Boses - 2008

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama / Indie

Director: Ellen Ongkenko- Marfil

Writer: Rody Vera, Froilan Medina

 Cast: Coke Bolipata, Julian Duque, Ricky Davao, Meryll Soriano, Cherry Pie Picache and more


I saw a trailer of this indie film over TV some 2 weeks ago, and it got me curious. I never wouldve imagined that I would be meeting the Director and 2 actors of the said movie right here in Davao City.

I got an invitation for a film showing over at Cinematheque, and since two offices invited me, Tuburan Institute and Happy Team(Councilor Avila of Davao), I grabbed the chance. But, I didn't realize the title was "Boses". All I saw at the invite was: "The Heart Speaks", cocktails and live violin by The Cast.

And I was pleasantly surprised to realize it was a film showing of Boses.

This film is about a child who is being abused by his Dad...

I find this movie simple yet very moving and it sure is worthy of your time. It has multi-dimensional aspects of the film from child abuse, to child welfare, how to run a shelter, isolation rooms, bullying, suicide, dreams, family, father & son, depression, music, therapy and so on and so on. There are so many points of discussion. It's educational. More films like these should be made. :)

White House Down - 2013

Category: Movies

Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller

Writer: James Vanderbilt

Director: Roland Emmerich

Producer: Columbia Pictures, Mythology Entertainment

Cast; Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gylenhaal, Jason Clarke, Richard Jenkins, Joey King, James Woods, Nicolas Wright, Jimmi Simpson, Michael Murphy and more

Tagline: It Will Start Like Any Other Day

A Capitol Policeman, John Cale (Channing Tatum) was on tour while on the White House with his young daughter while at the same time applying for his dream job to be part of the Secret Service in protecting the current President, James Sawyer (Jamie Foxx). But, then on that same day the White House was overtaken by a heavily armed group, now John Cale springs into action as he tries to protect his daughter and the President.


It's the fourth of july! and what better way, than to watch the first screening of White House Down.

I'm not a fan of Channing Tatum but it was a good one though. I had loads of fun watching the film. It was a great action film, loads of bullets, missiles, helicopters, and all those shizznit and with a good enough humor.

Magnifico - 2003

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama / Family

Director: Maryo J. Delos Reyes

Writer: Michiko Yamamoto

Producer: Violett Films Production

Cast: Jiro Manio, Lorna Tolentino, Albert Martinez,  Gloria Romero, Celia Rodriguez, Marc Gil , Tonton Guiterriez, Amy Austria, Cherry Pie Picache, Danilo Barrios, Susan Africa, and more

Tagline:


Magnifico may not be good in school and belongs to an unfortunate and poor family, he has a big heart and has this positivity that permeates him everywhere he goes. He has not only helped his family, but the community he lives in.


T_T

It's a heartwarming story about a kid who has touched the lives of many people in their neighborhood. It's a simple story, very close to Filipino culture and Filipino values with Filipino issues as well.

Thanks to my friend Juna who recommended that I watch the film.

I think we'd fare really well if we make good films like these. Inspiring. Simple. Touches us and stirs our heart.This is good drama, compared to other dramas that is often fed to the masses.

Despicable Me - 2010

Category: Animation

Genre: Comedy

Director: Pierre Coffin & Chris Renaud

Writer:Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio

Producer: Universal Pictures, Illumination Entertainment

Cast: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, Elsie Kate Fisher

Tagline: Some call him bad, "they" call him dad.

A trio of orphan girls are being used by a criminal mastermind Gru, as pawns for a grand scheme and can be the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon. But then, an innocent and pure love from the three girls is profoundly changing Gru for the better. The world's greatest villain has just met his greatest challenge: three little orphan girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes. 

This film was recommended to me by a friend who really enjoys Gru, and so I can relate to a bully-like Gru... I watched the film. :)

Its dark humor, villainy stuff was muffled down by the appearance of the  three little girls. Fun and heartwarming, oftentimes cute and fuzzy. I enjoyed watching the film, and how it shows a side of villains that is never often showed. Villains got heart too! :)And it's good that this also portrays the "single dad" role which is often rare in cartoons or in movies. :)

Photo Source: GreatFun4Kids

The School of Rock - 2003

Category: Movie

Genre: Comedy / Music

Director: Richard Linklater

Writer: Mike White

Producer: Paramount Pictures, Scott Rudin Productions, MFP Munich Film Partners

Cast: Jack Black, Mike White, Joan Cusack, Adam Pascal, Lucas Papaelias, Chris Stack, Sarah Silverman, Lucas Babin, Jordan Claire-Green and more.

Tagline: Mr. Black. Accept no substitute. Come on feel the noize.

A wannabe, down and out rock star Dewey Finn (Jack Black) gets fired from his band, and now faces a lot of debt and suffers from depression. He then takes or poses as a substitute teacher at a very strict private preparatory school and tries to turn his 4th grade class into a rock band.


Prepare to rock your heart out with this film! The CD of this film has been with me since 2004!! But then, I never got around to watching it but just now. This is an entertaining feel-good film specially for the guys "rocking" it out! It cracks you up at the right moment as well. Jack Black's dynamics with the kids was also good and added zing to the whole thing.

Photo Source: Last FM

The Rise of the Guardians - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre: Animation / Adventure / Family

Director: Peter Ramsey

Writer: David Lindsay-Abaire, William Joyce

Producer: Dreamworks Animation

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin, Isla Fisher, Chris Pine, Jude Law, Dakota Goyo, Khamani Griffin, Kamil McFadden, Georgie Grieve and more.

Tagline: Naughty, nice. You better believe.

Pitch, the evil spirit wants to assault and take over the Earth, and the Immortal Guardians (Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Sandman) once again team up to protect the innocence of children all over the globe. (Based on a Children's Book Series by William Joyce).


This is a Christmas film that is not entirely about Santa Claus but of Jack Frost.  IT WAS GREAT! (although, I  didn't like the cinema we were in this time, it made the picture look old school) Either way, it was a good film... heartwarming. And even if it is simple, it makes way for its deep and profound message. I like the Russian doll with Santa Claus reminding Jack Frost of his "center".  It reminds me of our spiritual journey with Ikepono. :)This also reminds you to keep the "child" in you alive......

Photo Source: Collider

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark - 2010

Category: Movie

Genre: Horror / Thriller

Director: Troy Nixey

Writer: Guillermo del Torro, Matthew Robbins

Producer:

Cast: Katie Holmes, Guy Pearce, Bailee Madison, Jack Thompson, Garry Mcdonald, Alan Dale, Julie Blake and more

Tagline: Come and Play

A young girl named Sally is sent to live with her father and his girlfriend at their new home. However, the new home hides many secrets specially the basement. It has been said that the previous owner of the home was a famous painter who mysteriously disappeared.


Though some parts were predictable it managed to still surprise me in the end. It's scary but not that much, which makes it an a-okay film for me. I saw that this is a remake of an age-old classic film, which was even dubbed as one of the scariest film ever. Well, I haven't seen that one and can't say which is scarier or not.

But, this one can sure as hell scare a kid... and well, me... in most parts... :)

Photo Source: Teaser-Trailer

No Reservations - 2007

Category: Movie

Genre: Comedy / Drama

Director: Scott Hicks

Writer: Carol Fuchs

Producer: Castle Rock Entertainment, Storefront Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures

Cast: Catherine-Zeta Jones, Aaron Eckhart, Abigail Breslin, Patricia Clarkson, Jenny Wade, Bob Balaban, Brian F. O'Byrne, Lily Rabe, Eric Silver and more.

Tagline: Something's Cooking This Summer

[a remake of a German film Mostly Martha]
 
Kate (Catherine-Zeta Jones), lives her life as a master chef with an intensity that can captivate and intimidate everyone around her. She seems to have it all together alone, but then her life as a top chef changes when she becomes the guardian of her young niece. 

It's ratatouille only there's no rat and its not a cartoon! And this time the movie did not focus on the guy. Its the woman chef! :) I had a wonderful time watching the film, it's heartwarming and there was enough time to develop the character.  I like Zooey's character.... and of course the feel-good ending...

Yes, it may be quiet an ordinary comedy-romance thingy... but still, it never failed to entertain me. ;)

Photo Source: DVD Active

Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys Super Mystery:Double Crossing - Carolyn Keene

Category: Books

Genre: Mystery / Teens

Author: Carolyn Keene


Nancy Drew is enjoying a luxury cruise aboard the ship where George (her friend) is the new social director. It sounds like a great escape from all the cases she had to leave back in the mainland when she overhears a plan to sell CIA secrets to another country. She also bumps into the Hardy Boys who are working undercover on the same cruise ship trying to track a dangerous group of thieves who prey on the rich cruise ship passengers.

It's a good mystery for kids and teenagers. :) Bought it a long time ago, just read it now. :) It was a quick read as well.

August Rush - 2007

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama

Writer: Nick Castle, Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Director:Kirsten Sheridan

Producer:Warner Bros. Pictures, Southpaw Entertainment, CJ Entertainment

Cast: Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terrence Howard, Robin Williams, William Sadler, Marian Seldes, Mykelti Williamson, Leon Thomas III, Aaron Staton and more

Tagline: An incredible journey moving at the speed of sound

An orphaned musical prodigy named Evan (Freddie Highmore), begins his journey with his search for his Birth Parents.This is a wonderful musical drama with wonderful fantasy elements.

Sometimes, I usually postpone the best films I know... (due to reviews done by friends)... and I can't believe Ive been postponing this absolutely lovely movie about life and music.. being lost and being found... very moving and magical too!

The kid here looks like the son of cousin CJ, so yeah it added delight.  It has this fairy tale element but also grounding it with what can really happen in reality - e.g. bullying someone who is different, and also abusing talents. I love how my love for music (though i'm no prodigy or do I read notes), but my appreciation for music is just as heavenly as it is for Evan. ;)

If You Can See Me Now - Cecilia Ahern

Category: Book

Genre: Drama / Fantasy

Author: Cecilia Ahern



Elizabeth Egan has always been a serious and stiff woman. This was due to her mother leaving their family early on and she was forced to raise her sister Saoirse. Her sister is pretty much like her mom, free-spirited and someone who has no hand on responsibility. Taking advantage of that, Saoirse left Elizabeth with his son, Luke.

At the age of six, Luke claims he has an Invisible Friend named Ivan... at first Elizabeth couldn't see him and begins to think that it's just a phase of Luke's life and that Invisible Friends disappear after three months. But, one day lo and behold she begins to see Ivan but thinks Ivan is the father of Luke's friend.

And off goes this magical yet modern story.

It's my first time to read a Cecilia Ahern book and I LOVEEEE IT!! I found a new love! Whooopee Doo! I like this novel because it mixes the modern and imagination and with a tinge of fantasy in it, which I really really adore. This is a story about "Imaginary Friends". And of fairies and friendship and family and of course Love..... And I just saw online that a movie is being made out of this! Wow.

Love love all the magical moments and wishes. Learned something about Jimmy Jones here (Dandelions) where you get to give out wishes. One of my favorite scenes in the book. It's also heartbreaking whenever it comes to Elizabeth's father... awwww.

It's amazing how one laughs and then cries over the book. At least that was the case for me. :)

Tangled - 2010

Category: Animation

Genre: Comedy / Family

Director: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard

Writer: Jacob Grimm, Wilhem Grimm

Producer: Walt Disney Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures

Cast: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, Ron Periman, M.C. Gainey, Jeffrey Tambor, Brad Garrett, Paul Tompkins, Richard Kiel and more

Tagline: They're taking adventure to new lengths.

The beautiful magically 70 feet long haired "Princess" Rapunzel spent her whole life in a tower and she is very curious of the outside world. specially aout the floating lights which happens once a year during her birthday. She feels the connection and dreams to see it up close and personal one day. She was taken captive by Gothel whom she thinks of as her mother and she loves her dearly and innocently and she believes that Gothel is only after her best interest. One day she decided to go out and explore while Gothel was away and stumbled upon a runaway thief and off to set in a world filled with places waiting to be discovered...

A remake of the famous Rapunzel.  I like the lanterns, floating lights. It's a fantabulous thing. I enjoyed the whole film. Specially the musical scores. There are lots of fun, silly moments with Rapunzel as she discovers things that are new for her. Its a wonderful film for the family and a great mix for both boys and girls to enjoy. :)

 FUnny Quotes:

Rapunzel: So mother, earlier I was saying tomorrow is a really big day, and you didn't really respond, so I'm just gonna tell you: IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! Tada!
Mother Gothel: No no no, can't be. I distinctly remember, your birthday was last year.
Rapunzel: That's the funny thing about birthdays, they're kind of an annual thing.

Rapunzel: [Sung] I could go running/ and racing/ and dancing/ and chasing/ and leaping/ and bounding/ hair flying/ heart pounding/ and splashing/ and reeling/ and finally feeling/ now's when my life begins!


Quotes I Like:

Rapunzel: I've been looking out of a window for eighteen years, dreaming about what I might feel like when those lights rise in the sky. What if it's not everything I dreamed it would be?
Flynn Rider: It will be.
Rapunzel: And what if it is? What do I do then?
Flynn Rider: Well,that's the good part I guess. You get to go find a new dream.

 Rapunzel: [singing] Flower gleam and glow. Let your powers shine. Make the clock reverse. Bring back what once was mine. Heal what has been hurt. Change the fates' design. Save what has been lost. Bring back what once was mine, What once was mine...

 

Ratatouille - 2007

Category: Movie / Animation

Genre: Animation / Comedy

Director: Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava

Writer: Brad Bird, Jim Capobianco

Producer: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures

Tagline: He's dying to become a chef.

Cast: Brad Garrett, Lou Romano, Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Brian Dennehy, Peter Sohn,

SUMMARY/OVERVIEW:

Remy is a young rat who resides in a French countryside who dreams of becoming a great French chef. During one of his adventures, fate brought him to one f the sewers of Paris and finds himself beneath the restaurant of his cooking idol, Auguste Gusteau. It's a personal adventure of a dream to be in a rat-hating world the fine French restaurant.

REVIEW:

Up for cooking? Wooohoo. Remy the rat gives you an idea how to be in the moment with food, really tasting it, savoring each of the flavor. It's a vivid imagery of a computer generated animation which gives you this realistic view. Voice acting is right for every moment. I love the inspirational storyline and its uniqueness. Its a classic!

great for family and friends.... if you want something fun to inspire you.... :)

QUOTES I LIKE

Remy: No. Dad I don't believe it. You're telling me that the future is - can only be more of *this*?
Django: This is the way things are. You can't change nature.
Remy: Change is nature, Dad. The part that we can influence. And it starts when we decide.
Django: [Remy turns to leave] Where are you going?
Remy: With luck, forward.

Gusteau: Ah, but that is no match for wishful thinking. If you focus on what you left behind. You will never be able to see what lies ahead. Now go up and look around.

Gusteau: [on TV] You must be imaginative, strong-hearted. You must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul. What I say is true - anyone can cook... but only the fearless can be great.

Up - 2009

Category: Movie

Genre: Animation / Comedy / Adventure

Director: Pete Docter / Bob Peterson

Producer:Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animations

Writer: Pete Docter / Bob Peterson

Cast/Voices: Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, John Ratzenberger, Delroy Lindo, Jerome Ranft, David Kaye and more.


To fulfill a dream Carl Fredrickson made with his recently deceased wife named Ellie whom he shares an affinity for adventure and dreams, he tied up thousands of balloons to his home one day to go to the Lost Land in South America. Little did he know that a boy scout who is a wilderness explorer named Russell who is missing an elderly badge managed to come along with him - accidentally.

I actually had fun with the movie.... the thought of having your home flown by thousands of balloons was an adventure-filled idea. It's heart-warming, hilarious, and quite a bit sad in some moment but overall a great movie to watch with your kids and family and specially your grandma and grandpa. =) Russell is just sooo cute. Hehe. Innocent and adorable. :)

Fun Quotes

Carl Fredricksen: Hey, let's play a game. It's called "see who can be quiet the longest."
Russell: Cool! My mom loves that game!

Carl Fredricksen: You'd better get up, Russell. Or else, the tigers will come and eat you.
Russell: Tigers don't live in South America. Zoology.

Mean Creak - 2004

Category: Movies

Genre: Drama

Director and Writer: Jacob Aaron Estes


Tagline: Beneath the surface, everyone has a secret.

Cast: Rory Culkin, Ryan Kelley, Scott Mechlowicz, Trevor Morgan, Josh Peck, Carly Schroeder

Overview and Review of Mean Creek directed by Jacob Aaron Estes

When Sam (Rory Culkin) got beaten up by a bully named George (Josh Peck), Sam's older brother Rocky (Trevor Morgan) and two of his friends Clyde (Ryan Kelley) and Marty (Scott Mechlowicz) planned to get back at George.

They came up with a plan to pretend it's Sam's birthday and "invite" George on a boat trip in which they would dare him to strip, jump in the lake, and run home naked. Along the way Sam, his girlfriend Millie (Carly Schroeder), Rocky, and Clyde sees that George is not really "that" bad after all but a kid who lacks attention, they wanted to call off the plan, but Marty refuses.

It looks kind of like an "Indie" film to me, which I am guessing it is.

An intelligent movie with great young actors. Very believable. It is also engaging, gets you hooked to the story. The story itself is unique and provoking at the same time. It's also quite disturbing and another one of those "what if's" situations. What if I'm there? this and that.
The lines are all good and pretty realistic. The actors may be young but this is a nice "grown-up" story you would learn a lot from. The acting, writing and directing were all good.

Some of the Memorable Lines in the Film:

Sam: You know, if we hurt him, we'd be just as bad as him.
Rocky: We need to hurt him without really hurting him.

Once in a Lifetime - Danielle Steel

Category: Books


Genre: Love


Author: Danielle Steel


Overview and Review of Danielle Steel's Once in a Lifetime.

This book is about a successful novelist (Daphne Fields) loved by many people. Her books inspires other people but her life as an author remains a mystery to many. Despite her success and being well-known in her field she remains humble. Not known to anyone who reads her book because she keeps her private life a secret, she lead a very hard, tough, devastating past.

Full of drama and all heartbreaking tragedies the lead lady, Daphne Fields endured. Although this time in her writing I could detect what's coming and what's going to happen before it really happens in the book in short it got predictable along the way. I like the way she weaved the story, it was more of a flashback this time which is unique. Steel's great when it comes to creating strong characters in her book. It's also informative when it comes to dealing with deaf kids. Novelists and Hollywood, Beverly Hills and New York are some of the things you'd find in this book. I like most of the lines by the characters which is a plus, you would actually learn a lot from them.

"Easy roads aren't always the best ones. We think they are, but look at the people you respect in life, they're usually the people who've made when the going wasn't easy, people who survived and grew from all the pain. The ones who have it easy don't have a hell of a lot going for them. It's the others, the ones who climb the mountains with their heads banged up and their faces scratched and their shins bleeding who're worth knowing. "

Fact: This was done as a TV-Movie too, you might want to watch it.

SVT #54 - The Big Party Weekend

Category: Books

Genre: Teenage Series

Creator: Francine Pascals

Overview and Review of Sweet Valley Twins and Friends # 54 The Big Party Weekend created by Francine Pascals.

Mr. and Mrs. Wakefield (Steven, Elizabeth & Jessica's parents) are on vacation in Mexico for five days. Steven, Elizabeth and Jessica planned to have the biggest party for the weekend with their friends. That was, before they found out that they would encounter, the world's meanest baby-sitter - May Brown.

But the Wakefield kids are determined to throw the party during the weekend, with great food and their friends - with no adults. They make a plan they copied from a soap opera to get May out of the house.

Entertaining and nice ending - as usual. Good for kids ages 9-14.

If I am in my teenies stage... I would enjoy reading this. So I'm giving it a 3.

Harry Potter - Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling

Category: Books

Genre: Fantasy

Author - J.K. Rowling



Review and overview of the last book of the Harry Potter series entitled Deathly Hallows.

No spoilers.

From the beginning the book would then immerse you into the magical world of Harry Potter (as usual). It's a book that I can hardly put down because I immediately imagined being there myself.

It started out with Harry leaving the Dursley's for the last time with the rest of the Order to help Harry go out of the place undetected by Voldemort.

A lot of action and a lovely adventure. You would learn a lot about Dumbledore's background and somehow I was quite disappointed with Dumbledore when I found out a bit about his background, but the ending made me admire Dumbledore even more.

I cried a few times over emotional (or I'm just too much of an emo and characters get attached to me right away) scenes. But then, in the end it left me with a good feeling about the characters I cried over.

The book mentioned a lot of things about death. How, it is just a transition to another world to the next... and I like the message about death here.

Of course, at the end it's a battle between Harry and Voldemort.

Very exciting, and immersing! :)

#9 Evil Elizabeth - Super Chiller - Francine Pascals

Overview and Review of Evil Elizabeth Sweet Valley Twin's Super Chiller #9 created by Francine Pascal

Category: Books

Genre: Horror

Created by: Francine Pascal

It's Halloween and Elizabeth's looking for the perfect costume for it. She wanted to join costume with Jessica but Jessica doesn't want too. Then, she planned to have the same costumes with Amy and Maria in which the two readily agreed. But, then one night Elizabeth passed by the Old Luna Place (shack), and met a dog with an orange face carrying a grotesque mask. Elizabeth picked it up and was amused by it.

Little did she know the mask possessed an evil power. Anyone who wears it will turn evil and do nasty things.... until one day he/she will be evil without wearing it since the mask consumed him/her.

It's up to Jessica and Steven to save their sister!

It's a nice "teenie" book. I'm sure if I was a teenager I would've enjoyed it lots, since I really love the Sweet Valley Characters and their adventures.