Musings: Larry Crowne (2011)

Larry Crowne, USA, (2011)
Cast: Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Sarah Mahoney
Directed by Tom Hanks

Amiable, hardworking and industrious Larry Crowne (Tom Hanks) suddenly finds himself downsized because of a college degree deficiency. Motivated to bounce back and get a stable career for himself, he enrolls, for the first time, in college where he signs up for the speech class under Mercedes Tainot (Julia Roberts).

Of course, we know how it will all end: the characters of Hanks and Roberts will fall in love. And they did! And they live happily ever after. That's supposed to be the intention of a feel good movie, we know that! They gave it to us but why do we have the feeling that something is not right because it's just too good to be true? Well, because, it just is; it's all very predictable. There's nothing else to watch out for, so why bother sticking to the end?

True enough, it's a likable story but the sort of half-hearted plotting, slightly-developed screenplay and flimsy characterizations make it less engaging to watch. Anyway, while this film is not necessarily groundbreaking, at least it will inspire you to go study in college again, or relax and get away from your stressful job; at least it does make you feel good. Sadly, it's one of those low-key charmer saved by star power flicks.

--

Dr. Matsutani: They call them smart phones, but only dummies use them in my class. 


Mercedes Tainot: Larry, you're a great student. I'm not an easy A. 


Mercedes Tainot: I'm divorcing a professor-turned-writer-turned-blogger with the libido of a 13 year-old and two published books to his credit. 


Mercedes Tainot: Are you clairvoyant?
Steve Dibiasi: No... Steve Dibiasi... 

Musings: Bridesmaids (2011)

Bridesmaids, USA (2011)
Cast: Kristin Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper
Directed by: Paul Feig

Here comes the bride....smaids!

Though lovelorn and broke, Annie (Kristin Wiig) tries her best to be the perfect and ever-supportive maid of honor to her bff Lillian (Maya Rudolph) and to a group of bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper). What is supposed to be a breezy and enjoyable trip down the aisle turns out to be a whirlwind and roller coaster ride to matrimony as they find themselves in grand poop jokes and series of hilarious wedding faux pas.

What sets Bridesmaids apart from the usual wedding chick flicks is its sharp, unhinged and no-holds-barred vulgarity as well as bold, original and unforgettable sequences that vividly imprint themselves in a viewers mind, and that mark themselves into their hearts (SPOILER ALERT: e.g. the breakdown scene in the bachellorette's bash, Annie's drunken scandal in the plane, the try-it-on wedding dress scene, and the im-sorry-please-help-us car scene towards the end). What's also great to note in this perfect girls' night out treat is the real depth to the characterizations and friendship among women; surprisingly, it's painfully real and true.

Screenwriters' Annie Mumulo and Wiig herself, presented these situations in a blatantly hilarious exposition, yet despite the blunders, they don't seem or intend to condescend 'desperate women', rather they encourage them to embrace these insecurities- a rare triumph in chick flicks these days where women are only portrayed as desperate, insecure and unhappy about themselves. It's high time that women get a poignant and at the same time laugh out loud evocation of self-scuppering sadness, ladies!

--


Quotable quotes:

Annie: You're really doing it, aren't ya? You're shitting in the street! 


Lillian: Why can't you be happy for me and then go home and talk about me behind my back like a normal person? 


Annie: You read my diary?
Brynn: At first I did not know it was your diary, I thought it was a very sad handwritten book. 

---

Brynn: We would like to invite you to no longer live with us. 

Musings: A Touch of Class (1973)

A Touch of Class, UK, (1973)
Cast: Glenda Jackson, George Segal
Directed by Melvin Frank

Married insurance executive Steve Blackburn (George Segal) finds himself always in the same room with divorced fashion designer Vicki Allessio (Glenda Jackson). There was no love at first sight moment but eventually, the two got themselves tangled in an affair, when Blackburn suggests a romantic rendezvous in Spain, where nothing goes as planned. But that's only the beginning...

A Touch of Class certainly has a zesty and literate script and thankfully, the comic portrayals of Jackson and Segal wonderfully executes this. (Jackson got the Oscar Best Actress for this role). At first, it's hard to buy that their characters might actually fall in love since they're seemingly polar opposites. Eventually, though, we find out that there's a fun side in Allesio's 'cold and frosty' exterior and a bit of sympathetic/caring persona in Blackburn's cheating nature, which somehow balances their relationship. But what makes this film even more interesting to discuss is the  less pretentious and more realistic ending, about the cheating husband-slash-the other woman relationship, on the big screen, and at that time. (SPOILER ALERT: e.g. Vicki: I'm beginning to sound like a wife.)

Regardless of the time or place, there has got to be a point in 'the other woman's' life where she has to tell herself 'I better get myself my own man', and A Touch of Class clearly illustrates that.

--
Notes:
Glenda Jackson's style and particularly, her hair, reminds me of Vogue's Anna Wintour.


Quotable quotes:

Vicki: My one chance to get raped, and you can't get your bloody trousers off. 

Musings: Same Time, Next Year (1978)

Same time, Next Year, USA, (1978)
Cast: Alan Alda, Ellen Burstyn
Directed by Robert Mulligan


If you've seen the adaptation of the bestselling novel, One Day, then you might find the 1973 Robert Mulligan film, Same Time, Next Year a bit familiar. Simply put, the story revolves around George (Alan Alda), an accountant and Doris (Ellen Burstyn), a housewife. They have an illicit affair, which they continue for the next 25 years, agreeing to meet only for a weekend getaway once a year, at the same hotel where they first laid their eyes on each other  in 1951.

At first, you might consider the plot a bit strange, or highly preposterous- just once a year? Well, that's if you put it in the context of the age of the new media, where you can conveniently reach a person through phone, e-mail, and the other social networking sites. Thus, why wait for another 364 days when you can have some sort of transcontinental booty call practically anytime, anywhere? But that's also the exact reason why this movie perfectly belongs to its time- the late 70s- where the premise is more appropriate, hence, giving it a more 'i-miss-you/need-you' longing from the characters.

Also, although the film's plot tend to bring it on the downside, you have to give credit to the actors who astonishingly gave life to the characters. Apparently, Alda's and Burstyn's portrayals are evidently moving and quite comical, should there be a need of them. For a storyline which spans 25 years, obviously, the actors do carry out varied character performances which suit the need of the time and of the situation (SPOILER ALERT: e.g. when they first met at the cabin, their 5th year anniversary, when Doris was pregnant, when it was revealed that George's son died, when Doris got back to college). Hence, in a short time, you can clearly see the evolution of the characters, thanks to Alda and Burstyn; they make it even more believable.

A good thing about this adaptation of Bernard Slade's Broadway play of the same name is that it offers us a witty and tight script. The banters and the quips are very funny and insightful (quotable quotes below). However, since film is another visual medium far different than that of the stage, admittedly, the heavily theatrical gestures and lengthy dialogue might be a disappointment to this aspect. Nevertheless, if you are a romantic, you will find a sweet comfort that is only found in Same Time, Next Year.


P.S.
You might want to check out the OST of this film- The Last Time It Felt Like This by Johnny Mathis.



George: I'm a married man with three children.
Doris: Three? I thought you said two.
George: I thought it would make me seem less married. 


Doris: [after kissing George] Wanna fuck?
George: ...What?
Doris: You didn't understand the question? 


George: You know what the worst part of this is? While I'm thinking all of this... I have the most fantastic hard-on 


George: You always could see through me, couldn't you?
Doris: But that's okay, because... I've always loved what I've seen. 

Reposted: Be Careful!

REPOSTED:

PLEASE READ FOR YOUR SAFETY AND SECURITY. Subject: MAG iNGAT SA GANiTONG RAKET!

Msg from Atty. Jojo Perez It was about 3 weeks ago, I was at the Shell station getting diesel. It was about 11:30pm .. I was approached by 2 men and 2 women in a car. The man that was driving asked me 'What kind of perfume do you wear?' I was a bit confused and I asked him 'Why?' He said 'We are selling some name brand perfumes, at cheap prices.' I said I had no money. He then reached out of the car and handed me paper that was laminated; it had many perfumes on it. I looked quickly at it and gave it back. I said, I have no money. He said it is OK, we take cheques, cash or credit cards. Then the people in the car began to laugh. I just got in my car and said no thanks. Then I received this e-mail yesterday and it sent chills up my spine.

Please read this. It is not joke. Here is the e-mail I was sent: Dear Friends: I know not all of you are women that I am sending this to, but I am hoping you will share this with your wives, daughters, mother, sisters, etc..

Our world seems to be getting crazier by the day. Pipe bombs in mailboxes and sickos in parking lots with perfume. Be careful. I was approached yesterday afternoon around 3:30 pm in a car park by two males who asked what kind of perfume I was wearing. Then they asked if I'd like to sample some fabulous scent they were willing to sell me at a very reasonable rate.

Wanna smell this neat perfume?' - scam. Someone walks up to you at the malls or in parking lots and asking you to SNIFF PERFUME that they are selling at a cheap price. THIS IS NOT PERFUME...IT IS ETHER! When you sniff it, you'll pass out. They'll take your wallet, your valuables and heaven knows what else. The men continued to stand between parked cars, I guess to wait for someone else to hit on. I stopped a lady going towards them, pointing at them and told her about how I was sent an e-mail at work. If it were not for this e-mail, I probably would have sniffed the 'perfume' but thanks to the generosity of an e-mailing friend, I was spared whatever might have happened to me.

I wanted to do the same for you.. PLEASE PASS THIS ALONG TO ALL YOUR WOMEN FRIENDS AND PLEASE BE ALERT AND BE AWARE. IF YOU ARE A MAN AND RECEIVE THIS, PASS IT ON TO YOUR WIFE/WOMEN FRIEND

Eargasm: Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Apparently, the album's title is already a feat itself. It's probably an admission and/or imagination, separately or simultaneously. Additionally, the album artwork is controversial, bold and equally intriguing. Go figure for yourself. 

In this album, what's evident to note is that he has brought promising musical legends and popular contemporaries plus the not so legendary slash contemporary, altogether. (Elton John, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Big Sean, Pusha T, etc).  You can also very well hear the varied style and the fluctuating rhythms, that are beautifully juxtaposed with some of the innovative voice blending these days. (e.g Dark Fantasy, All of the Lights, Lost in the World, etc)

The album's main spotlight perhaps is-- (drumbeat), yes Kanye itself. Undoubtedly, we've heard about him and his ego but one has got to admit that his music inclination and talent can be as huge as his bragging rights. 

Eargasm: Nelly, 5.0

Guess Nelly had a hard time thinking what would be the title for his fifth album. Why not call it 5.0? Perhaps he was thinking about her, thinking about me, or what we could be, but then, it was just a dream. Hmmm. What I like in this fifth installment is that it's probably the cheesiest Nelly album I've ever have ever listened to. . Particularly love it because of its catchy beats, wonderful mix and yes, sweet, cheesy-bordering-on-explicit lines. (e.g Nothing Without Her, Making Movies, Giving Her the Grind).

Children's Charity | Getting an education | UNICEF

How UNICEF gives children a brighter future by sending them to school

Aklima, 12 years old, is among the many children all over the world who cannot afford to go to school because of poverty.

Aklima, 12 years old, lives with her parents, four sisters and two brothers in Dhaka, Bangladesh.  Unlike other children her age, she does not spend her day at school. Instead, she finds time to scour through plastic bags and scraps at a rubbish damp to make a living.

Aklima and her friends scour  plastic bits and tin cans, intending to resell these so that they can make money out of them. 

Despite knowing how dangerous her work is, Aklima persists to go on to help her family. Every morning, she makes an hour-long walk with her friends to the dump. “Sometimes I cut my hands and legs on broken glass or tins,” Aklima says.

One morning, a social worker introduced Aklima to an informal, open-air school near the site. A local organization, in partnership with UNICEF, runs the place.

Now, Aklima goes to school in the afternoon after finishing her work in the morning. Admittedly, she enjoys studying and being with other children.  “It’s good to go to school. We study. Everyone sits together. We draw pictures and write Bangla,” she says.

Like the other children, Aklima eagerly pays attention to the class discussion.

Aklima is not alone. There are many other children like her who cannot afford to get a quality education. According to the Education For All initiative of UNESCO, in 2006, 93 million children- more than the total population of the Philippines- were not in school.

We can do our part to better the situation. Be part of this change. Help Aklima. Help other children by sending them to school. Be one today!

UN | Advocacy: Water Stories

Just like to share the article I wrote for our media criticism class almost a year ago. 

***Photo not mine. No copyright infringement intended. Got it here

Like water for the future

Showered by a stream of overflowing talents from the youth, the Millennium Development Goals Foundation (MDGF) in partnership with UNICEF and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) has produced a compilation of short films which promotes its advocacy on water conservation. Filtering the 37 entries that were submitted, the MDGF has chosen 10 videos to be featured in its water stories album which will be shown in various UN-associated engagements all over the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Like sparkling clear water, each video shines as it conveys the vivid stories about the significance of water to all of us. Be it in the form of documentary, music video, or stop motion animation, the stories leave us an imprint of the essential contributions of water in our daily lives as they terrifically trickle and linger in our thoughts.

Albeit some of the videos have showcased similar themes and concepts, there were a few that delightfully bathes us in unexpected freshness. While most of the videos had children in them as main stars, the De La Salle University-College of Saint Benilde (DLSU-CSB) and the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) floated among the rest with their musical and animation techniques; they rise above the rest. Students from the DLSU-CSB’s not only evidently poured their theatrical skills in their “Ang Tanke” entry but more importantly they showcased their expertise in digital filmmaking, apparently depicting wonderfully-captured cinematography and clever editing. Meanwhile, PLM’s “Pipeline”, the only video that used stop motion animation, encapsulates the messages of the rest of the videos as it showcased the stagnant indifference of unconcerned citizens, the washed out mentality of the so-called environmentalists and the evanescent support for clean and accessible water in our country.

Perhaps some would be clearly disappointed for the seemingly apathetic public response towards water conservation nowadays. Nevertheless, with the MDGF water stories album, as the videos flow in refreshing fluidity, it all boils down to the fact that, there’s never a shortage for bright minds and youthful idealism in our country.

fmr2010

#

Food Trip!: Contis

Kare-kare (?!)

Fresh Mango Salad.

Well, we love to eat. :)

Hmm.. Yum. I totally wanted to drop by Contis again after seeing these pictures. 

So, in celebration of... wow, my memory escapes me...haha. It was, I think, two weeks ago when we visited Contis in Greenhills and ate our hearts out there. Food was definitely, undoubtedly delicious. Place was not stuffy and crowded, not noisy. Service was quite fast. Staff and crew were accommodating. Bon appetit!

Eargasm: Whitney Houston, The Greatest Hits

Whitney's irresistible charm infects us with this adorable front cover of her The Greatest Hits album.

Just when I thought I am not that familiar with Whitney's songs, I totally found it quite surprising that I was able to sing some of her hits when I listened to this playlist the first time. We all know what she has been through, but c'mon, don't you deny you did not- not ever?- sing her songs (e.g Saving all My Love for You, I wanna Dance with Somebody, If I told You that, It's not Right, But it's okay... Greatest Love of All, One Moment in Time)

Told ya... :)

Eargasm: What Matters Most (2011)

Front cover of the recently-released Barbra Streisand album entitled What Matters Most.

Okay. Admittedly, I am not a Barbra fan but I immensely enjoy listening to this album, which songs I've yet to familiarize myself with. I love being swayed by Barbra's voice into symphony heaven. That's just lush! What I like about this  greatest hits compilation as well is that it calms my nerves when I'm quite stressed. (can you hear her in Windmills of your Mind? or Does memories creep your soul in The Way We Were?)

Anyway, cheers. Off to spending time with Barbra especially on a cold rainy night. :)

Soon on Musings: Books

The books on my 'musings' list are piling up! Sharing with you some musings pretty soon! Feel free to post your own musings if you like. :)

Mamma Mia! 2012

August 17, 2011. I can never forget that date. There were several events that are worth remembering. One of which, the highlight of them all if I may just say, was when I saw the Mamma Mia! print ad on the entertainment section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. I was beyond ecstatic. Was so tired that day, I mean, exhausted because of the creative lock-in meeting that lasted pretty much went on all day. Everybody wanted to get some rest and to hit the sack already but before doing so, we went to Starbucks in Global City, near the i-forgot-the-name-of-the-drive, just to chill. While everyone hurried to open their emails and update their Fb status or tweet, I grabbed the newspaper because I missed leafing through the pages of the broadsheet which I used to read almost daily when I was in college. I checked Conrado de Quiros' There's The Rub column first. I was really blown away with his Huffin' and Puffin' article, I often had to pause and digest the insightful ideas and bold commentary. And then leaf through some more then boom! THIS!

Then I was about to say, "Oh boy, Mamma Mia! How can I resist ya???!

Photo op!!

Details:

When: January 24 to February 5, 2012

Where: Cultural Center of the Philippines- Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo

Reserve and buy your tickets HERE

The Wanderlust

Welcome to The Wanderlust! Random shots and bites of the places I've been to...

The GMA Main Building on a particularly rainy and quite overcast afternoon.  August 12, 2011

Paseo, Greenfield District in Laguna. August 13, 2011

Paseo, Greenfield District in Laguna. August 13, 2011

Forberswood Heights in Global City, The Fort, Taguig. August 17, 2011

The 3rd Pandayang Lino Brocka film festival

The third Pandayang Lino Brocka film festival, dear readers.

This was held at the University of the Philippines Film Center (in Diliman, in case you do not know) last August 10 to 11.

It took me a while to post and share these because I was quite busy at work. Nonetheless, here they are! Indulge if you want.

The official promotional poster of the film fest from Tudla productions.

A few minutes before my friend and I watched the Brocka film, Dung-Aw, a tribute to the notable director was done, featuring dance and interpretative acts, among others. 

Inside the UP Film Center.

The event's photo wall. Cute.

The organizers probably didn't have time to remove these because of the on-going activities. Just so you know, the Cinemalaya 7 ended its UP tour a day before the festival started.

Once again, that g*y. Haha. Peace. Remember planking and Soxie Topacio post? Yep, he's the one. :)

Random picture...

I attended the script writing workshop on the second day. What a pleasant surprise. The guest speaker was my former film writing professor, Mr. Roy C. Iglesias.

These for now. :)

ISight: Metro Magazine Sept 2011

Yo! Here's an update (more of a crazy teaser) for all of you: a 1 page sneak of the Metro Magazine of which John Lloyd Cruz is the cover. :))

And here's what I'm talking about:

I told ya, I'm a tease. This is all for now. :)