See "Saw"

I watched Saw: The Final Chapter this afternoon at Robinson's Place Manila on my own since almost every single one that I asked to come with me said they are scared of the movie's nature.

It was already late when I got to the mall. I only had an hour to spare before the show starts and I haven't eaten my lunch yet. So I grabbed a very quick lunch and practically run to catch the movie. At first, I was so happy to know that the movie is showing at the Midtown. But I was disappointed the moment I walked in. The not-more-than ten rows of seats are too close to the screen. There's not a Balcony section that can make the experience better so I have to settle to the second row since the first row was already full. As I settle to my seat, the discomfort sets in. The screen is too close so I had to tilt my head in order to see the whole screen better.

The movie, as for me lacks something. I think since this movie has seven installments over the years, the story got so predictable already. I had not watched the first five chapters and watched only the sixth chapter and the story really did not change much. There are still, of course, the bloods, screams, the typical antagonist being the wiser than the protagonist but end up losing in the end. And that was it. The movie is a mixture of present storytelling and backflash storytelling. I think it lacks some emotions. There is emotion but in between screams, and deaths, the movie just lost the emotion along the way. You can see the anguish of the victims, the fear in their eyes, but all of these are very technical. I mean, these are prerequisites of a thriller movie but I see no soul in them. Their eyes are cold and are not speaking to me which I am very fond of seeing in a movie. I love it when the eyes are evoking emotions and therefore touching me and letting me live their lives and feel what they are feeling. But in this movie, I felt none except by the jolt I have to endure because of the sound effects and the sickening feeling in my stomach whenever I see some of the most gruesome scenes in the movie. So I think, this is really the best time to end the whole series. Although, the movie sort of used the open-ending kind of end this time, while I think that there are still some loose ends that need to be tied. It was a short film that I think there are some parts that were rushed so some of them turned out "half-baked".

To dream or not to dream

A movie has been creating a lot of buzz in the international scene and stirred up my curiosity over time. I am talking about the latest movie of the Titanic hearthrob Leonardo diCaprio, INCEPTION. The movie is about dreams and how we can intercept with somebody's dream and even construct or design a dream.

I watched the movie alone since a friend who is supposed to watch it with me was not able to. At first, I thought I will not enjoy it. I thought I will be bored because I cannot understand the first scene. It was confusing but very artistic. As the movie runs, I find it very visually enticing. The scenes are breathtaking and very cool to the eyes. Although the scenes are scientific, the backgrounds are always very natural. And also, even though most of the scene shots are "edgy", the transitions are very fluid. Each picture is truly very smooth and very pleasing to watch.

As for the story, I must say that this is a very ambitious yet intellectual story. As I have said, at first I thought the movie will only bore me to death. Honestly, I thought of leaving the theater after the first 15 minutes of the movie. But I gave it the benefit of the doubt and continued watching. The movie will stimulate your mind and you just simply cannot avoid thinking while watching the movie. It is very admirable that people can think of something like this movie! Who would have thought that you can actually "design" a dream? Other people's dream, in this case. And, who would have thought that you can actually make large amounts of money by ruining or intercepting other people's dream to steal their ideas and in turn, to help you strategize your business. This movie will not only entertain you, it will not only satisfy and fulfill your visual appetite but also leave you wondering about a lot of things. It will also leave you craving for the ability to construct your own dreams and maybe live inside it as if its reality. This movie really deserves to be the top-grosser and I believe that Leonardo diCaprio did justice to the character. He simply outdid himself as Jack in Titanic to be Dom in Inception.

The End Is Near

2012. The latest buzz in the movie sector (aside from the equally popular New Moon). I have been waiting for it to be shown here in the Philippines ever since I saw its trailer last year. True enough, when it was released here last last Wednesday, I rushed to the cinema that weekend with my friend. I was hoping that it would be in 3D so that I can watch it in IMAX theater at MOA but was disappointed. I was trying to imagine the waves, and the fires if it will be shown in 3D. Must be a more exciting movie if that is the case.

Anyway, the movie was excellent! I mean, my expectation was met. Although, it may sound corny to some, because of some glitches in the movie. By glitches, I mean the usual scenario of the lead casts surviving; and when they have to fly a plane, someone with them (in this particular case, John Cusack's ex-wife's partner) coincidentally can fly a plane no matter what the size. And, he also happened to be a plastic surgeon. It is also quite amazing that a radio personality is broadcasting from the park where Cusack and his kids are camping and this radio personality so happened to know about the "ark" that could save a few people, read: those filthy rich ones. And, he also have the map on where to find the "ark" and it is in China. Which also made me think that, by that time, China really is the place to go for anything to be manufactured.

Aside from some other "usual scenarios", the movie has a mix of everything. It has drama, comedy, and thrill. It is a thought-provoking, spiritually-uplifting, conscience-knocking, breath-holding, "wake-up" kind of a movie. It is quite detailed too. They have managed to think of getting a Black to play the part of American President during the year 2009. I love the technical aspects of the movie. It has good special effects, though I am not an expert on this, but I really love the special effects. I love the fire, the crashes, the waves.. It is not done poorly like in other movies wherein it is obvious that those are computer effects only. This one is done smoothly. Special effects are incorporated perfectly, "real-time", and executed timely.

I also cannot dismiss the idea that this movie mirrored the reality of the social system this world has. In the movie, the "ark" was reserved for the elites only. They bought tickets for this ride. And the cost of a ticket is really a fortune. Its as if it is exclusive for the filthy rich people and no space for the ordinary workmen. These elites spent all their fortune and expelled all their power to save their lives. The sad thing is, even at this situation, some people remains selfish. They would do everything to save themselves, and their families but in turn, they made the arks exclusive only to them. Not minding those people standing just outside the ark even if there are still a lot of space for a lot of people.

I hope, and I could just pray that if ever this kind of doomsday would come and befall on mankind, that this kind of selfishness would vanish. That hopefully, mankind would help each other and save as much people as they can. In this kind of situation, as corny as it may sound, we, the people are one. And equal.

With Angels, Shun Demons Part 2

OK, after my emotional ramblings, I think I am quite ready for a less emotional review.

From a non-expert point of view, the movie for me is still excellent. It has a good pacing. Not too fast that you cannot fathom what you are watching anymore, and yet not too dragging that you are already eager to get out even if you haven't reached the middle part yet. As for the usual movies which the beginning do not quite spark interest, this one has managed to go past that stage successfully. I mean, the beginning did spark my interest. What with eyeballs and bloods.

Next part where Robert Langdon is being introduced to the movie, the excitement begins. And from that point on, the roar kept on going louder and louder. The excitement, the suspense, the thrill, the curiosity all swells up right to the brink. You wouldn't want to get up even to take a bathroom break. It is really that good.

Angels and Demons also served as my ticket to Rome. It has toured me to the Vatican City. Given me the idea of how it looks like inside the structure. The book has always up my interest of how does the place where the Pope resides look like. Of what kind of interiors they have. Is it simplicity that prevails or grandness that won over. And yes, it is grand. It is such a huge place, so huge that anyone could disappear inside it without anyone knowing anything.

And of course, the process of choosing for the new Pope. That is really satisfying. By this, I got a real picture of how the voting is done. The book did described the process quite exactly the same as how it is shown in the film. But of course, it is still very much different when you have "actually" see it unfold with your own eyes.

Outside the Vatican, of each place where the main characters search for any clue on the Cardinals or the killer himself, it is like joining a tour. With Robert Langdon as the tour guide not only of the physical place but also on the symbolisms. You just won't get tired and uninterested on their "journey". Sculptures of magnificence, of Angels, of churches, and of many infrastructures... You would be filled with so much appreciation of these things. Of the attractive words written on the book, still is nothing to the actual beauty showcased in the movie. Each scene is breathtaking not only of the scene itself, but of the equally breathtaking picturesque works of art.

In spite of the heart pounding chases, the movie tugged at my heart, and summoned tears from my eyes. The part where the camerlengo made a sacrifice, where the good has finally, took over the bad, my heart felt pierced. And just because of this tear jerking part, the movie, I can say has nothing to do with "people withdrawing their faith once they saw the movie".

Opposite the statement that this movie would test the faith of people, I believe that it has, in turn, strengthen the faith of those who watched the film. And, in relation to this, those who are saying that watching this movie might make you doubt Christianity, I am sorry to say, that you are wrong. From what I heard, some people from the church are encouraging people not to watch the film so as not to interfere with their beliefs. I say, if the person really is faithful, no amount of movies, of statements, of fictions, will make him doubt whatever he holds on to. And truly anything can destroy man's faith if he himself has not wholeheartedly accepted God in his heart. If these church people are afraid of mankind losing their faith, their belief, then maybe they should be asked if they have done their duties and responsibilities well. Because I can only see the reason that they are stopping people to watch the film is because they are afraid that these people would lose faith due to these people's negligence.

With Angels, Shun Demons

I've watched Angels and Demons on the big screen last Sunday with my friend. While going inside the cinema, I was thinking that hopefully the movie will be as exciting as the book. I've read both the "The Da Vinci Code" and "Angels and Demons". I have also watched "The Da Vinci Code" the movie. I was quite disappointed with the Da Vinci the movie version because I thought that few, if not many, was left out in the movie.

But boy oh boy! With "Angels and Demons" movie, I was wowed. I have never watched any movie that made my heart beat faster and faster while the movie is going on. Well, except if the movie is scary. The one when monsters kept on surprising you by shoving themselves on your face. The movie did justice to the book. And If I am Dan Brown, I would be insanely satisfied with the outcome of the movie. I was taken away with every scene. I have never experienced watching movies that made me hold my breath the way this movie did.

I was told that novel-cum-movie is not thrilling to watch because you already know the story. But I don't believe it. Well, with this movie, at least. The producers, scriptwriters, directors, made a good plot out of the book. I assure you that it will be worth your money. It will now be a newly added item to my very short list of favorite movies. And frankly, if only I don't have anyone with me, I would watch the movie over and over.

A more in-depth review will be written soon. When time would be on my side. As for now, I don't have the luxury of time in my hands. I'm not at home, that's why.

Again, kudos to the staff and crew of "Angles and Demons"!