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

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

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

You're still the one

"You're still the one" is a film about two childhood sweethearts whose love never seems to meet.

The technical side is seamless, a source of pride of Star Cinema, although there are inconsistencies in the cultural behaviors of the different era.  The script has a sense and leads towards a desirable ending.

The only thing to watch out for are moral assumptions in the movie - premarital sex and adultery which is portrayed as too casual and accepted among Filipinos.  Let us be sensitive to those who uphold the sacredness of married life and of true friendships.

Rating: 2.5/5

Pitch Perfect 2

Pitch Perfect 2 is a film about a group of high school girls who has to save their sinking reputation.

Without being a spoiler, endings for genres such as these would most likely be predictable.  The only concern is how to get there.  On the technical side, the musical parts are very interesting and entertaining.

There is much more than singing with technical expertise.  Get into the soul of things.  You'll see, friendships do matter.

Rating:  3/5

Maze Runner

Maze Runner is a film about a young man who yearns to do the impossible: to get out of the deadly maze!

The special effects add to the intensity of the story plus of course, the natural acting of Dylan O'Brian.

The message of the story focuses around going out of maze.  But could this apply to the mazes of human life?  And how do we cope up with them?  Of course, for Hollywood films, problems are always solved and resolved, giving us good feelings after watching them.

For all its worth, kudos to the power of the human spirit to struggle despite all odds  to do something rather than sit around helplessly.

Rating: 3/5

Hercules

Hercules is a film about a demigod who assists a displaced king against a tyrant.

There are many flaws in the story such that Hercules is relegated to a simple name.  The story line,  dialogue, and choice of characters put a dent to the plausibility the whole film.  Hercules is a name by itself and so is Dwayne Johnson.  But they don't quite go together.

Hercules depicts man's interior strength and his capacity to fight all odds.  But better be sure that whatever strength we have as men/women, we may use it not for evil but for good.  The real strength of man is if he can place himself in the service of righteousness.

Rating: 3/5

Rio 2

Rio 2 is a sequel of a rare city-bred bird and his family adjusting to their new life in the jungle.

The story is as thin as it gets. However, the Brazilian music is superb and the basic story line can pass.  Animation is fast-paced.  It's generally entertaining and meant for the whole family to enjoy.

Values passed on in this movie are love for family and environment. Despite the modern technology, the beauty of nature is still incomparable.  Of course, enjoy the Brazilian music!

Rating: 3/5

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

The Heat

The Heat is a film about 2 seemingly opposite characters who became the best of friends.

Of course with the Hollywood style nothing could go wrong.  This film presents the most typical of conventions - script, beats, acts, etc., all except the main characters - Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy.  Here are two women with the strength of a man.  Moreover, the dashes of comedy make The Heat a truly entertaining film.

Much more that conventions and role reversals, the film strives to enunciate friendship, life's true worth not in power but in self-dedication, and of course, love for family.  Enjoy watching!

Rating: 3.5/5

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

Man of Steel

Man of Steel is a story of a man who searches for his identity and makes proper use of this to win against the nemesis.

The animation is none like it!  No episodes of artistic portrayal or slow motions.  Everything is done fast paced.  I would consider noble the life-like portrayal of battles and destruction that leaves out nothing for the imagination.  The animated special effects plus the icon of Superman making itself alive in today's times are all meant to visualize in the mind, boost and perpetuate what is basically the American myth - invincible, confident, and and inherently gifted with the sense of righteousness coming from of old.

Undeniably, everyone would amazed at the feat of Superman.  All will fall in love with him.  But it is worth reminding ourselves that the gift of righteousness and courage is not what is out there but in each one of us.  This very identity that makes us human can also be our base to search for what is truly divine in us all - our capacity to change the world for good until we recognize the ultimate goodness that comes from on high.

rating: 3.5/5

Hangover 3

Hangover 3 is the end to a trilogy of four friends that want to capture a long time nemesis and finally attain lasting peace in their lives.

The film may have elicited a reaction against race.  Otherwise, this is classified as a campy film whose objective is nothing else except to save a friend.

What really is the basic storyline that binds these stories?  The third episode definitely lacks the pizzazz of the first two. Even Bradly Cooper is not as zany as he was in the first two episodes.

The only remaining thing worth salvaging in this movie is friendship, loyalty, and love.  Come to think of it, only virtues like these really last forever.

Rating: 3/5

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

Oblivion

Oblivion is a film about a man who has recurring dreams about the past that he wants to recover what was erased from his mind.

The film tries to address a possible scenario of the future; the fear of future annihilation has finally come. What would the world be like after that? Be ready to enter into the world of fantasy because in that world, anything is possible.

On the other hand, there will always be hope for mankind that tries to correct its wrongdoing.  It may be the only consistent thing on earth.

Rating: 3/5

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