Take It or Leave It

2003-12-20T23:48:00.000-08:00

Better Watch Out

Wave Sessions
CD by:Paulo Santos

I will be good this time. Besides I received 2 personally dedicated copies of "Wave Sessions" and "Playlist" from Paolo himself. One read, "salamat with my name" and "thank you and my name again".

To start it off, I'll have to say - don't take it.

It's a waste of P250, since Paolo's "Close" is the only original track in this CD of compiled sessions from Joe D Mango's 89.1 Wave Sessions. Tracks include: Swept Away (Christopher Cross), Only When You Leave (Spandau Ballet), Comfortable (John Mayer) and some other 80-90s songs transformed into acoustic versions.

The quality of the recording was terrible. The voice of Paolo was horrible and his guitar playing was horrendously raw. Either the sessions were from his early days or Joe D Mango sang most of the songs.

Terrible, don't even touch the CD with Paolo's dyed-yellow locks. Wave goodbye to your P250 if you happen to just paid for it recently.

Sometimes I wonder, whether the "salamat" on my CD was a sarcastic play on what I used to say against Mr. Santos. Well, he doesn't read this blog anyway.

2003-12-19T23:24:00.000-08:00

not free anymore

Almost Married
by:Tara FT Sering
Read Interview here:

Almost Married is the sequel to the popular free book entitled "Getting Better", which was included in the October 2002 issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine-Philippines.

Short Review: I loved "Getting Better". But I can't say the same for Almost Married. Why? it was fuck-fest of pages. There was one page-full of 17 cusses. If Tara wanted an Ally-McBeal psychotic character, let me say that 4-letter cusses are not heard from the hit show. (does "shit" count?). There's also Tita Myrna and her Visayan accent. I know Tara has visayan descent, but why make fun of it? It seems regionalistic in the sense that we don't hear of any part of the book that plays around the Ilocano intonation, nor the Kapampangans' spelling of Coffee (c o o - hef- hef- hee- hee). I say, with a price tag of P 150, I'd borrow the book of someone I know. But if you want to know what happens with Karen, then take it in the pain of reading 17 "fuck" words in one page. Fuck.

2003-12-18T23:15:00.000-08:00

Waiting for a Sequel

Happy Endings
by:Luis Joaquin M. Katigbak

Happy Endings is a collection of stories about reinvented identities, lost loves, thermo-acoustic engines, and Wednesday afternoons. It takes a look at our world and refracts it through a lens of humor and a wild imagination.

Sample Writing:
From Click Here:

About the Author:
Luis Joaquin M. Katigbak, who holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from the UP, is a free-lance writer, and has won Palanca and Philippine Graphic awards for his fiction.

Short Review: A personal favorite of which i bought half a dozen copies a couple of years ago as a Christmas gift. That explains why the book is now totally sold out. So find it , and take it.

2003-12-17T22:52:00.000-08:00

A Lot Better Than Rex

Suddenly Stateside
by: Marivi Soliven-Blanco

Reviews from other sites:
From philbooks.com: Thinking of migrating to America? Wondering what it must be like to live there? Read this hilarious and insightful collection of short essays on Pinoy life in the U.S. of A. Laugh till your sides split. Delight in really good writing. And learn how to: baby sit a pet daga, survive freezing winter, live high on the cheap, battle racists, put down flashers, pass strict driving tests, cope with garish Las Vegas, get a green card, etc. etc."

About the Author:
Marivi Soliven-Blanco, a Carlos Palanca Awardee, writer of children's books, and the most read contributing writer to www.legmanila.com, earned a master's degree in teaching from Simmons College in Boston, U.S.A. She received her bachelor's degree in mass communications magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines. Ms. Blanco is the author of The Unicorn, The Toad and the Princess, Philippine Fright: 13 Scary Stories, Chief Flower Girl, as well as all the books in the Jenny and Jay Pinoy Private Eyes series.

Short Review: This book is not your usual take out on Filipinos leaving in the US. It definitely shows both aspects of what's good and bad about leaving away from your home country. Unlike stand-up comedian Rex Navarette, the author does make fun of the Filipino living in a new country, but in the end, you learn that the manner was at least done with good taste (even if it includes gatecrashing a party of Erap Estrada or a wild swipe on yayas and katulongs)

Hmmm. sige na nga, take it!

2003-12-16T22:50:00.000-08:00

Poetry from the City

Stories from the City
by: Isabelita Orlina Reyes

Reviews from other artists:
Of Stories from the City, Gemino Abad, the poet, scholar, and former director of the U.P. Creative Writing Center, has written: "From poem to poem one encounters not language or text but a meaningfulness of living." And poet-critic Neil Garcia says: "Stories from the City is anything but urbane: these are brave and even cutting poems that do not balk at the idea of confronting racism, sexism, classicism, disbelief, loveliness, ennui, death, and all the other verities attending contemporary urban existence. But ultimately, this book celebrates living in the city of our collective childhood-glittering with dream, paved with simple and uncompromising need, bustling with games of precious kinship-the city buried under the jaded wakefulness we shall, after reading this astonishing first collection, barely be able to call life."

About the Author:
Issy Orlina Reyes holds an M.A. in Creative Writing and worked for a time in advertising and as Literary Editor of the Philippines Free Press. At present, she teaches literature and creative writing as part of the U.P.'s prestigious Creative Writing Program.

Short Review: if you are the kind of person who loves what other people wouldnt want to talk about, or the one who'd rather be conventionally unconventional - then this book is for you, take it!

2003-11-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

Collection of the Best Music

Long Ago Tomorrow (2003)
CD by: Siobhan Pettit
Released: November 2003
In Concert: November 15, 2003

With a great voice, this recent Manila visitor from Ireland, took the jazz world by storm by releasing this Burt Bacharach, Hal David and Elvis Costello penned collection of songs. All in one CD, "Long Ago Tomorrow", has 14 of the best songs released in yesteryears and enhanced with the sultry voice of Siobhan. Includes: I'll Never Fall in Love Again, The Look of Love, Walk on By, What the World Needs Now, Close to You and I Say A Little Prayer.

This CD is going to be another great gift to Moms and Dads who crave for 70s music, one that we hear all the lyrics with the humpin-and-thumpin of speakers. Great album with more than 7 songs.

Take it.

2003-11-21T16:04:00.000-08:00

Keeping Up with Jones

New York City (2003)
CD by: Norah Jones with the Peter Malick Group
Released: September 2003 as an Import
Re-released : November 2003 locally but as an EP

Whoever bought the P750 imported CD last September must be cursing the local industry distributors through their teeth.

That one was a big mess. Anyone from Ravi Shankar diehards to Norah Jones worshippers from the Third World where oil pump prices are almost the same as that of Europe, should’ve waited another 60 days for something that would cost just P300.

Another 7-song release (see Buble), this one is a better Norah for me. A cross between Macy Gray and a blue-ish Sheryl Crow, Norah’s voice is again tested against a more seasoned back-up in the Peter Malick group. Her piano playing is not the center of this EP but her versatile voice is. Don’t mind the album being classified under P (for Peter Malick), just go to the Highly Recommended, this CD should be on top of the heap.

2003-11-19T23:58:00.000-08:00

Bubble burst!

Totally Buble (2003)
CD by: Michael Buble
Released in the Philippines: November 2003

7. Yes that many tracks to this sophomore release capitalizing on the great first album. Based on the soundtrack of “Totally Blonde”, not to be mistaken with the Witherspoon movie. But this “7-track extended play (EP)” should not cost the listener, nor its ardent fans, P 375, even with 3 additional videos in tow. Hold your horses.

The sound is the same multiple-platinum Buble debut album. The same hypnotic and haunting sound you enjoyed and freaked out to. Although there are no covers, it still carries the same jazzy-blues formula, worthy of several spins on your player.

No Sinatra. No Armstrong. But Buble is Buble and he deserves another listen. For P 375 (rather than the usual P 450 for a usual album), it is forgivable. Take it.

2003-11-18T05:55:00.000-08:00

QT at his best

Kill Bill (Volume 1) (2003)
Starring: Uma Thurman
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino’s 4th blood fest (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Four Rooms). Black Mamba (Uma Thurman) was a former assassin betrayed by her own boss, Bill (David Carradine). During her own wedding, she survives a bullet in the head and upon coming out of a coma, vowed to do something – to Kill Bill. It’s a movie about revenge.

Kill Bill Volume 1’s music and dance-like movements play vital roles, just like any Tarantino flick. The script is as QT as can be, but less flowery. The characters are well defined and introduced from the point of view of the bride, Thurman.

Uma Thurman is not your garden variety assassin as her fight scenes are almost always from a distant vantage point (vs. Lucy Liu, Darryl Hannah and Viveca Fox). No close-ups. And death to most of her victims were split second fights with no “Crouching Tiger” type of skirmishes. Very un-Tarantino. What is a QT formula here is the volume of blood spent, rather, the volume that was sprayed like your New Year’s “supot” fountain.

Volume 2 is not going to be as anticipated by the reviewer. I’d skip it and move on to the next QT project. What a waste of time.
.

2003-10-31T08:36:00.000-08:00

Exquisite

Under The Tuscan Sun (2003)
Starring: Diane Lane
Directed by: Audrey Wells
Based on the book of Frances Mayes

I've been to Tuscany and this movie made me want to go back and relieve the experience.

Frances Mayes, after a hurting divorce took the gift of friends to visit Tuscany in Italy. That decision led to many discoveries about not just how beautiful the place is, or how friendly strangers can get - but also of one self.

The movie had great scenery, much like what we see in Tuscany books or calendars, moreso it showed Tuscany in 4 seasons. The same way, Frances Mayes transformed from a distraught wife, to a frustrated tourist to a heartbroken lover and to a willing supporter for friends.

A date movie with great witty script. So if you're not easily impressed with great scenery and cinematography, then the book would be a great alternative.

2003-10-24T02:45:00.000-07:00

Dont Be Conned

Matchstick Men (2003)
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell and Alison Lohman
Directed by: Ridley Scott

A movie about deceipt. Great cast. Great retro feel. Great acting. Great direction. But bad movie. Well, maybe - bad theme. Overall, the film had a great premise that crime does not pay, "or sometimes it does", as Roy Waller (Cage in the movie) would say. But it seems while walking from the moviehouse I felt that Cage should've reacted differently. I felt conned myself. You would too if you felt that he didn't deserve what he got in the end. It didn't reveal any redeeming value for the protagonists, maybe not for Cage's character for that matter. But it left us hanging as to what happened with Rockwell, Altman and Lohman in the end.

2003-10-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

Most Underrated Music

Waking Hour (2002)
CD by: Vienna Teng
Released in the Philippines: July 2003

Don't waste time trying to understand music from the 60s being remade this century. Here are 13 new songs which could've been remade if they were released in the 60s. Vienna's voice is a class in itself. Just like Sarah McLachlan, she is incomparable both in her songwriting but more so for her soulful rendition.
Don't waste time and get this CD - now.

2003-09-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

Sophomore Jinx?

Heavier Things (2003)
CD by: John Mayer
Released: September 2003

If CD liners are basis for any award, JM would have won on both of his CDs. Here he uses a color wheel to denote tracks, geographically, physically and musicallity. Its geeky use of color coding relevant to the personality JM wants to show - his being so colorful, one song he's blue and sad, next is red and in love. Well aside from the CD cover and liner, there are 10 tracks to listen to.

"Clarity" and "Bigger than My Body" start the CD on the right note. Great singles. The following tracks are a mix of ole JM and some 80s' Howard Jones. (no kidding). But if there's one thing JM should do for his 3rd album. Is to give some of his great lyrics and play back up to new and upcoming vocalists. We're getting tired with his nosey take on every song. Although we're not as happy as the first one, still "Heavier Things" is a great album. More mature lyrics. Heavier definitely.

JM hasn't sold out yet.

2003-09-07T21:52:00.000-07:00

Filipino Song Inside!

Elephunk (2003)
CD by: Black Eyed Peas
Released:: July 2003

So "Where is the Love" is the same question to most critics dissin this album. They feel that BEP spread themselves too much in this album, that they lost their soul along the way. But if you just sit down, listen intently to the music, you'd realize that this band is not your usual preachy-soul music. More than that is the pride attached to the CD. A Filipino-lyricized track entitled "The APL Song" is one of the most catchy tracks in this funky collection of 14 tracks. Justin Timberlake guests on "Where is the Love?" and Papa Roach on "Anxiety". You dont have to take it since the 2 tracks are enjoying major airplay lately. But if you like to own a major globally released CD with some Filipino lyrics in it, this is it.

2003-09-05T22:31:00.000-07:00

Damon and Affleck Produced

Stolen Summer (2002)
Directed by: Pete Jones
Starring:: Aidan Quinn, Kevin Pollack, Bonnie Hunt, etc.

It's seldom that we stumble on masterpieces like this, moreso that the film is about religion. This VCD, released locally in the Philippines, answers most of the questions that I had with the Catholic (sorry Christian Living teachers) as well as with the Jewish faith. The way it was presented wasn't as preachy nor ramming-down-your-throat manner. Rather it was subtle oftentimes contrived but passable.

The film directed and written by Pete Jones, the winner of the screenwriting contest of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck (called the Project Greenlight) in 2001, was a big eye-opener at the same time, a tear jerker. A film that can touch anyone in different ways. Don't worry about the acting of the 2 kids who co-star in the film, they were rather below the standards of their supporting cast. Collectively, the acting of the rest carried the film, rather than the 2 kids.

Watch it with your kids, or with your parents, and surely after the film you'd be hugging each other. Take it and Love it!

2003-09-03T22:18:00.000-07:00

Filipino Cuisine at its best

Masas
Address: Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Makati City
Date Visited: August 2003

Are you in search for that distinct Filipino taste - without having to go barehands to enjoy it? or you just crave for a different way of cooking your favorites - Crispy Pata, Lechon Kawali or bulalo? Well, don't go any farther than Greenbelt (fronting the original Greenbelt), as Masas Restaurant can fulfill your lust for Filipino delicacies.

Try out their boneless Crispy Pata, which is to die for and their succulent variety of fish and seafoods. The prices are reasonable, probably more than your former Filipino resto you used to visit, but the service and the ambience would probably be worth the extra.

2003-09-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

I Told You So

Paolo Santos
CD Title : Play List - CD
Released: August 2003

I told you so. The CD was a lot better than the VCD! 11 Tracks including one cover of Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed", and 10 Original songs penned by Santos himself. The music recording is crisp, you can crystally hear the guitar licks and the Mayer-DMB-Wonder-ish voice of Paolo. From "Play With Me" to "Close" - the background track of the recent Close Up toothpaste commercial, every song was well-picked for a debut album. This is a steal for P 280, just dont open the liners and you'd see more of Paolo's image, worse, there's a Playboy pose complete with a shirt knotted to show his other guitar - his ribs!
Don't tell me I didn't forewarn you.
Take this!

2003-08-30T08:13:00.000-07:00

No Comparisons Please

Nyoy Volante with Mannos
CD Title : Acoustic - CD
Released: August 2003

What's with the word acoustic? See 2 immediate reviews. Its been overused, and abused lately with the releases of Paolo Santos, this one of Nyoy and Jimmy Bondoc's. But if there's one album that can epitomize great acoustic play and recording - this new release should be it.

Nyoy Volante's voice is a lot better than Paolo or even the rest of the acoustic gigs of late. Aside from his strumming, his voice is soothing which makes him stand out among the rest. Other than that, its a toss up.

This album though is exceptional. The recording is crisp and the sound engineering - superb. Perfect for acoustic albums. The album cover needs some art though.

Great tracks in the album include "What Do I Do" and "You're My You", both having to enjoy airwave plays. The most underrated, and for me is the best track is "Because of Your Love", a Christian song that truly characterizes great albums that allow one to take a respite away from the noise of drums and bass. At prices of local CDs (P280) this is a good buy! Take it.

2003-08-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

Go For the CD

Paolo Santos
CD Title : Acoustic Night Out - VCD
Released: August 2003

Some guys are better heard than seen. Paolo Santos is one of them. 30 tracks of great rendition of acoustic hits from John Mayer, DMB, Indigo Girls, Journey, Style Council etc. Great mix of songs which are all within the voice quality of Paolo. The quality of the recording though has a lot to improve on. We tend to lose some of the musicality during live recordings like these. This leaves the guitar sound like its coming from a tin can.

Highlights of the VCD are Paolo's duet with Barbie Almalbis of Barbie's Cradle on "Don't Know Why" (Norah Jones), his own tracks like "Play With Me" and "Coffee Cup" as well as his take on John Mayer. If we talk about the voice and the guitar strumming, Paolo is passable. Other than that, lets not even go there.

You can pass up on this one. Go for his newly released studio CD instead.

2003-08-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Kinda Acoustic?

Almostkindaacoustic
CD Title : Almostkindaacoustic
Released: Warner Philippines, July 2003

18 tracks. 18 solid tracks. If ~~one~~ two of these 18 will prove to be a dud for you, I'll stop this site. I'll place my integrity at stake for this CD, which I should've reviewed a long time ago, after purchasing straight from the delivery box. Enuff said? Here are the 18 title tracks:
1. Edwin McCain - I'll Be
2. Matchbox 20 - Unwell (Live, Acoustic, great version)
3. Duncan Sheik - Barely Breathing
4. Jason Mraz - Sleep All Day
5. Rhett Miller - Come Around
6. Nickel Creek - This Side
7. Indigo Girls - Power of Two
8. The Verve Pipe - The Freshmen
9. Alana Davis - 32 Flavors
10. Shawn Mullins - Lullaby
11. Oasis - Wonderwall
12. David Gray - Babylon
13. Jeff Buckley - Last Goodbye
14. Binocular - Deep
15. Sarah McLachlan- Adia
16. Toad the Wet Sprocket- Walk on the Ocean
17. Barenaked Ladies - Call and Answer
18. Rockwell Ryan - I Don't Wanna Sing.

Except for the bonus track from Stephen Speaks member, the rest are chart toppers. In fact, this CD was the only one able to dislodge F4's grandstanding ways during July. Take it.

2003-08-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

Philippine Visitors, et al.

Look At Me, Im Beautiful

Plumb
CD Title : Beautiful Lumps of Coal
Released: in the Philippines, August 2003

Gone solo, Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, lost some of the ole Plumb's 80s sound but compensated this with some depth in lyrics and diversity in her sound. Surely proves Plumb's voice's versatility.

Listen to her in the much played "Real", but feel her in "Sink and Swim" and "Boys Don't Cry". "Free", "Nice, Naive and Beautiful" and "Without You" are personal favorites. This is another crossover artist, from Christian to Pop/Rock but that genre has given us the best bands the past years (see Jars of Clay and Sixpence None the Richer, as well as Stephen Speaks). No wonder, Barbie's Cradle opens her Philippine one-night only concert.

Catch her at the Rockwell Tent on Saturday, August 30. Tickets at P 600 and P900 available at O Powerplant. Autograph signing at O Powerplant on the same afternoon. Special guests, Barbie's Cradle.

2003-08-25T09:45:00.000-07:00

Eva Cassidy Reincarnate

Jodie Brooke Wilson
CD Title :: Halfway to Paradise
Released:: in the Philippines, July 2003

"Temporary Madness" would surely be the most played track in the album, but its not the best in the album. Jodie Brooke Wilson will surely make you remember the late Eva Cassidy with her heavenly voice. Take this to one of your long road trips to the south, play it at mid-volume, allow the air to waft inside the car as you open your windows, surely you're on your way - halfway to paradise.

Catch her at the Podium, Ortigas Centre on Friday, August 29. By special invite only.

2003-08-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

Brazilian's Best Bet

Ive Mendes
CD by:: Ive Mendes
Released:: 2002; in the Philippines, May 2003

Ten songs. Seductive guitar strings. Husky Mendes voice. Not your usual Brazilian samba. Nor Astrud Gilberto bossanova. It is Ive Mendes, sultry, sensual, spiritual - just like any Brazilian should be.

Catch her at the Shangrila on Friday, August 29 with special guest, Pops Fernandez.

2003-08-20T15:14:00.000-07:00

Kekaibang Kuwento

Keka
Directed by: Quark Henares
Starring: Katya Santos, Wendell Ramos, and a host of dead people in the movie

If there's one Filipino movie in the last 6 months that one can rave about, its got to be a one-word, one-named filmtitle. No, its not Magnifico anymore but this movie - fondly entitled "Keka". Francesca Jose or Keka, a call center "operator" lost a boyfriend to a senseless killing by 5 members of a rival fraternity. School and work didn't drown the memories of his beau's death and Keka vowed to take action, even after years have passed. One by one, all 5 members met their match - all dying (mysteriously) via Keka's wrath.

The film was quirky (no pun intended) in a funny way but I was glad that the producers went through and got it out. One, the uniqueness of the theme, how it was approached would've made a producer quiver and ask whether it has commercial value. This film didnt. I saw it twice and there were more cockroaches under my chair than people. Two, the cast was a great mix of has beens from the late 80s to 90s. Except for Tuesday Vargas, who was the sole revelation, the rest were ho-hums on paper but acting wise? super underrated.

Katya Santos (who was supposed to be Jolina Magdangal in this film), was a great replacement. It became an added attraction for maniacs to think whether she would go bold and see her size 37 jugs in this film. But then again, the script was made for Jolina, remember? A size 31, i may say.

Wendell Ramos, the spurned lover-mediocre policeman, was his usual self. A potential Boyet de leon sans the acting. All good looks.

The director, Quark Henares, well, you got to hand it to the guy. He was able to get mom, Dra. Vicky Belo, line up in National Bookstore in "Gamitan" and uncle take the urinator cameo in this one. Great guy. But really, his films are not for everyone. Tsk tsk tsk.

Sad to say, even if it was shown in Cinemanila and in the commercial theatres, you won't be able to see it. It only had a one week run. Sayang talaga....astig yung pelikula. Keka-iba!

2003-07-20T22:20:00.000-07:00

Fun Snacks

Jack n Jill Fun Snacks
Flavors: Berry Knots, Sea Crunch Prawn Salt and Vinegar and Spicy variants

Years ago, Jack N Jill had Prawn Curls, Barbecue Curls and Munchees as part of their fun snack arsenal. Only Chippy and Chiz Curls were left from our childhood snack attack days. Last summer, Jack N Jill released 3 fun snacks that have now been a staple for catatonic days in front of the TV or moments when one needs to put something in their mouth.

Sea Crunch, which comes in Salt and Vinegar as well as Spicy Prawn, are perfect for those "inumans" when you can't afford their pricy counterparts. SC Salt and Vinegar has that tangy taste of prawn and just enough dash of "suka" and just like SC Spicy Prawn - really comes close to the real thing. Someone even quipped that both would even pass for a great lunch - "kanin na lang ang kulang".

Berry Knots (a play with Knotts Berry Farm in the US) is your usual pretzel, this time dipped in strawberry filling. Perfect for sweet tooth-people or those who are after Baguio's famed berries' taste. Your berry cravings can be fulfilled for sure.

Fun snacks have never been this funnier before. So with all three, a cup of rice and glass of water, one can have an appetizer, ulam and dessert.

2003-07-19T04:46:00.000-07:00

Disturbingly Great

Stupid White Men And Other Excuses for the State of the Nation
Author: Michael Moore

American democracy at work. If it were in China, this book wouldnt even hit the stands at all. This book is so disturbing that every time Mr. Moore takes on the president of the USA, the manner he was elected, his policies, his cabinet, and even recycling trash - I cringe in the thought that he is exposing something that is true!

What really makes the book a good read? It is factual, it is incisive, it is thorough and does not offer to the reader that you take up your streamers and start rallying in front of the White House.

Take it. But I doubt if you're up for it.

2003-07-18T03:43:00.000-07:00

Stunning

Frida (DVD)
Starring: Selma Hayek
Directed by: Julie Taymor

You'd be proud being a woman after seeing this film.

Frida Kahlo, artist, wife, political activist - woman. She was everything in this 122 minute grandscale cinematic film that won critical acclaim for its musical scoring and for Selma, herself.

Colorful Mexican art. Political history. Headstrong women. All these - in Frida. Dont miss the DVD to be released August 19, 2003.

2003-07-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

Kick Some Grass?

Shaolin Soccer (Siu lam juk kau)
Starring: Stephen Chow, Vicki Zhao, Man Tat Ng
Directed by: Stephen Chow

Are you ready for some CUT?

Miramax' 80-minute version vs. the original 102-minute flick proves to be the greatest debate (or non-debate) these days. Which one right now is the better version? In this case, the reductions were for the good of the movie - less vomit, less blood, and yes less dancing.

The film was a cinderella take on a star soccer player, Golden Leg, who lost everything including his leg from one fateful soccer game decades earlier. Having lost his bright soccer future and finally knowing the truth that his doom was set up by his own boss, Hung, he decided to form his own soccer team.

Made up of Shaolin Kung Fu experts but Soccer-rag tags, this team included one treasured player, Sing (Stephen Chow). With Sing, the come-uppance against the evil soccer manager, Hung, was done via their patented Shaolin Soccer.

If you're ready for some Chinese slapstick, and silly rendition of American dance and music, interspersed with genius cinematic effects, then this film is for you. Whether you get the tamed Miramax release (which is more likely), or the original one, youd enjoy Shaolin Soccer. Besides the 22 minute cut will be 22 more minutes of reviewing the film. Take it!

2003-07-16T02:22:00.000-07:00

Overly Sentimental?

Tears of the Sun
Starring: Monica Bellucci, Bruce Willis
Directed by: Antoine Fuqua (Training Day)

The movie had ~~good~~ great intentions of depicting the Americans as somewhat able to "feel" for the world and its plight.

It failed though as it tried to be too sappy and sentimental that you feel numb and detached to the pillaging of the village, the rape scenes, the deaths of native tribesmen, and when you get to the ending, your tear ducts have left you, wanting for it to be useful. But really, there wasnt really a scene to shed some tears, sonnamagun!

And really, we've seen this before. Its a take on Black Hawk Down (with a mission to undertake), or maybe a theft of some scenes from the play, Miss Saigon, (where refugees are carried by helicopter, but in the end were left).

If as audience we believe that American soldiers can be this real (or cinematic), then there's hope for the world. But really "are we there yet?"

2003-07-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

This time a Canadian

"Michael Buble"
CD :: Michael Buble
Released : May 2003

Another one of those outstanding new talents just coming out of their diapers (see Lerche, Groban, Mayer, and Norah). But this one gets in faster than the rest. First, he gets both David Foster and Paul Anka to produce his no original-all cover self-titled album. Then he gets 3 tracks from the same album to be part of the "Down With Love" soundtrack. And he gets another album to be released in a week's time entitled "Totally Buble". That makes it 2.5 albums in less than half a year. Wow.

The versatility of his voice is apparent in this release as he covers tracks of great balladeers from the 50s (Anka, Darin and Sinatra), 70s (Van Morrison - not a balladeer for sure) to the 80s (Bee Gees, or were they 70s too?). And he makes all 13 covers in great fashion - the Buble (pronounced as Bub-layh) way!

If you got Rod Stewart's The Great American Songbook just before this CD (which apparently I did), you'd end up playing Rod at home and Buble in the car. The latter is great for those traffic-laden Manila highways. Take it. I said Take It.

2003-07-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

Sondre Lerche

"Faces Down"
CD :: Sondra Lerche
Released : March 2003

Finally distributed locally. This Norwegian genius has been hanging out for years just to have that big break. His style with a cross between Aztec Camera and an acoustic Style Council speaks well of her '80s euro-pop foundations. Of course, growing up with the music inspiration of personal idols and Norway's best exports - A-ha.

He played in this year's SXSW in Austin Texas and wowed the crowd who typically liked music as raw as possible. A cross between Belle and Sebastian with some mix of Gilberto-ish bossa nova hip, that's Lerche for me.

Just as the US discovered John Mayer, and Canada discovered Michael Buble, Europe has this 20-year old, Sondra Lerche as their bet for youth greatness.

2003-07-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

Pro or Anti Catholic?

El Crimen del Padre Amaro (The Crime of Padre Amaro)
Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal, Ana Claudia Talancon
Directed by: Carlos Carrera

This movie is so thought-provoking that it had limited theatre engagements in predominantly Catholic-countries, which included the Philippines. Very relevant with today's headlines screaming of offenses by Catholic priests or lay ministers linked to the Catholic religion, this VCD/DVD release might be gone from the stands before we know it.

Although the movie tried to create a balance, showing the pros and cons of Catholicsm, it failed, as the offenses that were shown were more visual. It depicted Catholicism as opening up to its Liberation Theology (Padre Natalio helping the mountainfolk to defend themselves and to have decent work more than just reading to them the scripture) or helping put up a major hospital from donations (regardless of its source) for the sake of the majority.

The crime of Padre Amaro was that he pushed his limits and wasn't able to control his human desires. Temptation for him was avoidable (but with the beautiful Tarancon, maybe not) but he never really put up a fight. The film was in Mexican/Spanish and it was like watching your telenovelas once again with a different type of love, outlawed and more than that - despicable to many's eyes.

2003-07-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

Not Cameron Anymore?

Terminator 3 : Rise of the Machines
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenneger, Kristanna Loken, Nick Stahl (In the Bedroom)
Directed by: Jonathan Mostow (Director, Spy Game, U-571)

Was it 12 years ago when Arnold uttered those lines "Hasta La Vista, baby"? But here we are again with another Terminator more than a decade after. But this time, we get some links from the past, like the attire of Arnold - it wasnt made for him - he stole it from a macho dancer with a village people eyeglasses in tow.

Just like the previous 2 James Cameron films, Mostow was loyal to the action per minute sci-fi that became a precedent for those loud blaring-jump-from-your-seat thrillers. This one is no different. With a female, doubly stronger Terminator (Terminatrix, Loken), Arnold faces the tough role of protecting the one and only link to stop the rule of machines in the future.

It is less 2-hours of non-stop action, a big break from your summer flick-full of comic-book heroes and a trio of flying angels. If not for the FHM-Stuff-Maxim bodied Loken, this film would have its dull moments, especially watching the now slow-moving Arnie S. now pushing 50s and still can't utter a clear and audible English sentence.

Arnold is so 70s. Action and Storytelling is so 80s. Effects are 90s. But the theme of weapons of mass destruction is so Bush 2003.

2003-07-07T01:25:00.000-07:00

Full Choker

Charlie's Angel : Full Throttle (2003)
Starring: Drew, Cameron, Lucy and Demi Moore
Directed by: McG

Ok tell me class, why did we ever see the film?:

1. Why was Bruce Willis cast for a mere 2 minutes with one inaudible line ?
2. What was the plot of the film? Who were they looking for in the first place?
3. What were the rings all about? Was there supposed to be a hobbit to guard the rings?
4. Why was Jaclyn Smith still good looking after 30 years? A result of CGI maybe?
5. Why was Drew fat-assed in some scenes, and then Karen Carpenter-sexy in some and then back to Lewinsky-sized in the next scenes? or was that Monica Lewinsky after all?
6. Tell me the meaning of the "The Coal Bowl" and the scene's relevance to the movie?
7. Why was the Griffith Observatory used after all, they could have used another tall building.
8. Why didnt Demi Moore kill all 3 when she wanted to be the best Angel after all?
9. What happened to Bill Murray?
10. Why was Pink in the movie?
The answer to why I wanted to see the film? Demi Moore. That's all. Case dismissed.

2003-07-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

Utterly Crappy

Bruce Almighty (2003)
Starring: Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman and Jennifer Aniston
Directed by: Tom Shadyac

Oh oh, that pair again, Shadyac + Carrey = fun but crappy films (e.g. Ace Ventura : Pet Detective and Liar Liar). Why is Jim being typecast into "transformer" films? I meant, he always becomes normal-to abnormal- to freaky and then back to abnormal (never to normal) in almost all of his movies, except for...except for....

We all loved "The Truman Show" and "The Majestic", and of course "Man on the Moon" (or maybe some of you did) but this preachy-film was too much, close to being blasphemous in some scenes. Freeman as God was not quite close to Oh God Books 1 to 3, you might even exclaim, "Oh my Gawwwwwwd", just like Aniston does in Friends. I would have missed it if not for the B-E-A utiful reviews others made. I enjoyed the post-it scene though. That's all.

2003-05-30T15:50:00.000-07:00

French Version of College Life

L Auberge Espagnole (2003)
Starring: Romain Duris, Audrey Tatou, Judith Godreche
Directed by: Cedric Klapische

Refreshing take on college life, as compared to American sorority-fraternity-football team-cheerleader full depiction of getting a college diploma. With L'Auberge one remembers the feeling of packing your bag and leaving the comforts of Mom's cooking vis-a-vis, not eating nor taking a bath at all. Its dormitory, bed spacing, relationships, leaving in a different country with different types of people experience. Some things we all wish we did when we were young, but couldn't. See the film, and relish what you missed.

Oh, the film is in French, but there are English subtitles too. And Audrey Tatou is still cute in this film, but not as in Amelie. But you're not watching it because of Tatou, right?

2003-05-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

I'll Never Use a Phonebooth Again

Phone Booth (2003)
Starring: Colin Farrell, Forest Whitaker and Kiefer Sutherland
Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Thanks to the cellular phone, but after watching this edge-of-your-seat thriller film, I will never, ever, use a phone booth again. Only Superman will survive this one scene masterpiece.

From a dapper Farrell to a piss-wet-sweaty-bloody Colin, you will understand how man reacts if placed in a situation as to whether to tell the truth or to tell a half-truth. The film over exagerrates in showing it, but its cinema, right??? If films are done this great, Hollywood producers will be laughing to the bank. $ 46 million for a one-phone booth scene, wow! Don't call my bluff, watch it. RRRRrrrrrring.

2003-05-26T15:37:00.000-07:00

Aniston At Her Best

The Good Girl (2002)
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jennifer Aniston, John C. Reilly
Directed by: Miguel Arteta

If you feel depressed at any point of the film, then the objective has been met. All the characters have their own set of problems. Reilly smokes pot to forget about it. Gyllenhaal uses his pencil to punch a hole right through his palm, and Aniston - merely acts well, and we all forget that wacky side of hers from "Friends".

Up to what lengths will you go just to experience happiness? Watch the film to know.

2003-05-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

Another Gyllenhaal?

Moonlight Mile (2002)
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman and Susan Sarandon
Directed by: Brad Silberling

Close to being an autobiography for director Brad Silberling, who lost his fiance to a rabid stalker fan. Nonetheless, Silberling continues to say that he was able to inject a lot of emotions different from what he felt close to a decade ago. Still, doing it and seeing it as a film would have created some trauma in Silberling who had to wait for 5 years before deciding to make it into a film.

The timing was right as this new kid on the block, Jake Gyllenhaal, the brother of the Secretary, Maggie Gyllenhaal, was tailor fit for the job, and yes, maybe Hoffman and Sarandon were both busy 5 years ago to accept this kind of roles. Just the same, the storyline of being taken in as an own fiance-son after losing your own daughter was unique. The emotions wer heart thugging and this you have to tip you hat to Silberling who endured everything just to have this autobiography for us to see. (yes, its not an autobiography, i know.)

2003-05-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

Sexually Harrassing

Secretary (2002)
Starring: Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Spader
Directed by: Steven Shainberg

If you are a sucker for finding love in the most obscure places, then this flick is for you. The Secretary tackles a different way of affection notable for people who admire power and those who love using it. Maggie and her transformation from a geeky secretary to a seductive temptress was seamless. She was perfect for the part. Spader was merely re-enacting his part from "Sex, Lies and Videotape" - his usual Best Actor performance.

I may consider this as soft porn with a lot of skewing towards S&M, frontal nudity and the like, but since they were so much a part of the film, the movie was able to draw the moviegoer's attention to being sexually aroused to a level of understanding that love can be found best when both parties partake in its sweetness and in its pain. Ill slap your behind if you miss out on this rare flick. Its just 104 minutes of your time.

2003-05-20T00:13:00.000-07:00

Old Jack

About Schmidt (2002)
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Hope Davis, Dermot Mulroney and Kathy Bates
Directed by: Alex Payne

If only for Kathy Bates' drop jaw steaming topless scene, this film is already a winner.

Warren Schmidt lost a loving wife, retired from a job, was about to bring a daughter to the altar and wanted to rediscover himself along the way. The crossroads were enough to break any ordinary man, Schmidt only had a stiff neck and back. He was able to go over the hump - and that's all about Schmidt.

Acting from Jack was usual - utterly the best. But the storyline was usual. The direction was not much needed with Nicholson around. The movie was ok and the ending was moving. 2 hours may be too long for you to wait for the ending. You can miss it if you want to.

2003-05-18T00:05:00.000-07:00

Epic At Its Best

Gangs of New York (2002)
Starring: Leonardo di Carpio, Cameron Diaz and Daniel Day Lewis
Directed by: Martin Scorsese

If you saw Daniel Day Lewis in "The Last of the Mohicans" you will not be surprised with his acting in Gangs of New York. You'd be more surprised it was Lewis after all, with his make up and antics. Nonetheless, without Daniel, the movie will not be the same.

Scorsese again made a masterpiece with this re-visit to old New York with its gangsters and notoriety. Caprio is his usual cross-eyebrow and spouting self. The film is long enough (2 hours 47 minutes) so I'll make this short. Watch it. But break the film into two to appreciate.

2003-05-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

May Trick You

Matrix Reloaded (2003)
Starring: Keannu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne and Carrie Ann Moss
Directed by: Andy and Larry Wachowski

The original Matrix was a tough act to follow. It was billed to be the sci-fi film that changed the terrain of sci-fi movies. With that opening statement, you'd surely feel I'm giving Reloaded a cop out.

Yes, Reloaded didnt come at par with Matrix 1, BUT, in fact over exceeded my expectations. It was almost in the same plane with its own action sequences, mostly improving the fight scenes of Matrix 1. But to compare it with its brother is unfair. You can compare it to Star Wars and how some scenes were kind of ripped off from the Phantom Menace.

Reloaded has its better points. It has a sex scene (although not what you'd expect for a PG13 movie). It has Monica Bellucci (Malena) and that kiss, yes the kiss. It has Keannu showing off new and better hero tricks (aka Superman and sometimes the Road Runner). It has a million and one agents coming out of nowhere and the disappearing twins too. And what kind of action film will it be if there were no chase scenes more so Freeway 101 car collision action! And o yes, the people from Samsung was able to provide a nifty phone for the sci-fi heros (and they don't throw these gadgets in the trash bins unlike Matrix1), and slip in probably some corporate honchos as part of the cast - like the key maker. If action is what you want - you will get it from Reloaded. See it. We only pay P 120 ($2.40), while Americans shell out $12-15 for it. Do your math. This film's script has a lot of that too.

2003-05-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

United Untied!

X Men 2: United (2003)
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Patrick Stewart
Directed by: Bryan Singer (Usual Suspects)

This film lost its wit along the way. The script was full of cliches. The dialogue was almost like straight from a grade school kid's essays. BUT you dont get into a superhero flick for the script, do you?

The action was crisp. The pace was a lot better. There were no preambles to be done. No explanations to be made. Not much voice over to explain who is who and why is why. The characters have been well introduced from Xmen thus allowing more time for action, scene after scene. And yes, the heroes and the villains are divided by a fine line. That leaves anyone who think this is a bad sequel as the unfortunate bad guy and villain rolled into one. Be one of us - see the film.

2003-05-02T05:45:00.000-07:00

A Marriage Gone Bad

Just Married (2003)
Starring: Ashton Kutcher (Dude Where's My Car) and Brittany Murphy (8 Mile)
Directed by: Shawn Levy (Big Fat Liar)

Is there really a movie classification called Slapstick Romance? Well if there is, then this movie perfectly fits the bill.

Can be aptly titled National Lampoon Gets Married, this movie proves quite a few things. You can show Venice as a not-so-attractive place (compared to its usual image for romance) what with its dark alleys and old hotels with walls crashing down. And that driving through the French Alps can be very very dangerous. It was a romantic comedy of conquering family issues regarding non-approval of the person we chose to marry and proving to them that you can have love over all the problems in the world. (Did I really see those rather serious theme in the movie? - well, you've got to catch it before you get hitched, yourself.)

2003-05-01T05:16:00.000-07:00

One Sister, After Another

About Adam (2001)
Starring: Kate Hudson (Almost Famous, How To Lose a Guy) and Stuart Townsend (Queen of the Damned)
Directed by: Gerard Stembridge (directorial debut)

This video is scary. Picture your sister's fiance trying to seduce you. And you're a guy. ugh. The storyline is so sexy that you can't help but be drawn to the central character of the film - Adam - played by Stuart Townsend. It starts with Lucy (Kate Hudson), a waitress in a Dublin cafe with a great voice (see Kate here, see Kate sing, see Kate sing three times!), and Adam falling for each other. Lucy feels that Adam is God-sent, and moreover it is cemented by the fact that the family loves him so much. Literally, love him. From Lucy's mom (Rosaleen Linehan), to her two sisters ( Frances O Connor and Charlotte Bradley), worse, even brother, David (Alan Maher) falls into the trap.

Catch the film and its non-linear presentation with details left out to provide 4-different vantage points - Lucy's, the sisters, the brother, and that of Adam. There's something about About Adam that you have to find out. See it.

2003-04-03T01:44:00.000-08:00

Remember, Bend and not Break

Bend It Like Beckham
Starring: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Directed by: Gurinder Chadha

Of course, not everyone knows David Beckham. He is not actually in the center of the film at all. But since this is set in England, it adds to the local flavor despite the almost all-Bollywood cinematic atmosphere. Beckham, happens to be the popular England striker-husband of a Spice Girl- inspiration of the protagonist, Jess Bahmra (Parminder Nagra). Just like any traditional Indian family, parents (Anupam Kher and Shaheen Khan) have plans made for the family. This does not include for Jess to befriend Jules (Keira Knightley), a teammate of English descent, who might lead her to lose her traditional Indian ways (that women should be in the house, cooking, and doing domestic chores) nor to fall in love with their football coach, Joe (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). They expect Jess to follow in the footsteps of her sister, Pinky (Archie Panjabi), who is to marry in a traditional Indian wedding. The conflict lies in that Jess has to decide whether to live life on her terms or act in accordance with her parents' wishes. In usual in the nick of time terms, the ending will justifiably say (although sometimes it'd impossible) that daughters can have their way - more often than not against the parents will. The title should've been "Bend Indian traditions, like Beckham". Shallow, coming of age movie. Its not a football movie. Its not a love story. Its a feel good movie but watch it for Indian culture and nothing more.

2003-04-02T01:16:00.000-08:00

Overpowering Yet Melodramatic

Talk To Her
Starring: Javier Camara, Dario Grandinetti, Leonor Waitling
Directed by: Pedro Almodovar

One of the best foreign language films in 2002, this 114-minute masterpiece is a venture into various scenarios with communication as the centerpiece, among others. What will a nurse do to a love-from-afar who’s left to a comatose state? What will a partner do to a female matador accidentally gored by the bull and is left lying in the hospital? To both, the answer is to talk to her.

In some scenes, you’d see the genius of Almodovar in using symbolisms to allow the viewer to have his interpretation and then revealing the answer several scenes after. Maybe even not revealing it all. Did Benigno do it? Was Marco a lover or a friend to him? Questions you’d only understand if you watch this compelling film. See it.

2003-04-01T00:22:00.000-08:00

You Won't Mind the Vague Ending

Hero
Starring: Jet Li, Donnie Yen, Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi
Directed by: Yimou Zhang

Zhang Yi mou used to direct lesser known stars in “Happy Times” and in his other films, but you have to tip your hat to him for bringing to the screen and directing 5 of the superstars of Chinese cinema. Jet Li (of Once Upon a Time in China fame, and more known in the US for his “Romeo Must Die”, “Kiss of the Dragon” and more recently “The One”), Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung (made some noise in “In the Mood for Love”), Zhang Zi Yi (“Rush Hour 2” and of course, 2001’s Best Foreign Language Film, “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon”).

The story centers on the plot of “survival of the fittest” or moreover just like the TV series - Survivor – “alliances”. Nameless, played by Jet Li, recounts in flashbacks how he was able to take the precious swords of 3 of the deadliest assassins out to get the king of Qin. The duels made in various backgrounds, from red autumn leaves, green meadows, white dessert, blue tranquile skies will leave one in shock and awe. Donnie Yen (sky) and Jet Li’s remains to be the most awaited (after their more known duels in “Once Upon a Time in China”). While that of Maggie Cheung (Flying Snow) and Jet Li tops even the best of Hollywood. Tony Leung will be shown in one scene without his moustache and he passes well in his fight scenes albeit awkward and all. Watch out for more swordfights by Zhang Zi Yi and yes, more acting from her. Although star-studded, the movie centers on the Hero, and you will see who he is in the end.

2003-03-31T00:06:00.000-08:00

3rd Album

Barbie's Cradle
Album Title: Playing in the Fields
Released by: Warner Music Phils. (March 2003)
Price: Php 280.00

Barbie’s Cradle’s long awaited third album has been released in the first week of March amidst quiet and less pompous ways. No major concerts, no major TV guest appearances, but via non-traditional but effective radio on board interviews, MTV guest appearances, and even the parallel launch of its website, (http://www.barbiescradle.virtualave.net) which will be a shoo-in for webbies of the year. The convergence of lyrics being seen only from the website was irritating but unique. Probably saving on liner notes, replaced ably by great photography using the titles of the tracks placed on surreal scenes. The photography alone is worth P100 of the money you pay for.

BC takes off from its 2 prior releases studying the best of both CDs and bringing them to this third album. There are 2 original Filipino songs, “Idlip” which will not make you sleep, one remake “Limang Dipang Tao”, and mostly great writing from its chief writer, Barbie Almalbis and collaboration with Wendell Garcia and Rommel dela Cruz.

The album starts with the carrier single “All I Need (Is God)” and ends with the BC style of inserting free music into their albums. Their second CD had “Floating” on Track 21 and here there is a percussion-ful drum and bass music without words, a full minute after the last song. Notable tracks are “Everyday” and the samba inspired, “Dragonflies”, but fan-favorite “Playing in the Fields” and U2-sound-alike “Independence Day” steals some thunder despite not being sung in prior gigs of BC.

Take it and Love it.

2003-03-11T01:10:00.000-08:00

Shabby Chic or Chubby Sick?

Fat Michael's Place
Address: 1154-A, Lacuna Cor Rodriguez Sts. Bangkal, Makati
Directions: instead of going to Alabang, stay at your right from South Superhighway (from Buendia side) and when you hit Makati View Apartelle, turn right and stay on the road til you hit a crossroads
Phone No.: 844-2638 ; Hours: Lunch, Merienda and Dinner ;Cuisine: Fusion
Ambience: Bohemian
Parking: Street Parking for 5-12 cars
Capacity: Fits 20-32 people inside and outside (al fresco); Credit Card: Cash only
Food Arrangement Images: Click here (through the great lensman, Jake Versoza)

This maybe is going to be your first time to be in that corner of Makati. It wasnt mine. I used to hang out in small villes like these when I was a walking salesman and encountered places most people call as "hole in the walls". Ten years ago, this corner was a carinderia and wasn't even the most frequented in the area. But apparently Michael's Place has changed all that. (Its called Fat Michael's but with Fat being added non chalantly although Davelyn Camaclang, the owner, whispered to me that Mike is not fat any longer).

Enter the house that "word-of-mouth" built. Chairs of all shapes and sizes, lamps neatly covered by shawls, bandannas and what have you's, paperbacks, magazines are all scattered for that homey-bohemian feel. Mrs. Camaclang mentioned that she collects Inday Cadapan art works after recognizing the painting staring (with 3 eyes) at me, and there was a William Yu painting, left unframed, which makes you wonder if this place is for you or for an artsy-fartsy guy. It actually is a place for everyone. When we arrived there was a group of Assumptionistas and a pair of Chinese matrons as well as executives, all trying to meet their gastronomic desires.

I ordered the Sirloin Kebab (P 195, my personal trick to getting a feel of the food is to order the most expensive, and from there you can fairly judge the rest of the menu). Not so tender. But yes, ok ang timpla. We started with Fruit and Walnut salad (P 85) which was a staple I reckon, after hearing the same order from the other 2 tables. The walnuts were straight from a pack (of mixed nuts, i guess) and the papaya was overly ripe. But I'm not a salad person - so I really can't tell if this was ok or not. We also ordered the Chicken Aiolli which was the "Special" of the Day. Take note of the quotes.

For a complete meal of 2 Salads, 2 Main dish, 2 diet sodas, our bill amounted to P 711. Not bad since we ordered two of the pricey dishes in the menu. But to look for it all the way from Caloocan or from Ortigas might not be worth the trip. So don't get your hopes up. Its ordinary food from a not-so-ordinary place but, with extra ordinary service from the owners themselves. If you're going to visit somebody in Paranaque or in Alabang, better check out the place first.

2003-03-10T00:29:00.000-08:00

You've Seen This Film, I'm Sure

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Starring: Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson
Direction: Donald Petrie

How to Lose An Audience in 10 Ways:
10. Start a Film with a Lame Soundtrack (what was that music?)
9. Give a weak characterization for both Matthew's and Kate's characters
8. Make a plot, the usual plot, about making bets on falling in and out of love.
7. Cast two beautiful people and place them in an ugly storyline
6. After Wedding Planner, cast Matthew McConaughey in the same genre of a film - The boring genre.
5. Spend countless precious minutes to show that the film is a mini-me version of Runaway Bride, American Sweethearts and What Women Want all rolled into a poorly packaged short story.
4. Base it on a book that can never proclaim it was in the New York Times bestsellers list
3. Uh. oh, have the film direction made by who else - the director of Miss Congeniality.
2. ,who happens to be the director of the ill-fated The Martian
1. Have a Title that starts on "How To Lose" - you'd surely will if you see this film.

2003-03-02T02:42:00.000-08:00

Multi-layered and Clever

Adaptation
Starring: Nicholas Cage, Merryl Streep, Chris Cooper and Nicholas Cage (again)
Direction: Spike Jonze

So where do we start it? Let's start with the characters. Nicholas Cage plays the twins, Charlie Kaufman (the real Charlie who screenplays Adaptation) and Donald Kaufman. Both genius screenplay writers start at opposite ends with their style of writing (Neurotic vs. Deliberate), their way of dressing (Plaid vs. Plain), their way of looking at their career (Do It Your Own vs. Attending Screenplay classes). This comical view of the movie allows for some light moments as well as terse ones when the real conflict arises.

As screenplay writer (Kaufman) and director (Jonze) in a similarly multi-layered and anti-normal perspective movie, "Being John Malkovich", both again prove in "Adaptation" that there is so much material (maybe not that great a material) out there to do outside the usual office romance, or comic book adaptations. Cage and Streep are their normal best here. But the characters they played could have been played by up and coming great actors as well. It didnt fit Streep or she looked boring as a philanderous addict while Cage to be a neurotic genius.

It failed in casting, just as it failed in getting people's attention during the first 45 minutes.

But. If you stay on and give the movie a chance after the first 45, you'd discover the film had some clever moments (and script too) worth your time, and validate that it was a great adaptation after all.

2003-02-20T03:44:00.000-08:00

Did I See Flash the Movie?

Daredevil
Starring: Matt Murdock/Daredevil: Ben Affleck; Elektra: Jennifer Garner ; Kingpin/Fisk: Michael Clarke Duncan; Bullseye: Colin Farrell ; Franklin Nelson: Jon Favreau ; Urich: Joe Pantoliano

What can one do in 114 minutes? First, if you have that little time to tell a worn out origin of a hero, don't waste your time in character building. We all know, Superheroes have some vendetta in mind. Scarred. Bullied. Trapped in their make believe world that they can help the helpless. Fast forward to the real action. That's where this movie was good at. Light moments combining the action shots of "Matrix" and "Crouching Tiger" and improving on both of them (6 reverse somersaults huh, and see-saws this time instead of bamboo). What can one do in 114 minutes. A lot. But Daredevil didnt hack it. It left us asking ourselves, why isnt he getting his objectives of being the "Guardian Devil", does he leave in the church or near it?, is that the same sleeping chamber used by Mel Gibson in "Forever Young" or was it Jacko's cryochamber. And what was it that images showing or wanting to prove that Daredevil is a Catholic kept on flashing in front of us. Ben Affleck was good in "Changing Lanes", Collin Farrel is good in the "Recruit", but please both hunks look awful with Affleck's Fun Boy Three hairdo and Farrell's Andre Agassi look.

Jennifer Garner is stunning. Stunningly handsome. Looked like a hunk herself with that protruded jawbone and Duncan was huge. He should have been electocuted in "Green Mile" instead of playing the part of the Kingpin. There were no real bad guys in this film. I didnt get the shivers from Bullseye nor from Kingpin. I didnt get excited with Daredevil at all. If you leave without fear, then watch it. I fear for your P 100. Its a waste of money, for a 114 minute film.

2003-02-19T03:33:00.000-08:00

Hot as your Coconut Hut

Viva Hot Babes - the DVD
Available: in VCD (P 250) or DVD (P 350) versions
Starring: Viva Film's Maui Taylor, Katya Santos, Andrea del Rosario, Kristine Jaca, Gwen Garci, Jen Rosendhal, Hazel and Nicola

Vital Statistics:
Out of 60 minutes possible viewing time - only 28 minutes of real hotscenes.
Out of 28 minutes, only 5 minutes show why they are called Viva Hot Babes.
Out of the 8 Hot Babes, only 5 have natural God-given mammary glands.
Out of the 5 natural Eves, all 5 bared their assets. Biggest pair was like a size 38.
Out of the 3 Enhanced Jugs - Maui had the worst pair.
5 of the 8 can not even speak straight English. Cowh-coh.
3 of the 8 are fluent, and this added Ganda points for them.
Best scene was the Pintadas. 4 of the best 5 minutes of the DVD.
Most underrated Hot Babe : Gwen Garci - a real daredevil - no fear!

2003-02-18T03:20:00.000-08:00

Good Reference

Guide to Restaurants in Metro Manila
Available: Powerbooks

The last compendium of restaurant reviews for Metro Manila was printed in 1994, which included Doreen Fernandez and Sandy Daza as guest reviewers. It was a great book that certified foodies (like me and my wife) almost made a census of all top rating restos and compared our reviews from that of the food critics. During the dot-com era, there was Localvibe.com, and then copied by food.ph and improved further by www.clickthecity.com. Info needed for that late night craving for sisig near Ultra will not be provided from your trusty phone. Only a book inside a dashboard, as small as your back pocket, will be able to provide you up to the much-needed detail of budget for two, ambience and more importantly - how to get there - the map! This book has been with me for only 3 days, I'd say it's well researched and updated (it even included SM Bicutan, which only opened in December).

Certified foodies, get your own copy - now! Or maybe just click on Disaster Mari, a site (updated monthly - hahaha) which provides personal encounter topped with well written reviews without the backlash of wanting to sound good. A second opinion won't hurt. So choose your wild.

2003-02-17T03:06:00.000-08:00

featuring Slapshock

Rivermaya - Live and Acoustic
Filmed and Recorded Live on May 18, 2002 from the Double Trouble
Akoustic Rampage concert at the Music Museum
Price: P 250; 13-track Audio CD, 7 Videos, and 2 Bonus videos

Several times during the live performance, Rico Blanco asks the audience - "Sabay, Sabay tayo" - only to hear a whimper of people following his plea. Several times during the gig, did we hear the crowd liven up and mostly on the guest artist's portion (especially on Agent Orange). Consider Slapshock, the premier Rap Metal band of the Philippines as your guest and you ensure additional sales from a market totally different from your alternative sound. Rivermaya had their days (and you can feel that they were great when your hear "Umaaraw, Umuulan"), but those have been years ago, more than 5. The redeeming value here are the Videos. Great concepts and really great shots. Worth it? Bitch slap me please. Slapshock anytime of the day, but not as guest artists.

2003-02-16T02:55:00.000-08:00

Acquired Taste

Iced Caramel Macchiato
Price: P 90, P 100, P 110 (Add P 10 for Whip Cream, but why?)

If you desire coffee especially on a hot summer day, you might want to try out Starbuck's Iced Caramel Macchiato. It's a blend of two shots of espresso, sandwiched between a tasteful of syrup and a sinful squeeze of caramel. No need to add sugar. Perfect for the diabetic. Perfect for someone who wants the viscous gel-like caramel playing around the lips as you sip through caffeine so strong, you'd end up drinking just one cup per day.

2003-02-15T08:41:00.000-08:00

Take It Take It

Magnifico
Starring: Lorna Tolentino, Albert Martinez, Glora Romero, Jiro Manio, Cherrie Pie Picache, Amy Austria, Tonton Gutierrez and Mark Gil.
Directed by: Maryo delos Reyes
Producted by: Violett Films and in cooperation with GMA

Big surprises come in little packages. In Magnifico, the little package is Jiro Manio, 9-year old veteran of 6 movies, but already with 5 acting awards. In one awards night alone, he was nominated twice for his first two film portrayals, for Batang Buwan and Mila. He was also in Mga Anghel sa Lupa, Tanging Yaman and La Vida Rosa.

Set in Lumban, Laguna, Magnifico (originally entitled Magnifico Magikero) a film adaptation from Michiko Yamamoto’s 1st prize script from the 2001 Film Development Foundation. Its backdrop is befitting for a subplot of a community of various concerns. Magnifico (Manio) is the pure-heart, strong willed kid who acts as the cord that binds the lives of a lola (Gloria Romero) who has cancer, and of his own loving parents (Albert Martinez and Lorna Tolentino). Both have been hard luck with children who are either intellectual but useless, (Danilo Barrios being a dropout), someone who is mentally slow but street smart, Magnifico. There is also, Ellen, (Isabella De Leon) stricken with Cerebral Palsy.

The characters adding texture to the story are a bevy of acting awardees, Celia Rodriguez as the witchy cemetery custodian, Mark Gil as the brooding bus driver, Amy Austria and rival Cherrie Pie Picache and Tonton Gutierrez as the employer with double standards. Introducing is the producer’s youngest daughter, Girlie Sevilla, who ably plays the love interest of Barrios.

As the storyline progresses, Magnifico touches lives of all the characters to the point that he becomes a big part of them in the end. The quality of Maryo de los Reyes’ direction is shown from the script, the timing of the dialogues (with a lot of quiet moments), the use of several film texture, to the use of symbols, all prevalent in foreign films which rake in awards in film festivals. The symbols of death and the child’s obsession to it, the symbol of money as the solution to all problems, the town fiesta and the “peria” (carnival) are all strokes of genius under de los Reyes’ helm.

Rated B but endorsed by the former DECS, rejected by the recent Metro Manila film festival, produced with a 25-million peso budget from a producer whose last product was a bomb out, Cass and Cary, is a film worth seeing by all Filipinos. In fact, if you think you’d skip through February not seeing the film, more people outside of the Philippines will enjoy it pa, as it is to be previewed in this May’s prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

If there’s one film that has started the year right for the Philippine movie industry, its got to be “Magnifico”.

2003-02-13T23:45:00.000-08:00

My Dream Cover
WARNING:
This review is not from an Atenean

It's Our Time: The Ateneo Blue Eagles' Unforgettable 2002 Championship Season - this time, the Book
Availability: commercially, February 2003 from all Powerbooks
Price: P 500 - affordable to 7650 -toting Atenistas ONLY
Contents: Great narrative from Ruey De Vera
Images: If you have 20-minutes of your free time, you can freely pore over a copy from Powerbooks Arnaiz (I opened one book and placed it under Psychology (guess why?) and another one, I placed rightfully under "Crafts and Hobbies" - specifically "Photography").
Saving Grace: Jake Versosa and his great eye for moments and capturing 'em.
Worth It?: Don't ask this sour-graping loyalty awardee grad from that notoriously pollution-ridden school down Taft Avenue. We can't afford P 500 for this type of (left blank, intentionally).

2003-02-13T23:08:00.000-08:00

Resurrected

Mirinda Orange + 2 more Flavors
Released: February 2003
Availability: 7-11 in PETs, and in major supermarkets for Mirinda Orange Cans

Mirinda Orange The Original flavor. Was consistently the orange flavor of choice until its taste started to liken your kids' orange flavor syrups. Lost out in the mid-90s to Royal Tru Orange and has gone out of the Philippine market until early this year. And what a return it has made! Its taste is better. The Orange flavor is less biting, and doesn't leave that "gamot" after taste. Will surely be a hit for people who were once Mirinda lovers. Like me.

Mirinda Mango Tango. The advent of the flavor so popular in fruit juices and tetra-briks is now in carbonated form. Personally I think its the best among the 3 Mirinda flavors. Mangong-mango. Perfect for those times that you want to save on time and want to serve something fruity. No more mixing. No more opening of tetra briks which give you only 200ml of liquid. This is something to really be concerned of, if I were Coke or Nestea.

Mirinda Apple. Eversince, apple flavor ranks lower than lemon, orange, mango and grape (in that order) among fruit drinks. Mirinda Apple should change that soon. The apple flavor can even be a good add-on to apple laden recipes or pastries. No kidding.

What's good with the Mirinda flavors is that the carbonation is not high, thus even kids can enjoy them (especially the colors of the drink) with less concerns on high caffeine or sugar content present in colas. Still - it is the cheapest form of quenching thirst. One bottle for 750 ml can be shared by 3 kids. That is P 5.50 per glass. Cheap na masarap pa.

We should know, we grew up with softdrinks (no iced tea or limited brands of fruit juice packs) and we turned out - well - normal. Right?

2003-02-11T02:18:00.000-08:00

Initially Available at 7-11

Vanilla Coke
Released: February 2003
Price: same as regular Coke in cans

Vanilla Coke...if you pour its contents to a glass and put ice with it, will it rap "Ice Ice baby"?

This is a joke of course (understood only by '80s jologs), but I tried the ultimate taste test - Drinking cola with and without ice. Mixing it on the rocks will surely bring out the fizz in any cola. This is the secret of Classic Coke over Pepsi, of which they had to weirdly re-formulate in the 80s although everything now is history.

Recently in the Philippine shores is this new formulation which last year took the US by surprise. A lot of Coke-addicts, who are either diabetic or have a large belly, wouldnt mind adding creme flavor into cola (or rootbeer, if they ordered rootbeer float from A&W) but not to their Coke. With Vanilla Coke, you get the usual Coke taste as you play with it in your mouth and the aftertaste of vanilla when you gulp it. The sensation is unexplainable. To some it might be different.

Oh, with the Ice Ice test, Vanilla Coke failed it. To pass the test, the carbonated drink must be good even without ice (see Regular Coke, Mountain Dew and Pepsi Twist). Coke Is Still It. Regular Coke for me. But as they have placed in 7-11 and its standees - "Curious ka no?" - so go ahead and taste it. Make sure you place ice or you'd end up with melted ice cream with left over Coke. yuck.

2003-02-09T23:39:00.000-08:00

Hmmmm

Beyond Words - The Music of Gary V
Released: January 2003
Price: P 250

1. Take Me Out of the Dark - Jay Cayuca (Electronic Violin)
2. Sana Maulit Muli - Renato Lucas (Cello)
3. Could You Be Messiah - Raul Sunico (Acoustic Piano)
4. More and More - Noel Mendez and Cezar Aguas (Acoustic Guitar)
5. Each Passing Night - Geronimo Marques (Trombone)
6. Wag Mo Na Sanang Isipin - Eddie Katindig (Vibes)
7. Shout 4 Joy - Parliament Syndicate
8. Di Bale Na Lang - Tony Maigue (Flute)
9. What More Can I Say - Terry Undag (Flugelhorn)
10. Until Then - Tots Tolentino (Sax)
11. Laughter All the Time - Colby dela Calzada (Electric Bass) and Mel Villena (Blues Harp)
12. Look In Her Eyes - DJ Shytown
13. Eto Na Naman - Mon Faustino and Zebedee Zuniga (Voices)
14. Victory - Perf de Castro (Electric Guitar)

Tribute albums are, like to Forrest Gump, a box of chocolates, you don't know know what to expect. This CD is the same. It starts with a great violin rendition of Take Me Out of the Dark, and until the third song, Could You Be Messiah, will be passable. But it starts to lose its novelty, more so with Shout 4 Joy. Then slightly picks up with a flute rendition of Di Bale Na Lang. And then loses you again. By then, you would like to ditch the CD, although you shouldn't since Laughter All the Time and Eto Na Naman (with Prince-like Mon Faustino on vocals) are to come. In between, you can start pressing fast forward, after a minute of every track but definitely not waste time with DJ Shytown's Look In Her Eyes.

Individually, I like Eddie K and Parliament Syndicate. I love Gary V with his voice and up tempo rhythm. But if you take a gold fish from the fishbowl, the results are beyond words. Overall, harsh it may seem but I would have bought myself a box of chocolates instead.

2003-02-06T06:47:00.000-08:00

MUSICAL EXTRAORDINNAIRE

Not To Be Missed

Chicago
Released: December 2002
Director : Rob Marshall
Cast: Renee Zelwegger (Best Actress), Richard Gere (Best Actor), Catherine Zeta Jones, Queen Latifah, John C. Reilly, Christine Baranski and Lucy Liu (cameo role)

A trend is being set, with a great serving of musicals for the last 2 years. After "Moulin Rouge", "Chicago", stands to be the movie that will continue the trend for multi-awarded great song and dance numbers interspersed into a movie screenplay.

Renee, as Roxie Hart, the dreamy murderer, Richard, as a conniving shrewd lawyer, and Catherine, as a washed out stage star, were great in their respective solo performances. Queen Latifah, the "motherly" prison chief, and John Reilly, the devoted husband, were scene stealers. Choosing one great memorable number from the film that includes a great ventriloquist scene between Renee and Richard (which for me was their best number together), a tango number that in fact tells a lot of stories, a monologue by Renee ending with a Madonasque-dance number. Every performance is a symbolism for truth or fiction, for life and death, every performance is a volume of film script pages. The beauty of the film lies in the fact that the musical numbers were entertaining, at the same time showed great acting that lead the viewer to understand the storyline at the same time clap their hand at the end of every performance.

"Chicago" where murder becomes entertainment. "Chicago" a movie that's very entertaining, you'd commit a crime to get a "DVD"* copy! Watch it again and again. And love it every time.

* - "DVD" Copy is very clear

2003-01-31T02:04:00.000-08:00

STICK TO ACOUSTIC

Who's Beside You? On Your Passenger Seat?

Stephen Speaks “No More Doubt”
Released January 2003
Price: Php 450.00

“Passenger Seat” undoubtedly reached no.1 on Philippine airwaves not without issues of identity crisis whether it was the latest release of then popular John Mayer, but as soon as the name of the band behind the hit song was mentioned, everyone knew that Stephen Speaks – had a lot to say.

No doubt their album “No More Doubt” takes all the apprehension as the 12-track Christian Rock album (with 2 bonus acoustic tracks – including, yes, “Passenger Seat”) is as solid as Peter the Rock. Tracks such as “On My Way”, “Out of My League”, “Communion”, “Toe the Line” are as good as “Passenger Seat”.

If you mistook them as John Mayer (especially with the song “On My Way”) what with the flair and display of acoustic prowess, their lyrics will make Steven Curtis Chapman green in envy. To know what “Passenger Seat” really means. Click here.

Catch them in their forthcoming (sold out) concert tour of DLSU, Ateneo and the Fort starting February 5, 2003. Its been awhile that this CD has been in my car CD and the case on my passenger seat. No more doubt, there are more room for squares!

2003-01-31T02:00:00.000-08:00

Sibling + 1 Genius

Nickel Creek “This Side”
Released January 2003
Price: Php 425.00

“Its foreign on this side, but it feels like I’m home again.” Says the chorus of the title track, one of the best tracks on “This Side” the 2nd album of Nickel Creek, composed of siblings, Sean and Sara Watkins who fiddle with the strings and the guitar and interchange in lead and harmony vocals. Chris Thile completes this California trio. Chris play the mandolin and also sings on some of the tracks reminiscent of a combination of acoustic pop, Celtic, to alternative indie. Such wide range of string strumming is best heard with a headphone or in a car with windows rolled down traveling at 20kph in the Skyway at dawn. Stand outs such as covers of “Spit on a Stranger”, “Should’ve Known Better”, and “House Carpenter” saves the trio from the sophomore jinx. The downside is on their original composition, except for “This Side”, their writing ability pales in comparison (sad to say) to their genius string talent.

“Just don’t want you to be sorry you didn’t try”, as they end “Young” – you too will be if you don’t get this Alison Kraus-produced album.

2003-01-27T16:28:00.000-08:00

REMAKES REVIEWED

Crowded House Classic

Don't Dream Its Over
Released January 2003
From the CD : Sixpence None the Richer's "Divine Discontent"

"There She Goes" made me buy Sixpence's prior CD. Consequently, "Don't Dream Its Over" made me buy Divine Discontent. The results were not the same. The album is a great example of a CD that passes through the process of acquiring taste. This means that to like it, needs 1,001 spins on your CD player, if not, drastic results of playing just one song will persist. "Breathe Your Name" is the carrier single, but I've continued to go straight to track 4 just to reminisce Crowded House's great 1987 single. For me, its a good cover since Leigh Nash, SNTR's lead, gave justice to the original. Although you'd still miss the guitar-intro that is so Crowded House from this cover.

The rest of the album, which follows at the heels of their major crossover decision from gospel to rock (An album which included hits like "Kiss Me", "There She Goes"), might make you feel divinely discontent. Don't get the album just for "Don't Dream Its Over".

2003-01-27T16:10:00.000-08:00

Joni Mitchell Remake

Big Yellow Taxi - CD Single
Released January 13, 2003
CD by: Counting Crows with Vanessa Carlton

Part of the soon to be released soundtrack of "Two Weeks Notice", this collaborative effort of Counting Crows and pianist pixie, Vanessa Carlton is one of your run-off-the-mill remakes of a Joni Mitchell hit. Not counting "On Both Sides Now", this could be one of the most remade tracks from Miss Mitchell. This one stands out as a great effort for a band and a solo artist who last year released their personal albums. Adam Duritz's voice were great but he might have needed a back up to the "doo wop wop" part, thus Vanessa Carlton was included. Other tracks in the CD single are: 1. Big Yellow Taxi (Album Verison) (Ft Vanessa Carlton); 2. If I Could Give All My Life (Richard Manuel Is Dead) (Live/Acoustic) ; 3. Hard Candy (Live/Acoustic); 4. Big Yellow Taxi (Enhanced Video) (Ft Vanessa Carlton). At costs of singles at $9-12, get the Original Soundtrack if you are just after the song. The live version of Big Candy may not be worth it, nor the enhanced video.

2003-01-26T10:10:00.000-08:00

Di Caprio - An Oscar for Gangster of NY or for this Film?

Catch Me If You Can
Released in 2002
Starring: Leo Di Caprio as a lot of characters
Tom Hanks (An Oscar for Road to Perdition or for this Film?)
Directed by: Steven Spielberg (An Oscar for Minority Report or for this film?)

Synopsis: Frank Abagnale, Jr. (Di Caprio) worked as a doctor, a lawyer, as a co-pilot for a major airline - all before his 18th birthday. A master of deception, he was always a brilliant forger whose skill gave him his first real claim to fame. At the age of 17, Frank became the most successful bank robber in the United States, FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (Hanks) had made it his prime mission to capture Frank and bring him to justice, but Frank is always one step ahead of him, baiting him to continue the chase. Based on a true story from 1969

How many times have you tried running away from something? Well, "this true story of a real fake", Frank Abagnale Jr. is a film of deception, creativity, fraud, creativity, crime, creativity. Spielberg is again telling us a lot of things. But one thing is sure, he was able to get our attention for the umpteenth time for a film's storyline that seemed to be ordinary (and overly used) but since it was Spielberg-sealed it was given a Seal of Excellence. But hats off to Leo and Tom, ordinary stories turn to a great one. Catch Steven if you can....he again pulled a caper with this film.

2003-01-26T09:53:00.000-08:00

One-Hour of Debating the Ending

One-Hour Photo
Released in 2002 (but was previously released in the Sundance Film Festival)
Starring: Robin Williams as Sy, the Photo Guy and Connie Nielsen and Michael Vartan
Directed by: Mark Romanek

Obsession. Yes, I'm obsessed with the film. Just saw it for a 3rd time just to see the minute details of the film and answer some questions racing in my head. Was the ending what it seems? Was it a dream sequence after all? Was it a happy conclusion? Was Sy (as in Psychotic Seymour) really a mentally-deranged person?
Guess what? The answer is not in the ending but at the start of the film. So when you decide to watch the film (which I highly recommend) prepare the popcorn from the very start.

2003-01-25T10:33:00.000-08:00

Not A Chick-book At All

Confessions of a Shopaholic
(February 6, 2001), Released in the Philippines in 2002
310 pages
Author: Sophie Kinsella

Wow, just the first of another hilarious trilogy of chic brands and all the alibis in the world. This book on financial planning really tells more than being a shopaholic. (or putting some rocket science in believing that that merchandise is calling for you to take it home). It shows that even in London, Manhattan or in Ortigas, financial difficulty is universal. Or maybe not. Its just a matter of putting first things first and not throw bills away in a pit, or dodge telemarketers and still find them in conferences. Rebecca Bloomwood is no different to me. And after finishing the book, I zeroed out all my credit card balances.

A friend told me it was a chick book, other than the colors of the cover's spine - hot pink, the contents are not. Go for it.

This book can have a subtitle "Catch Me If You Can" - but that is another review (see above)

2003-01-20T08:51:00.000-08:00

Six Degrees of Separation

Let's bring back together (are they back - again???) Elizabeth Hurley and Hugh Grant in 6 (or less) movies. Make sure that the movies were made in the last 2 years that they were separated.

I can name 5. All 5 movies (available in DVD clear copies) were personally viewed and reviewed in the last Yuletide break.

Can you name less than 5? Ready??? Go.

2003-01-20T08:49:00.000-08:00

Chandler-acting for Perry

Serving Sara
Released in 2002
Starring: Matthew Perry and Elizabeth Hurley
Directed by: Reginald Hudlin

Matthew Perry plays his usual Chandler antics in this comedy of errors on Legal Process Serving. This time, Matthew as Joe Tyler has to serve divorce papers to Sara Moore, played by Elizabeth Hurley. Some legal chuchus lead to Hurley offering a 1 million dollars to Perry to serve instead divorce papers to her husband leading to an unmistakably a film-full of mishaps. If you like Matthew in Friends, then you’d like him here. If not, the stripping scene of Hurley will be enough for you guys to see the film – Serving Sara, deserving of a “leave it”.

2003-01-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

Blood is thicker than Water

Weight of Water
Released in 2000
Starring: Elizabeth Hurley, Sean Penn, Catherine McCormack and Josh Lucas
Directed by: Catherine Bigelow (K-19 and Point Break)

Based on the best seller by Anita Shreve (Pilot’s Wife), this film is the best film among the lot of DVDs seen in the last month. A photojournalist played by Catherine McCormack and a Pulitzer Prize Poet in Sean Penn lead to a story of tempestuous love which parallels the story of the murder that they were investigating during the weekend cruise. See more flesh from Hurley, I meant more fleshy acting. This one is sure “take it!”. Josh Lucas and Penn were great but McCormack as the distant wife is tops.

2003-01-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

Hmmm....

Sweet Home Alabama
Starring: Josh Lucas, Candice Bergen, Patrick Dempsey and Reese Witherspoon
Directed by: Andy Tennant (Anna and the King, Fools Rush In and Ever After)

Josh Lucas plays a different role in this romantic comedy of a Country Girl from Alabama turned Manhattan fashion designer, Melanie Carmichael played by Reese Witherspoon. The story was your usual designed to end happily but unfortunately for us viewers we had to wait for 130 minutes to know the ending which we knew all along. Also stars Patrick Dempsey as the beau left behind. For the sweet tooth, its Sweet Home Alabama. But if I were you, its Home Sweet Home. “Leave it”.

2003-01-20T08:36:00.000-08:00

Entertaining Period Film

The Importance of Being Earnest
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Rupert Everett, Judi Dench, Frances O Connor, Tom Wilkinson and Colin Firth
Directed by: Oliver Parker

What's in a name? Who wants to be called Earnest in the first place? But in this film, it is important to know why it is important to be Earnest. An Oscar Wilde play adapted by Director Oliver Parker set in the 1890s in London, this witty comedy of mistaken identity and English bourgeois is a short 97 minutes of great entertainment. But why was All-American Reese part of the English cast? Beats me. Just watch it! It's important that you do.

2003-01-20T08:33:00.000-08:00

2001 Hit

Bridget Jones' Diary
Starring: Colin Firth, Renee Zelwegger and Hugh Grant
Directed by: Sharon McGuire

While awaiting the second installment from Helen Fielding, the Yuletide Break was great to see Jones Bridge, no make that Bridget Jones. Only because it starts with the Christmas scene with Renee Zelwegger singing her carols – alone. A film about a 30 year old, who wanted to change her life and have someone to love in a years time. Equipped with a red diary she turns from an under appreciated lass but now overly appreciated mistress by her own boss, played by Hugh Grant. Acting was not apparent. Except for Zelwegger (who had to learn the twang) all characters, from Grant to Firt who played the character once hateful to Bridget turned to the unassuming hero in the end, all of the cast just underacted their way to the biggest surprise of 2001. If you’ve seen it, watch it again. Still entertaining.

There you go, Elizabeth and Hugh – together again – in 6 degrees.

2003-01-06T06:47:00.000-08:00

3-disc VCD

The 2002 Ateneo-De La Salle Championship Games
On Limited Edition VCD
Available: since December 2002

Reminisce what was to be the fitting cap to the cinderella-story of a first time champion (after 13 years) Ateneo Blue Eagles over their arch enemy 4-time champs De La Salle Green Archers in this 3-disc (one disc per game) VCD set produced by Studio 23 and Star Recording Inc.

At P 650 (almost the same price of a P 100-ticket during the series) from Music One GB3, it was my favorite Yuletide gift to friends, both Archer and Eagle, alike for Christmas. Images are not as crisp as the actual TV broadcast and stats and analysis are shown as limited as Jun Jun Cabatu is sent in a game for La Salle.

There are no celebrity interviews, no pre game prayers, no cheerleaders, and very limited shots of the gallery. Its just no-frills video of the whole game, with no breaks, no timeouts, and no time to take a breather. This video is not recommended for the faint hearted.

*- if you are from La Salle, Game 2 discs are available for the same price. Discard Games 1 and 3 discs for your own good.

** - if you are from Ateneo, please cherish this VCD set as it may be a collector’s edition in a short while. Some rare gems are going to be high-priced soon.

2002-12-26T03:40:00.000-08:00

All Star Cast Indeed

MANO PO
Produced by: Regal Films
Directed by: Joel Lamangan
Starring: Eddie Garcia, Boots Anson Roa, Tirso Cruz III, Gina Alajar, Amy Austria, Maricel Soriano, Kris Aquino, Ara Mina, Richard Gomez, Eric Quizon, Gina Alajar, Jay Manalo, Cogie Domingo, and Maxine Magalona.

"If there's one film to see from this year's Metro Manila Film Festival - it has got to be "DEKADA 70"". Didn't those words echo in your ears with all their numerous TV ads, as it did to mine. So my mind was made up when I lined up during the first day of the filmfest to buy tickets for Dekada. But we had a great surprise when "Mano Po" tickets were only available for a 7:45pm showing to Dekada's 10:30 pm playtime. And its only 5:00 pm. Wow, who wants to wait for 51/2 hours?

We decided to see Mano Po and had the best Christmas gift as we feel the film deserves top honors this year. It has got to be. Acting was superb. The storyline chronicles the saga of the Go Family (parallel story to that of the producer, Mother Lily Monteverde) with Fil-Chi roots spanning three generations. The various social problems associated with rags-to-riches Chinoys, inter-racial marriages, exploitation of politicians, and kidnappings were all neatly interwoven by Direk Joel Lamangan.

The cast was competent. The movie starts with a vague kidnap scene then flashbacks to the young Eddie Garcia and Boots Anson Roa played by Cogie and Maxine with some passable acting. (didnt Cogie already prove himself with the film Deathrow in the MMFF 2 yrs ago?). But as soon as the next scene (with the characterization of all protagonists) starts, you know this one was a great movie. Maricel as Vera deeply scarred from childhood as the next in line to head the family's business, was the best for me among the female artists. Ara as Richelle, was a revelation but her acting didnt capture the essence of a free-spirited Filipina-Chinese sibling. (at least it was a better deal than if Assunta de Rossi played the role during the original stages of the planning of the film). It was a different Kris Aquino as Juliet (who incidentally is also seen in Dekada 70 doing a cameo role) from the Kris that we are familiar with from her 630 pm game show. And we are sure about that. She plays a protective mother and a wife to an unfeeling Chinoy in Eric Quizon.

Eddie Garcia as Angkong was the usual Eddie Garcia. But the rest of the cast were wasted talent altogether, Tirso Cruz III, Gina Alajar, Eric Quizon and Richard Gomez (all 4 are already proven movie directors themselves), there is also Jay Manalo (straight acting and no bold scenes, take note) and the most underutilized, Boots Anson Roa, the Filipina married by the Chinese patriarch played by Eddie Garcia. One cant really give equal opportunities to such a truck load of talent.

The movie was able to tap the chinese moviegoers, or even those who rely on DVDs and VCDs (afraid of being kidnapped in public places) as the theatre was filled with Chinoys who had fits in the audio dubs of the characters. The subtitles were sometimes late. Much can be said about the editing. But overall, one will close their eyes to these technical difficiencies as we are not blessed often by quality acting, direction and storyline everytime all in one film. See "Mano Po" to believe.

Lastly, it is Mano Po - the film everyone should see this year. Wala bola yan. Totoo sabi ko. Ganda yan pelikula.

2002-12-13T09:57:00.000-08:00

Click Pic to Read Amazon Readers' Review

TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY

So you want to give that film or music buff something that he hasn’t heard off recently, or that book worm to try a new author for a change, why not give the latest DVD to complete any collector’s stash, here are the Season’s Best, Love it or Leave it!

BOOK

Atonement
Ian Mc Ewan

If you have read his prior work, Amsterdam, you probably are a fan already of McEwan. This heart-tugging masterpiece set in England prior to the break of the war, has the author pull out his best writing and candid wit to make the novel’s young heroine, Briony Tallis come out real for the readers.

Lovely Bones
Alice Sebold

This has been a personal childhood thought, whether our loved ones can “still see us from heaven?” Susie Salmon, the novel’s focal heroine, narrates from heaven as she sees her family evolve after her murder. Her unique heavenly transformation is undergone despite being denied a physical growing up by her murderers. Susie learns to let go of the world while the author provides readers a great study on family, loss and desire.

This is a debut novel and we hope that it doesn’t turn out to be a flash-in the pan.

Other great gifts:

Warrior of the Light by Paolo Coelho, Michael Crichton’s Prey, Scott Turow’s Reversible Errors, while these two maybe available in hardcover, there are also paperback new releases worthy of your moolah: Isabel Allende’s, Portrait in Sepia, while Sandra Cisneros’ Caramelo will give you a memory jog with her previous masterpiece The House on Mango Street. Take note of the opening of both books.

2002-12-13T09:47:00.000-08:00

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IN MUSIC

Get in your favorite record store and you get a feeling of being thrown back to the 70s. What with anthology albums of Fleetwood Mac (The Best of ), Rolling Stones (Forty Licks), Boston (Corporate America), Eric Clapton (One More Car), Rod Stewart, Tony Bennett, David Bowie, Santana (Shaman) and yes even those who passed away, George Harrison and Elvis the King and Johnny Cash. No, Cash is not yet dead, but Depeche Mode fans would rather he be after covering DMode’s Personal Jesus. Ugh.

For Papa, My choice is a toss up between Fleetwood Mac and yes, Joni Mitchell with her Travelogue. Joni’s 2-cd is a love it or leave it one as she remakes her own masterpieces and puts some twists into them. I love it.

Then there are those 80s groups, such as Everything But the Girl (like the deserts miss the rain), Roxette (The Ballad Hits), U2 (the best of 1990-2000) and yes, Bon Jovi.

For Tito or Ninong My choice here is obviously 2 groups with a long name as well as the one with the shortest name.

2002-12-13T09:37:00.000-08:00

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Don’t forget that if you have an older sister or mom who was a Whitney Houston fan, she has a new album (produced by Bobby Brown (weren’t they estranged?)), but Toni Braxton’s steals the cake with a better album than the other R&B solo artists who are returning to the music scene. Miss Braxton shows her flexibility and her more expansive repertoire than new albums of Christina Aguilera, Sinead O Connor (she’s not R&B) or that of Missy Elliot, and J-Lo who is so love smitten that she even has a track in her new album for her new husband, Ben. You can’t miss with Tracy Chapman’s Let it Rain or snotty and snobbish Manila-guest, Diana Krall’s Live in Paris

For your Mama, don’t get her a CD. Sometimes a card is enough.

2002-12-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

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Ate might like Justin Timberlake (Justified) or Robbie Williams’s Escapology who tops co-Englishmen Phil Collins (Testify) and Craig David (Slicker than Average) . Whatever your flava is, you get a good one with any of the 4.

But if you have to get one male solo artist’s CD, it must be Andrea Boccelli’s Sentimento.

Get your now-necktied-dati-rati-Rocker Kuya Pearl Jam’s Riot Act or if he likes new old artists, it must be David Gray’s A New Day at Midnight. You will get a kiss for sure.

2002-12-13T09:23:00.000-08:00

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For you, you wont have much left, so just go to Kazaa and download for free or yes watch out for local bands such as Barbie’s Cradle to release their new albums early 2003.

(DVDs to have is following soon - but if you must, don’t get DVDs for the meantime, I’m telling you, the ultra mega super golden release has yet to come)

and for movies, save those precious bucks for December 18.

2002-12-04T03:34:00.000-08:00

Click Pic to Appreciate Gael

Gael Garcia Bernal

If you haven’t seen the guy then you are missing half of your (woman’)s life. Exaggeration? Nah. This guy has it. He can look fresh even without taking a bath (see Amores Perros and Y Tu Mama Tambien), he can look clean-cut even with his hair disheveled (in Amores, he wears a shaven look in the last 20 minutes of the film, but ruggedly good looking in the first 2 hours). His eyes are just like “the wolf” as his director calls them. His acting is superb and makes you think that those Hollywood actors, twice his age, are amateurs. He is Gael Garcia Bernal, recently turned 24 years old, a native of Mexico, a student of the Central School for Speech and Drama, then of London, until he broke away and started Amores Perros – the rest is now history.

We’d review two (2) of his films, before another one comes out (“The Crime of Father Amaro,”, there is “San Noticias de Dios” with that Spanish actress named Penelope Cruz and another wherein he is due to take the role of Che Guevarra, directed by Walter Salles of Central Station fame).

Ladies, presenting Gael, Guys, he’s our poster boy for the rugged man look. See if you can go without a bath for 3 days and still look this handsome.

2002-12-04T03:31:00.000-08:00

Love's A Bitch!

Amores Perros
Directed by: Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu (debut film)
Starring : Vanessa Bauche (Susanna), Goya Toledo, Emilio Echevarria and of course, Gael Garcia Bernal
Available on DVD with English Subtitles
Awards: Best Foreign Language Picture, 2001 British Academy Film Awards; Best Picture, Best Director, Best First Feature, Best Actor (Garcia Bernal), Best Supporting Actor (Parra), Best Photography, Best Editing, Best Makeup, Best Sound, Best Scenery, Best Special Effects, 2001 Ariels (Mexico), Canal+ Award, 2000 Cannes Film Festival; Grand Prix for Best Film, Best Director, 2000 Tokyo International Film Festival; Golden Spur, 2000 Flanders International Film Festival; New Director's Award, 2000 Edinburgh International Film Festival; Gold Hugo (Best Film), Silver Hugo (Best Actors-Emilio Echevarria, Gael Garcia Bernal), 2000 Chicago International Film Festival; Best Foreign Language Film, 2001 National Board of Review

Dogs. Thought to be the central theme of the film. Not. Its Love. It’s fatherhood. It’s family. It’s love among brothers. Love’s A Bitch. Although the film’s most visible character – the dog starts the whole movie – with Cofi, the black dog escaping from the house. (without that scene, there won’t be Amores Perros at all –says Inarritu)

Shot by a hand-held camera, this film is the best example that Hollywood can not dominate the movie kingdom with its big budgeted-films and actors who really can’t act. The 3-part film neatly quilted into one has various emotions for the audience – the visible passion (of a brother-in-law, played greatly by Gael for his own brother’s wife, Susanna), the ambition to succeed (Gael and his dog, Cofi) and prove himself to the family, the feeling of absentee fathers (Chivo as well as the husband of Susanna), the feeling of abandoning a family and feeling remorse. All these emotions are rolled into one film that starts at the center, goes backward, then goes forward – without losing the audience’s attention.

Great, great, great film (that means, take it, take it, take it). Film students will learn a lot in using symbols (looking at pictures, dogs, guns, car chase, amputation of a leg, etc.), and a great play with the camera (see Gael stare at the camera for a good 2 seconds, a no no in any film).

Overall, it deserves all the great ratings and reviews for any debut film. More than that. It allowed the world to see, not for the last time, a great actor in Gael Garcia Bernal.

2002-12-04T03:27:00.000-08:00

And Your Mama Too!

Y Tu Mama Tambien
(And Your Mama Too)
Directed by: Alfonso Cuaron (Great Expectations, A Little Princess)
Starring: Maribel Verdu, Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal
Available on : DVD with English Subtitles
Seen at the : Makati Film Festival, middle of 2002

Coming of age. Both for the Mexican film industry and for the actors in the film. One, this film, places Mexico (which was shot beautifully by Cuaron in this film) more than ever in the film map (is there one?). It has won for Cuaron several awards to include, the Venice Film Festival for screenplay and for Gael and Diego, the best newcomers.

Coming of age. Was also the central theme. Gael, as Julio, here passed as a 17-year old sexually obsessed tapatio from Mexico City who, with Diego Luna, as Tenoch, have been left by their girlfriends for an Italian summer trip, and for a lot of good time masturbating in springboards (and seeing who comes first – see the great shot of Cuaron), smoking ganja and just making life miserable for their parents.

Coming of age. After a hastily arranged journey to Oaxaca in search of a mysterious beach called Heaven's Mouth, that Julio (Gael) and his best friend, Tenoch (Luna), have invented in a spur-of-the-moment bid to seduce the wife of Tenoch's cousin played by Spanish actress Maribel Verdu, they venture into the best ‘road-trip’ I’ve ever seen, and into conversations of true friendship, false hopes of marriage, the dark side of each other’s secrets and skeletons in all of the characters’ closets. In the end, both Julio and Tenoche get what they want from the start, Verdu, but lost some along the way.

Nudity and sex scenes were vital to the film. Or am I just making an excuse….but don’t miss Gael - young, and already a proven actor with this film. (I can’t imagine Cruise when he was in “Risky Business”, or Hanks when he was in “Bosom Buddies”, or Cage at 24 and this good.)

2002-12-03T02:50:00.000-08:00

Thank You for Those 20 Years

Everything But the Girl
like the deserts miss the rain
16-tracks, 70 minutes of music
CD Released : October 22, 2002 (US and Europe), November 30, 2002 (Switzerland), now released in the Philippines (thanks bunny for the info)

Well, well, well. Without thinking I plunked a 20-and a 10-swiss franc bill on the counter with this CD (the only copy in the store) and ran to the car and played it in front of Lake Geneva. That’s the effect EBTG does to me whenever I see a released item from them.

This one is such a personal thing for me. Its like Tracey and Ben sent me a mixed CD recorded from their personal files and Fed-Exed with a dedication – “To the Reviewer, thank you for 20-years of memories!” T and B.

The CD is replete of songs that meant a lot to me (and my wife too), without much of the trappings of commercials CDs. No extra disc, not much in the liners, just a photo of Ben and Tracey inviting you inside their world (and a photo of Tracey re-touching her lips – taken by Ben).

In my collection of more than a thousand CDs, EBTG, Take everything but the Group’s.

From Tracey Thorn, herself:
'Every greatest hits collection seems the same, over-familiar tunes reheated & assembled in the boardroom & generally thrown at the public on a cold plate, so we thought we'd try something different,' says EBTG's Tracey. 'If there was going to be a retrospective we wanted it to be a personal view. We wanted to look back on some of the stuff we've been proudest of over the past twenty years. Some of them happen to be famous hits, some are obscure B-sides. It's just our take on things, & we hope it throws a fresh light on these songs & what they mean.'

Track listing:
1. My Head Is My Only House Unless It Rains
2. Rollercoaster
3. Corcovado
4. Each & Every One
5. Before Today (Chicane Remix)
6. Mine
7. Protection
8. Single (Photek Mix)
9. Tracey In My Room (Lazy Dog Bootleg Vocal Mix)
10. Missing (Todd Terry Remix)
11. Almost Blue
12. No Difference
13. Cross My Heart
14. Mirrorball
15. Piece Of My Mind
16. Walking Wounded

2002-11-27T03:56:00.000-08:00

The Lords of the Scam

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Platinum Series Special Extended Edition
4-discs
DVD Released : November 17, 2002 (US)

Duped. You can call The Reviewer that. Because I was when I bought the The Lord of the Rings DVD when in first came out in August 2002. The powers behind the scam merely added the 30-minute deleted scenes and is forcing LOTR fanatics to shell out another 40 Swiss Francs to buying the movie again. Leave it behind. Wait for another month before it is available in your nearest Blockbuster DVD rental place.

And yes, next time another hit movie comes out on DVD, wait for another 2-3 months, before the final Ultra Platinum Diamond Golden Super Special Premium Extended Edition comes out.

2002-11-25T03:50:00.000-08:00

Why an Extra Disc?

Spiderman
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, and Willem Dafoe
Director: Sam Raimi
DVD Released : October 15, 2002 (Philippines) and November 2, 2002 (US)

Just because DVDs have been releasing another extra disc to prove that it’s loaded (and an extra USD 10-15 can be added to its price), a blockbuster like Spiderman should follow suit. Well, if not for the upside down kiss of Mary Jane (Kirsten) pulling down the mask of Spiderman (Tobey) only up to his lips which you can liken to a woman pulling down the underwear of a guy and performing a great head – the DVD would have been just a great add-on to your DVD collection. But I like the “entire” film so I have it.

But the extra disc* really just blows my mind. It was a great job these manufacturers are doing to milk money from us fans.

No pun intended.

Here are Disc 2's contents:
Disk 2
o HBO Making of Spider-Man
o Spider-Mania, an E! Entertainment Special
o Director profile: Sam Raimi
o Composer profile: Danny Elfman
o Screen tests for Tobey Maguire, J.K. Simmons,& CGI Spider-Man
o Costume and makeup tests
o Gag/outtake reel
o Conceptual art and production design gallery
o Comic book artist pin-up gallery
o "Spider-Man: The Mythology of the 21st Century" historical documentary
o The Spider-Man Comic Book Archives
o Rogues Gallery
o The Loves of Peter Parker

2002-11-21T16:33:00.000-08:00

The Secret is Hermione

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson
Directed by: Chris Columbus
Opened : November 15, 2002

Goodbye Columbus. Really this second installment was a great goodbye for the director. Describing the film as "A lot of humor and ten times the action", that's how last time director compares this sequel to his first directorial baby. Truly it is. The movie showing a much bigger and matured Potter also targetted a bigger audience (to include matured ones, including a pair of septuagenarians beside us in the moviehouse) adding a great deal of edge to the once just delightful film. Now even the exciting Quidditch game will actually turn you over your seat not wanting Harry to be hit by that cannonball like thing or those serpents and giant spiders which come walking toward you like in 3-d movies. There is also the question of slavery for that computer-generated Dobby character which might raise eyebrows for some.

This film was almost true to the text. Adding some spice on the Chamber of Secrets scenes did the movie well. In fact, I'll stick out my head in saying that this is one of the first times that the movie is better than the book.

2002-11-16T23:11:00.000-08:00

Epic Action Thriller

The Brotherhood of the Wolf
Starring: Samuel Le Bihan, Mark Dacascos, Émilie Dequenne and Monica Belluci
Available in English Dubbed DVD/VHS and in its original French language with English subtitles
Personally Viewed from Pay-Per-View TV

Originally entitled, "Le Pacte des Loups", its pop status in France triggered cult following needing an English translation and even an English dubbed version of the film. The film was based on an 18th century urban legend of the mysterious "Beast of Gevaudan" that left a trail of mutilated victims (mostly women and children) and spread massive terror among the peasant dwellers in southeast France. But the epic storyline becomes boring and allows your mind to stray and maybe wait for Monica Belluci to undress (as she never did in "Malena" and in "Under Suspicion".)

The film was a visual feast to be devoured by people who like great shots. Stay glued on the first 10 minutes and you'll see what cinematography is all about. A scene where Monica's breasts were ready to be exposed morphing seamlessly into a wave of snow. Wow, bitin! And yes, the martial arts - comparable to "Crouching Tiger" and more astounding than "Matrix". Well even without Belluci, this film rates high. With her, this film should be a cinch. Rent it, even if you're not into this kind of flicks, its indeed worth your Blockbuster money.

2002-11-16T22:43:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of Star Cinema

Kailangan Kita
Starring: Aga Muhlach and Claudine Barretto
Director: Rory Quintos

Inspired most probably by non-Hollywood food fest flicks such as "Babette's Feast", "Like Water For Chocolate" and "Eat Drink Man Woman", "Kailangan Kita" has its focal ingredient served and that is - "food".

Other inspiration for this film could be Hollywood flicks such as "Forces of Nature" or "Serendipity", where love stories like these speak lowly of the kind of love one would have. Personally, even after meeting a future sister-in-law and on the verge of marriage, a guy should always take stock of his real feelings. In this film, after 17 years in the US, NYC Chef, Carl Diesta (Muhlach) is coming home to marry his supermodel Bicolana fiancee, Chrissy Duran. As the plot thickens and the stew getting awry, Lena, played by Claudine enters the picture as the sister of Chrissy. At this point, despite all the wedding insinuations, Lena can still prove to be the better woman for Carl - probably using the old adage, "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach". And laing (instead of Lechon Kawali and Tuna for me) was the culprit.

Just to add some worth to Lena, she becomes the reason why Carl found his identity and of course- his real love. Ewan! At least this is a far cry from the usual face-slapping, hair-pulling drama we've known for, or for the song-and-dance numbers interspersed in Filipino films.

Cinematography and direction - excellent. Acting - passable. Claudine's jugs - very annoying.

2002-11-15T15:22:00.000-08:00

I also have implants in my brains

Michal Jackson's Nose
click here

There is definitely something wrong with the Peter Pan of Pop. Well we knew about that since he started getting prettier than his own sister, Janet in the late 80s, or when he started to look like his idol, Diana Ross in the early 80s, or maybe even before that when he started to bring different types of animals during recording shoots. Well, we fairly know that MJ was a jacko or a wacko eversince.

But did you notice his nose when he took off that surgical mask during a $21 million trial (for Contract Reneging) at Sta. Maria recently? Wow. Experts say that the type of nose Jackson had when he was singing "Ben" til "Rock With You" days had to have bone implants which for a while will go back in time to its original condition. This may be is the reason for that "cartilege-like" protrusion coming out of Michael's nose.

Wow. And I call this blog site a review site.

2002-11-14T15:03:00.000-08:00

Dead Man Writing

"Journals" by Kurt Cobain
Released : November 4, 2002

It’s so hard to be caught in between reviewing a Journal from 28 or so notebooks and not go back and see if the man deserves to be called a “martyr” or an icon in the likes of Marley, Lennon or Hendrix. As they say, “he is a victim of his own undoing”. We don’t want to go there. So lets just do number 1 and not discuss how fucked up the guy was or how genius his writing were. Lets just get on the journal and review it.

If you read through the journal, which are scans of the actual pages from Cobain’s own notebooks, you’d know at the start that the man had depth, had passion and knew what he was talking about. He’s the ultimate journalist- the blogger of all bloggers. From lyrics, to poetry to doodles and to his being a curmudgeon in the end. The genius dies evidenced by the incoherence from the middle til the end of the journals. Why he wrote journals (which were often taken from his hotel rooms), we dont know. Why do you blog?

This is the first time that I’m not buying something that I reviewed. I came back and read it for 5 days in Borders and I have no plans of reading them again in the future. (Although) the price of Journals has been dropping from $29.95, to $20.97 to $ 17.97 in Amazon.

Read Em and Weep:
Pete Townshend reviews Kurt Cobain's Journals- from blogcritics.org
Why He Died Before He Got Old - from the Guardian Unlimited Nov. 3, 2002

2002-11-13T08:53:00.000-08:00

Aimee - Like We Know Her To Be

Aimee Mann - "Lost in Space"
Released : August 27, 2002

She's better known to 80s kids as Til Tuesday's lead vocals or to 90s movie-fans for the soundtrack of Magnolia. I know Aimee as my best evidence of "last song syndrome". Listening to "Driving Sideways" and "Calling It Quits" would always result to humming the tune the rest of the day. In Lost In Space, at least 3 songs will create the same effect - haunting, easily recognizable as Aimeeng-Aimee, and really great tunes. Listen to "Humpty Dumpty", "The Moth" and the title track and tell me if this album can top what Bachelor No.2 has done. It's hard to follow up a great album such as Bachelor No.2 (recently available in the Philippines, the last time I checked) but this latest one was able to do it. Take it!

2002-11-12T17:42:00.000-08:00

Tori Resurrected

Tori Amos - "Scarlet's Walk"
Released : November 5, 2002

Whew! I really thought I'd be ending my collection of Tori Amos' CDs with Strange Little Girls, although critically acclaimed, wasn't Tori at all! (someone borrowed my European-released copy and I'm not even itching to get it back). Just to let you know, all you Tori fans, she's bacccccck!

Her first all-original album in years, Scarlet's Walk was an album composed after 9-11, with tracks being written on a road trip. Tori fans will be glad that she comes out with a bang - an 18-track all solid album. Start with "Amber Waves" and a 7-minute song entitled "I Can't See New York" where you will probably hear her best solo piano intro yet, wistfully singing "From here, no lines are drawn"...and the piano wasps great music....wow....imagine playing it with the wind entering your window and allowing the curtain to be blown away...floating.

If Sarah M has "Dear God", Tori has "mrs. jesus". And Vanessa Carlton should go back to the studios and learn from the original. Great great great album!

2002-11-12T17:29:00.000-08:00

Completes My Sarah Collection

Sarah McLachlan - "Rarities, B-Sides, and Other Stuff" (Import)
Released : So Rare, it wasnt even released in the US
Genre: It's Sarah Music

Rarities : cover of XTC's "Dear God" (the best hated song in the CD), Joni Mitchell's "Blue" and "Song for a Winter Night", Billie Holiday's "Gloomy Sunday" -live! All 5 stars!
B-Sides: Bro McMullen "I Will Remember You" (the best B side ever); "Fear", "Full of Grace" All 5 stars!
Other Stuff: Remixed versions of "Drawn to the Rhythm", "Shelter", "As the End Draws Near", "Vox", "Into the Fire" and "Possession" - predecessor of her own Philippine released "Remixes"

Enough said. Get it if you can find one.

2002-11-11T01:44:00.000-08:00

Wow! Exceeded my Expectations

8 Mile
Released : November 8, 2002
Genre: Drama, Pop Music
Directed by: Custis Hanson (Wonder Boys and LA Confidential)

I didn't have much expectations coming in the theatre that afternoon. All I wanted was to have a good time and yes, see if Eminem can be in the same company as pop stars trying out movies and failing badly (Sorry, Madonna you've been here since Desperately Seeking Susan, then you have Mandy, Britney, J-Lo and yes Prince!).

8 Mile is the city limits in Detroit between where Eminem finds home in a trailer truck (listen to his rap parody of Sweet Home Alabama - real fun!) and borders the place where he dreams he wants to be. As Jimmy Smith Jr. (Eminem) or B Rabbit along with Kim Basinger (L.A. Confidential) as Jimmy’s mother, this inspirational film as they say can actually inspire you - and both mother and son are responsible for it. This Cinderella-theme type of movies have been overly used so there was nothing to really look forward to other than the acting of Eminem (surprisingly good - with those expressive eyes) and the rap clashes in the last 20 minutes of the film. Worth $7 but not our Directorial Hall 11-Benjamins.

2002-11-10T23:51:00.000-08:00

2nd of a Double Header

My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Released : on its 3rd Week of Release
Genre: Indie Biopic

The Indie film of the season! This great comedy film will indeed make you laugh. In the same genre of indie biopics such as Amelie and Y Tu Mama Tambien, Big Fat Greek Wedding tops both in terms of laughs per second. Guess who produced it? Mr. and Mrs. Tom Hanks himself.

Toula Portokalos' Greek family has 3 traditional values - "Marry a Greek boy, have Greek babies, and feed everyone." Despite living in Chicago all her 30-years, she has lived a life with a dysfunctional family (with Windex as the probably the only thing in their emergency kit), and a boring life as a "seat attendant" despite her education. When she falls in love with a College Professor, Ian, (played by ole familiar Aidan in Sex and the City), Toula struggles to get her family to accept her eager fiance while she herself comes to terms with her heritage, her cultural identity, and their meddlesome ways.

An overly used-storyline and very much Filipinized, the film takes you back to thinking whether marrying is indeed worth it with all its pitfalls (marrying the family, all the adjustments, raising kids with a different set of values, etc etc). This film touches both the realities that "our past should not hinder our present and future". Openness to present culture should be the mentality. In short, norms and leaving up to it shouldnt be Greek to all of us.