(500) Days of Summer (2009)

Absolutely breathtaking and at the same time heartbreaking!!! (not the movie…I was talking about Zooey!)

Fox Searchlight Pictures in association with Watermark and Sneak Preview Entertainment present…

If this is what reality should be…so be it!

The film exudes with wit, charm, depravity, the feeling of being used, heartache, yearning and the need to move on with one’s life! Nobody said it would be easy and getting the easy way out is not just something that you just put into your system making it whole and binding it with you, then you spit it out just like that for no reason at all! People do have the tendency to deprive others and that what makes us human.

As the narrator said this is not a love story but it’s a story about love!

Let us break it down to the minor and major details of the film shall we!!! And move along with the milestones! Being Normal = Being Happy equation, wherein Tom and Summer doing flip cards of days that takes us to their journey of love and loss…

Day 1 – in an office presentation… Tom played by the remarkable young actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Women in Trouble) meets for the first time Summer portrayed by the always bubbly Zooey Deschanel (Winter Passing), the girl of his dreams! While summarizing the womanly characteristics as shown on her daily travels in life, it is therefore concluded in the statistics that once in your life you will encounter the other species and ask yourself: Where you have been all my life?!?!

Day 3 – Really, she’s a bitch? You’ll find out why they are given this type of moniker!

Day 4 – Elevator fever, I could still recall how I laughed so hard with their first casual encounter, it was so surreal that I gave it one of the best scenes of the film! I used to find someone so attractive that I had no choice but to make her mine…now she is my wife! 🙂

Day 8 – Second casual talk (much longer this time), and I really never got that joke, but it was used as a term for being clean love the irony though!

Day 154 – When we’re in love we can describe so many details even the trivial ones would be a piece of cake since there is much to say to the person your heart beats for… but there was a warning though…hold your breath people!

Day 11 – Are you bizarre??? Chloë Grace Moretz (The 5^th Wave) as Rachel Hansen the younger sister with a more practical sense in life demeanor! You talked, you shared the same thoughts…Oh I forgot you’re in love…I’m sorry my bad!

Day 22 – It’s over…the emotions start to fire up their defenses, feeling the not her type thing, even your heart screams out for her!!! Right!

Day 27 – You’re not listening, everyone is coming! Every guy has that feeling of not joining in the group outings because you’re avoiding someone or you just don’t want to get hurt with all the right intentions. For all the reasons that you want to come…yet you still find a way in the dragon’s nest!!!

As you do find your way… a little trip can go a long way (down I mean!)

Day 28 – this is the moment so to speak, you were able to get a quick attention from her looking for you…expecting you to come! Points given my friend!

Only thing is she is not ready and wants to be alone… Pop quiz hotshot, what do you do!!!

Here is what you do… be yourself, let her understand that you can wait because you know it will be worth it in the end! Girls and their fish baits, I wouldn’t mind if it’s you on the other side!

Day 31- a moment of silence…then suddenly your world is in chaos!!! In Homer Simpson’s famous lines: What the?!?!?!

Day 282 – girl is out of words to say, bored and not enthusiastic anymore…you have to keep up the phase, be diverse and never ran out of tricks because if you do… the spark will go out and there is nothing you can do about it!

Day 34 – back from the past… everyday life seems so fun when you’re young and new, don’t let it be the basis of your relationship it means more when there is so much to look out for.

Day 303 – I did have my case on this, where I will be able to write a book for the girl that I loved but all I was able to do was write songs and poems which are given life if only that someone can hear it! But that’s no excuse!

Until she breaks your heart…

Day 45 – it’s not the series I was after, I didn’t care about the humming on the phone, but how they did the scene was hilarious! Maybe it’s just Summer humming…sigh!

Day 87 – don’t say that no one loves you; in fact even Ringo has someone who loves him awwwww!!!

Day 95- Architectures gives you reasons not to focus only on streets, but rather something more palpable when you look up!!! It only incites why they see more on a larger perspective…because they have a good view from the top of the hill! (this is meant on how Tom sees his life and around him)

Day 109 – when the girl that you love tells you something that is out of random, sharing more stories that you ever shared with when you’re with her… it means that you’re in second base!!! This is the art of conversation, you get to know more of the people your with and trying to find out how you can cope up with the life you’re going to be with…

Day 118 – it could never be more degrading than someone, especially a girl would tell you to stop whining and do what you need to do!!!

Day 259 – love is not a one way street, another saying is it takes two to tango and emotions will really hurt if love is just felt by one person…

One thing that does heal it, if you say with all honesty that you were sorry and it hurts also on your part for acting that way!

Day 191 – one of the worst things that could happen in your relationship if it starts to fall apart and the pieces don’t fit anymore!

Day 314 – Misery loves company! Don’t say you’re alone, when you feel down and out, when depression strikes… you do have a shoulder to cry on!

Day 321 – the way of the card, how ironic it hurts more to say it from someone else’s mind!

Day 167 – One man show… nothing beats a man who is in love! While Clark Gregg (In the Land of Women) is Vance, Tom’s Boss who actually accommodates everyone’s inputs…so to speak!

Day 322 – remember the flamboyant words that you made earlier (see Day 154)…I think someone’s angry today!!!

Day 345 – what are you babbling about…you’re drunk again!!! So it’s over???

Day 402 – this was the most awkward part for me in the film, here you are trying to move on and yet you still find her in your premise and you still hang out with her! jeez, what’s wrong with you??? (I forgot you’re in love with her sorry!)

But don’t expect too much!

Day 440 – still didn’t know where the Day 408 went??? hmmm!!!

Day 441 – sunrise… sunset… another day to be alone! Alone, alone, alone!

Day 441 1/2 – nothing beats a refreshing drink and snacks (couch potato with alcohol)

Day 442 – material things do make us suffer more, that’s a fact!

Day 450 – when you look back at the past, don’t just look at the bad ones, look at the good ones which can make you stronger (ok, you can cry for now, but later be a man!)

Day 456-476 – Moving on my friend good job! Don’t let that girl bring you down!

Day 488 – an old place for an old friend! (Not literally though!) We come to realize that life is like a wheel that sometimes you’re up sometimes your down! But the main thing is, we need to assert in ourselves that we do come to our senses in our perfect time and it will definitely hurt at the moment you have to let go, but it is the only way to keep your sanity, meaning if we really love a person we have to show them the we can be better without them and be able to move on! Thank them for all the times they were able to make you happy, though given on false hopes that you can never be together, it will have to do to say that I loved you and it was a wonderful journey that I will always cherish in my heart!

Getting over someone especially if they said that it was not you that they were never sure of…think of it as something that makes you stronger and knowing that somebody else will have the heart to say that she was the one instead! I’m going to look forward to that someone…someday!

God it hurts so much!

Day 500 – it is true that something of significance can be as much more, a little thing to someone and the other way around… it was the day that Tom realized that the Earth didn’t stop revolving and if he really looked around long enough, he will notice that there is more what life has to offer and that will be a reward worth waiting for… as sure as day follows night, as a rainbow appears after the rain, there will always be an Autumn after each Summer!

Director Marc Webb (The Office) made this film so tangible and yet so simple focusing on the lives of two people who shared their itineraries for 500 days but in the end the girl leaves the guy tormented while trying to find his way with his post-relationship of solace, the detriment caused by heartache aptly named Summer who just cringed her way out of commitment!

The film was great and well casted! It was funny, forlorn, eccentric and a straight up uppercut to your solar plexus which leaves you gasping for air until finally you start to breathe and do it all over again! That’s love and life…you just have to roll with the punches!

Stardust (2007)

A star shines as it serves its purpose like Love; don’t ever let it fade away!

Paramount Pictures in association with di Bonaventura Pictures, Marv Films and Ingenious Film Partners present…

Stardust was Neil Gaiman’s one of many contributions in his great stories through DC Comics! Published in February 1, 1999 (the collected novel) with Illustrator Charles Vess, it was Awarded for Comic’ Buyer’s Guide for Favorite Limited Series in the same year, he also brought us the other epic comic books such as “Sandman”, “The Dream Hunters” and earlier works from “Marvelman”.

Filled with magic and lore, the story originated from a simple town called Wall just at the edge of the Kingdom of Stormhold where Dunstan, actor Ben Barnes (Chronicles of Narnia) inspires the hard headed young man in his hope to explore the outside world as it becomes happenstance but after a long 18 year period, it will give him another reason to live not just for himself but for his son as well…

The plot focuses in the life of Charlie Cox (Casanova) played by the young Tristan Thorne whose enamor for Sienna Miller (Layer Cake) portrayed by Victoria, the most beautiful lady in town was either meant from a harboring crush or was it true love? Trying his best to win her affection, he promised to bring the fallen star Yvaine brought to life by Claire Danes (Romeo & Juliet) an intended gift for her birthday and to be the pact for them to get married. But love does come with a price and without prejudice!

From all over the land Princes, Witches and a Family seeking to own this precious “gem” will soon find the difference between fate and destiny! Surviving heirs to the throne battle it out to acquire the ornament bequeathed by their Father; Jason Flemyng (From Hell) is Primus the eldest of the brood of seven and his youngest brother Mark Strong (Robin Hood) as Septimus a villain by heart and he’s the best on what he does! Matthew brought in his future cast for his films as they race against time to avoid getting killed (or being killed) they also need to face-off with an evil entity (whose losing her face), the timeless Michelle Pfeiffer (What Lies Beneath) is Lamia the Witch Queen who technically needs to eat the heart of the star in order to survive and be eternally young (don’t forget to share ok?).

Another character in the role of Captain Shakespeare, strong both in muscle and “heart” he commands a group of hard core pirates sailing the vastness of the skies gathering lightning bolts to be sold as general merchandise. Academy Award Winner Robert De Niro (Ronin) gives an exemplary performance providing veteran guidance and intuition for the upstarts. You can put this guy in any genre and you won’t be disappointed! I even remember him singing a part from The West Side Story in “Anaylze That” which was so funny!

Director Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class) actually was in ties with the “X-Men: Last Stand” movie until he was brought back to helm this project instead since starting 2005 where he finished “Layer Cake”. He Co-Written in terms of its Screenplay, the piece to set a synergy of fantasy and humor while staying faithful in the graphic novel. It was dark and depicted with sexual and violent overtones which needed to be diverted to acquire more patronage from audiences and fans alike. Locations were amazing here but not entirely the actual shots! Covered by Ben Davis (Franklyn) they showed clear green fields and high mountainous parts from Scotland and Iceland while covering in-house productions from Pinewood Studios in London. Rotating cameras shot on a longer lens to cover the landscapes were pedestrian already but nevertheless it was not as bad as Eragon’s cinematography. While Production and Visual effects made it happen to inspire the fantasy to come into fruition! Gavin Bocquet (Star Wars Prequels) lends his imagination to sculpt the interior backgrounds for the film while the collaboration of digital enhancement giants Baseblack, Cinesite, Machine and Double Negative to bring the out of this world sequences from the supervision of Peter Chiang who spearheads the latter department.

The casts made it remarkable to impress as simple as it may be! Cut scenes were made to elaborate the premise; even at times it fell short in significance whether it was still needed to be part of the screenplay or just connecting supporting roles in give the bigger picture. Claire and Charlie have admirable chemistry even with not enough solid performance, it worked in a way they were able to see each other in the eye while one is only human with so much love to share while the other, a cosmic deity with so much love to experience, while their characters have so much load to carry they were still able to bring along the casts in their misadventures of soul searching!

The Crow (1994)

“If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them. Buildings burn, people die, but real love is forever.”

Crowvision Inc., Edward R. Pressman Film, Entertainment Media Investment Corporation with Jeff Most Productions in association with Miramax Films present…

Losing someone you love will set you on a collision course to a life full of pain! That’s where James O’Barr found himself after Beverly his fiancée was killed by a drunk driver in 1978. Alone and grieving, he joined the Army and was stationed in Berlin, Germany doing illustrations for Military Manuals. From there, he started using his gifts to work on his book titled The Crow!

From the 1980’s, the Creator and Writer bounced from one publisher into another to give the comic series a mainstream transition and get more readers in the market. It got published initially in Caliber Comics in 1989 and then was transferred to Kitchen Sink Press from 1996 to 1998. They even had different writers and artists to pitch in a partnership of sort with other another character named Razor from London Night Studios then moved again to Random House with another interpretation of the story named The Crow: Shattered Lives and Broken Dreams. The following year, it got shipped to Image Comics with Eric Draven as the main protagonist running just for ten issues.

In July 2011, an announcement was made at SDCC which confirms that The Crow will be landing on IDW Publishing in 2012 as Ted Adams Co-Founder and CEO of the company will take it into new heights hoping they can push through with a permanent contract and produce better stories compared to its previous “landlords”!

“People once believed that when someone dies, a crow carries their soul to the land of the dead. But sometimes, something so bad happens that a terrible sadness is carried with it and the soul can’t rest. Then sometimes, just sometimes the crow could bring that soul back to put the wrong things right.”

A man and a woman engaged were preparing to take their wedding vows the following day. Instead, all dreams died on October 30^th as they were found by an insidious gang of war freaks. Shelly Webster played by Sofia Shinas (Terminal Velocity) was brutally murdered, raped and tortured in their apartment while lying on the street pavement was her fiancé Eric Draven who was portrayed by the late Brandon Lee (Rapid Fire) lead vocals from the rock band Hangman; he was shot and thrown out of the window…

Halloween never went this far, as if it was tempting fate to finally end all its madness! Raised from the dead from unseemingly supernatural forces: The Crow, an entity from the land of the dead, gives Eric a chance to avenge their horrible past, as you can see redemption is coming one way or the other! One by one he took the lives of those who have wronged them while on the trail of his vendetta is Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters) as Sergeant Albrecht a good hearted police officer who was the last person Shelly’s with before she died in the hospital. It’s kind of ironic that Ernie was tracking down a “dead” guy without his Proton Pack!

Michael Wincott (Metro) leads the pack of his ravenous killers and goes by the name Top Dollar who provides mayhem and chaos especially for the upcoming celebration of “Devil’s Night” commemorating a yearly festivity of arson across the city! This guy has proven time and again to excel in villainous roles which compliment his demeanor for his acting strange, smart and obsessive characters on film! Together with his half-sister Bai Ling (Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow) is Myca, a silent and yet ruthless psychopath who takes pleasure sleeping with her sibling! Both actors together with the local gang members were the focal points of making the story come full circle; it’s the life so precious taken away by reckless abandon, pretense and wickedness to absolute no value for humanity!

I admired James work and how much he gave his time and devotion to accomplish this book, his story based in his misfortune. He brought these melancholic pedigree and gothic emotions harboring for an answer to substantiate his inconsolable pain! There was the right amount of synergy in the film that focuses on back story, love, loss, revenge and music with a darker tone set to captivate both fans and movie goers alike!

Directed by Alex Proyas (Dark City) my personal preference in making these types of films! He was able to present an unforgettable tragic adaptation together with Screenplay writers David Schow and John Shirley. Another fascinating take on the comic book genre but with real life elements of notoriety, crime and death! The Soundtrack was awesome having Graeme Revell (Daredevil) do the background music where it catapults the eerie and fast paced hunt of the main protagonist! To add, bringing in the noise are best in the business from Stone Temple Pilots, Pantera, Nine Inch Nails and The Cure and a whole lot more!

The man from Malaysia, Alex Mcdowell (Minority Report) brought in his expertise in the Production Design with the help of Art Director Simon Murton (Sleepy Hollow). The collaboration took essentially the actual groundwork on the environment of the main protagonist, dark, sullen and filled with the right amount of special effects from resurrection to the regenerative powers of the anti-hero. The city landscape, buildings on fire and motion capture of the Crow was fantastic while synergizing it with the narrative and intended targets for retribution.

As the origins itself was foreboding enough already, the film was made to let the public realize the story being brought to life to the extent of even incorporating these events from the pages of a comic book. Powerful and enigmatic! It was a stunning and visual undertaking indeed. Brandon captured the character’s essence of the anti-hero who delved deeper into his soul to let him and Shelly find their solace from the grave. Not much came out from the supporting casts as they were just out there to bellow their angst, cavorting with heavenly bliss and be the villains as they are! It might have given a little contribution to the premise as the screenplay would dictate, but it was great to watch nevertheless especially for the fans of the comic book remembering the demised actor!

Some cast members like Michael Massee (Catwoman) was stricken with bad luck as well! He portrayed the rogue named Funboy, the one who pulled the trigger that set off the dummy bullet that took the life of Brandon; unknowingly there was still a stucked primer which dislodged as well after shooting the scene. It was carefully checked by the firearms specialist and was later transferred to the property assistant later that day but no one was blamed for the incident. Rochelle Davis who played Sarah, the young juvenile who became friends with the couple even came back for the last take, in which she visited the grave of Eric but now was portrayed by a body double. Michael went on a whole year not acting due to his trauma while Rochelle has been out of work ever since. I really don’t believe in curses, but to think that it took a long standing predicament for the Lee family to carry this burden taking away the entire male census of the Lee’s as from Father to Son!

Rest in Peace Brandon and Happy Halloween!

Thirst (2009)

Love does not condone nor condemn our thirsts’ but rather it is how we quench it for our own redemption!

Universal Pictures in association with Moho Films, CJ Entertainment and Focus Features present…

Based on Emile Zola’s novel Therese Raquin, a tale that has been told a thousand times over but with the subtlety, simplicity and yet nothing pleases the voracious lust for blood and flesh!

A man of God learning and yearning to discover a cure for the patients’ seemingly incurable disease, wants to be a part of an experiment that will either leave him dead or forever walk in the land of the living! He volunteered for this missionary work that will make him as one with the community of Lepers. Unknowingly, he doesn’t realize the horror this will bring upon him! As months passed by, his condition worsened and on a fateful day he was declared dead by the hospital staff…or so it seems!

Searching for an answer, he left the community with more questions to his predicament. He came back to the monastery as a Saint, people declaring that he was the only person who survived this ordeal. He soon left the monastery and found solace in a village continuing his work. As he was performing parlor tricks for a sick child, a woman was tapping the window who is in need of a priest to heal her son.

Upon meeting the family he soon falls for the son’s wife, she was not hard to please since she yearns for a man unlike his pathetic, loser of a husband. Soon the two are coveting, meeting night after night when they finally realized a shared goal… to be together and dispose the son. A fishing trip, a murder scene and to make it worse, the mother got into a stroke due to the pain of losing her son. The Priest took refuge in their home, a cabinet for a coffin, a desperate, pathetic ghost and a trip to the watering hole… i meant blood bar just too wet his whistle.

The Priest (not by virtue) played by Song Kang-Ho (Memories of Murder) and his paramour portrayed by Ok-Bin Kim (Dasepo Naughty Girls) would soon find themselves into awkward situations like looking for blood and trying to kill each other, but to no avail. The passive Priest and the aggressiveness of the woman he loves got in the way most of the time while giving her the benefit of the doubt that they need to survive. Feeling lost, he cannot condone this kind of life anymore and he decided to end it the best way he knows how.

Without further hesitation and as a last resort to end their rampage, he drove to a place where the sun shines and end this pain for both their sakes. Together with the Mother, they had this comedic run on things which the woman tried her best to not experience the heat of the sun rising, hiding in the trunk, tugging the trunk door and slipping underneath the car but she soon realizes that the end was near and the only thing that is waiting for them both is the light of their redemption.

The ending scene was touching and even though she cried so much they found themselves in each other’s arms even at death… even putting emphasis on the shoes he gave her the first time he shown compassion for the woman who had blisters on her feet.

The story that permeates drama, comedy and a forbidden love story!!! With a whole new twist, wonderfully shot sequences and delivery of actors. Director Chan-Wook Park (Oldboy) brings to the screen this gothic tale of two doomed lovers locked in an impeccable torment of passion and for those people around them who were taken in by the maelstrom of murder. I admired the take on the film and how it condones the relationship of a Priest and a young woman yearning for a purpose and some adventure! The ending even gave a bitter sweet lesson that life is what we make it and although Father Sang-Hyeon wanted only to save lives, instead he created an uncontrollable monster…it was a painful truth but they made the needed redemption so that others will live.

Ok-Bin gave a phenomenal performance seeing from the Director who chose her when she was only 22 years old, she already had the versatility of capturing a woman torn up inside and seizes her door mat personality to a monstrous predator on the rise! While her counterpart did not even have training but did very well in choosing his career after getting a degree in Broadcasting and work on plays using only instinctive acting and improvisation. He even got the chance to work with the Director and his notorious films “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance” and “Sympathy for Lady Vengeance” and became a well sought after leading man in South Korean cinema.

The Director also gave us outstanding films from the Vengeance series and even co-wrote the screenplay that was absolutely entertaining and fun to watch. Since he has been known to convey stories with black humor and the cold harsh reality of what life can truly bring to someone who experienced so much hardship and pain and still find the reason to move on with life until fate caught up with them…

The film gives even more emphasis on chances or happenstance since it allows the plot to linger a bit further connecting the disparages of the belittled wife and the resurrection of a Priest once a man of faith and of the Lord Jesus Christ who now seeks his own urges that gives the meeting of the two a befitting force that when they collided, all fell by their hands without any remorse nor control for their unwavering thirst!

Perfect Sense (2011)

Humanity can only succumb to this instinctive innate emotion, a precursor which is so palpable even if it’s not seen, heard, felt or spoken of…love will always have that primordial influence!

Sigma Films in association with BBC Films and IFC Films present…

There is Darkness, there is Light…

Formerly titled “The Last Word”, a tale entangled by a paradox that circles around repeatedly to bring humanity to its knees and yet everything it negates and infuse the senses was clearly narrated by Kathryn Engels which helps define what was being manifested in the film!

Yes, cigarette smoking at the street, in a park or simply at a kitchen backdoor can be the perfect alibi to clear someone’s head and a common thief to start a conversation…

The Chef

Ewan McGregor (Big Fish) is Michael, he loves to cook; he wants to give his best to his customers! He is a Chef, busy, service, order, delivery while trying to ignore his associate talking about someone…he moves on to his next plate!

His performance was really played spot on, how he composes himself at the kitchen; working on his presentation, his facial expressions, carefree attitude and movements compliments his demeanor for appropriateness to his character’s culinary expertise! The other side of the coin would be his eccentric individuality! The first shot gave him a sense of a wandered off lover who can’t sleep while someone is in his bed…or if he’s sleeping in another! I find him commendable in other films, but this was the a very rare chance that he carries himself with vindication!

The Scientist

Eva Green (Womb) portrays Susan, a zealot for her work as a Epidemiologist, she is obligated to make sure that health events and coherent guidelines in a given population is in check while providing solutions that involves preventive measures in terms of vaccines, medicines and with intelligence reports to counter the issues involved up to the point of damage assessment and control!

She calls Michael her lover “Sailor” coming from her father’s old habits! I love how a woman eats with her hands; Eva had some moments with “Kingdom of Heaven”, she makes it so natural as she entices Michael after a quick meal and a sob story! When a woman falls in love, you can see it in her eyes what makes her interested to a man, how he works and moves! In this case, it’s the way how he takes care of a guest, of a stranger, of her vulnerability!

Coming back to work, Susan encounters a man who was contained due to a symptom which rippled out rapidly in the last 24 hours in different states! Confused and without any clue what is currently happening! The Severe Olfactory Syndrome (SOS) was diagnosed from the aggravated driver who suddenly lost his ability to smell, under which circumstances comes across to the other protagonist’s side of town. People, both staff and customers from the restaurant where Michael worked were experiencing the same symptoms! They were unprepared and without any comprehension, it turned into battling a virus that affects Europe spreading from the United Kingdom to the coasts of Spain, playing in the background of a conspiracy, a contagion…

It was typically, generally a love story but a twist of something insurmountable, encompassing everyone in the process. It was the overall backdrop of losing the senses starting with the ability to smell as mentioned earlier! Now, people just started to get really hungry eating anything both edible and inedible alike, then suddenly its gone like an evanescence, it quickly disappeared as if it was someone who was controlling them to have these moments of gluttonous nirvana!

After 35 minutes of screentime…the fundamentals of beliefs became concise, clear like a sword piercing in the open air without direction, without prejudice! As the story unfolds, the cataclysmic agenda soon unravels for the audience as we see the film turn into its wider horizons; the virus suddenly turns into a pandemic that becomes uncontrollable, plunging the planet into chaos with Biblical proportions!

Less than an hour after supposedly all things went back to normal, a scientist from Bangkok started to inform the UK that they have people with hearing problems. Named Severe Hearing Loss Syndrome, the said condition sets in another turn to the world as panic with greater afflictions come into play, bereft by the human condition to not being able to focus on logic turning against each other like rabid animals! It spreads from Thailand, India China and Russia like wildfire without any remorse or the means of desisting!

The Scottish Film Director David Mackenzie (Asylum) gives it a profound and a fascinating take on loosing something or someone in a given instant! Previously collaborated with Ewan in the 2003 film “Young Adam”, he makes another journey to humanity’s disposition to survive, an invisible enemy tearing up continent per continent! He was able to cleverly tell the story with great performers including Connie Nielsen (Gladiator) and Ewen Bremmer (Trainspotting) together with Ewan in 1996!

Max Richter (Darwin) gives his music from the gloomy violin and the tranquility of the piano as they caress the moods in every scene then carefully integrated from the camera’s point of view! Cinematography was done by Giles Nuttgens (Heaven on Earth) subtle but still infuses the dynamic of being forlorn and the chaos that goes around with it. Every moment was captured to give the pace and the flow to naturally commence as it is conveyed by the cast and at times during narratives!

With Editor Jake Roberts (The Last Great Wilderness), he helps put together a vignette of different situations around the world culminating to losing faith and still finding the strength to move on despite the desperation reeking every time the virus evolves into something more volatile! While Screenplay was made by Kim Fupz Aakeson (Aftermath) who was able to visualize a world full of passion and sensation from everything we do and instill these aspects of life surrounding these two lovers from worlds apart in terms of their profession yet bounded to their feelings for one another.

The template was actually simple, pedestrian in my opinion but it was somehow given an little bit of an ante-up coming from a background that implies wiping out what was needed for humanity to survive, it therefore leaves out the elemental factor of one of two completely opposite energies: life and death, yin and yang, order and chaos!

People say that it was flat footed, predictable and loosely up in the air in different directions. True, but at least delivery of the cast was nonchalant and effective bringing in a different take in a story that literally moves your world, appeals to your senses without the need of medication for being “love sick” nor even a sumptuous meal served exquisitely in a impeccable time like this…

Solaris (2002)

“Though lovers be lost love shall not. And death shall have no dominion!” – Dylan Thomas

20^th Century Fox in association with Lightstorm Entertainment present…

Solaris is a science fiction novel written by Stanislaw Lem and was first adapted in 1972 on the big screen by the late Director Andrey Tarkovsky. The Screenplay for the film gives us the whole nine yards from a psychological thriller standpoint as they centre its gravity on a love story while floating in the vacuum of space! The ghostly station Prometheus orbiting and exploring a new planet is in need of help to bring the people back home. The dilemma is this entity, this being draining out the subconscious aspect of the crew letting them see, interact, feel and speak with their eerie precedents playing with their psyche to fulfil their need which later turns into their worst fears!

The new take gives us the audience the chance to think thoroughly about what boundaries are being tested here to see how far each individual would go to let the people they love the reasons to move on with their lives. But sadly, it’s ironic for those who are meant for each other, I would not even think about losing my sanity while acknowledging the fact that my wife is already dead and the longing of her near and be alive again will be just absolute madness and illusory…

They’re back for more! Friends and former work mates from the blockbuster Ocean’s Trilogy,   George Clooney (The American) is Dr. Chris Kelvin a psychologist requested by his dear friend from a project gone wrong millions of miles away from Earth! He is tasked to oversee, investigate the phenomena that are unexplained even by the remaining survivors. George is a fan favourite what can I say! He’s articulate, smart and a versatile actor working with Soderbergh again is always a compliment, he played so many character driven roles but not in space not like this where his primary concern was to survive something that he doesn’t even know if it’s real or not!

The always classy Natascha McElhone (Ronin) plays Rheya the love of Dr. Kelvin was introduced to have passed away. Unbelievably mind numbing, my head keeps palpitating knowing that this is somewhat different or on another level gone awry and Dr. Kelvin does not realize what’s happening which makes it more interesting. Non-linear memories hit back and forth as the waves of energy surround the planet like synapses in our brain integrating so as the life and dreams he perceives recalling the memory of his wife. I can still feel my heart leapt seeing how she came to materialize out of nowhere. Is she a ghost? A figment of one’s imagination? We won’t know do we? Natascha gives a natural performance, a sight for the sore eyes! She’s like a child, curious, afraid, emotional and stubborn at the same time!

To coordinate key characters in the film was crucial since it only composed of a selected few to let them understand the complexity of their portrayal specifically in terms of interacting with the main protagonist as they were selected to weigh in with the intense dialogue and hit it spot on! Ulrich Tukur (The Lives of Others) is Dr. Gibarian who made a dull opening delivery in the film, it was half heartedly felt though simple was the terms of the intended message it didn’t sold me or made me felt its urgency!

Jeremy Davies (Saving Private Ryan) is the enigmatic Dr. Snow. He on the other hand was way better, his approach was definitely unorthodox and even for a shrink, Dr. Kelvin was dumbfounded on how this first alive crew member was able to relay what happened to their comrade, he’ll blow you away later on. Viola Davis (The Help) plays Dr. Gordon one of the primary surveyors of the planet testing for its marketability to potential investors her mind has gone out of the park since she has been hallucinating as well!

Academy Award Winner Director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic) has the ability to make films with intellectual impact for the audience to experience. His intention was to expand, not duplicate the previous film made three decades ago. Always calm and collected, willing to take other point of views to make shot after shot covering every element of the story whether through its technical aspect or performance intensive sequences have that genuine delivery. It’s one of the basics of filmmaking where you never get through with the finished product unless everything falls into place and set-up to convey the intent of the premise. Academy Award Winner James Cameron (Titanic) is backing him up, also a film heavy weight in his own right who now turns into a Producer for the film.

Digital Backlot’s Robert Stromberg and Cinesite’s Tom Smith collaborated on the Visual Effects with the help of Rhythm and Hues Studios creativity giving emphasis on the host planet’s lucid and wavelike aura to make it surreal. It still gives proclivities of being able to affect the ship and its crew as they made it very authentic looking seeing how in depth the pixelization rendered on the backgrounds was breathtaking! Some thoughts being thrown in where if it was a supernatural being, a phenomenon or was it simply just too much gravity stuck inside their heads coming from a long slow decay in the vastness of space!

Fascinating and heartbreaking at the same time! I love these type of films, it connotes the many aspects of life exploring other worlds, galaxies and stars to reach beyond what any man or woman would dream of to one day co-exist with other life forms. But there is a downside you see, we humans have the innate ability to be greedy and our hunger for knowledge had made us victims of our own predicament! We follow our inner calling to conquer and when we do, it is inevitable not confront or in a worst case scenario be confronted by beings beyond our power or comprehension!

The film was ambitious to take part into, it was something more indulging as we still strive to see the universe with any regard from being curious rather than being cautious! The premise was so wonderfully written and produced coming from the book which defines a bigger aspect of not just exploring of what is beyond our planet’s borders but the courage to face it…although, uncanny as it may be, the manifestations brought forth by the surviving crew is convoluting knowing they already have sealed their fate! I remembered watching Brian de Palma’s Mission to Mars (yawn!) and Danny Boyle’s Sunshine (exceptional!) it had the same context of being objective centric not focusing on the input of space and its environments but tilting to the purpose on being there at the very precise moment of need!

There are still a lot of questions to be asked. Did Solaris become Dr. Kelvin’s new Earth? Did Dr. Kelvin and Rheya meet and they are in Heaven? Or is it another figment of his imagination while still being trapped in Prometheus? It had an open ended conclusion but it was worth the conundrum!

 

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Life was intended to have us play our roles and no matter how we lose the game there will always be a silver lining!

The Weinstein Company in association with Mirage Enterprises present…

The film was based on the debut novel of Matthew Quick of the same name which was published on September 2, 2008. There had been pieces of the story that had strong influences from the Writer’s life in which he exclaims his love for the city’s American football team while trying to sway away from its publicity regarding betting and gambling.

A comedy-drama, directed and Screenplay was written by David O. Russell (Three Kings) he comes back from 2010’s “The Fighter” which won the Best Supporting Roles for both Actor and Actress. Like one of his quotes “There’s nothing better than an actor who is really, really hungry to show everything they’ve got.“ which was a very inspiring catalyst for all those who was taken in his wing and became winners not just for the movie industry but most of all for the audiences to venerate from.

Nominated and won numerous awards including Best Screenplay at the BAFTA’s, a Golden Globe for Best Actress and at the same time for the Oscar’s where a young lady achieved these accolades after trying to get back on her feet literally. While at the other side of the pond, there’s a familiar foot print the leading man walks where a few promising and talented actors like Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Leonardo Di Caprio, Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Connelly and Jessica Chastain who have chosen lucrative projects that made them better performers throughout their careers.

A tale of a man with a bipolar disorder who was taken out from a mental health facility by his mother which she promised to make sure that her son will not cause any trouble and will be sheltered in their home. Pat Jr. played by the surprisingly diverse Academy Award Nominee Bradley Cooper (The Hangover) who wants to make things better and setting things right by being an optimist. As he sets out to fix his marriage and be able to actually see a “silver lining” in his miserable life after he witnessed his wife sharing a shower with a co-worker. Trying his best to vindicate himself, he starts to change his ideals by being more physically fit by jogging and reading books that his wife Nikki teaches for her students.

The least likely who was taken the bait by the Director because of her youth was Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games) who was able to beat very well-known actresses for the title role like Rachel McAdams, Kirsten Dunst, Roonie Mara, Elizabeth Banks, Angelina Jolie and even Academy Award Winner for Best Supporting Actress Anne Hathaway who was tied up with “The Dark Knight Rises” at that point. The 21 year old bagged the part seeing that she has the needed eccentricity, spontaneity, smart, funny and at the same time being poker faced whenever the need arises!

She actually nailed the character Tifanny Maxwell who recently lost her husband after buying Victoria’s Secret lingerie and trying to help another man who was having some car problems. Escaping from all the depression, she tries to move on with life by having a shared dinner with her sister Julia Stiles (Mona Lisa Smile) as Veronica Maxwell, her husband and a well-expected guest…

We can say that life truly has its ups and downs and yet, there is nothing in the world that can replace the love and support of your family especially when you’re looking for your “wedding videos” at 3 AM in the morning or being upset by a certain author’s disposition for his love and commitment! (now apologise)

Supporting casts was headed by Robert De Niro (Meet the Fockers) who plays the Philadelphia Eagles zealot Pat Sr. together with Jacki Weaver (The Five-Year Engagement) as Dolores the constantly emotional mother and housewife. Robert never misses a game in his acting (well not all are picture perfect) you can throw the ball at this wide receiver any day, 24/7 and still score a touchdown! You will easily see in the film that he worships the city’s soaring footballers either win or lose (well it depends on the bet) while trying to have a meaning with his life after retiring and focusing on his new found business in a restaurant that almost gone down the drain if it wasn’t for Tiffany’s advice! This was also the second time the actor and his on-screen son worked together since “Limitless” back in 2011.

Second stringers Chris Tucker (Rush Hour) he portrays Danny a friend from Baltimore’s Psychiatric Facility who goes back to the big screen after some time and sheds some light in his acting and provide a little drama ok, comedy was his forte but he still contributes to the team after going in and out of the game literally (doctor’s advice). On the other hand, John Ortiz (Fast & Furious) is Ronnie the husband who actually had his own anxiety problems with work and his wife. He has played a long line of gangster personas from most of his projects and at least this time, he comes in clean as a family man with domesticated issues for a change.

The overall Production assembled by The Weinstein Company was amazingly entertaining, motivated to get the flow of narrative going while instilling wonderful performances especially for Bradley, Jennifer, Robert and Jacki. They have given time and again inspiring films that actually stand out and compete with box-office greats. Their focused and composed chemistry implies a lasting impression of a seemingly underdog in the race for the coveted awards.

While raking in $171 million the film made way to daylight coming from a few screenings only relying on a gradual easement and by word of mouth to at least give its slow start some catching up since it was up against with giants like “Skyfall” and “Lincoln” before the holidays.

I have a knack for football centric films from “Varsity Blues”, “Remember the Titans”, “Any Given Sunday”, “The Replacements”, “The Longest Yard” and of course “Jerry Maguire” but I really thought that there was something more of a connection with the main character to explore when it comes to playing and winning the game. Well, I was really glad that I was not disappointed in the film since it gave a better reason on how life should be played, how we move on without making it more painful and for us to forgive others as we forgive ourselves. When this epiphany sinks in and manifests itself, from here, happiness will just be around the corner…onward and upward!

Waking the Dead (2000)

“You have to love me too. Not an image, not an idea and not in spite of who I am.”

Polygram Filmed Entertainment in association with Egg Pictures and Gramercy Pictures present…

Let me tell you a story about love and how it manifests in our lives!

From the 1986 novel of Scott Spencer in the same title, it’s a story about a man who came from the Navy, smart, very ambitious, outspoken and a woman who is an idealist, a rebel with a cause, activist. They met and fell in love. Thinking that this relationship they had was going to be full of happy days and all will be just fine, when suddenly there is a hurdle on the road…

Ambition!

It was determined that they have so much will power to give and trying to reach their goals only for the different reasons. The man wants to serve the country and run for the Government and to be a Congressman, fortified with the need to become a good example of this corrupt haven called politics, on the other hand the woman whose adamant will to counter prohibitions by the Government continue to stay in the side of the minority and for the people.

Their lives went on for a couple of years only to be confounded with their own affair, with neither one backing down, indirectly their actions cross paths and led to a loss… the woman was reportedly been killed! Seeing this on national television, the man grieved by the loss of his one true love and asking “was love enough?” for him, for her or even for the both of them?

Everyday the guy goes on with his daily routine and still targeting his goal to be a Congressman albeit the pain inside of him. Everyday this pain grows stronger and as the days pass by, he hears faint whispers, seeing the woman from the crowd, the airport, the rallying people, calls from the telephone, the church, her old apartment. Everywhere he went there was the memory of the woman he loved and its driving him insane.

He calls out to her through his sleep and yet she wasn’t there, just a figment of his imagination. Though the times he keeps on feeling her around he starts to think if she was indeed alive and even when he talks to someone who might have seen her, no one knows where she is or if she was really alive. In spite of his conundrums, he started to realize that it wouldn’t matter if she was an imagination or really was still alive. All he knows is that he loved her and it would be enough to let her know that they are inseparable despite the pain and even to the point putting them in a place where there is much sorrow.

Director Keith Gordon (The Chocolate War) gives prominence to this political drama as he relays the conflicts and tells the story of two lovers with very different backgrounds and goals in life! Their paths to fulfil their purpose has made them farther apart while trying to keep the love they have for each other makes it more hurtful to think if they have to stay together then they might never know what will the future be in stored for the both of them!

Robert Dillon (Revolution) brings in an entirely captivating script between Fielding and Sarah as they unravel the hardships of life especially from two opposing factions! It was done intelligently, so full of emotional scrutiny, zeal, frustration and the hope that is being interacted seamlessly by two of the best performers in the industry!

The always commendable and humble actor Billy Crudup (Inventing the Abotts) and Academy Award Winner Jennifer Connelly (A Beautiful Mind) collaborates one more time in this awe-inspiring story that never lets you go! The genuine take on their characters has given levity not just bringing in the background of politics between the United States and Chile which both are fighting for a common cause but in different aspects, the latter works for the Government and the former for the underprivileged minority! Very well executed and a truly remarkable love story that made the film even more susceptible for the human heart!

I do realize how love came to be part of our lives and how it gives us the meaning to move on and be strong despite of so much suffering. Saying I love you would not be close enough to what we really do feel inside. We do have different variations, definitions of love and for me it is something that instils to do a greater good. Letting her know through simple, trivial gestures of endearment to giving up everything, sacrificing everything just to see her happy.

I remember when the couple were arguing in a tube train and Sarah says “It is so infuriating loving you sometimes!” and Fielding replied “the feeling’s mutual.” that part broke me inside knowing that I will never love a woman like this in a lifetime…

In a personal experience, I even get to a point where I sleep in my single bed on just one side thinking that she is sleeping beside me and it still bring tears in my eyes knowing when I look back she is not really there. The longing for everyday that she will be in my arms again, a precursor here and there makes me yearn for her more and still I have to be patient for the right time when she won’t be an imaginary face on my ceiling or on my wall or to the places I go. I don’t lose hope and I’m not giving up for the mere fact she is already in me… and in my heart for always, no matter the distance, we will never be apart!

Sometimes love has a life of its own… and I say, it will always entail preservation not just for itself but for humanity’s discernment to live knowing that there is something existing more than just two people sharing their feelings, being accepted, together as one and still not be able to truly explain what touched them, furthermore, why they will never be apart despite the distance and the pain.

Love never dies nor will it fade!

Tristan & Isolde (2006)

“If things were different, if we lived in a place without duty, would you be with me?”

2oth Century Fox in association with Scott Free Productions and Franchise Pictures present…

Based on historical standpoints of tales and legends commonly derived from French poets Beroul and Thomas while German writer Gottfried von Strassburg continued the tradition of retelling the tale of the fated lovers. A timeless tragic story that even predates King Arthur’s legend between Lancelot and Guinevere’s forbidden love has been influential even up to this modern age.

A story of two kingdoms at conflict, two lords and two souls destined to be…tormented! Set from the medieval period, the premise encompasses a tale of longing and loss, love and sorrow.

After Rome left, the walls of Britannia and Ireland had grown stronger with fortification. Their hatred for one another has no bounds, one ruler wants to unite their scattered lands and the other wants to rule them all. From the aftermath, comes healing and rebuilding. Along this line comes two losses one from a mother to a daughter, a natural death and father to a son who was robbed of his youth from war mongerers from the West coast.

As The King of Ireland wants more and he sent his best warriors to claim him more slaves while Cornwall was making a new life from grave losses. A fearless and noble Knight stood up for this atrocities, his name was Tristan for it meant sorrow which was anointed to him since the death of his mother when he was born. After another attack, the Council of leaders agreed that they should regroup and counter attack while the enemy are still in their lands. The bewildered James Franco (Your Highness) led the charge and fought bravely, but unfortunately was struck by a blade with poison and upon the return of the survivors, his news of death brought great sorrow to their ruler.

As he was given his last rites by friends, his boat comes to shore of Ireland where the young Princess Isolde played by upstart Sophia Myles (Underworld) was at the beach looking for a way out of her wedlock. Upon seeing him, she knew and felt that he was still alive and hurriedly secured and gave him shelter and medication. The actress gave her best in portraying the lady torn between two lovers but still found wanting which not much was expected for a beginner in terms of a leading role but in some ways she was able to convey her sadness and it helped develop her interaction with James and Rufus.

As days and months passed, their fateful meeting has become more consummate with feelings of affection and intimacy. A day came, when one of the King’s men found the sword of their fallen comrade at the shore. Tristan and Isolde made a way to depart knowing that they are not meant to be, feeling lost both separated with a broken heart. While I also commend Rufus Sewell (A Knight’s Tale) as Lord Marke of Cornwall for his gallantness and Mark Strong’s (Rock n Rolla) as his would be next in line Lieutenant Lord Wictred (even his name never slips up for villainy) 0continuous stride for ruthlessness and oppression!

Both these actors have a knack for villainy but fortunate for the former he chose to be at the side of good for once it’s been a long while since his starred in sci-fi thriller “Dark City”. While the latter is still making waves to be at the wrong side of the law and he would not want it any other way!

The film was greatly influenced by the Scott brothers, respected and honoured in their own rights in doing great films with great storytelling. This was also the last project produced by Franchise Pictures before they went bankrupt. Many viewers saw this as lacking in both storytelling and plot even regardless of how the cast was able to provide utmost certainty in their screenplay it was received poorly and only sold $14.7 million in the domestic box office. Maybe it should have better leading stars that might just ante up the so called market recall through brand awareness provided by the Studios involved and it’s Producers!

So in time, the new built Kingdom befell treachery and was almost stolen from them from what was thought to have originated from the star-crossed lovers, but in the end, their life was neither of grief nor shame for they have reattributed their names as one of the most sought after stories to be told time and again. Legend may have given word or two about their lives, but their love was the thing that brought them into our hearts and in our minds…well not entirely!

 

Blue Valentine (2010)

Everyone longs for a happy ending…

Incentive Filmed Entertainment, The Weinstein Company, Chrysler Corporation, Motel Movies, Shade Pictures and Cottage Industries in association with Hunting Lane Films and Silverwood Films present…

Powerful performances and a moving, noteworthy film fitting and in the right time I guess especially since Valentine’s is here knowing that I’m not alone anymore for the love of my life is back in my arms again!

The story permeates a couple torn between their responsibilities as husband and wife, mother and father to an unwanted child. To add insult to injury, it was not even signified who was the real father of the young daughter Frankie (Faith Wladyka).

Last time I saw the lead actress was at Dawson’s Creek years back and it does give credence to what character you can covey to the audience, some actresses do give much detail on how they portray their role but Michelle played hers absolutely without compromise! She totally owned Cindy as a reckless mother and a no where to go wife.

Both came from a struggling family, Cindy portrayed by Michelle Williams (Synecdoche, NewYork) consummates everyday lost love for her parents while taking care of her grandmother. Had a relationship that is going nowhere, lost in a daydream cycle and hoping that true love would come her way. For Dean played by up and rising star Ryan Gosling (The Notebook), he was a product of a broken family while still young and trying to cope up with everyday life, getting a job anywhere he can and find the right girl he can be with for the rest of his life he makes these types of roles flawless, very quaint but sublime in delivery!

Cindy was longing for acceptance for past mistakes and she found a guy who embraced all her imperfections. For his end, all that Dean ever gave was himself, everything he practically owned even his soul was on the poker’s table. Not to prove anything but to give her the feeling of security and support that no man could ever provide. Despite of all that has happened he kept his promise and that was bottom-line for him and the family he’s trying to raise.

Very condescending to the lives they undertook and taking the risk of starting a family despite so much pain between the two protagonists struggling to be loved. Spiralling from a grave marriage to younger years torn asunder by passionate, juvenile emotions and finding a way out from the precipice of what would become their lowest moment in their lives.

Directed by Derek Cianfrance (Brother Tied) making films through avant garde disposition, he has given the film the right mood and composition to stir it for the Oscars contention. Also, the main protagonists were given the honour to be Executive Producers. Music and score was amazing and gives fluidity to each scene undertaken.

I was very moved for the fact that it was rather personal for me to reflect on such experiences given. Knowing how love is not just a one way street for it to work nor the reality that makes us more vulnerable to feel lost in certain undertakings in life. Being human as we are we take into account all our actions and find the best ways and means to make things right despite trials and storms that may come our way.

Dean and Cindy did took the chance for the love that they had was genuine and settling their differences was the only way out, not to blame Cindy but I believe that Dean wants their marriage and family to work from the start as he did pertaining to his conversations with his co-workers.

Men go by their instinct and know what they want unlike women who have options, never can’t blame them since it’s in their system to be eccentric and change their minds too often. On the other hand, men are like kids who ask the love of their life for forgiveness and redemption after they screwed up, telling them what to do and they will do it!

A heartbreaking film, yet the heart longs, yearns for acceptance and still tries to change what it can do to make it worthy to give it another chance. It’s an open ended story, understanding that all things worked out but the closing part gives it a bit more to think about or was it something inevitable thing to happen.