RATED A: AMAZINGLY ACCEPTABLE

URDUJA

I was intrigued when I first saw the trailer of Urduja last December 2007. Really? The first full length traditional animated film in the Philippines! I thought it was Ibong Adarna back in MMFF December of 2007 ? Huh?, honestly, it was the first and the WORST!!!! Gosh... see it again if you can find a video and I'm sure you will just shake your head after watching it. It is a waste of time and talent. Anyway, let's talk about Urduja from APT Productions. I watched this film out of sheer curiosity I must say. According to some detractors that this is a rip-off of Disney's Pocahontas. Well, I don't blame them coz there is a 50% similarity between Urduja & Pocahontas. What I also see in Urduja's character is Mulan's reflection. I don't know but the legendary warrior princess from Pangasinan is like a clone of Pocalan (Pocahontas & Mulan).That's just me.

The story of Urduja is straightforward and not confusing. It is polished with today's Pinoy humor. The film is set around pre-Hispanic era and you'll be wonderin' why are they speaking Taglish? I don't hate it at all. For me it's really cute in the script. They're not tryin to have a serious epic film here. I think if they used subtitles then it would bore the kids totally. The humor in the film is just amazing. I was giggling all the time. I enjoyed it.

The animation? I'm not an expert when it comes to this stuff. All I can say is that the production is acceptable. Of course, they didn't meet the Hollywood standard on traditional animation but it's worth the try. Some scenes are really surprising.Some color are beautiful too.Sometimes, the facial expressions are lacking. They just missed there.

The one thing that shines in Urduja is the voice cast. They are all GOOD! Regine is perfect. She has a strong voice. Cesar Montano is lovable & cool as LimHang. Eddie Garcia is Eddie Garcia. Respectable acting from him. Johnny Delgado as the villain Wang is commendable. Surprisingly, Mayumi voiced by Ruby Rodriguez is a scene stealer. And of course the reason why Urduja is unforgettable: thanks APT for creating our very own Kukut and Tarsir. The dynamic talking rat & tarsier are really fun to watch. Michael V & Allan K are hilarious.

Some songs are notable especially Babae Ako by Ms. Regine Velasquez. It is written by Ogie Alcasid & Joey De Leon. The part in the film where Urduja sings this song is like watching Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas & Reflection from Mulan. Of course, Babae Ako is different. I thought I saw a pilandok there and the scenery is exhilarating. I really love it. I don't get when Cesar Montano's character is singing. It's not needed. There is an intriguing song from Kukut & Tarsir called “Kunlakwentawagnayangsa”. The moment I heard it oh... Hakuna Matata with a Pinoy novelty humor.

I'm cajoling you all to see this movie. You'll be surprised that Filipino artists are really talented. I guarantee you that you'll enjoy Urduja too just like me.

RATING : 3.5 / 5 *

POWERFUL FLAVORS!!!

The Queen of Angst is back!!! She returns with Flavors of Entanglement!!!!
ALANIS MORISSETE ROCKS!!!!!



Let's talk about the tracks. There are 11 songs to enjoy plus a bonus track.


1 CITIZEN OF THE PLANET – I love how she started the song with some haunting vibe and when she's singing the chorus, whoa!!! the jagged little pill lady is really back!!!! This song is really cool!!!

My fav part from the song :

I come alive and I get giddy I am taken and globally naturalized
I am a citizen of the planet
From simple roots through high vision
I am guarded by the angels
My body guides the direction I go in




2 UNDERNEATH – this is the first single. The first time I hears this there was no hook. But the second time around gosh I fell in love with this. I love the lyrics and of course the melody.
Thi sone reminds me of Hands Clean from her Under Rug Swept CD.

My fav part from the song:
There is no difference in what we're doing in here
That doesn't show up as bigger symptoms out there
So why spend all our time in dressing our bandages
When we've the ultimate key to the cause right here, our underneath

3 STRAITJACKET – I think this song is the angriest in this album. I love it.
It's a crazy song! Crazy crazy crazy!!!!!

my fav part from the song:
This shit’s making me crazy
The way you nullify what’s in my head
You say one thing do another
And argue that’s not what you did
Your way’s making me mental
How you filter as skewed interpret
I swear you won’t be happy til
I am bound in a straight jacket

4 VERSIONS OF VIOLENCE – the beginning is quiet creepy. Alanis did a gothic singing here. This is a gothic song for me. It reminds me of Goin Under from Evanescence.

My fav part in the song:
Coercing or leaving
Shutting down and punishing
Running from rooms, defending
Withholding, justifying

5 NOT AS WE – this track is probably the pop/radio friendly in the album. This is a ballad.
If you're familiar with Alanis' version of My Humps. I thinks she patterned this one from it.
They sound alike especially the intro. It's a beautiful track.

My fav part in the song:
Day one day one start over again
Step one step one
I'm barely making sense for now
I'm faking it I'm pseudo making it
From scratch begin again but this time I as i
And not as we

6 IN PRAISE OF THE VULNERABLE MAN – I must say that this is one of my fav tracks.
I love this song so much!!! I love the melody and I heart the lyrics. Alanis is an excellent songwriter.

My part in the song: ALL OF IT!!!!! Too much hook in here!!!

7 MORATORIUM – this is the intriguing song in the album. I have no idea what is a moratorium. Such a hifalutin word huh? It means delay.
The song is not that radio friendly track but every Alanis fan will like this. She also got the title of her album “Flavor of Entaglement” in this track.

Fav part in the song:
I declare a moratorium on things relationship
I declare a respite from the toils of liaison
I do need a breather from the flavors of entanglement
I declare a full time out from all things commitment.

8 TORCH – from the title it immediately reminds me of Survivor. Torch you know?
Another ballad here and this is one is more heartfelt. I like this.

Fav part in the song:
These are the things that I miss
These are not times for the weak of heart
These are the days of raw despondence
And I never dreamed I would have to lay down my torch for you like this

9 GIGGLE AGAIN FOR NO REASON- this one is electronica inspired just like the songs from Andrea Corr in her debut album 10 Feet High. I don't know but this song is comprable to one of the track in Andrea's album. This sounds like Shame On You but has the Alanis trademark. It's a cool song by the way.

Fav part in the song:
Oh this state of ecstasy
Nothing but road could ever give to me
This liberty wind in my face
And I’m giggling again for no reason

10 TAPES – hmmm...another enigmatic song. Not so memorable and appealing but the chorus is the bomb. It's haunting too.

Fav part in the song:

All these tapes in my head swirl around
Keeping my vibe down
All these thoughts in my head aren't my own
Wreaking havoc


11 INCOMPLETE – this is my fav song in the album. It's cute and has a breezy feel. I love the message of the song too. Actually this one also describes Alanis' life too.
It's a beautiful song. I think this is the next single.

Fav part in the song : ALL OF IT!!!


20/20 (Bonus Track ) - this one is the B-side of her single Underneath. It's a creepy song.
It has the gothic vibe too. I like this one.

Fav part in the song:
This fountain of regret, this looking back with twenty-twenty
Torturous hindsight if i knew then what i know now
This mountain of remorse won’t repeat with my understanding
This wouldn’t have happened if i knew then what i know now

TO RANK THE TRACKS IN THIS ALBUM:
1.Incomplete
2.In Praise of the Vulnerable Man
3.Underneath
4.Citizen of the Planet
5.Straitjacket
6.Not As We
7.20/20
8.Giggle Again For No Reason
9.Tapes
10.Versions of Violence
11.Torch
12.Moratorium


RATING: 4 /5 *

I'm so glad that she's back with a beautiful album! Jagged Little Pill is still the best from her.
I love all of her albums and I must say Flavors of Entanglement is another treaure to keep.
Keep up Alanis! You're are still the Queen of Modern Rock!

THE ECHO! DO YOU HEAR IT?

Finally, the wait is over! The official teaser trailer has been released.
This film looks promising.
I'm really excited now.
I just can't wait to watch this on its first day opening.
Congratulations Direk Yam Laranas!!!!

THE ECHO
( Hollywood Remake of the Filipino film “Sigaw!” )
Coming Soon.








Here are 2 excellent reviews about the film.



THE ECHO (2008) Movie Review
BeyondHollywood.com
by Lance Curtis

Twitch.com says it is the most “art-house oriented film” to come out of Vertigo Entertainment, the producers behind horror films The Ring, The Grudge, and now The Echo.

The Echo, directed by young filmmaker Yam Laranas, certainly comes as a surprise to even those horror fans who claim to have seen everything. The film manages to be both artistic and terrifying. A rare and strangely powerful combination.

With hardly any special effects, Yam Laranas uses his mastery of lights and shadows to turn the most innocuous everyday objects into the stuff of night terrors. The hallway. The door. The window. The closet. The garbage shoot. Everything looks ominous in the world he’s created out of the simplest camera gestures and shifts in light.

The main character Bobby (played by Jesse Bradford) likewise achieves the most effect with minimalist dialogue and a total absence of typical horror theatrics.

He is an ex-con returning to the apartment of his mother only to find his mother gone and the apartment violently haunted. A simple story simply told.

But absent the usual bells and whistles of a typical horror film, The Echo is deeply, completely frightening, and invokes fears of the kind you take home with you long after you’ve seen the film.

Unlike the countless horror flicks I’ve enjoyed, this story and this ghost, I must say, stayed with me.

For this reason, it deserves its name, The Echo. And it deserves to be seen and heard, not just by few seekers of small cinematic gems lucky enough to find some in Cannes, but by anyone anywhere who loves a great ghost story.

The Echo is many things - both art-house and commercial, both subtle and shocking — but one thing it certainly is — it’s a gem of a ghost story.

Now if only more film distributors in the US were listening…




Todd Brown of Twitchfilm.net

Long time Twitch readers may well remember us talking about Filipino horror film Sigaw a couple years back. Written and directed by Yam Laranas it came late enough in the run of Asian horror films – and in some ways played to the standard conventions of the genre enough - that many overlooked it but Sigaw was such a well crafted little gem of a film that introduced some subtle changes to the genre that I truly believe it is one of the last truly important films to come out of that initial Asian horror boom.

And so I have been tracking with great interest the development of the English language version of the film. Titled The Echo it again puts Laranas at the controls shooting a script adapted from his own by the writing duo of Eric Bernt and Shintaro Shimosawa. The result feels more like a riff on the themes that drove the original film than a straight up remake and it is arguably the most art house oriented picture to come out of Roy Lee’s very commercially minded – in a good way – Vertigo Entertainment.

Jesse Bradford (Flags Of Our Fathers) stars as Bobby, a young man freshly released from prison after serving several years for killing a man who was trying to rape Bobby’s girlfriend (Amelia Warner). Bobby is looking to build a fresh life but where to begin? His old friends have either moved away or won’t return his calls, his girl has moved along with her life without him, he has no job, the only home available to him the shabby apartment left vacant when Bobby’s mother died alone and terrified of unseen voices while Bobby was in prison. Despite being constantly surrounded by the noise and bustle of New York City Bobby is isolated and alone.

But Bobby perseveres. His parole officer finds an employer will to take a risk on him, he slowly begins to reconnect with his girl, and he slowly begins to clear the signs of his mother’s descent into madness from the apartment. What could have happened to her? Why didn’t anyone help? And did the blame lie partially on Bobby himself for leaving her unsupported while in prison?

As the signs of his mother’s paranoia become more clear – a closet with interior deadbolts stocked with tin cans and an accumulation of garbage that makes it clear she locked herself into the confined space for days at a time – Bobby’s guilt begins to grow and become more forceful until his memories and shame begin to take physical shape. He sees her in the mess left behind and begins to be plagued by strange noises coming from the walls and floor of his apartment. But those noises are nothing compared to the sounds of violence coming regularly from the apartment next door, sounds of a young wife and her little girl being beaten by the husband. It’s a horrific situation but one that Bobby feels powerless to do anything about: after all, he’s a freshly paroled convict and the man is a cop.

For fans of the original the point of similarity is obvious: young man in new apartment has to cope with domestic violence next door. And anyone who has ever been in this situation – which I have – can tell you how truly debilitating and horrifying it is before you add the additional supernatural layer that the film(s) bring in. The changes are also quite obvious. In the original film the young man was simply striking out on his own, moving into his first apartment in a bid for independence. Bobby’s criminal history, the death of his mother, and the collapse of his relationship with his girlfriend are all new devices for this version and all add layers of depth that make Bobby a more difficult and rewarding character. That strength does come with a cost in the early going as Bobby is so isolated that a healthy percentage of the film is Bobby on his own with minimal dialogue but Bradford is up to the challenge. Some of the other characters could have used a little bit more work but this is Bobby’s film all the way through and Bradford delivers.

On the technical end both films are far more about building mood and tone than piling on shock after shock and again, Laranas applies his considerable technical skills to that end. The man is a hugely accomplished cinematographer, reluctant to use digital tricks of any sort, and while he has an outside director of photography on The Echo - as opposed to Sigaw, which he shot himself – his fingerprints are all over the visuals and shooting style. Helping greatly in building the tone of the piece is the stellar sound design work that makes it clear throughout that while Bobby may be isolated he can never, ever be truly alone when living in the big city.

The Echo is a moody piece of work, a slow burner rather than a big shocker, and one that will likely prove a little bit difficult to market as a result. Just like its predecessor was not one of the big dogs in the original Asian horror boom this one arrives late enough in the remake game that some of the images have become a little overly familiar but also just like the original it shows that there is still some life in these bones and still stories worth telling.

©2008 Twitchfilm.net

You may visit the director's blog:
http://yamlaranas.blogspot.com/

ANOTHER TWISTED SHYAMALAN HAPPENING!

THE HAPPENING





M.Night Shyamalan is known for his weird twists in his films.
The Happening is really eccentric and let me say “another sign” we've sensed.
I don't know if you'll like or hate his new film but this one really bugged me like hell!



The story started in Central Park, New York when a pandemic from a strange cause is spreading, with victims experiencing loss of speech and physical disorientation, followed by suicide. A science teacher named Elliot Moore played by Mark Wahlberg, runs for his life together with his estranged wife, Alma Moore played by Zooey Deschanel and the 8-year-old daughter of Elliot's best friend, Julian played by John Leguizamo in order to survive.





The film never stops you from thinking on what the hell is going on!!!???? Shyamalan is really effective in scaring the audience. I love the non-stop paranoia he applied here. You'll keep on pondering and reckoning “what is really happening???!!! This is quiet a gory film so you better not be queasy. There are some scenes that really gave me goose bumps. You won't be screaming but your mind will bleed only if you're focused with the “happening”.



Mark Wahlberg carried the film. He is really good.The other supporting actors are also effective.




The story is not really for everybody especially to all popcorn movie lovers. If you're an M.Night fan you will appreciate this. This is his style.The only thing I could grumble is probably the lack of extrapolation. It was explained but just too brief.



The other thing that I was also looking forward in this film is the musical score by James Newton Howard. He scored all Shyamalan's films by the way. He was impressive in M.Night's The Village. He was nominated in that film. He didn't disappoint me in his new project coz his score solidifies the apocalyptic feel of the film. Great job!



I didn't like the cinematography by Tak Fujimoto. It wasn't that good.

SPOILERS BELOW: DON'T READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW THE TWIST!!!!

Honestly, the “M.Night twist” really surprised me like hell. It bugged me after leaving the cinema. He is really weird. But then I suddenly realized that this could be happening soon. This is an environmental scarecrow! Imagine, the plants are the twisted killers here? Yeah, the plants released some unexplained toxins and the wind helped by spreading it to the people causing the deadly outbreak. It's like the red tide in the ocean. This one is happening in the land. I honestly believe that with today's global warming and pollution in the air. Oh my God the twist could be happening soon.
Who knows? After watching the film, I'm really scared touching the plants and the trees right now.
Yeah, it's kinda haywire.


This film is probably a snoozefest to all popcorn flick lovers out there. If you are into these eye-candy visual effects galore flicks then I suggest to stay away and don't watch this. You will hate this!



This film needs thinking. A deep thinking.......
This is just an inconvenient truth we are neglecting. Kudos to M.Night Shyamalan for the weird story.

Remember: this film is not for everyone but I want to recommend this to everyone.
I think Mother Earth is also inviting you to watch this film.

RATING : 4 /5 *

KUNG FU-NNY: PANDA-EMONIOM

KUNG FU PANDA





At last! Dreamworks finally unleashed their best Animation film so far. Kung Fu Panda is the most awesome animation I've enjoyed from them yet. I love the first Shrek but this one totally eclipsed it.

Kung Fu Panda tells a story about Po : a big fat lazy panda in China who loves “kung fu” all his life.
I must say that Jack Black is the perfect actor to voice Po. He is amazing. You gotta love the man!
Po's charater is simply the best. You wish you have an enormous stuff Po toy right away after watching this film.



What's amazing about Kung Fu Panda is the story. Even though it's 100% predictable however it promises non-stop kung fu action mixed with American jokes which is a good thing coz it's freakin' hilarious! I admit I had a boisterous laugh inside the cinema. The kids are laughing so hard as expected surprisingly teens and adults were having a good guffaw too. It was a pandaemonium that day!



This is an eye-candy animation. The CGI animation is marvelous and Pixary.



Some notable scenes for me are the “selection of the Dragon Warrior in Jade Palace”, Po's initiation,
Po's kung fu training with Master Shifu, The Furous 5 vs Tai Long at the hanging bridge and of course
Po versus Tai Long.





Besides Black's awesome voice talent I must say that Dustin Hoffman as Shifu totally rocks! Angelina is really roaring as Tigress. Lucy Liu is sweet as Viper. She's a lovely venomous snake. Jacke got the “and” billing at the end credits but his voice wasn't that palpable in the film. I think he only has 3 lines.





I love the original score. It's Chinese inspired. The soothing music kinda reminds me of Survivor China, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Mulan. You can really feel China just by listening to the music of Hans Zimmer and John Powell.



I already knew that Sam Concepcion was chosen to sing the themesong “Kung Fu Fighting” for the local release. Damn! I thought it was a “gay version”. I even suffered this so called LSS (last song syndrome) after leaving the cinema. His is voice is good and cute but not that effective for the movie.
Everybody is Kung Fu Fighting! By the way , I love their new style of end credits. Somehow, the traditional rolling credits was totally



Kung Fu Panda so far is the best Summer Movie for me.
You gotta see it to enjoy the Pandaemonium !

RATING : 4.5 / 5 *

EXPLOSIVE WUXIA FIGHTERS!

SHADOWLESS SWORD aka SUPERFIGHTERS





When Superfighters was released here in the Philippines last March 12 2008, I had no idea that time about this movie. The title was cheesy and the promotional poster is not that appealing. What's wrong with the local distributor about changing the original title? This is a 1995 South Korean Film called Shadowless Sword. C'mon the original title sounds appealing and intriguing to me. If they retained the
that title, possibly I should be watching this. I'm so glad to find the DVD of this coz I read rave reviews about this film and I became enthusiastic.



I'm not goin to talk about Superfighters! Duh. This is Shadowless Sword.

This is a traditonal wuxia film. Balhae female warrior Soha played by the pulchritudunous Yoon So-Yi is sent out to find, protect and bring back the last remaining prince to the Balhae throne, Dae Jeong-hyeon played by Yi Seo-jin. He is not that good looking and hot but he is a good actor.



Their quest on coming home to Balhae is really amazing. Expect non-stop wuxia action! I was glued on my seat coz it's explosively impressive!



The fight scenes are really fun to watch. If you love Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The House of Flying Daggers, then Shadowless sword won't disappoint you. This won't bore you. My 2 year old nephew even enjoyed this one.

Yeah, some scenes are quiet bloody but the director has a unique style. I was shocked! It was great watching those blood! Better than Kill Bill. You better watch it!



I just can't take Soha's character out of my mind. She's unforgettable here. Her fight scenes are just awesome! I think the underwater scenes are just marvelous! Whew! So good! It's predictable but really enjoyable. If you love anime, I think they took some inspirations there.



The cinematography is quiet good. The music is “Crouching” inspired but I don't hate it.

The story is good but the script is not that award winning.

Acting-wise? The actors I must say really enjoyed doing their scenes.



Well, you better watch this. I guarantee you will love this.
This is simply SUPER!!!!!

RATING : 4.5 / 5 *

THAT PRINCE IS SCORCHING!

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA : PRINCE CASPIAN










I admit that the first film is remarkable & memorable coz it was refreshing and the book is beloved so much. Prince Caspian is the sequel but it kinda loses its magical sparks. They totally lost it but thankfully to Prince Caspian coz he saves the film. Ben Barnes is totally hot!





Here in “Prince Caspian” the Pevensies are back to Narnia after being summoned by Prince Caspian who needs help from them. Narnia is now ruined and the magical creatues are believed to be extinct..



The first quarter of the film is either boring or exciting. I'm confused with its flow. Some new characters are sprouting from out of nowhere and there were no character development at all. Good thing is that Prince Caspian has its name on the title coz you will really look out for his character but in the story it wasn't improved for him that well. I was even confused coz I didn't know that there was something goin' on between him and Susan. Huh?





The only lovable character aside from Prince Caspian is Reepicheep, the swashbuckling mouse, Eddie Izzard voiced him and he stole the show. He is totally remarkable!



The cinematography of the film is still grandiose but the production design is boring.
The music from Harry Gregson-Williams is unexpectedly dark but it was really suitable to the film. It is still lingering in my head. I wanna have the OST now!



The costume design for the Telmarines' army is really dark but have similarity with other designs. The make up is still impressive as the first film.

I still don't like the 4 kids. I don't know why? They are still weak actors for me.



Somehow, I think he film is made for boys. They really improved a lot on the battle scenes. Boys will enjoy every minute of it. It wasn't gory as Lord of the Rings but still good enough to satisfy one's fantasy about epic battle. I also that think the river scene in the latter part is perefectly done.
Great visual effects again! Of course this is the director's forte. Andrew Adamson is a genius in this genre.





The ending is kinda sad. The new song “ The Call” from Regina Spektor made for the film is so melancholic. Her voice is hainting and makes you wanna cry. Switchfoot also contributed a track and can be heard on the end credits called This is Home. I also love it.



Prince Caspian could be a success or a failure to those who loved the first film. I kinda enjoyed it but just didn't love it that much. I only love the prince honestly. He rocks!!!



RATING : 3.5 / 5 *

PSSSTTT... I DIDN'T LOVE IT SO MUCH

I read from PEX forums that this is a lachrymose movie. I wasn't able to catch this during its theatrical run coz there was no hype even if this stars Hilary Swank & Gerard Butler.
I simply ignored this one.

The DVD is now out and a friend of mine lend his copy to me so that I could watch it and review.
I already hade an idea about this. At first I thought of a Ghost rip-off but this is really different.



This is a love story about Irishman Gerry Kennedy (Gerard Butler) and Holly (Hilary Swank). They are a happily married couple living in Manhattan. After Gerry died from a brain tumor, Holly received letters from him, written before he died, with tasks to complete to help ease her into her life without him.
With each letter, we see a part of their life together which is the basis for that task. We watch as Holly moves through her memories of their old life and adjusts to her life now. Holly has her two good friends, Sharon (Gina Gershon) and Denise (Lisa Kudrow), to help her along the way. It is a touching and funny story that takes her back to Ireland where she and Gerry first met.



The story started to become a bit exciting on the first letter sent to Holly.
Well, it's really touching maybe to some people out there but I wasn't moved at all.. I dunno.



There is no chemistry between Hilary & Gerard but they are quiet good here.
Hilary is such a great actress but she's not asking for an acting nomination here. She was just having fun.Gerard Butler simple grows on you. His machismo is simply striking.


There are scenes to laugh only if Liza Kudrow is there. She's really hilarious! Actually, she's a smart choice here.


Jeffrey Dean Morgan who plays Denny in Grey's Anatomy in Season 2. Remember him as Izzie's love patient? Well, if you want to see his sexy butt you may enjoy him here. He has a surprising role I may say.

Kathy Bates as the mother of Holly is commendable too.

After watching my favorite musical Once early this year, I started to love Ireland. Actually, I've been wanting to visit there coz I'm a huge fan of The Corrs. Ireland is the love setting in this movie.
It's a beautiful and refreshing country to stay.

I didn't love this movie so much coz I didn't cry. I was expecting to shed tears at least. I don't know why there was no effect on me. Some people are saying that they were crying watching this but I didn't get it. No tears for me at all.

Actually, this is just your average romantic comedy.
You may watch this if you have time but you can spare this one.
I'd rather watch Ghost again.

RATING : 2.5 / 5 *