The Host

The host is a story of a young girl whose body is invaded by an alien and she doesn't want it inside of her.

It is quite an unusual situation in science fiction movies that aliens have something "pure" in them.  Thus, they're always something to be feared.  It becomes more confusing that the pure, virtues world they aim to create is attained through the unwanted intrusion of an unwilling host which makes this film "unbelievable".

Culturally, the iconography of aliens is a recurring sting of America which always finds itself defensive against aliens with whom they are always trying to understand.

However, Stephanie Meyer would always be famous for injecting a love story in the world of aliens and science fiction, as depicted in the three way battle for love.

However, the film is to  be commended for depicting the vulnerable condition of a soul and its inherent goodness, qualities which we human beings could have if we treat life as sacred.

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Oz the great and powerful

Oz the great and powerful is a story of a small time magician who landed in Oz to fight the evil witch occupying Emeral City.

This another adaptation from children's fairy tale "Wizard of Oz" but this time, centering on the wizard and the question of his authenticity and his capacity to kill the wicked witch.  Meanwhile, Oz really seemed like a beautiful magical place.

Much of it really has to do with demythologizing the wizard.   Who is he in daily life, a man who makes empty promises?    When one finally accepts his finiteness and works from there, all potentials are unleashed, only to be used for good.

Rating: 3.5

Jack the giant slayer

Jack the giant slayer is a film about a poor young man who has to rescue the fair princess after a magic bean sprouted into a plant and at a rapid pace, uproots the whole house and takes it to the land of the giants.

Adapted from a fairy tale, this film seeks to explore more the world of children's fantasies on what lies above the heavens and to discover whether people up there are good or bad, or they are giants or little people like us.  It's interesting to put a twist in a fairy tale and develop it into a set of people, giants, who since time immemorial, have conflicts of power with people of the earth.

This film does not in any way offend the Christian concept of heaven and earth.  Human reality points to people as they use and abuse power.  Sooner of later, even "giants" submit to a higher power while One using power should at all times be just and responsible, all for the greater order of things.

Rating: 4/5

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

Sisterakas

Sisterakas is a film about a gay boy and his mother who vow to take revenge against a childhood friend and her mother.

Who can ignore the tandem Ai-ai delas Alas and Vice Ganda in producing a perfectly "ideal" comedy film for Filipinos?

Though Kris Aquino seems off-tangent and doesn't know the proper place for her role, she could also be commended for putting up a acceptable performance in the film.

The basic question is where revenge ends and forgiveness begins. Moreover, the film reflects a common denominator - it is no longer viable for Filipinos to hold on to concepts of friends and enemies, of choosing a privileged few while neglecting others, while belonging to one race.  In the end, we still belong to one Family.

Rating: 3.5/5

Si Enteng, Si Agimat, at si Ako

This is a story of 3 characters who got together to fight a common enemy.

Philippine movies have progressed in making digital animations; but not quite for this film.  If it could still make it seamless, the better.

Another source of tension is exposure time for 3 giant actors.  Where does the weight of the film lie heavily - Enteng, Agimat, or Ako?

The only thing that is worth commending is the the way the story reaches its climax.  One could feel correct vibrations of fear and suspense.

Ethically and pastorally, How long would the Filipino still rely heavily on magic swords and powers to counteract the enemy, and fantastic characters?  Another one - a female fantasy character enters the fray.  In as much as films like this is entertaining, how should we fight the real enemy brought about by a corrupt political or economic power lurking in the midst, by which the ordinary Filipino, especially the poor, finds himself a victim of?  It's time to turn dreams into realities.

Rating: 3/5

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

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!

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

Harry Potter and the deathly hallows: part 1

Ever planning to watch or have you watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 1?  It's really getting nastier as Voldemort is now more aggressive than ever to kill Harry Potter while Harry, Ron, and Hermione decide to finish Dumbledore's work and find the rest of the Horcruxes to defeat the Dark Lord.

Still consistent with the books earlier published for children, Harry Potter is leaving any vestige of a child's world in order to become an adult who is totally exposed to the evils of the world.  Left orphaned and alone by his parents, his 2 friends are his sources of strength.  Also at this point in time, people around have metamorphosed into good and evil.

With all the children in the world growing up together with Harry Potter who was left by his parents and vulnerably subjected to the "cruel" world, could this also have an impact on the way the children are being formed outside their families?  Remembering the words of the father who adopted Harry but left him saying, "It is not safe around here," this may imply that the next generation of Harry Potters may give little emphasis to the last bastion of human existence which is the family.  May this film serve as a challenge to parents to upgrade the way they bring up their children, because the real strength of a child lies in the strength of character of his/her parents.

Rating:  3/5

Legend of the Guardians

Legend of the Guardians is a film about an boy owl who searches for the guardians of Ga'hoole to save his brother from the Pure Ones.

This digitally animated movie is now capable of bringing nearly to the real world only that which can be visualized by cartoons.  Now we see real trees, water, and mountains in 3D.  The world of talking and fighting owls just increases our curiosity to learn from the world apart from our own.

It's just too bad that we learn to project the evil human realities to the animal world.  Now there is a quest, a fight against evil.  Such innocence is gone.  May we learn from the brutal world of humanity and instill a ray of hope that life and love will still prevail. 

The film may need the guidance of the parents as children would be exposed to violence.

Rating: 3/5