Reviews

Wonder Wheel is a good movie. You can commend the writing. Although Allen have drawn inspirations from Tennessee William's Play A Street Car Named Desire time and time again, Blue Jasmine and Wonder Wheel being the recent ones, he seems to find a refreshing way to tell stories out of subjects and characters that are hugely influential and self referential and build something unique out of it. But this is not always the case for the films he has made in recent years. Such as in the case of his previous efforts Cafe Society and Curse of the Jade Scorpion. Both entertaining movies but not particularly uniquely inspired because it felt like Allen didn't bring a lot of something new to build on the material he had borrowed. Wonder Wheel, his latest effort, is fortunately not one of those times. Sure, it is heavily inspired, but he was able to add somethings yet familiar. Aside from the usual philosophies that beefs up much of the script (and that his frequent audiences have come to incorporate Woody Allen with), the acting and the dynamic to which the players deliver their lines makes the movie really engaging plus the very period-sensitive set designs and photography of the Coney Island really do the job of transporting you to the story's setting. Another noteworthy contribution of these aspects of the film is how it guides the viewer to compare and contrast the colorful vibe of the carnival place seen from the hapless residence of the main characters whose lives are quipped with tragedy and never-ending struggles. It adds a sense of irony to the events the characters experience.

Though it is not the best movie of the year, it isn't even as good as Blue Jasmine or Match Point, but it is definitely a more satisfying movie-going experience than his previous movie, Cafe Society. Wonder Wheel is an all-around good movie from the writer-director that gives you good story, great acting, and photography and leave you with a thought or two to think about when the credits roll.

ABOUT: Joey Crown, a trumpet player whose view of his self is very low relies too much on the bottle, consequently, this makes it hard for him to be hired to perform and earn his living.

REVIEW: A Passage for Trumpet belongs with the other great episodes of The Twilight Zone that I have watched. I was on the brink of calling it so-so when I thought it was going to be another outing in which another version of the afterlife will be shown. But the show's tradition of the unexpected twists and turns saved it for me. I was surprised and was pleased.

The story is very familiar, it is reminiscent of that popular movie they show during "that" time of the year in terms of how it builds up, the moral lesson it imparts, and how it concludes (which makes it a fresh entry to the series that has seen many characters meet their comeuppance/ fate harshly).

FINAL WORD: A Passage for Trumpet is one of the best episodes of this terrific show. If you are having a feeling same as mine when I was watching at start, give it a chance and watch until the end. You won't be let down. Apart from the standard great writing, the moral of the story is one to be heard and learned. Go see it!

I am new to The Twilight Zone classic television series created by Rod Serling. I have only started watching the first season two weeks ago or so. I do have some favorites (The Lonely, Escape Clause, and What You Need) that really exceed the high standard characteristic of this landmark show. But so far, every episode have been memorable to say the least because of how unique each story is. How they are cleverly written in a way they really challenge the limitation of your imagination which has become the purpose of the show now that it has reached 50 plus years and countless people who were and are still being influenced by it. Yes, it has become more than just a sense of entertainment. In my position, it helped me strengthen my acknowledgment of the presence of the supernatural and that there are somethings that go beyond the reach of man's reasoning. Above all the episodes I have watched so far, I believe that The Last Flight (#1.18) explains my case best.

A fighter pilot gets lost in the thick clouds and travels forward in time where he lands on a seemingly technologically advanced air base. We learn that he has indeed deserted his colleague, another pilot in grave danger from the enemy, out of cowardice and is feeling remorseful. But he learns that his colleague is alive and will be arriving soon. He also learns that the other has been recognized for his heroics in the 2nd World War. After hearing these supposed truths, he realizes that perhaps he became lost in time to be aware of these truths and to be given a second chance to redeem himself out of lack of courage and to save one life who will in turn save many lives some time in the future. The fighter pilot escapes to rescue his colleague. We find out that his colleague is indeed alive. He recounts that our main character, the fighter pilot saved his life but died in the process. The one in charge goes over the fighter-pilots possessions signifying to the audience that however strange the event may seem, it all happened.

The story as of the usual, has an imaginative premise and of course the trademark twist but it is the final monologue of Serling that won me over as a viewer as it made me see clearly the very essence of the show itself:

"Dialog from a play-- Hamlet to Horatio: "There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Dialog from a play written long before men took to the sky. There are more things in heaven and earth and in the sky that perhaps can be dreamt of. And somewhere in between heaven, the sky, the earth lies the twilight zone."

With these qualities, I think this episode, in my opinion is the best yet from The Twilight Zone and I am only through half the first season. I hope that it gets better from hereon.

ABOUT: Vince is secretly in love with Kath but can't bring himself to reveal his feelings for her. Opportunity presents itself when his cousin, James develops a liking to Kath and asks for his help to win her.

REVIEW: With the case of this rom-com from Star Cinema, you could expect more or less the same familiar plot structure. But it is the intriguing premise which has successfully convinced me to watch it.

Apart from its premise, it packs a few tricks to keep the audience entertained. For one, it's very good to look at. Credit should go to the technical staff and production designer/s and of course the casting of the beautiful Julia Barretto and the dashing Ronnie Alonte and Joshua Garcia in the leads makes this an attractive movie going affair. Another is the chemistry between Barretto and Garcia, who plays Kath and Vince. Their pairing in this movie is very like-able you very much like to see them from teasing each other to becoming eventual couples. Probably, the most memorable moment in the movie involves the two characters. It is this elaborate reference to Got 2 Believe that plays in the movie. I find it refreshingly smart in the part of the writing. Other aspects such as the timeliness and the relevance of the story fill in the movie's need of substance. How the story transpires is a reflection of today's youth being avid users of advanced technology particularly of social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and etc.) and in communication (texting, online chatting). I believe it is in this movie's depiction of this characteristic culture that makes it a perfect sample of this period and makes a familiar plot fresh in a way which would be different had it been made in the past (may be dealing with hand-written letters) or if it would be made in the future (when perhaps, everyone has already mastered telepathy). In relation, segueing the romantic story arc involving the titular characters, we could find a pretty rich and revealing side story for each. Vince, being the child out of wedlock, yearning for more attention from his mother however due to the complexity of the situation, he seems to be not welcomed by her husband thus, he ends up living with his Uncle and Aunt; Kath, with her mother and younger brother, were abandoned by her father and has to do more for them to get by, and Vince who feels the heavy pressure of his parents unfulfilled expectations of him and being constantly compared to his more academically successful cousin, Vince. These issues which the characters' experience (enduring the pains of a broken family, being forced to assimilate an unusual role, and meeting high expectations of parents) are very common among graduating college students of the present. The film is relevant for depicting such matters.

On the other hand, the movie has its short comings. Firstly, with the title: Vince, Kath & James, the viewer would expect that the premise would involve a love triangle and also based on the promotional materials and the plot itself, the movie is going towards that direction. However with the released movie, the emphasis on the three lead characters is uneven. For a romantic comedy involving a trio of lead characters, it fails to fully materialize to its potential. The character of James is half-written and makes the love triangle half-baked . Early on the film, it is apparent to the audience that it was Vince and Kath who will be together and should be together as dictated by the screenplay. It would have been better had the writers given the audience more reason to root for James to be the one ending up with Kath. Perhaps, they could have made James undergo this big positive change and really ending up in love with Kath. The love triangle would have been more interesting and the title with more sense. Instead the character, James, was written to be almost unlikable and only reduced to a supporting role. This is a big missed opportunity. Another one is that the movie doesn't have a strong finish. The final minutes seemed rushed. The execution of the sequence leading to the conflict resolution is rather mechanical as if the audience knows without thinking that it will all be smiles, hugs and kisses when it is done. Points to the use of the "DaVinci Quotes" and when they are expressing themselves in limited 6 words (a nod to twitter perhaps?). It brings out whats unique with the story making it feel like it has come full circle. If it wasn't for the hurried build up to the climax, the ending would have given a more satisfying and memorable payoff.

FINAL WORD: The movie is lacking in its emphasis specifically with the character, James. The part is underdeveloped and a missed opportunity that would otherwise elevate the story to its full potential. The build up to the ending is problematic. The conflict is not given enough time to marinate and the resolution is forced leading to a conclusion (although inspired) that could have given a better lasting impression. The movie is also formulaic with its plot structure but the timeliness of the culture depicted and the relevance of the characters' side stories make for most if its substance and uniqueness. The film from the technical perspective is very well made; it has several creative flourishes that enhance the way the story is told, designs of set, costumes, sound are all appealing to the viewer. The cast, top billed by three of the most popular actors/actresses in the Philippine show business, looked great. They are the biggest draw for this movie.

Vince, Kath & James, given its flaws is still an entertaining movie. It will certainly appeal more to those who are fond of other rom-coms from Star Cinema. For the others, watch it for what it is to enjoy.

ABOUT: Pura, who has been gone for 20 years, returns to her father's home. Her arrival reignites a bitter rivalry she has with her half- sister, Emilia, which sets the entire household astir.

REVIEW: I have been keen on watching Lino Brocka films lately because I am intrigued with their artistic quality and contained social commentary. Insiang, Manila: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, Cain at Abel, and Babangon Ako at Dudurugin Kita, I have already given a go and I am looking to view more from his filmography. But the main problem with his films are with the availability of good or even watchable prints. In the case of "Ina, Kapatid, Anak", I have only the chance to watch it in an heavily altered version with the frames of the film heavily cut from the side/s. The picture quality itself is okay but it really seems like it has degraded from its original look over time and is waiting to be restored.

But, given the print available was just watchable, I enjoyed the film and though I cannot thoroughly critic its technical qualities, I find the acting in the film really great. The key players really gave their best and lost themselves in their roles. The story is dramatic in nature and needed to be set in tone accordingly. In other films, they make the mistake of overacting and not achieving a consistent mood, thus ruining the drama and turning to borderline laughable. In the case of this film, performances are delivered with such finesse and class. I would have to say that the most noteworthy for me is Lolita Rodriguez's outing as Pura. She gave the character with such reserve and certainty, almost faultless but we get to find out what she really feels deep inside for her sister, Emilia in a climactic confrontation that's arguably the best and most memorable in Philippine Cinema. Also, there is Ric Rodrigo who is credited with special participation for playing the part of Manoling. His turn as the alcoholic husband of Charito Solis's Emila who is generally unhappy about how his life turned out, is nothing short of special. He was able to convey effectively the tragic sense of the character. Another performance which I also like is Charito Silos part as Emilia. Her performance as compared to others I mentioned before is unique. The character is unlikable because of how she treats everyone in the household but in a few scenes she is bared delicately and we see and feel how she is emotionally strained for not being loved which she badly wants. In a way, the character of Emilia is unique because of the complexity of the emotions she has through out the film and the late, great actress Charito Solis was so daring and adept in portraying such character.

Apart from the acting, merit should also be given to the screenplay. The dialogue within the film belongs with the best I have ever encountered in movies. The fiery confrontations and the dramatic exchanges between characters are mesmerizing and engaging. Never will the viewer be clueless of what is going on because of how the drawing the story is until the very end. The ending is also what makes it a satisfying watch. It is not forced rather it flows naturally and actually quite moving.

Another aspect the film that got my attention is the music used. I really like how it played with the film. It enhances the emotions contained in each scene especially the very dramatic ones and makes you feel more for the characters.

FINAL WORD: According to the late director, Lino Brocka, he had made commercial, mainly entertaining films and serious, socially conscious films. This film seems to be a mixture of both, only leaning a little bit more on the former.

Anyway, if you like family drama and very particular with the acting aspect, "Ina, Kapatid, Anak" is a good watch. Although there's a concern regarding the quality of available print that may likely put off viewers, especially the millennials. I hope the ongoing film restoration efforts in the country (which as a person who loves movies I am very happy and thankful for) will rescue this film soon just like they did with other classics of the Philippine Cinema such as Himala, Oro, Plata, Mata, and etc, This film is very deserving of such treatment, firstly because it is from arguably the best and most influential Filipino film director in the history of cinema, Lino Brocka. Also two of the best actresses in the history of Philippine Cinema (Lolita Rodriguez and Charito Solis) whose phenomenal performances are immortalized in the film. And third because it is a part of Filipino Film heritage. Such a document is too valuable to be left un-watched and decaying. I just hope an unaltered print is still in stock somewhere. I would like to see this film again in the future and would be glad to write a full review about it then. If technicalities aside from picture quality (which is okay) don't bother you too much though, give it a try.

ABOUT: Vicky and Sam are budding lovers in a romantic story being conceived by three persons in a diner. While being completely absorbed in the creative process, the proceeding events they encounter become seemingly hard to believe and understand.

REVIEW: I love this short film mainly because it is romantic, funny and it attempts to tell a story that is out of the box. It has a story which consists of a fantastical phenomenon that is set and transpiring in the real world and which real people try to deal with. Those who are familiar with the works of Federico Fellini, Woody Allen and Emir Kusturica (to name a few) would likely label this as magical realism. This way, in which the story is told, tickled my imagination and would most likely also have the same effect to others, probably more so to those who haven't encounter such a film and are looking for something creatively thoughtful and refreshing.

The music is also a highlight. The use of "The Splendour of Love" by Piero Piccioni is splendid, it added so much to the romantic mood the short film is aiming at.

The actors are great considering the movie only runs for less than 12 minutes. They deliver their parts with such liveliness and proper expression of emotions, especially humor. Simply put, they were able to supply what was required by the film.

And did I already mention how gorgeous the movie looks?

FINAL WORD: Truly, a short review can't say all the things that are good in this short film. Vicky and Sam is something special. If you are fan of romantic comedies and magical realism, I highly recommend this short film. It's posted somewhere online, try Youtube or Vimeo. So go watch it and have your own say.

ABOUT: The movie is a about a family consisting of a mother (Coney Reyes) and her children, 4 daughters (Toni Gonzaga, Bea Alonzo, Angel Locsin and Shaina Magdayao) and 1 sole son (Enchong Dee), the youngest. With the sudden arrival of word that their brother has been engaged and will wed soon, the children and their mother reunite in their family home for the event.

REVIEW: I actually wanted to watch the movie way back because of many different people, my colleagues and a couple of them my family, saying it's a must. I was intrigued with their praises for the movie and was thinking about watching the film, but I must say I was in doubt because I thought it was just another of the many feel-good movies that gets released year round that's probably had been redone from a movie I already saw before. I was unconvinced. Its just recently, when I was planning to watch more Philippine movies, that I reconsidered watching "Four Sisters and a Wedding". I did and was pleasantly surprised.

The movie is good, The casting was perfect. The players brought their A- game with them and nailed their parts. The movie has also a terrific screenplay and really got me into the movie. The humor doesn't come off as cheap rather it compliments the characters and the story. And despite the humor, the movie also has a lot of drama and pathos. I laughed and cried. The writer did a wonderful job of combining both aspects seamlessly making it a class above other comedy/ dramas. Another thing worth commending regarding the script is the culture it encapsulates. The story is filled with characters that embodies typical Filipino practices, sensibilities and beliefs such as love of one's family. Everywhere the story goes seems to show how representative the movie is of the Filipinos and the Philippine culture. Because of the proximity of the movie to me as Filipino viewer, I was able to relate and be engaged more.

FINAL WORD: If you want to have an emotionally satisfying movie experience.Try to watch "Four Sisters and a Wedding". It is well written, well acted, and general just a good crowd-pleaser. For foreign viewers, the movie can also be an educational experience especially if you are interested in learning about the Filipino culture specifically about marriage and family in the Philippines.

ABOUT: "Bad Moms" is a comedy film which stars Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, and Christina Applegate It was written and directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore who are best known as the writing duo behind the comedy hit "The Hangover". This movie is about parenting, specifically mothers and their difficulties in rearing their children.

REVIEW: The movie starts perfectly in my opinion, strong and with a lot of laughs. It shows in a montage the dilemma of being a mother and how despite the great effort she gives, she still ends up feeling unfulfilled as a mother. So Amy Mitchell played by Mila Kunis, together with her new-found friends, Carla (Kathryn Hahn) and Kiki (Kristen Bell) decide to be bad moms and have a little fun for their selves. This attracted the opposition of Gwendolyn (Christina Applegate), whose style of parenting is more uptight. The movie is entertaining but it has its flaws mainly with the execution.

Like what I mentioned before, the movie started off well. I did not have any problem with how the movie established itself. The middle part was decently entertaining and funny mostly due to the comedic chops of Kathryn Hahn. I would say that much of the jokes in the movie are hers and the part that bridges the movie towards the climax of the film was anchored on her character. They are vital aspects of the movie and in my opinion and she did well. However, it was the last act where the movie become uneven and cliché. The last act approximately starts after Amy and her husband's failed attempt at therapy and when her daughter is sanctioned after being falsely accused of possessing marijuana in her locker which leads to the mother and daughters quarrel. Then, Amy's daughter and son leave and go with their dad. In the succeeding scene, which depicts Amy's loneliness and sadness, I find the tone to be misplaced and makes the overall movie uneven. I think it was a superb scene, great acting by Mila Kunis, but it turns out to be too dramatically heavy and in my opinion.Had it been a scene in another movie, perhaps a drama, it would have been a score for Mila Kunis,no doubt. However in a comedy movie, the tone of that particular scene goes to far on pathos and does not match the tone of the rest of the movie. Another flaw in this movie that I found is that I think that it descends to a clichéd climax and finish, the lead character gives up and then consoled and convinced by his or her friend/s to give it another shot, the lead character regains purpose and gives a great speech to end all speeches and wins, then everyone turns out to be fine and happy even the opposing characters. They all got along by the end of the film. There were a lot of movies that have used this same scheme for the final act and most of them are comedy films as well. It is an overused way to end movies and makes the film very predictable that is why I think it hurts the uniqueness of the film and how much it is going to stay fresh upon repeated viewings and be remembered after a couple of years from now.

But despite the flaws and as much as it hurts the movie in general, the substance won me over. The film is comedic and it has a lot of jokes but surprisingly it also comments significantly about its subject matter, indirectly if not otherwise. It was unexpected but it's the insights in the movie that really caught my attention and in my opinion, compensates for the flaws and actually makes it a better movie overall. Some insights include the pros and cons of two varying style of parenting, being lenient versus being strict. And when you think that the movie is going to favor one more than the other, it does well in stating what is common between moms, that they are all, to a degree, bad moms. Because no matter which style you choose, may it be being a fun mom or a disciplinarian mom, rearing children is full of uncertainties specially living at present time where the challenge is greater, that being a perfect mom is unattainable. It may never be enough but all you can give is your best and hope that your children will turn out fine.

FINAL WORD: "Bad Moms" is an entertaining movie even if it has flaws. The cast is superb and they make it worth your while. Watch it for what it is and don't expect "The Hangover". It may be as funny but not funnier. However, in terms of significant insights, I believe this movie has the edge.

Now, I'm a big fan of Billy Wilder's films. Sunset Boulevard and The Apartment are 2 of my most favorite films. His movies have such completeness in them. They make you laugh a lot and cry a little and at the end you feel a unique sense of satisfaction that will make you say "They don't make 'em like they used to!" because no matter how many times you have watched his films you would still plan on watching them again someday; at least that is how I feel about Billy Wilder's films. They don't get old. They are classics.

However, with "Buddy Buddy", although I did enjoy it, I find that it doesn't compete with the other films of Billy Wilder and I would personally say it's his weakest. Having watched all of Billy Wilder's films (with the exception of Mauvais graine and The Emperor Waltz) and developed a profound appreciation and understanding of his works, I was disappointed after I watched this one. The feeling was very unusual, like a feeling I never had after watching a Billy Wilder movie. I was used to being really satisfied after viewing but with this Billy Wilder feature, I was disappointed.

In retrospect, I can see the main thing that hurt the film is in the writing of the film. It is very unusual for the writer pairing of Wilder and Diamond to strike out given that in all of their films that I have watched, I have observed that the strongest aspect in them is how well they were written. Wilder's films are not mainly known for their and visuals but it is with their screenplays, that they became great and beloved movies. But unfortunately in this outing, it is the writing that's become the main flaw of the movie. The screenplay by Wilder and Diamond seemed very raw and incomplete. It doesn't have the usual amount of laughs and/or cynicism (usually plentiful). The movie's length is also shorter than the usual Billy Wilder film and even with that fact, the film still feels dragging because there isn't enough striking and memorable moments in it and the few that it has are too far apart to make a really engaging film as expected by a fan like me. They are mostly placed in the beginning and last part of the film, the middle part of the movie I thought was very forgettable. In contrast, other outputs from the director never seemed to run out fuel. They may have a few lapses but they keep you entertained until the end. This unfortunately is not the case for Billy Wilder's "Buddy Buddy" which is the least I liked among his films.

While I was disappointed with the film more so because I'm a big Billy Wilder fan and I had a high expectation with the film, I believe that the film still has merits and is still very watchable. You can still enjoy the performance of the two leads, Matthau and Lemmon whose comedic pairing is one of best in movie history. Although this was a weak outing for the creators, just to see the two in the same movie is worthwhile and the story is actually good. Plus it is still a film directed by Wilder, though a very flawed one, it still contains glimpses of comedy genius fans are used to. A moment in "Buddy Buddy" that perhaps redeemed the film for me is the end scene. It reminded me of the great end scene from Some Like It Hot which is greatly satisfying. With this film, the end scene was sort of a revelation for me, of the level it could have achieved hadn't it been half baked and incomplete. There were a lot of potentials for this project if probably Wilder and Diamond did have more time to polish the script and pace it even better. But even if they never came to fruition and the movie leaves so much more to be desired, if I were to choose the least of Wilder or none of Wilder, I would not hesitate to choose to watch this movie. This movie is still enjoyable and is good for some laughs.

FINAL WORD: If you have not seen a movie by Billy Wilder or you are just starting to get through his filmography, watch "Buddy Buddy", you are more likely to enjoy the film than those who are Wilder aficionados. If you are a Billy Wilder fan with high expectations, do not be surprised, chances are you will be disappointed because it is unlike his other films. You may not be fully satisfied with this cup of coffee. Perhaps considering it as an encore for the great films Billy Wilder has given us can make the viewing more satisfying.

I only watched this movie this morning and I was awed as a horror film fanatic by the movie's special spark. In the beginning of the movie I was still visualizing the complete plot and trying to relate . At early middle part I started to stare at the screen and seems excited of what is going to happen next. I really enjoyed watching this movie. The things that made this movie a genuine terror is the actor that played Michael,when he is still 10 years old,Daeg. Daeg's performance was the one who made the movie spectacular.His acting, it made the viewers enjoyed. I don't care about the comparison between the original and the remake. Of course the original is the best but people who are comparing somehow don't know the function of this remake. You are wrong if you are thinking that remake's are dis appointing, yes it is true sometimes but the true function of this remake is to reborn the horror fame of John Carpenter's Halloween. So don't compare this two masterpieces because they have their own way of impressing the viewer, they have their own sparks. So for me they're both great works of two horror film directors. Well done John and Rob for this work of art. So I rated this movie

**********/********** and a special ****/***** for Daeg. so Michael Myers see you again this next Halloween.