127 Hours

5/5

An astonishingly powerful true to life story that metaphorically reminds us of what it means to live and survive. A true masterpiece no one should dare miss!

127 Hours is the story of Aron Ralston played by James Franco who in 2003, went on an adventure trip in the Robbers Roust Canyons in Utah without telling anyone of his plans. Unfortunately, he met an accident when an 800-pound boulder traps his right arm in the canyons. With just a few hiking stuffs with him, Aron knew it’s impossible to be rescued by anyone, at least not until he’s still alive and breathing. So with much courage, Aron knew he needed to save himself and after five days of being trapped, amputating his lower right arm, he magnificently extricated himself from the canyons and had a second chance in life.

Words are not enough to compliment a movie like 127 Hours which, if not for the genius of a director like Danny Boyle, would just be a nice but dull story we’ll probably chance upon watching in National Geographic or Discovery Channel. But the Slumdog Millionaire Director once again proved that with the right idea and a masterful technique in execution, a story like this is definitely a Hollywood material. It’s pretty evident that a narrative like this of 127 Hours will otherwise be boring adding to the fact that it calls for a location and an environment that’s already dull as it is. But Director Danny Boyle made used of the magic of split screen and manipulated images of representations, flashbacks, and imaginations in order to create mindful imageries of icebreaker to an otherwise dragging plot. This technique also provided Boyle a tool on how to give the audience a peek on what’s going on inside Aron’s mind and not only the thoughts that he verbalizes or the emotion Franco expresses.

The screenplay always play a vital role in any movie narrative and the stakes are higher in this one because in a movie that’s 95% monologue, you need to have a simple, direct to the point yet full of authentic emotion kind of script that thoroughly send its message of life importance to the audience. And this movie raises the bar on that. This is also one of the many advantages when the director is also the one who penned his movie’s screenplay. There is very minimal possibility that the message the narrative is trying to convey will be lost in translation.

Also, it is very important to note that this movie wouldn’t come out this way if not for the incredible talent of James Franco who practically was a one-man-show in this movie. Though accolades speak otherwise, it is undeniable that James Franco is one of the best actors among the young ones in this generation. His acting in this movie is flawlessly natural and every emotion is convincingly credible to the roofs beyond any critical objections. His portrayal is just as authentic as it can be. I believe Boyle hit bull’s-eye here in giving the part to Franco. The stable and dependable talent he showcased in this movie is just awesomely great!

127 Hours’ plot is very simple and it’s the kind of movie that really depends on how the entire narrative will be executed in the big screen. Favorably for this movie, everything fell in to place: a very rich story, a wonderful script, a genius Director, perfect execution, and a brilliant actor, what more can you ask for?

There’s much talk about how graphic this movie is when it comes to the depiction of the actual amputation scene and a lot will probably go and see the movie for this particular reason. But aside from the dauntlessness of this movie, it is also consequential to hear out the message it conveys. Of course, aside from the obvious never set out on a trip without anybody knowing where you’re going, Aron’s experience in the canyons in Utah is reminding us two very important realities. First, is that everything in this life is predestined. The paths we’re going to cross, the people we meet, our sets of fortunes and misfortunes, they’re all bound to happen and it’s just in our freewill how we’re going to react in all these. It’s one of the most significant realizations Aron had while still trapped in that deep ravine—that boulder, that particular space in that canyon had been waiting for him all his life—he was destined to be trapped in that canyon. It was part of his fate. And finally, 127 Hours shows us just how great and powerful a person’s collective courage and will power can do to save his own life and survive. Aron’s story is urging us to never lose hope and make use of whatever is laid down on us to value life and fight for it because the breath of life is a precious gift where every second counts.

My One Tree Hill Love Affair

I sometimes hate it that I’m a very emotional person. But on the other hand, I also think that it’s a good thing because it makes me more human to be able to feel emotions as they are. I get infatuated so easily. I get attached to something or someone so easily and too much it hurts. I just finished One Tree Hill’s Season 6 in DVD and it made me cry a lot. At 4 a.m. I was crying my hurt out watching the last three episodes of Season 6. Maybe I’m just too emotional this mid-morning or these past few days but it sure felt so great to be able to cry and let loose with my emotions in the confines of my room; alone in the dark while being carried away in a beautiful narrative. One Tree Hill is very close to my heart. Somehow in ways I couldn’t even bring myself to explain, but to try and be objective about it, I love its plot so much because it presented different aspects of friendships, triumphs and failures, and most importantly (my favorite), love and relationships in a very logical manner yet still maintaining its emotional sensitiveness.

I started watching One Tree Hill November of 2008 around two in the morning and I finished five episodes of the first season in one seating. Of course, as expected I was drawn and very much in to Lucas Scott and knowing me, I will eventually be infatuated not to the character that is Lucas but to the actor portraying him, Chad Michael Murray. And it started yet again one of my many foolish not to mention really ridiculous infatuation debacles with another actor. I think I’m going to discuss how bad I am when infatuated in another blog entry. Believe me it’ll be an effort talking about it and definitely a sympathetically weird post.

Anyway, going back to One Tree Hill, I was crying a lot while watching the season finale of the sixth run because it’s Lucas and Peyton’s wedding. I don’t know what is it about weddings that always make me cry. May it be on TV or in real life, they always do. Maybe it’s the overflowing love you see from the bride and groom. Maybe it’s the overwhelming feeling of joy when you see genuine love between two people who were so brave to fight for love and so lucky to have found that magic, that miracle. And here goes the hopeless romantic Dave again, forgive me, please; I’m still overwhelmed with so much emotion right now. But think about it, at the end of the day, yes it is cliché and crap but LOVE is all that matters.

I’ve seen how One Tree Hill’s narrative transcended over the years but most importantly, I felt the emotional maturity and evolution of all the characters and that to me is the basis of a good television series. The season 6 finale more than anything centred on dreams and how we should always believe in our dreams. Hold on to it, never lose hope on it, work your ass off on it because in the end it’s all gonna be worth it!  It just made me realize that whether it is in career or in life or in love, dreams do come true and you need to have faith and believe because this world never runs out of opportunities and surprises. Believe that miracles happen every single day. Believe in your dreams.  Never stop chasing them!

These lines from the Season 6’s finale struck a chord in me and I am so touched that I’d like to share it with everyone:

“Remind yourself to be happy because you deserve that

and believe that dreams come true every day because they do.”

I love love love Season 6 because as shallow as it may sound, this season introduced me to Julian Baker. It has been years since I last felt this cringing and crippling feel inside the deepest corners of my heart while watching an actor. I love the character because Julian Baker personifies my ideal guy in his full accurateness and preciseness; the kind of man I dream of loving and growing old with. Watching him made me realize just how much I really long for a man’s love. And he reminds me a lot of Boy-next-door. But of course, he’s just a TV series character born out of Mark Schawahn’s imagination. I wish a guy like him exists in real life… in the gay world. I can only dream (but hey, didn’t I just say hold on to your dreams?!) hahahahahahaha.

P.S. Of course it follows that I am not only infatuated with the character that is Julian Baker but more so to the actor portraying Julian, the cute boy-next-door, AUSTIN NICHOLS. God my heart stops beating with his every grins and with that expressive, bedroom eyes not to mention that cute, scruffy face. Damn! How I wish I’m Sophia Bush!!!  

Twisted with KFC Twisters: The Cheesy Bacon Twister

I am a true blue Kentucky Fried Chicken fan and I believe that its one of America’s greatest gifts to mankind. I love fried chicken and theirs my favorite. I can live for two months just eating KFC foods every meal without getting used to it. Back in college, my best friend and I almost ate lunch at KFC Taft Ave.  every day for about a month. I’ve tried all their foods and actually enjoy all of them. The first KFC flavored Twister was launched in late 2009 and when I saw the KFC Twisters ad I promised myself that I will taste all eight of them. First there was the Pizza Twister which by far is my favorite of all three available flavors. The California Maki Twister, second in the series came about last year. It was ok but not totally superb. The new flavour, Cheesy Bacon Twister was made available last week and I just had it for dinner. I’ve always loved the succulent flavor of cheese. To me, it makes every dish or snack for that matter extra tasteful. I loved the flavor of melted cheese in the strips of bacon and crispy chicken fillet in this Twister though I maintain that the Pizza Twister is still my favorite. KFC just really whet my appetite all the time and I am really excited for the other flavors that’ll come out. The anticipation feels like waiting for the next instalment of a popular book series. :)

The Computer Genius Cum Blogging Wizard

What’s up with me and this blog? Slept 10:30 in the morning because I was fixing the links and slideshow for this new template and suddenly it sparked on me that I want to be more active than ever here. I’ve always been like this. I was born with a curious mind. I never want to stop learning new things and I make it a point to learn it myself especially if it’s general knowledge, and about computers and website making. Among the many frustrations in my life is not having a bachelor’s degree in computer because math has always been my weakness. And so here I am just barely 10 minutes after waking up, it’s 5:19 in the afternoon and I’m in front of my laptop again feeling like a computer genius and a blogger wizard rolled into one. I swear I am devoting myself in turning this blog alive and an online haven that will represent my cheerful and perky personality.

Love & Other Drugs

4/5

Provocatively tasteful, Love & Other Drugs is a heartfelt, inspirational tale of romance and true love in an intimacy-challenged world we live in.

Jamie Randall (Gyllenhaal) is a pharmaceutical sales rep of one of the largest drug company in the world, Pfizer. Suffering from ADD and considered a prodigal son by his over-achieving family, Jamie’s defining characteristics are his confidence, good looks, and impeccable charm with women. Maggie Murdock (Hathaway) is an aspiring artist struggling with stage 1 Parkinson’s disease and have shut herself up for love and a romantic relationship. They met in a very unconventional way and together, they found themselves blending with each other perfectly in bed. But can true love blossom in a relationship founded in lust, made stronger by hot, steamy compatibility in sex, threatened by intimacy issues, and a progressive disease?

One of the many things very remarkable about this movie and sets it apart from other sex-dramedy is its portrayal of a no strings attached-FuBu relationship in a classy, artistic way. You would never at any point while watching the movie feel as if you’re treated to a 2-hour sexfest, soft-porn flick. I mean don’t get me wrong because it’s a delight to see Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway naked in hot sexy scenes but when you go see a movie it is ultimately the story that matters the most, and thankfully, this movie didn’t disappoint.

Love & Other Drugs is a timely movie that tackles a relationship that’s so prevalent these days and is actually what most generations Y and Z prefers. The thrill and consequences of a FuBu relationship shaped by more serious tones of an incurable disease and commitment issues woven into a sharply written script provides the depth of the movie. Though it tried so hard to incorporate a lot of sub-plots, some dramatic scenes lacks the touching feel that’ll move you to tears and some comedic lines doesn’t deliver to launch collective laughter, I maintain that the movie has a very strong plot and a script that makes a lot of sense.

Gyllenhaal and Hathaway both gave authentic and noteworthy performances here. The success of this movie above all takes its credit to the awesome, genuinely inexplicable chemistry of Brokeback Mountain partners, Gyllenhaal and Hathaway. They complement each other very well acting-wise as well as looks-wise. Anne Hathaway has always been a very dependable actress. She’s one of the few young Hollywood actresses whose versatility is unquestionable. Jake Gyllenhaal is captivating in this movie. To say he is perfect for the role is an understatement. Jake is suited for this genre because not only can he convey romance in a very natural way, he is also oozing with sex appeal and an angelic face that will undoubtedly tickle pink every girls and gays in the land.

It’s also dumb to not point out how wonderful the musical scoring and how excellently beautiful the song choices were.

Love & Other Drugs veered away from those averages, petty romance movies we’re all sick and tired about. It presented a fresh narrative about a no strings attached relationship founded on lust and sex but keen to a possibility of a happy ever after ending. Watching a movie like Love & Other Drugs will again make you wonder of love’s unpredictability and inexplicable mysteriousness. It is an old age belief that love blooms in the most unexpected and unconventional places, timings, and ways but one thing is for sure…TRUE LOVE happens! Maybe not the way you expect it to be but it does. And when it finally captures you, it’s not even comprehensible why or what made you love the person for all the he is. You just know and feel it deep inside. It’s certainly magic that of all the millions of people in this planet, one such ordinary human being touches your heart and you’re never the same again. That all of a sudden, unconsciously, he/she let your guards down and all your unresolved issues fade away; by leap of faith, you’re sure as heaven and hell that you can give up anything and everything just to be with him for the rest of your existence.

You Gotta Have Faith: 10 Lessons of My 2010

It’s funny and surreal how fast time flies. It felt like a million dozen days going through the year but now looking back, it seems like it was just yesterday when we celebrated New Year at the Baguio Country Club. 2010 was quite a year for me. So many crossroads...so many changes...so many lessons learned. If I’ll be asked to sum up my 2010 in one word, it’ll definitely be FAITH!

I am writing this at 3am, five days before 2011 and once again, I’d like to assess what have gone of my 2010. I love doing this because I want to see to it that as another year passes by, I have learned from all the joyful and hurtful experiences the Lord sent me this year. And so here is my 2010 in 10 simple but meaningful lessons:

01 Family is what Matters.

I went through a difficult emotional breakdown 3^rd quarter of this year and I swear to God I wouldn't have survived it if not for the love, support, prayers and understanding of my family most especially of my mom and my sister. I have to commend my sister for really stepping up during my time of weakness; for untiringly comforting me and showering me with words of encouragement , constantly reminding me that I’m not alone. I know I wouldn't have triumphed through all those panic attacks if she weren't by my side. Love and take care your family most importantly your immediate one. Never hesitate in expressing your love for them, splurge and spoil them, as much as you can be there in every moment, and stick with them because they’re the ones who’ll be with you when you reach rock bottom.

02 Happiness is a Feeling not a Choice

I hate it when people tell me happiness is a choice! Because it’s not! In this life, it’s either you’re happy or you’re sad. It’s either you’re celebrating or you’re miserable. For obtaining happiness by just choosing to be happy is not genuine happiness that comes from within but sadness under the disguise of a transient bliss.

03 Adjust and Compromise but Never Lose Your Core

It’s inevitable in this life to make “pakikisama” and “pakikibagay” for you to survive. You can’t act as if you’re the most important human being. You can never live alone in your bubble forever because time will come and it will burst. Sometimes, you have to do things even if it’s not what you want and it’s not who you are. You need to be flexible and adjust because the situation calls for it. You need to compromise because life isn’t always about how you want it to be. As a matter of fact, it’s about how humble you can be to sacrifice what you want with what is right and what you should do. Every day we have to find the perfect balance but always bear in mind that compromising can only do so much. Never ever let it change your inner being. The goodness of who you are as a person is still what matters at the end of the day.

04 If you’re Miserable, Do Something about It!

I know this is easier said than done. And trust me; I know the feeling of this dilemma by heart. It’ll literally drive you insane! But always remember that you are miserable because something is wrong, either in your life as a whole, or in your career, in your family, in your love life, etc. I also know for a fact that choices specifically involving your family, your career, and your relationships are the hardest to deal with but you got to start from somewhere. Life is too short to be living it in constant misery. If you’re miserable that only goes to show that you’re not happy anymore and always ask yourself, what’s the point of staying? What’s the point of holding on if it’s keeping me miserable? You have to face reality and eliminate what’s making you so unhappy. Don’t be afraid to take risks by letting go especially if it’s the best solution there is.

05 Honesty is not Always the Best Policy.

“I don’t give a damn! I’ll say what’s in my mind.” I used to live with this principle at heart but this year, I’ve learned to tame down. I now fully understand the depth of how hurtful words can be. It stays with you and damages relationships to great extent. It’s harder now with Facebook and Twitter around when you can go online anytime and lash out your anger and bitterness to the world. But it’s proven that we regret almost half if not everything that we said during moments of sudden burst of anger. This year I learned that sometimes, it doesn’t hurt to just keep your displeasure to someone/something to yourself. After all, not everything should be left out in the open. And it really pays to not only be prudent with what you say and how you react, it’s also more rewarding that you know you were sensitive enough with others’ emotions.

06 Be True to Yourself

I swear the worst thing you can do to yourself is pretend to be ok when you’re not. Pretend to be happy when you feel the other way around. And pretend to be someone you’re not and will never be. Show your true emotions, admit it and own it! Most importantly, celebrate your own uniqueness. Live out your passion! As much as you can, don’t force yourself in doing things you’re not fond of. It’s very important to have your heart in whatever you’re doing. I know that as a consequence for living out your passion, you have to give up and forego of some things or maybe for some, a lot of things. But you have to be brave enough to stand up and take the risk of what will ultimately make you happy.

07 Live in the Moment

Perhaps my biggest problem this year is failing to live in the NOW! I am so busy stressing in the past and worrying the future. In so doing, I failed to enjoy every moment of my present and that’s so devastating to realize. I’d like to share this quote from Mother Theresa that I read from the latest issue of the Kris Aquino Magazine, “Be happy in the moment—that’s enough. Each moment is all we need—not more.”

08 Positivity is Something You Thrive For

Just watch the 7pm news and you’ll see how much negativity and evil is surrounding us. Life is already very depressing as it is and so it’s on you to always look for the bright side of things. But mind you, this isn’t very easy to do. Positivity is something that doesn’t come naturally in a world full of negative vibe. It is something you work hard for and takes a lot of effort obtaining. And so don’t deprive yourself of things that make you happy for sometimes, even the worst days of failure can be cooled down by a new pair of shoes or a hot fudge sundae.

09 PRAY.PRAY.PRAY.

I don’t think I even have to expound the power of prayer. Instead, I’ll share lyrics of the song “On My Knees” by Jaci Velasquez. It expresses everything I have to say and believe about prayer.

There are days
when I feel
The best of me
is ready to begin (the end)
Then there's (the) days
when I feel
I'm letting go
and soaring on the wind
'Cause I've learned in laughter or in pain
How to survive!

I get on my knees! (x2)
There I am before the Love
That changes me
See I don't know how
But there's power
When I'm on my knees

I can be
in a crowd
Or by myself
and almost anywhere
When I feel
there's a need
To talk with God
He is Emmanuel
When I close my eyes,
no darkness there
There's only light!

I get on my knees (x2)
There I am before the Love that changes me
See I don't know how, but there's power
In the blue skies, in the midnight
When I'm on my knees
I get on my knees (x2)
There I am before the Love
That changes me
See I don't know how, but there's power
When I'm on my, oh, when I'm on my
When I'm on my knees

10 Your FAITH will See You Through

I am far from being perfect but I’d like to believe I am a better person now than

I was a year ago. I don’t want to sound so preachy and pretend to be holy. I am still a sinner like everyone else. I am still a person who commits mistakes and falls short of temptations every now and then. What I can honestly say now is that whatever disappointments, failures, frustrations, hardships, and mistakes I've done and encountered this year have definitely brought me closer to God. This year was an awakening for me in many ways and I am proud to say that now, I have a renewed relationship with the Lord.

2010 to me, means FAITH, because my experiences this year thought me a lot of what faith is really all about. It’s easy to say I have faith in the Lord but it entails a whole lot of gravity in the essence of the word. It’s not just the belief to something/someone that is not seen or heard. Faith to me, now, is the complete and utter surrender of everything to God. And I mean everything even to the smallest of decisions I have to make. This year I was reminded that we human beings are expected to “live by faith” which ultimately means putting everything of your everyday life to Him and Him alone.

As I’ve said, life is already very depressing as it is and I can’t think of any better way how to even last a day if not for His love and undoubted presence in our lives. We are here because of Him and I swear without Him, we are just as helpless as we could ever be. As we usher in another year, maybe like me, some of you also feel anxious and fears what lies ahead… what’s in store for you, your family, your career, your love life, your health on 2011. So many things can happen, so many things can change in a blink of an eye but that’s what “living by faith” means…giving it all up to Jesus who will certainly see us though every waking minute.

2010 thought me a lot of wonderful and meaningful lessons and I now find myself ending my prayers like this:

I lift up all my worries and fears to you oh Lord.

I trust you with all my heart and forever will my

FAITH rest upon you. Please see me through…

Amen.

The Lord Jesus Christ is our only hope in this cruel, hopeless, rotting world but surrendering your Faith to Him doesn’t necessarily mean a life free of sadness and hurt. Surely, these two culprits will still bump us along the roads of 2011 together with their ever loyal companions--disappointment and frustration—but with God’s grace and loving mercy, I’m sure that we will all see it through the challenges of 2011 if we’ll rest our FAITH in Him.

Happy New Year Everyone and to GOD be the glory forever!

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.

Eat Pray Love

5/5 

Exceptionally great and encompassing, Eat Pray Love is one of this year’s most remarkable films. A real must see!

Based on the bestselling book by Elizabert Gilbert, Eat Pray Love tells the story of a woman who despite of her almost perfect life feels confused, lost, and unhappy. Realizing that this is not what she wants, she gets a divorce, took a risk of leaving everything behind, and took off to a journey of finding herself again. From finding the “sweetness of doing nothing” at Italy, to discovering the peace of meditation in India, and finally finding the perfect balance to love again in Bali, Liz Gilbert shares one of the most compelling stories of self discovery.

I’d like to start by saying that  Eat Pray Love the book tops my list of favorite books ever since I've read it. I was very critical about this movie adaptation when I heard about it because I really want it to not turn out like other books to movie adaptations. I have to confess that as early as chapter 3 of the book I already thought that no one can ever play the role of Liz Gilbert but Julia Roberts. I can’t even think of any other actress who can play this role. It’s absolutely tailor made for her! I think Julia Roberts’ portrayal of Liz Gilbert is beyond words astonishingly amazing! The Oscar winning actress was perfect in every scene, in every emotion, in every line. Her mere presence in every frame is a spectacle in its own right. Julia Roberts is and will forever be THE ACTRESS!

What I love about Eat Pray Love the movie is that it stayed loyal to the book. I have to say that this is by far one of the best movie adaptations I have ever seen. The book is rich with deep expressions of emotions and devotions coming from the innermost corners of the heart. And it’s good that they took some of Gilbert’s remarkable lines to be part of the script. It made the script more authentic and believable. It’s always best to include the author herself in the production of the movie especially in building the framework of the script. I have to give due respect to the director, Ryan Murphy for a job well done as far as execution is concern.

One of the highlights of this movie is the breathtaking sceneries it was able to capture as it brings us to the romantic backdrop of Italy, culture-abundant India, and serenity of nature in Indonesia. I have to commend this movie’s cinematographer for the wonderful picturesque it was able to depict in the movie. I’d have to say that the only downside of here was when some of the story’s solemn, reflective power was lost in translation. It’s also noteworthy to say that some key turning points in the book weren’t part of the final movie like the time when Liz Gilbert went to Venice or including more of her reflections and how she resolved her conflict in terms of love before opening herself up again for it. But despite all these I have to say that this movie was thoroughly made and these are all but understandable considering that it’s really impossible to fit an almost 400 pages book into a 2-hour movie.

Eat Pray Love is a movie for people who can appreciate it because at some point he/she have gone through a somewhat similar situation in life. It is for someone who needed to get a way, for someone who needs change, for someone who for a moment needed to take risk and rearrange her life again. Eat Pray Love is for someone who needs the courage to step up, make a stand and let go of the past for the promise of a happier future. Its story may seem too self-gratifying at times, depending on how you look at it but the journey to self discovery that Liz Gilbert shared, of letting yourself go and finding YOU again is an honest and compelling attempt in embracing your innermost being.

Salute to Eat Pray Love!

Going the Distance

3/5

Bold, funny, and romantic. “Going the Distance” is a perfect weekend movie treat!

I’ve been meaning to watch this ever since I saw its trailer when I watched “A-Team” some three months ago. I have to say that for a rom-com super fan like me, the movie didn’t disappoint.

Having troubles with commitment and understanding the female language, Garrett (Justin Long) was dumped by his girlfriend. Trying to cheer him up, his friends took him out to a bar and there he met Erin (Drew Barrymore). Erin is an intern at a major New York newspaper company and she’s only staying in New York for summer. The two hit off right away and began a no strings attached summer fling, dating every night and breakfasts during mornings. Their characters fit perfectly. But summer ended and Erin has to go back to San Francisco. Realizing that they’re both crazy in love with each other, they decided to continue what they have and bring it to the next level though now, they have different time zones and miles of distance between them. Can they make it work?

In my opinion, this was the kind of romantic comedies meant for young adults. It veered away from the clichés and mushiness of typical rom-com movies we’ve gone accustomed to.There’s a sense of balance in this movie that will make guys like it as well. The usually dragging and often times predictive plot of a romantic comedy was made honest and more realistic by the repetitive use of vulgar and cursing words in the script.

I have to say that this movie’s script is admirable because it didn’t flood its audience with tons of mushy, verging to yucky professions of love through words. It’s also noteworthy to point out that the movie’s story was perfectly executed in the big screen. Though what was depicted of the difficulties and struggles of a long distance relationship in the movie was not half as much of how hard it really is, I have to say that the movie did quite a great job in trying to show its conflicts. People should remember that this is a romantic comedy and as much as it tried to be the mature kind, it still is a romantic comedy. Thus, expecting a plot that will enumerate and make a rundown of the problems that will arise in a situation like this is a no no. The movie balanced it out with enough humour to make it feel light and fun. After all, this is a feel good movie. It’s supposed to make you feel good and not burden you further.

The on-screen, very natural chemistry of real life sweethearts Drew Barrymore and Justin Long provided the biggest come on of this movie. It gets kinda dragging sometime but the lovers’ chemistry makes you feel as if what you’re watching is really happening. They’re laughs, body language, and most importantly their acting is so natural and genuine. It very much helped the plot of the story. It provided authenticity to the otherwise very predictable storyline. Drew and Justin’s acting were also great. No overreacting expressions and half-baked what the hell is that acting all about. The material perfectly fit Drew and Justin.

The only downside of this movie for me was the conclusion. It started fine and the stability carried over up to the last 20 minutes of the movie. Important turning points were all present and never would you feel as if the story is being rushed. There’s proper timing and the build up of the love story was properly executed. But something went wrong with the movie’s ending. Though I liked the fact that they didn’t show a one month after scene to show what really happened to the characters and left it to the moviegoers’ imagination, the entire ending appeared to me as a hastened one. That all of a sudden, that’s it, let’s do this, end of story. The resolution to the story’s conflict was resolved so easy that you’ll have yourself questioning, why did they even bother to make it as a problem when they could have done that early on? It somehow betrayed the characters themselves for at the end, you don’t need to be a genius to figure out what should be done to make the relationship work after all.

Despite its glitch in the resolution part, I still recommend this movie especially for young adults like me. The movie’s honesty and not to mention superb wittiness makes it one of the best, matured romantic comedies I’ve ever seen. It’s the kind of movie that will make you laugh and ponder while watching. It’s totally a breather from all the overly dramatic infatuated kind of romantic comedies. This movie will entertain you and will definitely remind you the hardships, struggles, and pain of being in a long distance relationship. The movie is a reminder of the greater responsibilities when you are in this kind of relationship. Yes, it is a challenge to make it work but in the face of true love, no amount of time apart or miles and oceans between you can ever hinder its power. Especially in this day and age of technology, long distance relationships are bearable. The key to make it work is ultimately, TRUST and COMMITMENT. Without these two, a long distance relationship and relationships in general is doomed. Finally, this movie will make you realize that if it’s true love, fate will make its way.