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

Wreck it Ralph

Wreck It  Ralph is a story of the nemesis in a computer program who wants to be a hero for a change.

The characters' desires are compelling enough that they drive the story to its proper conclusion.  Except for Ralph, everyone seem to be consistent with their characterization as computer programs.

The film obviously protects the sensibilities of children against violence as typified by the car race.  But the theme generally is about violence brought about by following one's own way at the detriment of others. In the end, it is a question of the real order of things vs. one's own way, or the common good vs. personal good.  Pick your choice.

It also gives emphasis to the beauty of friendships. It is an inspiring movie.

Rating: 3.5/5

Tiktik: the aswang chronicles

“Tiktik” ay pelikula ng isang lalaking pumunta sa probinsya ng kanyang katipan at nais makipagbalikan sa kanya.

Di mapagkakaila ang special effects na ginamit sa pelikula na tunay na kabilib-bilib sa ating mga Pinoy, “Kaya pala natin!”  Kaya lamang, sa dami ng palyado sa iskrip, sana’y inayos muna ito bago isipin ang mga palabok ng special effects.  Kung mas malinamnam ang bata sa sinapupunan, bakit iniwan ito ng mga aswang para habulin ang lalaking bida?

Tungkol naman sa mensahe ng pelikula, ano nga ba ang mga aswang na kinatatakutan ng mga tao?  Baka nagiging simbolo ito na halos walang kapangyarihan ang tao upang tupukin ito.  Dito nakakatulong ang pelikula sa pagbibigay ng kapangyarihan sa tao – kaya niyang tupukin ito.  Ngunit kung tunay na diyablo na ang pag-uusapan, baka hindi sapat ang bawang, asin, latigo, at mismong lakas ng tao.  Mayroon pang ibang maaaring makatulong sa kanya kung siya’y mananampalataya.

Pagsusuri: 3/5

Twilight saga: Breaking dawn part 2

“Breaking Dawn, part 2” is the last part of the Twilight saga featuring a young girl in love with a vampire who does everything to defend her child from being killed.

I was caught off guard by the events that transpired in the film.  Without spoiling anything, the twist gives the film the acclaim it deserves.

Looking back at all the other episodes, this film, using the backdrop of vampires and wolves, really have something to say about life, love, friendship, and being.  In the context of humanity’s imperfect existence, it is still a beautiful world because it contains one treasured gift given to mankind – the power of love.

Rating: 4/5

Resident Evil: Retribution

Resident Evil: Retribution's particular episode is a woman partnering with her nemesis to counteract a computer virus that has gone global.

Of course we would expect that Alice (Milla Jovovich) would again triumph no matter how impossible it may seem.   The traces of apocalyptic film are in here - evil has taken over and it needs even the collaboration of her enemies to counteract the real enemy.

Is there an end to evil?  Is there are definitive and final confrontation between the forces of good and evil?  In this film, we should expect the good to triumph over evil, but how long?  How many episodes would still be produced or are the filmmakers feasting over the unconscious fears of people?

Whatever the answer may be, good has triumphed over evil 2000 years ago.  But the battle still remains in the hearts of each person.  It is up to us to know whose side we are on.

Rating: 3/5

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

Watch for the new, reactivated movie reviews!

Starting next week, the movie reviews will resume.  Watch for it!