3pol Trobol Huli Ka Balbon

"3pol Trobol Huli Ka Balbon" film about a man who is tasked to deliver a highly classified ledger to the President.

This film tries to combine every genre in one script - action, love, comedy, and crime. The result? Well, it’s fiction made to entertain.

On the lighter side - putting in popular artists like Ai-Ai delas Alas, Jennylyn Mercado, Coc Martin, Super Tekla and a host of others brought smiles of people's faces.

This a film could recreate the corrupted image of a Filipino male to being maginoo, á defender of women, siding with what is right, faithful to one partner, endearing, and others.  With more films like this, the Filipino male tarnished by machismo, adultery, and immaturity could already be a thing of the past.

Rating: 3.5/5

Hotel Transylvania 2

Hotel Transylvania 2 is an animated film about a vampire who trains his grandchild to be a vampire.

In the name of entertainment, the filmmakers bring us to examine the comedic and satirical side of the world of vampires and monsters.  Unfortunately, save for the humans, the backdrop of cast and characters belong to the the dark side; hence, the need for more creativity to fit it into the world of children and comedy.

Whatever the backdrop is, the story explores the world of bringing out potentials in children which may be forced or respected in time.  Here, children should be treated with paramount respect and honor, and more importantly, be safeguarded against evils and dangers.

Rating: 3/5

Pitch Perfect 2

Pitch Perfect 2 is a film about a group of high school girls who has to save their sinking reputation.

Without being a spoiler, endings for genres such as these would most likely be predictable.  The only concern is how to get there.  On the technical side, the musical parts are very interesting and entertaining.

There is much more than singing with technical expertise.  Get into the soul of things.  You'll see, friendships do matter.

Rating:  3/5

The Heat

The Heat is a film about 2 seemingly opposite characters who became the best of friends.

Of course with the Hollywood style nothing could go wrong.  This film presents the most typical of conventions - script, beats, acts, etc., all except the main characters - Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy.  Here are two women with the strength of a man.  Moreover, the dashes of comedy make The Heat a truly entertaining film.

Much more that conventions and role reversals, the film strives to enunciate friendship, life's true worth not in power but in self-dedication, and of course, love for family.  Enjoy watching!

Rating: 3.5/5

Hangover 3

Hangover 3 is the end to a trilogy of four friends that want to capture a long time nemesis and finally attain lasting peace in their lives.

The film may have elicited a reaction against race.  Otherwise, this is classified as a campy film whose objective is nothing else except to save a friend.

What really is the basic storyline that binds these stories?  The third episode definitely lacks the pizzazz of the first two. Even Bradly Cooper is not as zany as he was in the first two episodes.

The only remaining thing worth salvaging in this movie is friendship, loyalty, and love.  Come to think of it, only virtues like these really last forever.

Rating: 3/5

Si Enteng, Si Agimat, at si Ako

This is a story of 3 characters who got together to fight a common enemy.

Philippine movies have progressed in making digital animations; but not quite for this film.  If it could still make it seamless, the better.

Another source of tension is exposure time for 3 giant actors.  Where does the weight of the film lie heavily - Enteng, Agimat, or Ako?

The only thing that is worth commending is the the way the story reaches its climax.  One could feel correct vibrations of fear and suspense.

Ethically and pastorally, How long would the Filipino still rely heavily on magic swords and powers to counteract the enemy, and fantastic characters?  Another one - a female fantasy character enters the fray.  In as much as films like this is entertaining, how should we fight the real enemy brought about by a corrupt political or economic power lurking in the midst, by which the ordinary Filipino, especially the poor, finds himself a victim of?  It's time to turn dreams into realities.

Rating: 3/5

24/7 in love

24/7 is a story of a young girl who tries with all her might to get his dream boy.

Different stories, interwoven, tackle how people deal with the end of the world.  Love is the common denominator among these.   Meanwhile, the viewing fans, mostly women and some men, rave for their favorite actors.

This possible drawback of women craving for men shatters the conservative Maria Clara image of the Filipina.  Even the seeming conservative church worker (Pokwang) is willing to sacrifice her purity for a dash of sex.   

That is why this film though innocently marketed to entertain all audiences should be viewed with caution.

Rating: 2.5

ParaNorman

"ParaNorman" is a story of a boy who pacifies a troubled spirit that is causing the dead to rise from their graves.

The motivations of the characters are truly clear in bringing an end to the harm caused by the troubled spirit. This may cause the film to be so linear there aren't much space for creativity and more surprises.

In as much as it is hard to forgive, choosing to forgive is definitely a better option than unleashing all powers brought about by anger and hatred.  But how does one really forgive?  Watch the movie and see - there is a child in all of us, the child that doesn't harbor grudges.

Rating: 3.5/5

The Campaign

The campaign is a story of a man who's running for reelection unopposed when an unknown contender fights him back.

All characters are definitely compelling - Will Farell and Zach Galifianakis as Cam Brady and Marty Huggins respectively, as well as the host of stars who try with all their might to outwit each other, creating a zany election campaign and all dirty stories behind it.   This is what makes this film very entertaining.

Corruption in government and elections may already be a universal malady.  Thus, it pays even to make a satire of the whole thing, perhaps to cast a ray of hope just to correct it, all for the sake of the good of the citizens of a country.  Unless politicians and the whole stakeholders change their outlook in governance and gaining the people's trust, this film that has the potentials of political change will just be viewed with skepticism.

Rating: 3.5/5

Vampires suck

Vampires suck is a spoof of the Original Twilight saga of a girl who falls desperately in love with a vampire.

Using the genre of comedy, the film never ceases to smack the original film to the delight of the audience, indeed, to trivialize overpowering vampire movies and to detach us from being glued to the filmmakers' maneuverings.  Twilight, just enjoy, it's just a movie!

In a comedic setting, the more the audience should stay awake for any undertones that may also trivialize sensitive issues as sexuality and immorality.  Other than that, take this film for what it is: a rib tickler!

Rating: 3/5

Killers

Killers is a film about an assassin who wants to starts life anew with the woman of his dreams but ends up dragging her in the dark secrets of his past.

The twists in the story seems to be so zany it's believable and entertaining.  It just seemed that Ashton Kutcher is playing the role of a teenage heartthrob rather than an action star.  Nevertheless, the characters generally are apt for their job to bring the film to the level of comedy.

Beyond the zany plot lies a simple reality: Crime doesn't pay.  But there's something much more to it: Love conquers all.  Finally, give a person a chance to change.

Rating: 3.5/5

Date night

Date night is a film about a couple trying very hard to save their marriage but ends up desperately saving their lives.

Kudos to Steve Carell.  He never ceases to amaze the audience with his spontaneous performance.  His presence propped up whatever potential this movie holds.  Moreover, this movie is a lot better than "What happened to the Morgans?" in its action and plot development.

Marriage and family life cannot be considered dull, routinary, or mechanical.  It is the myth of the movie, like a preconditioned reality.  Everyday, a family is confronted with the challenges of life.  This is specially true for the father and mother who are not only trying make ends meet, but mores o, attuned with the lives of their children who are growing each day.  Eventually, it is the couples' decision to be present to all the members each day that makes day-to-day life exciting.

Rating: 3.5/5

Cloudy with a chance of meatballs

Cloudy with a chance of meatballs is a film about a mad scientist who has to prove himself that he is capable of joining the ranks of the great inventors.

Digital animations are more capable of dwelling in the world of fantasy and imagination and exploring the world of the "what-ifs". It exposes the world of hidden desires. Nice script!

All actions lead to consequences. The question is are we ready to face them? We should be responsible enough to see where our decisions lead us. Perhaps we can discern more rather than jumping before we realize that we have judged wrongly.

Rating: 4/5

The ugly truth

The Ugly Truth is a story about a woman who seeks the advice from a male anchor who has more than enough knowledge of sex and relationships.

Of course, much of the credibility of a story relies on a powerful script. Though it borders on the profane, the film manages to catch up on the end. Still, much of the comedy is slapstick. Things just appear scripty with the cast playing too fictional roles only the writers can come up with.

The film, even though it justifies itself at the end part, still cannot compensate for the harm it did in labeling and typecasting the essence of love as perverse, raw, carnal - defining it as an "ugly truth." After the film, all men and women are just that - without any sense of redemption whatsoever. It also went against all ethical considerations of mass media - it managed to hurt the ethical sensibilities of individuals under the guise of comedy. Dignity or even respect is not a factor to consider in this movie. It is hard to clarify what love and lust are in this movie. There may not be any difference at all for the unsuspecting audience.

Rating: 2.5/5

G-force

Get ready for 4 rodents who are out to save the world!

Excellent animation! It is blended seamlessly with real characters and scenes. But the film is lacking in believable "real characters", creatures far surpassed the acting abilities of the live characters. Nevertheless, the story is believable and capable to tickling the audience's fancies.

The film centers around the issue of family more than functions and performances. The heart is far more important than any of these.

Rating: 4/5

Year One

Year One is a story of a primitive man who ate the forbidden fruit and is banished by his tribe and thus begins man's crazy adventures of the world outside.

Tapped for comedy, Jack Black succeeds in giving flesh to Zed together with his intelligent sidekick Oh (Michael Sera). The zany distortions of biblical events create a message totally in the mind of its authors; thus, the audience have to be alert about. Will the audience accept this message?

The movie distorts the truths intended in the creation story and the book of the Pentateuch. Though it may seem funny and crazy, it is somehow hints at a message that only man creates his own destiny. If the writers have been more faithful to the message of Scriptures, we would have seen a wholistic and entertaining movie. But with Year One, it just dispels the basic fact that God exists and that man can live a moral life only in reference to Him.

Rating: 2.5/5

Land of the lost

Land of the lost is a story of a scientist who invents a time travel machine that works and he gets trapped in a distorted world where past, present, and future meet.

A world distorted by making present dinosaurs, caveman, and aliens are products of the creative minds of the screenwriters. This is further animated by successful comedian Will Ferrell, although his typecast role possibly dragged the film down. Nevertheless, the film is generally entertaining.

To create a zany world is to demythify or present satirically man's concept of his reality. "Thou shall not get serious with this life" seems to be the norm. Partly true, but while we remove coincidentals or accidents, the essential remains: have we found meaning in this world's existence? I hope we have, for if we remove coincidentals, only love remains.

Rating: 3/5

Shorts

Shorts is a film about kids who take hold of a colored rock that makes wishes come true.

Tailored for children, the film seeks to bring to life children's fantasies and pushes them to their limits. Using postmodern technique of non-linearity, the film succeeds in disturbing the mind of the adult audience. Perhaps it tries to embody the children's psyche of learning from bits and pieces of memory or imagination, resulting in an integrated understanding of things and events. Very creative!

Shorts may be about children. But it has never escaped the world of nerds and bullies, making the film traumatic to children. Nevertheless, it speaks of values in dreaming, not of power, money or fame, but in love, unity, and friendship. But mainly, just try to enjoy the film!

Rating: 3/5

Aliens the attic

Aliens in the attic is a film about a boy and his cousins who have to foil the aliens' mission to rule the earth.

Digital animation is very common nowadays and this film does not add anything spectacular to the world of film making. However, the scenes are entertaining, funny and sensible. It is also fast-paced. The film with its script and characters is tailor-made for children.

Alien movies always mirror the basic attitude toward aliens or foreign nationals in real life. In a family setting, a stranger in the home is much like the same thing. Perhaps, a welcoming stance would be more apt than fearing strangers at the first instance of the encounter. Fantasizing aliens as monsters does not help decrease the barrier that separates us from one another. Recognize the dignity of a stranger and be hospitable to him/her.

Rating: 3/5

The Proposal

The Proposal is a story about a woman who risks being deported back to Canada unless she does something, like force her secretary to marry her.

Could it be that the script is tailored to suit Sandra Bullock? Probably so. But then again, the story is entertaining and the characters seem to be at home with their lines. The setting is exquisite, the romance is properly timed. The film succeeds with a tear-jerking ending.

Almost everyone knows that love cannot be forced. But much more that forcing love is the reality that all of us do need love. Love is not in receiving, but in giving it. Love is real when it is capable of loving the unlovable; much more, when the unlovable realizes that despite his/her shortcomings, he/she is loved. Then the magic happens, all because of love.

Rating: 3.5/5