Grogu?

I purposely brought my sister to a local Miniso store because of their Grogu merch on June 28. I had just finished all The Mandalorian seasons a few days before (sadly a month too late for the new theatrical movie) and was sharing some clips with my sister to entice her to watch the show. She seemed way more excited about buying the merch, hence the photo below.

This is the way.

The last time I watched new Star Wars content was in June 2024, when I tried Disney+ for a month. Honestly, I started to get the Star Wars fatigue before the Solo movie (2018) was completed. New films were released every year since 2014, some featuring characters I was indifferent to, so I lost interest. So when I had Disney+, I only watched Obi-Wan Kenobi, my favorite Jedi. But it was underwhelming.

Then this year, my sister's friend added us to her Disney+ account. As always with these streaming sites, the movie library is huge, but the good choices are limited, with most of the classics I have already watched and the new releases uninspiring. That's the reason I tend to subscribe only when I have enough in my watchlist.

But back to Disney+. It was in April when I finally ran out of good movies to watch. I scanned the Star Wars section and found Andor, which I knew was highly rated; not to mention Rogue One, for me, is the best Star Wars film. It got me invested, for sure. There were slow episodes early in season 2, but after the Ghorman incident, my father (and TV buddy) and I were glued to the Senate… in Coruscant... and in the Philippines. The similarity of events was uncanny! Fiction becoming reality.

"Andor" has a more serious tone compared to other Star Wars media. I noticed that there were barely any alien races; the story is more human-centric and political. I was also waiting for any mention of the Force the entire time. So imagine the warmth I felt when at last Senator Organa said the famous phrase, "May the Force be with you," at the finale.

I mentioned this show to a friend when she asked me what I was currently watching. She then recommended "The Mandalorian." So after getting impressed with "Andor," I was excited for another one.

And "The Mandalorian" WAS Star Wars! From the opening scenes alone, I felt like a kid again—the creatures, the foreign languages, the music. Its episodic structure reminded me of the 90s TV show "Xena: Warrior Princess." I did not even know Baby Yoda was another character. I am so enamored with this series that I can't name which one I love more. Grogu? Best fictional father Din Djarin? Their relationship? The simplicity? The fun family theme? The practical effects? The adventures? Pedro Pascal? All of them!

I think "The Mandalorian" stopping at Season 3 is perfect. However, they should not have included important Mandalorian and Grogu scenes in The Book of Boba Fett, because the three seasons by itself is incomplete.

Now I'm waiting for the movie to be released on Disney+. Hopefully within this quarter.

Thoughts on Rings of Power Season One

Gil-galad, Galadriel, and Elrond

[ Spoilers ahead ]

Some thoughts a week after The Rings of Power Season 1 finale:

• Before anything else, a big thank you to one of my dearest friends, my LOTR buddy! If not for your constant nudging, I wouldn't have watched the show on its premiere release (I initially planned to watch it after all episodes were up).
• While the overall production was pretty solid, the pacing and writing could use some improvement. There were a lot of memorable dialogues this season, and some I'd rather just erase from memory. I really hope they work on this next season.
• Still about the writing --- I am aware it didn't closely follow the lore, and I still have to read The Silmarillion (done ordering a copy of the book), but from what I've gathered and what others have also noted, the backstories clarified each character's intentions and gave the plot more depth. Will find out soon enough. Whatever the case may be, I'm sure I will like the book as it is, and the show as it is, just as I was fine with the changes made to the Lord of the Rings. I'm just happy I get to see more of Tolkien's world.
  
• Character development I am most looking forward to for the whole series: Elrond and Isildur. Young Isildur seems idealistic and sweet, but also stubborn, reckless, and lost. I already feel sad for him. ROP Elrond, on the other hand, is considerably different from the LOTR movies version, but more consistent with the books, and I love it. Will this Elrond eventually become like movies Elrond?
• Again, I adore Elrond! (Now that I think about it, Robert Aramayo has played two favorite characters now: young Ned Stark from Game of Thrones, and now young Elrond.)
• I have watched the show twice as of posting. Will be watching again as soon as I have free time and probably more times before season 2 drops. Patience, patience...
• I've missed you Middle-earth! <3

Elrond

Favorite Scenes

• Elrond meeting Disa for the first time
• Arondir and company fighting for the old tree
  
• The Singing: Disa's plea to the rocks and Poppy's This Wandering Day
• Adar bidding farewell to the sun
• Isildur and Galadriel waiting for the sunrise
• Isildur and Elendil catching up after the battle
• Conversation of Galadriel and Theo (Galadriel's turning point)
• Elrond and Durin mining for mithril
• The Stranger VS the Mystics
• Galadriel and Halbrand's confrontation

Favorite Music Themes

• Main Title
  
• Khazad-dûm
  
• Númenor
  

Favorite Lines

"My father single-handedly sailed to Valinor, and convinced the Valar to join the war and vanquish Morgoth. So great were his deeds that the Valar lifted him beyond the bounds of this world to forever carry the Evening Star across the sky. For many years, at days end, I would look up at it wondering what might he think if he were watching me. Would he be proud of what I've accomplished with his legacy? Or disappointed by the countless ways I'd failed to live up to it? But then, one night, it struck me that I would be only too happy to hear any judgment, so long as it granted me the opportunity to have but one more conversation with my father. Do not waste what time you have left with yours." - Elrond's speech on his father

”Hope is never mere, Elrond, even when it is meager” - Gil-galad

“Where there is love it is never truly dark. How could it not grow... in a home like yours?” - Elrond

"Because a burden shared may either be halved or doubled, depending on the heart that receives it." - Elrond

"Despise not the labor which humbles the heart. Humility has saved entire kingdoms the proud have all but led to ruin." - Galadriel

"What cannot be known hollows the mind. Fill it not with guesswork." - Galadriel

“What kind of father would I be if I teach our children the will of a king should be counted as dross to be cast to the wind?” - Durin IV

"We do not say goodbye. We say Namárië. It means more than simply farewell. It means 'go towards goodness.'" - Elrond

"I admire all who can see into the mystery of things, who can divine from the plainness of what is, the beauty of what could be." - Celebrimbor

"There is a fateful hour in the destinies of men. An hour of judgment, in which each of us, every one, must decide who we shall be." - Miriel

The Last of King Alfred

The last week gave us two of the most anticipated moments in movie and TV history: Avengers: Endgame and The Battle of Winterfell in Game of Thrones. But then, both of them gave me X-men: The Last Stand vibes. Because the films only allowed for a few seconds to mourn the deaths, I barely got to feel anything. It was always... almost; not even a tear for dear Tony Stark or Theon Greyjoy.

But because of this momentum, I craved for anything 'super hero' or those set in the middle ages. This brought me back to The Last Kingdom Season 3, which I've followed since 2017. I watched the first episode of season 3 upon its release last year but was put off by Skade, an annoying sorceress.

King Alfred (left) having his peace with Uhtred (right).

King Alfred had me bawling from the moment he had his one-on-one talk with Uhtred until (yes, the tears embarrassingly kept coming) his death.You see, Alfred is a very proud man, of his status, intelligence, knowledge, and faith. And these two clash all the time, mostly because of their inability to accept a culture or religion different from theirs. Yet in this long, quiet scene with Uhtred, a very weak Alfred humbled himself, admitted his mistakes and apologized, though not without getting something in return, which stays true to his character.

It was always for England.

His was a very slow death spanning three seasons; and he would have wanted to have died earlier if not for his fear of leaving the kingdom without someone to protect his legacy and continue on with the dream of a united England.

"He was a man I loved and despised, but it was never less than an honor to serve him." - Uhtred

Just like Uhtred, I go back and forth between love and 'hate' for Alfred. Sometimes I would question his decisions. But as what Uhtred said to Brida, that love will always be there. The two men were like yin and yang, complete opposites who share a complicated bond. If you have not seen the show, it would be worth a try just to see the dynamics of these two characters: on the one hand an honest, skillful warrior, and on the other a shrewd and pious, frail king.

"You may dislike me, hate me if you wish, despise me at times. But love is immortal. It goes on." - Uhtred to Brida

David Dawson was perfect as Alfred. I will surely miss his presence on the show.

P.S. Before The Last Kingdom, I tried watching Vikings again, but finally gave up after Season 2 Episode 1 when Lagertha left Ragnar.

Netflix Take Two

The last time I tried Netflix was to watch the Gilmore Girls revival in 2016. With that free month, I was also able to watch Sherlock and some Doctor Who episodes, among others.

Last August, I was offered the free month again and would not have signed up if not for the movie To All the Boys I've Loved Before. Whereas in 2016 I only played on a laptop, this time I tried it on the television, which I found out was not a good idea because then I got hooked. My watch list reached more than 50 films and series. How could I watch all of that within the free month? So, yeah, in the end I continued my subscription.

Caiaphas, A.D. The Bible Continues

The best thing I got from it yet was A.D. Kingdom and Empire a.k.a. The Bible Continues. I've always loved Biblical films and was usually updated on new releases, but this one I was not familiar with. It might be because I did not bother to watch Son of God or The Bible miniseries for the sole reason that I was not "feeling" the actor playing Christ. So I watched the series with my father, and with no expectations whatsoever.

AD is a continuation of The Bible miniseries. It depicts the events after the death of Christ and follows three groups of people: Pilate and the Romans, Caiaphas and the Pharisees, and the Disciples. It is based on the Acts of the Apostles, which is a term to mean some liberties were taken to add or subtract from the book. That's how films usually are.

The best part of this series was how the characters were presented. They cast actors of different nationalities and colors, which was fine, although I admit it sometimes distracted me from the story.

Pilate, who is usually portrayed somewhat fair, was in this a very cruel man. I've read that his character followed what real historical accounts of him are saying. Then there was Caiaphas, who was a person torn between the Roman law, the law of Moses, and the safety of his people. Couple that with a great actor and you've got a very intriguing character that will make you feel for him. Peter was also a highlight and maybe one of the best portrayals I've seen so far. His costume though... I couldn't take my eyes off his legs. Out of all people there, he was the only one wearing a tunic that hangs above his knees!

Saul before conversion

My favorite in this, however, is Saul. The only other time I've seen a Saul or Paul in a film was in a late 90s miniseries called St. Paul. Looking back through YouTube videos, the 90s Saul was a bit muted compared to THIS Saul. In AD, Saul was scarily strong-willed, harsh, intelligent, full of conviction, extremely passionate about his beliefs, and zealous about his cause you could feel his hate of the Christians in your bones. In other words, the perfect candidate for a leader and preacher. Credits must go to the man who played him, Irish actor Emmett J. Scanlan.

Then I found out AD was cancelled years ago... oh well. Too bad.

The second good thing about Netflix is the wide range of series related to Architecture, Design, Real Estate, Gardening, and Food. It's a haven of informative lifestyle shows you can play anytime or in the background while doing something else. Compared with having cable at home, I think Netflix is a cheaper and better alternative. (But that's just me convincing myself that I made the right decision.)

* * * * * *

P.S. Look, I even found these books in a secondhand bookstore!

New Year Fantasy Movie Marathon

We had a movie marathon last night. Well, I started watching by myself, then by the second movie everyone gathered around the laptop (except my mom), because we still don't have a new television after the old one broke. My mother thought it was funny, us huddled around a small screen.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

The first one I watched was Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, which my parents saw at the cinema. They had a lot of trips to the cinema last 2016 because of free passes for senior citizens, which is great because they have always been fond of watching movies. Obviously, I got it from them. My best friend once called me a walking IMDB, though I am nowhere near that. It must be because I kept a notebook of movies I have watched. I still continue with that habit, but it's gone digital, thanks to IMDB.

Allow me to digress still...When my mother was in college, she loved going to the cinema, and I think most of the time she watched by herself. Then there was this one time when she bumped into two of her siblings inside the movie house. All three of them came separately.

So back to the marathon, my favorite thing about Miss Peregrine's was Miss Peregrine herself. Eva Green was excellent. Though I like Asa Butterfield, he was not as good in this. Is it because of his age? That awkward stage? Another thing about the movie, I haven't read the book so the time loop thing was a bit confusing. I had to rewind some parts because of this and still ended up not understanding how the last five minutes happened.

Pete's Dragon

When I started the second movie, my sister came back from buying a cake for my father (birthday boy!). Then both my parents also came back from attending mass. We watched the new Pete's Dragon. My parents also saw this at the cinema, but my father has not seen the first few minutes so he sat with us first. After he ate, he ended up finishing the whole movie, too.

My father and my younger self have a history with the original Pete's Dragon. We watched it together when it was shown on TV. Then when he became a seaman, it was one of the VHS films he brought home.

It was 10 PM when we started the third movie. This time, my brother and I continued with our Star Wars rewatch with Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. It was more than two hours long, that's why we had to pause by midnight because of the noise. We don't have firecrackers in Davao, but the noise is still amazingly on full volume. You have the torotot that my mother kept on blowing, cars honking, gates and other metals/pots/pans banging, blaring sound systems, people shouting, just chaos in the middle of the night.

When the noise died down, we continued watching. It reminded me just how much I loved Episode III when I first saw it. The fight scene between Obi-Wan and Anakin was still one of the best. I still liked how Hayden Christensen brought Vader to life. But this time, since rewatching the series, I can finally understand why the prequels sucked. The script was horrible, cringe-worthy, you name it. Yikes!

* * * * * *

A bit of Nov-Dec review, but still about films:

Sherlock

I tried Netflix last November so I could watch the Gilmore Girls revival. I liked it. Didn't like Rory much. Felt bad for Jess. Happy for Lorelai and Emily.

Then, I found Sherlock on Netflix. Though late, I'm glad to have finally seen it so I can watch the new season this January.

Had another Sean Harris fix last December. Watched Southcliffe, the mini-series that won him a leading actor BAFTA, then See No Evil: The Moors Murders, Red Riding 1974, and some of his short films: Battles, Native Son, and True Love: Once Removed, which I highly recommend. I found the shorts on Youtube, you can search for them there. Though please note that Native Son and True Love both have nudity in it.

Oh yeah, before I forget: I love Rogue One!

Happy New Year!

Hay, James Spader

James Spader in Pretty in Pink

You make me want to blog again.

I know how this all started. An FB friend posted about making her very own YouTube playlist because she missed the 80s and 90s. And who wouldn't want to listen to 80s/90s music? So I happily clicked away, listened, until If You Leave played and I suddenly had the urge to watch Pretty in Pink again. And I did, that day.

The first time I watched Pretty in Pink in high school, I was a big Andrew McCarthy fan. Naturally, I was team Blaaaaane. But after rewatching this month, I thought his character was weak (while Duckie was still annoying). Andie and Blane's relationship would not have lasted long.

The most intriguing character, however, was the rich jerk played by James Spader, who for four years tried unsuccessfully to go out with Andie. Four years! Unfortunately, we couldn't do anything about it now.

There was another trivia that I just discovered. Robert Downey, Jr. could have played Duckie! I wonder...but I digress.

So that started my James Spader month. When I looked him up on IMDB, I realized I have not been a good fan. That's why I'm keeping up with the Spader movies. First, and this was something that I have been putting off for so long, was Secretary, the original 50 Shades.

Spader likes eccentric friends. Spader likes playing eccentric characters.

Then just this Easter Sunday, I finally watched Sex, Lies, and Videotape. I kind of hesitated at first because, obviously... and it was Easter. But it was just a case of don't judge a movie by its title. It's the type of movie that I really, really, really love. All talk, yes, but you would be glued to the screen. And it didn't even show any skin, which I liked.

Next, since I'm about to give up on Mr. Robot, I will give The Blacklist, Spader's current TV series, a try.

Bravo!

I've been waiting so long for something like this. And if not for people spreading this on social media, I would not have known. Just a little bit more though, particularly with the acting of extras (because what happens in the background especially if it's not done well bothers me), and it would be perfect. I loved the cast. I loved the long take. I loved the reference to Juan Luna's Spoliarium, and man, did I cry. I hope the other two movies, about Gregorio del Pilar and Manuel Quezon, of the planned trilogy get made.

I watched last night with my sister, father, and mother, on her 60th birthday.

Love is a burning thing

I have a new favorite actor. Last night I watched two period movies, both of which happened to star Matthias Schoenaerts. This man:

I realize he looks a bit like David Wenham, aka Faramir.

The first one's an adaptation of Thomas Hardy's Far from the Madding Crowd. As always, the English countryside looked stunning. The story, however, was obviously rushed (because you can't fit in everything from the book --- the usual reason). Though I haven't read the book, the essential parts were there. Now would I read it? I'm not quite sure as I haven't gotten over my first Hardy novel yet, though it was the lightest of his writings. I can't stand reading about fickle women. I'm talking about you, Fancy Day!




The second film was also based on a novel, written during World War II by Irène Némirovsky, a French writer of Jewish origin, who was arrested and died in Auschwitz. The notebook containing the novel was kept by Némirovsky's daughter, Denise, but was never read for thinking that it might be her journal, until 1998. Suite Française became a bestseller in 2004.

"If you want to see what people are truly made of, you start a war." ~says Ruth Wilson's character

Great Cast: Michelle Williams, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ruth Wilson, Sam Riley




Then today I found this song, which reminds me so much of what I saw last night. It's "Song for Zula" by Phosphorescent.

Some say love is a burning thing
That it makes a fiery ring
Oh but I know love as a fading thing
Just as fickle as a feather in a stream
See, honey, I saw love. You see, it came to me
It put its face up to my face so I could see
Yeah then I saw love disfigure me
Into something I am not recognizing

See, the cage, it called. I said, "Come on in"
I will not open myself up this way again
Nor lay my face to the soil, nor my teeth to the sand
I will not lay like this for days now upon end
You will not see me fall, nor see me struggle to stand
To be acknowledged by some touch from his gnarled hands
You see, the cage, it called. I said, "Come on in"
I will not open myself up this way again

You see, the moon is bright in that treetop night
I see the shadows that we cast in the cold, clean light
My feet are gold. My heart is white
And we race out on the desert plains all night
See, honey, I am not some broken thing
I do not lay here in the dark waiting for thee
No my heart is gold. My feet are light
And I am racing out on the desert plains all night

So some say love is a burning thing
That it makes a fiery ring
Oh but I know love as a caging thing
Just a killer come to call from some awful dream
O and all you folks, you come to see
You just stand there in the glass looking at me
But my heart is wild. And my bones are steam
And I could kill you with my bare hands if I was free

JJ Feild, Felicity, and Austen

Ladies and gentlemen, meet JJ Feild (not Tom Hiddleston, not Lee Pace). He starred in two Jane Austen films: the TV movie Northanger Abbey in 2007, then Austenland in 2013.

In both these movies, he fell in love with Felicity. This Felicity:

JJ Feild and Felicity Jones in Northanger Abbey

And this Felicity:

JJ Feild and Keri Russell in Austenland

Well, it's Keri Russell. My bad!

Unless you remember her:

That just goes to show how much I miss the 90s! :)

P.S. It's been so long since I last posted that I quite forgot how to use blogger.

James Corden and Sean Harris

There are actors who, coincidentally, suddenly show up everywhere. The past month or so I have been exposed to a lot of James Corden and Sean Harris movies. But I don't mind because they should be in more!

James Corden and Keira Knightley in Begin Again

Begin Again is one of the nicest movies I've seen. It's clean and fun, and we should have more of those types of films. James and Keira both played independent music artists/singer-songwriters.

I liked that he lost some weight since I first saw him in The History Boys.

James Corden and Emily Blunt in Into the Woods

From one musical to another, James played the Baker in last year's Into the Woods. He's got quite a nice voice, and if a man can sing, then plus pogi points to him! (I'd like to mention though, Chris Pine, Cinderella's prince, is the man! But this post is about Corden, so let's continue.)

Then, earlier this February, Vanity Fair released a short film featuring British actors recreating famous movie scenes. James Corden narrates the whole thing. Watch the 3-part short film here.



Bonus video: with Gary Barlow singing Take That's classic Pray. Gotta love them both!

Sean Harris in '71

My favorite depiction of St. Thomas was in the 1999 movie Jesus. That was all because of Sean Harris' performance. Since then, Sean has been known to play intense supporting characters or intense bad guy roles.

Sean Harris with Eric Bana in Deliver Us from Evil

This character actor supposedly stays in character in between takes. So imagine him on set of Deliver Us from Evil where he played a possessed former soldier.

Two of his next projects star Michael Fassbender. They are Trespass Against Us (another movie title from the Our Father) and Macbeth. I can't wait for Macbeth because he will be the good guy/antagonist to Fassbender's bad guy/hero.


Bonus video: Sean Harris wins Leading Actor BAFTA. Too cute, awkward, and funny!

Teenage Dirtbag

Have you ever felt so close to movie characters, like they were your friends and you were there? Teenage Dirtbag's been on my mind since I watched it last Sunday. And though technically not perfect, what I love about it is the way it made me feel. It's real, touching, and at the same time very frustrating, that I need this outlet. It is one of those films that affected me hard and left me thinking...a lot.

To give you an idea, here's a synopsis from IMDB:

A popular high school girl (Amber) is harassed by a delinquent boy (Thayer Mangeress) until they are placed in creative writing class together. Through written words, they create a bond, but tragically a bond that cannot withstand her social pressures or his brutal home life.

There's that word--tragically--so don't be deceived because it's set in high school. Nevertheless, don't be discouraged to see it. This little indie film is the best story I will never get the chance to read, unless they release a copy of the screenplay. Seriously, I would really like to read what was on the girl's mind the whole time.

Then there was this scene when both students were going to the 'office'. Amber asked Thayer if the school authorities ever did anything to repeat offenders. The answer was no, they didn't do anything. Sad if that's what happens in real life. I was hoping the creative writing teacher would reach out, but we get nothing from him. It's a theme that runs throughout this work: reaching out.

The film was 'inspired' by true events and the director's experiences in high school. And from what I've read in the comments section in Youtube, Thayer's character was based on a Terry 'Bear' Mangeris.

One other thing that played with my imagination is the fact that Thayer, below

Scott Michael Foster (actor and singer) could totally play Gram Parsons.

looks like this man, Gram Parsons, one of my favorite musicians, another tragic figure. As a result, he's on repeat.

So all I'm actually saying here is that the movie is beautiful. You'd only have to go through what others have to say... 

A bit of poetry from the movie:

Mad, mad thoughts. 

Crazy, twisted, sinewy.

Mad obsession, you sicken me.

You're so beautiful, love.

I grind you into a fine, soft powder,

And inhale you,

And then lick you off of my fingers.

You love, answer me.

Your face brings me death every day,

And every day I can't wait to die.

Bury me now, love.

Bury me now.

Watch, love.

Three Philippine-themed Films in the running for the 2014 Oscars Foreign Language

so far. This is exciting news! Watch the trailers below:

Official entry of the Philippines: TRANSIT, a film by Hannah Espia



Official entry of Singapore: ILO ILO, a film by Anthony Chen, winner of the prestigious Camera d'Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival



Official entry of the UK: METRO MANILA, a film by Sean Ellis

The Hunger Games

Josh Hutcherson is the reason I watched the movie. I have been a fan since Bridge to Terabithia. His character, Peeta, is the reason I read the books, which I finished Monday.

Great read! These are the things I liked about the trilogy, aside from Peeta, of course: the plot, length of the trilogy, strength & variety of characters, and how 'real' it felt.

Though I think it's wrong to compare it to Twilight, I can't help it. This is my gauge, THG was a lot less annoying. The point of view bothers me sometimes, especially during Katniss' confused and whiny states. I would really love to read it again, this time in the third person, and see if it makes an improvement.

Gale was someone I didn't really warm up to. For me, he's character was replaceable, though not insignificant. I also wonder what directions the story would take had Gale been removed entirely. Because surely, he had been there to complete the triangle.

I can't wait for the next movie. Sam Claflin (Finnick) and Jena Malone (Johanna) will be there!

Live your life

This is a poem attributed to Chief Tecumseh of the Shawnee. It was read at the end of the Navy SEALs movie Act of Valor.

So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and
demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life,
beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a
friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all
people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy
of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only
in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones
to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are
filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep
and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way.
Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.

As for the movie, I've always wondered while watching why the conversation scenes were bad, while the action scenes looked very, very authentic. It stars real Navy SEALs people!

Les Miserables

SM Cinema gave me a copy of this poster yey!

From the day it was first announced, I have been one of those who followed its developments. I was thrilled when these three got cast: Jackman, Hathaway and Redmayne. Finally a musical that was meant for them! I got pissed when Taylor Swift was once chosen for Eponine, but let's all forget that ever happened. Got excited & goosebumps when the trailer was released and impatient with its release date here. Then January 17 happened.

But let me tell you first what I know. I've read the novel way back in college for one humanities class and although I've forgotten a whole lot of details (it was unabridged), the main characters and different story lines are still fresh from memory. At that time, I also watched the 1998 movie, Liam Neeson's non-musical version. As for the musical I haven't seen, well, two words: Lea Salonga.

I hoped to watch the movie with my college classmates, whom I shared Les Mis classes with. But then I also wanted to go with my high school friend who happens to have a voice made for musical theater. Who do I choose? The first one who calls of course. My high school friend texted me Thursday morning. How could I refuse?

So on to the movie. As expected Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway were perfect. I was amazed they looked tired and older just like how anyone who carries a lot of burden would be. Sacha Baron Cohen was surprisingly good. I didn't know he had that voice in him. Helena Bonham-Carter on the other hand was her usual self. It felt like going through Sweeney Todd again. If that's any good or bad is for you to decide.

Samantha Barks as Eponine was sweet and fine (voice not nearly as good as...) though I wished she didn't smile too much. Amanda Seyfried's voice was not powerful enough, which I guess suits her role (but that note wow!). Her voice reminds me of the animated Snow White, a fragile damsel in distress. The third person in the love triangle, Eddie Redmayne as Marius, had a wonderful deep voice. But what's even better are them barricade men combined. I especially loved Aaron Tveit's doomed Enjolras and that young, clear and determined voice. And his performance, I wonder why he's not getting any more exposure. It was really good. I would gladly join him in his battle and...live.

Did I forget someone? Oh yes, Mr. Russell Crowe, who I first saw in The Quick & the Dead. I can only imagine what he would have done if it wasn't a musical. I really wish he did better, but it seemed singing occupied most of his brain that his acting felt distracted. You see, when I think of Javert I get Geoffrey Rush's annoyingly obsessive rule of law but also his conflicting conscience. Crowe should have been a little irritating because of his character not because of his unchanging expressions or of his singing. Speaking of his voice, it was not bad. It's also not a match. It's what I call bungol (deaf) like something you would hear from underwater.

For a novel that long, it is understandable when characters and details are left out. But it was extraordinary how this film (or the musical) managed to reduce the whole book in a comprehensive and complete form. Complete in a sense that all of the most important themes and characters I could remember where given enough time on screen...hmm except Sister Simplice, but we can assume she was that nun who nursed Fantine. It was very fast paced, yes. But my companion who hasn't read the book understood the story well. I need only mention some other details like what a wonderful priest the Bishop was, what happened to Valjean's business and things like that.

What surprised me though was Grantaire's reaction to Gavroche's death. I thought I missed that in the book, but no. Apparently, the creators of the musical took the liberty of adding this brotherly relationship and it was one heck of a moment to remember. Aside from that, my other favorite scenes were Valjean's "Bring him home", "Red and Black", "Empty chairs at empty tables" by Marius, and Javert awarding little Gavroche a medal.

I have complaints, too, on close-ups, focus and camera shake. I felt like I was watching through a 50mm lens. But let's not delve into that. The movie was exceptional. It was a timely piece on what history has to offer, brilliant young men & women always dying first before people make some changes and take action. It centered on the themes of conversion and forgiveness, remarkably embodied by Valjean through the help of one kind act by the Bishop. And in the end, it was the Bishop himself who welcomed him to His kingdom.

The Hobbit starts today

I wanted to review the book first before watching the movie, but someone borrowed it, promised to return in two weeks, and for some reason, the book still isn't here. So I'll just have to enjoy the movie then without being familiar with most of the dwarves. And today I am giving The Hobbit photos and links for you to enjoy!

First look at Bard and Legolas in the third(?) movie There and Back Again.
I'm still waiting for a still of Lee Pace as King Thranduil.

A featurette:

And finally a link to the end credits song for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey by Neil Finn, a founding member of the New Zealand band Crowded House. You can listen to the song at Rolling Stone's website.

June Screenings

June had been a great month for viewing movies and mini series. That's thanks to both HBO and Star Movies Asia! It was fun having to anticipate costume dramas, historical fiction, and book adaptations. I would love more of these kind: Game of Thrones Season Two, The Pillars of the Earth, Black Death, and Treasure Island (2012).

The highlight was The Pillars of the Earth, which I finished last night. Game of Thrones was badass, at least Jaqen H'ghar was! But it's not finished so, back to Pillars...

THE CAST: Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell!, Matthew McFadyen!,
Eddie Redmayne, Hayley Atwell, Donald Sutherland

The Pillars of the Earth was adapted from a historical novel by Ken Follett. It's set in the middle of the 12th century, primarily during the Anarchy, when a succession crisis led to a civil war in England. The novel focuses on the building of a cathedral during this time of turmoil. The story was remarkably good as was the set. But undoubtedly the best part of that series was the cast and their respective characters. I couldn't take my eyes off them. A lot are familiar, regulars in the genre, while some are up-and-coming. What this really means is that, I have new favorites. ;)

From those four films I've mentioned, I can name several actors who appear in two:

1) Sean Bean. They say Sean Bean is a spoiler. He's in GoT and Black Death. Dies in both, among others.

2) Carice van Houten. She plays Melisandre, a priestess, in GoT. And like Sean Bean, she also appears in Black Death as Langiva the necromancer/witch, though I don't really know for sure. Typecasting?

3) Eddie Redmayne has one of the most interesting faces, and striking as a redhead. He's lead in both Pillars and Black Death. This June also saw the release of Les Miserables' first trailer where he plays Marius.

4) The great Donald Sutherland was in both Pillars and Treasure Island.

Alison Pill as Princess Maud

Other actors who are making names are:

Hayley Atwell (love interest of Capt. America, long lost sister of Julia Ormond) who played Aliana in Pillars;

Sam Claflin (Aliana's brother in Pillars) who I recently saw in United (2011) as Duncan Edwards, one of Manchester United's Busby Babes who died in a plane crash. How was he as Snow White's prince in Snow White & the Huntsman?

I've always loved Alison Pill. I think of her as a no-nonsense actress. She played an impressively strong Princess Maud in Pillars.

Douglas Booth, as 15-year old Eustace in Pillars, appearing briefly. Now this one I don't know anything about aside from the fact that he'll be the new Romeo of Hailee Steinfeld's Juliet, and Noah's son Shem.

P.S. Elijah Wood was so bad as Ben Gunn in Treasure Island I felt awkward every time he came on screen. :(

P.P.S. William Hamleigh of Pillars

Don't be fooled. David Oakes plays dark characters. source

Screenplay Collection

Have you ever had that feeling when you find a book and think it was fate brought you together? I was at Booksale last Wednesday just to pass the time and found three amazing books: one about photographer Alfred Stieglitz and his painter wife Georgia O'Keeffe, an encyclopedia of watercolor painting techniques, and a book called Great Graphic Design on a Budget. But I couldn't afford any of those at the time and so headed over to the fiction section. And there it was. The moment I laid my eyes (and hand) on that second title from the far left column, I thought 'it's my book!'. That's what I love about second-hand book shops. You'll never know what easter eggs are hidden. I just found the screenplay of one of my all-time favorite movies: The History Boys!

Clockwise from top left: The Mommy Market, Nil by Mouth (Gary Oldman),
My Own Private Idaho & Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (Gus Van Sant),
The History Boys (Alan Bennett) and Three Screenplays (Ed Burns)

It's starting to look like a collection. That one with the Korean characters is the screenplay for The Mommy Market starring Anna Chlumsky. It came with the VHS tape my father bought in the 90s. This group though is missing my other favorite by writer/director Mike Leigh (right). My friend, who shares this admiration, is its current keeper.

Don't be put off by its title, the movie Naked is heavy and intense, but nonetheless first-rate especially the script and acting. I am in awe of movies that leave you questioning and speechless.

Finally, and as the 'History Teachers' would suggest, I'm ending this post with a 'gobbet.'

"The best moments in reading are when you come across something -- a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things -- which you had thought special and particular to you. Now here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out and taken yours."

~ Hector (The History Boys)

Once

Last night I was in music video heaven. Finally, I've seen the movie Once. After that, however, I couldn't sleep until about 3AM. The title is about how we always wait for the perfect moment before doing something we want, how we wait for the right time. "Once" we have this, "once" we get that. But when is the right time? So last night, while waiting for sleep to take over, I wrote some unfinished poems and melodies --- about Tom the retarded moon man (The Stand), and straight lines (sounds ridiculous ^^) --- which I still hope to complete.

I've read another trivia about originally casting Cillian Murphy to play the Guy. That must mean he can sing, right? And he can! I wonder what he would have done for the character. But from what I've seen, the movie made you focus on the characters, their story, and the music. Cillian Murphy might have partly added a distraction. My father said it would be hard to make him look rugged and disheveled.

One more thing. Look what I found:

That's Sitting Bull in Oirland!

The Hobbit First Trailer

I bet everyone's seen this already, but I can't help it. I want my own post, too!

Ahhh Fili and Kili! I remember being excited for Karl Urban in The Lord of the Rings, a New Zealand actor who played Cupid in the Xena and Hercules TV series. Now it's Dean O'Gorman's turn as Fili. He was Iolaus in Young Hercules. Then there's Kili. Too bad Aidan Turner had to leave Being Human to shoot the Hobbit. I loved his chemistry with the other two characters.

Don't you think Richard Armitage's makeup looks too pretty for a dwarf? They should have made his nose bigger or something. :)

Seeing Elijah Wood's back gave me goosebumps. Seriously.

A song and Gollum's voice!

December 2012... But because there's Metro Manila Film Festival every December, I expect it to come out January 2013. Sad.