SURVIVOR PHILIPPINES 2: PALAU - MALAPIT NA!!!!

PAGALINGAN!
PAUTAKAN!
PATATAGAN!

SURVIVORS PASOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BEST FRIEND MILLIONAIRE

Ever since I’ve known this beautiful mademoiselle from France named Amelie, I am one of those silent Francophiles now but not 100%. I’m quiet fascinated with French Films nowadays. I don’t speak French but I just love their movies (with English subtitles of course). Recently, after searching and surfing on the net about “best friend images”, a French film called “Mon meilleur ami” internationally known as “My Best Friend” totally got my attention. The critics are saying it as “irresistibly winning”. The DVD has been released in a coon’s age and luckily I found one. After watching this film, I think it’s time for me to look a real best friend and not just a “f**k buddy. Ooops!

FILM SYNOPSIS: Francois Coste is a middle-age antique dealer who has his own gallery and a daughter, Louise, from his estranged marriage. One day he attends the funeral of a collector in order to tie down a deal and then goes to an auction and purchases an ancient Greek vase. His business associate, Catherine, doesn't grasp why he is so infatuated with this artifact. At a get-together of his acquaintances on his birthday, Francois learns that none of them considers him a friend: they all find him conceited, critical, and over-involved in his work. He claims they are wrong and makes a bet with Catherine that he can engender his best friend in ten days. If he doesn't, he must hand over the Greek vase to her.



Honestly, I’m not well-known with the actors and the auteur at all. I have no idea about their filmographies too. This French film however did not topple “Amelie” as my favorite foreign language film of all times but “My Best Friend” has a special place in heart. The premise is very predictable from the start. When Bruno’s character crosses path with Francois, I already knew it. Bruno is the cab driver who is obsessed in joining a quiz show on TV coz he knows a lot about History and General Info. At first, Francois treats him as an annoying douche but later on a match made in film-heaven blooms. This is not really a laugh-out-loud comedy film. There are scenes which are really funny and I think some of it can make you smile. It’s amazing that you will fall for Bruno. His character is charming and he is indeed the perfect best friend to rely on. The good thing about “My Best Friend” is that you won’t even suspect something like Brokeback France”. No no no!!!! It’s also nice to see a very clean French film this time. I think most of the films I’ve watched from France are really sexy and hot. “My Best Friend” however has some lesbian scenes but not offensive at all.



What surprises me the most is that the film also adapts “Who Wants To Be A Millionare”. I recently cried a river in “Slumdog Millionaire and believe it or not their version is also lachrymose. I couldn’t help it at all. In the film or in real life, there are times that friendship is being tested. Francois and Bruno also have a “falling apart” situation. That situation is kinda cheesy when it plays during the “phone a friend” in the said game show. That scene also reminds me of Slumdog Millionaire when Latika and Jamal are talking via phone patch. Francois and Bruno are real men but you can feel that their hearts are cying in that scene. The music in the film has the “Amelie” vibe too but the cinematography is not that impressive.



The actors who played Bruno and Francois are really splendid. Even though I like Dany Boon coz of his charming smile and a very sympathetic facial expression, I gotta give my hats off to Daniel Auteuil for an outstanding performance as Francois. Their chemistry is really inspiring.



“My Best Friend” is simply lovable. I must say I truly enjoyed it. I highly recommend that you should watch the DVD now! In this mad mad world, with every step, you climb another mountain with your best friend. Every breath, it's harder to believe that you'll make it through the pain with your best friend. Just when you think the road is going nowhere. Just when you almost gave up on your dreams. He will take you by the hand and show you that you can. That’s your best friend. Who is your best friend by the way? Mine? I think Adam Lambert is my new best friend. I love this man now!!!!


You’re My Best Friends - Queen Music Code
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A HALLOWED QUEST

In 2006, a very conflict-ridden film called The Da Vinci Code hit the Philippines and it was Rated-18 . This year, the sequel to that film which is more violent got a Rated-13. It’s quiet perplexing now. Let’s not talk about the unreasonable MTRCB anyway. Instead let’s just rave about this latest Ron Howard film. This award-winning auteur learned his lesson. If you find TDVC a bit slow and soporific, well Angels and Demons is way much better. Let’s join Langdon’s new adventure.

FILM SYNOPSIS: In Vatican City, the Pope has just died, Until the Conclave selects a new Pope, Patrick Mackenna, the Camerlengo assumes day-to-day control of the Vatican. Reporters, nuns, priests and faithful catholics all crowd into St. Peter's Square, waiting for the white smoke from the Conclave. But the Illuminati, a 400-year old, underground secret society of scientists, kidnaps the four most likely candidates (preferiti) before the Conclave goes into seclusion. The Illuminati threatens to brand and publicly execute them, choosing methods of murder linked to the four elements, earth, air, fire and water. They do this as vengeance for 'La Purga', when Illuminati members were cleansed of their sins and executed. They then threaten to destroy the Vatican, using the highly explosive anti-matter. The Vatican summons Symbologist Dr. Robert Langdon and Vittoria Vetra from CERN to help them solve the Illuminati's threat. Langdon must follow symbols concealed in Vatican City to find the kidnapped priests and save the city from a tense end.



I entered the cinema with only few hours of slumber and I was a bit soporific. But “Angels and Demons” contains some perky ingredients which is similar to my favorite energy drink. The fast-paced scenes are good enough to keep me stirring. Even if some scenes are really “impossible” but you won’t even perceive them because Mr. Howard knows how to swathe loopholes with his impeccable direction. I haven’t read the novel coz I want to experience enthusiasm inside the cinema. Undeniably, I felt it throughout the film. What I really love is Langdon’s quest for the clues. I’m such a sucker when it comes to sleuthing.




The most dazzling thing about this film is the production design.Wow!!! I believe they must have spent millions for the sets. The cinematography is simply stunning. Ron Howard’s camera works wonderfully because most of the shots are amazing. The non-stop suspense is also overwhelming and you will definitely enjoy the ride in Vatican and Rome. I don’t want to spoil if you haven’t seen the film yet. But there’s a major twist which is more explosive than the bomb!!!! I almost cried when the “Camerlengo" saves the city”. It feels good to see him doing a heroic job. Oh God it’s really lachrymose. Then moments later: SLAP ON MY FACE!!!!! Ha ha ha!!! Watch it!The other most important thing that holds the film beautifully is Hans Zimmer music. This time he must be nominated for his great original score!!!



Thanks God Langdon has a new haircut! Tom Hanks is still outstanding for the role. He is never boring. Meanwhile, Ayelet Zurer who plays Vittoria is remarkable coz her chemistry with Hanks is spot on. But I still love Audrey Tautou in The Da Vinci Code. Ewan McGregor is quiet young to play for the “Camerlengo” but he is really great. His accent is too sexy for a priest.



I will buy the novel soon coz I believe that there are more secrets in the novel which aren’t revealed in the film. I strongly suggest that you should watch this one. This is a much improved Langdon’s quest. The momentum is uncontrollable and the twist is just crazy!!! Just don’t watch this film with your brain busy working and scrutinizing the plausibility. Just let your eyes enjoy the holy visuals. It works this time even without the code.

FROM BORING TO ASTONISHING

This review is kinda late because the movie that I always thought to be ho-hum is not worth the dough .I’ve seen Star Trek TV episodes when I was still young. I find them so unexciting. I think I’ve watched one film too and didn’t even finish it. Same reason: BORING! Last year when the trailer was released, I reacted harshly! “Another snooze fest attempt??? Give me a break. I’m not fan and I will never be!” But two weeks ago when I heard enthusiastic reception from the critics and surprisingly from the moviegoers I decided to give it a try! This is directed by the genius man behind Alias ,Lost and Cloverfield named J.J. Abrams and I thought it was really worth a shot! You know what? Surprisingly I truly enjoyed my space voyage. A youthful and energetic trek I must say!

Film Synopsis: The film tells the incredible story of a young crew’s maiden voyage onboard the most advanced starship ever created: the U.S.S. Enterprise. On a journey filled with action, comedy and cosmic peril, the new recruits must find a way to stop an evil being whose mission of vengeance threatens all of mankind. The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals. One, James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), is a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock (Zachary Quinto), was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before!



I’m not a fan at all. I’m not also familiar with the characters. I have no clue about being a trekker. Guess what? This movie is truly surprising from the outset and right to the last frame. I read that this is not a prequel. This isn’t a sequel too. Maybe this is a youthful and energetic franchise. I don’t know. Well, we see some seeds from the past and also a glimpse from the future. It’s a jigsaw time travel puzzle. It’s really cool. The movie is actually loquacious to galaxy matters and stuff but it won’t hinder you from enjoying the non-stop action scenes and of course the nifty humor of the script. Pleasantly awesome! J.J Abrams is an amazing producer/director because he knows what the audience wants. If X-Men Origins: Wolverine quenches your blockbuster thirst,Star Trek not only does the same thing but it energizes you as well.



The Star Trek team excels mostly on their astonishing visual effects. They make the outer space a beautiful place. It’s still scary to be there for me. That scene with Chris Pine on the snow is really riveting. I’ve never seen a creature like that before. Another monster creation from Abrams and it’s bloodcurdling honestly. The sound editing and mixing are terribly awesome. The music also rocks!



The reason why you will heart Star Trek is because of the cast. Chris Pine who plays Kirk is too handsome for the role and he shines. I bet he can be the next Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise. He has this sexy package. Spock Spock Spock!!! He rocks!!!He is the hottest half-alien-half human in the whole wide universe. Zachary Quinto who plays the role nails it down! He is perfect and I love him. I like Zoe Saldana when I first knew her in “Center Stage”. In this movie, she promises something enormous. Thanks to Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, John Cho and Anton Yelchin! These four trekkers can make you laugh out loud. Their characters are unforgettable and we will see them more in the sequel I bet. It’s also shocking to see Eric Bana on the credits. I didn’t even notice him (blame the make up). He plays a huge role and he is the stupid antagonist Nero.



Some are saying that Star Trek is 2009’s Ironman. Last year, I did not watch that successful comeback movie of Robert Downey Jr in the big screen coz it looked lackluster to me at first but after watching it on DVD I really fell in love with Ironman. That’s why you should not miss this amazing trek coz the enjoyment I experienced last year with Ironman is also here. I never thought that Star Trek is an interesting franchise. But I won’t watch again the erstwhile treks I hate coz I believe that JJ. Abrams is planning an explosive space adventure in the near future. I will be first in line in the U.S.S. Enterprise next voyage.