Instagram Husband (from Time)

I was scanning my Facebook news feed when this caught my attention from Time. I just needed to read and watch it.

I cannot help but laugh. No judgment please. I am not as giddy as the women in the video but I know that my husband can relate very well. Hahahaha! 

Let me thank him for putting up with me with all my "photo shoots". But hey, if not for me, we will not have tons of pictures in our albums in every damn occasion including the trip to the cinema, going to a dinner near our neighborhood, the food we cook...and the like.:D

Man of Steel

We were supposed to watch Man of Steel on June 16, Father's Day, but obviously we couldn't wait. We decided to watch it late last night on the second to the last screening schedule.  The theater was full. We anticipated this so I reserved online in the morning. It's good I did that.

I have to agree with one of the reviews that Man of Steel flies but it didn't soar. I cannot pinpoint what is lacking.  Maybe there is none.  Maybe because it's just not the Superman I grew up with with theme songs and the clumsy Clark Kent. 

My interest in wanting to absorb how Chris Nolan presented this Superman reboot was what kept me from being bored with all the flashbacks which are, of course, necessary and a bit unsteady film shots, which I don't think are necessary.

I like the confusion the movie explored with Clark Kent as a child.  I like the way Jonathan Kent tried protecting his son and Martha Kent's unconditional love for his "cute" child as she said it, haha.  All these elements humanized Superman.  The movie was successful in this part. 

The non-stop action on the last 30 minutes or so of the movie just leaves you glued admiring the CGI. Just how did they do that?  Buildings after buildings collapse and crumble. You can almost feel the pain of Superman and General Zod when they throw each other and hit and go through high rise buildings.

I appreciated how the story unfolded. It was not hard for me to grasp the movie team's idea of humanizing  Superman. I highly welcomed it.  It didn't rob me of the Kal-el or Clark Kent's superhero character.   I also appreciate not seeing the red underpants in exchange for the more masculine outfit. 

The casting was perfect. Let me focus on Henry Cavill.  I remember he was also considered, at least by fans if I remember it right, to be the Edward Cullen in Twilight.  I didn't like him then.  I never did even when I first saw a preview of Man of Steel last year.  I thought he just didn't fit the role. 

But I take back my words.  My husband was the first to be engrossed with Man of Steel watching the 13-minute publicity special.  I watched the Man of Steel featurette and from there, I was convinced Henry Cavill is the perfect humanized Superman.  

Henry Cavill is the perfect actor to play Chris Nolan's reboot of Superman 2013. Let me quote this from one of the reviews I read, Review:  In 'Man of Steel," Henry Cavill Soars Over an Erratic Plot, "He's a superb choice for someone who needs to convincingly convey innate modesty, occasional confusion and eventual strength." 

I like Henry Cavill smiling and no facial hair, haha! (Image from Fiz X Entertainment.)

I also like to think that, unlike other actors who played Superman, Henry Cavill can get out of the shadow of the superhero.  His looks are so dramatic he can play roles in a rom-com for starters. I hope to see a lot of Henry Cavill in the big screen, not just as Superman.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn 2

After nine days my daughter and I finally watched Breaking Dawn 2.  We are both not die-hard fans of The Twilight Saga but we like them.  My daughter likes Taylor Lautner.  I like the story of Edward and Bella and the rest of the Cullens and the human Charlie and the kids in the first movie, Twilight.

One good "find" in this saga is Anna Kendrick.  I like her as Jessica in Twilight, Bella's frenemy.  I love her as Natalie Keener in George Clooney's Up in the Air.  She's so good.


Save for the fight of the Cullens and their vampire allies against the Volturis, this last installment of Breaking Dawn I consider light compared to previous movies, Eclipse and New Moon specifically.

I don't gush about the books/movies but there's nothing in The Twilight Saga that I don't like.  I take each book as it is, a fictional tale of a mortal and a vampire who fell in love with each other along with the complications that go with it.  Nothing profound. It just wants to entertain. And yes, I was entertained.

I felt sad the saga has ended.  I could just imagine the super fans of Edward Cullen and Bella Swan.

What I like about Breaking Dawn 2:
1.  It's humor.
2.  The new characters.
3.  The cinematography.
4.  I find the child, Renesmee,  mysterious and beautiful but a little creepy at some point.
5.  The great fight between the Cullens/Vampire Allies and the Volturis.

I downloaded all Twilight books from the site of a famous radio and television personality a few years ago. I enjoyed reading them all.  Eclipse is my favorite up to now.  But I did not finish Breaking Dawn, the book. I was disgusted on the first few chapters taking up the intimacy between Bella and Edward. No, it has nothing to do with "morality" issues as they were already married here. Just that the book took too much space for this. I just wanted to move on, haha.  I stopped reading.

Watching Breaking Dawn the movie, part 1, was a lot better. At least the movie gave each scene more creativity and yes, the cinematography was still breathtaking.  As in all books turned movies, it just choose highlights and let go of too many unimportant details that's why I appreciated the movie this time more than the book, at least for Breaking Dawn.

Comes now Breaking Dawn part 2.  I enjoyed watching it with my daughter.

I also like the OST (official soundtrack) of the movie.  I think this is the first time that I took notice of what's playing on the background.  Even Bella's Lullaby in Twilight did not make me swoon, haha.

I like Christina Perri's A Thousand Years. It just suits the scenes very well. :)


I told my daughter it's sad that the saga has ended.  A few minutes later she said, "I started being a tween during the Twilight years...Twilight was part of my tween years." It was like she was recalling how it was when she started liking Taylor Lautner during her late tween years.  She was already a big Nickelodeon fan - Hannah Montana, The Suite Life of Zac and Cody, Raven, etc - and of course, Justin Bieber, even before Taylor Lautner came into the picture.

My daughter is fourteen, officially a teenager since a year ago.  Nostalgic. So Twilight is like the end of an era for some.  Oh but that's forcing it, haha. Let me settle with the end of their being tweens. :)

Taking A Break, I Need This

I love movies, yes. I am just not sure if I can be called a movie buff.  I know and have seen a lot of movies than the average movie-going person but I fare low compared to some people I know who loves movies to the core.  I just love entertainment!  I particularly love some actors.  Sure I like the likes of Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, George Clooney, Richard Gere, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon but there are certain actors I give my precious time watching their movies, reading articles about them and going over YouTube for some more stories about them.  I also check how their movies are rated in Rotten Tomaotes.  In short, I am a fan girl of these wonderful breed of actors.

ETHAN HAWKE

He is my number one!  :)))

I have always liked him since I have watched Dead Poet's Society as the painfully shy Todd Anderson.  I have not seen him in any movie after that until the youth oriented film, Mystery Date. In the 90s, he was perfect as the slacker Troy Dyer in Reality Bites.  Falling in love with Ethan Hawke as Jesse in Before Sunrise is just essential.  Before Sunset made me want to be Celine (go, watch the movie, if you don't know who Celine is and if you haven't seen this movie - dear Lord, you are definitely missing a lot!).

The thing with Ethan Hawke is there is something beautiful about him.  It's not just his great looks, his eyes, his height or built.  Call it an X factor but Ethan Hawke is beautiful. Angsty? I don't think so.  I don't know.  Ethan is my favorite actor of all time maybe because we grew up in the same generation, the Gen X.  Reality Bites and Before Sunrise are two movies I will always cherish.

It gave me a different kind of excitement knowing that he was the main actor in Sinister. Yes, of course, I watched it.  There is a scarcity of Ethan Hawke films for years and I will not  miss a movie of him.  I cannot wait for Getaway and Before Midnight.

And look at Ethan here - seems to be shooing away paps and seems to have just gotten up from bed.  Still adorable specially because of the cute daughter on his lap and the dog beside.  He is aging gracefully.  Fatherly.   :)

Photo from Just Jared.

KEANU REEVES

I'm trying to recall when I first liked Keanu.  It's not in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure nor in My Own Private Idaho.  It was in Brotherhood of Justice where I liked him first.  Then there's Speed, The Devil's Advocate and of course The Matrix series.  I hope to see Keanu spruced up and raring to go again in the big screen.

Speaking of My Own Private Idaho, if RIVER PHOENIX is alive today, he'll be in my list.

River and Ethan were together in a movie as kids, Explorers. 

RYAN GOSLING

There's this movie called Stay which stars Ryan Gosling, Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts.  I have watched Fracture where he starred with Anthony Hopkins.  I liked both movies but have never really took note of Ryan Gosling, not until I have watched Ides of March.  Man, was he good there! Then I watched Crazy, Stupid, Love -  he was the epitome of coolness.  Drive was a good movie in my humble opinion.  Ryan was also good there.  I backtracked his movies and appreciate them more. :)

Ryan Gosling is your nice, romantic guy, generally.

CILLIAN MURPHY

Oh the accent, and the eyes! Just wow! Among the three - Ethan, Ryan and Cillian - Cillian is the best actor.  I am still looking for Peacock where he played dual role.  One was the painfully shy husband whom you wouldn't think is Cillian.  I loved his bad boy character in Red Eye which he played so well.  I watched through YouTube his movie, The Wind that Shakes the Barley where he as a different accent which he did so well.  I wish to see him more in the big screen.

And who is this man?

Cillian Murphy as John Skillpa in Peacock.

What I like most about Cillian Murphy is that he can play any role without being conscious of how he looks. In this aspect he reminds me of Johnny Depp.

JOHNNY DEPP

Why wouldn't I like him?  I liked him already in his very forgettable role in The Nightmare on Elm Street. Haha! And then there's another 80s television series, 21 Jumpstreet he topbills with spike hair full of gel.  He metamorphosed into a really great actor.  Until now I still love watching him in What's Eating Gilbert Grape (together with the very young and handsome Leonardo DiCaprio). Johnny Depp is like a chameleon.  I love him as Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  I didn't know he can sing in Sweeney Todd. He was funny in Sleepy Hollow and just himself in The Secret Window, haha, or maybe in Pirates of the Caribbean. :)  I love him in Donnie Brasco, Public Enemies but I love him best as Edward Scissorhands.

Johnny Depp, the chameleon.

Two other actors which I like somewhat like the four above but not as much but going there (just let me be, hahaha) - Josh Hartnett and Ezra Miller.

JOSH HARNETT

Josh -  because he is wonderful to look at, haha.  Yes, I admit I have not found anything about Josh yet the things or qualities I have found with Ethan, Ryan and Cillian.  But I like him.  I particularly like his role in 40 Days and 40 Nights.  Funny! I have watched him in Wicker Park and 30 Days of Night.  I have bought the DVD of The Black Dahlia.  He was wonderful in Lucky Number Slevin.  Like Cillian, I hope he makes more movies.  He deserves to be in the big screen.

EZRA MILLER

Now, Ezra Miller I took to liking when I watched him as the transgender Patrick in The Perks of Being a Wallflower.  So good!  In my search of him over the net, I found out he was the evil kid in We Need to Talk About Kevin.  Now, I need to have a copy of that movie.  :)))

Runners up would be CHACE CRAWFORD, the Nate Archibald of Gossip Girl. He was the reason why I got hooked with GG before.  I also like IAN SOMERHALDER mainly because of his good looks. I wouldn't mind if he will be Christian Grey in the movie version of Fifty Shades of Grey. ZAC EFRON is also a good choice. I like him since High School Musical days.   He seems to be a nice guy on and off the camera.  It's a nice feeling that he appreciates the beauty of the Philippines when he visited a few weeks back.

If ALAIN DELON happen to belong in this generation, I guess we wouldn't see RPatz as Edward Cullen. In my humble opinion, it would Alain Delon or Ethan Hawke.

Alain Delon, then and now. 

Oh well, let me not be confined with actors.  Let me say this is a list of personalities I really love.  Sharing the number one spot with Ethan Hawke is ANDERSON COOPER! Need I say more?  He is intelligent, he is good looking, very dignified, a great host!

Anderson is my wallpaper. :)  I took a screenshot of it and posted in my Instagram account.

Mr. AC! I'm loving my wallpaper.  

Next break time, I will be sharing the women I adore.  :)))

*Picures I used in this post are not mine. I got them as stated and from Google search in Images. If this is yours and you stumble upon this post, just tell me and I'll acknowledge.

Saturday Bonding Time

It was a fine good Saturday for me.

I was preparing to bring my daughter to school for her Math tutorial and head to the gym after.  I read my friend's status via foursquare that she was in her yoga class with another friend of ours. I immediately told them I'll drop by if they were still in the area. I texted them too as soon as my daughter was already inside the school.  They were having breakfast at McDonald's. Yay!

They waited for me and we spent the rest of the morning till lunch at McDonald's catching up. I love my girls! We were not complete as this was an impromptu meet-up but we'll find time to get together for breakfast or lunch or dinner. :)

The gym can wait.  I want to be with my friends. :) (Photo below grabbed from Cess.)

Nice to see you, girls! Chats, Cess and me. :)))

After our meet-up I headed to another McDonald's branch to wait for my daughter and her best friend.  After we all had our lunch we proceeded to the mall to buy our movie tickets. There's still a good one hour before we can enter the theater so I took the time to squeeze in my workout.  I had cardio (treadmill) for 40 minutes. It was good! I burned the calories I just had from McDonald's. Haha! While I was at the gym, my daughter and her best friend went to the grocery to buy some of food for her (the best friend) stock.

We met at the theater lobby and yes, watched Sinister, and enjoyed it. Yep, enjoyed it.  We had a pretty good scare.  My daughter though is not really one to get scared by horror movies.  But the best friend was really freaking out. Haha! It was also a good time for me because I have watched an Ethan Hawke film after so many years. I didn't know he was in Total Recall.  

And the kids goofed around the standee of Sinister. 

Watching Sinister with the kids. 

My daughter and I ended the day by going back to the grocery for our own groceries.  

Meeting friends, squeezing in my gym, going out with my daughter and her best friend, groceries....it was a really good Saturday I don't mind repeating.  :)))

The Glee Project and Robert Ulrich

I love gLee like most people I know - even my husband loves the show. We both love how the songs are arranged. We love the choreography and yes, how each actors suit the characters they portray. My daughter and I love Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer). :) My husband loves the character of Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch). She is perfectly cast(ed). Actually, gLee has a perfect cast.

Now the whole family is hooked on The Glee Project. We can't wait for Monday night to watch how it will go. We love the homework assignments given to each participants as well as the music video which serves as a group performance. My favorite so far is Firework and Ice, Ice Baby/Under Pressure. Boy, the slushie must have been that cold. Cameron needed to stop as he appears to be very cold and distracted.

Unfortunately, one of my favorites had been eliminated tonight - Marissa. But hopefully her good exposure in The Glee Project will open doors for her in Hollywood. My husband thinks Hannah, the big, bubbly girl just might end up the winner. I am rooting for Cameron (with his glasses on) and Samuel.

The Glee Project is actually looking for someone not just who can deliver an outstanding performance but someone whose character can evolve and blend with the cast, someone whose personality can inspire the writers to develop a story which will be relevant for gLee.

My husband contests my bet Samuel because he is just like Puckerman. It can be Hannah for him but I am saying there's already Mercedes. But he says Hannah is very bubbly compared to Mercedes' character. But we're both one in saying it could be Cameron since there's no one like him yet in gLee - nerdy, awkward, cute. But that sounds like Finn, right? But Finn is not nerdy.

But you know what? Aside from the participants, I also look forward to the three judges/mentors of The Glee Project - gLee creator, Ryan Murphy, choreographer, Zach Woodlee and most especially Robert Ulrich, the casting director and the show's master host. All three guys are good mentors and are very appreciative of the efforts of each contenders. I like it that they are very encouraging.

I liked Robert Ulrich the first time I've watched him in The Glee Project. He struck me as someone who is so fatherly and who has genuine concern for the kids in the show. Not to mention he is cute, haha. I needed to search for him in Google. And the things I read made me liked him more. He is also the casting director for CSI and other popular shows in the US.

Robert Ulrich, Casting Director of gLee and The Glee Project, among other shows.

Was I right in how I feel about him being so paternal with all the participants. I love this write-up about him, "Robert Ulrich Reveals His Glee Casting Formula"...

"As a casting director, you never tell somebody to their face anything negative really," he remarks, adding that he felt very paternal toward the contestants as many are the same age as his 19-year-old son. "You don't get to share in the joy necessarily, but you also don't see the disappointment, as you're always dealing with the agents. And to be so invested in these kids and see on their face when they were going home, it was really, really hard because I love them all."

Isn't he such a sweetheart? :)

*Photo from the same link of the article.

Super 8

We watched Super 8 last night. How was it? Not great but good. Honestly my daughter and my husband were not too keen on watching it. They prefer Kung Fu Panda 2 but well, I've been living under a rock for quite some time I haven't watched Kung Fu Panda 1 yet. So I said we should just watch Super 8. On my mind was Super 8 was directed by Steven Spielberg. *Sheepish grin*

It turned out to be an enjoyable movie. My husband and daughter love it, especially my daughter. We both like Elle Fanning too.

I have to say science fiction movies do not at all excite me. I watch, yes, but I am not the first one to line up the cinema just to have that high feeling of "yes! I've watched THE movie". I am not fond of aliens. I rave about the effects and the novelty of watching a much talked about movie (like Avatar, Star Wars, and the like). But how come I enjoyed watching this one?

This movie is like straight from a cable channel you opt to watch in a lazy Saturday afternoon and surprisingly you get so engaged watching it. It reminds me of several movies featuring children and their the friendship that binds them together through thick and thin. No hidden agenda, just plain, innocent, sweet friendship. It reminds me of Stand By Me, Goonies, E.T., War of the Worlds, and My Science Project. Haha.

There were moments when I wish they could speed up the scenes and let me know who the antagonist is. But those scenes were bearable. This movie, though without any popular star, is nice to watch. I like the look and feel of the setting which is the 70s. I like its official soundtrack, "My Sharona". I feel like dancing to it. :)

We stayed until the credits at the end of the movie was shown as it showcased in full the film the kids have created and shot amid the chaos caused by the military and the extraterrestrial being in the little town of Ohio. This short film is also fun to watch.

Super 8 is a good summer ender for my daughter who is about to start her intermediate school next week. If you want to relax, give a little scream, and just have fun while eating your popcorn, go, see this movie.

Justin Bieber in Manila, Never Say Never Concert

It's been more than a month since I last updated here. I've been really busy both at the personal and professional fronts. The whole family is actually. But I took some time off from work, at least half day last May 10. It was a big date my daughter has been waiting for.

Yes, we were two of the gazillions of people who watched Justin Bieber's Never Say Never concert in Manila. We bought the tickets last December 2010 just to be sure we have secured ourselves passes to see JB. We don't want what happened with Taylor Swift's concert when we were not able to get tickets right away.

It was a fun night but I was not exactly impressed with Justin Bieber's performance. I thought something was lacking. I thought he seemed less energetic and enthusiastic. I was expecting what I saw in his concert movie, like his concert in Madison Square Garden. There was not even much special effects.

He was looking tired. I told myself watching his 3D concert/documentary Never Say Never at the theater was a lot better. The live concert by the way is much like his movie with video clips when he was still a young child. I appreciate him better on the big screen than watching him perform live. But of course, my daughter did not notice what seemed to be JB's lackluster performance. She was really in high spirits watching Bieber.

Going home in the wee hours of the morning after the concert and checking my Twitter and Facebook, I found out Justin was sick during the concert and even had throwing up episodes. That explained why the show was not as spectacular as I thought it would be. But kudos still to the boy for doing his best and not cancelling the show.

My daughter was really happy and I was really happy seeing how excited she was watching the show. I actually had fun not only from watching the concert but witnessing a crowd of young people so alive - screaming from joy, dancing to the beat, singing their hearts out. Boy, they have memorized all the songs JB did. JB really owe it to his fans. :)


Justin in his famous purple shirt.

Probably singing one of his mellow songs.

Until I've watched his 3D concert movie/documentary, I didn't know this boy plays a lot of musical instruments.

The text above the picture was edited by my daughter, not me, haha. Yes, she was really excited.

Oh yes, the mom is just too happy to see her daughter having a great time. The crowd was so alive.

Justin Bieber's "Never Say Never"

My daughter had been eagerly anticipating this movie by Justin Bieber, "Never Say Never". She is a great fan of this boy wonder. She wanted to watch the movie right after her grade school graduation last Thursday but of course, going to the theater was not a priority on that night. We had dinner instead.

We watched it on Sunday afternoon. I was mulling over what to do while I sit there beside her for more than one hour. While checking the movie schedule online, my eyes darted on the how long the movie is. It says one hour and forty five minutes. I told myself "oh boy, I have to amuse myself that long". Needless to say I was prepared not to be entertained. I am not a JB hater, haha. It's just that I already have a Justin Bieber overdose at home. I don't need to see a documentary of his life.

But all for the love of my daughter, I went with her, paid for the 3D charge for the movie, wore that big glasses on top of my eyeglasses and munch on my popcorn. And the movie started.

Surprisingly the movie has a smooth flow. In summary, it documented Justin's musical inclination and talent since he was a toddler up to the present. Oh yes, this is very clever. What mother wouldn't appreciate a child playing musical instruments and singing to his heart's content.

It also warms my heart how close Justin is to his grandparents. You can see the genuine care and concern of the grandfather most especially. Video clips of Bieber as a small boy often show him with his grandfather. His family seems to be a closely knit family. His parents are divorced but from the clips, they seem to be in a harmonious relationship.

It was also touching to see how his father, very young father, cried during one of his concerts. I love that. It was also clear how close Justin is with his mom. Everybody was congratulating Justin but one point he approached his mom who was just sitting in one corner after his successful show at Madison Square Garden. He gave her a big hug. That was sweet.

The movie also showed the hard work Justin gives to be able to come up with a great performance. There are sacrifices and there are sacrifices. There's a price to pay for each success that you get. Is that it?

I am surprised to know Justin knows how to play the drums. He plays the drums, the guitar, the piano and he sings. He's really talented.

One thing I noticed is that his concert is patterned after Michael Jacksons...the pyrotechnics (of the fireworks on stage) and most especially the presence of a girl to whom Justin will offer a song. Just like MJ's, they choose a girl randomly to be on stage with Justin. Usher's idea?

Well, nothing really bad about it. I hope Justin will not be another Jonas Brothers, a flash in the pan. I sincerely think he will not be as long as he will be able to reinvent himself.

One thing I don't like about this documentary on JB is too much exposure of his manager. Yawn. He talks too much and too much close-up. I hope they had a lengthy or substantive interview also with the father.

All in all, I like Never Say Never.

Jillie Bean's Deli

The past days had been really stressful plus the fact that I almost had flu. Let me take it easy tonight. One of my stress relievers at night is my virtual kitchen. I visit this three times a week, sometimes less if I am really tired to play Cafe World at night. I don't spend much time with it but I have to say this is the only game left in my FB.

Most people in my list keep on sending invitations for Cityville and keep on sending/asking gifts for FarmVille. A lot of them have outgrown Cafe World but not me. Haha. I love the different tasks I get to see when I log on. This game is pretty easy too. It's also not time consuming. The average time that I spend here is about 15 minutes and yet I can maintain a cute and neat kitchen. :)

I love the sound it makes when the chef is cooking. I love the food that were finished tonight. Look.....

There's red burrito, birthday cupcakes and waldorf salad. Inside the deep fryer by the way are fried onions.

I love the colors! If only it's this easy to cook in my real kitchen. I just pick a recipe, put them all together in one pot, leave them for a few hours or even a day, and they are all ready for consumption when I get back. Life would be easier then. :)

The Tourist

Finally I have watched The Tourist. I have wanted to watch this movie from the first time I read about it because it stars Johnny Depp. Though I am not so fond of his long hair here and his beard, still, it's Johnny Depp. I watch him not only for his looks but for his talent. He is a great actor and an accidental movie star.

I like the opening scene - Angelina Jolie under surveillance from the police working for Scotland Yard. I like it when she went out of the building looking so poised and elegant. In fact I should say looking at how beautiful Jolie is made me continue watching the film and not choosing to snooze instead.

Sometimes the film borders on the ridiculous but I guess it was deliberately done, like a satire on gangster films. It was really funny how Depp and Jolie even danced in the middle of a very critical moment. It was also funny how the crowd in the party sort of parted in half to make way for Jolie's arrival. Well, she is stunning but it was too contrived. But as I've said methinks that was the point. Emphasize the obvious.

Yes, I find the film really slow. I kept on waiting when it's going to pick up, have some action and some witty dialogues. It's not until about 70% of the film has gone when I got really interested with what is going on. Who is Alexander Pearce.

I love Angelina's gait. I love her full lips and her make-up and how she moves her head. That's about it. Johnny Depp is as usual good. Though I love him when his character is more intense or over the top, I still find him credible as a timid, unsuspecting Math teacher here.

Paul Bettany is also good, I love his accent. I remember him as Silas from The Da Vinci Code. This guy should be given more breaks. Timothy Dalton is a lot better when he stopped playing James Bond.

This movie grew on me. I thought it will just be one of those movies I've watched because I love The Depp. Well, yes it is but the twist, which I quite suspected, leaves me snickering. Nice one. This will make you say I knew it all along and leaves you quite satisfied.

Dragons, Toys, Vampires and A Kid

I am excited for today's Mommy Moments. I knew right away what to share when I checked the theme last night. My family loves watching movies. My daughter is in her tween years and she is already keeping up with the movies I like...Or is it the other way around? I am keeping up with the movies she likes.

So far this year, there are four movies we both love. One is How To Train Your Dragon which is a movie about the transformation of a boy named Hiccup who wants to slay one of the most feared dragons in their land. Eventually, the goodness in his heart overpowered his desire to kill but instead a friendship between him and the dragon unfolded.



The whole family also watched Toy Story 3. We all loved the first two parts, it's but natural that we watch the last installment of the movie. Sad that this was the last of Woody, Buzz and the rest of the company. WE LOVE THE MOVIE TO BITS! This is what I posted in my Facebook status after watching it:

Watched Toy Story 3 tonight with husband and daughter. All fun! A very engaging movie with honest sentiments - leaving and letting go, adjusting to a new environment, trusting, friendship, togetherness. We love it just like the rest of the world. It's a movie with heart and humor. Good night and sweet dreams! Good morning and have a great day ahead!

Of course, this movie is included in the list - the third of the series of the Twilight saga - Eclipse. Just that I am a true-blue Team Edward and my daughter is a hardcore Team Jacob. My husband does not care one bit. In fact he never joined us watching any of the Twilight films. Haha.


I intended to watch Karate Kid with Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan just so I can compare how it is the same or how it is different from the Ralph Machhio/Pat Morita's Karate Kid. It was one of the movies of my time. My friend and I lined up the movie house and sat on the stairs just to watch Karate Kid back in the 80s.

I once loved Ralph Macchio. I'm following him in Twitter now, ralphmacchio. It's good to know he is still good looking, leading a good life and seems to be a family man often tweeting about his family activities. I digress.

I was surprised to see that today's Karate Kid is also very engaging. The casting was perfect. I love Jackie Chan in the movie as well as Will Smith's son, the bida in the movie - Jaden Smith. But it's Taraji Henson whom I love the most. She played the Karate Kid's mother.

I can identify so much with her whenever she has to repeat instructions for his son. My daughter and I kept nudging each other whenever these scenes are shown. She can relate too. Every single day, I have to say the same things all over before she does them. Hmmm.


Noticed how we love posing in front of each movies' standees? Haha. We do that even before the movie is shown. As soon as we see a promotional standee, we strike a pose. Shallow fun for mom and daughter. :)

***Read more sharing at Mommy Journey.

Cillian Murphy

Finally I was able to watch the very much raved about movie, Inception. I love it just like how I loved the first Matrix. But let me discuss about Inception in succeeding posts. For now, all I want to talk about is CILLIAN MURPHY (Robert Fischer in the movie). 

He was the Scarecrow. He became a transvestite. He was Red Eye. He had breakfast in Pluto. Soft, blue eyes. Wavy, short, clean - any way his hair is cut, he carries it well. He's a rock star, he's evil, he's nice, he's a nerd. His accent adds to his appeal. Pouting lips. Melancholy look. Cillian Murphy is beautiful. I feel like singing James Blunt's You're Beautiful.

I can't agree more with the article's title.  I see him as a refined Johnny Depp.  Like Depp, he is an actor who takes every role a challenge, does not mind how he will look on screen but gives depth to the character he portrays.  Every angle of his face and the way he looks at you speak volumes of character and experiences. He is such a good actor.

A quiet man who does not live like a Hollywood star - no bodyguard, no stylist, no publicist. He keeps his private life private. "I haven't created any controversy, I don't sleep around, I don't go and fall down drunk (from Cillian Murphy, Personal Life, Wikipedia)." He is married to his long-time girlfriend and they have two children.

Recognized for his talent, not just sheer beauty. Look here for his credentials.

I wish to see you more in the movies, Cillian!

Yes, I am in fangirl mode. :)

Rhythm of the City + Brandon Boyd

I am a member of several pages in Facebook. These are the pages which I want to read updates in my news feed. Examples - Time, CNN, Michelle Obama, The Today Show, Colbert Report, The Onion, LesMills Body Pump among others. I have to admit though I rarely visit these pages unless I am very much interested with their updates.

But there's one page I never fail to visit these days everytime I log on to Facebook. It's the Vintage Sound of 99.5 RT (Rhythm of the City). I am just so glad to have seen the page in one of the updates from a network list. Most of the people are like me, someone who grew up listening to the music and the jocks of this radio station. The 80s were the glory years of RT. Always the first to play new songs. They play it even before it becomes a national anthem. There is some kind of exclusivity when it is played over at RT. A clique? Not really. Just satisfying a craving for some good, fresh music before the airwaves bleed them to death.

One great example I can remember is Lies by The Thompson Twins (neither Thompson nor twins by the way). Eat Bulaga's dance contest made it soooo popular. Back then, record companies promote a song, a danceable song, by way of a dance contest in noon time shows. Creative ha. I can still see on my mind the moves and steps and the sometimes out-of-this-world costumes.

Here is an example of those dance contests. 2:51, Lies but Flashdance here is the clear winner! :D


Anyway, like what I've posted in my FB status the other day, the Vintage Sound of 99.5 RT made me dig from my archive of songs and find the others in YouTube. Songs from the 80s and 90s. It's great to watch and hear the songs being posted at the page.

But well, this is not a vintage RT sound, but the fan girl in me (like what I've said in my Twitter) is alive again. It's THE BRANDON BOYD! Great, great vocalist. I love his rendition of Drive in this particular video, acoustic version. Suave, effortless, easy to listen.


I love the solo whistling. Brandon Boyd, may you reach greater heights in your life and career.

Pi, Jesse and Celine

I bought two books the other day, one for me and one for my daughter. I picked up The Life of Pi reading its brief write up from the back cover.

.....combining grand storytelling with a profound exploration of ageless themes: faith and truth, fact and fiction, man versus nature, and innocence and experience.....

I have known this book years ago, read a lot of blogs and forums talking about how good the book is. But for some reason I have always skipped buying this. I started reading the other night and I'm onto a few pages already. I never thought this book will entertain me.

I'm liking it so far.

"Fiction, the selective transforming of reality? The twisting of it to bring out its essence?"

*****



Last night I thought of watching clips from Before Sunset. Just because. This is one of my favorite movies of all time. This movie all started from Before Sunrise in 1995 I guess (or 1994, I'm too lazy to google). In 2004 they met again, about nine or ten years after. Ha! I had a post about this in one of my obscure blogs. I wrote.....

Can I stand a movie with only two characters just talking for an hour and a half? Yes - beautiful people talking about whatever comes to mind, exploring possibilities. Excruciatingly honest. Intelligent scriptwriting, effortless acting. And its setting, Vienna, is one of the most romantic places for me - walking on cobblestone pavements and beautiful landscapes.

Existential ennui, don't we experience that once in a while no matter how old or young we are. The movie could be a documentary of anyone's life, a life that comes across one's thought but maybe has no chance to explore, to dissect and to experience because of being too afraid of going down the train and wander and face the what ifs.

And then they meet again. And I like the ending. So much.

I read somewhere a part three is being considered. I don't know how it can be any better than Before Sunset. But I'd welcome a third. Let it be as real and as unfiltered as the first two. Real? The feelings Jesse and Celine presented to us are real for some people at least.

*****

My favorite exchange of dialogues.....

A transcript from one of my favorite moments in Before Sunrise.

Jesse: Alright, I have an admittedly insane idea, but if I don't ask you this it's just, uh, you know, it's gonna haunt me the rest of my life

Celine: What?

Jesse: Um... I want to keep talking to you, y'know. I have no idea what your situation is, but, uh, but I feel like we have some kind of, uh, connection. Right?

Celine: Yeah, me too.

Jesse: Yeah, right, well, great. So listen, so here's the deal. This is what we should do. You should get off the train with me here in Vienna, and come check out the capital.

Celine: What?

Jesse: Come on. It'll be fun. Come on.

Celine: What would we do?

Jesse: Umm, I don't know. All I know is I have to catch an Austrian Airlines flight tomorrow morning at 9:30 and I don't really have enough money for a hotel, so I was just going to walk around, and it would be a lot more fun if you came with me. And if I turn out to be some kind of psycho, you know, you just get on the next train.

Jesse: Alright, alright. Think of it like this: jump ahead, ten, twenty years, okay, and you're married. Only your marriage doesn't have that same energy that it used to have, y'know. You start to blame your husband. You start to think about all those guys you've met in your life and what might have happened if you'd picked up with one of them, right? Well, I'm one of those guys. That's me y'know, so think of this as time travel, from then, to now, to find out what you're missing out on. See, what this really could be is a gigantic favor to both you and your future husband to find out that you're not missing out on anything. I'm just as big a loser as he is, totally unmotivated, totally boring, and, uh, you made the right choice, and you're really happy.

Celine: Let me get my bag.

And from Before Sunset.

Jesse: Oh, God, why didn't we exchange phone numbers and stuff? Why didn't we do that?

Celine: Because we were young and stupid.

Jesse: Do you think we still are?

Celine: I guess when you're young, you just believe there'll be many people with whom you'll connect with. Later in life, you realize it only happens a few times.

Jesse: And you can screw it up, you know, misconnect.

*****

Checking Rotten Tomatoes, Before Sunset is at 95%, and Before Sunrise is at 100%. Wow, after all these years, the reviews are still so high. I just have to agree!

Up in the Air

.....consummate modern business traveler who, after years of staying happily airborne, suddenly finds himself ready to make a real connection.

Ryan has long been contented with his unencumbered lifestyle lived out across America in airports, hotels and rental cars. He can carry all he needs in one wheel-away case; he's a pampered, elite member of every travel loyalty program in existence; and he's close to attaining his lifetime goal of 10 million frequent flyer miles - and yet...Ryan has nothing real to hold onto. (Up in the Air)

Reading that snippet of Up in the Air made me very interested to watch the movie. Why? Because I can identify with what was written, except that I am very much connected to people :) I love the fast-phased life, a life always on the go. I wondered then what could Up in the Air has to offer me? Will I learn a thing or two, would I be able to identify myself with the character?

I was excited to watch it to see how the story will go. George Clooney is also someone great to watch in the big screen. As the story unfolds, I see how different the character is from mine except for the fact that we both love zooming in and out, dashing to and fro.

I love the story though. We all want to get connected one way or another. There will come a time when we look for a warm body to talk to, to spend the day with, enjoy conversations and eventually fall in love with. But sad to say things are not always what it seems to be.

You may be ready but the other party is not, and never will be. "You are an escape. You are a parenthesis." Ouch, that will surely hurt.

Anyway, I love the fact that the women here are Ryan Bingham's (George's character) greatest challenge. Natialie (Anna Kendrick), a young and idealistic co-employee who is out to prove that her cost-efficient initiative of downsizing a company through conference call will benefit the organization, is surprisingly great. A far cry from her Twilight stint as Bella's friend.

I didn't recognize her at first because she acted so well. She deserved that best actress nomination.

Alex (Vera Farmiga), is Ryan Bingham's match. Sleek, cunning, sexy, intelligent. But she can't be more that what she is for him.

I just find it odd that there is a motivational speech about a life free of relationships with people and things. With things, that can be possible. But with people? And it's more odd because there are people who pays to listen for this kind of "motivational speech". This is what Ryan Bingham does on the side, "What's In Your Backpack"?

I still think this movie should have won the Oscar Best Picture award. It has heart, mind and humor.

Avatar

I first read about Avatar a few months ago. Where? I forgot because I was not that interested at that time. I remember it was described as the film that will change the face of cinema forever. Big words. I did not click the link to watch the trailer because I was reading about This Is It.

I do watch science fiction because of the production design, the computer generated imagery but I have not been excited in any movie that belongs to that genre. To say the least I have no intention of watching Avatar in the big screen. I will just wait for the DVD copy.

Avatar was shown in the Philippines on the third week of December. I am not one to ride the bandwagon (in fact, oftentimes I find myself having a different opinion from the bandwagon). I have to see what I have to see. I was intrigued by how a lot of people gushed at how great the movie is. And how publicities regard Avatar as the movie that will revolutionize 3D film making and that movies will be divided into Before Avatar and After Avatar. I like that I have to admit. Advertising at its best and I allowed myself to be lured.

Oh well, if this is indeed a movie revolution, I should be a part of history and watch it together with my family.

I am glad we watched it, more than glad. My husband, who is a sci-fi enthusiast, loves the concept and the CGI. My daughter who is not patient with movies lasting more than it should (except maybe if it's a Disney movie) loves it. She was also engrossed with it just like me. I sat there at the movie theater not bracing myself for anything but I was hooked five minutes after the movie started.

James Cameron always has big movies which my husband all loves - The Abyss, Terminator 1 & 2, Aliens. I have watched them all too but my only favorite among his movies is Titanic.

Avatar is now included. Avatar, as it has been said, is about the greed and the imperialistic attitude we all possess which destroys our environment - the balance of life. The climate conference in Copenhagen was held a few days before the showing of the movie. Talk about timing.

Anyway, I have not watched Sigourney Weaver in a long time. It's good to see her in this movie. She's her usual fiery self.

Let me dwell more on the CGI. I love, love, love it!

The lush forest with all its giant trees and wild plants is just beautiful to see especially when the plants light up. Is this how the Garden of Eden looks? I wish this is how it is on earth. Imagine a place with floating mountains. Think about communing with nature, us, understanding what they need and want, and them, understanding what we need and want. And they all light up at night as we pass them by. Beautiful. Truly larger than life. Humongous.

I love how the Na'vis were created. They were designed beautifully. Tall, slender, blue skin, wide eyes, graceful, nice, well-kept dreadlocks. Spiritual.

Tell me what is the real set and what is CGI. You cannot really tell. It's seamless. The CGIs can actually act. It scares you sometimes they act better than the real actors. :)

The year in Avatar is 2154. Several light years away from Earth is a place where a mineral called Unobtainium can save our planet from losing its energy reserve. Will this ever happen? Who knows? But a sequel to Avatar will probably happen in the next years.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Movie

I read the book, I love it! I watched the movie, I like it. But definitely not as much as I liked Twilight. In Twilight, Edward Cullen dazzled me. He was enigmatic, he was mesmerizing. In New Moon, there was less of him (as expected) and in those scenes he was either brooding or sneering. The mystery was uncovered in Twilight hence there was less excitement for me in New Moon. The sparkles were better though I think. Having said that, I am still for Team Edward!

New Moon was true to the book as Twilight was. I love the opening where Bella dreamt of the future - Bella as an old woman and Edward, still at 17. I love the meadow where the scene was taken. It gave a dreamy, soft feeling.

The effects in New Moon are far better than in Twilight. The transformation of the men into wolves were smooth. Yes, it could have been better if they morphed slowly for better impact. Maybe they will do that in Eclipse.

What I liked about the movie:

1. Edward's sparkle.
2. Bella is so beautiful.
3. The scene where the months passed by while Bella remained brooding.
4. The werewolves, the casting was good.
5. Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black for the effort of working hard so he will fit to his role.
6. The paper cut scene. I find Jasper adorable when he's helpless.
7. The parade in Italy.
8. Bella's adrenalin rush where Edward always appear in her vision.
9. The scene where Jacob did not give the phone to Bella when Edward called.

What I wished were given more creativity:

1. The series of miscommunication which made Alice and Edward think that Bella has passed away.

I can't believe there are still Twilight Saga haters, that there are still people who try to put the series down for not finding any deep, profound meaning in the books. There is none. We all know that from the start. You read these books for the sheer fun of it, not because you want an Edward Cullen or a Jacob Lautner in your life. We all know Bella is not an ideal person with her lovelorn self all over the book/movie. They are fun books, or fan books, the two apply. Everything in the book is fiction. Either you read and watch or just leave them alone.

I would like to see the third installment of the Twilight Saga, Eclipse. I read it will be shown on June 2010. Great! This is my favorite among the Twilight series. The love triangle is intense here.

"Koch" with a Short "O"

I have been watching some soap operas sporadically because of three reasons: I'm doing something else when these shows are on, my erratic schedule arriving home at night and I channel surf a lot. But of all the local soap operas I have seen, Tayong Dalawa has the perfect casting. No, I won't comment about the plot nor the roles of each character but the casting that made the story line alive.

Tayong Dalawa posted the second highest rating soap from the Kapamilya channel. They were able to topple Kapuso's Dingdong-Marian tandem. The casting has never been so perfect. Each one fits to his role especially the demented Agot Isidro, the funny, street-smart grandmother Gina Pareno and that of Cherry Pie.

The highest rating goes to May Bukas Pa. It's been extended till next year I heard. Desiree Verdadero (playing the mayor's mistress) acts well but looking at her and the suave Albert Martinez (the mayor) seems a bit odd. I'm not sure why. Desiree is pretty alright but maybe a sexier personality will be perfect for the role. Angelica Panganiban maybe.

Another miscast is John Estrada as Lorna Tolentino's husband in Dahil May Isang Ikaw. It's not that he is way younger than Lorna. It doesn't show really but there could have been an actor in the caliber of Lorna and Gabby (the soap's senior leading man) which could make this a casting coup. On my mind is Albert Martinez but he's still in another soap.

Sid Lucero is perfect for the role of an obsessed man. He is intense without over acting. I hate him. He is disgusting. He is very effective in his role. Surprisingly, Karylle gives out a realistic performance. She has a nice speaking voice for one. She can carry a role of someone that you should hate but instead will take pity on because of her obsession and her love for her mother.

Oh yes, Dahil May Isang Ikaw revolves around obsession. John's character is obsessed with Lorna. Chinchin's character is obsessed with Gabby. Gabby and Lorna are obsessed with each other so are Jericho and Kristine. Sid is obsessed with Kristine and Karylle with Jericho. My, oh, my.

The biggest miscast is Zanjo Marudo as Martin in the Filipino version of Lovers in Paris. I knew it from the very start. Martin is supposed to be a happy-go-lucky street smart rich guy. He's supposed to be somebody cosmopolitan. He has traveled the world and stayed for some time in Paris as a vagabond.

But when you see Zanjo, and hear him speak, you'll wonder if he has been anywhere but in the streets of Tralala. He cannot even pronounce the word "coach" properly. The scene sometimes is suppose to be in its dramatic highlight and suddenly you'll hear Zanjo say "koch", "koch" with a short "o". Can somebody coach him how to be in his role so he won't look like a sore thumb when in the same scene with the dashing Piolo Pascual and still handsome Christopher de Leon? Zanjo is fine but certainly miscast as Martin.

Michael Jackson, This Is It!

I have been waiting for Michael Jackson's This Is It as soon as it was announced there is going to be a documentary of the concert to be shown in theaters. As the day of the premiere gets nearer I couldn't help but quietly anticipate the movie. It was a mixed feeling. I was happy I will be able to watch him sing and dance on stage even if they will just be snippets of the whole O2 concert. There was a tinge of sadness and then longing that this was the last time he will ever produce and perform.

At last I have watched it with my husband and daughter. See even children love Michael Jackson. They didn't even know much about him until his death which was a world wide news. He was very endearing. His appeal made a mark across generations.

I eagerly waited for the sneak previews to end and sit comfortably and savor what MJ will offer to his fans all over the world. On my mind this could be too commercialized and will only have a few footage of his actual rehearsal. I was just too happy to watch how much respect this documentary gave Michael Jackson.

His passion for his craft was very clear. I saw a very healthy and enthusiastic Michael Jackson. Reports said he dragged himself to his rehearsals and appear tired. None of these were obvious in the documentary. Everyone felt his enthusiasm and his energy.

All of fifty years and yet he danced like every bone in his body was made for the fluid moves and glides he makes.

There was no body double for this documentary. Everything was MJ. One, people can feel if there is anything fake here. Two, that will be too obvious as MJ has a certain move, sound and smile that no impersonator can consistently imitate.

MJ ran the show. Kenny Ortega was the director but Michael always has the final say. He knows what to do. His ideas seem to crop up in an instant. He was one creative person indeed.

This movie showed how meticulous he was. He wanted everything perfectly done. He was supportive of his team. He wanted them to shine. A very secured person Michael Jackson was in that sense.

He was a great leader, always inspiring his people, always calm and collected dealing with them.

The man was thin yes, but it never looked like he lived on drugs as was reported. I looked beyond the reputation the tabloids created of him through the years. Here was a man truly dedicated to his craft. That was pretty obvious if we are to look at his past performances. Just that his personal life was more of an interest than how he was as a producer, director, singer, dancer. This Is It had given us a glimpse of how he was sans all the controversies and grandiose lifestyle.

I even liked the way he looked in this documentary. Never mind that black heavily padded blazers, he was awesome! He knew what he wanted on stage. He looked manly with his long hair down, chewing gum and reviewing some scenes and auditioning dancers.

He was a great motivator. It makes me wonder why he wasn't able to do it to himself. As the fans said..."F-U-*-K the press! Michael, you're the best!" I hope to God he knew he was the best and hoped the he lived his life the best way he could. Maybe things will be different. For the life of me, I don't know why "legends" should end quite tragically. Their untimely end adds to their enigma? I could only wish that MJ's death is a hoax. Reality check....

Michael was a gift. I am glad there is This Is It, a concert documentary of the greatest performer that ever lived. I will definitely buy the DVD and will complete all the DVDs of his past concerts.

I clapped excitedly as the movie begun. I clapped admiringly with the rest of the audience as the show ended. Let me say this once again, Michael Jackson is the man!