Reviews
Gu zhu yi zhi (2023)
Timely especially because of Guo Ha Ping and Cassandra Ong
Heard about this movie from Reddit, Where it said that this movie made them hate the two people I've mentioned it in the title.
It is an eye-opener for the human trafficking side of things. The movie's antagonists force, the people to work for them, a.k.a. Trafficking. Somehow, they get people hooked on the job first via an email and tell them that they will be working overseas. However, these people do not know that they will be in it for the long haul. They do not know that they have already said yes to being these antagonist' way of making money and at the same time their beating bags if they do not comply.
This film also gives us a side of China, in they really spend a lot of money just so they can help the people who are already addicted and so that they can stop the operations. I think this is very wonderful, especially if this is really what's happening? Also, this gives us another point of view us. It also gives us not only the human tracking victims part but also, the other victims, and they are those have become addicted and made use.
Apart from that, this also confirms what one of the Philippine Congresswomen were talking about during a POGO hearing, and this was that they choose a country, they choose a suburban place to live and to operate, and then, of course they already have their investors ready, and so on (basically, what was shown in the film). Oh
It's not part of the film, but it also opens a side for me at least. This is how these Chinese spies are recruited, of course they have already outstanding warrants in China, that is why they need someone's help from their From their government to erase that crime. And that is how the recent Al Jazeera documentary about the Chinese spy in Thailand somehow gives us and somehow I think this movie adds credibility to that.
This film really made me realize how lenient the Philippine government really is. As they were able to raid Onlin gaming Operatives because someone had already tipped them off and most of the time these are the people who had already escaped twice. And I do remember an Interview with a PAOC officer Who tells us that the people who already escape came to the police first and imagine, some of the people were working in a raided POGO hub would also be found in another one. Like come on!
Mallari (2023)
What's the hype about?
I honestly thought that I'd be seeing something that somehow has a bit of historical twist at least but yeah what they had was this horror movie. I mean, come on, it's the first serial killer in the Philippines and then suddenly it all turns to aswang and kulam. Argh!
I feel like it's slow paced because a lot has gone on and it's only the half of the film. Well, a lot will happen, but was all of it needed?
Sorry, but I just need to point this out, most of the actors don't know how to speak kapampangan. One even called kamaro Cameroo. Lols
Overall great acting from the cast most especially Piolo. But, I have to agree with what everyone is saying, it's not Best Picture material and what is with all the hype?
A Family Affair (2024)
It's a romcom with something else.
Two things!
OK, so the formula for a romcom is there. We have the three situations and also the three answers to that. But apart from that, there's also a bit of self discovery, which the daughter had to have because it is a Family Affair.
Frankly, I'm just so bothered by that jaw. I had to Google Zac Efron plastic surgery, so that I know it's not only me thinking about it. Well, I'm not the only one who is thinking about it. I mean Nicole Kidman's already a given. But come on it's that jaw and all that botox. Zac, How old are you? No really, how old are you? Do you really need that? Apparently, he says that he does. Pssh!
Video City: Be Kind, Please Rewind (2023)
Good plot but ...
Video City: Be Kind, Please Rewind
Good plot but bad execution even on the story. It's 1995, but set and even the costumes aren't from that time. Obviously low budget. Sayang film student, all they watch are pop culture flicks. This movie is "live within their world" type.
Andaming bags na sana classic na lang. Saka yung snaku din na kinakain ni Yassi, iba yung cover ng time na yun, sorry fan ako ng snaku.
Moments of Love. Yung kila dingdong. Yung sa telepono sila nag-uusap. -- my friend and I agreed that this was much better time travel film.
Don't get me wrong i like/love time travel stories and movies. But, this one just didn't hit the mark. Saying it's a five because I still remember the premise even though I watched it last year.
Challengers (2024)
This ain't about tennis
Some of the reviews here are all thinking that this is a tennis movie. Well, for me, it isn't but it makes use of the sport as a good push for the story to unfold and maneuver it to what it's really about, relationships.
The men were best of friends, roomies who understood each other. Both men wanted Tashi, played by Zendaya. However as they were vying for the love of the same of the woman, they forgot each other.
There were a lot of good shots in the tennic match. But the one where both players can be seen from above and from below (I think it was a glass floor ). Even when the camera was moving as a tennis ball, but to be honest after a few rounds it made me go dizzy. Lol.
Men Are from QC, Women Are from Alabang (2024)
Pinoy's take on Men are from Mars. Women are from Venus.
Warning this isn't a romcom. This doesn't provide the usual kilig moments that you look for while you are watching a romance.
Both, it will remind you of your youth. We have Aics played by Heaven Peralejo, who, I assume, is an NBSB. And Tino, the guy who Aics said and is an F boy, but not in the film. The way that they fall in love was somehow quick and the it will remind you of your ligaw or dating or courtship. The movie then moves quickly pans to their first, second and third anniversary. Another way that the movie will also remind you of youth is with its problems. One of which is probably (the only one that I spotted in the movie) was when both of them were having problems communicating. Instead of talking, finding out the problem and hashing it out, one of them proposed that they should move in while the other one said that they should break up. So do you know what they chose, well yeah they moved together. Yes, always choose the quick fix. 🙃
Somehow, the only problem that I have with the movie is with the title and with it being marketed as a romcom. The Men are from Quezon city which is a we know a city in the metro, and the women are from Alabang that is a barangay in Muntinlupa City. Also, can't the wealthier one live in the area that is more affluent? OK, both of them have wealthy and poor areas, but come on.
Elevator (2024)
Realism with a side of romantic, char.
What makes this movie better is it's believable.
At first you wouldn't stop to consider that an elevator boy would do random pitches to hotel guests. But as Jared (Paulo Avelino)'s story unfolds we find out that he got this job for that purpose. Bettina did ask him why not be an IT guy or stay in the country, which Jared counters that in the Philippines money can mostly be made through connections with the rich aka those who were born to privileged families.
A little hesitant going into Bettina's story also, but we find out that she has those reasons on why she was acting that way with Jared. Also, she is a woman who craves respect not attention or money, those are just some of the perks for her. She knows she is beautiful and owns this.
Somehow, formulaic with the three problems needed in a romance, but you won't notice this. And the acting was good. Sorry, but Paulo Avelino owned this character, it's like he deducted points from his kagwapohan and even with the Filipino twang when he speaks English. Lol! Even though, when he does Tagalog, it's smooth (hahah like he's rich smooth). Still, somehow a different Paulo Avelino, simple lang (unlike the one in Linlang, may angas siya doon).
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
Passing the torch?
Probably not the best Ghostbusters film. I have to warn you that the last Ghostbusters film that I saw was way back when, and I can't even remember their names nor the plot, all I know is the song.
Still, it's a heartwarming experience when you see almost all of the OG Ghostbusters in the screen. You also see new characters as well. The lead was McKenna and Paul Rudd. Her brother was sidelined along with their mother and the other new Ghostbusters (but I love Dan Akroyd's blog assistant in the film). There are so many characters that it feels like a new bit of introduction (even to the OG, as we need to know what they have been doing) and not everyone gets a proper exposition to who he or she is. The effects were just okay, but it's not that why we watch it, it's because of the lighthearted fun.
Argylle (2024)
What the?!?
So disappointed with this film. It showed promise on its trailer however, I feel like this is just not for me.
At the first part OK I was still riding it. I was still riding the Elle Conway being a writer who was just somehow of a seer who could see onto someone's future, that was fun. I was still saying OK, this might still have potential when they revealed who the real agent Argylle was - it's R. Kyle. But then, somehow, it just turned into a dance-a-thon. Ack! And I think Sam Rockwell and Bryce Dallas Howard's chemistry fell off as it was revealed what they were partners and lovers.
Also, what's up with all the smoke, is that all CGI/special effects. Why couldn't they even just somehow bring in a smoke machine even just for a bit. The only thing that was cute in the fx really was Alfie the cat, who come on was mainly CGI.
There might be a few questions just like why they needed to brainwash Bryce Dallas Howard, when in fact, she was already working for them. I think it was revealed but I probably wasn't paying attention. It's so ridiculous but at this point it was not ridiculous fun, not unlike first part. That's just me.
Another thing would Henry Cavill be in the next one because if he would be, then I would definitely watch it, even though it might be a corny as this is.
Personal note, rating this as Six because I enjoyed the first part when Elle was still a writer. And, that was when my sister was already saying this is just so corny.
The Covenant (2023)
A Debt of Honor
Or as we Filipinos lile to call it, utang na loob. This is the central plot of the story. Guy Ritchie used the not so addressed issue of the interpreters in Afghanistan, who were promised visas into the United States, and made it into this stunning film.
The way that the first act or the first half of the film showed how the interpreter Ahmed and Sergeant John Kinley built their trust and then, comes this big test of loyalty to the Afghan. The way that the director showed us how the interpreter Ahmed went out of his way to just save the American's life. They were both thirsty, they are both hungry. The US soldier was in pain, but it was the Afghan Ahmed, who was experiencing the brunt and grunt of it all as, John says, in the next part that he was just a passenger.
Then, came an even worse part, which was that Ahmed (and his family) wasn't granted his visa.
I don't think I need to enunciate what happens at the end, because you'll know that it's gonna be a happy ending.
Yet, this made me wonder really how much the US stay true to its words. Not only to the Afghan interpreters, but to the whole world.
Rewind (2023)
Grabe daming bashers.
Please note that I'm not a DongYan fan. And I think that Marian Rivera acted somehow kind of support in this movie, if it wasn't for the opening narration and the end sequence. And it was more of Dingdong Dantes , who actually made me feel the movie better.
Don't get me wrong, Marian made me cry as well.
But, it's just that the movie really is about the man who has everything but fails to appreciate it. That was until, he lost his loving wife in an accident. Both the car accident and the video which triggered her getting mad at him.
Now, we know why Lods told Austin that tomorrow his dad will be proud of him. It's because it's the day of second chances.
The character of Lods was wonderfully set. As it can mean that God is within and every of us. Cue song: One of Us.
I'm turning into a crybaby, especially when it comes to films. But, glad to know that I'm not the only one who got eyes filled with tears.
The Gentlemen (2019)
Fun movie -
Great performances from an all-star cast. Mathew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, you grant, Colin Farrell, and even the racing star in Henry Goulding and Michelle Dockery! I especially love the wife! The actors plus some memorable scenes give it the right balance to its complicated storyline. You'll get it once you see it.
This was I told myself the first saw this movie, but now, after seeing the series on Netflix, seems like I forgot about what the movie is all about. But, I do remember the wife. And I do remember the marijuana Empire. This was why I edited this-Because of the marijuana empire running on the ground. Come on! So probably will watch it sometime.
So, I can once again re-introduced to this movie, as I am binge watching this series.
Apag (2022)
Something missing
Apag, which does not necessarily mean feast but the dining table, shows the different cooking styles of the Kapampangan. It shows a great deal of food being prepped and cooked. First off, I watched this because it was in Kapampangan, and I wanted to test my knowledge of the dialect. Another reason would also have to be the director Brillante Mendoza who we all know is great at what he is doing.
A hit and run is quite common in the country, Philippines, and this was how the story started. Frankly, Rafael would not have run away from the victim of the accident if it wasn't for his father Alfredo, who shoved him off of the driver seat and sped away. So, I think it was somehow right for him to take the blame, but of course he should've asked his son if he wants that. Moreover, they should have admitted the fact that it was Rafael and not Alfredo who was driving the pick up truck that hit Matias but it was his father who became afraid and drove off. I feel somehow that that would have relieved Rafael's guilt.
Over to the family of the victim, Nita, the wife (who was played tremendously well by Gladys Reyes, a much deserved win) have gotten over what happened to his husband. As I remember correctly, she was saying before they DNR-ed her husband that Matias would not have wanted them to feel so much heaviness as he, as she assumed, was also feeling.
Somehow, this was where the big blur of the story happens a few months after Nita and the whole family are working for Rafael and his mother. Why? Why would someone do that? Why would you work for someone who you know killed your husband? And you even brought your entire family with you!
I knew that Mercedes Cabral had an important role in this, but she would always be seen sulking, or standing quietly in the background. I thought it was at first guilt because it was her birthday that was why her brother and her niece went to the market. Then, came the plot twist. Now I want to know what plant was that? Is it easy to obtain? Plus how many leaves did she get? Another question for me is did Nita and her kids know about this?
So many unanswered questions.
Plus, I have to say that most of the acting was below par (except for Gladys Reyes, Jacklyn Jose (in most scenes), and the senator who I did not vote for). I think it's because it is in kapampangan, which I'm thinking not every actor in the movie knows. Julio Diaz was wasted in this movie. Also, the child actors were probably not that used to acting in a movie, they just know the dialect, But, come on even Coco Martin's acting in this movie is meh. And, most of his lines are in Tagalog!
Great use of contacts of Mendoza, as most of the actors here he has already worked with.
Road House (2024)
Dalton and the Bookstore
Jake Gyllenhaal's character Dalton took the job because well, he had no money and no job. But when he arrived at Florida Keys, he was welcomed by a smiling Charlie, young girl, who was selling books, and who gave him a book.
What's this got to do with the story? Hmm, everything, somehow Charlie and the bookstore was a driving factor for Dalton at the third act.
Honestly, this is a good time killer well, except when Conor McGregor shows up, that's when I thought "oh OK this guy is the real villain here it's obvious". And then, of course well he can't act. He doesn't smile in through this one liners, and then all he does is throw punches.
Somehow, this is a worthwhile watch, probably because of Gylenhall's performance or even the background scenes, and it started alright making you want to know more (but don't expect everything because they didn't even say why or what happened in the octagon).
Money Monster (2016)
Surprisingly good
Well, it's not much of a surprise when you see two big stars, George Clooney, and Julia Roberson screen together. But I honestly did not know that they actually paired on another project apart from Oceans and the recent romcom. This was a pick from my streaming service, and I just went with it.
Another big surprise was when the credits rolled is that this movie was directed by Jodie Foster!
Didn't really know how the stock market works even though sometimes I do invest in a few blue chips stocks, but I don't know what glitch was IBIS referring to. I don't think one stock can just go down or plummet down as much as IBIS company in the film did. We all know that this happened in real life during the pandemic, but that was a different state, and almost, if not all of the stocks went down- worldwide.
So it's not just a glitch stop telling us it's a glitch because as Kyle did say he's not stupid and I don't think anyone is really buying it. The guy who played Kyle knows how to keep up with Clooney, who as always thumbs up performance. Roberts as Patty was also good.
I would also like to say that Dianne Lester character was essential to the story. If it wasn't for her, then they wouldn't know what really happened. To all the Dianne Lester of real life, I raise a glass to you and thank you for your bravery.
Mafia Mamma (2023)
It's predictable what can you expect
Toni Colette being in it was somehow a driving factor for me to watch it, but then also when I saw the trailer and saw that there was Monica Bellucci, and it was a farcical comedy. That was why yeah, I said go.
Also, the story is predictable and yes, the plot is unrealistic but, that's how I want my escape viewing to be like. This is only for people who appreciates nonsensical comedy.
Monica Bellucci plays a good support to the confused character played by Toni Colette. I knew that when they were in gym class practicing their self defenses, of course it would be used. Jenny was another good supporting character. She was needed in the film; first as a springboard of emotions and later as her dayjob to the Mafia Mamma.
American Fiction (2023)
Three-Legged Dog Funny
There are two premises in this movie: about the writer who writes an outlandish book that's full of tropes that he hates and his sudden domestic life and *spoiler* girlfriend.
It was a drama, so somehow expected it to be sometimes lagging or falling off. But I really wanted the story to focus more on the writer and his book, which I felt there was a big part that was left out or maybe it was just me.
And, oh yeah, I loved the scene where Coraline and Cliff discussed how Monk was funny, " like a three-legged dog funny".
Overall, I like the movie, because the many different endings offered and the many lines that are so memorable and funny. Also, about the ending, did everyone know in the end who Stagg Leigh was? *spoiler* Or maybe not because it was the movie producer, he was talking to?
Personal note: learned about this because of the SAG awards that was streaming on Netflix, and said I wanted to see this movie, and then, suddenly I see it on another streaming channel. 😂
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024)
Something is missing
The background is just as unique as the cartoons. The costumes the same. Have to say that the casting is right (especially when you compare it to the movie) but I feel like there is something missing. I feel like it's because of the acting I just don't feel the energy or the emotion that the actors are trying to give. I sometimes feel like, they're trying to copy the cartoons, and not making their own version. It's all right as it is all based in the cartoons, but from what I remember, there seems to be some differences and also, this is a live action version. That is why making their own interpretation of the characters would have helped , even though, yeah, they have the same hairstyle, costumes, and almost everything . Another thing, is that I hoped for the next season if ever, there will be one, is that all the important actors would have known how to move like martial arts masters.
I've waited long for this series, but the cartoons still is top tier for me. Never mind the movie, that was just a mess. If they have a season two, I will watch it also. But I do hope that it's better than this season.
(And if ever another showrunner wants to do another series just like this one I do hope that it's better than this.)
Rating is 6.5, I just don't like it that they gave us the princess already. That's why I gave it the six.
GomBurZa (2023)
Pelaez is here
I would not say that I am a history buff. But, As far as my memory of Nick Joaquin's book A Question of Heroes goes, this movie is accurate. Andoon pa nga si Pelaez e, tunay na bayani. Akala ko hindi ako maaawa kay Zamora, andoon din. I didn't feel anything for Zamora when I read that he was just a gambler who was just mixed up because his last name started with Z. But, the movie made me pity him.
Just don't mind the Spanish accents of some actors (buti pa si Jaime Fabregas). Plus some of the costumes had a bit of difference, I didn't notice this but the people who were watching with me did.
Still, it is a great movie especially for students. It has historical value. That's why I rated it high.
Foe (2023)
Wait, rewind!
Saoirse Ronan made me watch this and she made me stay lone enough for that "wait, rewind" twist.
Okay, so it's the lights that somehow started him. But, but... why do they need to end the copy? Why? Why? Wouldn't the real person be back in space?
What they had was love 💗. That was the kind of love the woman craved, to be treated as special as he was treating her. Why?!
And when she left!
The beatle at the ending was the giveaway and Junior didn't care! So, who's having an affair now?
If you ask me , the ending was unfair to her as she had her love ended right in front of her. While Junior has his. Like, that's not justice.
The Family Plan (2023)
Is the baby CGI?!?!!
Going in, I knew this was an easy watch. In fact, I was booking a flight when I watched this. And this didn't cause any errors in my booking. So.
Michelle somehow makes it equal as her male lead. Plus, I love how many times she tried to relive her sporty past, but it was a throw that did it. Lol!
The kid actors were great. But, is Max CGI or animated robot? The action scenes with that baby is just so intense. I feel sorry if that was a real baby! Come on!
Overall, I think this is a fun watch, something you can see when you just need to relax and not think about things or scenes that do matter, because you'll get it.
Saltburn (2023)
More from Emerald Fennell
Manipulative pathological liar coaxes his way to rich family home.
I thought that Barry Keoghan's performance in The Banshees of Inisherin was a one-time thing, so glad that he proved me wrong!!!
He had me feeling sorry for him too. Like, wtf! Is what somewhere near the middle that I started having doubts. But, to be that manipulative (and to be raised by a loving family)!
It was the director Emerald Fennell that made me watch this film. Didn't even see the trailer nor did I know the story. Glad that I watched it because if I dioI would have had missed Barry's dance on that mansion in the end scene.
American Beauty (1999)
spoiler warning
Angela Hayes is the typical concept of an American Beauty, blond hair and blue eyes and projects an image of modernity and of liberation. She has an image of a slut. She goes around telling her friends that she has done it with a photographer. After all, according to her that's the way it is done. She likes the attention. It is her way of rising up to the mediocrity. If she walks in to a room and people stare at her it gives her the confidence to believe that indeed she is beautiful. It assures her that is neither ordinary nor boring and can there for be a model like what she always dreamed of. Angela's confidence on herself is a mere fictitious impression of what it is really she wants to become. Yet, Angela is really vulnerable.
Lester Burnham, father of Jane, friend of Angela became infatuated with Angela after seeing her for the first time cheer dancing. He already had a sexual desire for her. That instant attraction somehow made a U-turn in Lester's life. At first he wanted to know more about Angela. He began making calls then hanging up. Then he over hear a conversation that Jane and Angela was having. Angela finds him cute and thinks he needs to work out. Lester then wanted to look good naked. He began jogging everyday and lifting weights. He wanted Angela to feel what it was that he was feeling, that sexual desire. He wanted to look good for her. H wanted to be beautiful so that he can get into Angela's pants.
Lester began realize to the things around him are not like what it used to be. His family was not one that was happy. His wife was a self-centered career woman and he was not anymore talking to his daughter. They were not in like in the pictures where they were smiling. His wife and his daughter always got what they wanted and nobody seemed to take notice of him anymore. He doesn't complain about what they were doing. He was tired of it. He relieved his youth first by quitting his high paying job for work at a fast food chain then buying himself a sports car. A Pontiac Firebird, a car which his cousin had when he was younger, something he always wanted.
Lester desires for Angela was coming to life one night when he found her crying. Lester comforted her. As the sexual tension heats up, Angela told Lester that it was her first time. Lester finely saw the innocence in Angela. She was just like Jane still a child in many ways. In the end Lester realizes that Carolyn and Jane are the beauty that is in his life already. He was contented with the things he had in life.
Jane is a brunette girl who is usually with Angela. Ricky Fits their new next door neighbor seems to be always filming her. Jane is interesting for Ricky; she is beautiful, a solemn girl who lives next door. At first, when he films her appears to be irritated but when she turns her back and he looks closer she is smiling. She likes it.
Ricky's concept of beautiful is whatever that is can be seen in this world. He is able to look beyond that traditional notion of beauty and finds it in uncommon places. Like a dead bird or plastic bag, he sees things life in perspective as beautiful. He lives not by aesthetic subjectivism. What one person can find ugly, another may find as attractive. It is like God looks through him as he sees beauty. That's why he films things in his everyday.
Time moves forever in one direction and it cannot be stopped. In a physical sense the past and the future don't exist. Everything we do, everything we achieve, every bit of happiness we experience -- they are all eventually buried in the past by time. Recording subjective beauty is a way by which one can challenge to recover beauty from the past into the present because time eventually destroys all beauty.
The blond girl and the black haired are the two comparisons between the two types of beauty. Angela's notion of herself as attractive is stereotypical of those blond and blue eyes. She fixes herself and brags to Jane how many times she has done it with guys and stuff; giving surety of herself of how good she really looks and making more Jane insecure. Jane however does not care about her looks. Jane finds consolation with Ricky and also finds out they have a lot in common. Ricky who sees much beauty in this world also sees her as beautiful.
The title of the movie "American Beauty" gives a metaphor to a kind of rose. It is a type of rose to represent beauty. Beauty is seen through one's point of view. The blond hair and blue eyes is Lester's concept of beauty. In reality beauty is everywhere. The film presents a deeper meaning to the word beauty. It seems like each character had a meaning with in them with a fantasy that needs to be realized.