i am woman, hear me rawr!

Move over Love Actually….I have a new love movie! Valentine’s Day is a fun romantic comedy that is bound to make anyone feel good and believe in the idea of love once again, and I’m not just talking about romantic love here!

Set in L.A., Valentine’s Day follows the stories and intertwining lives of it’s characters as they navigate through one of the most loved — and most hated — holidays in the year. From mushy teenagers who are all over each other in public displays of affection to express their love, to young couples on the verge of their first time, and the end of supposedly idyllic relationships, Valentine’s Day gives viewers a refreshing new look at one of the most basic needs in life, to love and be loved in return.

Much as I tend to be a cynic about how love happens, watching the Valentine’s Day made me feel all sorts of emotions tied in to love. I felt the cynicism that Kara felt, the uncertainty of Jason, the desire for that kilig moments of young lovers, the ambivalence of wanting to be in a relationship and yet wanting to know one’s own future first, and the confusion of this grand thing called love. Naks ang serious! But seriously, it made me realize na hindi na ako galit sa Valentine’s Day! While most of love is a magical thing and that it just happens when it happens, to some degree, love is still a choice we make and how we respond to love, that’s another story.

One thing I liked a lot about this movie is that despite it being a romantic comedy, it wasn’t all that cheesy. I liked how the story tied well together, although at first, it thought it was going to be just like Love Actually. Nevertheless, this is much more light and fun flick! It definitely now takes the place of the previous film in my Persef classes! An added bonus to the film is the great soundtrack which I enjoyed a lot. Plus all those lovely shoes Jessica Biel and Jessica Alba were wearing…sigh!!!

Valentine’s Day features an all-star cast including award winning actresses Julia Roberts and Shirley McLaine, heartthrobs Patrick Dempsey, Eric Dane, Ashton Kutcher, Bradley Cooper, and Taylor Lautner.The film also features Jessica Alba, Jessica Beal, Jennifer Garner, Queen Latifah, Emma Roberts, Hector Elizondo, George Lopez, Jamie Foxx, Taylor Swift, Carter Jenkins, Anne Hathaway, Topher Grace and young cutie Bryce Robinson. Valentine’s Day is directed by the acclaimed Gary Marshall and is released by Warner Brothers Pictures. Catch Valentine’s Day starting February 12, 2010 at a cinema near you.

Bookmark It

Maurice Sendak’s beloved Caldecott Award winning classic “Where the Wild Things Are” comes to life with Spike Jonez’s adaptation for the big screen. With eye popping cinematography and amazing costume designs, the film is a visual feast. As a viewer, I felt swept away by the wide open dunes and deserts to beautifully crafted forests.  However, the intensity of emotions and somewhat too violent representation of Max was kind of troubling for me, mainly because I was expecting a fun kids story.  However, I realized in hindsight, the movie is really not a movie for kids but about childhood. I wasn’t prepared for the depth of the film which was why it threw me off. Moreso, Max’s very strong abandomnent issues and loneliness was so intense that it stirred up emotions in me that I wasn’t expecting.

As a whole, I would say it is an interesting take on childhood, the places we go to when faced with stresses and man’s ability for insight as he tries to make sense of a world on the inside as well as out. Younger kids would perhaps enjoy the wild rumpus and the monsters Max met, however, with regards to storyline, maybe it’s not so kiddie. However, in the press screening I was invited to (thanks again to Warner Bros. Pictures!), there was a young boy who seemed to enjoy the movie a lot, so I suppose it really depends on the viewer.

Catch Where the Wild Things are at an Ayala Cinema near you starting February 3, 2010.

Bookmark It

In life, we take many things for granted, especially if we live a comfortable one. Just like in a game of football, we set our sights to a goal, maneuver through obstacles in front of us, but at times, we get run over by something on our blind side. Okay, okay…I won’t pretend I get football, but the movie The Blind Side gave me an appreciation for the game that is widely popular in America.

Based on the true to life story of Michale Oher, a disadvantaged young African American boy from the bad side of town, who was able to overcome tremendous odds because of a family who welcomed him into their home despite his race and background.  Through the love and support of Leigh Anne Touhy and her family who adopted Michael, he was able to break through the cycle of poverty, violence and the gang life, which may have been his destiny should fate not have stepped in. Through the family’s love and support, Michael went on to receive a football scholarship to a prestigious university and in the end, became an NHL pick for the Baltimore Ravens.

The Blind Side is a heartwarming and inspirational story that made me appreciate what I have in my life. It also taught me new lessons in life and in being an educator.

The film garnered rave reviews and it’s lead actress, Sandra Bullock gained the Golden Globe Best Actress nod. She also won the Screen Actors Guild Award, People’s Choice Award for her role as Leigh Anne Touhy and tied with Meryl Streep for the Critic’s Choice Award.

The Blind Side stars Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Tim McGraw, Kathy Baker, Lily Collins, Jae Head and Ray McKinnon. Directed by John Lee Hancock and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The Blind Side will be shown locally in theaters in the Philippines starting January 27, 2009. Special thanks to Warner Bros. Pictures for the invitation to the special Press Screening.

Bookmark It