ERRATUM

In the review "Indiana Jones", "wife and "skull" should have been written as "wife and son".

My humble apologies!

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Indiana Jones is at it again after 10 years - still savvy and alert. Together with his wife and skull, he embarks on a journey to Peru in search of the crystal skull that unlocks all secrets and knowledge.

It's back to memory lane for the producers and audience of Indiana Jones, but this time, the digital special effects blend seamlessly with the whole picture. The music is alive as was before. Most of all, Harrison Ford is a true Indiana Jones classic no matter what time or place he is in.

The same reality lies underneath every Indiana Jones episode. For this one, it is greed and covetousness. But important than these is the triumph of love and family, the real treasures of life.

Rating: 3/5

Strange Wilderness

Strange Wilderness is a film about a TV host of the same title who has to save the show from being removed from the station's programs.

Poorly written, this film is for those who opt for mindless viewing. Thriving on senseless themes and vulgar language, it is not recommended for young viewers. It may also insult the sensibilities of the adults.

There has more to using humor to entertain than Strange Wilderness.

Rating: 2/5

Superhero Movie

Superhero Movie is a parody of a popular superhero film "Spiderman", only that in this case, it's "the Dragonfly" and his misadventures.

This film belonging to the "Scary Movie" family is consistent with their conventions of humor - from the ridiculous and hilarious to "toilet" jokes. It could be useful for those who want simply to be entertained, no more, no less. However, it could be a good break for Nickelodeon actor Drake Bell as he appears animated and natural.

Films made in the name of humor and mindless watching do not exempt them from their moral responsibilities. That is why "Superhero Movie" needs parental guidance, for the young viewers to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy humor. It would be better if after watching, the audience would come out not only entertained, but learned something good as well. Superhero Movie doesn't offer anything inspiring in the field of humor.

Rating: 3/5

The Forbidden Kingdom

The Forbidden Kingdom is a film about a young American who is unexpectedly entrusted the task to deliver the legendary stick to imprisoned Monkey King back in ancient China.

The script is excellently written for action stars Jet Lee and Jacky Chan. Michael Argano's role as the American teen-age Jason is properly defined so as not to shift attention away from these two excellent actors. The whole production is well-done, more particularly, the music and special effects. Overall, it is a seamless masterpiece.

It is a challenge to uphold native cultural values while merging it with other cultures. More than Martial arts which is a source of entertainment for some and source of discipline for others, the film contains values that the Chinese hold so dearly which could be shared to the rest of the world as well. The timeless adage of the triumph of good over evil is always an inspiration for all people to pursue the good and realize it in their lives.

Film rating: 3.5/5

Horton hears a who?

Dr. Seuss' Horton hears a who? is a story of an elephant who discovers life in a speck of a flower and he does everything to protect it.

This simply amazing film captures everything the mind could imagine - seamless script, fast but comprehensible story pace, enjoyable animation, and excellent beat. There's never a dull moment in this film and the music heightens the emotion. It's entertainingly compelling to people of all ages, but especially tailored for children.

From the world of talking animals and fantastically smaller worlds, the film orients us to a greater harmony that should exist among all persons whether "big" or "small". As Horton would always remark, "After all, a person is a person, no matter how small." Funny how it seems, but this film would also be an excellent material to introduce us to the world beyond what we can actually see; a world where faith counts a lot. Faith is to believe in a greater reality outside of us that is protecting us; to hint, it is the world of the Divine. But it is also works inwards when we believe in us and in others. If we give ourselves and others a chance to do and be good, existence in this world would truly be more meaningful.


rating: 5/5

Jumper

"Jumper" is a story of a boy, who in discovering his special talent of transporting himself to different places, has to save himself from those who threaten to kill people like him.

This Hollywood film brings to life the fantasy of obtaining anything a person wants, of course with a consequence that he regrets on doing later on. The science fiction aspects makes all things possible, even killing.

Every decision comes with a price. That's why it is important to stay with ones limitations without hurting another. Let us also be responsible with the gifts we have.

Rating: 3/5

The Spiderwick Chronicles

The Spiderwick Chronicles is a story a mysterious Spiderwick mansion and a boy who accidentally opens a magic book, and now the ogre and other creatures are coming to get the book and kill the humans while the boy has to undo what he has done.

What catches attention is the music that adds up to the suspense as well as other emotions in the film. Other than that, almost all else are satisfactory - the children's acting, animation, and cinematography. The script is super fast-paced that there's no time to engage the audience emotionally. The dark scenes annoy more than create suspense. Overall, it's still an entertaining film.

This fantasy-adventure film fits the young target market; it's amazing how the author could give life to fairies and ogres and at the same time bring across the message of love always present in parents and children. But the film can be for adults as well, especially the parents. Separated parents should think hard on the consequences of their action, not only from their own point of view, but also from the innocent who would be most affected by the separation - the children carrying unhealed wounds in their whole lives while waiting patiently to be healed.


Rating: 3.5/5

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

Fool's Gold

Photo courtesy of: marineteam.net

This is a film about an estranged man and woman recently divorced, who are on to some hidden treasure that no one else knew about and believed.

Casting's perfect for this movie with lots of adventure, comedy, action, and romance for Matthew McCanaughey and Kate Hudson, with Matthew bordering between overacting and being a heartthrob. Kate on the other hand is a natural; you can feel in her the tension between love and disappointment. The script has some nice comedic punchlines and the underwater scenes are superb. Other than that everything seemed glued to the typical feel-good conventions.

Unfortunately, "Fool's Gold" is simply what it is. One might expect that it would be much more than hidden treasures; no other than love to be exact. Sad to say, after capitalizing on love's theme, the film wants to get the best of both worlds, reverting back to the world of fools, and the fools are not just the characters' longings, but the potential audience lured to this false sense of happiness.

Rating: 3/5

Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber on Fleet Street

This is a story of a man who goes back to London to take revenge on someone who took him away from his loved one.

Using creative technology, the film manages to getting an intriguing look in its presentation. It also capitalizes on ever popular Johnny Depp as the infamous Sweeney Todd, a mystical figure who despite of his dark character, has the ability to sing well! How can you ever despise the guy? The music is dark, appropriate for the movie. The only thing is it may really be dark physically as well as dark inside the characters' hearts.

Vengeance always leads to a dead end; the only thing is how it leads to its tragic ending, which is after all the core of classic theaters. But this film is darkness in its very core, and the music pushes everything to their limits. Morally speaking, it is quite the same thing, when all characters, including children, seemed to have lost the very core of what it means to be human. And for Sweeney Todd, the world does not seem to have any hope at all.

Watch it with utmost care for your innermost sensibilities. Definitely not recommended for young people.

Rating: 2/5

Alvin and the Chipmunks

Released by: 20th Century Fox

"Alvin and the Chipmunks" is a film about a man who adapts 3 singing squirrels.

Intended for children, this is generally a "feel-good" movie. Though extremely lacking in a sensible script, they are enjoyable to watch and made for entertainment using digital technology. At long last, the classic characters "Alvin, Theodore, and Simon" were brought to life; their presence brings a lot of good memories, and they recall to mind the vivaciousness of Alvin and the unique altered voices of the trio whose albums, including one produced for Christmas, were instant hits.

The character "Alvin" might not be too appropriate for children for he simulates "Dennis, the Menace", but generally, the film can inspire families to appreciate what it means to be one, including parenthood and the gift of children. Beyond all successes, the basic realities of love and family are still the most treasured gifts of all.

Rating: 3/5

I am legend

Starring: Will Smith
Released by: Warner Brothers

"I am Legend" is a story of a man who searches for the antidote to a virus that has inflicted almost, if not, all of the residents of futuristic New York.

Will Smith is truly the x-factor that contributed to the overhwelming success of this film with his all-natural acting. Also, creating futuristic, barbaric New York is amazing, with streets and buildings corrupted by time. The script is seamless and believable; overall you'll be entertained watching this film.

This film exposes the tremendous contributions of scientific inventions; but they are also potential sources of the death of humankind. Somewhere along the film is the struggle between man's ingenuity and God's power - when will man stop playing the role of God? Eventually, there's a significant part of the film that calls of a subtle resignation to God's will The various symbols effectively represent the role of the Divine in the life of humanity; we just have to "listen".

Rating: 4.5 / 5

The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass is a story of a orphaned girl who wants to go up north to witness a parallel world whose knowledge about it is kept hidden from many by the magisterium.

One cannot deny how much is spent for this movie given its digital effects and other factors which makes it as truly an entertaining piece of art. The screenplay is precise, written in the language of the children and the music makes one jump up from his chair and be moved to action. The cast performed its role quite well. Cinematography is excellent. Visual language through film does give the imagination some degree of satisfaction.

Many controversial issues have been raised about the film before its showing, some based on religious arguments, others, whether it could be at par with the Lord of the Rings.

It is true that some aspects of the film are worth commending e.g., the intimate relationship between humans and their daemons in animal form. Hurt one and you hurt them both. Whatever they symbolize, it seems like the daemon is a person's best friend; he is something that represents his very self. Another example is how the film values friendship and loyalty.

However, the writer's concept of the truth as something that others want to be kept hidden needs to treated with a grain of salt. Could others become so powerful for so long as to hide the truth and keep the rest in the darkness of ignorance? Or could it be that truth cannot be manipulated, for truth sets everyone free? If it were the former, then the viewers, especially the children are forewarned about seeing this film considering that the writer who is intent on guarding the truth represented by the golden compass may actually be the one "manipulating" the viewers' minds to see truth the way he see it.

As such, the stereotypical of the battle between good and evil may not be stereotypical at all; its visual symbols needs to be examined under watchful eyes.

Rating: 2.5/5

Evan Almighty

"Evan Almighty" is a story of a Evan Baxter who prayed to change the world and the Lord answering his prayers in the most unpopular way possible!

“Evan Almighty” is a timely sequel to 2003's "Bruce Almighty" with a creative twist, nemesis Evan Baxter gets to receive God's prank! Although we kinda missed Jim Carrey, Steve Carell puts on his unique rendition of a man who talks to God. The animation worked pretty well, and we are satisfactorily entertained by harmonious display of animals. All in all, the film is fast-paced and should be slowed down to give way to more emotions.

But beyond all technicalities, Evan Almighty is an example of how religious themes could be as relevant and as entertaining as with other genres using digital animation and still get their message across millions of audience both young and old. God is alive here and now, and the messages as old as Noah will find their way to the present.

Rating: 4/5

Stardust

It is a story about a young man who traverses the other side of the wall of London to capture the star for the girl he loves.

Stardust is a classic made by a modern day novelist Neil Gaiman. Simulating C. S. Lewis' "Narnia" and Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" makes this movie admirable. It transcends fantasy that appeals to children to the world of spiritual symbols for the adults to ponder deeply. The screenplay then becomes seamless and believable; its effects stunning. Much more, the characters make this film human and entertaining.

Stardust speaks of a spiritual truth of "Someone out there looking down on us like the stars in the sky." How true it is when we question who's looking at whom, us looking at the stars or vice versa? When we look at things from the point of view of stars we begin the understand the greater picture of what life means and what love is all about. Even the stars become lonely when they see wars and conflicts envelop the earth. The star points to God and our desire to reach Him.

Rating: 5 / 5

The Malu Fernandez tragedy: Hurray to Pinoy Bloggers!

Ever since Malu Fernandez wrote the infamous article in People Asia Magazine deriding OFWs, Boracay, and the Philippines itself as Third World, Filipino bloggers and internet users have banded as one in demanding that Manila Standard / People Asia Magazine either compel Malu to apologize to the public or to fire her for her irresponsible, unprofessional, and even unskilled writing abilities that produced nothing except junk, anger, and prejudice against fellow Filipinos.

To date, neither Manila Standard hasn't done any of these nor Malu Fernandez apologized. Instead, she defended herself in her article entitled “Am I a diva? Or do you lack common sense?”

They only enhanced traditional media's "one-way" downward approach of bringing its news and issues. But they only continue to lend deaf ears to thousands of readers who are very irate by now because of their insensitivity to OFWs, including families and friends. They may have a list of email addresses or a "feedback section" by which readers could air their grievances, but we still see the trapo mentality of "those who have the money have the only authority to give the message to the readers".

This inadequacy of traditional media just solidified the ground for an alternative, more promising and relevant mass-based form of public expression - blogging. Search anything about "Malu Fernandez" on google or yahoogroups and you'd see thousands of bloggers condemning her prejudicial outlook against hard-working Filipinos who by far are the ones saving our country from financial disaster. This may also signal the end of traditional media and the blossoming of real media which represents more concretely the sentiments of the masses who have very limited access in a highly-valued page of a newspaper.

The blog can be an arena for the sharing of ideas of many instead of just a small number of people who think that they are the only ones who have the authority to write. The concept of chosen editorial writers are now a thing of the past simply because the convention of representing a common sentiment simply doesn't hold water.

Pinoy blogging also brings out the developing identity of the Pinoy which Ms. Fernandez totally overlooked because of her narrow-minded view of the Filipino psyche. The real Filipino is not just a passive receptor or a victim of those who have power or riches. Now, the majority of the Filipinos start to speak out their displeasure of things and people. They openly condemn any form of discrimination against fellow Filipinos, and don't give a damn whether they are rich or poor, have or have-not. For them, it's time to break the barriers set up by people like Malu Fernandez. Now, we are certain that there is a Filipino identity that treats everyone else EQUAL with no conditions whatsoever.

Though Ms. Fernandez explained that her article is intended only for an "elite" few, don't believe every word she says. The moment an article goes into the press, it begins to be a public property and is subject to feedback, whether criticism or praise. That's why it's called mass media. She is not writing her personal diary and locked up in her dark room. Otherwise, such writer might not have any "common sense", or a sense of the "common."

Finally, media institutions should humble themselves and open their eyes to the reality that they don't have the monopoly of information, but only a speck or a fragment of it. They should stop using mass media for profit by putting on some cheap stunt. Otherwise, let them warn the readers by putting up a warning sign, "The articles presented here do not represent the sentiment of the company; rather, they are figments of writer's own imagination." The ordinary person's article on a blog is as relevant as what is written in major dailies or magazines.

The readers should also be aware of this new reality before they buy a newspaper. If the newspaper doesn't resonate with their sentiments, let them boycott them altogether. Unless Malu Fernandez and / or Manila Standard make just retribution to the Filipinos, in particular to the OFWs and their families, they will only fall on the verge of oblivion and irrelevance.

Rush Hour III

A Chinese inspector and an American policeman meet again to search the Chinese Ambassador's assassin. All clues lead to Paris.

Rush Hour III is purely about entertainment, zany lines, and Jacky Chan's amazing stunts. But the investigative wonders fall sharply backwards as compared with the more complicated crime stories of the Ocean's Thirteen and Bourne Ultimatum. What results then is slapstick comedy with amazing lines from Chris Tucker.

Beyond the entertainment value is the issue of friendship and brotherhood. As time goes by, relationships do become sweeter and stronger.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

The Simpsons Movie

The Simpsons just hit the big screen, with Homer "doing it again!" and causing havoc to the environment. It jeopardizes the health of the whole town that President Schwarzenegger decides to seal Springfield with a big plastic dome.

Though the Simpons are noted for being campy, creating endless surprises and amazement among the audience, it didn't quite reach the "campiness" level it deserves. It may have chosen an appropriate and a timely theme, but it didn't tackle it that effectively. It fell back to the level of an ordinary cartoon situation failing to rise above its expected depth and style.

One would show the using Simpson conventions of undoing every problem they have done. Beyond that, Ned Flanders may be the man of the show, as he would provide what Bart sorely needs - a caring father. It's true that Homer is hilarious and ridiculous. But he may have been a bit too much for the audience to handle.

Rating: 3/5

Bourne Ultimatum

It's Matt Damon's third part of the Bourne film titled "Bourne Ulitmatum", a story of Jason Bourne dodging new, superior assassins as he searches for his unknown past while a government agent tries to track him down.

It's so consistent with the first two parts and ties the whole trilogy seamlessly. Though there may be a lot of impossibilities with this fiction movie, it can effectively get the audiences' approval. Matt fits the role consistently as he did in the past.

Intended for adult audiences because of its violent scenes, it would even be advisable for them to be more critical about the film. It did succeed in portraying violence in a Hollywood style, action-packed way, but still, violence is violence, especially when it comes to getting away from the law. The film dwells on sensitive issues as brainwashing, retaliation, and violence. No amount of reasoning can justify a violent act. Sooner or later, the film has to opt for a way to end the cycle of violence. In a way, "Bourne Ultimatum" showed that.

Rating: 3.5 / 5