Burn After Reading

I don't think I have seen any of the Coen Brothers' films. Which is a shame, really. Because after watching this one, I realized that the dark comedy genre is something I truly enjoy.

Burn After Reading (2008)

A film by Ethan and Joel Coen

Two gym employees, a former CIA analyst, and a treasury department employee's lives cross and interfere with one another because of a disc found in a women's gym's locker room.

The plot was intentionally messy (in a good way). With the lives of all the characters connected and heavily-tangled, the film could get a little confusing. However, despite the several layers happening all at once, the humor remained constant. The plot and its subplots were constructed perfectly, its ending was not surprising to have a satisfying turn-out. Sum it up with such talented actors, and you have an overall entertaining piece.

I have never seen this side of Brad Pitt before, and he owned it. The adoring John Malkovich has proven himself over and over again. The rest of its glorious casts including George Clooney, Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins and Tilda Swinton made me fall even more.

With the unique, and sometimes disturbing kind of humor the dark comedy genre offers, it is not much of a surprise to know it has some kind of a cult following. But with its brilliance, the genre, indeed, deserves every fan who appreciates. And no doubt about it, it's the Coens' specialty.

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Hello, Seoul!

When it comes to overexposure of anything kawaii (cute), I think Koreans and Japanese do it best. While soap operas and the like are the Filipinos' cup of tea, they have their own magic. Just like the Thais, but a little better.

Hello, Stranger (2010)

A film by Banjong Pisanthanakun

Two Thais (Chantawich Tanasewi and Nuengtida Sopon) with their own motives fly to Seoul and accidentally cross paths. The two agree to hide their real identities for the sake of having fun and not getting attached.

There was nothing much to its narrative. The couple only toured Seoul. Though it was not exactly awful (because the country was really beautiful), the film was quite long, repetitive, and predictable. It failed to have a convincing first and second culminations (it's a freaking fictional romantic comedy, make the leading man a little more like a prince charming or at least less of an asshole). Nevertheless, the actors have natural chemistry. The female lead, whom I have seen for the first time, looked a lot like Baifern (First Love). While I first saw her male-counterpart, Chantawich Tanasewi, in the 2008 horror film Coming Soon. It was refreshing not to see him screaming all the time. Aside from the leads (who had the two-hour exposure together consistently), there's not much to say about the supporting cast members. But Hello, Seoul is still entertaining and filled with kilig moments (that were just not sewn perfectly). It was fun getting to tour Seoul, even only in the movies.

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Blackbird

It's five forty-one in the morning, and this book is not planning to give me a good night sleep.



The Perks of Being a Wallflower (1999)
by Stephen Chbosky

The book is an epistolary novel about Charlie, as he battles his fears from the past, and faces every day struggles of a teenager at school and at home, along with his friends, Sam and Patrick.

Chbosky opened us into the world of adolescence, trauma, and teenage struggles with drugs and alcohol; easily making the story as awakening as it was haunting. Eye-opening, in a sense like it was written particularly for all the readers.

Aside from the story that we established was already perfection, the cultural references further empowered the emotions the book was inflicting upon its readers. The music, films, and books mentioned were equally illuminating. It was a natural response to want to hear, see, and read all of them to keep the connection. From films The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Dead Poets Society; to shows like M*A*S*H; to the music of The Beatles, Nirvana, and The Smiths; you would grew even more attached to the book and its characters. It was nice to know many beautiful creations in one book.

We are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we'll never know most of them. But even if we don't have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there. We can still do things. And we can try to feel okay about them.

When I reached the last page of the book, I did not want it to be over. You know that feeling you get when you cannot stop reading, but at the same time, you do not want it to end yet? Because it became a part of you in a short span of time.

I crave for more books of Chbosky. And oh, how I'd love to receive mixed tapes as presents (or even a lovely playlist).

CUE IN: BACKGROUND MUSIC
(among the songs mentioned in the book; a favorite, classic Beatles)

I believe that things are good with him, because he said it is. And if it was not, I know, it will be.

(photo is owned by site; video from youtube)

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Magically Phenomenal

"Harry Potter."

A name everyone probably knows, and sometimes, too well.

It is, without hesitation, among the most notable fictional characters of today. From books to films, Harry Potter touches lives of people of all ages and will surely touch lives of many generations to come.

Seeing the final film of the series in the big screen was overwhelming. It was inexplicable. I grew up with it (and collected a lot of stuff about it). It was one of the greatest marks of our generation. And it was beyond perfection.

So I have not read the novels yet. For that, I am sorry. But Harry Potter will always have a special place in my heart. Because despite not knowing every little detail about the trio and the Wizarding world (like the readers do), I know, I have loved them, still. It's a part of my childhood, a part of me, after all.

"Whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home." — J.K. Rowling

Thank you, J.K Rowling, for creating such a wonderful masterpiece for humans to enjoy. You are a hero.

Today, I witnessed the end of a great franchise. But not the end of its glorious era.

On a lighter note, there's Pottermore.

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A Thing For The Classics

I think you will never go wrong with 'the classics' (but yes, depends on how you define it). But really, the classics are timeless. And whatever that may be -- a movie, a song, or a book, for it to be remembered after several years (or even decades, centuries), there has got to be (at least one) something special about it.

With that being said, Mark Steven Johnson's When in Rome (2010) is obviously not a 'classic'. Bear with me, because the next one is.

Kristen Bell plays Beth Martin, a busy bee who may or may not be unlucky in love. Down and desperate, during her visit in Rome for her sister's wedding, Beth finds herself caught up in a crazy mess with several guys (stalking?) trying to win her heart after stealing coins from the Fountain of Love.

Nothing extraordinary about this one. Given your typical narrative, the only beautiful thing about this movie is Veronica Mars finding true love in the perfect form possible — Josh Duhamel. And because of this pairing, the plot has somehow become tolerable, and (fine) entertaining enough to satisfy my kilig craving. Still, the ending was awful. Rome was ethereal though.

So, yes. Here's a real classic. Gary Marshall's Pretty Woman (1990). Julia Roberts as a hooker.

Edward Lewis (Richard Gere), a rich business man who needs a little time away from his busy life finds a beautiful hooker (Julia Roberts) to escort her in social events. Eventually, he falls in love with her.

Despite the really predictable story, Gere and Roberts simply have a certain kind of unforgettable chemistry that would make you want to watch this movie. Oblivious about the fact that Roberts plays a hooker here, I was in a bit of shock when I found out. Because seriously, she cannot pass as a prostitute (she just can't). Not that she did not give a remarkable performance (because she did, and that's actually 80 percent of the reason why Pretty Woman is one of the most notable chick flicks of today), but because she was too classy. In my mind, she will always be that bubbly girl in My Best Friend's Wedding. Playing as a hooker and still looking flawless. While Gere is simply charming. His eyes and smile is prince-like, making this Cinderella-story very fitting.

We all know that they would fall in love, and (yes) would end up together, yet their fist kiss appeared so magical. I guess, I'd have to give a point for that well-written screenplay.

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Joe Dirt

Watching Date Night for the nth time, and still laughing so hard like the first time. I will always adore the brains inside the beautiful faces of Tina Fey and Steve Carell. 

Date Night (2010)

Directed by Shawn Levy

Written by Josh Clausner

A boring couple (Steve Carell and Tina Fey) from New Jersey wants a romantic night out when they decide to take somebody else's reservation in a restaurant. Stealing the identity of the Tripplehorns, their boring night turns into one of the most dangerous and exciting adventures of their lives.

One word: hilarious. I may be a tad biased because I am clearly a fan of Tina Fey and Steve Carell, but this film has a perfectly written screenplay. If there are any plot holes, I am oblivious to it because I was too busy being entertained. Aside from the obvious chemistry of the two leads, all the funny punchlines worked in every turning point of the story. The party got even better as Mila Kunis and James Franco joined the adventure as the Tripplehorns. Just the right comedy-action movie for the weekend!

Meanwhile, in a very different light. Let's talk about a biopic movie of one of the world's legendary icons.

Amelia (2009)
Directed by Mila Nair

From the title itself, the film tells the life story of legendary pilot, Amelia Earhart, in the 30s, as she attempts to fly around the world, and disappears over the Pacific.

I know very little about Ms. Earhart. I remember singing to Switchfoot's song Someday We'll Know, "Whatever happened to Amelia Earhart, who holds the stars up in the sky..." Because sadly, up until now, we don't really know. And I guess, that's partly why biopic movies automatically become interesting — we see a part of a non-fictitious person's life. It may be sensationalized, and lacking accuracy and information most of the time, it will still be eye-opening. It may not answer all our questions, having a glimpse of the era they lived in and the real-life significant contributions to the world they made will always be mind-blowing.

Though the film, Amelia, offered very limited facts about the first female aviator who flew solo across the Atlantic Ocean, it was still quite a revelation. Her passion and strong spirit to fly remain an inspiration to many. No danger nor criticisms from people stopped her from fulfilling her dreams. And despite the unfortunate end to her adventure, we all know that she was one bad-ass woman with a strong determination.

In addition, it was lovely watching Ewan McGregor who continuously sweeps us off of our feet. Making us swoon with his dreamy voice in Moulin Rouge; taking us to out-of-this-world adventures in Big Fish; and now, winning our hearts with his charm in Amelia. Of course, who would forget his remarkable portrayal of the famous Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars franchise. I'm raising a glass for Ewan and his Scottish folks (throw in some James McAvoy in there as well)!

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Like A Boss

All kinds of relationships should have to be mutually beneficial for all parties involved. Take mutualism for example, wherein interaction between two organisms of different species benefit from each other's activities. However, in real life, there is almost always someone who unconsciously (and even consciously) gives more. Is it not sad? So on an unrelated matter, here's a review about a movie that made me sad, but more hateful.

Leap Year (2010)

Directed by Anand Tucker

Written by Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont

Anna (Amy Adams) decides to go to Dublin from Boston to propose to her 4-year boyfriend on a leap year. Unfortunately, she ends up in another town, Dublin, instead. Owner of a struggling pub in town, Declan (Matthew Goode) offers to drive Anna to Dublin in exchange of money to save his business.

Despite the leading actors (Amy Adams, Matthew Goode) being my favorites, their beauty, charm, and talent were not enough to save the horrible narrative. Even the cliché moments failed to salvage it. Though the very idea about leap year was interesting, that's all there is to this predictable, cringe-worthy movie. I think I have set my expectations too high for this one. Nonetheless, Ireland was beautiful.

First on the list of movies I hate that stars my beloved Matthew Goode. What a shame.

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Strip Me Away

When I have these many thoughts further waking my senses, I just gotta blog.

After watching Mr. Nobody (2009), I decided to wash off with a feel-good comedy film. Andy Fickman's You Again (2010) tells the story of Marni, vice president of a prestigious public relations company in New York, she comes home for his brother's wedding, only to find out he is going to marry the girl who gave her high school life the worst nightmares.

It has your typical linear narrative. But I did have a few good laughs, enough to make me want to write something about it. Quite frankly, it is more about Marni's job. She works in the field of Public Relations which happens to be a part of my course, AB Mass Communication. I know that there are a lot of characters in the movies with the same career, but I simply needed to mention it as an introduction for the next review.

CUE IN: BACKGROUND MUSIC

(and every time I listen to this song, I feel the feeling of hope and power, and everything in between.)

 

And so, here goes another romantic comedy film, Roger Michell's Morning Glory (2010). Starring my ever so favorite Rachel McAdams as Becky Fuller -- a hard-working TV producer who desperately accepts a job as an executive producer of a struggling morning show program after getting fired from her previous company. As Becky strives to revive and save the show, she also deals with the network's prominent (and crazy) anchors.

Aside from the adoring McAdams, her character Becky is quite a charmer too. I instantly fell in love with her because, for the most part, she represents people like me in a more convincing way than usual. Clumsy, tends to talk a lot when tense, but is truly a hard worker. Has quirky habits, but optimistic, and determined. In comparison to The Ugly Truth wherein Katherin Heigl also plays a morning show TV producer, Morning Glory focuses more on Becky's line of work. Which is like a breath of fresh air. Because surprisingly, it has enough romance (with the help of the handsome Patrick Wilson) and humor. I genuinely loved this film in so many levels. With its engaging plot, amazing actors (I didn't know Han Solo was such a primadonna), and incredibly inspiring theme, Morning Glory is definitely worth-watching.

Most morning glory flowers perk up and harden during the early morning and are often fully erect, thus their name. They prefer full exposure throughout the day. 

(via wikipedia)

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Mr. Nobody

Suddenly, I wanted to see more of my love, Mr. Jared Leto.

Mr. Nobody (2009)
A film by Jaco Van Dormael

A 117-year old man, the only mortal living on earth, Nemo Nobody, recalls his past as he comes closer to his death. Despite having a difficulty remembering, Mr. Nobody, goes back to his previous life trying to figure out what it was truly like when he was 9, when his parents got divorced; 15, when he fell in love with Anna; and 34, when he was married.

The plot was quite confusing, with at least two or three realities seemingly happening as Nemo retells his story. However, it is not the several layers that make the film perplexing, but the events told that keep on contradicting one another. *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS* As his memory starts to fail him, his reality and imagination colliding complicates the story even more. He creates and recalls different scenarios in his life as he tries to remember what was the path he really led. Nemo was not the only one having a hard time figuring out the truth from little clues, but the viewers as well. But seriously speaking, it is not always easy to choose a path for yourself and know that you made the right choices that thinking about other possibilities sometimes cling to us.

Aside from its complex but engaging narrative, its visuals are really stunning. The worlds created in the film will capture you further. The transitions will put you in awe despite the puzzling non-linear plot. In addition, Jared Leto was outstanding. Leto and Diane Kruger also have the natural chemistry. Romance, science fiction, and fantasy juggled perfectly into one great film.

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