2012 Philippine Box Office and What the Future Holds for Local Film Industry

I believe that 2012 has been a generous year for local films. More than 5 films crossed the PhP 100M  mark. While the film quality can be mediocre to subpar, the fact is that we have a thriving movie industry. Filipinos become more engaged and interested in trooping to the theater.

2012 Oscar-Friendly Films I Wanna Watch: Part 3

All credits and synopses have been lifted from the Internet Movie Database. All rights reserved.

PROMISED LAND (2012)
Director: Gus Van Sant
Writers: John Krasinski, Matt Damon, Dave Eggers
Stars: Matt Damon, Frances McDormand and John Krasinski

A salesman for a natural gas company experiences life-changing events after arriving in a small town, where his corporation wants to tap into the available resources.

It's another low-profile project from the ever-reliable Matt Damon and a reunion film with his Good Will Hunting helmer Gus Van Sant. Early reviews appreciate the promise of the Promised Land. Lastly, it would be nice to see McDoemand and Holbrook on the big screen again.


Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 55%
Metacritic Rating: 52%

2012 Oscar-Friendly Films I Wanna Watch: Part 2

All credits and synopses have been lifted from the Internet Movie Database. All rights reserved.

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY (2012)
Director: Peter Jackson
Writers: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson., and Guillermo del Toro
Stars: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen and Richard Armitage

A curious Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, journeys to the Lonely Mountain with a vigorous group of Dwarves to reclaim a treasure stolen from them by the dragon Smaug.

It has been a tradition of mine to watch the director's cut of the Lord of the Rings trilogy every Christmas and just when I thought I've had enough, it seems that I haven't!!! Luckily, this film is already showing this week. I just can't wait to watch it and revisit Middle Earth!

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 74%
Metacritic Rating: 61%

2012 Oscar-Friendly Films I Wanna Watch: Part 1

All credits and synopses have been lifted from the Internet Movie Database. All rights reserved.

AMOUR (2012)
Director: Michael Haneke
Writer: Michael Haneke
Cast:  Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, and Isabelle Huppert

Georges and Anne are in their eighties. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, who is also a musician, lives abroad with her family. One day, Anne has an attack. The couple's bond of love is severely tested.

This movie was in competition at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival where it won the coveted Palme d'Or. So far, it has won the 2012 New York Film Critics Circle and National Board of Review Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It also features Oscar-worthy turns from its octogenarian leads. I'm not sure whether Ayala Malls will be screening this at Greenbelt or TriNoma but I hope so.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93%
Metacritic Rating: 91%

Favorite Movies of 2012: Argo

Argo (2012)
Directed by: Ben Affleck
Written by: Chris Terrio
Cast: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman

Favorite Movies of 2012: Bwakaw

Bwakaw (2012)
Director: Jun Lana
Written by: Jun Lana
Cast: Eddie Garcia, Soxie Topacio, Joey Paras, Beverly Salviejo, Rez Cortez

Favorite Movies of 2012: ÜnOfficially Yours (Star Cinema)

ÜnOfficially Yours (2012)
Director: Cathy Garcia Molina
Written by: Juan Miguel Sevilla
Cast: John Lloyd Cruz, Angel Locsin, Edgar Mortiz, K Brosas, Tetchie Agbayani

In her most natural and relaxed performance, Angel Locsin sizzles (literally and figuratively) in both drama and comedy. There was also an easy chemistry between the two leads. As a usual Star Cinema flick, it tries to tackle a taboo (one night stand) theme but succumbs to the dictates of the tried and tested formula of the mainstream. Regardless, the movie offers a huge dose of easy intelligent humor. It then suffocates itself with the justification of Angel's character's romantic predicament.

"Sa isang daang libong bagay na pinipilit, may isang bagay diyan na hindi mo kayang tanggihan."

Favorite Movies of 2012: The Mistress (Star Cinema)

The Mistress (2012)
Director: Olivia Lamasan
Written by: Olivia Lamasan and Vanessa Valdez
Cast: Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz, Hilda Koronel, Ronaldo Valdez, Anita Linda

Using the tried and tested Star Cinema formula, this movie worked in so many levels -- but it has to be that undeniable electrifying chemistry between the leads that really elevated it. Celebrating 10 years as a loveteam, Bea and John Lloyd showed that more than what they can offer as a duo, they have grown into intelligent and capable actors on their own. Hilda Koronel, Ronaldo Valdez, and legendary Anita Linda provided memorable supporting turns. The unexpected ending vindicates the film from being too formulaic and mainstream.

"Hindi dahil gusto mo... makukuha mo."

Where are you, Game of Thrones Season 3?

Photo courtesy: http://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/index.html#/game-of-thrones/about/video/season-3-date-tease.html

I am missing Game of Thrones so badly. I had to download the opening theme just so I can be reminded of the nudity (nauna talaga), schemes, wars, and battle of wits. Bakit ang tagal mo, 31 March 2013?!

It is one of those shows that become an instant classic even only after a few episodes. Sure, the plot is not really something we have not seen/heard yet but the compelling storytelling and narrative keeps me hooked. Exemplary production values, complex characters, great cast, crisp direction, and excellent writing make Game of Thrones a universally acclaimed TV series. It remains a puzzle to me though why it still fails to win a major Emmy award (as it is quite given that the technical awards are automatically for it to win).

2013 Grammy Awards Nominees

The nominees for the 55th Grammy Awards have been revealed by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

Photo courtesy: http://www.grammy.com/

RECORD OF THE YEAR
Lonely Boy - The Black Keys
Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) - Kelly Clarkson
We Are Young - Fun. featuring Janelle Monáe
Somebody that I Used to Know - Gotye Featuring Kimbra
Thinking Bout You - Frank Ocean

We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together - Taylor Swift

TIME Magazine's Top 10 Everything of 2012

The main page is here.

My favorites are:
(1) Best Movie Performances
(2) Best Tweets
(3) Best Viral Videos
(4) Best Movies
(5) Worst Movies

And the winner is... Meryl Streep!

Yeah, I know this post is already 9 months delayed. I thought I would not be able to witness in my lifetime Meryl Streep going up the Oscar stage again, but boy she did. And that was a wonderful speech - so heartfelt, genuine, funny, and eloquent.