Public Enemies

Public Enemies is a film about the most notorious bank robber in the 30s.

Johnny Depp's acting remains unquestionable. He is the one that literally pushed the film forward. But I just couldn't help but be bothered by the TV-like production of the whole film. Sure, we are using digital cameras this age, but it should have been fine-tuned to have film quality, and hopely, to bring us back to the 30s. This seemingly projects the film a low-budgeted, with actors "simply acting" not living out their roles. In other words, it disengaged my participation as a spectator.

What drives the human being to violence, to hurt his fellow human beings? Money, power, even love? Will these compensate for all the brutal things he has done? Do all these bring him a sense of security? How true are the words of Scripture, "Those who live by the sword shall die by the sword." Aim for real life then. the simplest, honest life is the noblest of all.

Rating: 2.5/5

Taking of Pelham

TAKING OF PELHAM is a film about a man who hijacks a subway carriage and a cop who stalls him.

John Travolta gave justice to his evil character while Denzel Washington dragged his, playing his character too minimally. The film is tightly knit, somehow quite remarkable how a 1 hour deadline can expand to 2 hours of "reel time." The ending is rather anti-climactic, verifying the initial question like, "How could a criminal get away?" The answer? Just watch it; it's anti-climactic.

There might not be enough motivation to justify an inhumane criminal act. But nowadays, it will always be puzzling why despite its obvious outcome (which is death for the criminal), a criminal act would still be carried out? Stealing and killing ends all possibilities of life. That is why the 10 commandments which contain the most basic norms of human existence, continue to be violated. Learn from the old saying, "Crime does not pay."

Rating: 3/5

Angels and demons

This is a film about a man tasked by the Vatican to investigate the kidnapper of 4 cardinals and who stole the anti-matter that is about to explode at 12 midnight.

The whole production is amazingly life-like, for example, the multitude of people in St. Peter's Square and in other churches. It is very difficult and would need a big amount of money to replicate such sets. So, kudos to the computer animators! I would also say that the whole script is very engaging, arising from Dan Brown's expertise to write and deliver his message in a compelling way.

In as much as production of this film is undeniably remarkable, the audience should be wary about its content. For this film becomes a model for the blurring of fact and fiction. Dan Brown, noted for being a novelist now enters the real world by injecting some of his beliefs and giving it a visual tone, giving another alternative of the world as we see. The classic example is how he bastardized the reality of the Opus Dei in the Da Vince Code, a revered personal prelature founded by St. Escriva. He converted it into a clandestine organization. Morseso, a character as factual and adored by the faithful as Jesus Christ becomes a caricatured version of any human being brought to life from the figment of the imagination of Brown, wrapped in the interpretation of his extension in the film, symbolist Robert Langdon.

In Angels and Demons, Brown through Langdon places himself as "a champion in the interpretation of sacred symbols", which connotes a world of meaning, but unfortunately, is capable of bastardizing the same symbols to favor his own. Now he projects himself as a researcher of facts, not a fiction writer. And much worse, there is no resolution to the movie except, "Believe what you want to believe", and the "rock" of an institution as old as the centuries would be dismantled by a fiction writer of the 21st century who is clearly convinced that he neither believes in God nor the Catholic Church as the instrument of salvation. He simply uses factual accounts and places his own agenda in them.

This brings out a very important issue in the world of film - which one is "reel" and which one is "real". Once it enters into the camera or through the pen of an author, it ceases to be factual, for the facts are always tailored according to the mind of the author. In this arena that the visual medium is used, the viewers are adviced to keep the eyes of their faith open. For while thius fiasco is going on, Reality would still out there waiting to reveal itself to us and embrace us and invite us to enter its world of salvation; and we would know, not just through logical reasoning, but through gift of faith.

Rating: 2.5/5

Passengers

Passengers is a film about a therapist who investigates the cause behind the disappearance of plane crash survivors.

The script is marvelous, save for some glitches that need a lot of clarifying to do because plot development is not sufficient. "Get Smart" leading lady Anne Hathaway is superb in this movie and so is Patrick Wilson.

Passengers is truly a mystery movie with a human heart. The warmth of its message that time is too short and its invitation to value relationships is so effective. Though there is no explicit mention about the spiritual realm, this film mirrors so effectively the most important thing that goes beyond the material - the mystery of love that envelops us all.

Rating: 4.5/5

Max Payne

Max Payne is a film about a man whose wife and child were brutally murdered and is passionately hunting for the killers.

Set in a fantasy mode, the presentation of Max Payne becomes interesting, almost resembling a horror film. Thus, its visual effects and digital animation are amazing. The main character is projected as a superhero who is always up and about and jumps immediately after a fall. What results is a film meant to entertain.

There is a penchant for violence in this film. It seeks to inform in a visual way what happens to those who are influenced by drugs. But drug addiction goes beyond imaginations and hallucinations - the dignity of life is compromised, and people are relegated to the level of dust. Never, never give in for a second to things that debase human dignity.

Rating: 3/5

Righteous Kill

Righteous Kill is a story about two respected detectives out to hunt a serial killer from among their ranks.

Nobody would dispute the terrific tandem of veteran actors Al Pacino and Robert de Niro. The cinematography, choice of scenes, the music, etc. are all excellent. However, the plot seems to be so thin that it tends to kill the very thrill of the film.

With those who are tasked to uphold the law, they are the ones who violate them and put the law into their own hands. For the sake of real peace and order, may the police force safeguard and observe the law at all times, for no one is above the law. Moreover, human law reflects the Divine law which if lived by all, will be serve the common good and benefit all.

Rating: 3/5

Ocean's thirteen

It's part 3 of the "Ocean" team stealing valuable treasure while in competition with high-caliber thieves. This time, they are to help their friend who was tricked by his partner in launching a new hotel in Las Vegas.

Excellent script! The team also is commended for bringing the exciting script to reality. It's amazing how they can team up, plan for a strategy even though the enemy seemed formidable.

The only thing negative with the film is the reality of stealing no matter how noble it is to help a friend. Whether it is stealing for a cause, or to help a friend, or to fight a criminal, stealing is still stealing. Much more when the thieves are performed by captivating actors admired by the public.


Excellent scripts cannot compromise for wrong values promoted by the film.

Rating: 2/5