Miracle in Cell #7

"Miracle in Cell #7" is a film about a imprisoned father who wishes to be with her daughter and vice versa.

It may be an adaptation from a Korean film, yet, the story and development and the characters give it the Filipino flavor.  Aga Mulach's superb acting may not reflect the exact situation of a person with this disability; or the entire story be compellingly realistic, yet, merit should be awarded to the story concept of the love of a parent to a child and vice versa.  The supporting cast deserves recognition as well, especially the realistic acting of each one prisoner, director of the prisons, etc.  The film is one wholistic harmony of every element combined.

Overall, this film affirmed the better side of the movie-going Filipinos opting to watch films that made sense, of touching dramas with themes of family relationships, siding with the truth, or sympathetic to the cause of justice. This is highly recommended for persons of all ages.

Rating: 4/5

EX with benefits

"EX with Benefits" is a story of a woman who has to sell a new branded medicine to her ex-boyfriend who is now already a famous doctor.

There is a lack of coherency in scripting of this film.  It seems that the characters are forced by the scriptwriters to create the complications for such a simple love situation, especially at the moment of confrontation,   Moreover, Derek Ramsay's chemistry doesn't jive with Coleen Garcia. Otherwise, the elements of cinematography are satisfactory.

This film may also be an eye-opener for people in the medical profession if there indeed are incidences of corruption and immorality in the selling and endorsing of medicines.  The Philippine Medical Association should definitely look into the matter.  But if this is a question of artistic expression, then the viewers should be well-advised to discern whether this film portrays the dynamics of a love story or expresses free pre-marital sex instead of true love.  Otherwise, this film is not recommended to 13 year-olds or those thinking to enter into the noble and highly-esteemed medical profession.  Let a more mature audience watch and and critique it.

Rating: 2.5

Life of Pi

Life of Pi is a film about a teenage boy who wants to prove that God exists.

The predominant feature of this film is the animation which is fantastic.  But does it give justice to the whole film?  Yes, it gave rise to appreciation of nature and the ability to show God through it.  The storyline is equally compelling as well, giving rise to the possibility that everything can be united - real and reel, religions, men and animals.

The basic question is: Does God exist?  In the secular world where this question is mute, I would admire filmmakers who would endeavor to prove that God exists in the beauty of creation and in the very core of people's hearts.  This makes this film quite unique, relevant, and timely for all peoples of faith to enjoy.

Rating: 5/5

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

Extraordinary measures

Extraordinary Measures is a film about a father in search of a cure for his 2 children.

The Harrison Ford - Brendan Frazer tandem is truly amazing and constantly brings the film up on its feet. The storyline also gives soul to the essence of this film.

Extraordinary measures is an inspiring movie for those who long for miracles. Remember a popular Filipino saying, "In God is mercy, in man is action," we have the capacity to make the things that God has planned out for us. This film touches hearts and fills them with hope.

Rating: 4/5

The blind side

The Blind side is a story of a woman with her family who cares for a homeless young man.

"Based on an extraordinarily true story," the secret of this commendable film lies in the consistency of Sandra Bullocks role of being a strong-willed woman with a heart. The plot development is also amazing. Overall, this film touches the hearts of the audience with its moving story.

The blind side capitalizes on the value of generosity as a way of changing people's lives. It goes beyond established status quo which sometimes become a venue for social and structural sins to proliferate. It shows that it is possible to change the world with the power of human compassion.

Rating: 5/5

My sister's keeper

My Sister's Keeper is a story of a girl who wants to free herself from donating parts of her body to her dying sister.

The script is poignant, touching, and emotional. There is a tendency for Cameron to "act", not live out the role. It is also not totally engaging because the backdrop in question is highly ethical and needed to be discussed rationally.

The story borders between medical science fiction and drama. It is ethically unacceptable to produce human life for the sole purpose of donating its body parts to another no matter how noble a cause is. Man's dignity solely comes from God; he does not have any right to judge on its viability to live. Only God can do it for us. Much more if the main character is a child. Only God has the right to deal with human life; and His is always to give life to everyone, not choose one over another.

Rating: 2.5/5

Juno

A young girl of 16 makes a bold move to face her pregnancy.

Juno McGuff (Ellen Page) is that one tough lady, strong-willed and possessing that wit that even her boyfriend feared her.

The best aspect of this film is the script - it is seamless, witty, and entertaining. It gave a very serious issue a light touch without compromising the very heart of the problem. The script goes well with the characters, especially Ellen, who carried the film to its success in the box office. The special effects was there but it was not necessary.

Here's a way to tackle the issue of teenage pregnancy. Unfortunately, the first alternative is always abortion. One should ask the question, "Why not other alternatives?" The greatest part is the whole experience of pregnancy as it moves through time and how people are affected by the life inside the mother's womb. The baby must be someone very very special. He is as special as the dynamics of life itself.

The audience should be forewarned about the other values set by the film, such as the active sexual lifestyle and taking interest in violent films.


Rating: 3.5 / 5

the pursuit of happyness

Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton

Christ Gardner (Will Smith) has hit rock bottom. Hoping against hope for his family to survive, he sells little needed bone density scanners. Inspired by a broker, applies for internship only to find out that he will not be receiving any salary for 6 months. His wife Linda gives up on him so he has to take his son Christopher wherever he goes. But all his resources are running out; his scanners have not been selling, and his landlord kicks him out of the house. The only thing keeping his spirits alive was to be able to pass the licensing exam for stockbrokers.

Will Smith and his son Jaden are the best picks for the role of Chris Gardner and his son Christopher. They already have the perfect chemistry for the roles. But Thandie's role cannot be relegated to second spot. The harmony of actors, script and cinematography makes way for the production of this great film.

There are films that give out the message that happiness is not found in possessing material things but in relationships. "The Pursuit of Happyness" runs counter to this predominant thought. The film takes great care not to overemphasize materialism. For one, Chris' family is really hard up; his wife left the family, and they had to survive each day just to live in a shelter and spend the night in public bathrooms and buses. However, "happyness" with a "y" does raise a childlike interest. Everyone deserves to be happy with the happiness of a child. And when it comes in a spur of the moment, it erases all sufferings combined. Yes, it's a wonderful feeling.

Rating: 3.5

A good year

Russell Crowe. Albert Finney, Marion Cotillard

A British investment broker inherits his uncle's chateau and vineyard in Provence, where he spent much of his childhood. He discovers a new laid-back lifestyle as he tries to renovate the estate to be sold.

The challenge of the film is how to bring to life the slow-moving lifestyle in France. This was somehow exaggerated in the film, resulting in "acting" instead of "living" out the character's part. Other than this, the film has an excellent script, a true masterpiece in the non-fiction drama genre.

The cinematography is excellent; it's as if the scenery is within the audience's reach. The contrast between the country's serenity and the city's urban setting cannot be missed.

Just what makes a good wine? Watch the movie and you'll discover how wine and a good heart go together. This film fits the conventional 3-act play. And the lessons: there' always something much more important than wealth and fame, and that is, the gift of people, love, and relationships.

Rating: 3.5/5

Babel

Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett

Log: a story of a couple whose wife was shot by a stray bullet while taking a vacation to Morroco.

Analysis: Excellent script, development of story line, concept and production. The juxtaposition of scenes and events are commendable, this film is meant to bring a new development to the art of filmmaking to resemble a documentary. Highly recommended on the technical level.

Regarding the ethical sphere, "Babel" does say a lot about the reality of communications. Apart from the usual difference in language, communication by far degenerated to include misunderstanding among human beings, cultures, and nations.

What is significant though is that despite the difference there is a endless array of hope that people do communicate. Circumstances and events almost always bring about a dialogue even beyond the level of speech and joining what was separated by conflicts and misunderstanding. In the end, the human heart which genuinely desires to beat as one with others is eventually the real gauge of genuine communications.

Rating: 3.5 / 5