Frankenweenie (2012)

Typical dark and mysterious film by Tim Burton. I love the little references here and there (Van Helsing, Persephone, V. Frankenstein), and it kept me on the edge of my seat. ("What were you doing boys?" "Science!")

[I love the nutty maniacal science teacher ("They like what science gives them but not the questions... That's what makes you a scientist."), and the quirky characters were interesting in their own right (Mr. Whiskers!).]

I thought the ending was off though - shouldn't you be teaching your kid to let go instead? (In all fairness, though, Sparky's a remarkable dog.) Still, a good movie for late afternoon or the after hours.


Rating: 4 / 5 (minus 1 because of my noted comment above)

(Watched March 20, 2013)

Intimacy

Dwells on the complexities that arise from a seemingly simple relationship between two people. Who'd have known that a simple fuck could mess up with your head so?

There's an air of mystery here, with a twinge of amour and loss. Interesting also because it seems real enough, something of an everyday occurrence. A number of sex scenes, interesting supporting characters, intense emotions.

Rating: 4 / 5

(Watched Feb 24, 2013)

Oro Plata Mata

Nitty, gritty film about the lives of the bourgeois in the midst of war. The sparkling linen to the bloodstained bandages, the innocent flirting to the perverse sex, the smiles and laughter to the quiet remembrance. Interesting look at man's character when driven to desperation. I love the symbolism of the diwata, and the steely doctor. I also love how the film begins and how it ends. Great film.

Rating: 5 / 5

(Watched Mar. 9, 2013)

Oz, the Great and Powerful

Shiny World of Oz story about greatness and goodness. No Dorothy here, but Kansas and witches a-plenty. I got a nice happy feeling after the movie, but it feels lacking in substance.

I like the black and white motifs, and the modern-ish reactions of the characters.

Lastly: Too much Edison love, what about TESLA?!

Rating: 4 / 5 (because it's purty)

(Watched March 10, 2013)

Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat: Friends 4 Lyf and Death

Begins with foreshadowing, and ends with a bang - an unexpected-yet-expected ending. (Convenient wrap up, I must say.) Has all the elements of a typical masa movie: comedy, drama, action, tragedy, religion, love, and a bunch of larger-than-life characters.

Cinematography wise, Filipino cinema at that time still had a long way to go (this was shown in theaters in 2007), but the acting was pretty good. Good for a laughtrip at the expense of Filipino domestic helpers, but it caught my eye to see how they scratched the surface of that issue. (I felt very much for those who choose to become OFWs for the sake of their families.)

The smuggling angle (because there is one!) was fun, but obviously not true to life. Still - fun!

It's cute and funny enough, I suppose, but more of an "it's ok" for me. (The rating may change in time, though.)


Rating: 2 / 5

(Watched March 1, 2013)

Wreck-It Ralph

A feel good movie that even non-gamers can appreciate (though gamers can think of it as a salute to their happy childhood). It deals with the realm of make believe, but has that homey moral vibe too. Inconsistencies here and there, but what the heck - it's a fun animated movie anyway.

Rating: 5 / 5

(Watched Nov. 11, 2012)

Mary and Max

Dark, depressing, but what a lovely, hopeful note at the ending. Shows that real life can have its ugly and beautiful moments, too.

Rating: 5 / 5

(Watched Nov. 17, 2012)

Life Is Beautiful (La Vita è Bella)

A painfully sweet, poignant look into the lives of Jewish in a time of war. The right perspective is all you need to see that life is, indeed, beautiful.

 Rating: 5 / 5 (a favorite!)

(Watched Dec. 15, 2012)

Life of Pi

Beautiful cinematography, lovely movie of a person who lived to dwell on religion, survivalist tactics, tragedy, love and a tiger. Fantastical to a degree, but interesting. I guess you gotta see it to believe.

Rating: 5 / 5

(Watched Jan 20, 2013)

Hitchcock

Drama-laden take of the behind-the-scenes of Psycho. Quite something to chew on, and stunning scenes. Sometimes shadowy, but all around interesting, especially to the Hitchcock fan.

Also: Alma Reville is one tough lady.

Rating: 4 / 5

(Watched Feb 9, 2013)

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Young adult in nature, but poignant tale. The acting was great. (I loved Patrick.) Very real, and quite deep. Lots of issues to chew on. I think I could watch this over & over again, and still end up crying.

Rating: 5 / 5

(Watched Oct 6, 2012)

The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog

Breath-taking, amazing, simply made with all its beautiful crudeness. The plot's simple, but the direction, the cinematography, the acting... Amazing. I was creeped out, I happily laughed, I nearly shed a tear. I didn't even notice that the hour was up until I looked at the time! Great movie.

Rating: 5 / 5

(Watched  Aug 11, 2012)

Venus in Furs

Great acting, and I love how light / black & white scheme helps in the overall setting. (I loved that tunnel scene!)

As I've read the book by Sacher-Masoch, it was easy for me to follow the storyline; I think that if you haven't read the book, you'll easily get lost watching this.

Rating: 3 / 5

(Watched Oct. 31, 2012)

Lust, Caution

Interesting angle on China during the Pacific War. No black and white, all in grey areas. Very poignant, and the acting is superb! There are some steamy sex scenes here too. Heartwrenching ending.

Rating: 5 / 5

(Watched Jan. 11, 2013)

Bodyguard (Bollywood)

Lovely movie - comedy, drama, romance, action... And plenty of eye candy! Has a kind of delusional feel to it, but a good movie with an interesting twist. I love the Bodyguard song too!

(I feel this would be a great date movie.)

 Rating: 4 / 5

(Watched Feb 9, 2013)

Snow White and the Huntsman

Gritty, real-life take on the well-known legend. Dark scenes, okay acting. Snow White's really snow white here.

(Charlize Theron looks amazing, too.)

Rating: 3 / 5

(Watched Feb 15, 2013)

Dark Shadows (2012)

Star-studded cast, but what fine acting. Fun movie with vampires, magic and, well, love. Dark, but also light enough. Not too deep, but enjoyable.

Rating: 4 / 5

(Watched Feb 15, 2013)

Les Miserables: The Musical Phenomenon (2012)

Wonderful adaptation, though I get surprised by the singing every so often. I shed many a tear. Great cast, great film.

Rating: 5 / 5

(Watched 15 Feb 2013)