The Mistress and MyThoughts

Went to see the last full show of "The Mistress" on its first day of screening and I have to say that this is the kind of movie that makes me want to believe in Pinoy films again. If perfection ever does exist in visual cinema, "The Mistress" has got to be it--a masterpiece of mainstream cinema! 

The story is so good, script was fabulously great--well written, direction and editing are so right on target. Casting is impeccable and acting is beyond words--John Llyod Cruz and Bea Alonzo were both palpable! I am so glad the role of Eric Torres went on to John Lloyd Cruz and not to the first choice actor who later moved to another network. Honestly, I couldn't think of any other actors who can give justice to the roles of Eric and Sari but these two.

I love the subdued but intense acting of everyone that perfectly compliments the very raw and genuine emotions of the script. I love the right amount of tantalizing embedded through out the entire narrative creating the perfect balance of sensuality--it's so EROTIC! 

Finally, I love that the ending didn't betray the main premise of the movie as well as its characters and their conflicts just to give in to what Pinoy moviegoers would want to see. 

Yes, it's painful and often times we question why but it's a bittersweet reality of life that we can't always have what we want cause had it been the other way around, probably there's really hope for world peace. But at the end of it all, I still find myself asking--should we really hold back on love just so we won't hurt the feelings of others around us? Can we really equate the common rules of right and wrong to LOVE? And given that LOVEis still governed by these principles--who determines what is right and what is wrong in its inexplicable nature or should we really just settle to the sad reality of "hindi dahil gusto mo, makukuha mo"? 

P.S. John Lloyd Cruz killed my heart over and over again through out the movie's almost 2 hours and 10 minutes. I SWEAR HE'S GIVING SEXINESS A WHOLE LOT DIFFERENT DIMENSION it's so HOT!

Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kyeme

5/5

Not only is it comedy at its best, Kimmy Dora and The Temple of Kyeme is also what sequels should be!

It’s common knowledge that creating a sequel is one of the greatest challenges in film making let alone create one that even surpass its predecessor in terms of quality and substance but this sequel to Kimmy Dora does just that.

The screenplay is one of the bests I’ve ever watched in Pinoy comedy movie. The plot is simple and almost shallow to its core but it was written very well along with a very funny script that there’s no boring, corny factor in it. The comedy it presented is very fresh and natural that it will really transport you to the world it created negating the out-of-this-world feel we usually get from mainstream cinema. I’ve always been a fan of Chris Martinez. His 100 is still my favorite movie of all-time. I also applaud his Last Order Sa Penguin as well as his other hits like Here Comes The Bride and Ang Babae Sa Septik Tank, and I must say that this movie just made me admire him even more.

The seamless blending of comedy, drama, and horror in this movie is also one for the books. It was perfectly manifested in the entire film. To be honest, the “gulat” factor is more defined in this film than Joyce Bernal’s overrated “Segunda Mano” last December. Lighting and Cinematography are equally amazing. The shots really made me love South Korea. Even the special effects were done excellently and believably. This movie knows its strengths from the script, to the over-all screenplay, to its actors and it instinctively capitalized in all of it creating all-time highs of the movie.

As far as the lead star’s acting is concern, I have nothing to say but WOW to Eugene Domingo. Acting in two different characters is hard enough but to portray two extreme characters at the same time with the perfection she does is just genius! Seriously, thank God for a Eugene Domingo in Philippine cinema! She’s outstanding and remarkably the ONLY one. The most poignant scene of the movie is actually the one where Dora is giving back her engagement ring to a half-awake, comatose Johnson and knowing the character of Dora, there will probably be the slightest part of you who would want to laugh but I swear believe me when I say you will be carried away. The scene lasted for just a minute or two but you can feel the genuinely innocent pain of her Dora character there. That’s how brilliant actress EUGENE DOMINGO is!

In conclusion, Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kyeme is a must watch comedy. In my own honest opinion it’s funnier than the first Kimmy Dora and if you enjoyed it I guarantee that this one will exceed your expectations. I truly hope that more Pinoy comedy movies with substance and wit like this will be produced. Enough of the Wenn Deramas shitty crap comedy that’s so prevalent in mainstream cinema today, please!

Segunda Mano

3/5

A horror flick that gives emphasis to both elements of suspense and story, Segunda Mano is a remarkable tale that tells us what we should really fear in this life.

An antique shop owner, Mabelle (Aquino) buys a second-hand bag from her best friend’s store not knowing that the bag carries with it a part of the dead owner’s soul. As the ghost haunts her down, Mabelle finds herself searching back the past to protect the people she loves from the curse of death the bag brings. And as the ghost reveal its purpose Mabelle uncovers a crime, and secrets that made up her identity.

I won’t pretend to be a pro about this genre because I am beyond honest that I never watch horror movies. The Poltergeist and Child’s Play may have traumatized me a lot when I watched them in 1993. So if you’re doing the math, this is my first full-length horror movie in 17 long years. I’m a huge Kris Aquino fan but given that she’s the Horror Queen and almost all her movies of recent years are horror, I intentionally passed on to watch all of them. The closest I’ve come to see was the last 5 minutes of her 2004 hit, Feng Shui which I watched on Cinema One at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Now, thanks to Harper’s Island, True Blood, and THE WALKING DEAD, I feel brave enough to last 2hours of pure horror (not the asian horror films like The Ring though di ko talaga kakayanin!). What’s with Segunda Mano that made me change my mind? The trailer is blunt and not at all scary plus with the little that it showed to protect the twists and turns of the story, made me really curious. But beyond anything, I am the type who can tell if a movie’s worth watching from just its trailer. I knew that there’s more to this especially with its Grade A from the Cinema Evaluation Board.

For a first timer, Joyce Bernal did a pretty good job directing a horror/suspense movie. She is able to build up the element of suspense in all the right places. What’s nice about Segunda Mano is that it’s a movie that doesn’t only scare you but it has a good story that was narrated beautifully. In addition to this, there is a perfect balance of horror and comedy in this film to not make it so heavy for a Christmas Day play date. It’s awesome how polished they merged these two genres.

The only problem I have about this movie is the pacing. It feels like everything’s happening so fast you barely have time to relate and be captivated by the story as well as with the characters. Editing is also bad. I think in a genre such as this, a seamless editing is the key. Cinematography is good since the movie’s general feel is not hardcore, minute-by-minute horror. Special effects were lousy and the stunts were mediocre at its best. To me all the stunts Kris was so proud of were not believable at all especially that with its poor editing it’s so obvious the one doing the stunt was not her.

Acting wise—you know, the whole world knows that I adore Kris Aquino but never her acting. Her facial expression and general acting in this movie still sucked big time. Though, I must say that she’s improved a lot. This is still her best genre—horror. Put her in drama as what she’ll be embarking on next year, I’m not so sure. I hope she undergoes tremendous workshop first. Dingdong Dantes shined in this movie. For so long, and in his age, he’s still doing cutesy-cutesy role in his home network. It’s about time he take on a character like this to show the viewing public that with a little bit more workshop, he can go head to head with the likes of Piolo, Derek, and John Lloyd. But more than his acting which still needs improvement if it will be deemed worthy of an acting award; it is his good looks that are so noticeable in this movie. I think Dingdong Dantes is aging gracefully. Angelica Panganiban is one hell of a versatile actress! She only did a few lines but you can so feel her presence. She doesn’t need to say a dialogue but with mere facial expressions you can feel the pain and longing of her character, you can feel the depth of whatever she’s trying to convey. To me, this is the measure of a true blue versatile actress and I think among all the other actresses of this generation, she is the best! This review will not be complete if I don’t pay tribute to the biggest revelation of this movie which is Bangs Garcia! Segunda Mano is also a movie where she shined. She’s so natural and effective in a role that’s very cliché it feels exceptionally fresh. Bangs deserves a Best Supporting Actress trophy if only Eugene Domingo is not also nominated.  

All in all, what makes Segunda Mano worth watching is the new face of horror it showcased. It did not focus only on scaring the viewers but very important is how it paid attention to present a quality story that mind you is not new at all especially if you’re very well read and have already seen a lot, but the beautiful narration and Direk Joyce’s brilliant take on flashbacks makes the movie tolerable to sit through for almost 1 hour and 50 minutes. And what’s so awesome is how it showcased finely choreographed brutality and doesn’t demonize your mind. Finally, Segunda Mano is a horror movie which reiterates the fact that it is the living not the dead that we should be scared of. 

No Other Woman

5/5

Sizzles with passion and, full of heart and soul, fall for the temptation of 2011’s biggest movie event of the year. No Other Woman is a must watch movie that explores the guilty pleasures of infidelity.

Ram (Derek) is a handsome furniture supplier who through his charisma and undeniable looks has charmed many of his clients. He is married to Charmaine (Christine), a pretty, doting housewife who learns of her husband’s infidelity with the gorgeous temptress, the other woman…Kara (Anne). Ram soon finds himself caught between his marriage to Cha, and his passionate relationship with the alluring Kara as the two ladies gives the fight of their lives for his love.

Upon seeing the trailer I knew right there and then that this movie is something. This intuition was cemented when the Grade A of the Cinema Evaluation Board came out. It was polished dry when I was captivated by the script and acting in the comfort of a sold-out, last full show screening.

We are now living in a time when more than delivering a movie or a story per se that’ll become a classic when the time comes, producers more than ever are just interested in generating profits that when a movie like this comes we really need to stop and celebrate the event. I say this because this movie is not your typical rom-com or passable comedy movies they say is what the market now is looking for. No Other Woman actually somehow takes you back to the 70s and 80s, which for me is the golden age of Philippine Cinema. This movie is like the modern day version of the 1982 classic “Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan”.

It delights me to analyze now that this movie actually has its very good story to tell. The plot is nothing new. We’ve all heard about a beautiful happy couple whose marriage is suddenly shaken by the arrival of another woman to complete a triangle. But what sets this movie far above the movies of today is how brilliant the execution of modern day infidelity in the story. It took a lot of realism from our society today bearing it upon the backbone of its sole plot and into the beings of its main protagonists and antagonist. With this, the movie so much so veered away from the expected predictability of a rehashed story. A note of praise goes to the Director, Ruel Bayani for his fine treatment and execution.

This movie takes great pride from its brilliant, masterful script. It gave the movie so much soul with its heartfelt dialogues interspersed with clever wit in a language relatable to everyone. BRAVO! Marvellous marvellous script! Also what I love about it that it didn’t go overboard. It’s generous at times and keeps silent when the emotion of the scene calls for it.  Great thumbs up to screenplay writers Kris Gazmen and Jay Fernando for this incredible script. You’ll know that a movie is a hit when its script and much of its remarkable lines stay to movie goers and eventually become quotable quotes copied in street conversations, in text messages, in social networking sites, etc. and I’m sure most of this movie’s quotable quotes and confrontation scenes will be indulgently remembered. The script alone will make this movie a classic for generations to come.

Much to this movies delight, the clever script is matched with notable acting from its lead cast. Anne Curtis is fabulous in a role almost tailored fit for her. I believe by this time she’s already established herself as an actress and this movie proves it all. She has almost done every role yet still gives justice to all of them.  One thing about Anne Curtis as an actress is that she’s fierce! She’s not afraid to do whatever the role or the story asks for. This is very evident in all her past works and most especially in this movie. This is her best role portrayal to date! And my goodness she wears any fashion with unmatchable “fabulousity”! Derek Ramsay is the perfect leading man of today who’s not just all looks and body; he is an actor of great calibre! He is the complete package perfect for a leading man. He has that awesome- to-die-for hunk body which goes along with that handsome-angelic face, and to top it all up that genuine and sincere acting. His eyes are his greatest acting asset that at times when words can’t contain the emotions already, his eyes alone says it all. Christine Reyes on the other hand shows tremendous improvement with her acting in this movie. Yes, there are still a lot of times that she can’t match the acting given by Anne and Derek but I have to say she’s gone a long way from her Eva Fonda days, in fairness to her.

This movie is one of the best modern day dramas I’ve seen since 2009’s “And I Love You So”. No Other Woman is a must watch movie; a story to reckon, characters to love and hate, and dialogues to ponder on. This is the kind of big screen spectacle that’ll stay in you and you’ll remember even as the years pass by. The story of No Other Woman is a quick-witted reminder of how dangerous it is to play with fire because you might be captivated by it that you don’t know when to hold back and let go, you’re already burned. Finally, No Other Woman reminds us of the fact that this whole world is a big love battle field. Love drives us all mad and we damn right fight for it especially when ours is being threatened and I say we really should because amidst all its complexities, LOVE is always worth it all. We can choose for all we want, we can even succumb to temptations once in awhile but always do remember that hearts gets broken along the way for in a love story of two, there can be no other one! All is fair in love and a triangle sure as hell isn’t fair. Fidelity is the soul of relationships! 

Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi!

3/5

A good laugh that’s smart and makes a lot of sense!

This latest Star Cinema offering, Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi! is a story of two cousins who are on different crossroads of their lives but together, they lamented the different facets of love, relationships, marriage, and annulment. Precy (Eugene Domingo) has left her husband and two kids and is filing for annulment to nullify her marriage. Belay (Toni Gonzaga) is a japayuki who returns to Manila to marry her childhood friend, Oca, who proposed to her three years ago before she left for Japan. As their personal lives are on totally opposing sides of the spectrum, the two try to convince each other of their different views about love in a hope to salvage each other from a life of misery.

There is nothing remarkably new in this movie. Same plot, same predictability, but what sets this apart and makes it a must watch movie is the genius of Director Jose Javier Reyes who also wrote the screenplay. Like all his other masterpieces this movie showcased a very witty yet insightful script. This is what I love most about Joey Reyes’ movies, the script alone is a spectacle to behold.There is always an attempt to be real and genuine with the emotions and the choice of words. It’s always good to watch characters on the big screen say things as it is, as any normal human being in a dialogue would do. This treatment on a material that’s already so predictable and a plot that’s nothing but ordinary really makes movies like this entertaining and enjoyable.

Yet, the greatest downside of this movie is the very evident poor editing and almost rushed scenes perhaps to meet a scheduled play date. I understand that it’s mainstream comedy yet everyone who knows me know that I hate endings where all the characters just magically get all their happy endings. So cliche! Up to the last 10 minutes of the movie I really thought it will have a big twist at the end just so the movie won’t be typecast. But too bad, of course producers need their money back so just give the ending that majority of the Filipino viewing public would want. Thankfully, the brilliance of Joey Reyes made it bearable by finishing up every subplots and plotlines neatly concluded.

Much to this movies’ delight, the quick-witted script by Direk Joey Reyes is complemented with superb acting from two of the country’s best female comediennes of today. Eugene Domingo I believe is already a legend when comedy is concerned. She is theatre trained and undeniably an actress in her own right. She knows what she’s doing and she’s always on target, whether it be comedy or drama.You can always see the authenticity of her acting. In terms of spontaneity, Toni Gonzaga is a pro. This is her forte--street wise comedy is what she does best. She is a revelation in this movie. Her brand of comedy is just so natural. Just imagine how real and genuine the dialogues of these two when they share the same scene, it’s so believable. It’s almost not acting at all. Their spontaneous exchanges of dialogues are always a laugh fest spectacular. Zanjoe Marudo gave an equally outstanding performance and is really a good actor who’s just waiting for the biggest break of her career. Zanjoe can really act.

This movie is not something I will say superb in all aspect. Yes, it’s hilarious and makes a lot of good points to ponder on, yet it’s not the kind of story or movie for that matter that you’ll remember or will be a classic as the years pass by. It could have been so much more what with a very rich story backbone but it just didn’t exhaust its potential. What’s really admirable about this movie is that it gives what the audience wants…fun and entertainment but with a sense. Yes, I do recommend this movie if you want to laugh and be entertained because in all fairness this movie delivers and you won’t be disappointed. Its type of comedy is really smart and rightfully works. It also instils in its viewers that at the end of the day, after everything that’s been said and done it all boils down to the question of whether you still love the person you’re with or not anymore. As simple as that. 

Catch Me...I'm In Love

4/5 

Predictable and out of this world yet still, “Catch Me…I’m In Love” is one of the best feel good movies I’ve seen in recent years that will sensibly make you smile and twitch your heart in a good way.

The cinema was jam packed on its opening day; some people were even sitting in the carpeted stairs inside. Thankfully this movie didn’t disappoint. The success of any romantic comedy can only be attributed to one thing: CHEMISTRY! And I am telling everyone this movie is oozing full of that irresistible chemistry between Gerald and Sarah.

The first team-up of Gerald Anderson and Sarah Geronimo, “Catch Me…I’m In Love” tells the love story of a simple lass who’s working for an NGO (Helping Hands) dedicated in servicing kids of less fortunate families and those in remote areas of the country, and the spoiled, conceited son of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. Opposing each other from the first time they met, Roan Sanchez (Geronimo) was tasked by the President (Christopher de Leon) to facilitate the immersion of his son, Erick Rodriguez (Anderson) to make him realize the value of government projects and servicing the country. And sooner, an unexpected attraction blossomed but will they be brave enough to fight for love amidst the complications of the vastness of extreme differences their worlds have?

You do not need a genius or the best film critique in town to tell you that this movie is predictable but there is something about this film that makes it very enjoyable and won’t waste a minute of your time. The rawness and authenticity of the script makes it so genuine and close to home. The premise of the movie is already out of this world as it is, a story you’ll dare say, it only happens in the movie. But Mel Mendoza del Rosario penned a script that made an out of this world love story so close to reality that it’s very relatable and believable as true. The last thing you would want for a formulaic rom-com is a script full of flowery and mushy lines. What I love about this movie is that it free us all of that tackiness and instead presented a love story that honest to goodness is a one in a million likelihood to happen in real life but with a script that is sincere, you have a cliché that looks and feels fresh. It also helps that the characterization of both main characters were both flawlessly solid and that’s just one of the best things to back up a plot of this genre.

For a movie that wrapped up shooting three days before its nationwide screening it is just commendable how Director Mae Cruz executed this movie. There was not much fanfare in each scene but trust me it worked and it made things in the movie as real as it can be. Cinematography is admirable and mind you editing was seamless. It was great!

Sarah Geronimo is not really fit for drama. This is the genre where she excels and you can tell that she’s already a pro in it. She’s just so natural and spontaneous. You can count on Toni Gonzaga in terms of spontaneity of humor in a romantic comedy movie but if eliciting that instinctive uncontainable feeling of kilig, that’s Sarah’s forte. I’m not really a fan of Sarah G. but she is very lovable here. There’s no point elaborating and talk like a broken record just how good-looking and HOT Gerald Anderson is. It’s too obvious that I adore every inch of the guy! Acting wise, I maintain my opinion that he’s one of the best actors of his generation. Next to John Lloyd Cruz he’s the best for me. The role of Erick Rodriguez is hands down perfect for him. I also have to say that one of the things I love about Gerald is that he can portray whole lots of versatile roles so convincingly. He can do kilig-kiligan like this one, he can be a drama actor, and he’s very good in action and that for me is an ACTOR. Trust me, no one can match the handsome vain, self-conceited, and over confident aura of appeal he exudes on screen the way he does.

Honestly, this is what I love about Star Cinema rom-coms, you know the formula: boy meets girl, they fall in love, then a complication arises, they break up for a while, they make up and end up living they’re happily ever after, but somehow they are able to present love stories of such typecast with rawness and sensibleness that will stir in you a realization of some sort. I am not saying “Catch Me…I’m In Love” is the best feel good movie of the year. I’m simply saying it’s worth your time and money.

It’s the feel good movie that will really make you feel good. And once in a while it’s great to feel that irrepressible kilig deep within. Most importantly this movie is a great reminder that we can choose a lot of things in this life but we can’t choose who our heart loves. Ultimately who determines our compatibility with the person we love is ours to make. Who cares what the world says when people will each have varied opinions. True love nowadays is such an elusive emotion bestowed to but a few of us and so you take it where you have it. You go for it and fight for it because at the end of the day, the opinion that matters the most in a relationship is the ones of those in it.

My Amnesia Girl

4/5

Sensibly hilarious, “My Amnesia Girl” is what Romantic Comedies are all about.

At first I wasn’t very sure about this movie. For one, I am uncertain if the main stars do have chemistry on silver screen. It also doesn’t help that the trailer as well as the theme song weren’t appealing. Still, I headed to the cinema and watched on its first day of theatrical screening. Gladly, the movie didn’t disappoint. In fact, I wasn’t expecting a jam-packed movie house given that Star Cinema’s promotions wasn’t as heavy compared to their previous offerings. When I got out of the Gateway Cineplex 3, there was also a long queue waiting for the gates to open.

A playboy salesman, Apollo (John Llyod Cruz) is starting to realize the need for him to already settle down but her bride is still nowhere in sight. Of his past, one ex-girlfriend really made a mark in his life, Irene (Toni Gonzaga). By work of fate he accidentally saw her again in a grocery store but to his utter amazement, Irene doesn’t recognize him anymore. Claiming to have suffered amnesia from an accident, Irene can’t seem to remember anything about their relationship. How now can Apollo win her back?

There are many noteworthy things to say about this movie. First of is the wonderful script that’s full of funny, at times corny love jokes we usually read in text messages. Humour is the backbone of the script. It’s stuffed with hilarious lines that are reasonable and in a way will make you think of the idea it wants to convey. There are also serious love conversations about hurt, pain, and regret that were all carried out fine because of a very well written narrative. The humorous lines made the dark emotions of anger and hatred a little less heavy and dramatic yet still maintaining the accurateness of a heartaches emotion. I particularly love John Lloyd’s monologue at the start of the movie. Really makes sense.

Again, Direk Cathy Garcia-Molina was able to deliver a romantic comedy that gives justice to the genre it belongs. There’s a reason why it’s called a rom-com and this movie was flawlessly successful in mixing these two entities in order to create a feel of “kilig” and laughter at the same time. The story was properly executed because while making it a point to make the audience laugh, it didn’t lose its main purpose to tell a love story and depict romance. And because the movie was fun and very entertaining, you wouldn’t mind the predictive ending as the story progresses. The only thing a little off in the movie was the twist towards the ending of the story with Apollo’s character. Should it really happen? I believe there were a lot of other twists of events that could have worked if the creative team explored more.

Credit goes to the main stars John Lloyd Cruz and Toni Gonzaga not only for the unexpected chemistry they exuded on screen but also for their praise worthy acting. Cruz has proven himself in drama and now, who knew he could also do comedy so perfectly? He’s really the epitome of a brilliant actor. I’d also like to point out that looks wise, so far, he’s at his best in this movie. He melts hearts in every angle, every frame. Gonzaga on the other hand shined in the movie as this genre is her forte. Her innate talent in comedy is a classic and very endearing. Also, Gonzaga did not only show her comic side here, she also proved that she can do drama and cry as naturally like Kim Chiu and Bea Alonzo. After watching this movie I can now say that indeed, Toni Gonzaga is Philippine’s Queen of Romantic Comedies.

By now it’s evident that I highly recommend this movie and I say it as a huge fan of this genre. After watching tons of movies like this, I can say that this particular one is worth it by all means. It’s perfect for late night, after work movie dates when you just want to relax and enjoy, at the same time “kiligin”. Very entertaining! This movie will make you laugh and will move you to contemplate further on love, second chances, and most importantly the idea of a destined love...of a someone amidst all the forces of this world is specially meant for you.

Till My Heartaches End

5/5

Not your typical Pinoy romance movie, this one’s brilliantly made and can go head to head with the well-loved classic, “One More Chance”.

Till My Heartaches End is the love story of a barista, Paolo (Gerald) who’s ambitious and somewhat over confident and falls in love with Agnes (Kim), a no-boyfriend-since-birth province lass who’s here in Manila to pass her Nursing licensure exam. The two first met on the cafe where Paolo was working. Destiny made its way and by chance they met again at Recto. Soon, they fell in love and everything seems to be going smoothly until Paolo finds a new job. As a Real Estate Agent, not only was he able to level up his living but also open himself up to a more high class crowd. An environment Agnes doesn’t feel she belonged. Conflicts arise in their relationship as Agnes feels more and more irrelevant and unimportant to his new world and Paolo for his part, felt his love is no longer enough to make her happy. In the face of these conflicts and struggles, will they be strong enough to fight for their love or will they give up and just move on? Will destiny still matter?

I’d like to begin this review with praises to the Director, Direk Joey Reyes for yet another masterpiece. He doesn’t only know what he wants, he captures them so perfectly. To me, that’s the true mark of a brilliant Director, being able to depict on silver screen the realities of human emotions without bias and exaggerations. This is his forte as a Director. He creates movies that are honest and sincere; movies that doesn’t give you the, this-only-happens-in-the-movies kind of feeling. As a film maker, he’s one of those we can call a true blue genius!

Viewers can easily relate to the story because of the wonderfully written script also by Direk Joey Reyes. The script’s rich insights of the human emotions draw viewers to be emotionally invested in the love story of Paolo and Agnes. Once again and I have to point this out, the biggest come on of the script is its use of genuine human emotions of kilig, hurt, frustrations, and disappointments. No sugar-coating, no corny cliché lines that makes Pinoy romance movies unbelievable and so untrue. The script of Till My Heartaches End is like any other Joey Reyes’ films were dialogues and conversations are plain, simple, and direct to the point. They were all constructed and chained in a manner that doesn’t make you feel as if you’re watching a movie at all. The story, the plot, and the script are all so believable.

This movie is a lot different from all the other local romance movies produced prior to it for it was successful in deviating from tradition. The movies’ narrative flows by the use of a third person technique. Where viewers are given access not only to the thoughts and emotions of the main characters but also with what the people outside their relationship (family and friends) thinks about Paolo and Agnes’ different personalities that greatly affects the relationship. I commend Direk Joey Reyes for using this technique and for flawlessly executing it in the big screen.

Above all, this movie is remarkable because unlike most of the romance movies Filipinos are accustomed to, this one doesn’t betray its characters and the story itself. There’s enough room for suspension of disbelief. At same time, it doesn’t give us a speedy ending that after all the conflicts the characters faced, something happens in an instant and their conflicts are magically resolved. Instead, it leaves the viewers an opportunity to create their own conclusion to the story. It leaves room for the imagination to decipher what really happened after the closing credits.

It’s also noteworthy to give due credits to the cast especially to the movie’s main stars Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson. Their undeniable chemistry provided an easy vehicle for viewers to be instantly captivated with the appropriate emotions one should feel in every turning point of the narrative. Truly, these two actors have graduated as the teeny-teeny boppers we’ve known them to be. Gerald can really act as evident to his great portrayal of JR in the hit teleserye “Tayong Dalawa” and in his numerous MMK portrayals. Kim on the other hand is equally talented in acting. Her maturity and versatility as an actress has amazed not only her fans but her critics as well. She just needs the right material at the right time and who knows she can soon level with Bea Alonzo, acting wise. The ensemble of supporting characters also provided much enjoyment and essential acting in making the narrative more effective. Most notable supporting characters are those of Matet de Leon who’s very very brilliant as an actress! Desiree del Valle, Boots Anson Roa, Mark Gil, and Kakai Bautista are equally awesome in their roles.

After watching this movie, I have to say that among all the movies I’ve seen this year, Till My Heartaches End has got to be the one that touched my heart the most. It touched the deepest corners of my heart and I am being honest that writing this review proved to be an effort to me. I guess it’s pretty obvious that my next statement will be I highly recommend this movie to everyone but not because I relate too much with the story instead, because the movie is very good. One of the best films of its genre!

The movie will awaken in its viewers a lot of suppressed and repressed emotions we’ve already hidden/forgotten deep in our hearts. I’m sure anybody can relate and will remember someone after watching this movie. It reminds us what destiny is all about—an idea almost unfathomable but so true. It’s been written that our life here on earth is already pre-planned for us. All the people we meet, all the heartaches, all the experiences good and bad. And this movie proves to be a great reminder that while some things are built to last, some are bound to end. We just can’t help it for everything is destined in this life.

Babe, I Love You

3/5

Before writing this review, I promised myself not to be too technical about it. Just go with the flow and say my piece; setting the mood to a more relaxed movie goer sharing his thoughts rather than a critic who objectively scrutinizes every single detail of the movie.

I had to pass on watching the movie on its opening day which happens to be a Black Saturday for it was one hell of a busy day at our house that day. Yesterday, after our appointment with our ophthalmologist at Medical City, my mom, my sister, and I went and ate lunch at Jatujak and headed to Robinson’s Galleria to watch “Babe, I Love You”.

To be honest, I didn’t expect much from the movie. I wasn’t very excited about it but don’t get me wrong because I love Anne Curtis. I’m a fan of Sam Milby. And I applaud their love team. I saw the full trailer a few weeks ago and to me it lacks the WOW factor that fuels your anticipation. Having said this, I want to clear the air and say that the movie is very much enjoyable and is a good choice if you want to be entertained.

Just like any other rom-coms, the main plot and storyline of this movie is something that we’ve already seen a couple of times in the past. As a big fan of this genre, I’m already expecting a larger than life storyline, at times corny dialogues, and over the top embellishment of coincidences. Though I know that this may sound unfair to this genre I love so much, it’s also saying accurately what rom-coms have turned out to be. After all, what else can you do in a teeny bopper movie like this?! Most of the time in rom-coms, the defining moment is the script and the director’s take on a very cliché and overrated plot. Gladly for “Babe, I Love You”, it didn’t disappoint.

Anne Curtis’ acting is highlighted a lot in this movie. It’s such a joy to see how much maturity as an actress she’s gained over the years. This is one genre that I think Anne is very very fit on doing for the next 5 to 10 years in showbiz. Sam Milby on the other hand is turning to be one of the brilliant actors of his generation. In my own personal opinion, his acting is more authentic and excellent in this movie than in last year’s “And I Love You So” opposite Bea Alonzo. His facial expressions and delivery now is more sincere and you can really see his depth as an actor. And oh my golly as in SAM IS SO HOT!!! YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY. I'm crazy in love with him! The undeniable chemistry of this two is the big come on of this movie. It creates a very natural feel. The magic of Sam and Anne’s chemistry makes you feel as if you’re not watching a movie. I never once felt that anything is pilit. Acting and dialogues are just ample and stayed close to real human emotions. I love love love all the quotable quotes! Star Cinema is really the best when it comes to quotable quotes. Praise and compliments to the writers.

Nothing is superb in the story and it’s neither one of the best rom-com you’ll ever see but it’s a story that a lot of people can relate to. I think that’s the major reason why it’s such a box-office success. Though it’s not a movie you’ll remember and will turn in to be one of those classics, you’ll leave the cinema feeling content and not asking for your money back. The movie’s main goal is to make you feel kilig and make you fall in love again. And this movie is successful in creating that effect on you. This is the kind of rom-com that will have you cringe in your sit and smile cause of so much kilig.

“Babe, I Love You”, is mediocre to a John Lloyd-Bea movie but it’s a sure thing very nice movie. It’ll make you realize a lot of things about love and relationships. It’ll make you smile just by staring in the screen and going with the flow of the storyline. It’s enjoyable and humorous. And without trying to be, it’ll make you fall in love again because of the very honest and believable kind of love it portrays not to mention the sincerity of Sam and Anne’s chemistry.

I can say that this movie is worth watching for because it’s good that sometimes, a movie like this comes our way to awaken the fire and remind us that we should never falter on love. It is a reminder that we should never give up on true love because at this day and age, it still is real and possible. Elusive to many of us but will certainly find us in the least of time we expect.

I enjoyed this movie a lot because balancing out the kilig moments are life realities and ideas of love and relationships that will make you think. After watching I realized that indeed, sometimes, it is our differences that make relationships more exciting. This movie is a testament that LOVE always goes beyond differences whether be it in beliefs, social class, family background, education, etc. The true measure of a relationship lies on how we compromise to make things work out. And ultimately, this movie is proof that love above everything else is all about accepting and fighting for the one you love for all that he is and all that he’s not. LOVE...WITH ALL ITS IMPERFECTIONS AND MADNESS, IS STILL THE GREATEST THING THIS LIFE CAN EVER GIVE.

Miss You Like Crazy

3/5

“Time is meaningless when you are in love.”

I’ve seen “One More Chance” a thousand times before and I’m a self-confessed fan of the John Lloyd-Bea love team so it’s impossible for me to miss this movie. Weeks before February 24 I’ve already freed my schedule and swore that I’ll drop everything on that day just so I can watch this reunion movie on its first day. I have to say that I have high expectations for this movie and I can’t help but compare it with “One More Chance” for that movie had so much of an impact not only to me personally but to many others as well. And so allow me now to indulge on my thoughts and say my piece about this movie.

Two strangers with extremely opposite characters were constantly being brought together by fate through stones, Mia Samonte (Bea Alonzo) have intentionally left behind whenever she feels like expressing her feelings. These stones bearing loaded statements of deep human emotions caught the attention of a serious, unhappy young man, Alan Alvarez (John Lloyd Cruz); whose inner emotions relates to the statements written in the stones. They seem perfect for each other but because of choice, they had to go on separate ways. So can genuine love bring them back together?

It’s perfect that this material was given to John Lloyd and Bea. I think that among the stars of our generation, they’re the only ones who can give justice to the roles of Alan and Mia. This movie is a sure blockbuster hit because like “One More Chance”, the story hits home, many can relate to it. Just like many of Star Cinema’s previous offerings, “Miss You Like Crazy” has a very reach story where real and genuine human emotions can be drawn to. I have to commend Director Cathy Garcia-Molina for yet another genius take on a love story that’s mature, nakakakilig without trying to be, and most importantly a love story that shows another side of love. Its side where love takes its own course and perfect timing, complete with all the whirlwind of joys and pains it brings. Once again, scriptwriter Vanessa Valdez was able to deliver a script that’s truthful with close to perfect authentic human emotions. Lines were never exaggerated nor pushed. The balance of drama, humor, and kilig in this movie is impeccable. Everything is just so natural that you’d forget you’re in fact watching a movie. The execution of a story that’s close to every moviegoer’s heart is praiseworthy.

Acting is superb! I will never tire in saying that John Lloyd Cruz is the best actor in his generation. Piolo is also good but trust me when it comes to acting, JOHN LLOYD CRUZ is the KING! He’s just brilliant. What I love about him is that you’d forget he’s just playing a role. When he takes on a role and act, you’ll totally forget John Lloyd Cruz, the actor playing the role for when he gives life to a role, he definitely owns it. Bea Alonzo has really matured acting wise ever since her “And I Love You So” blockbuster hit last year. She acts so well that sometimes just by her facial expression you can already feel the depth of the pain she’s going through. She really deserves an acting award real soon. And what can I say to the unwavering and very powerful chemistry that these two have?! MAGICAL! MAGNIFICENT! I’m just in awe of how natural, sincere, and unpretentious their chemistry is. It’s a chemistry perfectly formulated by heaven. It’s just the best of chemistry I’ve seen in Philippine Cinema in this generation.

Though I may seem to praise the movie with its entirety, I also want to point out three major problems this movie have. First is the use of the element of time. It’s the most important tool of this movie but unfortunately, it failed to give justice to this one. At some point the movie feels a little bit rushed and you won’t feel that 2 years have already passed? When the anticipation and excitement died down, you’ll notice yourself asking, “What? Really? 2 years have already passed?”, “Wow! Really? This scene is supposed to be 5 years after?!” There’s this kulang factor towards the end of the film mainly because the element of time wasn’t executed properly. Secondly, I just hate the film’s ending because to me it appears very much an obligatory ending because Filipino moviegoers always want a happy ending. Though I understand Star Cinema’s thinking business, I just personally would rather see a different ending, something more believable, fresh, and realistic. Finally, one of the differences this movie has compared to “One More Chance” is that “Miss You Like Crazy” is full of predictable scenarios. Yes, it’s a love story and usually love stories tend to be predictable because after all, its plot is just one universal field that is love but with this movie, I don’t think Direk Cathy Garcia-Molina was careful enough to minimize and control the predictability of her scenes. What’s admirable is that somehow the movie’s predictability was reversed to humor that the full capacity of the movie house were laughing every time a predictable scenario is about to transpire. One particularly foreseeable scene that really grated on my nerves was the scene at a Malaysian park where Alan and Mia first met at Malaysia. The moment Bea stood up, then John Lloyd also stood up, I knew right away that they’ll bump into each other after a few steps. I believe Direk Cathy could’ve done better than that.

Nothing is perfect and it includes this movie. Though it’s not as superb as “One More Chance” was, “Miss You Like Crazy” is still a movie you shouldn’t dare miss. It’s a perfect post-Valentine movie that tells us love is not all about kilig-kilig. There are so many quotable quotes in this movie as well as lessons about love to learn. Among these many lessons that really struck me is the movie’s main message of love’s own timing. Love can be very playful and indeed, it has its own perfect timing that neither anyone of us can ever halt but in the end, TRUE LOVE AND DESTINY WILL ALWAYS PREVAIL. We may hurt and question why sometimes destiny brings us to meet someone who won’t end up with us but in this real world we’re living, really, LOVE IS NOT THE ONLY REASON WHY YOU LEAVE OR STAY.


P.S. Forget about Papa Piolo or Sam Milby or even Derek Ramsay’s 6-pack abs, if it’s JOHN LLOYD CRUZ, fuck who needs an abs?! JOHN LLOYD FOREVER!

In My Life

5/5

Acting in its finest! Just when you thought a movie almost close to perfection will never be possible again in Philippine cinema, comes Star Cinema’s “In My Life” which in my opinion, is the Best Movie of 2009 and one of the Best Movies ever produced in Philippine Movie History.


Shirley (Vilma Santos), a librarian, annulled, and mother of three is a lady who has been stuck with the old ways. She’s so used to the comforts of her life’s routines that she has blocked any new changes in her life and in the lives of the people around her. Everything has evolved with time except Shirley. But her life soon welcomes change when she moved to New York and lived with her gay son (Luis Manzano) and his partner, Noel (John Lloyd Cruz). As Shirley adjusts to life in New York, unconsciously, through the exquisitely deep and special romance of two men, she’s been able to open her life to a fresh new start and gradually allow change to consume her for the better.

I am trying to deduce something wrong or at least irrelevant with this film and I can’t think of any. I can’t even think of something that went wrong with this film. The script is just perfect. It’s never inadequate nor is it overly exaggerated. What’s truly remarkable about the script of this film is that it’s as real as it can get. The scriptwriter did a magnificent job for I never felt like I am watching a movie. The script’s honesty and grasp of genuine human emotions made me feel as if the scenes were really happening right in front of my very own eyes. Every line was perfect. Every confrontation scenes and dramatic moments were all straight pierces to the heart. Every dialogue was just flawlessly choreographed and as truthful as it can possibly be. The plot and all the inciting incidents of the movie were properly laid down and were brilliantly executed. Director Olive Lamasan didn’t do a wonderful job but an almost perfect, unbelievably great direction. The execution of the film’s dramatic voice was breathtakingly awesome! Every scene was perfectly placed in its right sequence. The editing and the entire motion factor were just excellent in every aspect of the film.

You would expect that the milieu or what we call the general feel of the movie is just a tear jerking, overly dramatic feel but what a perfect offset to the heavy drama are the sensible humor carefully intertwined with the story’s narrative. Also, this movie’s realistic narrative and story telling is superb beyond any description I can possibly think of.

Also, I have to mention that one of the best characteristics of this movie is the exceptional character building especially with the core characters. The fictive world of the movie is very much humanized because of the excellent character building. The Core Characters’ internal and external conflicts were properly ironed out even their quirks which are a very very important aspect of character building to create character hooks.

I can go on and on and on pointing out all the best qualities of this movie, “In My Life” but I think everyone will agree with me that the biggest come on of the movie, is the acting of the three major characters. For two hours I didn’t saw Luis Manzano, John Lloyd Cruz, and the great Vilma Santos. I was so drawn to their characters and they gave life to their respective characters in such a way that the audience will totally forget that they’re only portraying fictitious movie characters. WOW! And again I say WOW to acting in this movie.

Luis Manzano is the biggest surprise of in terms of acting. We know Luis as a good host and comedy actor but a dramatic actor? Some may have doubts; some may even raise an eyebrow. But lo and behold, he can act. He can cry. As a matter of fact one of the scenes that made me cry was when he was apologizing to Ate Vi in the park for once again disappointing her as a son. For his first dramatic movie, Luis Manzano did a good job!

John Lloyd Cruz is without a doubt one of the best if not the BEST ACTOR of this generation. He is the only actor who has the right to spit on Christopher de Leon’s (Maging Sino Ka Man, 2007) face and slap Vilma Santos in a scene. I bow down to this man. Wow! Every facial expression, every gesture, every dialogue, this man… this actor… has perfected his acting in front of the camera. He deserves every aspect of success his career can ever achieve for without a doubt, he is one of the finest actors in Philippine Movie History. Again allow me to say, JOHN LLOYD CRUZ IS JUST THE BEST!

I am a true-blue Vilmanian ever since I was a kid and liberating myself with any biases, I believe every Filipino, and even a Noranian can never deny the fact that MS. VILMA SANTOS is one of the GREATEST ACTRESSES in the history of Philippine Cinema. A VILMA SANTOS only comes once in a lifetime! WOW! ATE VI never fails to leave moviegoers in awe. Just when I thought she has already showcased her acting prowess in its every dimension of it with her tons of past movies, I am so wrong! Her acting in this movie is not only new but mesmerizingly inexplicable no matter how I turn my head around. She doesn't even need to cry hysterically but you can feel every bit of her character’s pain. She flawlessly gave genuine emotions to Shirley’s character in every body movement, dialogue, facial expression, etc. WOW! Just WOW! To everyone she’s The Star for All Seasons but to me, SHE IS THE ACTRESS! THE GREATEST of them all!

I believe it’s about time a story like this penetrates mainstream cinema. Gay relationships are so profuse nowadays that it deserves a serious narrative that’ll show the ups and downs, the genuineness, and the sincerity of gay romance. This is another look to gay relationships. Totally veering away from just the comedy dimension mainstream Philippine cinema has created for it or the indie movie understanding that gay relationships are just all about sex. It’s about time gay relationships are taken seriously in Pinoy movies. And maybe, I hope, this is one vehicle for Filipinos to see relationships of this kind as nothing but just the same as heterosexual relationships and treat it with proper respect that it deserves.

I watched this movie in its opening day, I’ll watch it again this Sunday and yes, I can get enough because I’ll still secure a copy when the official DVD is released. “In My Life” is the kind of movie that no one should ever dare to miss. It’s not every year that a movie as good as this will be produced. It’s not every year that a movie produced is as worth watching as this one. If there’s one movie you shouldn’t miss in your entire life, it’s this one. You’ll be missing a lot if you never watch this movie. It’s one of the BEST!