Weekend Forecast: 'M:I-4' To Lead Final Weekend of 2011

Audiences looking to catch up on the crush of holiday movies have another chance over New Year's weekend, which officially qualifies as the final weekend of 2011.

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol has easily held the top spot for the past eight days, and should manage to maintain a lead over Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and claim first place for the second-straight weekend. Through the end of the four-day holiday frame (Friday-Monday), Ghost Protocol will likely have passed Mission: Impossible III's $134 million total.

Once again, Sherlock Holmes and Alvin and the Chipmunks should round out the Top Three on the box office chart. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows passed the $100 million mark on Wednesday, becoming the first December 2011 release to reach this plateau. Despite ongoing solid grosses, though, neither Sherlock nor Alvin have any chance of reaching their predecessors' totals ($209 million and $219.6 million, respectively).

This is a big weekend for both The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and War Horse. Despite a strong campaign and relentless internet buzz, Dragon Tattoo only managed to gross $32.5 million through its first seven days in theaters. For the movie to have any chance of breaking $100 million (and subsequently kick-start sequel talks), it's going to need to turn out adult audiences in droves this weekend.

War Horse, on the other hand, had a great $14.5 million two-day opening on Sunday and Monday before plummeting to the back of the new-release pack on Tuesday and Wednesday. The movie will need to regain significant momentum this weekend and wind up in the Top Five, or else that strong start will be regarded as a fluke.

While there aren't any major new movies, there are a handful of limited releases this weekend. Focus Features' Pariah had a solid $21,824 debut at four locations on Wednesday, and will look to build on that success over the four-day weekend. Riding poor reviews but plenty of Oscar attention for star Meryl Streep, biopic The Iron Lady debuts at four locations on Friday. Finally, well-reviewed Iranian drama A Separation reaches three venues on Friday. While it will probably have a quiet opening, expect Sony Pictures Classics to mount a significant limited expansion following its inevitable Best Foreign Language Academy Award nomination next month.

Kevin Eastman (Turtles- Schöpfer) vertickt sein Studio auf Ebay

Was tun Leute nicht alles für den Guten Zweck? Dieses Mal geht es nicht um hungernde Kinder, Erdbeben-Opfer oder irgendsoeinen Kram sondern um die Unterstützung von Comic-Schaffenden in Nöten. Dahinter steht die Hero Innitiative.

Die Sammlung ist äußerst beeindruckend und umfangreich und dürfte für so einige Nerdgasms beim entsprechenden Käufer bzw. Interessierten sorgen. Wer z.Zt. ein paar tausend Dollar übrig hat, kann ja mitbieten. Momentan stehen die Gebote bei 7.000 Kröten (pun intended).

via Nerdcore

The Best of Christmas - Part 2

6. One Magic Christmas

You’ll have a hard time finding this on cable television or at Wal-Mart or Target. It’s probably one of the least known on my list. But it’s worth the effort to find it. One Magic Christmas takes a tough look at the holidays. Not everything is peachy. In fact, I think many people can relate to this film thanks to the tough economic times we are going through. Mary Steenburgen’s character is dealing with lost dreams and disillusionment during the holidays as her husband is laid off from his job. Sometimes we don’t know what real loss is until we are reminded. One Magic Christmas has the wonderment and magic with a sense of realism that It’s a Wonderful Life offers.

7. Miracle on 34th Street

No way can I leave this one off my list. I’m sure everyone has seen this one. There’s at least three versions available. For my money, I would go with the original 1947 edition. What I find interesting about this film and what I think a lot of people miss is that it is a discussion of the issues of the modern family as the lead character is a single mother struggling to balance career and family. Miracle on 34th Street is based in fantasy in one sense but has a realistic view of life in another sense. The question is how do we balance the two while retaining our childlike ability to dream and to use our imagination to believe that anything is possible?

8. White Christmas

This film is a total joy. Shot in beautiful Technicolor, how can you go wrong with the talent of Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney? This is a celebration of all things American. I absolutely love the music of Irving Berlin. The musical numbers are sensational. This film has never looked better because there is a restored Blu-ray edition available. White Christmas is a sentimental journey of song and dance. The plot goes something like this. Two army buddies who have hit it big on Broadway decide to help their former army commander who is danger of losing his Vermont Inn. Of course, along the way, there will be a series of complications and romantic escapades.

9. A Christmas Carol

I don’t know where to start with this one. There has been so many versions of Charles Dicken’s classic over the years, including last year’s offering with Jim Carey and Gary Oldman. I haven’t seen it so I can’t comment on whether or not it’s any good. But my favorite version is from 1984 starring George C. Scott. He makes the perfect Scrooge. The film is very authentic and the special effects are not over the top. I know you’ve probably seen it a hundred times, but it’s always worth another viewing at Christmas.

10. A Season for Miracles

This film originally aired in 1999 as part of Hallmark’s Hall of Fame. It has developed a rather loyal following over the years perhaps because it’s been difficult to find on television or at your video store. I think it is one of Hallmark’s better offerings. The story is about an aunt who has to take custody of her niece and nephew because their mother is institutionalized after an attempted drug overdose. She’s afraid they will fall into foster care and flees the situation and finds her way to a small town called Bethlehem that offers an opportunity at redemption and a second chance in life. Patty Duke is on hand as the guardian angel. It’s a wonderful story and a very optimistic one at that.

Warrior -- "Tastefully Real."

The setup: Two pissed mixed-martial artist Irish brothers rivals in their working-class family.

Gavin O'Connor directs this gripping action/drama; while he skillfully presents sequences that reflect sibling rivalry, he also manages to artistically serve us a gritty and powerful imagery through this film's raw cinematography. Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy plays the two brothers; while Hardy plays his role convincingly raw, Edgerton plays almost the same. Though it may count some cliched sequences, the film, eases to persuade us to grip on to our seats because of heart pounding action. While it does that, with the cast and staff combined, "Warrior" also delivers a tastefully realistic acting that convincingly moves us; and one other thing it succeeds to give us: heart.

A compelling and gripping story at the same time--though resemblances from the recent The Fighter is inevitably noticable, Warrior brings us to the edge of our heartstrings where drive and emotion collides. 4 stars!

Special Case: Top 10 Pinoy Films of 2011.

We are only hours until 2012 finally comes rise to surface. While Filipinos are traditionally going back and reminiscing memories of the year before it ends, us too here on FilmPolice might as well do the same. This is FilmPolice's TOP 10 PINOY FILMS -- 2011!!!

Top 10: Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi/My House Husband (Ikaw Na!)
I decided to get this two together since the similarities are inevitable noticeable. Both circling through the issue of marriage and trying to satisfy our comic taste buds, Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi, and My House Husband (Ikaw Na!), starts off our list! Both films stirs the Best Supporting Actress of the 37th MMFF, Ms. Eugene Domingo, these two films are sure to roll your coasters out with laughter. Cliched sequences of course, though these films are highly enjoyable.

Top 9: Way Back Home
From Star Cinema, the producers that brought us a family drama classic, in the name of Tanging Yaman, "Way Back Home", is falling to the same category, and is ready to tug the heartstrings of the Filipino audience. Centering on a sibling rivalry, and the issues that goes with it, the film features young stars that are honestly one of the best in their generation talking about the acting artistry. Way Back Home is a modern-family drama that efforts to compel us with a beautiful story of pain, and love.

Top 8: In The Name of Love

Angel Locsin and Aga Muhlach stars in this romance/drama. Events tragically drawing in the setting from Japan to the Philippines, "In The Name of Love" understands pain, sacrifice, and struggles one lover could take, for her one and only. Chills us, not of the suspense, not that it has any, but of the artistically realistic scenes that talks about issues of unconditional love.

Top 7: The Unkaboggable: Praybeyt Benjamin
A resembling story of "Mulan", achingly a third-sex version, "The Unkabogggable: Praybeyt Benjamin" is a story meant to salute the third-sex. Served in a comedic garnish, the film succeeds in showing how third-sex can also be a helping hand to the society. Or even a hero. A giggling through the movie kind of flick, it binds us in a spell where comedy and drama fits greatly. (FILM REVIEW)

Top 6: Dalaw
Kris Aquino plays a widow and a mother in this missed-chance horror. With a bit of consideration to some minute details, Dalaw could have been a better flick. Haunted by ghosts, lines from pinoy movies, and a ghoul dipped through mud, Dalaw becomes a breath-taking horror to the end. (FILM REVIEW)

Top 5: Rakenrol
Rakenrol is an indipendent-film starring Glaiza De Castro, Jason Abalos, and Deither Ocampo. While it talks about friendship, love, and the desire to make your dreams happen; it also convincingly presents a realism on friendship and love. With finely raw acting, and power edits and cameras, rakenrol is one rocking film.

Top 4: Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me
A love story of a fun one is surely enjoyable, and Ligo na U, Lapit Na Me, greatly falls in that category. Looking alike as "Friends with Benifits", the film consistently provides a realistic atmosphere of fun, love, and friendship. Edgar Allan Guzman mainly delivers the film, with ebullient sense and an innocent mind when it comes to sex. Based from a best selling Pinoy novel, the film is surely entertaining from start to finish.

Top 3: Thelma
Thelma is a gripping story of a local Ilocana lass who figures that she has the gift of speed. As a result, running as a sport became her new best friend. The story, the power acting, the stunner cinematography. Thelma is definitely one of the best films of this year.

Top 2: The Road
Yam Laranas is the known director of the exported-to-Hollywood film: "The Echo"--a B horror, based from an achingly better Pinoy version, "Sigaw". He is then back to scare with this one-of-a-kind horror. The Road has a number of cinematic moments, Laranas taken advantage of using lens flares--"filters from NY" as he tweeted it to me--and a revealing acting from the main villain, Alden Richards. (FILM REVIEW)

Top 1: Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story
'Tis ain't good if it weren't able to sweep all of the awards at the 37th MMFF at once... Kingpin stirs different vibes through out the movie--action, thriller, drama and a bit of comedic sense on the side. Although it could result to a tangling emotion to the film, it successfully assures the audience that whatever feeling the film serves, it would be something heightened to the audience's pleasure. (FILM REVIEW)

Well, it looks like that we are done right here. That's it for our Top 10 Pinoy Films of 2011. Comment if you agree to the post, and of course opposite thoughts are acceptable. Join in the discussion! Rave! Rant! We would all like to here them at FilmPolice.

The Best of Christmas - Part 1

This past week, I sat down and watched a couple new Christmas movies on television. It got me to thinking what exactly makes a good Christmas film. Without naming names, the ones I watched would not make my list of the best Christmas movies. Here’s what ingredients work best: you need a sense of wonderment, a magical feel, a movie that makes you feel like a child again. I’m looking for something that restores my faith in mankind that we all have the desire and ability to care for each other. A good Christmas film should instill hope for a better tomorrow.

So what are my top ten movies that capture the essence and the spirit of Christmas?

1. National Lampoons 
Christmas Vacation

This one is my guilty pleasure. I know it’s crude, but it’s ridiculously funny. And we are all guilty at some point in maybe going a little bit overboard with the holidays like Clark Griswold. He’s a good guy, and all he wants to do is the right thing and provide a great Christmas for his family. But as you can imagine, complications arise just as in real life. No big message in this film, just a lot of entertainment value. I make a point to watch this movie every year. It’s like an old friend. Somehow it just gets better with age.

2. The Santa Clause

This one is definitely an original. Of course, it’s been copied countless times. But forget about all of the counterfeits. The Santa Clause has heart and passion. It offers a look at the modern family and the difficulties it presents during the holidays. Not everything in this film is sunshine and happiness. Tim Allen’s character is an absentee father who is self-absorbed in his work. He’s in desperate need of an attitude readjustment. The film is magical, funny, and has all of the right elements. Absolutely a perfect holiday film.

3. It’s a Wonderful Life

How can you go wrong with Jimmy Stewart. This is absolutely a “must see”. Recently, I talked to someone who has never seen this film. How is that possible? This is a story about a man who thinks his life has been a waste until he gets an opportunity to see what life would have been like had he never been born. Sometimes we never know what kind of impact we make on people’s lives and what a positive influence we can have on the people around us. George Bailey discovers that he really does have a wonderful life. This film offers us a timely message that is still relevant today.

4. The Homecoming, A Christmas Story

You don’t often see this one on television. The Homecoming was the pilot for the successful 1970’s series The Waltons. The Homecoming is a celebration of the joys of family and the struggles that we all must endure. Set in rural Virginia during the height of the depression in the 1930s, The Homecoming feels like a warm memory from our childhood past. At times you feel like you are actually there. It’s amazing considering they shot the exteriors in the Grand Teton National Park and the interiors on a sound stage in Los Angeles. They captured the nuances of this historical period from the 1930’s depression in an authentic manner. There is nothing more universal than the desire to be home with your family at Christmas. I think this is a film everyone can relate to.

5. A Christmas Story

Everybody loves this film except my wife. I don’t understand why she dislikes it so much. I love this movie. Who hasn’t wanted a Christmas gift as a child and schemed on how to get it. Ralphie is determined to get a Red Rider carbine action 200 shot range model air rifle at all costs. Obviously, mayhem ensues as a result. A Christmas Story has been made famous because of TBS who airs it continuously 24 hours starting on Christmas Eve. There’s no way you can miss this one. A Christmas Story was released in 1983 and feels like it could have come from the 1940s.

NEWS: 37th MMFF -- Kingpin Sweeps it All; Fair and Square

This year's Metro Manila Film Festival is throned by Tikoy Aguiluz's, Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story, bringing home almost all of the minor awards and a few majors.

37th MMFF major awardees.

I was definitely happy to learn that Asiong brought home the best cinematography award; the best theme song. The movie proves it, if you haven't watch it, might read our review first to learn what great things to expect. Director Tikoy is the Best Director for the same film. Best screenplay is also a win-win by the film, for Roi Iglesias and Rey Ventura. The Gaptuno Villegas Cultural Award is handed over to Asiong too; and John Regala grossed a major award of Best Supporting Actor (he's like the "Joker" of the Dark Knight)

The rest of the awards scatter to different stars of the different films.

Best Supporting Actress goes to Ms. Eugene Domingo for her ebullience in the film, "My House Husband (Ikaw Na!)". Genger Senstivity Award: the same film.

Best Original Story goes to: what do you know? Shake, Rattle and Roll 13. Their young, Bugoy Cariño, brings home the Best Child Actor Award. Ang Panday 2 goes home as the Best Float Awardee.

The controversial "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow" brings home the Best Actress Award via Maricel Soriano, and "Segunda Mano's" Dingdong Dantes goes Best Actor.

It is early reported that the "Best Picture" award is cancelled. Enteng Ng Ina Mo didn't receive any award.

With these line up, I have nothing to nag about. This looks fair and square, except for the disqualification of Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. It was a long story to discuss, but keeping short, they presented a heavy and stunning drama, so admission is what they deserve.

This year's festival was a blast! I'm hoping next year will be better. --A.

TRAILERS: Heroes about to rave 2012!

I assume that you guys loved Thor, Captain America, and well not much for Green Lantern, yes? Well, if you do? Then lend me your eyeballs and read on because more heroes are about to unleash this 2012!!

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES

The trailer looks promising. This movie concludes the Batman trilogy by Christopher Nolan, "end". I'm certain I'm watching this on its first-screening! Christian Bale stars in this movie, adding an Anne Hathaway as Catwoman to the mix, its just a stunner! Release Date: July 20, 2012

RATING: HUSTLAH!



THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN

A reboot is not the only thing new to this franchise. A new Peter Parker. Remember that "The Social Network" dude who plays the best friend of Jesse Eisenberg's character? It's him -- Andrew Garfield. The trailer looks great; though some part looks a lot like a video game. It's a one film to go see in the cinema. Release Date: July 3, 2012

RATING: SEMI-HUSTLAH! COUZIN!

This means that geeks, comic fans, let's go and get our pennies saved for these heroes as they clash and form one month of major film event.

For the latest trailers of your and our favorite Hollywood and local flicks, always log in to FilmPolice!

'In Time' is a Slow but an Interesting Plot.

In Time beautifully presents a futuristic world. Not only with cinematographer Roger Deakin's skills; but rather I believe with the fact that in this world, time is the new commodity. It is a clever and intellectual story, however, it was inevitable to look away from the film to your own clock due to lacking grip, and some more.

Will Salas is a pissed 25 year-old for the third time, when his mother got timed off and his name tainted as time-lawmen accuse him of theft. He is forced to go undercover with the anime-eyes Sylvia Weis, daughter of a rich-ass, to bring down the system where the rich lives forever, and the poor will hurdle to borrow, barter, steal, and beg for minutes to last a day. They seek equality -- in time.

IN TIME IS BEAUTIFULLY SHOT. Roger Deakin's job here is good. Adding shades of gray and blue definitely adds a wee detail of the futuristic. Adding to the stir are faces of L.A. locales that gives modern mix to the film, leaving it effective, as it is.

IN TIME IS UNDERRATED. I'M PISSED. I mean it.

In Time has first-rate story telling and impeccable timing. For some bizarre reason, critics find In Time too lame and boring, given the fact that it is definitely an effective timely action. Well, different critics mean different opinions, and like this one, is just one of those.

Anyway, with its superb story-telling, I strongly believe In Time deserves an admission in some scale. Action may be lacking intensity though.

IN TIME HAS SURPRISINGLY GREAT ACTING.

Cillian Murphy, the dude from one of my favorite terrifiers, 28 Days Later, star in this film as the timekeeper, or could be simply put, the sheriff, the lawman. He does fine. But I felt his character made look like a jackal chasing a rabbit, well if that's what his character is meant to look like, it effectively works.

Justin Timberlake is a surprise too. I assumed he was going to fall flat, instead he made himself fine. He made his character vulnerable in the first 10 minutes of the film, that made me care for his character. One thing that is most admirable about his character is his Robin Hood-like trait: fighting for the poor people. Of course, alongside the trademarked anime eyes, Amanda Seyfried, a sting of romance vipers.

Added note: In extreme reiteration, I would like to give credits to director-writer Andrew Niccol's almost immaculate writing and creation of this cleverly made world.

'In Time' is successful in introducing to us a future where time might always be running out. It tells a story of a singular figure--two to be exact--to fight for equality, let the poor have the same rights as of what rich people have. Though lacking grip and tension might be a potion to make us look at our clocks everytime. 3 stars.

A Spellbinding Trio delivers 'My House Husband'

I am not trolling you. You guys know that I am the thriller/action genre guy, and so you'd know that if I'd say that this movie was greatly funny, it won't be a bunch of Bull S. My House Husband wins my laugh strings with Eugene Domingo's impeccable comedic timing and the realism of Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillio's "reel time".

Rod is played by Ryan Agoncillio; who is pissed and suddenly resigned from work. He ended up, of course unemployed, as a result, his wife Mia (Judy Ann Santos) went from a supermom to a super-working lady. Mia assumes the responsibility to provide for the family; while Rod strongly refuses to be in a term, the "househusband". Funny chaotic moments are approaching when an ebullient zany neighbor next-door stirs in to the mix.

HOUSE HUSBAND IS REAL AND FUN. I wound not in a singular time would question Ryan and Judy's acting as married couple. They would act it raw; realistic in every way and relative especially to modern couples.

Something that people would ease to relate to -- Rod and Mia's conflict when Mia starts to think to proceed her job being an insurance manager even when after Rod finally gets a job again. Therefore, the film is realistic. I would give credits to Direk Reyes for laying down a film of which every scene is very important and tangles to others. There was NO scene that is not necessary since each one plays a great role to the story line.

The charisma of the couple, comedic-ally speaking, is still there, though I would find it lessened this year. I've had the gut to say that after I've compared their comedic scenes with their previous film, five years back via: "Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo.". Meanwhile, as minor characters that are more of a "want" than a "need", terms in Economics, to add to the film; Lexi Fernandez, Rocco Nacino and others, a different thing is to Ms. Eugene Domingo.

The film can't stand along if Ms. Eugene isn't on the cast. Her being vulnerable and zany makes her character even likable. Scenes that involve her, Mia and Rod were definitely laughably chaotic films. Not that she is a clear possibility to the 2011 Best Actress Award, "Uge" Domingo does a very good job in this film.

Just a trivia, though: I believe Ms. Eugene is in a term, "lagari" this festival. She appeared in three entries as: Enteng Ng Ina Mo, Shake Rattle, and Roll 13, and this.

The comic scenes are spellbinding. Timing of punchlines: Bewildering. More importantly, this accepts to reveal a reality among modern families and teaches us a lesson or two on how to handle things like those shown in the film. Of course, having Eugene Domingo and the JudyRyan team-up in the cast, in a fan way. 4 stars!! WOOHOO.

Maricel Soriano is a Pride. The Material itself is a Disappoinement. -- Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

The setup: A family faces the aftermath of an earthquake. Emotions stir up.

With his previous "My Neighbor's Wife", Jun Lana was lead to another "heavy" drama, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. From this early of the post, I would be forward: It was achingly and painfully bad. The script was of traditional-format, leaving the viewers predicting what's going to happen next before it would actually happen. There is a respectable amount of drama that proves that the film is something. Maricel Soriano once again concludes a high-caliber actor of the Land of the Philippines--her best scene with co-actor, Carla Abellana was one of the heart-throbbing ones. Cinematography wasn't special still, copies the "tv drama looking" vibe of the previous: "My Neighbor's Wife". Stirring of fresh faces are half-great, Solenn Heussaff, Paulo Avelino, and Star Factor's first champion, Eula Caballero at least reveals skills in acting. The star-studded-ness or simply the number of the characters achingly becomes the reason behind the lacking of character development, though writers and director Lana manages to develop some and connect them with each other.

The movie was disappointingly star-studded; meaning there are too much of characters that HAS and are REQUIRED to build character developments for, which leads this movie from almost-good, to disappointingly bad.  Though this one wasn't something to go think about for a day after the screening. 2 stars.

Funny. Enjoyable. Enteng Ng Ina Mo!

The setup: Ina Montecillio has to find a husband--her kids prancing their way to their own lives, and sadly a best friend too. Enteng is pissed because his wife Faye has to go undercover training to defeat a fiendish bitch who abducted her mother. The two will find each other. Love and laughter will roll out.

The pave of collaboration of major pictures started with last year's Si Agimat at Si Enteng, and Enteng Ng Ina Mo will continue the trend; with both impeccable comic charisma of two leads: Vic Sotto, and Ai-Ai De Las Alas, taking an added spin of the ever funny and ebullient Eugene Domingo, and a doze of more delicious comedy courtesy, Jose Manalo, and a whole lot more. "Enteng Ng Ina Mo" concludes a delicious comedic cake. A sweet cake so fluffy and sweet that tickles your tummy and makes you giggle through the film. Two family of the crazies--funny crazies--tangled means a delish pastry. The buffet of genres, action, fantasy, comedy, drama, is already served with this one-complete meal. Some pitch of the comedy becomes credibly high especially ina scene which Aiza Suegerra and Alwyn Uytingco is involved. A delicate, weak, and soft digital effects and animations contributes an amount to the atmosphere of the film.

As concluded, the film is a sweet cake. Baked meant to give smiles, because of its sweetness, and fluffiness. It is a film that excludes the cinematography, graphics and all other technicalities of a movie out of the discussion. It is a film that desires to serve satisfaction -- like a sweet cake. 3 stars.

Midnight in Paris

I can’t say I’m a big Woody Allen fan. I can take him or leave him. Over the past few years, his work has become unbalanced to say the least. But when he’s good, he’s very good. In fact, his career has spanned over two generations. The man has been a filmmaking machine. He’s either written, directed, or stared in 41 feature films.

His latest film, Midnight in Paris, is a return to the type of films that helped make Woody Allen a legend. I consider Midnight in Paris to be one of the best films I’ve seen this year. I’m sure it’s going to make every critic’s top ten list for 2011. It’s billed as a romantic comedy, but it is so much more than that. Midnight in Paris weaves both nostalgic and modernistic themes into the story. It’s a commentary about the way humans think about their current reality as well as a desire to escape to a simpler time.

Midnight in Paris is absolutely delightful. It’s magical in every sense of the word. As the title suggests, the film is set in Paris. The city doesn’t serve just as a location but is a principal character in the film. The first 3 ½ minutes of the movie present a postcard montage of the sights and sounds of what makes Paris so irresistible.

Although this is a romantic comedy, the real romance isn’t between boy meets girl but is more about boy meets city. Owen Wilson plays Gil, a hopeless romantic. Although he is a successful Hollywood screenwriter, his life is lacking something to give it more meaning.

Gil travels to Paris with his fiancée, Inez (Rachel McAdams), along with his future in-laws. He hopes to complete his first novel and maybe even convince Inez that Paris is the perfect place to start their new life together. Inez on the other hand has other plans. She sees the perfect life for both of them back home in Malibu.

Gil and Inez are never quite on the same page. Let’s just say that Gil is going to have a chance to discover his inspiration and find his footing in life. In a fun kind of way and never mean spirited, they seem to disagree on everything. I don’t want to spoil the magic that this film offers so I won’t go into the plot any further.

Owen Wilson may seem an odd choice for the part of Gil; however, in one sense, he’s the perfect Wood Allen prototype. Just like most Woody Allen characters, Owen Wilson brings the right combination of sarcasm, wit, insecurity, and neuroticism.

So is Midnight in Paris a redemptive film? Does it have a message? As I said, it does explore some interesting themes. What was the Golden Age? Why do we think that the past was always better? Like some of us, Gil feels he was born in the wrong age. Somehow, he just doesn’t fit into today’s modern world.

But the real message of Midnight in Paris is learning to live in the reality of our existence, making peace and perhaps understanding there really was no Golden Age. In reality, our Golden Age is what we make of our lives in the present.

It doesn't Shake, it doesn't Rattle, but it Rattles a Little. SRR 13

Misfortune to horror enthusiast, and rooters for the franchise, SRR13 will truly disappoint to people who know the genre. Shake, Rattle and Roll 13 is obviously the thirteenth installment of the film series, which by research I've learned that is supposed to end the franchise and salvage the previous others. Well, it didn't. Only meaning we have to see more.

In the Shake, Rattle and Roll 13 movie, three stories, as the film usually works, will be presented to supposedly scare the shits out of people. 'Tis the year to look forward to "fierce" and "terrifying" clips from the film: A pack of white creatures drooling black blood, an old bitch haunting two best friends and an aquaphobic Eugene Domingo.

In the episode "Tamawo", Zanjoe Marudo's character finds a thing--an interestingly gorily disgusting thing--that belongs to the Tamawos/Tamawus, a white-skin, black-fluid-drool, shape-shifting creature. This episode wasn't scary really; the Tamawos were almost laughable noticing the creature's make-up and costumes which looked like a group of dancers joining a barangay dance contest in a fiesta. This is a huge thumbs down to the film.

The second episode: "Parola", which stars Kathryn Bernardo and Louise Delos Reyes who decides to enter a lighthouse that they were forbid to enter to. This was the best episode in this year's SRR; in fact my favorite among the three. Director Jerrold Tarog effectively collided supernatural and real-life in this episode. The technicality of the visual effects, it having nothing special complements the atmosphere of the episode.

The last episode: "Rain, Rain Go Away" concludes the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy. This episode is interesting, starring Eugene Domingo, who acts smoothly from shifting an enthusiastic at 40's lady to a scared-the-shit-out-of-her person. She managed to convince the audience that the vulnerability of her character is enough to make us care for her. I like the fact that they put a little realism to the film adding the element of the recent Typhoon incident. I don't love anything else about this episode.

This film is nothing special really. Didn't keep up with the previous installments. But at least: we don't get to see a killer Christmas tree, a titanically overflowing aquarium, a children's party turned scarefest, or more relieving, Nieves the "enkantularya". 2 stars!