already invested during the finale. If only they did not retract the change towards the end, it would have been a great finale.

With Breaking Dawn Part 2, I can sense the disconnect between Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, could this be a premonition that their relationship is having problems while they are shooting the film? Robert Pattinson gets to be less cheesy with this film while Kristen still is the same actress that she is since Twilight. I guess Kristen has perfected tha art of making each emotion the same all throughout the series. While the main characters failed to make any improvements, the supporting casts, made a great impact and somehow manages to save a bit of the film. Dakota Fanning has only one line in the film but was able to maintain the sinister of her character. 

The CGI didn't help that much with the film. Take a look closer with some of the effects and you will be questioning if they run out of budget to make a really good CGI effects. On the positive side, there has been a great improvement with the cinematography. The soundtrack was also good. Well, thats pretty much it.

I still stand to what I said last year, Breaking Dawn was not supposed to be broken into 2 films. The first part could be compressed in 30 minutes since nothing really happened. In Part 1, one could summarize the whole thing as simple as this: Bella gets married, went to a honeymoon, becomes pregnant, gave birth and becomes a vampire. In Part 2, Bella has a child, trains her ability, fights the Volturi and wins. The End.
Breaking Dawn Part 2 is a film that could be an improvement from its first installment but it is not as epic as it seemed to be. I watched it for closure. I watched it because this is the only bloody film shown here in Manila. I watched it because Dakota Fanning is part of the film. No more no less.

GRADE: C-

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Skyfall

I had my first encounter with James Bond when I was 6 years old with Roger Moore's For Your Eyes Only. My grandfather is an avid fan of the series and thus, I spent most of my weekends with Bond's adventures even though I find it hard to comprehend with the plot. It was the gadgets and the action scenes that made me glued to to the screen. After 50 years and several actors playing the slick agent, the 23rd installment is released.

Skyfall follows the events after Quantom of Solace, where Bond gets over with his marred and scarred life with the loss of loved ones. In Skyfall, he once revisited his past which made him the agent that he is at present. Skyfall starts with Bond's investigation with an attack against an MI6. During the crucial pursuit, M (Judi Dench) made a decision that made everything go upside down as well as the return of a retired agent seeking for revenge against M.

Skyfall is the first Bond film since it reboot with Casino Royale that featured the original Bond insignia where he walks and then shoots directly to the cam, well, you know the gist. It is refreshing to see this and it must be very hard for Daniel Craig to wait for that moment. Basically, Skyfall brings back the basics, the plot, the music and the feel is so Bond-like. Casino Royale features Bond as neophyte in the business thus, the flaws. He is not as slick as the previous film actors, Craig's Bond is scruffle in nature. With Skyfall, he learns from his mistakes and ultimately becomes an agent with a fearless facade.

There were characters who are coming back in Skyfall and hopefully on the succeeding installments. The original Q left the series after Die Another Day after his death and we never get to see him on the 21st and 22nd installment. Now, he is back, shiny and new. There will be deaths which could play an important role in the next films.

Bond is such a delight story-wise that it would engage its viewers and make them reminisce of how good the films were. Skyfall is a reminder that Bond's appeal is still in effect and no one can surpass the greatest agent of all time.

GRADE: A

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Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles

The Philippines has a very rich culture. Folklore for one, is the best example of how imaginative our ancestors are. Since we are kids, we are bombarded by stories about Aswang, Tiktik, Kapre and Manananggal. Either our parents enjoys the thought of us being afraid or they just simply want us to stay home at night, but these stories make up our childhood. For years, Shake, Rattle and Roll delivered folklore to the modern era but we are getting tired on the concept of the series. Tiktik is a risk, financially and of quality.

Makoy (Dantes) will do everything to get Sonia (Poe) back in his life together with their unborn baby. He sets a trip to Sonia's province to fetch her and bring her back to Manila. Makoy is your usual conceited type of guy who would bad-ass everyone in his way. This is not a good indication for someone who visits a place for the first time. As the saying goes, be polite to the people you don't personally know and you will be leaving the place alive and with complete body parts, with Makoy, the attitude follows various conflicts. When the news of Sonia being pregnant was known by a group of people living in the hills, the race to survival reached in a greaters heights as the infant-hungry Aswangs raids Sonia's house trying to acquire the unborn child. 

The film stays true to the concept of Philippine folklore. The strength and weaknesses were covered with some funny exceptions. The movie is not entirely a horror film and follows the concept of Bulong. Tiktik is amusing in various ways. Visually, the film is stunning. Erik Matti and his graphics designer put enough effort to the technology they used. The same approach was used in making films like 300, Sin City and Watchmen. This is a first for Philippine Cinema. For years, they has been a lot of attempts in using 3D animation in fantasy movies like Agimat and Enteng but even with those two combined, they could not surpass the quality of animation and background effects of Tiktik. If I were to ask, GMA films should have released this during the MMFF festival and it will surely be a hit and that P80 Million budget would be just a 1php in the sidewalk. 

While film boasts of great imagery, it also gives out rich cultural references as well as accuracy in terms of production design. The house where Sonia lives is like an exact replica of the houses in the provinces, sturdy, has a mini-veranda, owner-type jeep, laminated diplomas, old wooden furniture and that murky environment complete with gravel and dust. With this, the film already succeeded. While I abhor obvious product endorsement in films, Tiktik is an exception. 

The cast did well with their parts. I am surprised with Joey Marquez as he was not that effective as a comedian with earlier films, but with Tiktik, he simply geared up a notch and was really good in comic timing. Ramon Bautista's character Bart stole the show as he displayed a few antics that really make you laugh. Janice De Belen excels as the typical provincial mother. Basically, it was the veteran actors who excelled in this film and it was not a surprise. 

Director Erik Matti may have delivered his finest film to date. Dingdong Dantes may have his best film made. Tiktik is one of the films that dares to be different and take the risk and they succeeded. There was a right mix of fun and tension in Tiktik, something that has been long forgotten by film makers in the Philippines. And oh, please remind me to stack a bunch of Boy Bawang, it might come in handy.

GRADE: A-

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This Guy's In Love With You, Mare

One year ago, Vice Ganda starred in a movie that seemed to be considered as one of the worst films ever made. Praybeyt Benjamin was the least of the movie I expected to hold the Philippines most watched film in terms of box-office returns. The repetitive dialogue and lazy directing has to be blamed with the low class quality of the film. In defense of the actors who were at that film, they delivered but could have been better with proper guidance from their director. This year, Wenn Deramas collaborates with Vice Ganda once again to deliver another comedy about the strangest relationship about a gay man, bisexual and a woman.

Lester has been with Mike for 5 years as a partner. Lester was Mike's provider, from college to even supporting the basic needs of Mike's family. So when Mike broke up with Lester in their 5th Anniversary, Lester was left with nothing but devastation with their failed relationship. Mike, on the other hand, has been in a relationship with Gemma for a year. This was unknown to Lester until he saw the couple which made him to devise a plan that would separate the two and make Mike come back to him by acting as a straight man and court Gemma.

I abhor Praybeyt Benjamin as much as I abhor Master of Disguise. With this film, there is much more to enjoy than the latter. There is more cohesion in terms of plot. However, I want to blame the people who made the trailer since most of the jokes seen there are the ones you will also see in the film with only few additions. There were some funny moments and there were icky moments as well. Vice Ganda now plays a different type of humor however it can also be tiring due to repetitions. The chemistry between the three lead characters are quite in sync. Toni seemed to be comfortable with her role and that goes with Luis and Vice. The movie seemed to fall apart in Act 3 where they all go melodramatic using lines from previous movies. It may have been effective during the early 2000s but not at this age. Sarcastic jokes is comedy at this time. Slapstick is dead.

This Guy's In Love With You, Mare is better than Praybeyt Benjamin by a mile but it does not match up with Wenn Deramas' Tanging Ina. There are a few laugh out loud moments with this film but I would not pay 200php for this film, maybe 100php.

GRADE: C+

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Taken 2

It was way back in 2008 when Taken swept the audiences feet. Though Liam Neeson was known to portray roles such as the iconic Oskar Schindler from Schindler's List or Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia, he was never established as an action hero - well, not until Taken was release, garnering a surprising followers. From a measly $25M budget, Taken was a hit with roughly $230M box office worldwide. Not bad, right? 4 years went by, we never thought that a sequel would be produced (Surprise from the greedy Hollywood film producers). But does it live up from its predecessor?

Bryan Mills (Neeson) is now a retired Intelligence Agent. Still fresh from the incident with her daughter Kim (Grace) being abducted, he stays to be the paranoid father. While Lenore (Janssen), Bryan's ex-wife, is having her marital problems, he decided to invite her and Kim for a vacation in Istanbul after his freelance engagement as a bodyguard. Unknown to him is that a group of Albanians are plotting revenge against him for killing the men involved in Kim's abduction. The chase goes on as the Albanians try to abduct not only Bryan but his family as well.

Basically, Taken 2 suffers much in building up the tension. The first part felt so awkward as the Albanian's swore to their son's graves with a line saying, "We will kill him." I shuddered in fear sarcastically. There must be a better way of writing things as complex as revenge. I know that they will kill him but they don't have to be that straight forward like they are treating their audiences dumb. There is so much to do with the writing to improve. But what lacks with the dialogue makes up with the ingenuity of Bryan Mill's character and the tactics used in the film.

Taken 2 included a couple of car chases which is not present in the previous film. While there are a lot of chases in Taken, Taken 2 takes it up a notch with car chases which somehow felt like I am watching a Bourne movie. One of my complaints with the film is with the camera. The scenes which involves a lot of fighting is just messy and not good with the eyes.

Liam Neeson shows that he can still do action movies even in his early 60s. He clearly made a statement that even with his age, he can still make a name as an action star. With Taken 2, he establishes this thought more concrete. Taken 2 had some tricks left in its sleeve but not enough to be at par with the first one.

GRADE: B-

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