Papa Francisco: the Pope Francis Story

Papa Francisco: The Pope Francis Story is a film about a journalist who discovers the real person behind the man who is to become Pope.

The most challenging shoot is of course, the Papal Conclave.  It is excellently done.  But the main advantage of the story is the compelling script that aims to come closer to the very heart of the present Pope Francis.  This is the gauge of the success of the film.

The movie explores not only the process of choosing the pope which is admittedly a mystery for the rest of the Catholic world, but of a far greater mystery - how the Holy Spirit molds each person towards interior conversion until he becomes an instrument even for unbelievers, corrupt systems, and yes, even the entire Church.  This film portrayed by one man, can indeed be the story of our struggles to live out and be authentic witnesses of the Faith.

Showing this September 30, 2015.  Highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5

Heneral Luna

Heneral Luna is a story of a Filipino General who in fighting Americans encounters unusual enemies right in his own backyard.

I truly commend the producers of this film.  For the first time since Lino Brocka, I feel that this film truly makes sense in terms of story line, cinematography, special effects, and the superb cast of characters like John Arcilla and the rest. Heneral Luna just made its mark in history of quality Philippine movies that other producers should follow.

Whether history has been fictionalized or tailor-made to fit movie expectations, the film seems to elicit issues beyond what history can offer - we Filipinos can't seem to be united beyond families and power.  In spite of a colorful history, the nationalism we hold on to may be a myth.  Unless we Filipinos change our ways, we still have a long, long, long way to go in attaining true sovereignty.

 Rating: 5/5

Inside out

"Inside Out" is a story of a joyful alter ego of a girl who wants to restore her to her former happy state.

It's a very creative concept to personify feelings, much more to create a script out of it.  The resolution also is very realistic and engaging.  Truly, this film contains the trademark of Pixar.

The story may depict the dynamics of the self and its seeming conflicts, but eventually, everything reaches a state of well-bring brought about by an integrated self.  The point really is geared towards accepting human beings as they are.  Self-acceptance is the starting point of true love.

Overall rating: 4/5

Son of God

"Son of God" is a timeless story on the life of that One Man who changes the world forever.

Credit is given to its production values that include music, special effects, make-up and cinematography.  Diogo Morgado is an excellent choice for the portrayal of Jesus because of his expressive eyes.

Set to be shown during the Lenten Season and Holy Week, this film is a definite classic all year round for all viewers seeking to know and deepen their relationship with Jesus.  Giving the Son of Man a human face that everyone will identify is truly an inspiration for all viewers to carry on the task of proclaiming the Good News, becoming fishers of men, and changing the world for lasting good.

Rating:  5/5

World war Z

World War Z is a story of a man tasked to decipher how he could destroy the zombies who are infecting millions of people in the blink of an eye.

Things as so fast paced; children are exposed to danger and violence.  The script is excellent.  There is no way one man can eradicate the infection, except ... just watch the movie and see.  There's nothing that human beings cannot solve.

Kudos to man's ingenuity!  There's not doubt that there's no problem man cannot solve.  The only challenge is how this can translate in real life.  In as much as man can solve the greatest problems on earth, let's not forget that man himself is also the cause of the problems existing in the world - sin, corruption, sickness, destruction of the environment, moral decay, and poverty - unless he makes a definitive decision to fight against corruption with the power of truth and love.

Rating: 4/5

Epic

Epic is a story of an unlikely hero tasked to save the smaller beings on earth from sure destruction.

Using animation, people’s imaginations are given limitless visual possibilities.  On the other hand, how long human existence is, its realities remain the same.  The good news is that complex realities can be given a chance to be explored through animation.

An important human reality is relationships; in this film, a father and daughter relationship.   No matter the present situation of separated parents, a child will still yearn to be united with his/her parents.  That is why this film is rightly called “Epic” because of its immortal value.  

Rating: 4/5

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

Megamind

Megamind is a story of a nemesis to a superhero that he really got what he wanted: the opportunity to rule the world!

This type of film is spoof to the conventional superhero movie; thus it is campy, funny, and a total entertainment.  It does present an alternative to the good guys and bad guys in film.  The presence of Will Farrell is a real plus in the movie.

Who is the good guy?  Who is the bad guy?  Who are we to judge who is good or bad?  The reality is that is us who put labels to people and even ourselves, branding us as good or bad.  But there is goodness in everyone, even ourselves.  It is up to us to kindle or care for that goodness.  And to be bad simply means nothing and going towards nothing.  It is the nothingness of goodness.  I'm sure we know what alternative to take instead of remaining in the boring, empty world of nothingness.

Rating: 5/5

Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3 is a film about a set of toys well-loved in the past but may have to be given away.

This seemingly predictable film ended up not predictable at all; in fact it is enjoyable and touching.  The script is fast-paced with a lot of exciting scenes; it also has some dramatic elements. 

Toy story always seeks to bring inanimate objects to life; that's where the excitement begins.  Memories cannot be buried in the past; they have a way of bringing themselves in the present and they they give inspiration to the future.  Value what you have.  For you may not have the same thing tomorrow.

Rating: 4.5/5

How to train your dragon

How to Train your Dragon is a film about a young man who encounters the most notorious of all dragons.  Will he be able to train him?

This is the advent of the post-structuralist filmmakers who would rather present a message not through the live characters but through digitally animated ones.  Now, our fantasies come alive, giving fictional characters such as dragons a life, especially if they're viewed on 3D screens. Of course, these should be exceptionally crafted to please the mind of the audience.

The film places a high value on friendships and understanding the other.  Perennial concern among cultures, especially in the first world countries to be suspicious of other cultures or to impose its culture on them.  But the world can be a better place to live in if we live in harmony, respect, and interdependence.

Rating: 5/5

Baseco bakal boys

Baseco Bakal Boys is a docu-film about a boy who earns his living by selling scraps of metal.

This is a semi-observational documentary which is also a narrative. It seeks to explore the world of boys submerged in the sea of poverty that they don't have any choice but to sell and perhaps steal scraps for food. Except for some familiar actors, there is a sense of realism in the way the characters acted, as if we're invited to journey into their world.

Baseco is an eye-opener to the world where poverty abounds and all the risks one has to take in order to survive. But life is not all food. There are signs of life elsewhere - through friendships, generosity, and dreams of a better life. The world continues to exist because of these. Of course, everyone should do their part so that not one, not even children, should end up dying on the streets for a scrap of food.

Rating: 4.5/5

Alice in wonderland

After 19 years, Alice reunites with her friends to fight against the evil queen.

The weight of the entire film rests on Johnny Depp who performs quality roles very consistently. Ann Hathaway and Helena Bonhan Carter also gave such exemplary performances that made Alice a much sought-for film for this year. Of course, the world of animation is just going deeper and deeper, being enmeshed in the real world to give fantasy a chance to make itself real, even virtually.

Alice's world is topsy turvy, making the real world a caricature. And yet, the deepest realities of life especially those inside the heart challenge the conventional world outside. Inside the heart, darkness and evil find their home, but so too goodness and light. Eventually, one has to choose what state to live in, and in choosing, give life or death. Choose wisely then!

Rating: 4.5/5

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

Avatar

Avatar is an semi-animated film about a man who has to fill up the shoes of his twin brother to manage his avatar as he enters into a new world and learn its culture.

The most significant thing is how the script develops to make you glued to your seat in a span of three hours. There wasn't any dull moment with Avatar. The animated world blended seamlessly with the real world, thus, enmeshing these two. The digital world definitely awakens the viewer that the film he is watching could not be real. But he is left to look for any resonance of the film with the real life.

Many other "alien" films are produced with this kind of theme, i.e., picturing the humans' inhumanity and the aliens' innocence. These films pose a challenge to us, "What have we done to our own world?" We may have gone a long way in advancing technology, but we haven't become more humane. Unless we change our outlook, our world may actually disintegrate and die, leaving the next generation to suffer extinction and decay.

Rating: 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

Surrogates

Surrogates is a film about a man who investigates for the serial killer of the various owners through their robotic surrogates.

Science fiction films makes us expect high-animation techniques in filmmaking - among them, making Bruce Willis young and robots moving swiftly. Of course, it would still take a lot of convincing to do to hook the audience to believing they're seeing the future. But apparently, the more relevant motive of the film is in the human interest. Thus, the film is still realistic.

The usual "Where does science end and faith begin?" syndrome is tackled. Moreover, there are other more important human realities slowly killed by technology - our capacity to be human, the gift of relationships, and our capacity to be hurt. Despite all these, we are still the vulnerable, helpless creatures we really are.

Rating: 4/5

Star Trek

Star Trek is a film about genesis the crew of USS Enterprise.

This film is a fitting beginning to all Star Trek films and shows that we saw and enjoyed. This is a nostalgic film that succeeded in bringing to life something so dear to us in our whole lifetime. Star Trek is something to be proud of by all viewers in all countries!

The soul exudes from the film through its characters; one from a state of alienation to identity and interdependence. This is prelude to a friendship that we believe will last forever. This is simply to say that yes, friendships can withstand the test of time.

Rating: 5/5

Up

UP is a story of a man who loses his wife and has to take the whole house to a place they consider as "paradise".

The script is the saving factor of this film. How could a child's film be so profound? The characters have personalities, including the rare bird. And Russel, the wilderness explorer, is as lovable as ever, with the likes of a real child. Digital animation never ceases to amaze the audience, more so if it has a deeply human touch.

Losing a loved one can be as painful as ever. That is why we need to let go through a quiet acceptance. But there's much more to life. Not only do past relationships matter, but so do present and future ones. And like the past relationships, life continues to be enriched with love which makes it live forever. Congratulations for a film like this!

Rating: 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

WALLE

WALLE is an digital animated film about a waste-organizing robot who after 700 years has developed human capabilities and desires to meet the female robot of his dreams.

Initially, the main challenge of this film is how to justify the rendering of human elements upon a robot. But who would dare question the world of children and fantasy? The second challenge is to make the film a lot interesting using gestures and not words or lines to communicate. Third is how to utilize the world of digital animation to come up with a truly exciting story for children. Pixar addressed all these with pizazz.

It's a film with a heart. WALLE has the heart much more than human beings have. Much more than objects and functions, the human heart desires to love, and loving makes us truly human. In the end, love is all that matters.

Rating: 5/5