Lifestyle: Movie - Hele Sa Hiwagang Hapis (A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery)

A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery is a 2016 Filipino fantasy drama film directed by Lav Diaz. It was selected to compete for the Golden Bear at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival.

The 8-hour epic is based on the story of Gregoria de Jesus, who searched for the body of her slain husband Andres Bonfacio. The movie stars Piolo Pascual and John Lloyd Cruz, who play the characters of Crisostomo Ibarra and Isagani from Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo,respectively.

The cinematography of this film was great.  It was very refreshing to see the contrasty of the film in black and white tones. The story and the words use of  "malalim na Tagalog" was exceptional. The development of the characters and the twist on the use of Tikbalangs was superb.

The films script is praiseworthy and the film's message to us Filipinos is remarkable. It is deep and profound just like our beloved national hero, Dr.  Jose Rizal.  

However if you don't have a working knowledge of Philippine history or Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo I think viewers will struggle a little bit.

The actors are very much notable in their performance. I highly encourage the students and educators to watch the film because they have the opportunity to influence the young generation to care for our nations rich culture and history. How rare is it to find a movie that touches the soul of the Filipinos' search for identity. I highly recommend it!

Its an 8 ******** out of 10 for me.

Lifestyle: My Movie Review - Batman Vs. Superman - Dawn of Justice

Synopsis:

It's been nearly two years since Superman's (Henry Cavill) colossal battle with Zod (Michael Shannon) devastated the city of Metropolis. The loss of life and collateral damage left many feeling angry and helpless, including crime-fighting billionaire Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck). Convinced that Superman is now a threat to humanity, Batman embarks on a personal vendetta to end his reign on Earth, while the conniving Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) launches his own crusade against the Man of Steel.

My point of view:

From the reviews I read there are valid and legitimate reasons for disliking the movie. I for once a DC comic fan find some boring spots on  the film. People are expecting more  from this movie but it failed to deliver in some parts. Its main flaw was the resembling of the Dark Knight Trilogy but it was indeed a great sequel to the Man of Steel and prequel to a JLA film franchise. Can't wait for this!

However DC comic fans shouldn't be worried because this movie was made to please the audience and not to please critics. Your opinion shouldn't be swayed by others anyway. If you rely on other people's opinions for validation of your own, you don't have much faith in it to begin with. So just go to the Cinema and enjoy the ride of more than two hours of awesome fight scenes between the Son of Krypton and the Bat of Gotham. And of course, the sexiness of the new Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) and wit and humor of  Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg).  

My rating for this film is 7 out of 10 stars *******

 

 

Lifestyle: Movie Review - Miracles from Heaven 2016

"Miracles from Heaven" is based on the incredible true story of the Beam family. When Christy (Jennifer Garner) discovers her 10-year-old daughter Anna (Kylie Rogers) has a rare, incurable disease, she becomes a ferocious advocate for her daughter’s healing as she searches for a solution. After Anna has a freak accident, an extraordinary miracle unfolds in the wake of her dramatic rescue that leaves medical specialists mystified, her family restored and their community inspired.

My Review:

This film is very timely for the Christian world because of the  coming Holy Week. I really enjoyed this movie. Whether you are religious or not, the story is compelling and the acting is solid. Jennifer Garner does a wonderful job at pulling you into their family dynamic. You can truly feel her emotional performance. This is a feel good movie that plays to its audience and preaches the importance of family values. 

I highly recommend this film not because its timely but it is refreshing to watch stories of real-life miracles that are happening every day.

My rating is 8 out of 10 stars ********

 

Lifestyle: Movie Review - The Divergent Series: Allegiant 2016

Movie Synopsis:

Tris must escape with Four and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known in order to find a peaceful solution for their embroiled city. Once outside, old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless with the revelation of shocking new truths. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love.

My Review:

The third installment of the Divergent Series: Allegiant -- The film showcases two stunning new worlds. The radioactive red landscape outside of the wall and the Utopian type high-tech societies. 

There are a lot of  action sequences that will thrill its audience.  The escape scene from Chicago and the sci-fi flying ships special effects are classy in good taste.  Like many book adaptations, the Divergent series is turning the final book into two films. The whole film is very predictable and lacked the emotional impact for each character. However the film introduces some big ideas about whether you need to be ‘pure’ or  remain  damage and paction less. The film ended without any resolution to the conflict and hangs the audience for the next installment of the film. 

For me the movie has always felt a bit like a second-rate Hunger Games. However teens and young adults will definitely enjoy the ride of this film. 

My rating:

6 out of 10 stars ******

Lifestyle: Movie Review - The London Has Fallen

Synopsis:

After the death of the British prime minister, the world's most powerful leaders gather in London to pay their respects. Without warning, terrorists unleash a devastating attack that leaves the city in chaos and ruins. Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) springs into action to bring U.S. President Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart) to safety. When Asher falls into the hands of the sinister organization, it's up to Banning to save his commander in chief from a horrible fate.

My Review:

The action film was fun and entertaining. It reminds me of  the APEC meeting in Manila last year where all head of states from the Asia Pacific region  meet but without the terrorists attack.  Good thing the Philppine government was prepared for it but it was indeed a logistics nightmare for the government.

Now back to the film, The CGI shots are not that impressive for me but compared to Olympus Has Fallen the film have improved  a lot. Mr. Butler was kicking terrorists butt and seems never get tired at all. As expected, the good guys always win over evil terrorists.

The film was violently awesome which makes the movie more fun and entertaining. Overall, London Has Fallen is  a fun action movie that will have audience's thrilled with so much excitement. 

Rating:

7 out of 10 stars *******

Lifestyle: My Movie Review - Disney's The Finest Hours

Synopsis:

Disney’s “The Finest Hours” is the unforgettable story of the Coast Guard’s courageous mission, which is directed by Craig Gillespie and stars: Chris Pine; Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominee Casey Affleck; Ben Foster; Holliday Grainger; John Ortiz; and Eric Bana.

A heroic action-thriller, “The Finest Hours” is the remarkable true story of the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history.Presented in Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D, the film will transport audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale. On February 18, 1952, a massive nor’easter struck New England, pummeling towns along the Eastern seaboard and wreaking havoc on the ships caught in its deadly path, including the SS Pendleton, a T-2 oil tanker bound for Boston, which was literally ripped in half, trapping more than 30 sailors inside its rapidly-sinking stern. As the senior officer on board, first assistant engineer Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck) soon realizes it is up to him to take charge of the frightened crew and inspire the men to set aside their differences and work together to ride out one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast. Meanwhile, as word of the disaster reaches the U.S. Coast Guard station in Chatham, Massachusetts, Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff (Eric Bana) orders a daring operation to rescue the stranded men. Despite overwhelming odds, four men, led by Coast Guard Captain Bernie Webber (Chris Pine), set out in a wooden lifeboat with an ill-equipped engine and little, if any, means of navigation, facing frigid temperatures, 60-foot high waves and hurricane-force winds.

My Review:

I really like the movie. I haven't seen this kind of  a movie in a long time.  Its grippingly adventurous but the most moving about this film is that it is based on a true story. You cannot imagine how awful the situation at that day. How can a small boat can sail along such storm to rescue 30 plus people.

This heroic movie was very inspiring because of great cast, great acting and great directing plus amazing true story. This movie is a must see for the whole family! Kudos to Disney!

9 out  of 10 stars *********