FILMS AND MOVIES SEEN 2012 (19-20 y.o.) /// 2012 FILM/MOVIE LOG /// 20TH BIRTHDAY

Romantic movies are not just the domain of young and "hot" actors. When done right, a movie with sexy elements and risque talk involving older actors can be a breath of fresh air. Just like this one. Featuring Meryl Streep in another effortless performance, "It's Complicated" shows that no matter what age, people are never immune to the pangs of lust and loneliness. On a brighter note, no matter what age, people will always be open to love and new beginnings. With Nancy Meyers at the helm, it's no doubt that "It's Complicated" is a movies as luscious as a good chocolate croissant, or a weed trip. Hehe.

Rating: 8.9/10

Watched w/ Mer. What's with the sudden pattern of romantic movies? I should be watching heavier stuff than this fluff! But anyway, was a tad bit...underwhelmed with this movie. What's the deal with Channing's acting? Too wooden. He's got an insane look but no depth. Rachel McAdams is the only salvation of this otherwise vanilla Hollywood product. Even the story's not that great. Oh hey, at least there was popcorn ;)

Rating: 4/10

Will Smith, in another stud action-star role, manages to pull off serious, smart and tough all at the same time. Given the presence he has, he carries the film well despite its already-ridiculous premise (5 billion people being wiped out off the Earth, with him choosing to live ALONE). Good thrills. Awesome, chilling depiction of how Manhattan could be like given a biological apocalypse. Overall, a good film for Smith. Just wished the scenarios were a little less... funny (taking a nap when you're hanging by a rope, throwing yourself in a crowd of zombies with a grenade, etc. etc.)

Rating: 7/10

Mix an alternate universe set in an all-American landscape with the camp and inanity of these TV spectacles: Big Brother, Miss Universe, Survivor, American Idol, Amazing Race. Add the grandiosity of the Olympics. Look to "1984". In the middle of that universe, put in a strong character already destined for greatness, with the way she gives up her life for the ones she loves. In the middle of that universe, put in "The Capitol"--a stunning analogy to 21st century excess.

Hunger Games is a film that I needed to watch. In a way, it's reintroduced me to the way I watched films as a kid--with eyes wide open and a heart trembling for more, cheering on for underdog, and ultimately, the hero. (+++ for Jennifer Lawrence. STUNNING girl)

Rating: 9/10

Mel Gibson is a veritable Hollywood figure. Say what you will about him now, but consider this: being at the helm of two of probably the few movies that can be considered "epic" in a cultural/historical context (PASSION and this movie, BRAVEHEART), is an achievement to behold. BRAVEHEART is a movie that deserves the box office and critical success it gets: romance, sex, death, youth, war, betrayal. All the elements of a life well-lived. Bravo!

Rating: 8/10

You don't really have to look deeper into this movie. Like real life 'EVERYTHING MUST GO' is simply a look into the mundanity of everyday. Will Ferrell's character, dealing with the burden of alcoholism and divorce, struggles to get by with life. But a ray of light manages to shine through in vignettes of him interacting with people not unlike himself: his neighbor Samantha, his yardsale buddy Kenny...Such is life. Can draw out but good nonetheless.

Rating: 7.3/10

BEFORE SUNRISE is the kind of film that will leave you BEGGING for more, especially when you're young and desperate for some love and being laid. In 90s Europe, two young people meet, and with the very, very strong suggestion of romance and sex, they create a very interesting dynamic that produces one of THE best quotable quotes in American cinema. BEFORE SUNRISE is about LIFE. Youth, love, afterlife, the universe... Just BEAUTIFUL stuff.

Rating: 9.999/10

Nine years after their romance and conversation-loaded walkthrough of Vienna, Jesse Wallace (now a successful author, his latest book about his tragic/super-romantic rendezvous) and Celine (now an environmental activist), meet in the equally (or more so) beautiful city of Paris. Moving on from their "dazed and confused" 20s, the two come out more mature and grounded...but still searching. Same level of wit as the previous movie. More risque dialogue. LOVED EVERY MINUTE.

Rating: 10/10 (collectively, for the 2 movies)

It's official. Pinoys have finally caught on to NSA-type relationships and have memorialized it in this hit of a movie. Joining together two of THE hottest actors of this generation (Angel and John Lloyd!!!), Unofficially Yours gives us a refreshing take on young relationships. Gone are the old notions of 'dalagang Pilipina'--'Ces', played by Locsin defines the girl of today. Jaded, but strong; slutty (yes), but all in all willing to love. And that's what's great.

Rating: 6/10

Look no further for evidence of war's destructive capacity. The opening titles warn us, that this extreme of human experience, can be addicting--worse, fatal. In The Hurt Locker, Kathryn Bigelow fearlessly shows us that devastating effects of war. Much more than physical destruction and decay, war crushes the human spirit. It destroys relationships with others, oneself, with family. War--is a drug. True in whatever era; much truer in ours.

Rating: 8.5/10/ *Highlights: JEREMY RENNER <3, Anthony Mackie

Forget what the critics say. This film, tasteless and crass as it may be, is ridiculously funny. Jack, the prototypical family man, is a stark contrast to the socially awkward and romantically challenged Jill. We all have a Jill in all of us--that part of ourselves that no one seems to love; but Jill, with her big heart and her big humor, refuses to back down. What's great is she finds love in 2 men who couldn't be more different: a Hollywood legend and a Mexican gardener. LOVED IT.

Rating: 7/10

There's a powerful scene in this one hell of a chick-flick comedy: as Annie, the main character of the movie (Kristen Wiig), finally hits her "bottom" sulking around her mother's house watching 'Cast Away', Melissa McCarthy comes to the rescue and basically slaps and harasses Annie around and tells her "I'm life." *beep* profound. Life IS going to bite you in the ass, and slap you around. But really, you gotta fight for it. Loved the fact, too, that comedy is the best way to express sorrow. When there's tragedy, there will always be comedy.

Rating: 7.99/10

"You can call me whatever you want: a snake, a BITCH...other woman. But I will never be a PATHETIC, boring housewife." BURN. Exaggerated bitchiness, Pinoy dramatics, and just plain silly scenarios aside, No Other Woman is the glossy prototype on what can happen when three attractive young people just LOSE IT. It's the most fun you can have--seeing people get into each others' throats and slinging sizzling one-liners like there's no tomorrow. Loved it. Fierceness from both Anne+Cristine.

Rating: 7/10

'Footloose', the 2011 remake of the 80s classic feels more like it was made in the original movie's time period rather than NOW. The music is a bit dated, the attitude, the "feel". But a lesson can be gleaned from this flick: there's never a wrong time to challenge the status quo. Just do it with flair and fearlessness and you WILL win.

Rating: 7/10. +points for my lovey-dove MILES TELLER!

When you have nothing but yourself, and a dark past marked by abuse and fear, where do you run? In Martha Marcy May Marlene (MMMM), we see what can happen when a pretty young thing can suddenly lose an identity when faced with demons of all kinds: that stretch of time with no one to run to but yourself, and a loss of trust with people that can't be repaired. Case study on psychological breakdown, hallucination, social isolation. Brilliant acting from Olsen. Top-notch photography.

Rating: 8.3/10

If ever you need a tear-jerker, come to this film. Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess are both gorgeous as young people struggling to find their place in this world. While the basic premise of 'One Day' as a love story set across the nostalgic 80s, 90s and early 00s (LOVED the set and costume design. damn), what shocked me was how tragic the last half of the movie became. Adultery. Alcoholism. Death. But such is life. What mattered was how they loved, anyway.

Rating: 7.97/10

You have no idea what a Woody Allen movie is like, exactly, but somehow you expect it to be the smart-kind of funny. You are on the money. Woody Allen can still KICK it and make excellent cinema. What surprises you is this: besides being funny-smart, W. Allen's writing infuses fantasy, whimsy and just the right amount of romance and sexuality when you least expect it. There are so many lessons to be learned here. One is this: Your time and place is NOW, live it, love it.

Rating: 9.7/10

Matt, George Clooney's character in 'The Descendants', on a plane-ride to another Hawai'i island to "hunt" his wife's lover, makes an interesting observation about how an archipelago can compare to relationships: how separate and scattered it can be, but yet, still a whole--how its pieces slowly drift away... Such is life. Sh*t happens. And sh*t happens even to moneyed white people. In paradise, there is hurt and decay, too. But still, there's love. There's forgiveness--knowing when to let go.

Rating: 7.999/10

Prior to watching 'Tree of Life', all I expected was a drama film centering on a nuclear 50s family in middle America. I was wrong and right at the same time. This film, which goes ABOVE and BEYOND the usual with its experimental elements and non-linear narrative, does speak (mostly show) about family--but more than that the nature of life itself. It's about birth, death, love, hate, rebellion, growth, peace, forgiveness. It's a film for those who want to think more about this world. STUNNING wide-angle cinematography + new age soundtrack. T. Malick=genius.

Rating: 9.7/10

Sometimes bad guys can be good, too. That's what I take from this slick neo-noir, arthouse-disguised-as-action flick. The Driver is anonymous yet ferocious in his love. Moonlighting as a heist driver while holding a (equally dangerous) stint as an LA stuntman, The Driver immerses himself into the dirty world of money and crime. Despite all of the mess he waddles himself in, you have to admire The Driver's drive (pardon the pun) to protect the good and innocent, however bloody it may be.

Rating: 8/10

'The Artist', in its 20s black-and-white glory, is no wonder an Oscar favorite because it's all about what Hollywood is. It's about showbusiness, and on a more profound note, tells us about the cycle of technology, change, life. George Valentin's career arc from a highly-admired silent film star to 'nobody' strikes us in its truth--good things must come to an end. There will always be someone to replace you. But 'The Artist' IS about an auteur--more than fame, there is a passion for just doing what you want and love and not stopping to do so.

Rating: 7/10

'Senior Year' is the movie that hits closest to home (and to my heart). It tells of a senior high school batch in a Catholic co-ed institution in the heart of Southern Metro Manila (that describes MY experience). The places they go, I've been there. The things they talk about, how they say it, the egos, the personalities, the things they do--all hit me hard because it's all so real. High school is an emotional ride, and made me realize that 15-16 year-olds are just as adult in their thinking, no matter how still they have a LONG way to go.

Rating: 10/10

What is there to critique about this movie? Critiquing this Filipino movie is pointless, and shouldn't be the case, when the whole point of making this is to promote (the very talented and funny) Vice Ganda. This movie, in the most accurate terms, is fluff. Funny, mindless fluff and a good way to past the time when you're art-house film is on torrent cue. The lesson of Praybeyt Benjamin is simple: love yourself, never underestimate your abilities, and when you fight for your right and your loved ones (despite your marginalized status in society), you just might gain the respect and admiration of people who didn't know you could do it. That's what I got from it. Oh, Derek Ramsay you are a beautiful man.

Rating: 5/10

A psychopath corporate president, a nymphomaniac dentist, and a cokehead chemical company heir: three people you wouldn't want to BE with, much less work for. In this amazingly funny and raunchy comedy, a sort of modern Three Stooges work their way to "killing" their bosses (something they end up not doing anyway). Big stars (come on: Spacey?? Aniston??) and great eye candy (Charlie Day is SO HOT/CUTE + Jason Sudeikis is sex). Worth the ride and all the cocaine-loaded, blood-stained, peanut-allergied mess.

Rating: 9/10

Vincent Gallo is a dirty actor. Staying true to the tradition of underground arthouse cinema, this Warholian piece is a winding, dizzying non-narrative of one man's loneliness. Set in middle America, where rain and shine clouds over a multitude of anonymous people, we see a man tormented and broken over a past lover. She is Daisy--in her name we see an innocent brightness. Only if that were true of her life, addled in drugs and eventually ending in death. 'Brown Bunny' is a tragedy, and an examination of deprivation, of lost touch.

Rating: 7/10

The 1990 descendant of a long line of stories of oppressed femininity (AKA hooker with a heart of gold), 'Pretty Woman' manages to showcase Julia Roberts's stunning charisma, more so than her looks. Fresh-faced and with an infectious smile, we see her almost-smitten by a handsome, moneyed corporate man--the modern fairy-tale prince. In a way, the story is extremely clichéd (girl on the wrong tracks + guy to die for), but you can count on Garry Marshall to turn something into a sweet, aptly-paced classic.

Rating: 6.3/10

David Lynch's world is psychological torture. I haven't watched 'Twin Peaks', or 'Eraserhead', or 'Inland Empire', but starting off with Mulholland Dr., it feels like you've crawled inside his mind for a good long time--and you're left cold and questioning and somehow grateful and happy that your own life, despite its inanity, isn't like his characters'. In images mainstream cinema dare not produce: female masturbation, bare boobs, etc. etc., we wonder, what in the hell? Highlights: the light and darkness of LA, Naomi Watts, the beautiful actress playing Ruth/Camilla/?

Rating: 7.5/10

Korean culture's delicious elements--from cuisine, to pop music, to evening soaps--are taking over the world. Add to that the saccharine gloss of its films. In 'Speedy Scandal', we are introduced to a carefree bachelor content with his own life, until he meets his long-lost daughter out of a teenage love affair. Did not expect this film to be THIS GOOD, and thoroughly hilarious. The Korean wave is upon us, and they're doing it one funny movie at a time. Highlights: "Memory", Wang Seok-Hyeon!, the laughs

Rating: 9/10

It's a man's world. This is never truer than in Syriana, Stephen Gaghan's cerebral look into the dirty world of money, oil, culture and politics. Clothed in gold and fine linen, the spaces where wealthy men live in--CEOs, emirs, diplomats--are lined with blood and sweat and steely coldness. There's a stunning realization that behind the good things that come out of this mega-industrial capitalist complex (expensive suits, hotel suites, fancy vacations...), there are lives involved--real, precious lives. Grim is the fact that these lives are for the taking when power is involved.

Rating: 6/10

There's a reason why they're called 'flyover states'. Lovers from the 'cultured' corners of America travel back and forth, undying in their hope that someday, soon, they'll be together. I have a feeling this isn't a rare love story--and in this one, Garrett and Erin go through the highs and lows of being in a long-distance relationship. The rundown: chasing cougars, boring phone sex, wild drunken nights, finding a job in a dwindling economy,etc. etc.--ahhh, to be part of Generation Y. Cute movie, some pretty funny moments. Highlights: OC Christina Applegate, CHARLIE DAY <3, The Boxer Rebellion.

Rating: 6.01/10

It's 2010, and things are not going too good for three men who seem set in their dull lives. Who knew a hot tub in a rundown ski resort would do the trick? In HTTM, we're given a hilarious, downright outrageous trip onto memory lane, and all that with balls-on-the-floor, crazy masculine humor (bare boobs, *beep* drinking, penis jokes, gay jokes, slapstick, you know the sort). It's a thrilling ride to be in, and you don't want it to ever stop, and for a moment, you want to be in the eighties singin' "Let's Get It Started". LOVED LOVED this movie. Highlight: a really sexy badboy Rob Corddry. :-)

Rating: 9.5/10