Silong

Ang Silong ay kwento ng isang lalaking pinatuloy ang isang babaeng animo'y pinahihirapan ng kanyang asawa.

Tila may sapat na yaman ang mga producers ng pelikulang ito upang pagkagastusan ang ganitong uri ng story line sa hanay ng mga kwentong mas mahalaga sanang isapelikula.  Maaari rin naman itong tanda na maaari nang makalikha ng mas maraming tema ang Philippine movies.   Kailangan din ng isang sikat ng aktor tulad ni Piolo Pascual upang gumastos ang mga tao upang panoorin ang pelikulang ito.

Ang nakapanghihinayang lamang ay tila walang ibang itinuturo ang pelikula kundi ipahayag lang ang nakasulat sa poster, "The deepest scars are the ones you can't see."  Pero kung sa pagtalakay ng isyung ito, walang ipinakita ang pelikula kundi ang sakit ng isip na sa bandang huli, tila ito rin ang pinatututukuyan sa mga Pilipino - lalaki man o babae, tila may sakit ng pag-iisip na may kahiligang gawan nang masama ang kanilang kapwa.  Mag-ingat ang mga kabataan at yaong nais lamang magpahinga sa panonood ng sineng ito.  Kailangan ng masusing pag-iisip kung ano talaga ang implikasyon ng panonood ng pelikulang ito.

Rating: 2/5 or disturbing

The orphan

The Orphan is a film about a family that lost a daughter that they choose to adopt an orphan.

The character development and script are believable. The sound contributed a lot to the heightening of suspense. The plot leads to a climactic ending.

Three people in the scriptures should be accorded with charity - the strangers, widows, and orphans. Unfortunately, the Orphan enforces that fear in us in accepting people into our homes. This mistrust also enforces the myth that our families are the only ones existing in this world and we don't need others. But this is totally uncalled for. Even family members could inflict violence in a domestic setting. We just need to trust one another.

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

Babylon A.D.

Babylon A.D. is a futuristic film about a mercenary who is paid to deliver a gifted girl safely from Russia to the U.S.

To create an environment of a world devastated by global warming is the greatest challenge of this movie. It is also its greatest advantage. Other than that, the other film aspects are confusing like the cast, the script, and their roles. The film is relying heavily on Vin Diesel's action stunts, nothing more.

It is unfortunate that the concept of the Messiah has to be fabricated, invented, or humanly designed. It is for this reason that this film should be treated with a grain of salt. The human mind may be rich with creativity, but it should also give due regard to existing religious themes that people hold so dearly. Otherwise, enjoy the movie simply because of its entertainment value.

Rating: 2.5/5

The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight stars Batman once again fighting an equally cunning The Jokeer out to terrorize the whole city.

The script is terrifically crafted to include psychological complexity and technical expertise in planning for crime or eradicating it. I would say that the presentation of human reality is so well-researched that the audience understands the underlying motivation of each character. In the end, both Joker and Batman may have something in common - the "dark" stories of their lives.

Batman will always be a superhero for children. Such may not be the case here due to the disturbing presence of the Joker. The film may harm the children's sensibilities. On the other hand, human reality may also be very vulnerable to people of all ages, with the once good having a capacity to do evil. We all should be alert and watchful where we really stand.

Rating: 3.5/5